Turmoil scales up amid enrile farewell

Despite intensifying public scrutiny over alleged ties to the widening flood control corruption scandal and persistent claims of habitual substance abuse, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintained a stance of business as usual, even as political tremors shook the highest levels of his administration.

Amid the crisis, Malacañang became the stage for the nation’s farewell to a towering political figure — Juan Ponce Enrile, known to Marcos as “Tito Johnny.”

In a eulogy, the President honored the late statesman, recalling Enrile’s sweeping legacy in Philippine politics and governance.

“So as we grieve the loss of JPE, let us also be grateful,” Marcos said. “At some time in the history of the Philippines, there was a man who devoted his entire being to the service of the Filipino… That the rest of us could do even a little bit of what he had done.”

The juxtaposition of high-level resignations and a state funeral for a political titan underscored a pivotal moment for the Marcos presidency.

17 November

Top aides leave admin

With the simultaneous anti-corruption protests in the metro going into its second day, Malacañang announced the departure of the President’s top advisers, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, over alleged ties to corruption.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the officials voluntarily resigned “out of delicadeza” to give way to the investigations.

Former Finance Secretary Ralph Recto was named Executive Secretary and former Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go was appointed to succeed Recto.

Undersecretary Rolando Toledo was appointed head of the Department of Budget and Management.

Local holidays declared

In recognition of local celebrations and municipal and city founding anniversaries, Marcos declared special non-working days in several areas.

Under Proclamations 1088 to 1095, areas were given days to commemorate significant events in their respective localities.

18 November

Disrupted learners in Albay get aid

President Marcos visited the Cararayan-Naga Elementary School in Tiwi, Albay, which was among the buildings badly hit by super typhoon “Uwan.”

The Department of Education distributed learning materials, and the Office of the President donated a Starlink unit to the school, enabling it to connect to satellite internet. School bags and snacks were provided to the students.

Seven classrooms sustained P3.5 million in damage, while eight others sustained minor damage estimated at P392,000. Two hundred learning resources and 50 desks were also ruined.

Stability amid turmoil assured

Even with the departure of key officials of the executive branch, Malacañang maintained the economy is stable.

“The economy remains fundamentally strong. The foundations are stable. The opportunities for investments are intact. Above all, the government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability has never been more resolute,” new Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said in a statement.

He emphasized that the government is “not blind to the challenges, nor shaken by them,” noting that changes in the Cabinet are not a sign of a leadership crisis but of government reform.

HSBC cited for enduring support

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC) received a commendation from the Chief Executive for its 150 years of enduring commitment to the Philippines, citing its role in strengthening financial stability, supporting enterprises, and improving the lives of Filipinos.

According to Marcos, the bank has played a key role in supporting the country’s trade, infrastructure and enterprise, reinforcing the economic foundations that enable Filipinos to build better lives.

He expressed confidence the bank will remain committed to offering more inclusive, secure, and accessible financial services to Filipinos, highlighting HSBC’s strong support for government initiatives.

19 November

First Couple leads PhilSports reopening

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the reopening of the PhilSports complex in Pasig City, assuring athletes of the government’s continued support and commitment to their athletic journey.

New facilities, including new training gyms, upgraded dormitories, and a multipurpose hall, were revealed to the public for the nation’s athletes.

The National Sports Museum, containing memorabilia of exceptional Filipino athletes who brought honor to the country, was also established to celebrate their milestones.

20 November

Exceptional OFWs recognized

Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who have made significant contributions to national development were honored at the 2025 Bagong Bayani Awards.

In a ceremony at Malacañang, President Marcos expressed profound gratitude to migrant workers for exemplifying the Filipino spirit of compassion and hard work across the globe, earning the admiration of the international community.

