Latest news with #Ferdinand''Bongbong''MarcosJr.
GMA Network
5 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos: SONA preps amid bad weather an 'unfortunate misjudgment'
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has deemed as an ''unfortunate misjudgment'' the move of the Department of Public Works and Highways to continue the preparations for his fourth State of the Nation Address next week. ''Hindi na nasabi, baha na nga bakit pa kayo maglalagay diyan? Paubaya niyo na muna yan, ayusin niyo muna 'yung ating response sa Crising... that is an unfortunate misjudgement on their part... I trust that it would not happen anymore,'' Marcos told Philippine reporters in Washington D.C. (It was not mentioned, there's flood, why would you still put that up? Focus first on our response with Crising... that is an unfortunate misjudgment on their part... I trust that it would not happen anymore.) The President, who was dismayed by the act, said the action was ''highly inappropriate.'' Earlier, Marcos directed that all SONA-related preparations should be halted, noting that the DPWH and other concerned agencies must focus on flood response and relief operations for those affected by the torrential rains and floods. This as DPWH personnel had installed tarpaulins of the President for his upcoming SONA despite heavy rains and floods across the metro. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos meets with execs from US semiconductor industry
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. held a meeting with top executives of the Semiconductor Industry Association during his official visit to the United States. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the semiconductor sector is one of Manila's biggest industries with strong economic ties to Washington. Further, the Philippines is host to more than 500 electronics and semiconductor firms, including major American companies. In November 2023, Marcos said in a meeting with the SIA that the Philippines was ready to work with the group. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the US was the country's top export destination in 2024, accounting for 16.6%, or $12.14 billion, of the total export receipts of $73.27 billion. The Philippines' largest export was electronic goods, which made up 53.4% of total exports ($39.09 billion), of which $29.17 billion were semiconductors. Marcos also met with top executives of leading US investment firms, including Cerberus, which serves as an established alternative investment advisor with approximately $65 billion in assets across complementary credit, private equity, and real estate platforms. I Squared, meanwhile, is an independent global infrastructure investor founded in 2012 that is known for the development of investment platforms in infrastructure. KKR & Co., Inc. is another global investment firm investing across private markets in every asset class. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- Climate
- GMA Network
Marcos orders suspension of all SONA preps
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is "dismayed" over reports that government personnel are putting up materials for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) in public areas despite communities battling the onslaught of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Office of the Executive Secretary announced that all SONA-related preparations are immediately suspended. Marcos is set to have his fourth SONA next week, July 28. The Department of Public Works and Highways, together with other concerned agencies, must instead focus on flood response and relief operations, according to the OES. The OES said Marcos has directed that all efforts should be focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of the public, adding that all government agencies must act accordingly. The Southwest Monsoon or Habagat continues to bring cloudy skies and torrential rains over most parts of the country, particularly in Luzon area. PAGASA had said Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Occidental Mindoro will have monsoon rains with the possibility that floods or landslides will occur due to moderate to heavy with at times intense rains. The President had instructed concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of the people amid the floods in Metro Manila and several other provinces and to deliver assistance to flood victims quickly. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos backs proposed Blue Economy Act
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. will support the Blue Economy Act, which aims to help protect the country's coastal and marine ecosystems and resources, according to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on Thursday. 'Sa lahat po ng ikagaganda ng ating environment, sa ating ikaaangat po ng taumbayan, mga mangingisda po, hindi po ito tututulan ng Pangulo,' Castro said in a press briefing when asked about the proposed measure. (The President will not oppose any measure that will improve our environment and will develop the welfare of the public, including the fisherfolk.) The Presidential Communications Office said that Senators Loren Legarda and Risa Hontiveros refiled the measure as they sought to promote stewardship and sustainable development of coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. In August 2024, the Senate approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2450 or 'An Act establishing a framework for Blue Economy. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on its third and final reading during the 19th Congress, but the Congress failed to ratify a reconciled version of the measure. The proposed measure commits the Philippines to harnessing its vast ocean resources for jobs, growth, and long-term marine protection. It further aligns the country with global efforts to safeguard and sustainably use the seas. If passed into law, this measure will adopt a blue economy framework, making marine wealth a pillar of the national economy and patrimony. — RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos orders all gov't offices to raise awareness on PH as maritime, archipelagic nation
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. directed all government agencies and local government units to promote awareness of the Philippines as a maritime and archipelagic nation. Marcos issued Memorandum Circular No. 87, stating the need to harmonize, integrate, and synchronize efforts among government agencies and instrumentalities, and to foster inter-agency cooperation and collaboration in advancing maritime and archipelagic awareness, towards sustainable development, security, and protection of the country's maritime domain and heritage. The document stated that the National Maritime Council (NMC) must lead in the formulation and implementation of year-round programs and activities to promote awareness of the Philippines as a Maritime and Archipelagic Nation. 'All national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all local government units and the private sector are hereby encouraged, to: (a) actively support and promote the conduct of relevant programs, campaigns, and initiatives that raise awareness of the Philippines as a Maritime and Archipelagic Nation; and (b) render full support and cooperation in the implementation of activities in observance of the annual MANA Mo celebration every September,' it read. Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) was directed to implement appropriate communication strategies and information dissemination measures to inform, educate, and engage the general public in supporting the programs and activities that promote awareness of the Philippines as a Maritime and Archipelagic Nation. — RF, GMA Integrated News
