House begins Sara impeachment deliberations todayMANILA, Philippines — The House committee on justice begins deliberations on the four impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte today to determine whether they are sufficient in form and substance. However, Kiko Aquino-Dee, Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor said in a statement that they are withdrawing their impeachment complaint today and instead backing the third suit against Duterte. “We lend our full support behind the third impeachment complaint containing the same grave allegations and substantial evidence as ours. Consolidating our support behind the third complaint will strengthen our position and help move the case forward to the Senate impeachment court,” Dee said. Madriaga’s sworn affidavit has been submitted as part of the impeachment complaints and is being cited as a key piece of evidence.

‘Always be prepared’Given all the “signs,” it seems that the world is fast approaching a situation reminiscent of events and behaviors that led to World War 2. Iran has struck back, cities and targets across the Middle East. Singaporean leaders have always made it a point to “Always be prepared” like the Boy Scout’s motto teaches us. Be prepared for any contingency whether in a big way or small way. Don’t wait, always be prepared!

Iran’s supreme leader killed in US-Israel attackPeople gather to mourn the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US and Israeli strikes, at a square in Tehran on March 1, 2026. Defense, military chiefs also killedTEHRAN — Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader since 1989 and sworn enemy of the West, was killed in the opening salvo of a massive US and Israeli attack, sparking a new wave of retaliatory missile strikes from Tehran on Sunday. Iran’s state broadcaster said 27 US bases in the region, as well as Israel’s military headquarters and a defense industries complex in Tel Aviv, were among the targets in a new wave of strikes. Iran’s judiciary confirmed that Ali Shamkhani, a top adviser to Khamenei, and the head of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, were also killed. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and two top other officials would lead Iran in the transitional period following Khamenei’s death, state television reported on Sunday.

K-pop, with its distinctive riffs and choreography, has become a major tourist draw and cultural export for South Korea, along with K-drama. But it’s not the only reason why South Korea has become a tourist magnet, drawing an all-time high 18.94 million international arrivals last year. In terms of foreign tourist arrivals, we’re eating the dust of our neighbors Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Concerns over personal security have significantly cut arrivals from what used to be our two biggest sources of leisure travelers – South Korea and China. And we can only look on in envy at them, at South Korea and much of the rest of Asia.

ICC case vs Duterte: What happens next? The International Criminal Court resumes its hearing on the confirmation of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte on February 27, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte wrapped up last Friday with the prosecution, defense and the victims’ representatives all laying down their arguments over the crimes against humanity charges pending before the International Criminal Court. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I – composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Antonella Motoc and Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera – have 60 days to issue a written decision on whether the case against Duterte will go to trial. At the ICC Appeals Chamber, which is composed of a different set of judges, Duterte’s defense team has two pending appeals that are up for resolution.

Fuel price spike seen amid war on IranA worker transfers petroleum from a fuel tanker to a barge docked along the Pasig River in Manila yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Domestic pump prices could surge beyond initial estimates this week amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the joint assault by the United States and Israel on Iran, experts have warned. Diesel and kerosene prices have been rising since the last week of 2025, while gasoline has been climbing steadily since mid-January. This week, local industry sources initially estimated a potential per-liter price hike of P1.40 to P1.60 for gasoline, P0.80 to P1 for diesel and around P0.90 for kerosene. Since January, gasoline, diesel and kerosene prices have jumped by P4.80, P8.20 and P6.20 per liter, respectively.

Home woes continueGilas’ Dwight Ramos tries to create a shot against Nick Kay of Australia in their game last night at the MOA Arena. But in the end, the reigning Asian champ’s world-class skills and experience were too much to overcome. The Tall Blacks routed Guam on the road, 99-67, to eliminate the 0-4 Guamanians. But only one other Philippine player produced double-digit production in Quentin Millora-Brown who banged in 11 to go with five boards. The home side stood toe-to-toe with the touted visitors early on, trailing by five after the first 20 minutes.

