November 14, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led on Friday the formal national launch of the Philippines’ Chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.

In a ceremony held at the Foro De Intramuros within the historic Intramuros district in Manila, President Marcos announced the focus of the 11-nation bloc under the Philippines’ Chairship next year.

Under next year’s theme of “Navigating our Future, Together,” ASEAN will focus on three priorities, namely 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,” said President Marcos.

The President said in the ASEAN peace and security pillar, the Philippines’ Chairship will highlight the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) for new and evolving security challenges, early warning systems, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).

In the ASEAN economic pillar, the Philippines as ASEAN Chair will seek to harness AI to advance the region’s transition into a digitally empowered community.

“By promoting the safe, ethical, responsible, equitable, and sustainable adoption of AI in areas such as trade facilitation, digitalization, and innovation, we aim to enhance regional competitiveness, support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” President Marcos said.

Meanwhile, under the ASEAN socio-cultural pillar, the Philippines will champion the responsible use of AI to enhance healthcare, education, and youth empowerment by broadening access to essential services and cultivating creativity among the youth.

Under the Philippines’ Chairship, ASEAN will also explore AI-driven solutions that strengthen the ASEAN Family and advance the silver economy to meet the needs and demands of the elderly population.

“Of course, AI will not replace our human touch; rather, it will magnify our capacity to care, to teach, and to uplift communities across ASEAN,” said the President.

Participants to next year’s ASEAN-related meetings and activities will experience the “spirit of the Filipino people” as the Philippines set the venues around the country, namely 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,” President 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.”

Marking the national launch of the Philippines’ Chairship, the ASEAN 2026 logo was projected at the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City on Friday.

The President said the official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo and stamp reflect unity of purpose and Filipino warmth. The ASEAN Philippines 2026 website will also be launched.

President Marcos recognized the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC) led by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and acknowledged the country’s partners in the diplomatic corps, government, business, civil society, and the youth for working together to ensure the Philippines’ readiness to lead ASEAN.

“Let us build an ASEAN that is united in its diversity, a steadfast body that stands close forever to its principles, and bold in its embrace of innovation — where technology serves humanity, and where AI helps secure peace, prosperity, and people empowerment,” said the President. | PND

November 14, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with world-renowned actor George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, an international human rights lawyer, during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Friday.

President Marcos, joined by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, discussed efforts to strengthen press freedom.

During their brief meeting, Ms. Clooney highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to broaden access to justice. President Marcos welcomed this and added the need for responsible regulation to ensure the ethical and secure use of AI.

In closing, the President reaffirmed the Administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom and expressed hope that the visit of the couple to the country would be both meaningful and enjoyable.

The Clooneys are in the Philippines to headline the Social Good Summit 2025 hosted by an online news platform on November 16 at Lanson Place in Pasay City. They are expected to speak on global challenges affecting free speech and civil liberties.

George Clooney, apart from his achievements as an award-winning actor and filmmaker, is widely recognized for his humanitarian initiatives and global advocacy.

Amal Clooney, an esteemed barrister specializing in international law and human rights, is a Professor of Practice in International Law at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government, a Senior Fellow at the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice, and an Honorary Fellow at St. Hugh’s College, Oxford University. | PND

November 9, 2025

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Malacañang issued Executive Order No. 105, extending the 15 percent tax on imported rice until December 31, 2025, and establishing the Inter-Agency Group on Rice Tariff Adjustment to monitor and adjust rice import taxes in response to changes in world market prices.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s EO 105 also provides for tariff adjustments, effective January 1, 2026, based on movements in international rice prices, with rates ranging from 15 to 35 percent.

“Section 2 provides that the MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates of duty on rice, both in-quota and out-quota, under EO No. 62 (modifying the nomenclature and rates of import duty on various products) shall be maintained until 31 December 2025,” EO 105 added.

The order provides that “beginning 01 January 2026, the MFN rates of duty on rice shall be: increased by five (5) percentage points per five percent (5%) decrease in international rice prices; or decreased by five (5) percentage points per five percent (5%) increase in international rice prices.”

“However, the MFN rates of duty on rice, both in-quota and out-quota, shall in no case be below 15% or above 35%,” EO 105 stated.

The directive also added that Inter-Agency GRTA shall be composed of representatives from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Finance, and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.

The Inter-Agency Group was directed to formulate the guidelines necessary to implement this Order, including the determination of the thresholds, certification by the DA that said thresholds or trigger price levels have been reached, monitoring period, and other relevant details regarding the adjustment of the MFN rates of duty on rice.

The Constitution provides that the State shall pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare and Republic Act (RA) No. 10863 or the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act” empowers the President, in the interest of general welfare and national security…to increase or reduce at any level and/or remove existing rates of import duty, in one or several stages.

RA No. 8178 or the “Agricultural Tariffication Act,” authorizes the President to increase, reduce, revise, or adjust existing rates of import duty up to the bound rate committed by the Philippines under the World Trade Agreement on Agriculture and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, including any necessary change in classification applicable to the importation of rice.

