Duterte's defense: Prosecution witnesses ‘unreliable,’ ‘self-confessed murderers’Families of victims in extrajudicial killings of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's drug war watch a live stream of Duterte's confirmation hearing from The Hague, in Quezon City, Metro Manila on February 26, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Detained Rodrigo Duterte’s lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, challenged the credibility of the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution’s witnesses against the former president. Kaufman raised serious concerns regarding how the witnesses were recruited, alleging political motivation behind their appearances. Neither the Rome Statute, nor its accompanying texts, regulate the way statements of limited use are employed. The defense, prosecution, and the representatives of the victims will make their closing statements.

South Korean president to visit PhilippinesPresident Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. speaks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea on Friday, October 31, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to visit the Philippines on March 3, the Palace announced on Friday, February 27. “Ito ang kauna-unahang pagbisita ni President Lee, at kauna-unahang state visit matapos maging epektibo ang Free Trade Agreement o FTA sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Republic of South Korea noong December 31, 2024,” Castro said. (This is the very first visit made by President Lee, and the very first state visit after the Free Trade Agreement or the FTA between the Philippines and the Republic of South Korea became effective last December 31, 2024.) The last visit made by a South Korean head of state to the Philippines was in 2024, when former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol visited before his historic removal from office.

Nine Discaya luxury cars fetch P102 million at auctionAn image of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan displayed on screen during the Bureau of Customs auction on Feb. 11, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has generated over P102 million from the sale of nine of the 13 luxury vehicles it seized from contractor couple Sarah and Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya. Customs officials held a total of four public auctions for 13 of the Discaya's luxury cars, with the first as early as November 2025. The first auction raised a total of P38 million from three vehicles, followed by P9.5 million in proceeds from the second auction and P29 million from the third. The next public auction is tentatively set for March 17.

If “looking” is not enough, you can register at the UAAGI main display area for a test drive and once that’s done, the UAAGI team will facilitate your request. Competition today is tough, and the signs are there: most if not all car brands and distributors are presenting special deals and offers, even substantial discounts. Part of the pressure comes from the arrival and entry of new or latest models that need to be introduced. This “perfect storm” now brings deals and offers previously unheard of which is why I ask: time to buy? With so many car brands and models now in the Philippines, there are not enough days to test drive the units.

Prada unravels, layers, reveals at Milan Fashion WeekModels present creations of the Prada collection at the end of a fashion show as part of the Milan Fashion Week Womens-Mens collection Fall-Winter 2026-2027on February 26, 2026. MILAN, Italy — Does Prada want to coddle you in an unravelling world? At Milan Fashion Week on Thursday, the Prada show opened with cozy knit sweaters and multi-colored scarves, only for garments to be ripped open, exposed, and distressed as the catwalk continued. The setting inside the Fondazione Prada emphasised the inside/outside theme, with pink and white walls decked out with elegant boiserie and marble fireplaces, but also exposing brick construction beneath. Newsboy caps, button-down vests, and a predominance of subtle plaids recalled "Peaky Blinders," while pocket watch chains consolidated the 1920s feel.

Rody’s defenseVice President Sara Duterte is a lawyer, and judging from her latest statements, she sees her father the former president proceeding to trial before the International Criminal Court. ICC judges have allowed Rodrigo Duterte to skip attendance at the hearings for the confirmation of charges and his continued detention. Yesterday, as the defense took its turn in the confirmation of charges at the ICC, Kaufman argued that there’s no smoking gun proving Duterte to be directly responsible for the killings. In particular, he argued that the anti-drug campaign did not target the civilian population in the Philippines, but mainly crime suspects. Duterte’s defense team, in their opening statements at the ICC, said his public pronouncements threatening to kill drug personalities were meant chiefly to instill fear.

Rice farmers may earn more as NFA eases buying ruleIn a statement, the NFA said it tweaked its procurement rules, including lowering moisture content requirement and refining the definition of pest-free produce, to allow more farmers to sell their produce to the grains agency. MANILA, Philippines — Rice farmers can now earn more from selling their produce to the National Food Authority (NFA) after the state-run agency relaxed its moisture content requirement, allowing for more palay to be bought at a higher price. In a statement, the NFA said it tweaked its procurement rules, including lowering moisture content requirement and refining the definition of pest-free produce, to allow more farmers to sell their produce to the grains agency. The NFA will now buy dry and clean palay with a moisture content range of 11 to 14 percent. The NFA met with rice farmers, millers, retailers and field officials on Feb. 23 to review and update its procurement rules.

