With his political capital intact as reflected in the Social Weather Stations survey showing a 59 percent approval rating, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strongly defended the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) from critics.

He wanted the budget freed from being engulfed by the political fireworks related to the May elections saying that the government can’t delay spending to improve Filipinos’ lives.

The Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office and the DAILY TRIBUNE have collaborated to track the Chief Executive in his busy week.

27 January

Ex-Iloilo City Mayor granted clemency

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. granted former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog an executive clemency, citing his longstanding commitment to good governance and the numerous awards and recognitions Iloilo City received under his leadership.

The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the former mayor on 23 October 2017, for violating Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019, as implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which prohibits public officers from having a financial interest in a business, contract, or transaction in which they participate in their official capacity.

The imposed penalties included dismissal from service with accessory penalties and a bar from reemployment.

Gloria Romero’s death mourned

The President expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of veteran actress Gloria Romero and honored her outstanding contributions to Philippine cinema and the entertainment industry, in a statement on 27 January.

President Marcos recalled meeting Romero on the set of “Iginuhit ng Tadhana,” where she portrayed former First Lady Imelda Marcos. He described Romero as a great lady with the dignity of a true star.

Romero, 91, was a celebrated figure in the Philippine entertainment industry, renowned for her remarkable talent and contributions to cinema spanning several decades.

Synergy Grid welcomes Maharlika

Synergy Grid and Development Philippines Inc. (SGP) has accepted a binding offer from the President’s administration through the state-run Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) for a 20 percent stake to secure a foothold in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

The President witnessed the signing of the binding term sheet between SGP and MIC in Malacañang 27 January.

MIC, mandated to manage the Philippines’ sovereign wealth fund, will subscribe to preferred shares offered by SGP.

29 January

Workers get quality jobs

President Marcos attended the Jobstreet Career Con 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City where he mentioned the various government programs available to reskill and upskill Filipino workers.

The President acknowledged that the labor market has changed, noting that companies’ and businesses’ requirements have evolved, highlighting the need for workers to reskill and upskill.

Upskilling programs are part of government initiatives aimed at improving employment and livelihood.

No blanks in 2025 GAA

At the 20th National Convention of Lawyers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in Cebu City on 30 January, the Chief Executive said the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) contains no blank items, contradicting claims from various sources.

He stressed that he had thoroughly reviewed and analyzed the 2025 budget and found no such issues.

He also challenged anybody who thinks that the Presidency is just handshakes and photo ops to look at the fine print, which is alive in his office.

Uphold human dignity in digital age

The President also urged lawyers to protect human dignity in the face of increasing challenges from the digital age, including cybercrime, data privacy issues and artificial intelligence.

He also noted the crucial role of the legal profession in shaping and enforcing environmental policies to safeguard the planet.

President Marcos likewise cited the need for law schools to adapt to the changing legal profession by updating curricula, incorporating emerging fields and balancing legal theory with practical application.

30 January

Mactan-Cebu Airport runway unveiled

President Marcos inaugurated the new P2.55-billion runway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the first and only parallel runway in the Philippines.

The President praised this development as a symbol of the province’s steadfast commitment to progress, connectivity, and economic growth.

He also said that MCIA embodies Cebu’s dynamic and forward-thinking spirit, which continues to trigger national development.

Better airport infra

The government is committed to modernizing and expanding the country’s airport infrastructure, as improving connectivity leads to greater opportunities for Filipinos, Mr. Marcos said.

It was part of the administration’s vision to enhance national infrastructure.

He outlined the Aviation Infrastructure Program, which has allocated P7.7-billion for the upgrade of 15 airports nationwide.

The initiative aims to modernize facilities, enhance connectivity, and acquire state-of-the-art navigational equipment.

Intensify consultations with LGUs

The President directed the Department of Transportation to work closely with local government units in implementing vital transportation and connectivity projects.

He cited, in particular, Cebu’s Bus Rapid Transit, which he said is a good idea but requires inputs from the LGUs.

The President said that the national government must listen to the LGUs familiar with the situation on the ground and always keep them involved, adding that the LGUs will point out the problems and offer solutions.

PBBM sets Trump meet

President Marcos expressed his desire to meet with United States President Donald Trump to influence the latter’s policymaking, particularly in terms of US immigration that has impacted Filipinos.

President Marcos also expressed his hope to meet with the US President to discuss various aspects of the Philippines-US relationship, particularly regarding trade, defense and security.

Stop WPS aggression, China urged

Speaking to reporters in Cebu City, the President challenged China to halt coercive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in exchange for the country’s return of the Typhon missile system to the United States.

Additionally, he said that the government will refrain from commenting on China’s missile systems but noted China’s outspoken objections to the Philippines’ defense measures.

The President said he did not understand China’s opposition to the US Typhon missile system, first deployed to the Philippines in April 2024 as part of the Balikatan military exercises.

Unity key to nation-building

On the sidelines of the inauguration of a new runway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the President stressed the importance of unity in nation-building while thanking local leaders from the Visayas for supporting his vision for economic progress.

The President likewise stressed that engaging in conflicts rather than collaborating does not yield positive results.

UN exec strengthens ties

Mr. Marcos thanked the outgoing United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator to the Philippines, Gustavo González, for his contributions to strengthening relations between the Philippines and the UN.

During the farewell ceremony in Malacañang, the President said there was a very large increase in engagements between the UN and the country during his time, specifically about Covid and BARMM.

The coordinator concludes nearly five years of service in the Philippines. From 2013 to 2017, he served as the UN Development Programme’s Sub-Regional Development Coordinator for the Syria-related crisis, overseeing operations in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Turkey.

SWS poll results encouraging

Speaking on the sidelines of the One DAP graduation ceremony, the President expressed satisfaction with Filipinos’ 59 percent approval rating regarding his performance and administration.

He said the survey results further motivated him to work even harder for the Filipino people.

The SWS survey conducted from 12 to 18 December 2024, found that 59 percent of adult Filipinos were satisfied with their performance, while 23 percent expressed dissatisfaction and 17 percent were undecided.

Uplift Pinoys’ lives

Speaking before Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) members at the Manila Hotel during the PFP’s Leaders’ Convergence Summit, the President urged them to translate party principles into concrete programs and initiatives to improve Filipinos’ living conditions.

Formed in 2018, the PFP is a national political party in the Philippines chaired by the President.

The summit served as a platform for meaningful discussions on the nation’s progress over the next three years and beyond, guided by party principles and Bagong Pilipinas’ vision.