Legacy imprinted; new challenges arise

In the past week, as the Philippines shifted to full recovery mode from the devastation of super typhoon “Uwan,” the nation found itself grappling with a new round of upheavals. Communities already burdened by loss and displacement confronted fresh uncertainties, reminding the people that even in moments of rebuilding, challenges rarely come one at a time.

The political sphere was anything but quiet. Amid the recovery efforts, the government confronted fresh controversies and mounting pressure from various sectors calling for accountability and decisive action.

In moments like this, governance is tested not only by crisis management but by transparency and trust.

Compounding this difficult period was the passing of a key national figure whose influence spanned generations.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile’s death did not merely mark the end of a personal legacy but also stirred public reflection on the nation’s political journey. Tributes and criticisms alike resurfaced, painting a complex portrait of a man who shaped major chapters of Philippine governance.

10 November

Situationer on ‘Uwan’

While government work and classes were suspended, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continued monitoring the effects of super typhoon “Uwan” (international name: Fung-wong) from Malacañang where he received situational reports from frontline government agencies.

Marcos was briefed on the preemptive evacuations conducted in Pangasinan, as reported by the Office of the Civil Defense. The Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Health and Public Works and Highways were directed by the President to continue assisting evacuation centers and immediately begin road rehabilitation works.

11 November

Cabinet execs deployed

President Marcos ordered round-the-clock clearing operations on impassable roads to enable support equipment and personnel to reach storm-hit areas. At the same time, the heads of national agencies were told to be on the ground to assess the damage left by Uwan.

The secretaries of health, social work, education, and tourism checked on the affected workers in their agencies.

Marcos also instructed the Department of the Interior and Local Government to probe local officials who left the country amid the storm.

Former UN chief pays visit

Former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid a courtesy call on the President and conveyed his hope the Philippines will recover as soon as possible from the effects of the back-to-back typhoons.

Marcos and Ban met in February 2024 when the President welcomed the continued support of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) which Ban serves as president and chairman.

Ban reaffirmed the GGGI’s commitment to assist the Marcos administration in implementing sustainable, climate-resilient development programs.

12 November

‘Oplan Kontra Baha’ launched

President Marcos led the launch of “Oplan Kontra Baha,” a multi-sectoral campaign to clear clogged and polluted waterways and drains in and around Metro Manila.

The President noted most spillways need to be dredged because they are filled with trash.

He tasked the DPWH to include dredging and desiltation in its Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), which would contribute to a 60-percent reduction in flooding.

“This cannot be done just once. We will continue to do this. We will not stop,” he said, adding the administration will revisit the pumping stations in the spillways.

13 November

Update on flood control probe

Three months after his State of the Nation Address, in which he revealed anomalies in flood control projects, the President relayed an update on recent developments in the government’s investigations.

Citing information from the investigating bodies, Marcos said he is confident the individuals behind the anomalies will soon be behind bars. He appealed to the public to be more patient, as he wants the cases to be properly filed in court and not dismissed due to errors.

‘Walang Merry Christmas’

President Marcos said these “shameless individuals” will be in jail before Christmas.

“I know, before Christmas, many of these people named here, their cases will be over. They will be locked up. They won’t have a Merry Christmas,” he said.

Economy will recover

Marcos said the economic slump — particularly the highest exchange rate in the country’s history at 59.17 per $1 — cannot be solely attributed to the flood control scandal but was also affected by the recent typhoons that pummeled the country.

“We are not the only ones suffering the shocks that come from the new trade structure that has been imposed on the rest of the world. And so, we are all adjusting to that,” he said.

“That’s why the growth rates of all groups all around the world are falling,” he added.

The President assured the people the government has been implementing measures to increase public spending, which in turn will boost the economy, including the P1.3-trillion programmed spending.

New revenue chief

Marcos named Charlito Martin Mendoza the new Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), replacing Romeo Lumagui Jr.

Mendoza took his oath of office before the President at Malacañang on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Lumagui expressed his gratitude to the President, the Department of Finance, and the BIR family for their support and dedication in improving revenue collections, advancing digitalization, and combating tax evasion and illicit trade.

Catanduanes inspected

The Chief Executive visited displaced Catandunganons on Thursday to inspect the damage left by super typhoon “Uwan.”

Elementary schools that now serve as temporary shelters were damaged, hampering the education of the students in Barangay Tubli, Caramoran.

The Tubli Elementary School is serving as a temporary home to 739 learners and 30 staff personnel. One classroom out of 23 was completely damaged, and 14 were heavily damaged.

Cash assistance to families was provided through the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development’s Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program, and other national agencies and local government units were coordinating relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

A Starlink satellite was provided to re-establish internet connectivity in the area.

‘Tito Johnny’ led a full life

Mr. Marcos mourned the loss of one of his trusted confidantes, “Tito Johnny” Ponce Enrile, a prominent figure of his childhood, a close advisor to his late father, a fellow lawmaker in the Senate, and his Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

“We say goodbye to one of the most enduring and respected public servants our country has ever known,” he said.

“For over 50 years, Juan Ponce Enrile dedicated his life to serving the Filipino people, helping guide the country through some of its most challenging and defining moments. Even in his final years, he remained brilliant, sharp, and firm in his belief that law and governance must always serve the Filipino people,” he said.

“His passing marks the close of a chapter in our nation’s history. But the mark he leaves behind in law, in governance, and in the hearts of those he served will never be forgotten,” Marcos added.

Asean Treaty of Extradition signed

Law ministers of Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) member states on Friday signed the Asean Extradition Treaty (AET) which establishes a uniform legal framework for extradition between and among Asean member states.

President Marcos hailed this as a “defining moment” in bringing individuals who have acted against the law to justice.

“With this landmark treaty, we send a clear message to the world that we are united and that our legal foundation is stronger than ever,” he said.

With this, fugitives evading law enforcement can no longer hide in Asean countries, as they will be extradited to their country of origin to face their cases.

George, Amal Clooney visit Palace

Acclaimed actor and filmmaker George Clooney and his wife, international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, paid a visit to the President in Malacañang.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin joined the President in welcoming the Clooneys. They discussed efforts to strengthen press freedom and

Amal highlighted the potential of AI to broaden access to justice, to which the President agreed,

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uphold press freedom and expressed the hope the couple’s visit to the country would be both meaningful and enjoyable.

Asean chairship announced

The Philippines formally announced its chairship of Asean, highlighting its vision for the next chapter of the regional bloc’s history.

With the theme, “Navigating our Future, Together,” Asean will focus on three priorities: peace and security anchors; prosperity corridors; and people empowerment.

“These will direct ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional security, deepen economic integration through innovation and sustainability, and uplift the lives and resilience of our peoples,” Marcos said.

The Philippines will also highlight the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) under the security pillar amid evolving security challenges.

14 November

Breathtaking locations as venues

Breathtaking locations in the Philippines will be highlighted as venues for the ASEAN Summit and bring the “spirit of the Filipino people” to Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay and Clark.

“Each of these places will host Asean meetings and events that celebrate our diversity, showcase our culture, and advance our shared goals,” Marcos said.

“Together, these venues tell the story of a nation that mirrors Asean itself — diverse yet united, traditional yet forward-looking, and increasingly future-ready through innovation and technology,” he said.