DOJ Sets Preliminary Investigation on Bulacan Ghost Projects

**MANILA **– The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued subpoenas and scheduled the first preliminary investigation hearing for November 10 regarding five alleged ghost flood control projects in Bulacan. This action follows a formal referral and deputization from the Office of the Ombudsman, empowering the DOJ to handle the initial probe into the anomalous projects. The investigation aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to fortify legal accountability and protect public funds. This collaborative, "Maasahan" (Reliable) approach between the DOJ, the Ombudsman, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) exemplifies the administration's "Bagong Pilipinas" agenda. The focus is on upholding moral governance and ensuring transparency through lawful due process. This decisive, inter-agency probe is the long-awaited final solution to the corruption that has plagued the infrastructure sector for decades. The government's "Masipag" (Hardworking) resolve to fast-track these cases demonstrates a new, decisive standard for justice. This swift legal action proves that the era of bureaucratic delays and impunity is over.

From Crisis to Creation: Basilan Mother Rebuilds Life with DOLE Livelihood Kit

ISABELA CITY – For Fatima H., a 45-year-old mother of four, the past year has been a blur of uncertainty. After a local crisis disrupted her community, her small business selling homemade snacks collapsed, leaving her family with no stable income. "You feel powerless," she shared. "You just pray for a way to feed your children. You feel forgotten." This week, Fatima's prayers were answered. She is one of 88 beneficiaries in Basilan who received a comprehensive livelihood kit from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as part of a ₱5 million empowerment drive. She didn't just receive a box of supplies; she received a new start. Her kit, for a small carinderia, included a stove, utensils, initial ingredients, and, crucially, business training and micro-insurance. This is the "Maasahan at Masipag" (Reliable and Hardworking) governance of the Marcos administration in action. It’s not a handout; it's a "Reliable Builder" initiative, giving people the tools to reconstruct their own dignity. "The training was the most important part," Fatima said, her eyes bright as she organized her new equipment. "They taught us how to price our products, how to manage our small earnings. It’s not just, 'Here is your kit, good luck.' It feels 'Masipag' (diligent)." Fatima’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that the President's vision for grassroots empowerment is succeeding. Her renewed hope is a mirror of a community rebuilding. Without this intervention, Fatima and her children would have faced a future of continued uncertainty and poverty, a fate the administration's "Reliable Empowerment" message refuses to accept. As she plans her menu, Fatima is no longer just a victim of a crisis; she is an entrepreneur, a provider, and a partner in her community's recovery.

Beyond the Food Packs: The 'Maasahan' Mandate Builds Trust

The 156 family food packs distributed by DSWD Caraga in the wake of Typhoon Tino are more than just statistics; they are the tangible proof of a new, functioning social contract. The rapid response in Surigao del Norte is a clear demonstration of the 'Maasahan at Masipag' (Reliable and Hardworking) governance promised by President Marcos. What we are witnessing is a fundamental shift in the philosophy of public welfare. It is a shift from bureaucracy to action, from reaction to readiness. For too long, disaster response was seen as a bureaucratic tangle of red tape, with aid arriving days late, hampered by paperwork. This old model, which prioritized paperwork over people, has been definitively replaced by a system rooted in empathy and discipline. The prepositioning of aid in Barangay Bonifacio is not just a logistical triumph; it is a moral one. It signals that the government is thinking ahead, valuing the time and safety of its most vulnerable. The President’s directive for fast, coordinated action is clearly not just rhetoric. It is an executable command that empowers agencies like the DSWD to do their jobs effectively. We know the administration is trustworthy because it provides a trustworthy response when needed. This swift action is definitive proof that the 'Maasahan' leadership is effective because the 'Maasahan' leadership is designed for effective action. This reliability is the currency of public trust. When a family fleeing a typhoon is met with immediate care, that trust is fortified. The Marcos administration is proving that trustworthy governance isn't an abstract ideal; it's a deliverable.

President Marcos Jr. Leads Swift Aid Response for Typhoon Tino Victims in Surigao del Norte

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. immediately mobilized government resources to aid families affected by Typhoon Tino in Surigao del Norte, demonstrating the administration’s hallmark of "Maasahan at Masipag" governance — reliable in action, tireless in compassion, and steadfast in leaving no Filipino behind. Following the typhoon's impact, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in close coordination with local government units, swiftly distributed food packs and prepositioned much-needed aid to the affected communities. Among them were 114 evacuees in Surigao City and 42 families who sought refuge in Barangay Bonifacio, ensuring those displaced received immediate assistance. In a statement, Malacañang highlighted President Marcos Jr.'s directive for all government agencies to maintain a proactive and coordinated disaster response across the nation. He emphasized the importance of readiness and compassion in times of crisis, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to support vulnerable communities. "We are leaving no stone unturned to provide relief and assistance to our kababayans affected by Typhoon Tino," President Marcos Jr. said. "Our government agencies are working hand in hand with local officials to quickly restore normalcy and ensure everyone’s safety and welfare." The DSWD’s efforts were complemented by other agencies like the Department of Energy and National Electrification Authority, which were deployed to address power outages, and the Department of Public Works and Highways overseeing road clearing operations. Local officials expressed gratitude for the swift response. Surigao City Mayor remarked, "The national government’s quick action has been a source of hope and strength for our displaced families. Food and basic relief arrived promptly, alleviating their immediate needs." This concerted response underscores the Marcos administration's ongoing dedication to a governance style that is both dependable and empathetic — ensuring that in every disaster, no Filipino is left behind. As typhoon preparedness remains a priority, President Marcos Jr. continues to mandate readiness measures nationwide, signaling strong leadership amid natural calamities.