Bersamin, 2 Cabinet officials tapped as caretakers during Marcos' US trip
Bersamin said the two officials are Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.
'The order of the President is to continue the work while he is away. Anyway, we keep in constant communication with him during all the time that he is away from the country,' Bersamin told reporters.
'Wala naman kailangan na ilagay niyang specific because each of us, including the other cabinet secretaries, we are all aware of what the President has set for us to do, so we will just leave it like that and everybody continues to function 100%,' he added.
(There's no need for the President to assign anything specific because each of us, including the other Cabinet secretaries, are already aware of what he expects from us. So we'll just leave it at that, and everyone will continue to function at 100%)
Marcos on Sunday departed for the United States for an official visit, which includes a meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Among the topics Marcos and Trump will discuss is the steep 20% tariff rate on Filipino goods entering the US, as Manila hopes to strike a mutually acceptable and beneficial tariff deal.
Bersamin also said the President could include discussions during his Washington trip in his fourth State of the Nation Address.
"We can expect that. If he wants to include that, if there is anything worth reporting, we can expect it," Bersamin said.
The President's visit will be from July 20 to 22, 2025.
Aside from Trump, Marcos will have a meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 21.
Several businesses in the US also expressed their intention to meet with the Philippine leader, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano said. — RF, GMA Integrated News
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GMA Network
4 hours ago
- GMA Network
Where is PH now in terms of learning recovery?
Pupils line up at Aurora Quezon Elementary School in San Andres, Manila, on Monday, June 16, 2025, as School Year 2025-2026 opens. DANNY PATA When President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2024, he made a clear order to address the gaps in the Philippine education system as he lamented the 'poor reality' hounding young learners. Back then, the President cited international assessments revealing that more than half of students in Grades 6, 10, and 12 failed to reach the ideal proficiency levels, faring low in information literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Marcos thus declared that the national learning recovery program must proceed 'without the slightest disruption,' especially in basic education. 'Our system of education must be strategically calibrated to make sure that our youth are not only taught to become literate. But, it must also consciously develop them into problem-solvers, and into critical thinkers—hungry for success, ready for the future,' he said in his third presidential address. This was a resounding call to address the country's persistent learning crisis, one deepened by years of lockdowns due to the pandemic, and underinvestment despite the education sector being given the highest budgetary priority as mandated by the 1987 Constitution. A year later, Marcos is set to return to Batasang Pambansa to deliver his fourth SONA which marks the middle of his term as president. Where does the country stand now in terms of implementing the learning recovery program? In its year two report released in January, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) pointed out that the Department of Education's (DepEd) own National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP) faces 'significant criticism and is in need of massive reforms' due to certain flaws in its design. To recall, the DepEd adopted the NLRP in 2023 under the leadership of then-Education Secretary, Vice President Sara Duterte, to address the learning gaps that were heightened by school closures and disruption amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The NLRP also aims to deal with the low performance of Filipino learners in international large-scale and national assessments. EDCOM 2, a congressional body tasked to make a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the performance of the Philippine education sector, recommended that the NLRP be revamped to ensure proper targeting, prompt support, and proper assessment of students that require urgent intervention—with a focus on those lacking foundational competencies. This call for reforms was welcomed by Duterte's successor as DepEd chief, Sonny Angara. ARAL Law One notable move made by the Marcos administration since the 2024 SONA was signing into law the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Act, which establishes a national learning intervention program for struggling learners to meet grade-level standards. Led by DepEd, the ARAL program is a free project that would focus on improving students' competencies in essential learning areas, including reading and mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and science for Grades 3 to 10. As for the Kindergarten learners, the program would focus on building foundational skills to strengthen their literacy and numeracy competencies. Tutorial sessions would also be conducted either through a face-to-face, online, or a blended learning approach to help ensure the effectiveness and accessibility of learning. Angara said he believes that this new law would significantly improve Filipino students' performance in international assessments, like the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), in the long term. He, however, admitted that immediate results might not be evident in time for the 2025 