Kanlaon eruption affects 52,975 learnersPhivolcs recorded an ash emission at Kanlaon Volcano on February 16, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island has disrupted classes in 107 public schools, affecting up to 52,975 students, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported yesterday. The moderately explosive eruption of Kanlaon on Thursday afternoon was followed by ashfall events, which affected 50 barangays. DepEd’s disaster risk reduction and management services said it is closely monitoring the impact of Kanlaon’s restiveness on schools, students and school employees. School officials have been advised to coordinate closely with local disaster management offices to strengthen emergency preparedness.

Mindanao anti-measles drive fails to meet targetThe health agency said more than half a million children in Mindanao are still unvaccinated against measles after the “Ligtas Tigdas” program failed to cover 95 percent of 2.8 million children. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health yesterday warned of a possible measles outbreak in Mindanao after a DOH vaccination campaign failed to meet the target number of children to be immunized against the disease. The health agency said more than half a million children in Mindanao are still unvaccinated against measles after the “Ligtas Tigdas” program failed to cover 95 percent of 2.8 million children. Although the vaccination campaign in Mindanao has ended, the DOH reminded residents that routine immunization continues in local health centers. The anti-measles campaign will be expanded to Luzon and the Visayas in June, targeting 11 million children.

LTFRB: Malls emerging as key transport hubsLTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza III said the public transport systems include fixed facilities such as shopping malls, where train stations, bus stops and public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals are situated. MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is pushing for facility upgrades for terminal operators in commercial centers, as the LTFRB noted that malls are becoming essential transport hubs in the country. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza III said the public transport systems include fixed facilities such as shopping malls, where train stations, bus stops and public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals are situated. The LTFRB has issued show-cause orders and notices of violations to 116 terminal operators after conducting inspections of bus and PUV terminals nationwide. At least two PUV terminal operators in shopping malls were flagged for insufficient facilities for passengers, particularly senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Bayan to defy EDSA ‘no rally’ zonesIn this Feb. 23, 2016 file photo, a worker inspects the lights on a statue of Ninoy Aquino near the People Power Monument in Quezon City ahead of the 30th anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power RevolutionMANILA, Philippines — Activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) vowed to defy the no rally zones imposed by authorities along EDSA for the commemoration of the bloodless people power revolution on Feb. 25. Bayan president Renato Reyes said yesterday they are protesting the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority decision to limit the rallies at the People Power Monument where the third leg of the Trillion Peso March will be held. “We cannot commemorate EDSA by limiting freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, as if we are still in the dark years of the dictatorship,” Reyes said in a statement. The MMDA earlier designated all other portions of EDSA, including the shrine along Ortigas, as no rally zones – a move that irked Reyes. Despite the ban, Reyes said Bayan and its allied groups would march to the EDSA Shrine to celebrate people power and demand accountability in the flood control projects under the current Marcos administration.

Dialogue that defines our futureLast week, we hosted the 12th round of the Philippines-US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD), a mechanism that may be unfamiliar to many Filipinos but has quietly become a major pillar of our alliance. Perhaps the most important aspect of the dialogue is the shared commitment to strengthening deterrence capabilities. Our Mutual Defense Treaty remains the cornerstone of that assurance. These industries will define the future, and the Philippines stands to benefit from them through our partnership. The Bilateral Strategic Dialogue reaffirms that approach.

‘Ideally,’ I would have written about something elseI deally, I would have written about something else this Sunday. But I cannot let pass Sen. Bam Aquino’s remark that “ideally,” our local courts should try the cases of extrajudicial killings under the regime of ICC prisoner Rodrigo Duterte. Was it an attempt to lecture everyone that, “ideally,” our institutions should function as intended? While Bam’s supporters attempt to decode what he actually said, others are having a party over his remarks. And this is where Bam’s remarks, intentionally or not, fit neatly into place.

Lady Falcons wallop Lady WarriorsMANILA, Philippines — Adamson rebounded strong from a loss to unbeaten champion National U the last time out, keeping University of the East winless with a 25-15, 25-18, 21-25, 25-18 triumph in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Ace sophomore Shaina Nitura fired 19 points – all on hits – laced by 13 digs and 12 receptions in an explosive all-around performance as the Lady Falcons were quick to avenge their 25-23, 25-19, 28-26 loss to the mighty Lady Bulldogs led by former Adamson high school sensation Sam Cantada. “It’s a very important win kasi ‘yung mga susunod na laban namin mabibigat na rin na schools,” said coach JP Yude. “We needed this win kahit na nagkulang kami nung third set, regroup ulit at nakuha namin ‘yung panalo.”The Lady Falcons did cool down in the third but regained bearing with Nitura leading the way in ending the match in the fourth frame. Raquim Aceron exploded for 24 points as UE (1-2) snapped a 23-game skid since Season 87 with a 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 30-32, 15-12 marathon win over Adamson (1-2).

