Bankers outline key initiatives, prioritiesBankers Association of the Philippines president Jose Teodoro Limcaoco (center) is flanked by (from left) BAP managing director Benjamin Castillo, BAP past presidents Aurelio Montinola III, Cezar Consing, GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso, Antonio Moncupa Jr., Deogracias Vistan, Nestor Tan and incoming BAP deputy managing director Elfren Sarte Jr.MANILA, Philippines — The Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) has outlined key initiatives and strategic priorities for the year ahead, emphasizing the importance of sustained coordination. Government Service Insurance System president and general manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso joined the organization’s Annual Advisory Council meeting held recently. Veloso, former BAP president, pushed for sustained coordination among financial institutions to maintain stability and strengthen public confidence. When industry leaders work together, we reinforce financial stability and support long-term economic growth,” Veloso said. Current BAP president Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco headed the discussion on the association’s initiatives and strategic priorities.

But in reality, the Comm Back, Comm Home Homecoming and Glory Awards hosted by the UP College of Media and Communication Alumni Association (UPCMCAA) was no staged performance. Held at the glittering Commission on Higher Education auditorium on Feb. 28, the event, which marked the UPCMC’s 60th anniversary, was every bit a homecoming. I saw former professors, some of my batchmates in Communication Research, fellow UPCMC alumni including broadcasters, film directors, actors and Sen. Loren Legarda. 2025 Glory awardeesThe highlight of the evening was the awarding of the 2025 Glory Awards. Glory awardees are chosen by a jury of well-respected mass communication experts including some former awardees themselves.

Model citizen, dual citizenJust a few days ago, I turned 60 years old. “Welcome to dual citizenship,” my friends fondly tease, as I invoke the senior citizen discount when paying bills. But women grow older. When women grow older, when the body slows down, when dignity becomes less about being admired and more about being supported? The next time I’ll enjoy a good meal, I will continue to proudly apply my senior citizen discount.

Marcos to Sandro: ‘Where’s my grandchild?’MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos teased his son, House Majority Leader Rep. Sandro Marcos, on his 32nd birthday on Saturday, asking him, “Where is my apo (grandchild)?”Marcos took to social media to greet his eldest son, telling him: “We are so proud of the good man you have become.”“Who would have known that our little child would grow into such a kind, industrious and talented man?” the President wrote on Facebook. “On a final note… where’s my apo? Happy birthday, son,” he added. First Lady Liza Marcos also shared on social media her birthday message for Sandro. “You make us proud every day – with your heart, your discipline and your sense of duty… Keep shining and keep going.

Navy officer refused China ‘spy job offer’Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said “Charles” was approached by a certain “Jessica” in 2024. MANILA, Philippines — One of the two Philippine Navy officers allegedly offered to spy for China refused the job and is now cooperating with three others who have been apprehended for giving sensitive security information to their handlers abroad. Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said “Charles” was approached by a certain “Jessica” in 2024. But unlike “Lawrence” who used to work with the Department of National Defense (DND) before he moved to the Philippine Navy, Charles declined the offer. Allegedly, information that was being extracted for a fee from those recruited involved matters pertaining to West Philippine Sea operations.

House urged to pass three pro-women billsMembers of Gabriela National Alliance of Women prepare placards to be used in protest actions in Quezon City ahead of International Women’s Day today. MANILA, Philippines — Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Robert Nazal and BH founder and spokesperson Bernadette Herrera yesterday urged the House of Representatives to pass three pro-women bills filed in the 20th Congress in time for the celebration of Women’s Month. Akbayan party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula said Topacio’s “rape fantasy remark” is a dangerous normalization of sexual violation. Members of the Makabayan bloc in the House also denounced Topacio’s remarks, calling them misogynistic. In a joint statement, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan party-list Rep. Atty.

‘Sara impeach proceedings may begin early’MANILA, Philippines — The House committee on justice will move its scheduled hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte to an earlier date if she fails to comment on the cases within 10 days. Committee chairperson Rep. Gerville Luistro made this clear on Friday, saying absence of comment would be taken as blanket denial. That is in the event that she doesn’t file an answer to the impeachment complaints,” Luistro told reporters. Immediately after voting on Thursday to declare the two impeachment complaints sufficient in substance, Luistro directed Duterte to submit comments within 10 calendar days or by March 15. Even if she doesn’t file a reply to the impeachment complaints, an invitation will still be issued to her for the purpose of our hearing proper.