PISA, which was held from March to April this year. Marcos had directed DepEd to prioritize improvements in the country's PISA scores after the 2022 results reflected Filipino learners' poor performance in mathematics, science, and reading. That time, the Philippines ranked sixth from the bottom among 81 participating countries and economies. A separate 2022 PISA report also revealed that Filipino students placed second to the last when it comes to creative thinking. These results mirrored the findings of the EDCOM 2, which noted that even after a decade of implementing the K to 12 system, Filipino students continue to fall behind regional and global peers in key academic competencies. Revised SHS curriculum Another key highlight in education since the previous SONA was the pilot implementation of the revised Senior High School (SHS) curriculum this School Year 2025-2026. Among the salient features of this new curriculum is the reduction of core subjects from the 15 being offered per semester, to just five that will be offered for a full year in Grade 11. These five new subjects are: Effective Communication (Mabisang Komunikasyon), Life Skills, General Mathematics, General Science, and Pag-aaral ng Kasaysayan at Lipunang Pilipino. This development came after Marcos, in August 2024, directed the rationalization of the SHS curriculum as he wanted to ensure that SHS graduates could acquire high-quality jobs. But calls for education reforms further escalated when it was revealed in congressional hearings earlier this year that approximately 5.58 million high school graduates, including junior high school completers aged 10 to 64, were considered "functionally illiterate" because of lack of comprehension skill. Angara said that the DepEd has been taking action to address the issue in order to prepare the children for a better future. Among the agency's interventions, he said, are intensifying remedial and literacy programs and the use of data in schools. He said teaching and assessment methods have also been improved, and the students are being honed to be critical thinkers and have 21st-century skills, instead of merely memorizing lessons. DepEd also revised its class suspension protocols, allowing schools and local government units (LGUs) to have more discretion when it comes to the declaration depending on real-time conditions. Before, classes were automatically canceled under any public storm signals. Angara thus reminded school officials and LGUs to be prudent in declaring class suspensions, emphasizing the need for learning continuity and to minimize learning loss. Also included in the agency's interventions in times of calamity is the rollout of durable and mobile modular classrooms that will replace temporary learning spaces in disaster-hit areas. Digitalization, connectivity Aside from addressing the classroom gap, Marcos in his last SONA, said that the digital gap should also be addressed with as much intensity. The President then expressed hope that all students will be equipped with computers, smart TVs, essential programs, digital books, and access to reliable power and internet connection. 'Digitalization and solar-powered electricity must now be standard features in our schools and in our classrooms. Simply put, this is educational reform through technology,' he said. To realize this vision, DepEd began implementing several digitalization initiatives. Through a public-private partnership approach, the agency has been pursuing smart classrooms, ICT equipment, and upgraded e-learning materials, while aiming to improve digital connectivity nationwide. DepEd has also deployed smart TVs, laptops, and other devices to public schools to support digital learning and reduce reliance on printed modules. These tools are expected to enhance interactive and blended learning delivery in classrooms. Teachers and students in geographically isolated and underserved public schools are likewise expected to benefit from improved internet connectivity under the government's ongoing "Free WiFi for All" initiative. The road to full recovery remains steep. While the Marcos administration has made progress in addressing learning gaps, the scale of the education crisis in the country demands faster execution, deeper investments, and stronger accountability. With millions of students needing help and an entire generation at risk of being left behind, eyes and ears are now turned for Marcos' next SONA to know his next moves to improve the quality of education in the country. — BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
7 hours ago
- GMA Network
Boosting defense, tackling crime under Marcos admin
Newly delivered Black Hawk helicopters are seen at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Dec. 9, 2024, as part of the Additional Utility Helicopters Acquisition Project Agreement of the AFP Modernization Program. Photo: Philippine Air Force President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. is set to give his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. Marcos is expected to share the accomplishments of his administrations. But before this, GMA News Online looks back on Marcos' statements on defense and security concerns during his last SONA. Boosting defense In his last SONA in July 2024, Marcos said the country's police, military, and coast guard undergo continuous capacity-building and asset-upgrading to ensure peace and order. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) underscored the importance of recent acquisitions in support of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). From June 2024 to present, the AFP said it has received one BRP Miguel Malvar-class corvette, two BRAHMOS missile batteries, one ATR-72-600 patrol aircraft, and ten S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. 