PBBM’s dynamic governance week

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convened with key legislators during a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting on 9 December.

The discussions focused on measures of national importance, including the prioritization of landmark reform bills to institutionalize transparency and accountability.

In remarks at one of the events he attended, he expressed a preference for dialogues with the youth, noting that such interactions provide innovative insights that aid government decision-making.

This outreach aligns with broader efforts to empower the next generation, fostering open communication on national issues and underscoring an intent to incorporate diverse voices, particularly of those shaping the country’s future.

08 December

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

In honor of the Virgin Mary, President Marcos, in a message, urged Filipinos to reflect on her love as a mother for the predominantly Catholic nation.

He sought the Blessed Virgin’s grace, purity, devotion, and unwavering faith in continuing his vision of a Bagong Pilipinas and in facing obstacles at this time.

Marcos also prayed that fellow government leaders be guided by wisdom and discernment, that institutions be purified at the root, and that the Filipino people be united in hope.

“Our intentions shape our outcomes, and the spirit in which we start a mission influences the fruit it bears. If we sow pride, we reap division; if we sow deceit, we reap distrust,” he said.

09 December

More assets in scandal frozen

The President reported that more assets allegedly obtained through the flood control scheme have been frozen, including bank accounts.

He said the Court of Appeals has issued a freeze order on bank accounts, properties, and aircraft, including those belonging to Silverwolves Construction Corp and Sky Yard Aviation Corp.

Personal accounts and assets owned by individuals who were named in the investigation, including lawmakers Eric Yap and Edvic Yap, have also been frozen. Of these, 280 bank accounts, 22 insurance policies, three securities accounts, and eight aircraft have been frozen.

Sarah D, eight others cede

High-profile individuals in the flood control mess, including Sarah Discaya, surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation.

Eight other personalities from Davao Occidental, who were former employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways, also surrendered to authorities.

Reform measures prioritized

Aiming to have more concrete reforms before his term expires, Marcos met with lawmakers from both chambers of Congress and urged them to prioritize four proposed measures.

During a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting at Malacañang, Mr. Marcos certified as urgent the Anti-Dynasty bill, the Independent People’s Commission Act bill, the Partylist System Reform Act bill, and the Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability or CADENA Act bill that seeks to institutionalize transparency and accountability on public finance.

Malacañang explained that the President chose these bills as the political landscape has changed with individuals abusing the system.

Conversing with hope of future

The President hosted his sixth podcast, this one featuring students, offering a fresh perspective compared with his previous episodes, where veteran journalists were his guests.

He tackled artificial intelligence, misinformation, and his life as a “geek.” He discussed cyberbullying and its toll on the mental health of social media users, particularly the young, students and early adults.

He said the Philippines must explore the full potential of AI and seek the help of “techies” to understand it and enact legislation around its usage.

10 December

Life full of gauntlets

In the second part of his sixth podcast, Marcos discussed his life as a politician, a leader, a member of a prominent family, and the “what ifs.”

He emphasized that taking a break from a busy day helps him solve problems, and for him exercise is that activity.

He also mentioned what he learned from his father — his tenacity in getting things done.

While appearing to be most inspired by his father’s presidency, Marcos acknowledged that decisions made then no longer apply to today’s needs.

Even with this realization, the President said he has no regrets about being a Marcos.

“I saw my parents, the hardship of their lives, the many sacrifices. I said, I don’t want that anymore — just a quiet life. That’s why I went to business school,” he said.

‘Zero Balance’ benefits 1M

The administration’s flagship health program, the Zero Balance billing, has so far helped 1.078 million Filipinos in just four months of implementation.

Malacañang reported the Department of Health has sustained the full implementation of the billing program in hospitals, assuring its commitment in keeping health services accessible and free.

Under the zero-balance billing policy, patients admitted to a basic or ward accommodation in a DoH-listed hospital will have all medical expenses fully covered.

Co passport canceled

The Department of Foreign Affairs has canceled the passport of embattled former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who is alleged to be a key figure in the flood control mess.

Accordingly, law enforcement authorities have been directed to coordinate with other embassies to track Co. Marcos urged other countries to notify the government in case Co is sighted.

He also lauded the performance of law enforcement agencies, as well as the justice system, in helping recover public funds.

Farm implements for Central Luzon

The Chief Executive led the distribution of various agricultural input and machinery to farmers in Cabanatuan City and Nueva Ecija, with hopes of boosting productivity and local agriculture.

Among the equipment distributed were four-wheel drive tractors with implements, mechanical planters, combine harvesters, and hand tractors.

A total of 44 farmer cooperatives and associations are expected to benefit from the agricultural machinery.