Experts question Duterte's defenseIllustration of Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s lead counsel, with the charts he used to compare drug war arrests and deaths during the former president’s confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court. So, for Duterte’s defense to attack the prosecution’s methodology, he explained to Philstar.com, it was most likely an attempt to “create doubt” on the prosecution’s claims. Kaufman repeated this approach in Duterte’s defense at least three times. Duterte’s defense also cited the nearly 1,900 drug-related investigations conducted on policemen in 2017 and 375 who were later dismissed, criticizing the prosecution for not pointing this out. However, Arguelles argued that in political science, a state policy is not limited to formal documents with explicit instructions.

Lady Tamaraws rebound, down Lady FalconsMANILA, Philippines -- Far Eastern University returned to the win column of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tourney after charging through the Adamson Lady Falcons, 22-25, 30-28, 25-17, 25-20, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Lady Tamaraws, who dropped a heartbreaking five-set loss against defending champions National University the last time around, lost the first set but bagged the next three to secure the win. After a hard-fought 30-28 second set, FEU trampled to an easy third set win. And in the fourth frame, the Lady Tamaraws had to fight back against Shai Nitura’s brilliance. Nitura tried to force the Lady Falcons back into it with an off-the-block attack, but Lopez iced the match.

City shift into title-winning mentality 'is so crazy,’says SemenyoAntoine Semenyo scores the only goal in Manchester City's win over Leeds at Elland Road.

A screengrab from a video released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which accompanied a press release describing the operation dubbed "Epic Fury", an attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, shows smoke and dust rising following an explosion at an unknown location, in this image obtained from social media released on February 28, 2026.

Southerners want expansion of a private firm’s bamboo planting projectThe bamboo propagation project of a private firm in Tampakan, South Cotabato is supported by the local communities and government agencies in Region 12. COTABATO CITY — Local executives and big business blocs want the bamboo propagation project of a private firm in a highland town in South Cotabato replicated in the Bangsamoro region and other southern provinces. According to company officials, the BDP is part of SMI’s broader, community-based environmental rehabilitation efforts in Tampakan and neighboring highland towns in South Cotabato. South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the province supports SMI’s BDP and hopes other private firms will replicate the project in areas where they operate.

In view of this, flights across the Middle East were canceled amid the attacks in the region. PAL updateIn an advisory, PAL said it is closely monitoring developments in the region and prioritizing safety above all else. Cebu Pacific updateOn Sunday, March 1, Cebu Pacific also said it is closely monitoring the situation and emphasizing passenger and crew safety. For flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, Cebu Pacific is extending flexible options, including free rebooking and Travel Fund conversion until March 4, 2026. "We thank our passengers for their continued patience and understanding," Cebu Pacific concluded.

The top honor at the newly rebranded Actor Awards recognizes the ensemble cast of a film — a decision that sometimes, but not always, presages Oscars best picture glory. "I think 'Sinners' is almost certainly going to win the Best Ensemble SAG Award," Scott Feinberg, awards columnist for The Hollywood Reporter, told AFP. "I'm not as confident that it's going to win the best picture Oscar. Catherine O'Hara, who died suddenly in January, could win the award for best actress in a comedy series for "The Studio." The 32nd Screen Actors Guild Awards will take place at 5 p.m. in Los Angeles (0100 GMT Monday).

More explosions heard in Dubai, Doha and ManamaMotorists drive past a plume of smoke rising from a reported Iranian strike in the industrial district of Doha on March 1, 2026. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Fresh blasts were heard across Dubai, Doha and Manama on Sunday morning as Iran carried out strikes in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks that killed the supreme leader and other top officials. AFP reporters heard blasts in Dubai, Bahrain's capital Manama and Qatar -- where AFP correspondents saw thick black smoke rising on the clear morning horizon in the south of Doha. The new explosions came after a day of Iranian strikes in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, as well as strikes on military bases and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf -- except for mediator Oman. In Manama, the Iranian attacks saw drones and shrapnel slam into residential buildings, with video on social media showing smoke and fire from high-rises.