Marcos declares Sept 14 a special non-working day for first BARMM parliamentary polls

By Argyll Cyrus Geducos

Published Aug 21, 2026 09:44 am

At A Glance

• President Marcos declared Sept. 14, 2026, a special non-working day in BARMM to allow residents to vote in the region's first regular parliamentary elections.
• Malacañang said the polls will proceed as scheduled despite the recent ambush of Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof "Sammy Gambar" Macacua.
• The elections have been postponed four times since they were originally scheduled for May 9, 2022.

File photos

President Marcos has declared Sept. 14, 2026, a special non-working day in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to allow residents to participate in the region’s first regular parliamentary elections.

Proclamation No. 1395, signed on Aug. 18 by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto by authority of the President, said the declaration would give Bangsamoro residents the opportunity to fully exercise their right to vote.

“In order to give the people of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao the opportunity to actively and fully participate in the election and exercise their right to vote, it is but fitting and proper to declare Monday, 14 September 2026, as a special (non-working) day,” the proclamation stated.   

The Sept. 14 polls were set under Republic Act (RA) No. 12317, which further amended the Bangsamoro Organic Law and moved the first regular elections to the second Monday of September 2026.

Malacañang on Monday, Aug. 17,  said the elections would proceed as scheduled despite the attempted ambush of BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua on Aug. 15.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos wanted the elections to continue as part of the region’s transition toward democratic governance.

“Katulad ng nabanggit natin na mensahe ng Pangulo, hindi po ito (ambush) makakapigil sa anumang balak na magkaroon ng tuloy-tuloy na pagbabago para sa pagkakaroon ng pamahalaang demokratiko sa komunidad ng BARMM (As we have mentioned in the President’s message, this [ambush] will not prevent the continuing changes toward democratic governance in the BARMM community),” she said.   

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had described the ambush as an isolated incident and maintained that the region remained generally peaceful.

Macacua survived the attempted ambush when gunmen fired assault rifles at his convoy along the national highway in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, with three vehicles, including his bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser, hit by gunfire.

Castro said the Philippine National Police (PNP) was continuing its investigation to identify those behind the attack, while President Marcos had ordered government agencies to strengthen security in BARMM and conduct a thorough investigation.

The first BARMM parliamentary elections have been postponed four times, beginning with the original May 9, 2022, schedule, which was moved to May 12, 2025, under RA No. 11593.

The polls were then moved to Oct. 13, 2025, under RA No. 12123, before subsequent legal and redistricting issues led to further delays and eventually the current Sept. 14, 2026, schedule.

The repeated postponements have prolonged the BARMM transition period, which was originally intended to end with the assumption of office of elected regional officials in 2022.

Palace declares special holidays in several localities

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Apr 12, 2025 08:41 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Based on the signed proclamations, the local holidays were declared to allow residents to meaningfully engage in the cultural and historical events significant to their communities.

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Malacañang has declared multiple special nonworking days in May 2025 in various parts of the country through a series of proclamations signed to honor local festivals, anniversaries, and historic figures.

File photo

Based on the signed proclamations, the local holidays were declared to allow residents to meaningfully engage in the cultural and historical events significant to their communities.

Through Proclamation No. 849, Friday, May 2, was declared a special nonworking day in Bauan, Batangas, for the Sublian Festival, a traditional celebration known for its devotion to the Holy Cross and the performance of the Subli folk dance. 

Under Proclamation No. 850, a special nonworking day was declared on Monday, May 5, in Santiago, Isabela, to celebrate its 31st cityhood anniversary.

Kapangan, Benguet, will also observe a holiday on May 5 under Proclamation No. 851 in remembrance of the birth anniversary of Governor Bado Dangwa. Dangwa, born in 1905, was a prominent World War II officer and served as Benguet governor from 1953 to 1963.

Proclamation No. 852 sets Thursday, May 8, a special nonworking day in President Roxas, Cotabato, to celebrate the municipality's 58th founding anniversary.

Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 853 declares Friday, May 9, a special nonworking holiday in San Jose, Negros Oriental, marking the town's charter day celebration. 

Lastly, under Proclamation No. 854, Tuesday, May 20, was declared a special nonworking day in Uyugan, Batanes, to commemorate its foundation day.

Special nonworking days are typically declared to enable citizens to commemorate important local events, celebrate cultural traditions, or remember significant historical figures.

Palace sets Nov. 4 as day of national mourning for 'Kristine' victims

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Nov 2, 2024 10:05 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Marcos ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Nov. 4 on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad.

• As of Oct. 30, 2024, Typhoon Kristine affected a total of 1,788,630 families or 7,033,922 individuals. It likewise caused 139 casualties nationwide. 

President Marcos has declared Monday, Nov. 4, as a Day of National Mourning for the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine which ravaged several parts of the country last month.

MOURNING THE LOSS — Families of landslide victims due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Talisay, Batangas pay their last respect to their deceased loved ones at the Talisay Public Cemetery on Oct. 29, 2024. (Santi San Juan)

In his Proclamation No. 728, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Oct. 30, Marcos said he is one with the entire country in mourning the tragic loss of life caused by the storm.

"The nation deeply mourns this tragic loss and joins the families and loved ones of our departed brothers and sisters in this moment of immense sorrow," he said. 

"The onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine caused the loss of lives and tremendous destruction of property, including immense damage to agriculture and critical infrastructure lifelines, as well as the disruption of the means of livelihood, and the normal way of life of the people, especially in the affected areas," he added.

With this, the President has ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Nov. 4 on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad.

"[U]nder the... Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the Philippine Flag shall be flown at half-mast on all buildings and places where it is displayed as a sign of mourning during tragedies of national significance," he wrote.

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine ravaged several parts of the country from Oct. 21 to 25, bringing torrential rains and violent winds that triggered widespread flooding and landslides and drastically affected the lives of many Filipinos.

Based on a report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of Oct. 30, 2024, Typhoon Kristine affected a total of 1,788,630 families or 7,033,922 individuals.

It likewise caused 139 casualties nationwide.

Reminder: Two holidays this August

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Aug 1, 2024 07:50 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Based on Proclamation No. 368 that Malacañang issued in October last year, the two holidays this month are: August 21 (Wednesday) Ninoy Aquino Day, and August 26 (Monday) National Heroes Day.

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Two holidays, including one long weekend, await Filipinos this month of August.

File photos

Based on Proclamation No. 368 that Malacañang issued in October last year, the two holidays for August are:

• August 21 (Wednesday): Ninoy Aquino Day
• August 26 (Monday): National Heroes Day

Early this year, President Marcos reminded the public to make advance preparations and take advantage of the long weekends in 2024. "Lubusin natin ang mga long weekend ngayong 2024 kasama ang ating pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay (Let’s take advantage of the long weekends this 2024 with our families and loved ones)!” he said.

“Paghandaan din nating mabuti ang ating mga transaksyon at bakasyon para sa isang produktibo at masaganang taon (Let us also prepare for our transactions and vacations for a productive and prosperous year),” he added.

Ninoy Aquino Day, which falls on a Wednesday this year, is a special nonworking day under Republic Act (RA) No. 9256. It commemorates the assassination of former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. in 1983.

Meanwhile, National Heroes Day, one of the country's oldest public holidays, is celebrated every last Monday of August, making it a long weekend. The celebration started during the American Colonial Period and became a holiday through RA No. 3827 on Oct. 28, 1931. 

Initially, the law declared the last Sunday of August of every year an official national holiday until the late President Jose P. Laurel moved it to Nov. 30 through Executive Order No. 20 signed in 1942.

In 1952, the late President Elpidio Quirino reverted the date of National Heroes Day to the last Sunday of August until former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law RA 9492, which moved the holiday to the last Monday of the said month.

