President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pursued governance reforms, strengthened peace initiatives, and advanced the country’s energy security and digitalization agenda in a series of engagements during the week.

Among the major developments were the appointment of a new Supreme Court (SC) chief justice, the release of billions of pesos in post-disaster rehabilitation assistance to local governments, and the activation of additional natural gas production from the Malampaya gas field.

Selection of new chief justice

Marcos appointed SC Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda as the country’s next chief justice.

Zalameda, a former Court of Appeals associate justice and prosecutor, brings decades of experience in the judiciary and public service.

The President expressed confidence in Zalameda’s ability to lead the country’s highest court.

On Wednesday, Marcos also conferred the Order of Lakandula, Rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) on outgoing SC Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo in recognition of his more than four decades of government service and lasting contributions to judicial reform and public service.

Sustaining peace efforts

Marcos on Friday met with officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) led by chairperson Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim at Malacañan Palace in Manila to discuss the remaining commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The President and the MILF also reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing the peace process and ensuring the full implementation of the agreement.

The discussion also covered the completion of the remaining phases of the MILF combatants’ decommissioning process and the fulfillment of outstanding commitments before the end of Marcos’ term.

On Wednesday, Marcos also convened the 10th National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Committee Meeting to discuss the government’s continuing efforts to address local communist armed conflicts.

Post-disaster recovery

The President on Thursday led the ceremonial turnover of PHP8.64 billion in assistance under the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP) to 306 local government units (LGUs) to help disaster-affected communities recover.

The DRRAP allocation will fund the rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, housing, public facilities, agriculture, and livelihoods in areas affected by disasters from 2024 to 2026.

The program seeks to accelerate recovery in communities affected by typhoons, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and other calamities.

During the turnover ceremony, Marcos stressed that there must be “no room for corruption” in the implementation of rehabilitation projects, warning LGUs against ghost projects, commissions, and substandard construction.

He reminded local officials to use the funds wisely and ensure that assistance reaches disaster-stricken communities.

Malampaya’s increased natural gas production

Also on Thursday, Marcos led the activation of the first delivery of natural gas from the Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) Project at the Malampaya Onshore Gas Plant in Tabangao Ambulong, Batangas City.

Marcos emphasized that increased domestic natural gas production would help reduce the country’s dependence on imported energy and lessen its exposure to volatile global energy prices.

The Malampaya gas field has served as a major source of indigenous natural gas for more than two decades, supplying fuel to power plants that provide electricity to millions of Filipinos, particularly in Luzon.

The MP4 development includes deepwater drilling and completion of two new wells, Malampaya East-1 (MAE-1) and Camago-3 (CA-3), along with the installation and integration of new subsea infrastructure into the existing Malampaya production system.

The two wells have an estimated 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas resources, which are expected to support continued production from the Malampaya field until around 2034.

Advancing digitalization efforts

As part of his administration’s push to strengthen the country’s digital economy, Marcos met with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) – Digital Infrastructure Sector Group at Malacañan on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on improving digital connectivity, strengthening digital system security, and expanding opportunities for Filipinos in the digital economy.

The PSAC presented recommendations covering four key areas: expanding digital access through the Bayanihan SIM Project, protecting critical infrastructure from emerging threats, developing the Philippine space industry, and encouraging Filipino talent to gain international experience and bring their expertise back home.

The recommendations aim to support the government’s efforts to improve Internet access, strengthen cybersecurity, develop emerging industries, and create more opportunities for Filipino workers.

Ad interim appointments of ‘best’ Cabinet members

On Friday, Marcos swore in 10 Cabinet secretaries following their ad interim appointments, paving the way for their confirmation proceedings before the Commission on Appointments.

They were Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, Health Secretary Edwin Mercado, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita Mathay, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon, and Philippine Space Agency Director General Gay Jane Perez.

During the mass oath-taking at Malacañan, the President described his Cabinet as the “best team ever assembled.”

The President urged the officials to build on existing gains, address longstanding challenges, and ensure the effective implementation of government programs, emphasizing accountability, clean governance, and concrete results for Filipinos.

Marcos also administered the oath of office to Finance Secretary Frederick Go at Malacañan on Thursday, reaffirming his confidence in the Cabinet official’s leadership in strengthening the country’s fiscal management, maintaining financial stability, and advancing economic growth.

Showcasing Filipino talent

To promote Filipino creativity and craftsmanship, the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos inaugurated the 279-seat Likhang Filipino theater located within the Likhang Filipino Creative Lab in Pasay City on Friday.

The new theater provides emerging and established Filipino artists with a platform to showcase their talents, share Filipino stories, and reach wider audiences.

The initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to preserving the country’s cultural heritage and strengthening the creative industries as a source of economic opportunities.

On Wednesday, Marcos and the First Lady also paid tribute to Filipino designers and artisans during the launch of Filipiniana: A Celebration of Filipino Fashion Heritage, a publication highlighting the country’s traditional clothing, weaving traditions, and craftsmanship.

The President recognized the talents and dedication of Filipino creatives whose works reflect the country’s cultural identity and preserve its rich fashion heritage.

Featured in the publication were fashion designers Michael Leyva and Paul Cabral, creative director Patrick Rosas, and other Filipino designers and artisans.

Deepening Philippine-Spain relations

Marcos also welcomed Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Xavier Martí Martí at Malacañan, where the diplomat presented his credentials.

During the meeting, the President expressed his desire to further strengthen the longstanding relations between the Philippines and Spain.

Martí reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to expanding bilateral dialogue, strengthening economic and investment ties, and enhancing defense and security cooperation with the Philippines.

His appointment to the Philippines marks his first diplomatic posting in the Asia-Pacific region and his first assignment as the head of a diplomatic mission. (PNA)