Palace: Duterte’s ICC turnover lawfulA man holds a portrait of former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he will be appearing, in The Hague on March 14, 2025. Although the Philippines no longer recognizes the jurisdiction of the ICC, the court has jurisdiction over actions that took place while the country was still its member, the Palace press officer added. Duterte withdrew the country from the statute in 2018 after the ICC had announced a plan to launch an investigation into his drug war. Duterte has waived his right to appear during the hearing on the confirmation of his charges next week, insisting that the ICC has no jurisdiction over him. Aguirre was named as among Duterte’s eight “co-perpetrators.” – Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Janvic Mateo, Ghio Ong

Muslims begin month-long Ramadan fastPhysically fit Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, a holy month in Islam, and focus on reparations for wrongdoings and reconciliation with adversaries as a religious obligation. COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Residents of Bangsamoro and other southern cities and provinces yesterday started their month-long Ramadan fasting season. Physically fit Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, a holy month in Islam, and focus on reparations for wrongdoings and reconciliation with adversaries as a religious obligation. Two non-Muslim local officials, Cotabato Gov. Bangsamoro Labor and Employment Minister Muslimin Sema, chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, said MNLF members in BARMM shall support Ramadan security missions of the police and military.

‘Government owes P405 million to private hospitals for MAIFIP services’MANILA, Philippines — A group of private hospitals said the government still owes them over P400 million for medical services they rendered under the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program. The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) said 17 member hospitals in Calabarzon are still waiting for their receivables amounting to some P405 million. According to him, private hospitals were reimbursed some P500 million under MAIFIP last year. “However, receivables of private hospitals, mostly from last year including this year, have again accumulated,” he said. The group lamented the slow reimbursement of guarantee letters under MAIFIP which affects the cash flow of private hospitals.

AI can never replace teachers’ concern for students – Marcos Jr.Manila Police District personnel join a blood donation drive at the MPD headquarters yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — No artificial intelligence or any other technology can replace the concern of teachers for their students, President Marcos said yesterday, as he vowed to continue supporting the career advancement of the country’s educators. A total of 1,991 personnel from Bulacan and Pampanga were promoted and reclassified during the oath taking, which was in line with the Career Progression for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act of 2025. “When our teachers are supported, our students are better served and our nation moves forward with greater confidence,” he added. Teacher Lucia Domasig of Dakila Elementary School in Malolos, 63 years old, 38 years old, just promoted,” Angara added.

‘VP needed early declaration amid hounding issues’MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte resorted to the early declaration of her presidential bid in the 2028 elections amid issues hounding her and her family, according to an expert from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. “She needed it (early declaration of presidential bid) because there were events that were very related to her, at the ICC, the co-perpetrators were also mentioned by the ICC, then the impeachment proceedings against her. So, she needed to because if Bato and Bong Go are arrested, she would lose some of her loyalists (in the Senate),” Franco said. Franco said that the early presidential bid of Duterte is part of her strategy to influence not only the Senate and the House of Representatives, but all politicians. According to Franco, President Marcos still has powers despite his low ratings.

Marcos, Robredo set to meet in NagaPresident Marcos is welcomed yesterday by students of Minuyan Elementary School in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, where the Yaman ng Health Program and DepEd’s Kalinga Caravan are being implementedMANILA, Philippines — Will President Marcos and his former political rival Leni Robredo bury the hatchet to counter a common opponent? Robredo, who defeated Marcos in the vice presidential race in 2016 but lost in their rematch during the presidential elections six years later, is now the mayor of Naga City. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos would oversee the implementation of the flood mitigation project Oplan Kontra Baha in Naga City this weekend. “The personnel of DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) are busy cleaning creeks, drainage and the river in Naga City. Among the potential partnerships being floated are that of the Vice President and Marcos’ sister Sen. Imee Marcos and that of Robredo and Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

Pope Leo laments a world ‘in flames’Cardinal Angelo de Donatis sprinkles ashes on the forehead of Pope Leo during the Ash Wednesday mass at the Santa Sabina Basilica in Rome, Italy. VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo lamented a world “in flames” due to wars and destruction of the environment during an Ash Wednesday mass, opening the season of Lent. Before sprinkling ashes on the heads of the faithful – a sign of mortality – the pope said the ashes could represent “the weight of a world that is ablaze, of entire cities destroyed by war.”He told participants the ashes could signify “the ashes of international law and justice among peoples (and) the ashes of entire ecosystems.”“It is so easy to feel powerless in the face of a world that is in flames,” said Leo, the first US pope. Spiritual decayBishop Raul Dael of Tandag, Surigao del Sur has reminded members of the House of Representatives to fight corruption as it is a form of “spiritual decay.”In his Ash Wednesday homily at the House, Dael stressed that “corruption is not only illegal; it is a spiritual decay, a sin against God.”“It (hurts) the poor first. It steals from classrooms, from hospitals, from social services, from communities waiting for relief,” he said.