Marcos off to New York todayMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos will leave today for the United Nations in New York, where he is expected to raise the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and rally broader support for a seat on the UN Security Council. Joining the President are First Lady Liza Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez. Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson assistant secretary Angelica Escalona earlier said Marcos would tackle the situation in the Middle East during his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. This is Marcos’ sixth visit to the US since he assumed office in 2022. US visit hitDespite the intention, Marcos’ trip to the US drew criticism from activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), which questioned the timing of the visit.

Piston eyes transport strike this monthPISTON president George San Mateo said they suspended the strike as they heeded the appeal of Sen. Grace Poe to voice out their concerns at a Senate hearing. MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Piston has announced plans to mount a nationwide strike by the end of March amid the Middle East crisis. Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the national government has allocated P2.5 billion for fuel subsidies for the public transportation sector. The government will roll out the distribution once oil price reaches $80 per barrel in the world market. On Monday, the transport group will hold a rally on East Ave., Quezon City, to condemn the big-time increase in oil prices.

Funding hurdles hit ASEAN Power GridThe Fitch Solutions unit said financing would continue to be the “primary bottleneck” for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), with strong government support required to unlock the necessary capital. MANILA, Philippines — Despite growing momentum, ASEAN’s multibillion-dollar plan to link the power transmission networks of its member countries by 2045 still faces major financial challenges, research and analysis firm BMI said. The Fitch Solutions unit said financing would continue to be the “primary bottleneck” for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), with strong government support required to unlock the necessary capital. Amid rising electricity demand, APG aims to strengthen energy security in the region by enabling cross-border power trading. Even so, BMI noted that the funding still falls far short of the estimated $100 billion needed by 2045 for transmission infrastructure alone.

3 Chinese nabbed over P70 million kushThe Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Central Luzon identified the suspects as Ang See, Kim Tan and Li Cheng. CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines — Three Chinese nationals were arrested upon arrival at the Clark International Airport yesterday for allegedly carrying high-grade marijuana or kush valued at P70 million. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Central Luzon identified the suspects as Ang See, Kim Tan and Li Cheng. In coordination with the BOC, the PDEA conducted a sting against the suspect identified only as Moel in Barangay Bucandala I. The suspect reportedly tried to bribe the PDEA agents with an unspecified amount of cash.

ICC Appeals Chamber upholds Rody detentionMANILA, Philippines — Former president Rodrigo Duterte will remain in detention in The Hague after the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected his latest bid for temporary liberty on Friday. The five-member appeals chamber unanimously affirmed the Jan. 26 decision of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, which mandated the continued detention of Duterte. The ICC Appeals Chamber is composed of a different set of judges from the Pre-Trial Chamber I. In his appeal, Kaufman called out the pre-trial chamber for disregarding a report they submitted concerning Duterte’s health condition. Duterte has been detained at the ICC Detention Center in The Hague since March 12, 2025, a day after he was arrested in the Philippines and subsequently turned over to the ICC.

DOTr orders MRT-3 disinfectionMichael Capati, MRT-3 general manager, said the management also ordered maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. to explain the incident. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation ordered the sanitation, disinfection and pest control of Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) train sets after a photo of small insects in a train car went viral online, the DOTr said. Michael Capati, MRT-3 general manager, said the management also ordered maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. to explain the incident. “MRT-3 is constantly reinforcing routine sanitation protocols and monitoring efforts to further uphold cleanliness and passenger safety,” the MRT-3 management said in a statement. When I took a picture, it looked like tiny cockroaches,” Verdal shared in her post.

Steep fuel prices seen next week as firms weigh staggered hikesGas station attendants refuel vehicles in Quezon City on March 2, 2026, a day ahead of the expected oil price hike. Fuel product Forecast minimum increase next week Unit Diesel P19.00 per liter Gasoline P9.00 per liter Kerosene P31.00 per literWhat about staggered increases? "Kung malaki daw masyado, baka mag-daily sila ng staggered increase. (If it's too steep, they could opt for daily staggered increase. Higher than earlier projectionsThe DOE estimates are higher than earlier projections cited by industry sources earlier in the week.

Marcos backs UAE as Southeast Asia leaders urge restraint over Iran warMANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and called for an end to hostilities in the Middle East as Southeast Asian governments responded to the escalating conflict involving Iran. Marcos conveyed the message during a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement Friday. During the call, Marcos expressed confidence in the UAE government’s ability to ensure the safety of residents, including nearly one million Filipinos living and working in the country. ASEAN urges ceasefireThe reaction from Manila mirrors broader concerns across Southeast Asia as governments call for restraint and diplomacy. Governments across Southeast Asia have also raised concerns about the safety of millions of migrant workers in the Gulf region as the conflict continues.