Marcos: No politics in NagaPresident Marcos chats with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo during the inspection of the flood-damaged Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum on February 21, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos did not talk about politics or a possible alliance with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo during his visit to his former political rival’s bailiwick yesterday, but the Chief Executive wore pink socks in honor of the local chief executive. You know, I think the mayor will agree with me that service first before politics,” Marcos told reporters when asked about a possible alliance with the former vice president. Asked about the idea of his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, becoming Duterte’s running mate, “Again – again, this is all politics. Marcos said he is likely to return to Naga to inspect the completion of the project.

Parents-teachers group backs trimester proposalA parent accompanies a student as classes open for the new school year at an elementary school in Manila on June 16, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The National Parents-Teachers Association (NPTA) backed the Department of Education (DepEd)’s proposed trimester scheme yesterday amid reservations from some groups. In an interview with dzMM, NPTA president Willy Rodriguez noted that the trimester system is currently being implemented in many countries. If they can do it, why can’t it be done in the Philippines?” Rodriguez said. “Under the proposed trimester, we will have three quarters and the days are longer, almost 61 days.

Think tank warns of China-backed cyber warfareMANILA, Philippines — The Stratbase Institute warned on Thursday that the Philippines is confronting an “unseen war” in cyberspace as China-linked information operations and foreign interference increasingly shape public perception and democratic processes ahead of future elections. It is measured by who controls the information space, who shapes the narratives being amplified and who influences public perception,” he said. Manhit underscored that democratic resilience requires transparency and accountability, even amid geopolitical tensions, and cautioned that election-related influence operations begin well before the formal campaign period. We welcome that response because this is precisely what democratic resilience requires: open debate, transparency, accountability and the defense of sovereign rights under international law,” he said. It begins now, in shaping the information environment and the cyber landscape,” he added.

US Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffsU.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Black History Month reception in the East Room of the White House on February 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. WASHINGTON – The US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s far-reaching global tariffs on Friday, handing him a stinging loss that sparked a furious attack on the court he helped shape. Tariffs, though, were the first major piece of Trump’s broad agenda to come squarely before the Supreme Court for a final ruling, after lower courts had also sided against the president. Vice President JD Vance called the high court decision “lawlessness” in a post on X. It wasn’t immediately clear how the decision restricting Trump’s power to unilaterally set and change tariffs might affect trade deals with other countries.

Philippines exporters urge sustained trade dialogue with USContainer yards at the Bureau of Customs are seen from Manila Bay on April 13, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The country’s umbrella group of exporters is pushing for sustained dialogue with the United States after President Donald Trump imposed a new 10 percent levy on imports, just hours after the US Supreme Court struck down earlier tariffs. Hours after the US Supreme Court ruling, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 10 percent tariff on most of US imports, using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 as basis. He said Philippine exporters not covered by exemptions are likely to be the most affected by the new levy. “Further diversification of export markets and export products or winners (needs) to continue to address the risk related to Trump’s tariffs, trade wars and other protectionist measures,” he said.

‘VP’s early declaration a misguided gamble’MANILA, Philippines — By announcing her intention to run for president in 2028, Vice President Sara made a “misguided gamble” that “leaves a bad taste in the mouth,” according to a former campaigner and congressman Joey Salceda. I think it is a misguided gamble,” Salceda said at the forum. He stressed that presidential bids tend to be more successful if they arise from genuine public clamor, not early positioning. He said the complaint against the Vice President is centered on her alleged unexplained wealth. Abante has consistently maintained that if elections were held today, the Vice President would likely win.

Leni: Talks about 2028 a disservice to the peopleMANILA, Philippines — Politics took a backseat as Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo welcomed President Marcos to the city yesterday. From the get-go, Robredo made it clear that the visit was all about work and serving the people of Naga City. When asked about Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement of her intention to run for president in 2028, the former vice president said she respects it. To talk about 2028, I think that is a disservice to the people,” Robredo added. Marcos and Robredo were rivals in the 2016 vice presidential and 2022 presidential race.

Brilliant idea for elite athletesPATAFA president Terry Capistrano has proposed a measure that would revolutionize the widespread participation of athletes from developing countries during an Asian Athletics Federation meeting last year. Capistrano said developing countries such as the Philippines are faced with the challenge of securing visas for elite athletes who tour the world to pursue higher levels of competition. He said the fear of elite athletes “disappearing” and not returning home is unfounded. Countries should be made accountable for the actions of their elite athletes and if there are instances of “disappearances,” the privilege of one-year visas could be revoked. Perhaps, UNESCO could agree to this proposal starting with elite athletes recognized by World Athletics and certified by their regional and national federations.