Quiet PBBM Christmas, relentless governance

On Christmas week, as Filipinos and the global Christian community prepared to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. adopted a low profile, minimizing public appearances and lavish gatherings.

The step back aligned with his administration’s emphasis on simplicity and austerity, especially amid ongoing recovery efforts from recent natural disasters affecting many communities.

In line with this, President Marcos directed government agencies to keep holiday celebrations modest and meaningful, prioritizing fiscal discipline and redirecting resources toward essential services and support for vulnerable sectors.

Marcos spent part of the holidays working, notably reviewing the proposed P6.7-trillion national budget for 2026.

The Christmas message further tied the themes together, urging Filipinos to emulate the guiding star of Bethlehem by spreading hope, compassion, and goodwill, and to advance a renewed Philippines marked by unity and progress.

22 December

ES vows full cooperation with the Ombudsman

Even in the shoes of the President’s alter ego, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto assured the public that the issues over his past post as finance secretary will be addressed accordingly.

A coalition filed complaints of technical malversation, plunder, and grave misconduct before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with Recto’s actions of transferring P60 billion in reserve funds from state insurer Philippine Health Insurance Inc. (PhilHealth) to the National Treasury.

Recto said he respects citizens’ right to file complaints as it is part of the justice system and will cooperate with the Ombudsman in responding to the allegations.

The Supreme Court earlier reversed the finance department’s actions and ordered the return of the diverted reserve funds.

Recto said the transfer of the funds was “in accordance with a direct mandate from Congress in ordering the remittance of PhilHealth’s unused funds.

23 December

Work, even at Christmas

Two days before Christmas, Presidential Communications Office acting Secretary Dave Gomez said President Marcos will not be spending the holiest holiday of the Christian calendar in his home province of Ilocos Norte or in Baguio City, but will instead remain in Manila to study the enrolled budget bill.

Gomez said Marcos is committed to thoroughly reviewing the spending bill, as happened in the same period in 2025.

“This thorough review will ensure that taxpayers’ money will be put to good use, contributing to the attainment of societal goals that will be felt by all Filipinos, consistent with his pronouncement in the last State of the Nation Address,” he said.

Another commission in the works

After the Supreme Court upheld the murder conviction of the three police officers who shot and killed 17-year-old Kian delos Santos in 2017, Malacañang Palace said the new developments of the case echo the call of key sectors to revisit similar cases through an independent commission.

“This development underscores the need to consider the proposal from the church, civil society, and some members of Congress for an independent Truth Commission to probe more deeply into these extrajudicial killings,” he said.

Gomez said Malacañang would still need to review the High Court’s ruling but considers it relevant.

Earlier this month, several members of the House of Representatives filed a measure seeking the creation of an independent truth commission on extrajudicial killings.

24-25 December

Be kind on Christmas Day

President Marcos urged all Filipinos to spread the holiday cheer to everyone, particularly those who are less fortunate.

In his Holiday message, Marcos called on people to remember those in greatest need of compassion and generosity, the poor, the sick, the victims of calamity, those in marginalized communities, and those seeking comfort on Christmas.

“Like Jesus, who brought salvation to the world, let us share our abundance with the people around us. Let us bring kindness, happiness, and good cheer to everyone we meet, especially to our children, for whom these festivities are really for,” he said.

“It is the time of the year when we gather to honor the birth of Christ our Savior, thank the Lord Almighty for all the graces that we have received throughout the year, and enjoy the company of our dearest friends, families, and loved ones,” he added.

Good health, abundant blessings

In a separate greeting, the First Family extended their warm wishes to Filipinos at home and abroad, hoping they are well and celebrating Christmas in their own ways.

Marcos said there is still a lot to be thankful for despite the hardships the nation and its people endured this year.

“At the end of this year, let us be grateful for the blessings we have received. In all the trials we have faced with courage, we have been successful,” he said.

“As we welcome Christmas and the New Year, may we be even more blessed with good health, surrounded by good family and friends, and have a more abundant life,” he added.

Dealing with Holiday hooeys

Playing multiple roles as a father, President, online presence, and guest at numerous family parties, Marcos shared a few tips on handling awkward Christmas greetings with relatives and friends not seen in a while.

“What should you say to a relative when they say, ‘Hey, you’ve gained weight!” Marcos read the question. “It’s easy to answer, ‘Hey, you’ve gained weight!’ ‘Yes, I have. You too.’”

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also chimed in, saying, “Of course, I’m not stressed. I’m happy.”

The President also shared simple tips during Christmas gatherings, such as getting the right amount of leche flan and the correct number of lumpiang shanghai that make one truly happy, satisfied, and full this Christmas.

“It’s Christmas. Take whatever you want… Again, it’s Christmas, so we should enjoy ourselves a little. Let’s not think that we need to hold back on our joy,” he said.

26 December

Torre sworn in as MMDA GM

Former Philippine National Police Chief Nicolas Torre III took his oath of office as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

With this, he formally leaves the police force and relinquishes his four stars after a long career.

His former rank will be officially conferred on Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the acting PNP chief.

In his new role, Torre will be part of the body responsible for planning, supervising, regulating, and implementing policies, programs, and projects in Metro Manila, in coordination with local government units.

When’s jail time?

Individuals who face jail time in relation to their role in the flood control scandal this Christmas are only the tip of a much more intense government crackdown against corruption, according to PCO Chief Dave Gomez.

The public raised concerns that implicated officials were untouchable, in contrast to the President’s promise of jail time.

“The flood control investigation does not end on 25 December. It’s only been a little over four months,” he said.

He added that the detention of the contractor couple, Curlee and Sarah Discaya, is proof of the administration’s commitment to accountability.

ICI commissioner thanked

After Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Commissioner Rossana Fajardo resigned from the body, citing that her duty had been fulfilled after completing the forensic review of the funds of projects under investigation, Malacañang expressed its deepest gratitude for her dedication to public service.

“The President thanked Fajardo for her service and for helping ensure that public funds are properly accounted for. This forms part of the broader effort to make the government more honest, more transparent, and more responsive to the needs of the people,” Gomez said.

“Her role was always meant to be temporary and focused only on this mandate. As the Commission continues its work in the coming months, the focus is now on final reports and the proper handover of documents to offices like the Office of the Ombudsman for the next steps,” he added.

For the Palace, the outgoing commissioner “has completed the specific task she was asked to perform.”