This year’s Bagong Bayani awardees include Engr. Romaline Dizon Isla for Outstanding Employee; Eva Rasgo Mapa for Community and Social Service; Michael Palic Conjusta for Culture and the Arts; Capt. Rolly Tenorio Lapinig and the 18 Filipino crew of the MV MSC Aube F for Heroic Act; and Camille Figueras Jesalva-Junio who received the Susan “Toots” V. Ople Award.

The Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Reintegration went to Elaine Vianca G. Figueroa, Ruellyn S. Ribon, and Alexander Inday Sebastian. Capt. Gaudencio C. Morales was given both the Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Reintegration and Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Achievement Award.

Governors offer fealty

The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) and city mayors expressed their support for the Marcos administration during a courtesy call in Malacañang.

The Philippine business community also expressed its strong commitment to support a competitive, resilient, and inclusive economy under President Marcos, emphasizing that the private sector remains united in its belief in the country’s long-term economic potential.

Marcos thanked the LPP for their support, noting that there was still much work to be done and he would not be bothered by the political noise.

The President also emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and local government units to advance development goals.

21 November ‘Kontra Baha’ launched in Cebu

President Marcos led the launch of the Oplan Kontra Baha waterways clearing and cleaning operations in Metro Cebu, aimed at preventing flooding during the rainy season.

The President inspected the ongoing dredging and cleaning operations at Mahiga Creek in Mandaue City, while simultaneous operations are being conducted at the Butuanon River and Subangdaku River in Mandaue City; the Arrabal/Kinalumsan River, Guadalupe River, and Kamputhaw River in Cebu City; the Mananga River in Talisay City; and the Cotcot River in Liloan municipality.

He urged residents to closely monitor the progress of the waterways clearing and cleaning operations until August next year. He emphasized the need for close coordination among the national and local governments and the private sector for the program’s success.

‘Space science must serve the people’

Emphasizing the crucial role of space science and technology, Marcos urged regional partners to ensure that “space must serve the people” by sharing their expertise and adopting responsible space strategies.

In his address at the 31st Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) in Cebu, he underscored that space science and technology strengthen climate resilience, disaster response, and sustainable development, particularly in disaster-prone countries like the Philippines, which sits along the Pacific typhoon belt and the Ring of Fire.

Disaster mitigation work lauded

The President praised the Philippine Space Agency’s (PhilSA) work in disaster mitigation and its provision of satellite data to government agencies, researchers, and the private sector. He also highlighted major national space milestones, including the nearing completion of the MULA earth observation satellite and the establishment of the Copernicus Data Center — the first of its kind in Asia — developed with the European Commission.

Marcos acknowledged the contributions of international partners, such as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, in organizing the forum. He noted that the initiatives under APRSAF aligned with the forum’s theme, “Empowering the Region through Space Ecosystem in Action,” which focuses on enhancing capabilities and fostering industry growth.

Zaldy Co, 17 others ordered arrested

As the investigation into the anomalous flood control projects continues, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and the Department of Public Works and Highways have turned over evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman for case filing.

President Marcos said the Sandiganbayan has issued warrants of arrest against Co and 17 others named in the flood control project scandal.

“This is not speculation. This is not a made-up story. This is real evidence,” he said.”

Farewell Tito Johnny

Tito Johnny, as he was fondly called by President Marcos, made his final stop at Malacañang, where the Chief Executive delivered a heartfelt eulogy in honor of the late statesman.

“So as we grieve the loss of JPE, let us also be grateful. At some time in the history of the Philippines, there was a man who devoted his entire being to the service of the Filipino... That the rest of us could be able to do even a little bit of what he had done,” Marcos said.

“We must all follow the example that he gave to us. We must always remember the benefits, the contributions that he made to the Filipinos, to the Philippines.”

“Enrile was devoted to his work, family, and country and ready to die for his countrymen,” the President said, adding that the legal luminary and statesman was a Filipino “in the purest and best sense of being a Filipino.”

The President thanked Enrile for his contributions to the Marcos family, the Filipino people, and the country, praising his wisdom and high standards for excellence in public service.

Enrile was laid to rest on Saturday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.