Marcos Advances Trade, Infrastructure, Healthcare and Public Service Initiatives
Manila, The Gulf Observer: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. concluded a week marked by developments in trade, elections, executive clemency, fuel prices, healthcare, infrastructure, maritime affairs and international cooperation.
Marcos on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union.
The agreement is expected to expand opportunities for businesses and investors, support job creation and contribute to the diversification of supply chains.
Later, Marcos met with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) at Malacañan Palace to discuss preparations for the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2026. The summit was rescheduled for November 14-15 under the theme “ASEAN: Creating Our Shared Future in the Age of Intelligence,” with discussions focusing on energy and food security, inclusive growth, and the development of creative and digital economies.
Election Law
On Thursday, Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12326, extending the terms of elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials from three years to five years and postponing the regular Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections from November 2026 to November 2028.
Under the law, the next elections will be held on the second Monday of November 2028 and every five years thereafter.
Executive Clemency
Marcos also granted an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, who returned to the Philippines in December 2024 after spending nearly 15 years in prison in Indonesia.
Veloso was sentenced to death in Indonesia in 2010 after being arrested on allegations of drug trafficking. She has maintained that she was a victim of human trafficking.
The President confirmed the pardon during his visit to Eastern Samar on Friday.
Fuel Tax Relief
On Friday, Marcos issued Executive Order No. 125 suspending excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene for three months in response to rising global oil prices.
The measure followed certification by the Department of Energy that the one-month average price of Dubai crude reached US$99.41 per barrel between August 13 and September 11, exceeding the US$80-per-barrel threshold established under Republic Act No. 12316 for possible fuel excise tax suspension or reduction.
The measure is intended to help cushion consumers and the economy from the impact of higher international oil prices.
Healthcare and Anti-Hunger Programs
Marcos on Friday inspected the newly reconstructed Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital and its transitional facility in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
The hospital, which was damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, is preparing to resume full operations following the completion of reconstruction.
The President stressed the importance of providing accessible and quality healthcare, particularly to communities in remote areas.
He also monitored preparations for the opening of a new Walang Gutom Kitchen in Catbalogan City, Samar. The facility, expected to open in October, will be the fourth of its kind nationwide and is planned to provide up to 200 free meals daily, including breakfast and lunch, to vulnerable Filipinos.
Housing and Property Reforms
Marcos also met with the Private Sector Advisory Council-Infrastructure Sector at Malacañan Palace to discuss proposals concerning property costs, affordable housing, employment and investment.
Among the proposals was a four-year deferment of the implementation of the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act. The council proposed beginning implementation in 2031, extending the real property tax amnesty for four years and introducing a phased transition that would limit annual real property tax increases to 6 percent during the first three years.
Metro Manila Subway
Another major development came on Wednesday when Marcos witnessed the breakthrough of a tunnel boring machine at the Quezon Avenue station of the Metro Manila Subway Project in Quezon City.
The 33-kilometer underground railway will feature 17 stations connecting six cities across Metro Manila. Once operational, the project is expected to serve more than 520,000 passengers daily and reduce travel time between Valenzuela City and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City from approximately 90 minutes to 40 minutes.
Support for Filipino Seafarers
Speaking at the Philippine Maritime Convention 2026 at the Manila Hotel, Marcos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights, welfare, safety and dignity of Filipino seafarers.
He also called for continued cooperation among government agencies, industry, labor organizations, and education and training institutions to strengthen the competitiveness of Filipino seafarers globally.
Held under the theme “Sailing Forward: The Philippines as the Global Leader in Seafarers’ Welfare, Protection and Maritime Excellence,” the two-day convention provided a platform for policy discussions and cooperation among maritime stakeholders.
Strengthening International Relations
On Thursday, Marcos received the credentials of newly designated Swiss Ambassador Edgar Doerig and Dutch Ambassador Roderick Wols at Malacañan Palace.
During the meetings, the President expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations with both countries.
He highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation with the Netherlands in trade and investment, water management, transportation and infrastructure, while reaffirming the Philippines’ close relations with Switzerland.
Space Science and Technology
Marcos also received Filipino analog astronauts during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace.
Discussions covered analog missions, upcoming programs of the Philippine Space Agency and opportunities to strengthen national capabilities in space science and technology, including preparations related to human spaceflight.
Among the initiatives discussed was the Philippine Space Agency Analog Habitat Waypoint, a university-based analog mission designed to develop capabilities in human spaceflight research and mission operations.
Security and Civil-Military Cooperation
On Friday, Marcos visited Camp General Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City, Samar, where he commended the 8th Infantry Division for its role in the declaration of two provinces, four cities and 115 municipalities in Eastern Visayas as Stable Internal Peace and Security areas.
The President emphasized the importance of strengthening civil-military cooperation and coordination with government agencies and local governments, while encouraging the use of modern approaches and technology in carrying out their missions.
During the visit, Marcos was also presented with a wooden carving depicting the historic Balangiga Bells, symbolizing the courage and sacrifice of Filipinos in defending the country’s freedom.
Paying Tribute to Former Governor
Marcos, accompanied by his son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, also visited the wake of the late Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City on Wednesday.
The President extended his condolences to Cua’s family and paid tribute to the late governor’s 25 years of public service, saying his contributions to government and the communities he served would be remembered.
