Malacañang emphasized on Monday that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains strictly focused on national governance and addressing global economic challenges, dismissing early discussions regarding the 2028 presidential elections as premature.
In a press briefing at Malacañang, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified the administration’s current priorities following inquiries regarding potential endorsements for the next election cycle.
“From the President’s perspective, it is far too early to discuss who will run for the presidency in the next election,” Castro stated. “The President is focused on his work—particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East—to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products for our country. Politics is not the focus right now. It is work first.”
The administration is currently navigating the ripple effects of the conflict between the US and Iran, which has led to increased volatility in fuel and commodity prices. Undersecretary Castro noted that the President’s immediate concern is providing a safety net for Filipinos affected by these global price hikes.
To combat these economic pressures, President Marcos led several key initiatives in Roxas City, Capiz, on Monday:
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Food Security: The President spearheaded a rice distribution program, providing 10 kilograms of rice to 500 farmers and vulnerable individuals. This forms part of a broader directive for Local Government Units (LGUs) to utilize the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for community relief.
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Education and Career Growth: The President presided over a historic mass oath-taking of more than 8,000 newly promoted teachers and school heads from Western Visayas. This event marks the largest single gathering under the administration’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, aimed at elevating the professional standards and welfare of the nation’s educators.
The Palace reiterated that the administration’s energy is being channeled into tangible results—securing the energy supply chain, stabilizing food costs, and strengthening the education sector—rather than engaging in political maneuvering.
The President remains committed to ensuring that the Philippines stays resilient in the face of international instability, prioritizing the immediate needs of the Filipino people over future electoral cycles.