Marcos inviting foreign businesses so Filipinos won't leave PH to work abroad

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Mar 13, 2024 09:39 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Marcos says the government continues to explore avenues for economic growth and employment opportunities both in the Philippines and abroad. 

BERLIN, Germany — President Marcos said that he is courting foreign business leaders to invest or start their businesses in the Philippines not only to help the economy but also to keep Filipinos home with their families instead of working abroad.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Yummie Dingding/PPA Pool)

Marcos said this during his meeting with members of the Filipino community here in Berlin on Tuesday evening, March 12 (Germany time).

In his speech, the President recalled how he met and wooed German business leaders to look at the Philippines as an investment hub to help the economy and address both countries' labor issues, particularly Germany's worker shortage.

"Nagbibigay po tayo ng insentibo upang magtayo sila ng kanilang pabrika sa Pilipinas (We are giving them incentives so they would build their factories in the Philippines)," he said.

"Kung kulang na ang mga trabahador sa Germany, bakit hindi dun sa Pilipinas sila magtayo ng planta? Marami silang pagpipilian na magaling, masipag at mapagkakatiwalaang manggagawang Pilipino (If they lack workers in Germany, why not open manufacturing plants in the Philippines? They have a lot of skilled, hardworking, and trustworthy Filipino workers to choose from)," he added.

According to Marcos, the government continues to explore avenues for economic growth and employment opportunities both in the Philippines and abroad.

He reaffirmed his administration's resolve to implement programs that will create sustainable livelihood opportunities in the province, reducing the need for many Filipinos to seek employment overseas.

 "Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang oportunidad ng bawat Pilipino na magkaroon ng kabuhayan ay ating palalaguin upang kayo ay hindi na kailangang lumayo pa inyong mga mahal sa buhay (In the Bagong Pilipinas, we will foster opportunities for Filipinos to work locally so they won't have to leave their loved ones)," the President said.

There are currently at least 35,000 Filipinos living and working in Germany.

MOA on AI weather forecasting system signed; Marcos says PH is AI-ready

 

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Nov 16, 2023 09:32 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Atmo will undertake cooperation activities to build a high-resolution weather forecasting system for the Philippines using AI technology.

• Marcos says the Philippines is embracing the AI revolution to augment the existing skills of the Filipinos, increase the productivity of enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.

• Marcos acknowledges that the Philippines still has a distinct lack of trained talents. 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and California-based tech company Atmo have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to establish Asia's largest artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather forecasting program in the Philippines.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)

This developed as President Marcos witnessed the signing of the MOA between the two parties on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 16 (Manila time).

Atmo, a leading AI meteorology company, will undertake cooperation activities to build a high-resolution weather forecasting system for the Philippines using artificial intelligence technology. 

This will be Asia's largest AI-driven weather forecasting program, playing a pivotal role in bolstering the Philippines' resilience in the face of climate change.

 

AI and cybersecurity

In his meeting with Silicon Valley investors, President Marcos said that the government is looking at AI technology and increasing capability in terms of knowledge and know-how.

Marcos said the government and private sector are vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, pointing out the need for capability improvements. 

"And the part that AI plays in this is also something that we need to be — at least to have put a good deal of thought to," he said.

"As I said, digitalizing our system, we have now to put in together; we need to have data centers, we need to have our own cloud so that we have, again, that capability," he added.

 

AI demands

As the government focused on upskilling and reskilling Filipino workers, President Marcos acknowledged that the Philippines still has a distinct lack of trained talents.

"We don't have enough engineers. That simple. So we need to get them trained, we need to get them... as part of the system," he said.

"And so again, we have really put a great deal of emphasis on retraining. These are new technologies," he added. 

 

PH is AI-ready

Despite this, President Marcos highlighted that the Philippines is ready to embrace AI as he invited tech companies and venture capitalists to partner with the country in its technological revolution.

"The Philippines is ready to become your partner in navigating the AI future," he said.

