The Philippines is looking to expand its role in shipbuilding and other maritime industries while developing its critical minerals sector, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

Marcos Jr. said the country’s location and skilled workers give it an advantage in shipbuilding, ship repair and marine engineering.

“Our location and skilled workforce likewise provide a strong foundation for shipbuilding, ship repair, marine engineering, and other maritime industries,” he said during the 2026 Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum in Taguig City.

“We are developing the capabilities needed to establish the Philippines as a more competitive maritime hub,” the President added.

Marcos Jr. also said the government wants the country to get more value from its critical minerals instead of simply extracting and exporting raw materials.

He said the goal is to develop domestic processing, manufacturing, research and innovation while protecting the environment and ensuring benefits for communities affected by mining activities.

The President said these efforts are part of the government’s broader push to make the Luzon Economic Corridor a stronger base for manufacturing, trade and other industries.

DOJ: Cases follow evidence, not personalities

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida brushed aside accusations that the government is picking who to prosecute, saying the cases involving Vice President Sara Duterte and former Speaker Martin Romualdez are being handled on the basis of evidence.

Vida said prosecutors cannot simply choose a different course because the person involved is a high-ranking politician.

“Ang decision ng Department of Justice at ating panel of prosecutors ay kung ano lang ang naayon sa ebidensiya,” Vida said Thursday.

He was asked about claims of selective justice following the grave threats case against Duterte and the plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against Romualdez.

Vida said Duterte’s case moved forward because investigators and prosecutors found sufficient basis for the grave threats complaint.

He also cited the Ombudsman’s case against Romualdez, saying investigators followed the evidence in deciding where the complaint should go.

“Nakita din po natin nitong mga nakaraan araw na naghain na po ang Office of the Ombudsman ng kaso laban kay former Speaker Martin Romualdez,” Vida said.

For Vida, holding a public position does not put anyone beyond the reach of the law.

“Tayo po ay produkto ng ating ginawa. Kung may nilabag tayo sa batas, may kakaharap tayo,” he said.IMT