Reform revolution sweeps PBBM gov’t

resignations, signaling a thorough performance review that extends beyond the Cabinet to other government officials.

The move is described as a genuine effort to recalibrate the administration. Additionally, the Governance Commission for GOCCs mandated courtesy resignations from non-ex-officio heads of GOCCs to ensure continuity and effectiveness in government operations without disruption.

Beyond internal reforms, Marcos emphasized regional cooperation during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, advocating for unity, inclusivity, and sustainability among ASEAN member states.

Marcos also chaired the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit, noting significant progress in connectivity, trade, and green development, while strengthening bilateral ties with countries like Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council to enhance trade, investment and strategic partnerships.

The President’s pursuit of a productive nation was compiled through a collaboration between the Daily Tribune and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office.

26 May

ASEAN unity, regional cooperation must prevail

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for more substantial unity among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, expressing deep appreciation for Malaysia’s leadership during this year’s summit, which focused on Inclusivity and Sustainability.

In his speech during the plenary session, Marcos emphasized that inclusivity is not a byproduct of development but a fundamental pillar necessary for building resilience in an increasingly complex global landscape.

The President highlighted at least 10 key points, including calls for regional cooperation in addressing climate change, health crises, and economic challenges, and placed youth empowerment at the core of ASEAN’s future.

Elevating Vietnam ties

President Marcos and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening diplomatic relations during their bilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit.

Senior diplomats from the Philippines and Vietnam are currently engaged in discussions aimed at elevating the two countries’ existing strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister acknowledged the “remarkable progress” in bilateral relations since President Marcos’ state visit to Vietnam in January 2024.

Marcos noted that discussions were actively underway, reflecting the ongoing commitment to further enhance bilateral cooperation.

ASEAN as AI center of excellence

President Marcos acknowledged the potential of ASEAN to establish an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence that would contribute meaningfully to the region’s sustainable and people-centered development.

Marcos also commended the ASEAN Business Advisory Council for its flagship initiative, the launch of the AI Engagement Platform, recognizing its role in fostering innovation and regional collaboration in the digital age.

The President said that by promoting collaboration on responsible and inclusive AI, the business sector-led platform ensures that technological advancements benefit all segments of society.

Laos leader commits to stronger ties

President Marcos and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing their bilateral relations. This year, the Philippines and Laos marked the 70th year of diplomatic relations.

Marcos met with Siphandone on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Both leaders expressed their shared intention to deepen cooperation across key areas of mutual interest.

They highlighted the areas of bilateral cooperation, including defense, trade, investment, and education, reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening collaboration across these strategic sectors.

Thai trade, investments growing

The Philippines and Thailand have agreed to enhance trade and investment cooperation, with particular emphasis on strategic sectors such as agriculture, electronics, artificial intelligence, and precious metals.

President Marcos and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra made the commitment to harness innovation and economic complementarity to drive inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.

The agreement was reached at a bilateral meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit.

The President underscored the importance of deepening the Philippines’ longstanding ties with Thailand. This year, the two countries will mark the 76th year of diplomatic relations, which were established on 14 June 1949.

BIMP-EAGA generates more synergy

Greater synergy, innovation, and political will are encouraged within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as the subregional grouping enters the next phase of its shared development agenda.

Presiding over the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit in Kuala Lumpur, President Marcos acknowledged the “quite remarkable progress” achieved over the past eight years since the adoption of the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025.

The President also noted the significant advances in joint initiatives on connectivity, trade and investment facilitation, food and energy security, ecotourism and green development.

Broader trade between ASEAN, Gulf nations eyed

Stressing the strategic importance of ASEAN-GCC relations, President Marcos urged fellow

leaders of the 10-member ASEAN and six-member GCC to address global issues such as global peace, freedom of navigation and international law, climate change, and migrant workers.

Marcos noted that ASEAN, with its rapidly expanding digital economy and dynamic, tech-savvy youth, presents a strong complement to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which holds the global leadership in energy, investment capital, and logistics infrastructure, while ASEAN offers significant potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.

The President also pointed to the potential to expand collaboration in halal trade and standards harmonization, as well as in e-commerce and digital trade.

27 May

PH, Cambodia pledge tighter cooperation

President Marcos and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged the enduring friendship between the two countries and expressed their shared commitment to further enhance bilateral trade and cooperation across key areas of mutual interest.

On the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit, Marcos highlighted improvements in trade relations since 2023, attributing the positive development in part to the increase in Philippine automobile exports to Cambodia.

The President also emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration into other key areas, including defense to strengthen the strategic partnership and ensure regional peace and stability.

Kuwait relations broaden

Improved relations between the Philippines and Kuwait, which has expressed gratitude for the contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Arab country, are on the way.

President Marcos held bilateral talks with Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah who, according to the President, expressed appreciation for the valuable contributions of OFWs to Kuwait’s national development.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit in Malaysia.

Pivotal Chinese PM meet

President Marcos and Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed concern over the economic risks posed by the United States’ unilateral tariff regimes, emphasizing the need for a reassessment of the ASEAN’s strategic direction.

Speaking to the media after the ASEAN Summit, Marcos said Premier Li echoes his views on the negative implications of unilateral tariffs.

Challenges faced head-on

President Marcos firmly rejected calls for his resignation, saying he remains committed to addressing the country’s challenges and has no reason to step down amid recent changes in his Cabinet.

