It is with utmost joy that, after more than a year of captivity in Yemen, I announce the safe release of all seventeen [ 17 ] Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crewmembers of M/V Galaxy Leader. Our Filipino seafarers are now in the care of our Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman and will be reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines very soon. Allow me to express my gratitude to His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman and his government for their successful mediation, which led to the eventual release and safe passage of our countrymen through Oman. I commend the concerned Philippine Government Agencies and private instrumentalities who worked tirelessly with foreign governments and entities for more than 429 days in making this momentous development possible. As this saga of our brave Filipino seafarers comes to a joyful conclusion, let me remind everyone that—they are the reason why I signed Republic Act No. 12021—known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers into law. This is to protect their rights and overall welfare, to promote their full employment and to ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry—regardless of gender or creed—including equitable access to education, training and development, consistent with existing domestic and international laws, standards and conventions.

Congratulations to POTUS @realdonaldtrump and to the American people on another peaceful transfer of power in their Nation’s nearly 250-year history. I look forward to working closely with you and your Administration. The strong and lasting PH-US alliance will continue to uphold our shared vision of prosperity and security in the region.

BBM VLOG 266: Bagong Taon, Bagong Pilipino! Ngayong taon, sikapin nating maging bagong Pilipino para sa mas maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas! 🇵🇭

On behalf of the Filipino people, I extend my deepest sympathies to all who have been affected by the devastating wildfires in 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘢, 𝘜𝘚𝘈 — a place that many of our 𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘴 call 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲. May the community’s road to recovery begin with strength, compassion and solidarity. Please stay safe and vigilant. 🇺🇸

Jimmy Carter, former president of the United States was a humanitarian who practiced what he preached : 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱. Guided by his faith, he was a servant leader who pursued peace in places torn by war and prosperity in societies broken by want. These are universal values he fought for which are embraced by people everywhere, including Filipinos, as the cornerstone of a better, kinder society they deserve to live in. He was a model of the power to do good, with the benefit of public office or bereft of it, driven, not by politics nor personal gain, but by pure love to one’s fellowmen.

Ikinagagalak kong ipabatid sa ating mga mananakay na libre ang sakay sa LRT-1, LRT-2, at MRT-3 bukas, Disyembre 20, 2024. Tinatayang aabot sa 1.1 milyong pasahero ang sasakay sa mga linyang ito—ang pinakamataas na ridership na naitala ngayong taon. Ang inisyatibong ito ay isang simpleng paraan upang maibsan ang gastos ng ating mga kababayang abala sa paghahanda para sa Pasko. Nawa’y magdulot ito ng ginhawa at maramdaman ng lahat ang malasakit ng pamahalaan ngayong kapaskuhan.

We take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the Indonesian government and to all who have extended assistance for the welfare of Ms. Mary Jane Veloso. We are pleased to announce that she was turned over into the custody of Philippine officials in the evening of 17 December. She arrived in Manila accompanied by officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Immigration, and Bureau of Corrections, this morning, 18 December 2024. We assure the Filipino people that Ms. Veloso's safety and welfare is paramount and our agencies in the justice and law enforcement sector shall continue to ensure it, as our Indonesian counterparts have safeguarded it for so long. The Philippine government welcomes the imminent transfer of Ms. Veloso which was made possible by our strong friendship and cooperation with the Indonesian government.

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. Arrested in 2010 on drug trafficking charges and sentenced to 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵, Mary Jane’s case has been a long and difficult journey. After over a decade of diplomacy and consultations with the Indonesian government, we managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴. Mary Jane’s story resonates with many : a mother trapped by the grip of poverty, who made one desperate choice that altered the course of her life. While she was held accountable under Indonesian law, she remains a victim of her circumstances. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘸𝘰 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘰 and the Indonesian government for their 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹. This outcome is a reflection of the depth our nation’s partnership with Indonesia—united in a shared commitment to 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 and 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. Thank you, 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘢. We look forward to welcoming Mary Jane 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. 🇵🇭

Yesterday marked the 1,000th day since the war in Ukraine began. In my meeting with President @ZelenskyyUa on June 3rd, I reiterated the PH's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. It is our hope that we will see comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Ukraine is our valued partner, and our relations continue to go from strength to strength.

