PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday directed the Cabinet to keep prices of basic goods affordable, ensure safe and convenient travel, and protect workers’ rights and benefits.
The president issued the directive to 10 ad interim officials who took their oath Friday, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Lino Cayetano said.
They are Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, Health Secretary Edwin Mercado, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita Mathay, Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon, Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon, and Philippine Space Agency Director Gay Jane Perez.
Marcos urged the officials to prioritize programs that reflect the administration’s commitment to making Christmas more affordable, convenient and meaningful for every Filipino.
Recto said the president is focused on helping Filipino families celebrate Christmas with less worry over rising prices and the cost of daily necessities.
Recto said the administration will sustain efforts to keep essential goods, particularly food and other basic household needs, affordable and within reach of ordinary Filipinos.
Dizon and Lopez pledged to strengthen coordination to ease traffic congestion and improve public transportation, particularly during the holiday rush.
Dizon said the president wants commuters to spend less time on the road and save on transportation costs. He said the Department of Transportation will deploy additional buses, trains, and other public transport services to provide commuters with more convenient and accessible travel options.
Lopez said the Department of Public Works and Highways will prioritize road repairs and the completion of ongoing projects to reduce traffic delays.
The two officials said their agencies will closely coordinate to ensure smoother travel for Filipinos returning to their provinces for Christmas.
The administration will also ensure that employers comply with labor laws, including the immediate release of their employees’ holiday wages and other mandatory benefits, the Palace said.
These measures aim to protect workers, ease household expenses and allow more Filipino families to enjoy the holiday season, Malacañang said.