EO 62 set forth the MFN tariff rates on rice at 15% for both in-quota and out-quota, subject to review every four months.

The Economy and Development (ED) Council resolved to maintain the MFN tariff rate on rice at 15% until 31 December 2025, both for in-quota and out-quota, and to implement a mechanism for adjusting the MFN tariff rate on rice in accordance with international market conditions starting 1 January 2026.- PND

November 8, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 104, temporarily reducing the import duty on tin-mill blackplate (TMBP)—the primary material used in producing tin plates and tin-free steel used in cans for canned food—to help stabilize the supply chain and lower production costs in the country’s canned food industry.

By the authority of President Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the measure, endorsed by the Economy and Development Council, which seeks to revitalize local tin plate and tin-free steel manufacturing—key components in food packaging—amid the absence of domestic TMBP production.

The new tariff rates will take effect and remain in force for three years, subject to review after one year.

“At present, there is no local production of TMBP, and there is also no local product that can substitute for said commodity,” EO No. 104 stated.

TMBP serves as the main material in the production of Tin Plate (TP) and Tin-Free Steel (TFS), which are primarily used in the canned food industry.

According to the Economy and Development (ED) Council, temporarily modifying the rate of import duty on TMBP will revitalize domestic TP and TFS industries, promoting consumer welfare by stabilizing the supply chain, lowering production costs, generating employment, and fostering a favorable environment for investment.

On 20 August 2025, the ED Council endorsed the reduction of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate on TMBP.

The Palace stated that all other issuances, administrative rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with EO 104 are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

In issuing the EO, the Palace cited Section 13, Article XI of the Constitution, which mandates the State to pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare, and Republic Act No. 10863, or the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” which empowers the President—upon the recommendation of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev)—to adjust existing import duty rates in the interest of general welfare and national security. – PND

Palace suspends gov’t work and classes on Monday

November 9, 2025

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Malacañang has ordered the suspension of work in government offices on Monday, November 10, as well as classes in several regions on November 10 and 11, due to the expected major impacts of Super Typhoon Uwan.

By the authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Memorandum Circular No. 106, which provided that government work in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, MIMAROPA, Bicol and Eastern Visayas will be suspended on November 10.

MC 106 indicated that classes at all levels in those regions, including Regions VI, VII, and the Negros Island Region, are suspended for two days.

“Upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and in view of the forecasted major impacts that will be brought about by Super Typhoon “Uwan”, work in government offices in the NCR, CAR, and Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V and VIII is hereby suspended on 10 November 2025,” the memorandum circular added.

“Further, classes at all levels in the aforementioned Regions, Region VI (Western Visayas), Region VII (Central Visayas), and the Negros Island Region are also suspended on 10 and 11 November 2025,” MC 106 stated.

The memorandum also provided that government agencies responsible for basic, vital and health services, preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational.

“To further ensure continuity of essential government functions, all other government agencies in the aforementioned regions may implement alternate work arrangements, as may be necessary, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations,” the order added.

MC 106 stated that” the localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other regions may be implemented by their respective Local Chief Executives, pursuant to relevant laws, rules and regulations.”

The order said the suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.- PND

October 20, 2025

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Malacañang on Monday assured the business community that the government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is actively working to combat corruption while strengthening transparency and accountability within the bureaucracy.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro enumerated current initiatives by the Marcos administration to address corruption.

Castro cited the launching of the Sumbong sa Pangulo website and the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure through Executive Order No. 94 to investigate anomalous flood control projects and other infrastructure.

Castro also cited the freeze orders on the assets of those implicated in corruption cases, alongside the issuance of Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBOs) and the recommendation to file charges against former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.

“So, marami na pong nagawa at marami pa pong iniimbestigahan. Nararamdaman po ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon ang mga nararamdaman ng mga businessmen kaya po patuloy ang ginagawang pag-iimbestiga at patuloy ang pagpapabilis ng aksyon para po mapanagot ang dapat na mapanagot,” Castro said.

“Siguro ang hiling na lamang po natin doon sa mga obstructionists na gumagawa na lang ng iba’t ibang kuwento para sirain ang integridad ng ICI, bawasan nila ito o hintuan na nila dahil hindi po ito nakakatulong sa ekonomiya.”

On the call to legislate more power to the ICI, Castro said President Marcos would support moves to provide additional powers to the commission as long as it is for the benefit of the public.

“Mas maganda po talaga na magkaroon ng mas ngipin, pangil ang ICI. Pero sa ngayon po, nakikita naman po natin na maganda ang itinatakbo ng ICI,” the Palace official said.

Major business organizations in the country hav

By Crisver Hinayon

October 17, 2025

KABACAN, Cotabato Province (PIA) — State-run University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato Province, will continue to pursue growth in academic excellence, social relevance, and financial sustainability, university president Dr. Jonald Pimentel pledged during his first state of the university address (SUA) recently.

“USM remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate to provide exceptional instruction, and we are committed to continuously enhancing the quality of education we deliver to our students,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel emphasized that collaboration is vital for USM to continue being a beacon in its community and field.