Farmers also received fertilizer, soil ameliorants, hybrid seeds, and foliar that will support 22,103 hectares of hybrid rice for the 2025 to 2026 dry-season cropping.

11 December

Learn skills, share knowledge

Marcos urged job seekers to explore their potential by learning new skills and finding work that better matches their skill set. The Department of Labor and Employment, through its partners in the Private Sector Advisory Council, established job fairs at multiple sites nationwide.

The President noted that under the program, more than 5,000 job fairs have been held nationwide, reaching more than 1.3 million job seekers and helping more than 200,000 secure jobs on-the-spot since 2023.

Education, foundation of excellence

In the third episode of his sixth podcast, Marcos emphasized the importance of education and the opportunities it brings.

He recalled his interactions with world leaders who lauded Filipino efforts in helping build their nations. He said Filipinos who are given the right opportunity rise up to the challenges, and the only way to ensure that is to empower the education system in the country.

Marcos said the backlog of classrooms and teaching resources must be addressed to ensure a functional education system.

Public service ‘worth it’

For the President, being a public servant is a thankless, sleepless job but even with all the stress, the challenges, and noise, Marcos said serving the public is “worth it.”

“When you see something change for the good that you made, you made it happen — that changes your world,” he said.

“There’s nothing better. There’s nothing better than to help somebody outside of yourself, outside yourself, outside your family, your community, your country,” he added.

Christmas wish

The President has a few wishes for the Yuletide. First, a substantial budget for 2026; second, a wonderful time with the family.

After a 2025 budget riddled with corruption, Marcos earlier said he wants a clean budget for 2026 that will be used wisely, ensuring that public funds will go where they are supposed to.

With a busy schedule and the stressful job of steering the nation, Marcos said he wants more time to spend with his family, a message he has been emphasizing recently.

He recalled their time in Ilocos Norte, where they could “chill” and “hang around,” but since 2022, he has been called to a different path.

“I am not saying I’m not happy to be here. I’m happy to be here because you have been given the privilege again to help, to make a difference, to improve people’s lives. That’s the biggest privilege that anyone can give you. If you’re in public service, that’s the most — that’s golden,” he said.

New China, Chile envoys welcomed

At the presentation of credentials at Malacañang, Marcos received Felipe Alejandro Diaz Ibañez as Ambassador of the Republic of Chile and Jing Quan as Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.

The President said he looked forward to working with the new ambassadors and promoting closer relationships between their countries and the Philippines.

12 December

San Juanico Bridge partially opens

After several months of repairs, President Marcos led the partial reopening of the iconic San Juanico Bridge, allowing two-way traffic at a 15-ton load limit.

The Chief Executive said the full repairs will be accomplished by next year, hoping that moving forward, proper maintenance will be implemented so as not to disrupt communities and economies.

The San Juanico Bridge was closed in May 2025, due to structural deterioration from aging and weather. It was constructed between 1969 and 1973 to connect Samar and Leyte.

New Banago Port echoes modernity

Mr. Marcos inspected the newly modernized Banago Port in Barangay Banago, Bacolod City.

The facility is now equipped with upgraded facilities that ensure safer and more efficient services for passengers and port workers. It is expected to significantly boost trade, mobility, tourism, and overall economic productivity in the Western Visayas Region.

Improvements at the Banago Port include a modernized port operations building, a widened causeway for smoother road access, an expanded port operational area for cargo handling and port-related activities, and a covered walkway to protect passengers from inclement weather.

Contract workers, JOs get P7-K

In recognition of the hard work of every government worker, President Marcos has approved the release of a one-time gratuity for Contract of Service (CoS) and Job Order (JO) workers this year.

Under Administrative Order 39, CoS and JO employees who have rendered at least four months of satisfactory service as of 15 December and whose contracts remain in effect on the same date are entitled to gratuity pay not exceeding P7,000.

The order noted that while CoS and JO workers are paid salaries equivalent to those of personnel in comparable positions in government, they do not receive the benefits accorded to regular employees, such as mid-year and year-end bonuses, performance-based bonuses, and personnel economic relief allowance.

Up to P20-K incentives OK’d

The President has approved the Service Recognition Incentive for 2025 to reward government employees for their dedication, loyalty, and contributions to the administration’s development and socioeconomic goals.

Under Administrative Order 40 dated 11 December, qualified personnel may receive a one-time incentive of up to P20,000.

This covers civilian employees in the Executive branch, including national government agencies, state universities and colleges, and government-owned or controlled corporations, regardless of employment status.

It also includes Armed Forces of the Philippines and uniformed personnel from agencies under the Departments of National Defense, Interior and Local Government, Justice, Transportation and Environment and Natural Resources, among others.