1.88 million youth voters register for SK pollsIndividuals reactivate their voter status at a Commission on Elections (Comelec) satellite registration site in a mall in Valenzuela City on September 25, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Close to 1.9 million youth voters have so far registered for the November Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, with women accounting for a majority of the applicants, according to the Commission on Elections. Data from the Comelec showed that 1,877,784 registrations have been processed across the country since the list-up started on Oct. 20, 2025. The Comelec said applicants may register from Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., either at designated satellite registration sites or at their respective Offices of the Election Officer. Registration services include new applications, transfer of records, change in name or civil status, correction of entries, reactivation and inclusion or reinstatement of voter records.

Tarriela tells Cayetano: No apologies to ChinaIn this screengrab from a televised meeting in February 2025 between Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela and then-Sagip party-list representative and current Sen. Rodante Marcoleta at a House hearing, Tarriela denies calling Marcoleta a ‘traitor.’MANILA, Philippines — No apology to China is needed. Tarriela maintained that official briefings rely on photos and videos of incidents in the West Philippine Sea rather than on illustrations. He said he found it puzzling that Cayetano had never demanded an apology from China over the actions of its coast guard and naval personnel against Filipino fishermen and vessels. Cayetano voiced his criticism of Tarriela during Senate deliberations on a resolution condemning Beijing diplomats’ hostile statements against Philippine officials who aired their defense of the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights. “We support the Philippine Coast Guard and the move to invite officials.

Travel tax repeal bill marked urgent by MarcosIn this photo uploaded on Feb. 10, 2026 on Facebook, President Ferdinand Marcos jr. approves 21 priority LEDAC measures to boost transparency, child protection and ease public burdens. MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified as urgent the abolition of the travel tax, as well as several other bills, the Palace announced on Tuesday, February 10. Among these laws was the Travel Tax Abolition. The travel tax has long been criticized for being a hindrance to the tourism industry. Marcos also certified as urgent the swift passage of the Expanded Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act of 2026, as well as a law penalizing fake news and digital disinformation.

Supreme Court: Same-sex couples can be recognized as property co-ownersThe logo of the Supreme Court at the Supreme Court Building in Manila. MANILA, Philippines — Same-sex couples living together can be considered co-owners of property acquired during their relationship, provided there is clear evidence of actual contribution, the Supreme Court said. This prompted the appeal to the Supreme Court. The rulingThe Supreme Court reversed the lower courts' rulings, clarifying that property relations between same-sex couples are governed by Article 148 of the Family Code rather than Article 147. Having rightful interest over the subject property, petitioner has the right to demand the division of the subject property,” it added.

Palestine presses Philippines for action after Israel expands West Bank controlA woman mourns over the body of Saeed Nael al-Sheikh, a 24-year-old Palestinian who was reportedly killed by Israeli forces, during his funeral in the city of Jericho in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on February 4, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Palestine's ambassador to the Philippines is calling on Manila to impose sanctions — including possible trade boycotts — against Israel after it recently gave itself more power to tighten control over the West Bank. Israel has long maintained broad control over the West Bank, but the newly approved plan would make it easier for Jewish settlers to purchase land in the area. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who championed the measures, said they would "fundamentally change the legal and civil reality" in the West Bank. His office said Israel would "continue to bury the idea of a Palestinian state."

Countdown to CNY: New Year prospects for people born in the Year of the Snake

This handout picture taken on February 9, 2026 provided by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud (R) meeting with Britain's Prince William (L), Prince of Wales in the old district of Diriyah on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Photo by HANDOUT / SPA / AFP)

Countdown to CNY: New Year prospects for people born in the Year of the Snake

French President Emmanuel Macron reacts as he delivers a speech during a meeting with students from the "Prepas Talents du service public" as part of a program that aims to give every young person an opportunity to join the civil service, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/Pool/File Photo

Countdown to CNY: New Year prospects for people born in the Year of the Snake

Countdown to CNY: New Year prospects for people born in the Year of the Snake

'Most winnable': De Lima hopes Robredo will reconsider 2028 presidential runRep. Leila de Lima, former vice president and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, and Sen. Risa Hontiveros take a selfie after having lunch together on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. "We're not losing hope na magbabago pa ang desisyon ni VP Leni na tumakbo uli sa 2028. (We're not losing hope that VP Leni will change her mind and run again in 2028. Last week, a group of opposition figures, particularly members of the Liberal Party and Akbayan, such as De Lima, Robredo, Sens. Liberal Party President Erin Tañada said the party has already started preparing for the 2028 elections and is working to unite other democratic groups.

Sandiganbayan enters not guilty plea for Bong Revilla graft caseFormer senator Bong Revilla arrives at the Sandiganbayuan on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. The anti-graft court ordered his detention at the Quezon City Jail in Payatas following his surrender over a malversation case in the Bulacan flood control scam. MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan entered a not guilty plea on the graft charge against former senator Bong Revilla after the former lawmaker refused to enter a plea during his arraignment. The anti-graft court also moved the arraignment of Revilla and co-accused Juanito Mendoza due to pending appeals. RELATED: Sandiganbayan defers Bong Revilla arraignmentThe graft and malversation case is over the alleged anomalous P92.8 million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, which investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman said was non-existent.

Countdown to CNY: New Year prospects for people born in the Year of the Snake

A boy poses for a photo while holding a game pad in front of a screen displaying the logo of the U.S. children's gaming platform Roblox, in this illustration taken December 8, 2025. REUTERS/Ramil Sitdikov/Illustration