Filipino runners break Philippine records at Tokyo Marathon
Filipino runners break Philippine records at Tokyo MarathonMANILA, Philippines — As the saying goes, records are meant to be shattered. The 22-year record of Olympian Eduardo Buenavista for marathon has been broken not by one, but two Filipino athletes in the Tokyo Marathon. Sonny Wagdos and Richard San Luis Salano finished the 42.195 kilometer course with times of 2:14:32 and 2:15:08, respectively. According to World Athletics, the national record for a full marathon was at 2:18:44, and was established by the two-time Olympian also in Japan during the Beppu-Oita Marathon. Artjoy Torregosa and Christine Hallasgo also bested the nine-year national record of Mary Joy Tabal in Tokyo.
Source:Philippine Star
March 01, 2026 05:43 UTC
DND, AFP: Middle East conflict poses 'no direct threat' to Philippine territory
DND, AFP: Middle East conflict poses 'no direct threat' to Philippine territoryA fireball lights the sky following a missile strike on Tel Aviv on February 28, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have reassured the public that the ongoing Middle East conflict poses "no direct" threat to the country. In a statement on Sunday, March 1, authorities said the airstrikes between the US, Israel, and Iran are localized and limited to the Middle East. "At the moment, the conflict is contained within the Middle East and there is no credible direct threat to our territory and Filipino and foreign citizens in the country," the defense department said. The DND and AFP said they are closely monitoring the escalating Middle East tensions and are prepared to assist in humanitarian and evacuation operations, including repatriation support and crisis response coordination.
Source:Philippine Star
March 01, 2026 05:40 UTC
Marcos: No Filipino casualties reported so far amid US-Israel strikes on Iran
Marcos: No Filipino casualties reported so far amid US-Israel strikes on IranThis combination of video grabs taken from UGC images posted on social media on February 28, 2026, and verified by AFPTV teams in Paris, show a repoted explosion in Tehran. Speaking in a video message on March 1, Marcos said no Filipino casualties had been reported as of 9 a.m. following the back-and-forth strikes between US, Israel, and Iran. At sa ngayon, patuloy ang aming pagmo-monitor para tiyakin na nasa magandang kalagayan ang ating mga kababayan sa Middle East," he said. At this point, we continue to monitor the situation to ensure that our fellow citizens in the Middle East remain safe and in good condition.) Embassies in the Middle East have also reminded nationals to stay vigilant and head to the nearest safe zone or bomb shelter when sirens sound.
Source:Philippine Star
March 01, 2026 04:37 UTC
Payback on home soil?
Payback on home soil? MANILA, Philippines — After the failed bid against New Zealand, Gilas Pilipinas takes a second crack at an “Upset at the MOA Arena” caper versus another heavyweight and long-time tormentor. “Nakakalungkot na hindi nanalo (against NZ) but may chance kami bumawi (versus Australia),” CJ Perez said. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Basketball Australia have since built a harmonious relationship and put that ugly incident behind. Nearly eight years later, the Boomers are back on Philippine soil and the two federations are working hand in hand to ensure it would go smoothly.
Source:Philippine Star
March 01, 2026 03:31 UTC
Recto: Philippine nears upper middle-class country status
Recto: Philippine nears upper middle-class country statusMANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is close to achieving its much-coveted upper middle-income country (UMIC) status this year and is now setting its sights on higher growth targets, according to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. Recto said the Philippines recorded a gross national income (GNI) per capita of $4,470 in 2024 – just $26 shy of the $4,496 UMIC threshold. The “lynchpin is clean, credible, and accountable governance” that boosts investor confidence and sustains growth, Recto said. Recto stressed the 6.793-trillion national budget this year, with its historic-high investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, and social protection, will fund development goals. Recto said the government is also committed to accelerating structural reforms so the Philippines can compete as an investment haven in the region.
Source:Philippine Star
March 01, 2026 02:31 UTC
Madonna is surprise attraction at Dolce & Gabbana Milan show
Madonna was the star attraction Saturday at the Dolce & Gabbana show in Milan, the week's top celebrity sighting that risked overshadowing the brand's all-black collection of ultra-feminine looks. And when Madonna is at your show during Milan Fashion Week, you practically leap from the catwalk to greet her, as did Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce afterwards, escorting their guest backstage to the flash of hundreds of cameras. The lingerie feel pervaded the collection, on minidresses with long sleeves, flowing skirts, see-through tops or on bralettes worn underneath other lacey looks. Little black dresses were structured, sensual and very tight, while imposing (fake) fur coats were belted and paired with black kerchiefs. RELATED: Prada unravels, layers, reveals at Milan Fashion Week
Source:Philippine Star
March 01, 2026 02:03 UTC
Iran leader Khamenei killed in massive US and Israeli attack, Trump says
PALM BEACH, United States — Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader since 1989 and sworn enemy of the West, was killed Saturday in the opening salvo of a massive US and Israeli attack, President Donald Trump said, as he urged the overthrow of the Islamic republic. The attack came weeks after Iranian authorities ruthlessly put down mass protests, killing thousands. There was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities of Khamenei's death. The Israeli army said that Ali Shamkhani, a top advisor to Khamenei, and the head of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Mohammad Pakpour, were both also killed. "I saw with my own eyes two Tomahawk missiles flying horizontally toward targets," a Tehran office worker told AFP before communications and internet access were cut.
