Marcos seeks stronger partnership between national, local governments

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday called for stronger collaboration between national and local governments to help Filipinos overcome the challenges posed by the war in the Middle East. Speaking during the oath-taking ceremony for the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines’ (VMLP) national executive officers in Malacañang, Marcos recognized VMLP’s vital role in advancing effective and responsive local legislation through collaboration with national, local, and international stakeholders. This is vital as the country addresses the economic and security challenges triggered by the war sparked by the United States and Israel against Iran, he said. “I hope you remain steadfast and persistent in your service, especially now that the country is facing many crises due to the tensions occurring in the Middle East,” Marcos said in Filipino. “Let us continue to guide and support our citizens until we overcome these challenges together,” he added. Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office said Marcos’ attendance at the VLMP event dispels speculation that the chief executive has fallen ill. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos “is definitely in good health” following social media posts claiming he is “terminal” after skipping an event for repatriated overseas Filipino workers earlier in the day. Marcos was diagnosed with diverticulitis last January which caused him to lose weight.

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