Nearly eight years after the siege by Islamic State sympathizers, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. visited Marawi City on 23 June to advance post-2017 siege recovery efforts, focusing on education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Additionally, Marcos directed the early opening of the Marawi City General Hospital by August to restore critical healthcare services and mandated the construction of new ports around Lake Lanao to boost economic activity among 18 municipalities.

Marcos also addressed national and international issues. Amid the rising Israel-Iran tensions, he ordered the repatriation of over 200 Filipinos.

The government also prepared subsidies for over 1.1-million public utility vehicle drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk if oil prices exceed $80 per barrel due to the Middle East conflicts, with P2.5 billion allocated for 2025.

In a joint undertaking, the Daily Tribune and the Presidential Communications Office’s Bureau of Communications Services recorded the activities of the President last week.

23 June

Laptops, Starlink internet units to Marawi

As part of his administration’s effort to accelerate the rebuilding of Marawi City after the 2017 siege, President Marcos personally inspected the temporary learning spaces serving as classrooms for thousands of displaced learners and teachers.

Marking his first visit to Marawi as President, Marcos underscored the importance of restoring normalcy in education as a key step in the city’s recovery.

During the visit, the President turned over 20 laptops to teachers and distributed five Starlink internet units, significantly enhancing digital access and connectivity for both educators and students.

PBBM acts on Marawi-based soldiers’ concerns

After hearing the personal and professional concerns of the soldiers stationed in Marawi City, the Commander-in-Chief vowed to take concrete steps to improve their and their families’ welfare.

Mr. Marcos met with troops of the 103rd Infantry Haribon Brigade under the 1st Infantry Tabak Division of the Philippine Army stationed at Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.

During his “Talk with the Troops,” the President listened to the persistent challenges the soldiers face within the 42-hectare military camp, including infrastructure limitations, logistical constraints, and service gaps that affect operations and personnel welfare.

Fast-track Marawi healthcare restoration

President Marcos ordered the Marawi City General Hospital to open a month ahead of schedule, in August from September, to restore long-delayed healthcare services and ensure the residents benefit without delay.

The President was briefed by Dr. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi Jr., Director IV of the Department of Health, on the hospital’s capabilities, ongoing construction, and the remaining steps before the facility is fully operational.

Rebuild Marawi schools faster

On the same day, Marcos ordered government agencies to expedite the construction of additional facilities at the P520-million Marawi Dansalan Integrated School.

The President inspected the construction of an integrated school. Upon his arrival at Barangay Moncado Colony, he was briefed by education and Marawi City rehabilitation officials on the project and the facilities needed to complete the school.

More ports around Lake Lanao

The President ordered the construction of additional ports around Lake Lanao to enhance connectivity among the 18 surrounding municipalities and boost local economic activity.

Marcos issued the directive during his inspection of the newly constructed P261-million Marawi City Port. The largest freshwater lake and the second largest lake in the Philippines, Lake Lanao plays a vital role in the socio-economic and cultural life of the Maranao people.

Safe, timely repatriation ordered

President Marcos directed the agencies concerned to ensure the safe and timely repatriation of over 200 Filipinos amid the tensions between Israel and Iran.

The Chief Executive said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac will receive the first batch of 26 repatriates from Israel. The government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised Alert Level 3 in Israel and Iran, which calls for voluntary repatriation.

24 June

P62-B shabu seized

The Marcos administration’s intensified drive against illegal drugs led to the seizure of P62-billion worth of shabu in the last three years.

President Marcos said the confiscation prevented the circulation of the drugs on the streets, sparing countless Filipinos from addiction and its devastating consequences.

To show his seriousness in curbing illegal drugs, Mr. Marcos personally inspected the P8.87-billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu in sealed packs discovered by fishermen floating off the provinces of Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Cagayan in recent weeks.

Warning vs disinformation ahead of SoNA

The Marcos administration is actively developing a national framework to ensure the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country.

The Palace also warned against the threat of disinformation in the lead-up to the President’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SoNA).

Economic team sees minimal tension backlash

The government on Tuesday assured the public that the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict is having a minimal impact on the economy and energy supply for now.

Department of Energy (DoE) Officer-in-Charge Sharon Garin said the government is considering various factors, including oil price fluctuations, trade and export dynamics, and the impact on remittances from overseas Filipino workers, especially those in the Middle East.

Garin added that all agencies concerned are actively monitoring the situation and are prepared to act if conditions change.

Subsidies set amid oil price volatility

The administration is ready to provide subsidies to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators, as well as farmers and fisherfolk to mitigate the impact of any oil price shocks due to the Middle East conflict, DoE officer-in charge Sharon Garin said on Tuesday.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Garin said the latest international price of crude oil had eased to $69 per barrel, from more than $70 per barrel, after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

PBBM warns vs unreasonable price hikes

Following the stabilization of global oil prices after the announcement of the Iran-Israel truce, President Marcos ordered the authorities concerned to guard against unreasonable price increases of goods and services.

