MALACANANG said Friday that the preparation for President Benigno Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) is still “a work in progress.” Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ramon Carandang, who is one of the speech writers of the President, said the first draft of Aquino’s speech was submitted to him Friday. Read [...]

MALACANANG on Friday maintained the need for President Benigno Aquino III to have a new presidential plane and car. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said there is nothing firm yet on the proposals to purchase new vehicles for the President but she insisted that both the presidential car and plane needed a lot of repairs. [...]

MALACAÑANG welcomed on Saturday the conviction of Umar Patek, a terrorist responsible for the different bomb attacks in Indonesia as well as in the Philippines. In an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippines is a partner in the global fight against terrorism. Read more

BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he was recently informed that President Benigno Aquino III published a congratulatory greeting to the city for the 74th Charter Day celebration last June 18. Aquino sent his greetings despite the alleged letter from Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Michael Aguinaldo denying the request of the City Council [...]