'These assets strengthen surveillance, coastal defense, mobility, and disaster response—each playing a vital role in safeguarding our sovereignty and securing the archipelago,' the AFP told GMA News Online. The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said the agency also acquired five units of 97-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs), 40 units Fast Patrol Craft (FPC), and 20 Units of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). 'The initial procurement of two units of 97-meter MRRVs has significantly enhanced the PCG's operational capability, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), where maritime tensions continue to escalate,' the PCG told GMA News Online 'The FPC will enhance the PCG's capability to conduct anti-drug interdiction, counter-piracy, anti-terrorism, and anti-kidnapping operations, while also supporting search and rescue, disaster response, and humanitarian relief. The drones will be vital in supporting operations like search and rescue, surveillance, anti-smuggling, and monitoring of illegal fishing activities,' it added. Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim. The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." China has refused to recognize the decision. High-profile cases Marcos also said in his last SONA that there was an overall decrease in the crime rate and an improvement in crime solution efficiency, but that law enforcers still need to earn the trust of the general public. Several suspects in high-profile cases have been arrested since last year's SONA. Arrest warrants were issued against church leader Apollo Quiboloy and others for alleged violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act as well as qualified human trafficking. He has also been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Central District of California for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. Quiboloy, who is currently detained at Pasig City Jail after his arrest on September 8 last year, has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. Former Negros Oriental 3rd District representative Arnie Teves—the alleged mastermind in the killing of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4, 2023 in Pamplona—was also arrested in Timor-Leste where he sought asylum on May 21 this year. He is now in the detention cell of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Teves has denied the accusation. However, former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag remains at large despite an outstanding warrant for his arrest over the alleged murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid. The Department of Justice had filed murder charges against Bantag and former deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta with the Las Piñas court in relation to Lapid's killing. Lapid, whose real name is Percy Mabasa, was shot dead in Las Piñas City on October 3, 2022. The DOJ previously said a cash reward of P2 million would be given for information on the whereabouts of Bantag while P1 million would have been given for Zulueta. Bantag has denied the allegations against him, claiming they were all "fabricated." Meanwhile, a total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts have been reported missing in different parts of the country from 2021 to 2022. According to the police, the missing personalities were kidnapped allegedly due to match fixing or cheating in the cockfighting games. One of the accused and whistleblower Julie 'Dondon' Patidongan claimed that the victims were already buried in Taal Lake. Recent searches there have unearthed several human remains already. Patindongan named businessman Atong Ang as a mastermind in the case and also linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances. Both have denied the allegations. SONA 2025 preparations The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said that they have made the necessary preparations for Marcos' fourth SONA. On possible protest actions that are a staple of any SONA, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said there are rallyists or groups that have been approved by the Quezon City local government but whose permits are subject to conditions to ensure their activities do not violate any laws and will be orderly. The NCRPO said 22,987 police personnel have been deployed to conduct security for the annual event. Of the total complement, 16,060 are cops assigned to the NCRPO while support units from Region 4A of Police Regional Office 3 number 3,707 police officers while other agencies have contributed 3,220 personnel. — BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
9 hours ago
- GMA Network
Inflation, economy, price of rice: Where PH stands since SONA 2024
A resident of San Andres in Malate, Manila, purchases P20 per kilo rice at a Kadiwa center in the Bureau of Animal Industry on May 15, 2025. DANNY PATA Around this time last year, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. opened his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) not with his administration's feats, but with the daunting reality check that the fruits of economic progress were not felt by ordinary Filipinos faced with the rising prices of commodities—particularly rice. 