Source:Philippine Star
March 01, 2026 01:40 UTC
Headlines: US, Israel launch Iranian offensive | Mar. 1, 2026
US, Israel launch Iranian offensiveUS President Donald Trump on Saturday announced a major attack against Iran, vowing to "annihilate" its navy and missile sites and telling Iranians their "hour of freedom" had come from the Islamic republic. Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender, including the elite Revolutionary Guards that is tasked with safeguarding the cleric-run government. Nicholas Kaufman, speaking for the defense, confirmed that the team had filed an appeal against the pre-trial chamber’s earlier detention ruling. He noted that in other Southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore, vaping has been banned to develop the first smoke-free generation. Opinion and editorialMarlen Ronquillo is today’s front page columnist and has a message to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s defense lawyer.
Source:Manila Times
March 01, 2026 01:28 UTC
Airspace closed, flights cancelled as US-Iran conflict flares
Airspace closed, flights cancelled as US-Iran conflict flaresA check-in desk shows information on a cancelled flight in the north terminal at London Gatwick airport in Crawley, on February 28, 2026, following the US and Israel's strikes on Iran. PARIS, France — Flights across the Middle East were cancelled Saturday as several countries closed their airspace after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. - Israel also closed its airspace to civilian flights, Transport Minister Miri Regev announced. Flights cancelled- Gulf carriers: Emirates and Etihad cancelled 38 percent and 30 percent of their flights respectively, Cirium said. - Wizz Air: Hungary's low-cost carrier suspended "all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until March 7 inclusive" and cancelled flights to Saudi Arabia until March 2.
Source:Philippine Star
March 01, 2026 01:21 UTC
Ombudsman skeptical on affidavit by former soldiers
Ombudsman skeptical on affidavit by former soldiersMANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has cast doubts on the joint affidavit executed by 18 former soldiers who claimed to have delivered millions of pesos in cash to government officials, dismissing the allegations as “canard” and politically motivated. “It is hard to believe that all 18 of them knew everything written in that affidavit. The joint affidavit was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman last week by lawyer Levi Baligod. What was that – were there 18 soldiers as witnesses? Meanwhile, a religious leader who signed as witness to the affidavit clarified that he did not vouch for the truthfulness of the claims made by the former soldiers.
Source:Philippine Star
March 01, 2026 01:03 UTC
No evidence speaks for itself
No evidence speaks for itselfPublic investigations often leave two separate trails: the political narrative that circulates widely and the documented findings that remain in the official record. Instead, the committee will recommend the continued gathering of evidence against Romualdez in relation to his alleged links to the flood control controversy. Instead, the committee operates under a lower standard of evidence, namely, substantial evidence or such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. On the other hand, the committee recommended the conduct of a PI against incumbent senators Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva. Some people may not agree with the conclusions of the ICI and the Blue Ribbon Committee.
Source:Philippine Star
March 01, 2026 00:07 UTC
Palace dismisses hospitalization rumors; President Marcos well
Palace dismisses hospitalization rumors; President Marcos wellMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is “well” and working even on a Saturday, Malacañang said amid fresh rumors that the Chief Executive was brought to a hospital. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President is healthy and working on a weekend, as he held a meeting with the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) yesterday. On Friday, Marcos welcomed the new ambassadors of Slovak Republic, Papua New Guinea and Lao at the Palace. Marcos is scheduled to travel to New York, from March 8 to 11 for a working visit. Prior to this, Marcos will meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Manila on March 3.
Source:Philippine Star
February 28, 2026 23:31 UTC
Maya posts P1.7 billion profit in 2025
Maya posts P1.7 billion profit in 2025Maya, the financial technology venture of the PLDT Group, is improving its viability as a digital bank, booking a full-year profit for the first time in its three-year history. MANILA, Philippines — Digital bank Maya booked a P1.7-billion profit in 2025 due to its expanding customer base and growing lending business. Maya, the financial technology venture of the PLDT Group, is improving its viability as a digital bank, booking a full-year profit for the first time in its three-year history. Likewise, Maya partnered with more than 2,000 merchants for Maya Miles, its rewards program for credit card users. Afterward, Maya plans to go public in the Philippines to complete what is a rare dual listing for a local entity.
Source:Philippine Star
February 28, 2026 22:01 UTC
DOH chief wants total vape ban
DOH chief wants total vape banMANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is pushing for a total ban on vape products due to their toxic and addictive substances that endanger lives. “My personal stand is to ban vape, because it is poison. Herbosa explained that EVALI is a new illness that emerged and became evident when many started using e-cigarettes and vape products. The Department of Health noted that in Southeast Asia, only three countries – the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia – have yet to ban vape products. “For our children, it should be total ban,” Herbosa said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 28, 2026 22:01 UTC
Tarriela promoted to rear admiral
Tarriela promoted to rear admiralMANILA, Philippines — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela has been promoted to rear admiral. He earlier figured in a word war with the Chinese embassy in Manila over his vocal stance against what he described as Chinese maritime aggression in the WPS. Despite allegations of smear campaigning against China, the new rear admiral defended his actions as a factual counter to Chinese narratives. Members of the House “Young Guns” also extended their congratulations to Tarriela on his promotion from commodore to rear admiral. “We salute Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela for his fearless advocacy and tireless service in defending our West Philippine Sea,” the lawmakers said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 28, 2026 22:01 UTC