‘No smoking gun vs Duterte’ for crimes vs humanityA pro-Duterte supporter holds a sign during a rally in front of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. “There is no smoking gun in this case,” Kaufman told the three-judge panel at the ICC. “Do not kill if you are not in danger of losing your life,” Kaufman cited Duterte as saying in one speech. The Duterte family has authorized Medialdea and three other lawyers to attend the hearings on confirmation of charges against the former president. The video, supposedly showing a case of extrajudicial killing during the Duterte administration, was presented by prosecutor Julian Nicholls during the hearing.

ICC prosecutor’s office denies claims of ex-Marines, asserts independenceMANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) yesterday asserted its independence following allegations of bribery during its investigation in the Philippines. “As a matter of policy, the Office does not comment on operational matters with respect to ongoing investigations and prosecutions. “The sources of evidence including names of staff and names of witnesses or institutions/organizations the Office interacts with during its investigations are subject to confidentiality,” it added. There were also claims that ICC investigators received bribes, although Baligod later clarified that there was no “categorical statement” that the investigators received any money from Co or Trillanes. Among the personalities named by Baligod were Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima and Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.

EDSA at 40I was about 11 years old when EDSA happened. I still feel that many of the reasons behind a push for change is still political in motivation, when EDSA in 1986 was full of heart strings motivated by love for God, country and people. Whether we like it or not, even the late president Marcos Sr. refused to allow Filipinos to be hurt during EDSA. EDSA brings back so many memories and 40 years later, I am still grateful. Today EDSA to me is a whole different kind of revolution.

ICC allows Duterte to skip detention hearingJulian Nicholls and Mame Mandiaye Niang of the prosecution during the confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte, Feb. 23, 2026 at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. MANILA, Philippines — Pre-trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have allowed former president Rodrigo Duterte to skip the scheduled hearing regarding his detention this Friday. Duterte earlier asked the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I to waive his attendance to the annual review of his detention. Under ICC’s rules, the Pre-Trial Chamber is required to hold a hearing on the suspect’s pre-trial detention at least once every year. Malacañang distanced itself from the confirmation of charges hearings on the crimes against humanity complaint filed against former president Duterte as the ICC granted his request to skip the detention hearing.

SC suspends Samar judge for dishonestyThe decision was dated Dec. 3, 2025 but was posted on the SC website only on Feb. 23. MANILA, Philippines — For not disclosing a terrorism financing case he faced years ago, an act viewed as serious dishonesty, the Supreme Court (SC) suspended a judge of a regional trial court (RTC) in Catbalogan City for six months. The decision was dated Dec. 3, 2025 but was posted on the SC website only on Feb. 23. Cinco, who served as an assistant provincial prosecutor and city prosecutor, applied to become a judge in January 2023. In May 2023, he was among several people the Philippine Army Joint Task Force Cebu charged for terrorism financing for allegedly funding the South-Eastern Front of the New People’s Army.

PNP defends arrest of 2 EDSA protestersA banner depicting one of the defining moments of the EDSA revolt hangs near the People Power Monument on the eve of its 40th anniversary yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Stressing that human rights end when violence begins, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday defended the arrest of two activists during the 40th anniversary of the EDSA people power uprising on Wednesday. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that while he ordered police to strictly observe maximum tolerance, the situation is different when law enforcers are physically assaulted by protesters. Cause-oriented group Alyansa Tigil Mina condemned the arrest of human rights advocate Edel Parducho and youth activist Three Odena. Cases of physical injury and other complaints were filed against the protesters, the group said, even if video documentation and eyewitnesses’ accounts showed a different version.

NUP unlikely to support Sara impeachmentMANILA, Philippines — In the absence of “new evidence,” the second biggest political party in the House of Representatives will not vote in favor of the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Several NUP members, however, said yesterday that they were keeping on open mind on the issue. They have the freedom to decide,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing, when sought for reaction. Whatever their decision is, most likely, they view it as an action that is good for their party,” Castro said. Now, the justice committee which will hear the impeachment of the VP,” he said.

Sara: Standing firm is EDSA’s true spiritMANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said that “to stand firm in the face of threats, harassment” is the true spirit of EDSA people power following the commemoration of its 40th anniversary last Wednesday. To stand firm in the face of threats, harassment and bribery requires courage. “Filipinos are rightly demanding to know where your money went while they lose their homes and livelihoods to every storm. The Vice President is facing impeachment complaints due to her alleged misuse of funds, among others. VP moved to tearsMeanwhile, the Vice President became emotional as she recalled her journey as a politician, following the declaration of her presidential bid for 2028.