Strong leadership protects sovereignty
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The hoisting of the Philippine flag on Sandy Cay reaffirmed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to defending the national territory and maritime rights.
The event directly countered Chinese state media claims of control over the area. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and other agencies completed a routine mission without incident, emphasizing the Philippines’ sovereignty over the Spratly Islands based on international law.
The Philippines also saw progress in tourism and economic policies. Three Central Luzon destinations — Aurora province, San Fernando City in Pampanga, and Clark Freeport Zone — earned nominations at the World Travel Awards to highlight the success of the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028 and bring the country’s total WTA citations to 10.
To honor workers, free rides on Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit-3 lines were offered from 30 April to 3 May as a Labor Day tribute.
Fitch Ratings affirmed the Philippines’ “BBB” credit rating with a stable outlook, reflecting investor confidence in President Marcos’s management of the economy.
Additionally, PhilHealth expanded its outpatient malaria coverage from P780 to P1,170, aligning with the global goal to eliminate malaria by 2030. The government monitored the arrest of a Chinese national near the Commission on Elections office for suspected espionage.
This collaboration between the Daily Tribune and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office chronicles Mr. Marcos’s most significant activities during the past week:
The hoisting of the Philippine flag on Sandy Cay today reaffirmed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to not yield even a square inch of Philippine territory.
The Presidential Communications Office emphasized the flag-raising on Sandy Cay clearly demonstrated that China does not control the area, contrary to Chinese state media reports.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies renewed their commitment to defend and protect the country’s rights and sovereignty within its maritime domain based on international law.
The strategy to spotlight emerging tourist destinations is paying off, as three Central Luzon sites earned nominations at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
Malacañang said the nominations are a testament to the success of the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028.
The three latest nominees — Aurora province, the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, and the Clark Freeport Zone — bring the country’s total number of World Travel Awards (WTA) citations to 10.
Despite the program facilitating the entry of digital nomads, the government will ensure the strict screening of Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) applications to prevent misuse or abuse of the privilege.
Malacañang assured that measures are in place to prevent foreign workers, particularly those linked to the shuttered Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), from circumventing or misusing the visa.
A digital nomad works remotely using technology, allowing them to travel or live in various locations, often outside their home country. They rely on a stable internet connection to perform their job.
President Marcos issued Executive Order 86, which established a legal framework to facilitate the entry of digital nomads to further boost the country’s tourism and economy.
The government refuted Chinese state media reports that the China Coast Guard had taken control of Sandy Cay near Pag-Asa Island, calling them inaccurate and misleading.
In a press briefing, the PCO cited information from National Security Council assistant director general Jonathan Malaya that the Inter-Agency Maritime Operation (IAMO) recently conducted a routine visit to Sandy Cay, Pag-asa Cay 2 in particular, and the surrounding waters of Cay 1 and Cay 3.
The PCO said the IAMO team completed its mission without incident, clearly contradicting the narrative that Sandy Cay had been seized by China. Sandy Cay is a low bank or reef of coral, rock, and sand located near Pag-Asa Island in the Spratlys.
The National Food Authority (NFA) has boosted its rice buffer stock following President Marcos’s directive to intensify palay procurement to support farmers and ensure the country’s staple supply is sufficient.
In a press briefing, the PCO said the NFA has a total rice inventory of 10.1 million bags of palay and 1.2 million bags of milled rice.
The PCO said the figures were the highest since 2020 and were sufficient to cover the country’s 10-day rice consumption.
President Marcos urged graduates of Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Sinaglawin Class of 2025 to be the guiding light the country needs to meet the citizens’ daily needs.
In his speech during the 46th of the PNPA commencement exercises at Camp Gen. Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, the President told the graduates their acts make the system. They shape the system with their restraint, dignity, and service.
The Chief Executive also reminded the graduating class to take to heart their oath, duty to uphold and defend the Constitution, and responsibility to the citizenry.
As a Labor Day tribute to the labor force, free rides on Metro Rail Transit-3, Light Rail Transit-1, and LRT-2 were announced for all workers from 30 April to 3 May.
In a video message, President Marcos said he found it fitting to extend this gesture as part of the Labor Day celebration, which aims to recognize and honor workers who play a vital role in the nation’s progress.
The President said the free rides are a token of gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of Filipino workers, who have boosted the economy and contributed to society’s overall welfare.
Fitch Ratings, a global credit rating agency, rated the Philippines as a reliable country to lend money to, showing that investors trust President Marcos’s handling of the economy.
In a briefing in Malacañang on Friday, the Department of Finance said ordinary Filipinos will benefit from Fitch’s latest decision to keep the Philippines’ credit rating at “BBB” with a stable outlook.
Fitch Ratings is an international credit rating agency. A “BBB” rating indicates that expectations of default risk are currently low.
The President thanked Japan for steadfastly supporting the country’s development efforts, including cooperation in infrastructure, defense, health, digitalization, and peace-building, particularly in Mindanao.
Marcos expressed optimism for an enhanced regional collaboration and the continued strengthening of diplomatic ties in the Indo-Pacific to promote peace, prosperity and long-term stability in the region.
He said strong bilateral partnerships are critical to advancing the shared goals of peace, prosperity and long-term stability in the region.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) implemented President Marcos’s directive to expand its outpatient coverage for malaria in support of the renewed global campaign to end the disease.
The PCO said the government is working to eliminate malaria by 2030, as advocated by the World Health Organization.
According to its website, PhilHealth has increased coverage for outpatient malaria services from P780 to P1,170, including diagnostic smears, rapid tests, Artemether + Lumefantrine medication, consultations, patient education, and counseling.
Authorities are investigating the arrest of a Chinese national found with a suspected spying device near the Commission on Elections office in Intramuros, Manila, making it a matter of national security.
The PCO said President Marcos was closely monitoring the progress of the investigation and awaiting its results.
President Marcos approved the expansion of the administration’s flagship Walang Gutom Program which aims to provide food assistance to 750,000 food-insecure families from 2025 to 2028.
The expanded initiative, known as the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers (REFUEL) Project, underscores the government’s commitment to achieving a hunger-free Philippines.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is the lead implementing agency of REFUEL.
The President witnessed the signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA) between the Philippines and New Zealand, a legal framework enabling the countries’ militaries to conduct joint activities and exercises.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins signed the agreement, underscoring the shared commitment to regional peace and security.
The SoVFA establishes a legal framework enabling the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the New Zealand Defence Force to conduct joint activities and exercises, enhancing interoperability and further deepening bilateral defense and military cooperation.
President Marcos reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to support the growth and prosperity of Filipino laborers, not only as a duty but also as a gesture of respect and gratitude.
In his Labor Day message, Marcos underscored that the nation’s progress lies in the hands of every Filipino worker and extended his wishes for a meaningful and peaceful observance of the occasion.
The President also stressed that work is not merely a means of personal advancement, but a vital contribution to the nation, as every worker strives for their family’s welfare and the greater good.
An investigation into the reported unsatisfactory and inefficient services of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. in several provinces is a swift and necessary response to mounting public complaints.
The PCO said President Marcos is duty-bound to address people’s concerns and is committed to ensuring that every Filipino’s voice is heard.
The PCO noted that Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Bohol and Pangasinan residents had raised complaints against PrimeWater.
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