Vico Sotto files election overspending, perjury raps vs DiscayaMANILA, Philippines — Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto filed a complaint before the Commission on Elections on Thursday, February 19, against former mayoral candidate and embattled contractor Sarah Discaya, accusing her of overspending and perjury during the 2025 electoral campaign period. Discaya, who lost to Sotto by more than 320,000 votes, declared only P895,000 in total campaign spending. Pero gusto natin sa lungsod ng Pasig kailangan sumunod ka sa batas, kailangan sumunod ka sa election law. But we want for people in the city of Pasig to bey the law, including election law. Election overspending cases in the Philippines rarely result in conviction, but a finding of guilt carries perpetual disqualification from public office for repeat offenders under Republic Act 7166.

Eala makes Dubai last 8MANILA, Philippines — Another higher-ranked opponent, another epic sweep. Relentless Alex Eala rolled into the Last 8 of the WTA1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, hacking out a gutsy 7-5, 6-4 win over world No. 47 Eala repulsed the 35-year-old Romanian after overturning a 4-5 deficit in extended opener and breaking away in the second for the win in 98 minutes. The 15-year age gap between Eala and Cirstea was the biggest between two opponents from the Round of 16 onward in Dubai since its foundation in 2001. And with her victory, Eala recorded a second Last 8 appearance in the 1000-level tour, going with her debut stints in the four majors.

Photo: wiki/KanlaonOn Thursday, February 19, a moderate eruption of the Kanlaon volcano occurred on the Philippine island of Negros. The eruption from the crater reached over 2000 meters in height, with plumes of smoke heading southwest. In this regard, Alert Level 2 remains elevated over Kanlaon Volcano, and entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited. The highest point is Mount Kanlaon, located at an elevation of 2,460 meters above sea level. There are three hot springs on the slopes of the volcano: Mambukal Hot Springs to the northwest, Bucalan Hot Springs, and Bungol Hot Springs.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) takes a group photo with AI company leaders including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman (C) and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei (R) at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on February 19, 2026. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)

High Speed Hitters get boost from bench, trip ChargersGames Saturday(FilOil Arena)4 p.m. - Creamline vs Capital16:30 p.m. - Zus Coffee vs Farm FreshMANILA, Philippines — PLDT drew strength from its bench depth as it turned back an old rival in Akari, 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-15, on Thursday and stretched its unbeaten streak to three in the PVL All Filipino Conference at the Filoil Arena. Mika Reyes had 10 points while super rookie Alleiah Malaluan came off the bench to scatter 10 hits. The High Speed Hitters also got more from two unlikely sources in Kiesha Bedonia and Shiela Mae Kiseo, who made the most out of their limited minutes. “Credit to our double subs in the third and fourth sets, they really stepped up,” said PLDT captain Kath Arado, referring to Bedonia and Kiseo. A battle-scarred Grethcel Soltones paced the Chargers with 16 points, but the team couldn’t cash in on opportunities and withered away in the fourth frame.

Kanlaon erupts explosively, generates 2000-meter tall plumeMANILA, Philippines — The Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island generated a 2000-meter ash plume late after it erupted late Thursday afternoon, February 19, Phivolcs reported. State seismologists said the moderately explosive eruption at Kanlaon's summit crater occurred at 4:39 p.m. and lasted two minutes. Alert Level 2 remains in effect for Kanlaon Volcano, reflecting increasing unrest. The Kanlaon Volcano, however, has consistently been spewing ash and experiencing volcanic earthquakes. On February 18, the Kanlaon Volcano observed 10 earthquakes and has been emitting sulfur dioxide at a rate of 346 tonnes per day.

‘Oil price hikes open door for jeepney fare review’A jeepney conductor in Quezon City holds signage of the new fare in 2023. MANILA, Philippines — Recent oil price hikes have “opened the door” for discussions on the petition for another jeepney fare hike, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said yesterday. “We will be holding two hearings next week to discuss all the issues surrounding the petitions for fare increase. Petitioners have been asking for a fare increase of P1. A jeepney fare hike of P1 was approved in October 2023.

‘Abangan’: Marcos to meet Leni as presidential talks heat upMANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to meet with his former political rival, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, in her home turf as talks of the 2028 presidential race heat up after Vice President Sara Duterte declared her candidacy. However, Castro did confirm that Marcos will meet with Robredo on February 21 in Naga City. Asked if Marcos will have other activities in Naga, however, Castro merely said “abangan (watch)”. “Hindi pa po kasi panahon ngayon, napakaaga po pa kasi para tayo ay mag-announce na ika’y tatakbo o hindi. Duterte’s declaration of her candidacy kick-started discussions among netizens and political analysts alike on who could run against the vice president.