Despite the political climate remaining heated, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned to the normal course of governance, taking care to solidify ties with other nations and keep public transport available.

Before the end of the week, United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed his country’s commitment to its alliance with the Philippines which was significant amid the increased maritime intimidation from China and initial apprehensions over the viewpoint of US President Donald Trump on the West Philippine Sea conflict.

President Marcos’ untiring efforts to improve the lives of his countrymen as reflected in his engagements last week was shared through a collaboration between the DAILY TRIBUNE and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

24 March

No threat on FPRRD

Malacañang said it was not aware of any threats against the life of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte was delivered to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 11 March following its issuance of an arrest warrant for him that was executed by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

The former president was flown in a private jet to ICC Headquarters at The Hague, the Netherlands where he is awaiting trial for crimes against humanity, specifically the killings that occurred during his administration’s war on illegal drugs.

Bangsamoro members sworn in

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. swore in the newly appointed members of the Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and reminded them of their duty to protect the gains of the peace process to ensure lasting peace in the region.

He said the new Bangsamoro Parliament members will continue the aspirations of those who have longed for peace and self-governance. They will also be instrumental in creating a future built by and for the Bangsamoro people, he added.

With their names on the line, President Marcos reminded the Bangsamoro Parliament members they must ensure a just and progressive Bangsamoro region.

25 March

Commuters unaffected by strike

Monday’s transport strike did not impact commuters after the government implemented measures to assist them, the PCO said in a press release on 25 March.

Manibela, a public transport organization, announced a three-day transport strike starting 24 March.

The PCO said the government provided free rides to the commuting public.

In an announcement in the media on 23 March, the Department of Transportation said additional buses would be deployed on the EDSA busway. More trains ran on MRT 3 and LRT 1 and 2.

Bato urged not to hide

The PCO advised Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa not to go into hiding if an arrest warrant was issued for him by the ICC due to his involvement in former president Duterte’s violent war on drugs.

The PCO noted the senator’s acknowledgment of the validity of the ICC warrant of arrest issued for Duterte that was served by Interpol and the Philippine National Police.

The PCO noted that if the senator were to evade arrest and seek refuge in the Senate, as he had said, it would set a bad example for ordinary Filipinos.

Strong international ties

President Marcos expressed his optimism for achieving lasting peace, prosperity and stronger diplomatic ties with Colombia, Cambodia and Ukraine as he welcomed their new resident ambassadors to the Philippines.

In separate ceremonies in Malacañang on 25 March, the President received the credentials of Ambassadors Edgar Rodrigo Rojas Garavito of Colombia, Sin Saream of Cambodia and Yuliia Oleksandrivna Fediv of Ukraine.

Formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Colombia were established on 5 July 1946. Colombia is home to approximately 100 Filipinos.

The Philippines and Cambodia have maintained diplomatic relations since 20 August 1957. As of June 2024, there were approximately 7,500 Filipinos in Cambodia.

27 March

Parents must have children vaccinated

Malacañang urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against the rising cases of measles and rubella.

In a press briefing, the PCO urged parents to support the Department of Health’s “Bakunahan sa Purok ni Juan” program to boost the number of immunized children.

The program stresses the importance of vaccination and local health leaders’ commitment to protecting communities and vulnerable populations from vaccine-preventable diseases.

The DoH urged the public to have their children under two years old vaccinated against measles and rubella after an increase in cases was recorded in the first two months of 2025.

The DoH said 922 measles and rubella cases were recorded from 1 January to 1 March this year, an increase of 35 percent from the 683 cases logged during the same period in 2024.

New sports hero praised

Malacañang congratulated the Filipina tennis sensation, Alexandra Eala, for defeating world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in straight sets in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open 2025.

The Pinay pride beat her Polish opponent, 6-2, 7-5, to secure her historic spot in the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Tour 1000 event.

Eala, ranked 140th globally, is the first Filipina to reach the last eight of a WTA 1000 tournament.

She eventually lost to world No. 4 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals of the Miami Open on Friday.

Cyberattacks vs financial institutions repelled

The government is taking proactive measures to combat the rise in cyberattacks against the country’s financial institutions.

The PCO reassured the public the government would raise awareness about the P528 billion in losses financial institutions incurred from cyberattacks in 2024, representing a 2.6-percent increase from the P526 billion loss reported in 2023.

The PCO said that as cybercrime tactics evolve, the government’s efforts and regulations must also be updated to counteract cyber threats effectively.

The PCO asked that banks and financial institutions revise their internal policies on online transactions and operations to protect against cyberattacks.

28 March

Together for peace, prosperity

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed his country’s commitment to its alliance with the Philippines and the economic partnership between the two countries.

For his part, President Marcos said Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines strongly affirms the US commitment to strengthen the ties between the two nations and maintain the peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

Hegseth assured President Marcos the US continues to recognize the Philippines’ firm stance in the South China Sea and its efforts to defend its sovereignty.