Duterte counsel wants victims’ Filipino lawyers disqualifiedComposite photo shows the facade of the International Criminal Court and former President Rodrigo Duterte. MANILA, Philippines — The defense counsel of former president Rodrigo Duterte has sought the disqualification of Filipino lawyers Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres as common legal representative of the victims (CLRVs) in the ongoing proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I earlier designated Butuyan and Andres, both ICC-accredited lawyers, as common legal representatives of the victims. Both of them are with the Center for International Law, which represents some victims of the Duterte administration’s deadly campaign against illegal drugs. The judges allowed the addition of 78 items in the list of evidence of the defense, and another two for the prosecution.

Lunar New Year fairs open with cautious cheer for the Year of Horse

NBI submits Interpol red notice papers vs CoFormer Rep. Elizaldy Co admits inserting P100 billion in the 2025 budget in a video released on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 while abroad. MANILA, Philippines — In its bid to locate former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has submitted supplemental documents required by Interpol for the Philippines’ request to issue a red notice against him. A red notice is an international alert requesting member countries to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition. Mallari expressed optimism that Interpol will approve the request, noting strengthened coordination with European law enforcement partners as the manhunt for Co continues. She noted that Bernardo was “discharged” as a state witness last November, and Alcantara in December.

Revilla fights back in plunder raps; lawyer says 3 clearedFormer senator Bong Revilla at the Department of Justice as he filed his counter-affidavit on his plunder complaint on Feb. 12, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Former lawmaker Bong Revilla filed his counter-affidavit in the plunder complaint he is facing on Thursday, February 12. (So it’s quite puzzling, out of four respondents, three are in witness protection. Citing documents from the investigation, Señga also said that Bernardo has been discharged as a state witness since November, while Alcantara has been discharged as a state witness since December. The plunder case against Revilla was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation on Nov. 13, 2025, with Bernardo, Opulencia and Alcantara as co-accused.

Risk of Nipah spread low after cases in India, Bangladesh: WHOMembers of a medical team from Kozhikode Medical College carry areca nut and guava fruit samples to conduct tests for Nipah virus in Maruthonkara village in Kozhikode district, Kerala, India, September 13, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer

At the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai last December, the Philippine delegation of 50 athletes delivered eight golds, 13 silvers and 10 bronzes. And last month, Barredo’s gritty battalion of 211 athletes bagged 45 golds, 37 silvers and 52 bronzes at the Asean Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. “Of our 211 athletes in Thailand, 11 competed at the Asian Youth and six were medalists,” noted Custodio. “PSC has given our para athletes full support in their training, equipment and other essential elements,” said Custodio. Examples of para athletes who’ve become coaches are Adeline Dumapong of powerlifting and Marlon Nacita, Juanito Mingarine and Rene Macabenquil of wheelchair basketball.

Tabuena gains LIV Golf full-time statusMANILA, Philippines — Miguel Tabuena’s LIV Golf debut has proved to be just the starting point of something big – and not just a one-shot deal. With his strong International Series showing and a worthy performance in LIV Golf Riyadh, Tabuena made history as the first Filipino to secure a card in the rich golf tour, earning full-time status as a wild card for the entire 2026 season. At LIV Golf Adelaide, the 31-year-old Filipino ace opened with a three-under 69 for joint ninth yesterday. “This week at Adelaide, I am no longer teeing up as a reserve but as a wild card for the entire LIV Golf 2026 season,” said Tabuena on social media. “Grateful and ready.

Driver who hit student released from detentionPolice cordon off a portion of EDSA after a car hit a student who jumped from the Light Rail Transit’s Fernando Poe Jr. station in Quezon City on February 11, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — A mechanical engineer who hit a student who fell from a platform of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) in Quezon City was released from custody yesterday. The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said the student's father executed an affidavit, stating that he would not pursue charges against the driver. The 23-year-old male student died when he fell from the LRT’s Fernando Poe station in Barangay Ramon Magsaysay. Footage from the driver’s dashcam showed his vehicle hitting the student when the victim fell to the ground.