This approach, he stated, will not only sustain its present achievements but also motivate future generations through a commitment to educational excellence and innovative practices.

“I am confident that through our collective effort, USM will continue to be a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and hope,” he said.

On his 288th day in office, the president used his SUA to detail USM’s future direction, focusing on improvements in four core areas: education, research/innovation, community service, and financial sustainability.

Presenting the strategic plan, Pimentel emphasized the university’s primary goal: to provide high-quality, inclusive, and accessible education that prepares students to thrive in a competitive global environment.

USM will achieve this, Pimentel emphasized, adding that the university will continuously improve the curriculum and secure stronger program accreditation to ensure academic excellence and global relevance.

In addition, the institution is poised to strengthen international partnerships to facilitate student and faculty exchanges that provide global perspectives and advanced knowledge.

In research and innovation, USM aims to establish itself as a hub for innovation and impactful research that directly tackles societal issues and challenges by prioritizing socially relevant and multidisciplinary research in vital areas such as health, environment, technology, community development, and economic resilience.

USM also underscored its commitment to enhancing its support for researchers by increasing funding, building capacity, and upgrading infrastructure to improve the quality and impact of their work.

Pimental further stated that the university plans to strengthen its extension services, which bring university expertise and resources to the public, by focusing on delivering programs that are responsive, relevant, and sustainable.

He also vowed to deepen partnerships with local governments, industries, and community organizations to co-create solutions that empower local communities and improve their quality of life.

He added that by integrating diversity and inclusion principles in all activities, it will ensure marginalized groups have equal access to resources and opportunities.

To ensure long-term stability and growth, the university will also strengthen industry partnerships, develop socially responsible enterprises, generate income through the commercialization of research, and optimize the use of its land and property assets.

“The achievements and future directions of the University are firmly built upon the strong foundation laid by previous administrations,” Pimentel said.

He urged the public to continue building a more inclusive, dynamic, and globally connected university.

Pimentel also acknowledged both the hard work of individual people and the shared dedication of everyone involved to making the university better and more successful.

“Our achievements reflect not only our individual efforts but also our united commitment to the growth and success of our university,” he pointed out. (CSH, PIA Region 12)

By CFO

October 17, 2025

THE Philippines is positioning itself as one of the world’s premier retirement and tourism destinations, leveraging the warmth of its people, affordability, and natural beauty — while aligning with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas’ (CFO) mission to strengthen diaspora engagement and investment in the homeland.

In a recent interview on IBC-13’s The Chairman’s Report hosted by Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II, chairman of the CFO, Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) Chief Executive Officer Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado said the country is poised to attract thousands of retirees and returning Filipinos through its Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program under the Department of Tourism.

“The Philippines is not just a vacation spot — it’s a place to live your golden years in comfort and community,” he said.

“What truly makes the Philippines unique is its people — the hospitality, the care, the sense of belonging. That’s something money can’t buy.”

The PRA’s SRRV program offers foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens a long-term residency option with benefits such as tax incentives, healthcare access, and investment opportunities. The program has drawn retirees from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia — and increasingly, digital nomads seeking a flexible lifestyle in a tropical setting.

Zozobrado said the Philippines’ affordability and English proficiency give it a competitive edge over similar retirement destinations such as Spain, Portugal, or Malaysia, where investment requirements are higher.

“Our visa program is accessible and transparent — you don’t need to buy property to retire here,” he said.

Popular locations include Metro Manila, Cebu, and Dumaguete, with growing interest in Baguio, Tagaytay, and emerging eco-tourism destinations. However, Zozobrado acknowledged the need for more world-class retirement and assisted living facilities to serve the growing market.

“We need to build more integrated communities with healthcare, leisure, and security — not just condos,” he said, calling on investors to seize the opportunity to develop the industry.

The CFO, which promotes the welfare of Filipinos overseas and encourages their participation in nation-building, has expressed support for programs like the PRA’s that bridge the diaspora with investment and reintegration opportunities. Many former overseas Filipinos are now returning home to retire, bringing not only remittances but also expertise and entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to local economies.

“Retirement investment is another form of diaspora engagement,” Ang said.

“When former overseas Filipinos choose to retire in the Philippines, they reinvest their resources and experiences into the country, strengthening our global connection.”

Currently, more than 61,000 SRRV holders contribute to the Philippine economy through spending, property investment, and job creation. The PRA aims to expand that figure as it strengthens partnerships with local governments to provide accessible services and assistance to retirees nationwide.

Zozobrado added that the government’s broader tourism and diaspora strategy is a “win-win,” benefiting retirees, communities, and the national economy. “Every foreign retiree or balikbayan who settles here supports local industries — from healthcare to hospitality,” he said.

With the Philippine government’s renewed focus on tourism and diaspora engagement, the country’s transformation into a global retirement and lifestyle hub underscores a wider vision — a homeland that not only welcomes visitors, but also invites Filipinos abroad to come home.