From $79 per barrel at the height of the conflict, international oil prices returned to $69 per barrel after the announcement of the ceasefire.

25 June

Over P9-B illegal drugs seized

To ensure that seized shabu does not find its way back to the streets, President Marcos on Wednesday led the destruction of confiscated illegal drugs, including nearly P9 billion worth of “floating shabu” recently recovered by fishermen off the coast of northern Luzon.

Marcos witnessed the confirmatory testing of random samples of a total of 1,530.647 kilos of shabu, marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy before their destruction at the Clean Leaf International Corp., a waste management company in Capas, Tarlac.

PH seafarers ‘global asset,’ ‘national pride’

Marking the annual Day of the Seafarer, President Marcos on Wednesday paid tribute to Filipino seafarers, calling them the “quiet strength” behind global trade and maritime operations.

The President commended the maritime workers for their discipline, skill, and tireless dedication despite the demanding nature of their work and long periods away from home.

Marcos called Filipino seafarers a boon to the world and the Philippines, reaffirming the country’s collective responsibility to uplift their welfare.

3 years into the peaceful drug war

Just three years into the President’s term, the amount of illegal drugs confiscated has nearly matched the total haul over the entire six-year term of his predecessor.

But in stark contrast, the number of fatalities under Marcos’s “peaceful” approach to the drug war remains a tiny fraction of that recorded during the previous administration, highlighting a shift toward a more humane and reform-focused strategy.

In its latest report to the President, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said some P82.58 billion worth of shabu and other illegal drugs had been confiscated from 1 July 2022 to 25 June 2025.

AI training for students

The government and the private sector have partnered as part of an upskilling initiative to help expand artificial intelligence (AI) literacy nationwide and prepare Filipino workers for an AI-powered future.

The initiative was finalized during President Marcos’ meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC)-Education and Jobs Sector Group on Wednesday.

Subsidy if price breaches $80 per barrel

The government is fully prepared to assist over 1.1-million bus, jeepney, tricycle, and ride-hailing app drivers if global oil prices breach the US$80 per barrel threshold amid the Israel-Iran conflict.

In a Palace press briefing on 26 June, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the administration was fully prepared to implement the Fuel Subsidy Program (FSP) for transport, in accordance with the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Dizon said P2.5 billion has been earmarked under the 2025 GAA for the FSP, while an additional P617 million is available from the 2024 budget.

PPP scheme for LRT-2, MRT-3

To improve public service and enhance commuter convenience, the government is aiming to place the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 under a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme for the rehabilitation and modernization of the rail systems.

In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said that bidding on the PPP for LRT-2 may start this year, following an advice from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank.

A separate PPP scheme is also in the works for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, assisted by the Asian Development Bank, Dizon said. He did not give a target date.

Record, upload road abuse

To promote accountability, President Marcos encouraged the public to use social media platforms to report any road abuse they witness.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the President has instructed the agency to take all necessary steps to ensure the roads are safe.

Dizon cited the recent video uploaded on social media that showed six GV Florida Transport buses speeding on a national road in Cagayan, where the drivers appeared to be racing.

PAF gets sustained support

President Marcos on Friday reaffirmed his administration’s full support for the highly trained Philippine Air Force (PAF), recognizing its vital role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

During his visit to Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, the President expressed his gratitude and full support to PAF personnel, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their well-being, operational readiness, and mission success.

Freight railway backed by US

The Philippines and the United States have signed an agreement to pursue the development of the proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) freight railway, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at alleviating port congestion in key trade hubs and promoting broader economic growth and connectivity.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Acting Director Thomas Hardy of the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed the agreement in Arlington, Virginia.

26 June

Ensure integrity of drug war — PBBM

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were directed to ensure the integrity of all anti-drug operations — from buy-busts to the proper disposal of seized narcotics — while intensifying efforts to curb the spread of illegal drugs in communities.

President Marcos issued a directive for the authorities to intensify anti-drug efforts without compromising legality and respect for human rights.

27 June

VALOR program launched

In an unprecedented move to expand healthcare access for military veterans, retirees, and their dependents, the Chief Executive inaugurated the first Veterans Access to Lifetime Optimized Healthcare (VALOR) Clinic at the Fernando Air Base Hospital in Lipa, Batangas.

While honoring their dedicated service and invaluable contribution to the nation, Mr. Marcos recognized the urgent need to expand services for the country’s more than 400,000 military veterans, retirees, and their dependents, most of whom remain underserved by existing healthcare programs.

Drug war witnesses get aid

The Department of Justice (DJ) will not directly cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in extending assistance to the witnesses who will testify about former president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, Malacañang said.

In a press conference, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DoJ is ready to help witnesses who will face not just the ICC but other investigative bodies to give justice to the victims of Duterte’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

This, as President Marcos stressed the need to “serve justice to those who deserve it.”