Manila, Oct. 8 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for her grit and intelligence, describing her as "smart," "effective," and a driving force behind key government initiatives.

In the fifth episode of his podcast aired Wednesday, Marcos cited the First Lady's instrumental role in the restoration of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

He lauded his wife's efforts to bring the PICC "back to its old glory."

"She just doesn't let go of something. Once she gets hold of it and decides to do it, she actually gets it done. And she's very effective," Marcos said. "She's a smart girl. Her legal training serves her well."

Marcos recalled being amazed by the transformation o...