House leaders reaffirmed support for President Marcos and cast doubt on former lawmaker Elizaldy Co’s claim of a P100-billion budget insertion, citing inconsistencies in his timeline and evidence.

President Bongbong Marcos accepted the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Palace press officer Claire Castro said Monday, November 17.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared eight special non-working days across six municipalities and two cities to mark local founding anniversaries and festivals, Malacañang said.

Analysts say Zaldy Co’s claim contradicts how budget proposals originate and how bicameral panels approve revisions.

The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant will only be rehabilitated if the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) deems it safe, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) said.

Vice President Sara Duterte accused President Marcos of mishandling corruption probes tied to the 2025 budget, even as unresolved questions persist over her confidential fund spending.

Church, business and civic leaders warned that political factions are exploiting public anger over corruption, urging systemic reforms and backing the work of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure.

Gasoline and diesel prices have climbed steadily over the past two months, with another increase of more than P1 per liter scheduled for Tuesday, November 18.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the education sector will receive an unprecedented P1.28 trillion under the House-approved Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 national budget. 

INC’s anti-corruption rally enters its second day, with crowd estimates rising and organizers starting the program earlier.