Over 180 HK voice actors unite against unauthorised AI use of their voices
ICC prosecutors charge Duterte with crimes against humanity for drug war deathsDuterte’s lawyer claims charges are politically motivatedOpponents rally outside court demanding Duterte’s accountability— Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was “pivotal” in the murder of thousands of people during his rule, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) said on Monday, as they pushed for his trial to go ahead. Under the ICC rules, judges will have to confirm charges before the case can move to trial. Duterte’s lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said the charges had been politically motivated, and that Duterte had been misunderstood. According to the prosecutors, Duterte created, funded and armed death squads to target and kill alleged narcotics peddlers and users. Opponents gatherOpponents of Duterte gathered outside the court building, chanting “Hold Duterte accountable!” in Tagalog.
EDSA40 rally, Trillion Peso March set on February 25On Friday, Adamson University tied yellow ribbons along its fence ahead of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution. Meanwhile, the Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM), which includes Tindig Pilipinas and Akbayan, will hold a separate program at the EDSA People Power Monument. In a separate statement, the Quezon City government clarified that permit requests for activities along EDSA-Ortigas were endorsed to the Mandaluyong City government and the Eastern Police District. “The Quezon City government clarifies that no group was ‘disallowed’ based on its position or beliefs. When the proposed venue is outside Quezon City, it is our duty to refer the organizers to the proper authorities,” it said in Filipino.
PNP orders ‘integrity’ crackdown on ex-copsMore than 300 newly appointed police non-commissioned officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) arrive at the Manila Police District on January 26, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — A sweeping post-service integrity crackdown has been initiated by the Philippine National Police amid reports that 10 former PNP officials have formed their own crime rings. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Directorate for Intelligence, Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and other investigative units to conduct an in-depth validation of the former police officials. Nartatez also wants a reassessment of internal monitoring systems to prevent corruption that may continue after the retirement or dismissal of PNP personnel. The PNP will also strengthen ethics training and anti-corruption workshops for police officers.
South Africa routes ‘red flag’ for drugsMANILA, Philippines — Following the recent arrest of drug couriers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), several routes from South Africa were tagged as “red flags” by the police Aviation Security Group. Avsegroup spokesman Lt. Col. Harold Tosino said some of the suspects who were apprehended at the NAIA came from Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. “South Africa is considered a source of illegal drugs,” Tosino said. From Feb. 11 to 15, illegal drugs valued at P138.53 million were intercepted at the NAIA from foreigners and a Filipina suspected to be drug couriers. A large shipment of illegal drugs and counterfeit pharmaceuticals were seized in the operation, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.
Better TogetherTwo are better than one . We’re better together than we are alone. “Two are better than one,” Ecclesiastes says. We’re better together as God leads us. — Winn CollierHow are you more vulnerable when you’re isolated from others?
Travel tax repeal advances at HousePassengers arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on January 29, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The House tourism panel yesterday approved a bill abolishing the decades-old travel tax that has burdened Filipino travelers. Panel chairman Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona approved the six bills seeking the abolition of the travel tax, including House Bill 7443 filed by Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos. The approval was subjected to the adoption of an alternative funding mechanism to protect programs currently financed by travel tax collections. Removing the travel tax would lower plane fares, possibly generating around P22 billion in annual revenues for the government, Quimbo said.
4 more Chinese in ‘chop-chop’ case chargedPolice take custody of a Taiwanese man following his arrest in Para- ñaque yesterday for the killing of a Chinese national. MANILA, Philippines — Murder charges have been filed against four more Chinese nationals tagged in the killing of a Chinese man whose dismembered body was found stuffed inside a drum in Binondo, Manila. Police confirmed yesterday that the suspects were the registered tenants of a condominium unit along Roxas Boulevard where the murder occurred last week. Probers are still investigating if the four Chinese were inside the condominium unit when the killing took place, Asilo said. Davao’s partner, who also resides in the condominium unit, helped authorities identify the four Chinese nationals and the victim.
New ‘horn-leaf’ plant species discovered in ApayaoThe horn-leaf Medinilla calanasan is shown in this photo courtesy of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. The discovery of the new plant species highlights biodiversity at the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Apayao. MANILA, Philippines — A new horn-leaf species was discovered in the forest of Barangay Eva in Calanasan, Apayao, the Philippine Eagle Foundation said. The species, named Medinilla calanasan was formally described in the international journal Phytotaxa on Feb. 18, the foundation said. Protecting apex predators safeguards countless other species, many of which we are only just beginning to discover,” said Felicia Atienza, Philippine Eagle Foundation chairperson.
HIV treatment open to minors through proxy consent – DOHThe DOH said the move aims to prevent delays in life-saving medication. MANILA, Philippines — Minors living with HIV or human immunodeficiency virus can have access to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment through a proxy consent system, according to the Department of Health. “Most of the new HIV cases – about 57 a day – include a large percentage below 18 years old. “Some of them disappear after testing positive and come back with advanced HIV.”To address this, health officials said a proxy consent mechanism may be used so minors can begin treatment. The DOH said HIV screening and confirmatory testing remain free in treatment hubs and social hygiene clinics nationwide.
Gas up by P0.60; diesel, kerosene by P1.20A gas station attendant fills up cars at a station in Paco, Manila on January 12, 2026. Starting today, Jetti, Seaoil, Petron, PTT Philippines and Caltex are set to implement an upward price adjustment of P0.60 per liter for gasoline and P1.20 per liter for diesel and kerosene. The adjustment brings the year-to-date net rise for gasoline, diesel and kerosene prices to P4.80, P8.20 and P6.20 per liter, respectively. Also exerting upward pressure on prices was the drawdown on US commercial crude oil inventories, which indicated tightening supply in the near term. Last week, oil firms raised prices of gasoline by P1.20 per liter and diesel and kerosene by P0.60 per liter.
‘China supports back-channel talks on West Philippine Sea tension’A China Coast Guard ship passes near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday. “He agreed that it should always be like that – having meetings to further advance better relations between Philippines and China,” Tulfo, chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, said. Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) is expected to be revived by the end of March. “Instead of engaging in hostilities in the West Philippine Sea, they will have cooperation in patrol, search and rescue, cleanup. Definitely, it will be the People’s Republic of China,” Tarriela said.
Pinoys want Bato held accountable for drug war – SWSMANILA, Philippines — Most Filipinos agree that Sen. Ronald dela Rosa should be held accountable for drug war killings during his time as chief of the Philippine National Police, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed. Conducted in November 2025 amid reports of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Dela Rosa, the poll found that 53 percent of respondents agreed that Dela Rosa should be held accountable for the killings. Dela Rosa should be detained by the ICC if the court issues an arrest warrant, 44 percent of respondents said. Meanwhile, 47 percent of respondents believe the ICC will conduct a fair trial against Duterte. Survey results were released as part of the 2026 SWS Survey Review.
Tulfo slams Ironman challenge as reckless, riddled with violationsMANILA, Philippines — Citing numerous traffic violations and accidents involving its participants, Sen. Raffy Tulfo expressed strong dismay over the BOSS Ironman Endurance Challenge. The senator questioned whether event organizers conduct proper skills assessments to ensure that participants are qualified and knowledgeable about traffic rules and motorcycle safety. While expressing support for motorcycle tourism and its potential to boost local economies and promote local products, Tulfo stressed that no advocacy should come at the expense of human lives. Tulfo also questioned why the BOSS Ironman event was still allowed to proceed despite a congressional hearing on similar concerns in 2024. He also cast doubt on the group’s charitable activities, noting that despite reportedly earning millions from the event, organizers allegedly distribute only minimal assistance.
