Ombudsman urges public vigilance on flood control judicial proceedingsMANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has urged the Filipino people to scrutinize court proceedings, particularly in the trial of graft and corruption cases involving flood control projects, saying corruption in the country is systemic and involves multiple institutions, including the judiciary. Remulla cited the Sandiganbayan rulings on pork barrel and fertilizer fund scams where the number of convictions is dismal. He noted there had been fewer convictions than acquittals in pork barrel and fertilizer fund scams. Maybe some of the cases were weak, but many had strong cases but still were acquitted,” Remulla said. The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing a compendium of all the cases involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund and fertilizer fund scams so the public could take a look at how the cases proceeded.

House resolutions seek Philippines return to ICCThe International Criminal Court is investigating killings linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drug campaign, which rights groups say left thousands dead. MANILA, Philippines — Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives yesterday filed resolutions seeking the revival of the Philippines’ membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Duterte administration withdrew the country’s membership in March 2018. “Instead, the authorities may surrender or extradite suspected or accused persons in the Philippines to the appropriate international court, if any, or to another state pursuant to the applicable extradition laws and treaties,” the resolution stated, quoting from RA 9851. Cendaña said returning to the ICC would be an act of solidarity with all the victims of extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.

New heights for EalaTennis star Alex Eala defeats Japan's Himeno Sakatsume, 6-4, 6-0, and advances to the quarterfinals of the 2026 WTA125 Philippine Women's Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center on January 28, 2026. The Filipina sensation moved closer to the world tennis titans, resetting her career-best to No. 31 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings following a remarkable campaign in the WTA1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships over the weekend. 5 in Asia just behind Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan (No. Eala saw the end of her run in a 6-0, 6-2 defeat to good pal and world No.

Mr. Duterte must be held to account, and this case must be confirmed for trial,” he told the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I. “If all or part of the charges are confirmed, the chamber will refer the case to trial, where the Trial Chamber will decide upon the innocence or guilt of Mr. Duterte,” she added. Unlike Mr. Duterte who is represented by his counsel here today, they were deprived of any form of due process,” he said. In fact, if Mr. Duterte could threaten to slap the judges of this court, which he did while he was president. “The killings masterminded by Mr. Duterte continue to have consequences for the victims, even to this day, because of his clones.

And not – I stress – with lethal intent,” Kaufman said in his opening statement at the confirmation of charges hearing yesterday. “His rhetoric was calculated to arouse fear and obedience, to instill fear in their hearts and to inculcate a respect for the law in their minds. Kaufman argued against the prosecution’s assertion that Duterte enabled widespread and systematic killings during his time as president and Davao City mayor. Kaufman urged the pre-trial chamber to dismiss what he described as “grievously misplaced and politically motived” charges against the former president. “We will ask you to send Rodrigo Duterte back to his family.

The former vice president and Marcos met again during the signing ceremony between the Department of Education and city mayors for the nationwide classroom building program at the Palace later in the day. A photo shared on social media showed Robredo with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto having lunch at Malacañang. Marcos and Robredo, who were also opponents in the 2016 vice presidential race, were together in Naga City last Saturday for the inspection of Oplan Kontra Baha. The 2028 presidential bid of Marcos’ ally-turned-arch critic Vice President Sara Duterte spurred speculations about political alliances. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong were among the local chief executives present at the Palace events.

LIVE Coverage: ICC confirmation of charges hearing for Rodrigo DuterteMANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has set the confirmation of charges hearing for former President Rodrigo Duterte from February 23 to 27, moving the pre-trial proceedings forward after months of legal delays. The hearing, which is not a trial, will determine whether there is enough evidence to send Duterte’s case to a full trial over alleged crimes against humanity. The case, formally titled “The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” stems from the ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of killings during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Prosecutors have charged him with three counts of crimes against humanity, citing at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018. Stay updated on the latest developments in Duterte’s ICC pre-trial proceedings in The Hague.

Reclamation is altering Laguna de Bay's shores, and lives that rely on itA lone worker labors away on a reclaimed area in Laguna de Bay on February 11, 2026. Ramonito Domingo was fixing his nets on a small makeshift wharf sandwiched between two reclaimed areas. The Laguna Lake Development Authority is the singular agency tasked with protecting the lake and has sole jurisdiction over its regulation. LLDA General Manager Leopoldo Parumog told Philstar.com that the agency has intervened in several reclamation projects, including some linked to the Taguig local government. Osorio said the government must provide a cumulative impact assessment on reclamation projects, including that of Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay.

Leni-Marcos tandem 'unlikely' in 2028, says Liberal Party lawmakerPresident Bongbong Marcos stands beside Naga City Mayor and former rival Leni Robredo during his visit to the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. Rep. Edgar Erice (Caloocan, 3rd District), a fellow Liberal Party member, also dismissed the speculation as unlikely, joking that the party's late leaders would probably "rise from their graves" if such an alliance were to happen. Talks of potential tandems surged on social media after Vice President Sara Duterte announced her bid for the presidency. The former vice president ran for president against Marcos in the 2022 elections but lost. Liberal Party stalwart Florencio "Butch" Abad, meanwhile, said both senators are open to seeking the presidency.

Over 180 HK voice actors unite against unauthorised AI use of their voices

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks with the media as she arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.

Over 180 HK voice actors unite against unauthorised AI use of their voices

Eala resets career-high world ranking to No. The Filipina sensation moved closer to the world tennis titans, resetting her career-best to No. 31 in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings following an impressive campaign in the WTA1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships over the weekend. 5 in Asia, just behind newly minted Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan (No. Eala ended her run with a 6-0, 6-2 defeat to her good pal and World No.

At least 3 missing after Rizal landfill collapseA screencap from a video posted on the peasant group Kadamay's Facebook page showing the landfill collapse in Montalban, Rizal. MANILA, Philippines — The provincial government of Rizal has asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to investigate the collapse of a landfill heap that left at least three people missing. The EMB has coordinated with landfill operator Green Leap Solid Waste Management and directed it to stabilize the site, submit an action plan and provide daily project updates. The Municipal Government of Rodriguez, Rizal earlier reported at least three people missing. Urban poor group Kadamay, however, claimed the number of missing persons could be as high as 50.

PNP braces for protests as ICC hearings startPolice Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac represents PNP Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. during the Philippine National Police’s Monday flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Feb. 16, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is on alert for possible demonstrations as the International Criminal Court begins hearings on former president Rodrigo Duterte. "Our security measures are in place and it is intended to ensure the peaceful conduct of any activity in public places. Ang PNP ay walang kinikilingan, tayo ay para sa kapayapaan at seguridad ng bawat Pilipino,” he added. The PNP is impartial; we are here for the peace and security of every Filipino.)