Gold medallist China's Gu Ailing Eileen celebrates on the podium after winning the freestyle skiing women's freeski halfpipe final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Livigno Snow Park, in Livigno (Valtellina), on February 22, 2026.
In a state of perpetual campaignVice President Sara Duterte holds a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 to announce her presidential bid in the upcoming 2028 elections. The moment VP Sara Duterte declared her intention to run for president in 2028 -- far earlier than any formal campaign season -- it was less shocking and more telling. The early 2028 chessboardWith Duterte’s declaration, speculations over possible 2028 combinations were also set abuzz. – Robredo’s 2022 campaign energized younger voters and galvanized grassroots volunteers, even if it fell short numerically. In the end, the true measure of leadership is not how early a campaign begins, but how deeply it listens before it speaks.
EDITORIAL — Deadly overloadingSkepticism greeted the announcement of the Philippine Coast Guard that the roll on-roll off vessel Trisha Kerstin 3 was not overloaded when it set sail for Jolo, Sulu on the night of Jan. 25 from the Zamboanga City port. PCG personnel said the vessel had 332 passengers and 27 crew members – still within its authorized capacity. As of yesterday, 65 bodies had been found, with 14 people still missing, while 293 were recorded as survivors. The entire fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines, owner of the Trisha Kerstin 3, has been grounded. The DOTr is also investigating three officers of the Maritime Industry Authority behind the issuance of safety certificates to the Trisha Kerstin 3.
Palace denies harassment involving President Marcos sonMANILA, Philippines — Malacañang denied reports of an alleged road harassment incident involving one of President Marcos’ sons along the North Luzon Expressway last week. “There was no such incident involving any presidential son,” Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez said in a text message to reporters late Saturday night. The alleged confrontation supposedly stemmed from the vehicle of Marcos’ son overtaking cars that were said to be occupying three lanes of the highway and obstructing traffic. The posts did not identify which of the President’s sons was allegedly involved. President Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos have three sons: Joseph Simon, William Vincent and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.
Thunder rain down 3s to stop sizzling CavaliersIsaiah Joe of the Oklahoma City Thunder signals to the bench after a 3-point shot during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Paycom Center on February 22, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. LOS ANGELES, United States — The Oklahoma City Thunder drilled 21 3-pointers in a 121-113 victory over Cleveland on Sunday (Monday Manila time) that halted the Cavaliers' seven-game NBA winning streak. The teams traded the lead in the third, but Oklahoma City took the lead into the fourth and didn't relinquish it. Seven Thunder players scored in double figures, with center Chet Holmgren contributing a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double. Harden and Donovan Mitchell scored 20 points apiece for Cleveland.
'Massive’ win as City turn up the heat on GunnersManchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma celebrates with Nico O'Reilly, left, and Erling Haaland after the match at the Etihad Stadium.
Mike for next FIBA windowMANILA, Philippines — Gilas head coach Tim Cone said yesterday he would’ve enlisted Michael Phillips for the coming FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window if only the UAAP Finals MVP had been cleared by FIBA as an eligible local earlier. Now that Phillips has received his FIBA clearance, Cone said “definitely, would like him for the next (window) in July.”The Philippines posted a 2-0 record in Group A of the qualifiers after the first window. Gilas will play New Zealand on Thursday and Australia on Sunday, both at the MOA Arena, in the second window. For the third window, Cone’s squad will travel to face New Zealand on July 3 and Australia on July 6. “We actually called Mike about 10 days ago and inquired about the possibility of joining us in this window but he was in the US and his participation was in doubt then,” said Cone.
Take Clint Eastwood’s adviceFor about two years now, my wife and I have been reminding each other to follow Clint Eastwood’s advice every time we feel old, tired or simply unmotivated to face the day’s routine. The advice, it turns out, has been the philosophy of the legendary actor/director Clint Eastwood since the late 50s, every time he is confronted by fatigue, signs of aging or an inclination to be cranky due to aches and pains from aging. Eastwood’s advice has even been written into a song by the popular country music artist Toby Keith for a movie (The Mule) that Clint Eastwood starred in and directed. Sadly, this is a common default of family members once their parent hits 70 or 80 years old. Yes, the family means well, but Philippine society is such that we love old folks to death by infantilizing them.
