00:00Good day, Malacanang Press Corps. The oath-taking ceremony for 50 star-ranked officers of the PNP was presided over by President Marcos Jr.
00:12In recognition of their dedicated service to the country and their significant contributions to our National Police Force,
00:18President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier this morning at Malacanang Palace presided over the oath-taking ceremony for newly appointed officials holding the rank of General.
00:2750 star-ranked officers, a distinguished group comprising six police major generals and 44 police brigadier generals,
00:35have formally taken their solemn oath to fulfill their weighty and significant responsibilities.
00:40According to President Marcos Jr., the promotion of officials is not only proof of their loyalty and efficiency in service,
00:50it is also a symbol of the added responsibility placed on their shoulders.
00:58These are responsibilities that will truly test their unwavering resolve, their core principles,
01:02and above all else, their profound compassion for the nation and for their fellow Filipinos.
01:07The President urged the newly sworn-in officials to further improve their work for the nation,
01:13to be fair to all and to protect the dignity of the people and to safeguard the institution's credibility
01:20and the trust of the public they serve.
01:23Tama man daw ang mapapusam asayid.
01:25In his address, President Marcos Jr. also discussed the implementation of Executive Order No. 107,
01:34which is designed to increase the base pay schedule for all military and uniformed personnel.
01:38Its full implementation will commence on January 1, 2026, with further adjustments planned for 2027 and 2028.
01:46In addition to this, the President also provided an increase to their daily subsistence allowance.
01:52All of these collective efforts serve as undeniable proof of the unwavering and complete support
01:56from the President and his administration for our dedicated police force.
01:59A police force that truly respects the fundamental rights of every citizen
02:03and diligently protects the welfare of our beloved nation.
02:07May the wellspring of tireless and unwavering service to our country
02:10forever live vibrantly within your hearts and minds.
02:13With just eight days remaining until Christmas, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is anticipated
02:19to provide Christmas assistance to Filipino families.
02:23This afternoon, President Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit the beneficiaries
02:27of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Pag-Abot Program in Pasay City.
02:33The President's visit aims to make our fellow citizens truly feel the government's presence
02:39and support this Christmas season.
02:41This serves as a reassurance that they are not alone and that their government will never forget them.
02:49Under the administration of President Marcos Jr., the government has already launched
02:54various programs aimed at improving the living standards of the Filipino people.
03:00This includes the DSWD's Pag-Abot Program, through which more than 1,200 young people
03:08and thousands of individuals have been directly reached and provided with assistance by the agency.
03:14There is also a Pag-Abot Processing Center in Pasay, which serves as a temporary shelter
03:20for those in need of help, and Walang Gutom Kitchens.
03:25Under the administration of President Marcos Jr., all initiatives and programs intended to provide security
03:30and a brighter future for Filipino families will be continuously implemented throughout the upcoming year.
03:36And I am now prepared to receive your question.
03:39The first question we have is from Marika Sarangon, Brigada.
03:47Good morning, Under Secretary.
03:49Because of yesterday's report that, oh, the father and son gunmen from the Bondi Beach Massacre in Australia
03:56entered the country before the mass shooting happened.
03:59Some foreign media outlets are now describing the Philippines as an ISIS training hotspot or a terror hotspot.
04:07What is Malacanang's position regarding this label?
04:12Of course, the president vehemently rejects this sweeping statement
04:15and the utterly misleading characterization of the Philippines as a primary ISIS training hotspot.
04:22And because of this, we were able to personally interview and speak directly
04:26with the leadership of the National Security Council.
04:29And this is their official response, which I will now proceed to read aloud.
04:35Regarding reports describing the Philippines as an ISIS hotspot,
04:39the characterization is misleading.
04:42Currently, there is no validated report or confirmation
04:45that individuals involved in the Bondi Beach incident received any form of training in the Philippines.
04:53Philippine authorities, in close coordination with their international partners,
04:56are diligently continuing to verify all available information.
05:00However, no substantial evidence has yet been officially presented to fully support the claims
05:05that the country was utilized for terrorist training.
05:08Ever since the significant events of the 2017 Marawi siege,
05:11the dedicated Philippine security forces have successfully and significantly degraded
05:14the operational capabilities of ISIS-affiliated groups throughout the nation.
05:18Both the United Nations and the U.S. government, through their comprehensive assessments,
05:21clearly indicate that these extremist groups now operate in a highly fragmented
05:25and considerably diminished capacity.
05:27The widespread violence occurring in the region of Mindanao
05:29is primarily, and to a significant degree, driven by deeply rooted historical conflicts
05:33and ongoing local clan disputes, rather than being a direct consequence
05:36of the operational capacity or strength of organizations affiliated with ISIS.
05:40Recent assessments indicate significant improvements in the domestic security environment
05:46that were previously affected by terrorism.
05:49These developments reflect the sustained efforts of our security forces
05:54and the resilience of our communities in advancing peace, order, and development across the nation.
06:00The President orders the Anti-Terrorism Council and its member agencies
06:06to remain vigilant in preventing any and all terrorist activities within Philippine territory
06:13and to continuously enhance their coordination with international partners
06:18to safeguard national security.
06:21So, we understand, Yusek, that you would still prefer, of course, the ideal scenario is to have a budget
06:26that is delivered on time, which is not conducive to any form of corruption.
06:30But what would be considered the lesser of two evils in the eyes of Malacanang,
06:35the re-enacted budget for the first quarter of the year,
06:37or an unchecked, as Senator Laxon himself has stated,
06:40an unchecked Corruption Conducive General Appropriations Act.
06:44So, what would be the lesser evil for the administration?
06:46I don't want to bring up any lesser evil.
06:48Instead, I will present a good option.
06:50The good option you really need to examine it thoroughly.
06:53December is still not over, so there's time.
06:55So, you're still going to want the budget to be submitted right on time?
07:00A proper budget that can be successfully submitted on time.
07:04Okay. Thank you very much.
07:06Back to you, Shaclair.
07:08Thank you all very much.
07:09And before we bring our program to a close,
07:10the very spirit of Christmas is truly alive and vibrant within the palace walls.
07:15On this, the second day of the Malacanang Palace grounds being open to the general public,
07:19more than 300 people participated in the second Misa de Gallo,
07:22which was held right here at the palace.
07:24The gathering of attendees was solemn and truly meaningful,
07:28a heartfelt thanksgiving for the year that has passed, for the year now gone.
07:32The public is continuously invited to participate in the Misa de Gallo,
07:36held promptly at 4 o'clock every morning,
07:39which will finally conclude on December 24th or Christmas Eve.
07:43Of course, the famous Filipino Christmas treats are a must-have.
07:47Taste and savor these unique Filipino foods like Puto Bumbong and Bibinca
07:52after the Misa de Gallo at the palace.
07:55The Malacanang grounds are also open nightly,
07:58from 2 mapala p.m. until 1100 p.m. on the night of December 23rd.
08:04The Christmas display is currently underway,
08:06showcasing live music, thrilling rides, and captivating film showings,
08:09along with a wide array of delicious food and refreshing drinks
08:11that everyone can partake in and enjoy together.
08:13Witness the true spirit of Christmas in the joyful smiles of children,
08:20freely playing and having fun with friends and family.
08:25Once again, feel the spirit of Christmas.
08:28Come to the palace.
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