Amidst our ongoing recovery from Typhoons Kristine and Leon, we commemorate the 11th anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda. Our ongoing crucibles remind us that the powerful lessons brought by the strongest typhoon in history should not be lost with the passage of time. Heeding these is the best way to honor the lives lost. As the most disaster-prone country in the world, we cannot do otherwise. We do not have the luxury of ignorance, inaction, and complacency. Thus, we must intensify our efforts to mitigate and adapt to the challenges of climate change and urgently abate our vulnerability to disasters. We must empower our communities and strengthen our local government units, who both comprise our first line of defense against calamities. We must guarantee the speedy delivery of relief and aid to all those who may need it. And after making sure that the communities brace better against typhoons, that they can build back better after, by making them more resilient than before. Calamities are teaching moments, and every one that came after Yolanda delivered a payload of lessons that instructed us how to improve our response. Since then, we have strengthened institutional bulwarks against calamities, which our countrymen have matched with increasing care and compassion for those affected. It is also because of this bayanihan of our race that the pain of victims is assuaged and the rebuilding of homes and livelihoods is accelerated. On this day, we remember the kindness of the international community, whose outpouring of support helped us heal fast. Their response reaffirmed a tenet civilization must uphold when one nation faces an emergency or an existential threat—that no man is an island, indeed. All unfulfilled commitments made in the past for Yolanda rehabilitation are responsibilities we fully assume. Though no singular fault of anyone, many of these pledges remain unredeemed, and we shall see to it that what the state owed to impacted people and places will be satisfactorily settled.

President Trump has won, and the American people have triumphed. I congratulate them on their victory in an exercise that showed the world the strength of American values. We look forward to working with President Trump on a wide range of issues that will yield mutual benefits for two nations with deep ties, shared beliefs, a common vision, and a long history of working together. I am hopeful that this unshakeable alliance, tested in war and peace, will be a force for good, blazing a path of prosperity and amity in the region and on both sides of the Pacific. This is a durable partnership to which the Philippines is fully committed, because it is founded on the ideals we share: freedom and democracy. I have personally met President Trump as a young man, so I know that his robust leadership will result in a better future for all of us. Congratulations, President Trump!

Salubungin natin ang bagyong Marce na may ibayong paghahanda, sa abot ng ating makakaya, alinsunod sa mga matagal ng nailatag na mga patnubay sa ganitong hamon. Sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, you all know the drill. I am placing you all in high alert. Simulan natin sa pagkasa ng isang maayos na sistema ng komunikasyon na mabilis maghahatid ng abiso at impormasyon sa mga mamamayan . Tandaan na nakabatay ang kanilang pagkilos sa mga maagang warnings na inyong ipaaabot. Knowledge saves lives. Siguraduhin na lahat ng ilog, lawa, baybayin at anumang lagusan ng tubig ay nasa ilalim ng 24-hour na pagmamatyag. Paulit-ulit ko ng sinasabi yan. Hindi ako magsasawang ulit-ulitin yan. Sa mga dams na maapektuhan, ipinauubaya ko sa mga ekspertong kawani ng mga ito na sundin ang nararapat na hakbang batay sa existing protocols kung may nagbabadyang pagapaw ng tubig. Ikasa na rin ang lahat ng rescue equipment, sa lahat ng antas ng pamahalaan, sa lahat ng ahensya na maaring magambag ng mga kagamitan, lalo na mga sasakyan. Ang mga relief goods ay dapat forward deployed na sa mga ligtas na imbakan upang mabilis silang maipamigay sa mga nasalanta. Sa DPWH at DOTr, naka-standby kayo para sa road clearing operations. Gamitin nyo hindi lang ang inyong mga makinarya, mga truck, kasama rin dapat ang mga pribadong kumpanya na kalahok sa ating Build Better More infrastructure programs. Ngayon pa lang pinapasalamatan ko na ang lahat ng medical personnel, sa publiko man o pribadong mga pasilidad, na nakaantabay na maglapat ng lunas sa mga nangangailangan. Tandaan, ang bawat buhay ay mahalaga. Kaya dapat tayo ay laging handa, laging mag-iingat. #MarcePH

BBM VLOG 265: Disaster Resilience As we remember those we've loved and lost, let’s also hold in our hearts the countless Filipinos striving to rebuild after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. We are with you, committed to reaching every family, restoring every home and standing alongside each community. In a Bagong Pilipinas no effort is spared in building a future that’s stronger and more united. 🇵🇭

I assure the Filipino people that the government is ably handling all disaster management efforts. We remain in full control. Our resources and personnel may be stretched due to the impact of typhoons on multiple fronts. Nevertheless, we have sufficient assets to mitigate the worst impact, recover from the wreckage, and rebuild stronger than before. Relief and recovery efforts continue in areas affected by Typhoon Kristine, while preparations are ramping up for Typhoon Leon. All agencies and instrumentalities of government remain on full alert, and remain ready to deploy aid wherever it may be needed.