The path to prosperity is inclusivityAs chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), my commitment to making our regional body more inclusive has never been more vital. We have adopted the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together: Advancing Prosperity For All” to underscore this commitment to ensuring that the fruits of economic growth touch every citizen, particularly those in the marginalized sectors. One of my plans is to broadcast discussions during this year’s ASEAN meetings through LED screens in major malls across the country. By showcasing our islands and local cultures to ASEAN delegates, we strengthen tourism while empowering local communities economically. ASEAN can be that region that will tread the steady, stable path to economic growth through collaboration and cooperation, all without leaving anyone behind.
VP Sara: I have recruited my 2028 running mateVice President Sara Duterte announces her intention to run for president in the 2028 general elections, at a press conference in Mandaluyong yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Days after declaring her intention to run for president in 2028, Vice President Sara Duterte said she has chosen her potential running mate whose main task, if elected, would be to exact accountability from corrupt officials in government. The one that I’m recruiting to be vice president will take charge of making wrongdoers in government accountable, so I can focus on my job as president,” she said in Filipino. But the bottom line here is track record – what’s the track record of Leni? “By making her plans clear, VP Duterte has provided the public a sense of certainty and direction – something our people value in these uncertain times,” Herrera added.
The doctor is outThere’s another reason why we must urgently address the crisis in education: we need more people to join the health care professions. At 11 a.m., the doctor still wasn’t in, although the assistant had arrived, and began writing down the information about new patients like my mom. He gave us a referral, and his secretary said this doctor was on duty at the hospital until 12 noon. I told my companions to wait for me while I rushed to catch the doctor and request him to work beyond his clinic hours. Patients in that hospital aren’t charity cases; basic consultation with that first doctor costs an average of P1,500.
Maroons in gutsy winMANILA, Philippines — Souped-up University of the Philippines rose from the ashes to stay immaculate, ending an eight-year drought against Ateneo with a 17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14 reverse sweep in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Fighting Maroons, who last won against the Blue Eagles back in 2018, finally scored one over their Katipunan rivals thanks to a great resolve to fight from 0-2 down and in the extended decider. It’s the first back-to-back wins for the Diliman-based spikers since 2022, ending an 11-game losing skid against Ateneo. “Finally, we found a way to play our own game,” said Menta, a former mentor of the defunct pro volleyball team Foton. Two consecutive errors by the Blue Eagles then paved the way for a fifth set, where the Fighting Maroons proved to be the steadier team.
Navy to commission 2 new ships in ZambalesPhoto from the Philippine Navy and Israel Shipyards show Rajah Sulayman and Audrey Bañares. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy will be commissioning its newest offshore patrol vessel (OPV) and a fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) at the Naval Operating Base-Subic in Zambales tomorrow. Patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for the Navy’s patrol fleet, arrived in the country last Jan. 17 from South Korea. The vessel was met off Zambales by BRP Jose Rizal, the Navy’s first missile-capable frigate, as part of standard naval protocols for new naval ships entering Philippine waters. The Navy said the ships’ formal entry into active service underscores its commitment to strengthening its maritime defense and law enforcement capabilities through a modern, multi-domain and self-reliant force.
Agricultural traders’ registry soughtIBMI executive director Apple Meneses said that LGUs should put their agricultural offices to work to curb widespread abuse of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk by unscrupulous traders and middlemen. MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) should require mandatory registration for agricultural traders who buy the produce of farmers and fisherfolk in their localities to prevent the spread of predator traders who buy below production cost, farm advocacy group Ipabitag Mo said. IBMI executive director Apple Meneses said that LGUs should put their agricultural offices to work to curb widespread abuse of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk by unscrupulous traders and middlemen. Meneses said that requiring agricultural traders who enter municipalities and cities to register first with the LGUs’ Agricultural Office will allow the local government to effectively monitor the trading activities of these crop buyers, and screen their legitimacy and their trading practices. Anti-crime and corruption advocate Ben Tulfo said that setting up a monitoring system for agricultural traders will allow the government to screen the “legitimate from the counterfeit and abusive agri-traders.”The IBMI said that a recent case monitored was that of non-payment to some farmers in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija by an agricultural trader coming from a neighboring municipality in the same province.