'The hard lesson of this last year has made it very clear that whatever current data proudly bannering our country as among the best-performing in Asia, means nothing to a Filipino, who is confronted by the price of rice at 45 to 65 pesos per kilo," Marcos said in his report to the nation on Monday, July 22, 2024. "Bagamat maganda ang mga istatistikang ito, wala itong kabuluhan sa ating kababayan na hinaharap ang realidad na mataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin, lalo na ang pagkain—lalo't higit, ng bigas," the President said. (Although the statistics are good, these mean nothing to our countrymen who face the reality of high prices of goods, especially food, and most especially, rice.) With this, Marcos declared 'hindi tayo titigil sa paglalaban sa kahirapan, at sa paghahanap ng lunas upang maibalik sa normal ang presyo ng bilihin—lalo na ang bigas [we will not stop in battling poverty and finding solutions to normalize the prices of goods—especially rice.]' IBON Foundation executive director Sonny Africa told GMA News Online that the President opened his 2024 SONA 'well, with the acknowledgement that the majority of Filipinos aren't feeling any benefits from hyped economic growth.' 'If sincere, this could've signaled a reorientation of economic policy to favor poor and middle-class Filipinos instead of the narrowest slice of rich families and large corporations at the very top,' Africa said. The President will once again face the nation to deliver his report on July 28, 2025—halfway through his term. GMA News Online looked at what the Marcos administration has so far accomplished in terms of fulfilling the chief executive's promise to lower inflation and rice prices. Inflation Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that inflation—which measures the rate of growth in consumer goods and services costs—slowed down to 3.2%, well within the government's ceiling of 2% to 4%, from 6% in 2023. The PSA attributed the full-year 2024 inflation decline to the downtrend in food and non-alcoholic beverages at 4.4% from 7.9% in 2023 as well as the lower print seen in electricity, gas and other fuels at 1.7% from 4.9% year-on-year. As of end-June 2025, inflation rate cooled down further to 1.8%. Also in June this year, food inflation—which tracks the price movements of food items in a "basket" commonly purchased by households—eased to 0.1% from 0.7% in May and from 6.5% in June of last year. This was on the back of a steeper deflation in rice at -14.3% from -12.8% in May. Rice prices Rice inflation has been contracting for six months in a row and is seen to end the year at a 'negative inflation' print, consistent with the PSA's expectation that it would begin easing towards the second half of 2024 due to base effects, particularly when it began its uptrend in August 2023, as well as the impact of lower rice import tariff which took effect early July last year. In the third year of his presidency, Marcos was able to fulfill his campaign promise of lowering the price of rice to P20 per kilo in a bid to ease the burden of consumers on the increasing price of one of Filipinos' basic food commodities. Initially launched in the Visayas region last April, at least 162 locations across the country have been offering the cheaper subsidized rice, according to the Department of Agriculture. Members of the vulnerable sectors are on the priority list of who can avail the P20 per kilo of rice. The P20-per-kilo rice initiative operates primarily through KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets. The rice is being sourced from stocks of the National Food Authority, which are procured directly from local farmers. The subsidized rice program not only ensures affordable food staple for consumers but also helps decongest NFA warehouses. Moreover, this will make space to purchase more palay at prices higher than those offered by private traders. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the target is to serve 15 million households or about 60 million people by the end of 2026. The DA also vowed to intensify the implementation of industry recovery and expansion programs, such as the Swine Industry Recovery Project (SIRP) and Livestock Economic Enterprise Development, to strengthen food supply chains. IBON Foundation's Africa, however, said programs of the administration 'will all be tokenistic and exaggerated public relations efforts if the government does not commit budgets, resources and energy commensurate to the magnitude of the problems at hand.' 'The President spoke about supporting agriculture but, if anything, the smaller share of the sector in the 2025 budget to 3.9% of the total from 4.1% in 2024 indicates a deprioritization of interventions that were already inadequate to begin with,' he said. GDP target missed As far as economic targets are concerned, the Marcos administration still has a far way to go, missing its GDP growth target for the second straight year. In 2024, the economy only grew by 5.7%, revised from earlier reported 5.6% growth, below the 6.0% to 7.0% target for the year. Growth surpassed the target ceiling in 2022 at 7.6%. As of the first quarter of 2025, the country's GDP grew by 5.4%, faster than the upwardly revised growth rate of 5.3% in the last quarter of 2024. With missed targets, the Development Budget Coordination Committee has slashed again the growth goals for 2025 to 5.5% to 6.5% range from the previous target of 6.0% to 8.0%. The economic team cited heightened global uncertainties, such as the unforeseen escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the imposition of US tariffs as considerations for adjusting the growth targets. Nonetheless, the administration's aspiration to elevate the Philippines to upper-middle-income country (UMIC) seems to be getting closer, as it missed the minimum for entering the UMIC bracket under the World Bank's classification by $26. The country remained a lower-middle-income economy as its GNI per capita in 2024 stood at $4,470, while the required GNI per capita to enter the UMIC roster was at $4,496 to $13,935. — BM/NB, GMA Integrated News