The President emphasized that his leadership is solution-oriented, underscoring his resolve to confront issues rather than evade them.

Marcos had ordered Cabinet members to file courtesy resignations last week as part of a broader government revamp. The President clarified that the move was not for show but was aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of his administration.

Review goes beyond Cabinet

The President assured the people of a thorough performance review of government officials extending beyond the Cabinet level as part of efforts to recalibrate his administration to address the people’s needs.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Marcos noted that the recent Cabinet changes were not merely for show, but were part of a genuine effort to enhance the government performance to address the immediate and day-to-day needs of the Filipino people.

Impeachment Congress’ call

The Chief Executive reiterated that the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte is a matter for the Senate and the House of Representatives to address, emphasizing that he has no involvement in the proceedings.

In a media interview following the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia on Tuesday night, the President added that he has consistently made clear his position against pursuing Duterte’s impeachment.

He noted that the impeachment complaints were initiated by groups not aligned with the administration.

28 May

ASEAN Summit productive

The President returned to Manila on Wednesday following his participation in the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, where he reaffirmed the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to regional cooperation, peace and sustainable development.

As part of the summit series, Marcos chaired the 16th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit on Tuesday, underscoring the country’s proactive role in advancing inclusive growth and regional collaboration.

Marcos on reconciliation: No conditions

The President reiterated his openness to reconciling with his former running mate, Vice President Sara Duterte, and the Duterte family, but firmly rejected the idea of setting any preconditions for such talks.

He emphasized that reconciliation talks should be unconditional if the other party is genuinely committed to resolving the political rift that is hindering the nation’s progress.

Recently, the Vice President made sharp remarks about key administration events in opposition to the President.

P20/kilo rice sustainable

Filipinos were assured that the government has identified a viable approach to sustain the P20-per-kilo rice price until the end of the Marcos administration, an initiative aimed at easing the burden on consumers while ensuring a fair return for farmers.

The President said the government is now able to provide affordable rice without compromising the welfare of farmers.

He added the country is actively pursuing international agreements to secure a stable and reliable rice supply and ensure consistent and affordable prices for Filipino consumers.

Next top cop will ‘carry on’

The President confirmed that he has chosen a new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), but would defer the formal announcement until he has personally spoken with the next top cop.

While the official announcement has yet to be made, he emphasized that the chosen officer is expected to continue the organization’s current programs, citing the significant drop in crime over the past six months.

Pressed if a new PNP chief had been chosen, the President replied in the affirmative, adding that Malacañang is “very clear on what we’re going to do next.”

Order for NFA to buy local palay renewed

President Marcos wants the National Food Authority (NFA) to return to its original mandate of stabilizing rice prices by buying palay during the harvest, maintaining buffer stocks, and selling rice during lean months to reduce imports.

The President inspected an NFA warehouse in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, where he informed farmers that the government is exploring ways to establish a floor price for rice to protect their income.

Marcos was assisted by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and NFA Administrator Larry Lacson during the dialogue with the farmers.

Largest greenhouse visited

President Marcos visited the Metro Pacific Fresh Farms, the country’s largest greenhouse facility in San Rafael, Bulacan, which aims to share modern farming practices with Filipino farmers to boost food sustainability.

Operated by Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV) under the Metro Pacific Investments Corp., the 3.5-hectare facility aligns with the vision of the administration to modernize the agricultural sector, making it more efficient and contributing to national food security.

In a Presidential News Desk interview, MPAV president Jovy Hernandez said the greenhouse is “nine times more productive” than traditional farms, and that they want to produce consistently high-quality vegetables at affordable prices.

29 May

New Housing chief, SolGen take oath

President Marcos administered the oath of office to two new Cabinet members, underscoring his administration’s commitment to responsive and effective governance.

Jose Ramon Aliling took his oath as the new Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), succeeding Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who has been designated Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development.

Aliling is not new to the department having previously served as a DHSUD undersecretary.

Darlene Marie Berberabe, dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, also took her oath as the new Solicitor General, succeeding Menardo Guevarra.

Aside from her expertise in the academe, Berberabe also served as the CEO of the Pag-IBIG Fund.

New CHEd chair named

President Marcos appointed Commission on Higher Education Commissioner Shirley C. Agrupis as the new CHEd chairperson.

The President accepted the courtesy resignation of Prospero de Vera III, who was chairperson since 2018.

Torre new PNP chief

The President’s decision to appoint Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III to head the PNP was based on merit and professionalism, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Thursday.

In a Palace press briefing, Bersamin said promotions are given on merit and disclosed that President Marcos had to choose from among five candidates for the PNP’s top post.

On 2 June, Torre will replace Police Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil who retires next week.

GOCC operations won’t be interrupted

Malacañang assured that there will be no disruption in the operations of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) following the submission of courtesy resignations by their respective heads.

Executive Secretary Bersamin said the courtesy resignations shall have “no appreciable impact” and the GOCC officials are expected to continue performing their duties until their successors are appointed.

The Governance Commission for GOCCs, which oversees GOCCs, has ordered non-ex-officio chairpersons, chief executive officers, and appointive members of GOCC governing boards to submit their courtesy resignations.

30 May

Due process observed on Teves

Malacañang said the transfer of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. from Timor-Leste to the Philippines and his turnover to the National Bureau of Investigation followed due process.

With Teves’s arrest, President Marcos assured Filipinos “that lawlessness will not go unpunished.”

Teves had fled the country to evade multiple murder charges for the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in 2023 and other individuals in 2019.