We are all envoysChinese New Year in the Philippines is a special occasion for many Filipinos as this celebrates prosperity, renewal and heritage. Binondo in Manila is recognized as the first and oldest Chinese settlement in the Philippines. Our shared history is truly an essential element in our friendship as neighbors in the region. A shared history enables us to build a strong foundation for trust and helps overcome future challenges by learning from past mistakes. This is exactly what is meant by “we are all envoys” – something that Ambassador Jing has espoused, considering how generations of Chinese have prospered in the Philippines and that this should only continue to strengthen our relationship.

‘Attend mass on Valentine’s Day’A woman arranges flowers for sale in Manila’s Dangwa market. Flower prices soared ahead of Valentine’s Day. MANILA, Philippines — Attending mass can be included in lovers’ itineraries on Valentine’s Day, papal nuncio Charles Brown said yesterday. “If you’re a Catholic boy who’s interested in a Catholic girl… maybe invite her to come, to go to mass for this one,” Brown said. Warning vs toxic giftsMeanwhile, couples should be wary of Valentine’s Day gifts that contain traces of hazardous substances, watchdog BAN Toxics said.

Leviste: I have more than Cabral filesMANILA, Philippines — Saying that he has pieces of evidence more damning than the so-called Cabral files, Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste maintained that he has evidence that President Marcos was aware of the kickbacks allegedly received by ranking government officials in the flood control projects. “More than the Cabral files, I have evidence that showed the acceptance of kickbacks. However, I had prepared videos so that, whatever happened to me, the truth will come out,” Leviste said, referring to records of the late public works and highways undersecretary Catalina Cabral. “It’s better for Rep. Leviste to be the one to reveal the message, because he can explain the provenance of these records. “I also expect that former undersecretary (Roberto) Bernardo, secretary (Manuel) Bonoan and other incumbent and former Cabinet secretaries and undersecretaries will also share the truth,” Leviste said.

SWS: Pinoys happy with love life lowest in decadesA vendor prepares flowers for online orders in a shop at the Dangwa Flower Market in Manila ahead of Valentine’s Day. MANILA, Philippines — The percentage of Filipinos who are happy with their love lives stayed at 46 percent, the lowest in over two decades, based on the latest survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS). The same survey found that 40 percent said their love lives could be happier, up four points from 36 percent obtained in the previous poll. The remaining 14 percent said they do not have love lives, down from 18 percent. Among those who are single, 22 percent of women and 28 percent of men respondents said they were happy with their love lives.

DILG doubles bounty for Atong Ang to P20 milionMANILA, Philippines — As Charlie “Atong” Ang remains elusive despite a massive police manhunt, the government has doubled the bounty for the gaming tycoon’s arrest to P20 million. Ang is facing charges of kidnapping with homicide as well as kidnapping and serious illegal detention before the courts in Sta. Based on intelligence reports, Remulla said they have reason to believe Ang is still in the Philippines. Department of Justice spokesman Polo Martinez maintained the agency has not received the latest arrest warrant against Ang and others. Intensified operationsAfter receiving criticisms from Sen. Raffy Tulfo, the PNP has vowed to intensify operations against illegal online cockfighting or sabong games.

DILG chief, China envoy meet over tensionsMANILA, Philippines — After days of trading barbs with some Philippine officials, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan expressed his wish yesterday for de-escalating tensions during a courtesy call on Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla. The China travel ban on 16 officials of the Kalayaan Municipality in Palawan was not discussed during the meeting, Remulla said. In support of the officials in Kalayaan, Remulla said he intends to visit the municipality sometime in March or April. “By banning 16 Filipino officials, China unintentionally reminds everyone that Kalayaan has elected officials and functions as a Philippine municipality,” Army Training Command commander Maj. Gen. Michael Logico said. Kalayaan officials earlier declared Chinese embassy officials as unwelcome or persona non grata which the embassy and Beijing reciprocated by also banning the local officials from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

ACT hits Marcos’ slow action in solving classroom shortage“It is a decades-old issue. The classroom shortage did not suddenly appear, and neither is it a mystery. “Inaction has defined most of his administration.”MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) yesterday questioned why it took President Marcos almost four years before prioritizing the classroom shortage problem. The classroom shortage did not suddenly appear, and neither is it a mystery. “Inaction has defined most of his administration.”Bernardo made the remarks after the President on Wednesday vowed to address the classroom shortage.