Yesterday we started sending aid and commenced rescue operations in the areas affected by STS Kristine. Today, we will continue sending our help and aid. I make this pledge to our people: Help is on the way. It will come by land, air, and, even by sea. I have ordered the full mobilization of available AFP personnel and resources which can be committed to relief operations. Other uniformed agencies such as the PNP, BFP and the Philippine Coast Guard are likewise placed under that status. I have ordered them to deploy vehicles, aircraft, boats, ships and all other transportation assets for, first rescue, and then relief and rehabilitation. This includes presidential helicopters. This means putting people out of harm’s way, those whose lives are in danger, and then paving the way for the rapid movement of relief resources to affected areas. I want to see a conveyor belt of aid that is constantly delivering aid to the front. All personnel leaves, except for medical reasons and those with humanitarian justifications, in the uniformed services, are deemed cancelled. Members of the AFP and the PNP medical corps will join in the relief effort as frontline personnel. For a speedy and streamlined disaster response, I have directed Cabinet Secretaries to lead relief and rehabilitation work in specific areas. I have ordered the DBM Secretary to immediately release all necessary funds so that needed resources can be procured expeditiously. The DSWD shall rush to all affected areas to provide relief goods, both pre-positioned and new supplies to augment those provided by the local government units. As soon as weather permits, the DSWD will mobilize the grant of financial aid under existing government programs. The DA has been ordered to implement a quick planting and production turnaround plan to help farmers grow food the country needs. This, of course, is premised on the grant of immediate assistance, including payment of crop insurance to farmers affected by the typhoon. The DPWH has been under orders to undertake emergency road clearing operations. Private contractors are urged to join in the restoration of traffic on damaged roads and bridges. To blunt any attempt at profiteering, the DTI is monitoring compliance with the price control on selected goods imposed in all areas under the State of Calamity, in accordance with the law. The DTI is also directed to ensure the unhampered flow of goods in all the affected areas. I have directed the DA to deploy Kadiwa rolling stores to affected areas, and so that many people will be reached, to expand its fleet by contracting private vehicle owners.

We have been tirelessly and urgently working towards the immediate deployment of relief, recovery, and rehabilitation amidst the severe devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine (Trami) in the Bicol Region. Lahat ng mapagkukunan ng inyong pambansang pamahalaan ay inilalaan upang ipaabot bilang kinakailangan na tulong, tungo sa mabilisang pagbalik ng normal na kondisyon at pamumuhay sa mga apektadong lugar. We are now intensifying, as well, preparations as this generational typhoon makes its way to Southern Tagalog, and barrels towards Northern Luzon. Our priority there is to mitigate the damage it may cause, evacuate those living in hazardous areas, and to preposition necessary goods and personnel to ensure the continuous availability of essential supplies once the Typhoon arrives. We have directed all government agencies to reinforce the bulwark which we have built against this raging tempest. We have also encouraged our partners in the private sector to pitch in so we can assist those in need. Sa ating nagkakaisa at mabilisang galaw at pagkilos, malalampasan natin ang unos na ito, muling itatayo ang mga nasira nito, at babangon tayo muli bilang isang mas matatag at mas matibay na bayan. Sa mga minamahal kong kababayan na apektado ng bagyong ito, o may mga kapamilya o minamahal na naninirahan sa ma lugar na direktang tinamaan: dumating na ang tulong sa maraming lugar, paparating na ang tulong sa iba pa, ipagkakaloob ang buong saklolo, at walang sinumang Pilipino ang maiiwan.

BBM VLOG 264: Ang Galing ng Pinoy! Filipino Excellence in S.T.E.M Proud of our Filipino innovators at the forefront of STEM. With Filipinnovation driving our vision, we're making science and technology the heart of progress in 𝘽𝙖𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙨. We are shaping a future where Filipino ingenuity leads on the global stage. 🇵🇭

BBM VLOG 263: PBBM Reacts : Greetings from Healthcare Workers & Patients Maraming salamat sa inyong mainit na pagbati! Patuloy nating isusulong ang mas malawak at mas abot-kamay na serbisyong medikal para sa bawat Pilipino. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, 𝘉𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘉𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘢.

While we are elated by this validation of our hard work, we view it more as a challenge to do even better. Indeed, positive ratings always encourage us, but we remain focused on improving the key metrics that fulfill our promises to the people. We take the high road in our efforts, not merely to seek popularity, but to render genuine and effective service that improves our people’s lives, strengthens our nation and secures our future. More than the results of any opinion poll, this is the true reward and reaffirmation we seek.

BBM VLOG 262: Happy Birthday, Dad Here's to many more memories together. We ❤️ you - Sandro, Simon and Vinny