"As we look to the horizon, let's 'Make It Happen in the Philippines,' where the promise of a future defined by technological inclusivity and shared growth is not just envisioned but actively realized," he added.

According to Marcos, the Philippines is currently embracing the AI revolution to augment the existing skills of the Filipinos, increase the productivity of enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.

"We believe AI can uplift the lives of Filipinos. I'm certain our discussions here today will help the Philippines steer our roadmaps in a direction that maximizes the skills of Filipinos and helps them achieve their aspirations," he added.

 

Bringing AI tech to PH

David Dewalt, CEO of Nightdragon, a leading venture capital firm for cybersecurity, security, safety, and privacy, said his company and the other tech firms present are looking forward to bringing all the technologies that will benefit the Philippines, considering its young and robust workforce.

"The way I would say it is the Filipinos have an unbelievable ability to integrate into the global business systems as we do, maybe unmatched by any workforce on the planet," he said.

"I think using the upskilling and the retraining of those teams to focus on how we will — when we get the productivity benefits to invest in more resources, we can do that even more so in the Philippines with teams that are experts on generative AI," he added.

Ryan McInerney, CEO of Visa, said generative AI will be a leveling force for small businesses. He added generative AI will give microbusinesses, nanobusinesses, and small businesses the tools and capabilities to provide Filipinos with a rich shopping and commerce experience.

The roundtable meeting was co-organized by Dewalt, Bain, and Company CEO Emmanuel Maceda, Crescent Point Group Vice Chairman Thomas Pompidou, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

They were joined by Microsoft Managing Director Michelle Gonzalez, Mandiant (A Google Company) CEO Kevin Mandia, and Group of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) Head Chris Emanuel.

Plug and Play Ventures CEO Saeed Amidi, Altimeter CEO Brad Gerstner, HP (formerly Hewlett-Packard) CEO Enrique Lores, Mastercard Co-President Ling Hai, and Anthropic were also present during the roundtable meeting.

Marcos declares Oct. 30 a special non-working day for barangay, SK polls

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Oct 11, 2023 06:46 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The BSKE has been postponed twice since 2020.

• Officials elected in the 2023 BSKE will enjoy a two-year term after the Supreme Court declared Marcos' RA 11935 unconstitutional in July 2023.

• The Supreme Court said the next BSKE will be held on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years after that date.

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President Marcos has declared Oct. 30, 2023, Monday, a special non-working day across the country to allow the people to vote in the much-awaited Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation No. 359 on Oct. 9, 2023, signaling that the BSKE will finally proceed after being postponed twice since 2020.

In his proclamation, Marcos said there was a need to declare Oct. 30 a holiday to allow the people to vote for their favored barangay and SK officials.

"It is imperative that the people be given the full opportunity to participate in the said elections and exercise their right to suffrage," he said.

The elections were initially scheduled for May 2020, but a law was passed in December 2019, postponing the polls to December 2022. However, Marcos signed the Republic Act (RA) No. 11935 in October 2022, moving the elections to October 2023.

In a tweet, Marcos explained that he approved the measure to ensure the delivery of services to the people at the barangay level.

He later explained that they had sufficient precedent for postponing the village polls.

"Well, we have sufficient precedent for the postponement of Barangay and SK Elections. Nakailan na tayo (We've already had some)," he said.

"In my time lang (alone) in government, I have seen, I think, four, maybe five postponements," he added.

 

 

Two-year term

Officials elected in the 2023 BSKE will enjoy a two-year term after the Supreme Court declared Marcos' RA 11935 unconstitutional in July 2023.

The High Court, however, ordered the October 2023 polls to proceed anyway. Because of this, RA 11462 is revived, which limits the term of elected BSK officials to Dec. 31, 2022.

By then, all existing barangay and SK officers are deemed to be in a "hold-over" capacity until the next BSKE in December 2025.

To avoid confusion, the Supreme Court said that the next BSKE will be held on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years after that date.