Unprogrammed
UnprogrammedMy spellchecker does not accept the word “unprogrammed.” This machine has a better grasp of semantics than many of our legislators. “Unprogrammed” makes no logical sense. This is because a significant portion of our national budget goes under the heading of “unprogrammed appropriations” (UA). Of that total, 64 percent or P378.2 billion was for loan proceeds destined for foreign-assisted projects. Even more urgent, those who wield the power of the purse with such impunity should spare the executive branch the misery of scrambling to find the money for appropriated but “unprogrammed” items.
Source:Philippine Star
February 28, 2026 03:27 UTC
Mayweather favored
Mayweather favoredMANILA, Philippines — The betting odds are out for Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. Part 2. Like in their first encounter, which took place on May 2, 2015, Mayweather will climb the ring, this time at the futuristic Sphere in Las Vegas, as the heavy favorite. Early betting lines put Mayweather at -275 meaning you need $275 to win $100; and Pacquiao at +205 ($100 wins $205). In 2015, Mayweather was at -225 and Pacquiao +175 on fight night. Mayweather, who just turned 49, won the record-breaking showdown, on points, and Pacquiao, now 47, gets a second chance.
Source:Philippine Star
February 28, 2026 01:07 UTC
Eala out to break Top 30 barrier
Eala out to break Top 30 barrierMANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala yesterday arrived in the United States for two massive tournaments that could catapult her to the world’s Top 30 for the first time. Before plunging back to action, Eala swung by the Nike World Headquarters in Oregon, where she was warmly welcomed and shown a wall of her own portraits. Eala posed with a big smile and flashed the peace sign. Eala also mirrored the biggest portrait on display, with both hands on her face in disbelief and tears after barging into the Final Four of the Miami Open last year. Eala broke into the Top 100 for the first time after Miami, thus qualifying in all 1000-level tours and Slam main draws.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 22:00 UTC
DENR Secretary Lotilla appointed ambassador to Holy See
Marcos replaces DENR's Lotilla, appoints him ambassador to Holy SeeMANILA, Philippines — President Bongbong Marcos has appointed Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla as the Philippines' new ambassador to the Holy See. "According to what we have heard, ang sinabi po ay mas nais ngayon po ni Secretary Lotilla ng lighter assignment. (Based on what we’ve heard, Secretary Lotilla reportedly prefers a lighter assignment at this time. Lotilla only served as DENR secretary for nine months since Marcos appointed him in May 2025, replacing former environment secretary Maria Yulo-Loyzaga as part of the president's cabinet revamp. Meanwhile, Castro explained that Marcos appointed Cuna as acting DENR secretary due to his long-standing service with the agency.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 18:23 UTC
MMDA prepares for Holy Week
MMDA prepares for Holy WeekMetropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Nicolas Torre III leads the inspection and security audit of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange yesterday, together with other MMDA officials, as part of preparations for the anticipated Holy Week travel surge. MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of the expected Holy Week exodus, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has vowed to provide commuters with a safer and more convenient travel during the Lenten season. Nicolas Torre III, MMDA general manager, said the agency has started its preparations for the Holy Week, starting with an inspection and safety audit of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange or PITX. He said the MMDA would deploy more personnel to assist commuters and travelers during the Lenten season, noting that recent experiences showed longer waiting times at public transport terminals. Gilbert Cruz, Office for Transportation Security administrator, said personnel with K9 dogs would be dispatched, along with CCTV cameras, x-ray machines and scanners, to ensure security at the terminals.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:36 UTC
Why global capital betting on Phl
Why global capital betting on PhlJust recently, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced that it has received a proposal from Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) to invest $400 million for a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Clark. The 15-hectare facility, to be located inside the Clark Aviation Capital (CAC), an area surrounding the Clark International Airport, will be one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Combined, LTP and FedEx Express’ investments mean more than $600 million in planned capital deployment at a single aviation corridor. The Clark investments, striking as they are, sit within a broader capital story. The agency has set a P300 billion target for 2026.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:36 UTC
Medvedev advances
Medvedev advancesRussia's Daniil Medvedev hits a return against USA's Learner Tien during their men's singles match on day five of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 17, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Daniil Medvedev produced a clinical 6-2, 6-1 performance against Jenson Brooksby on Thursday to advance to his third Dubai semifinal and book a showdown with Felix Auger-Aliassime. The former world No. 1 boasts 22 career titles but has never won the same tournament twice. The 30-year-old former US Open champion will next take on top-seeded Auger-Aliassime, who defeated Czech eighth seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 7-6 (7/2).
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:36 UTC
BSP eyes tighter e-money rules to protect consumers
BSP eyes tighter e-money rules to protect consumersMANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is proposing amendments to its electronic money regulations that will tighten liquidity safeguards, strengthen trust arrangements and introduce recovery planning requirements for non-bank electronic money issuers (EMIs). Under the proposal, EMIs will be required to maintain unencumbered liquid assets equivalent to their outstanding e-money balances. The BSP said these assets would remain restricted and may only be released upon authorization, particularly if a recovery plan fails. At this stage, the BSP or a designated manager or receiver may assume control over trust assets and liquid funds earmarked for e-money redemption to ensure orderly settlement of customer claims. Users and merchants must be notified at least 60 calendar days before any changes to terms and conditions take effect.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:36 UTC
SpeakersCon
SpeakersConWe had SpeakersCon last Feb. 11. One of the most resonant themes at SpeakersCon was the need to preserve humanity in a digital world. Marketing thought leader Mark Schaefer challenged us to use AI without losing the human pulse that makes marketing meaningful. In a world where trust can be weaponized, protecting authenticity is protecting people. And the repeated request for the next SpeakersCon tells me that learning communities still matter.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:36 UTC
Of tradition and a splendid gala
The highly-anticipated induction night, held at the stunning Galerie Aveline of SJW Building in Makati City, welcomed an unprecedented 60 new members, reflecting the organization’s growing influence and renewed vitality. It was a night where tradition met forward-looking momentum, leaving no doubt that the group is poised for a vibrant and impactful year ahead. Indeed, it was an evening of elegance and effervescent fun, a fitting tribute to a woman whose warmth lights up every room she enters. It was evening of elegance and effervescent fun. Follow me on Facebook and YouTube: Johnny Litton by Jayelles PH and on Instagram: @jayellesph.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:36 UTC
Korean escapee recaptured
Korean escapee recapturedAuthorities present South Korean detainee Lee Jingyu during a press briefing at the NBI headquarters in Pasay yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — After a two-month manhunt, the Bureau of Immigration recaptured a South Korean who escaped from the BI Warden Facility in Muntinlupa on Jan. 1, authorities said yesterday. According to the BI, Lee had been on the run since Jan. 1, when he disappeared from the Warden Facility. We will pursue, arrest and remove any foreign national who threatens public safety and national security,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. Lee and In are temporarily under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation while they face their deportation charges.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:36 UTC
NBI to investigate ex-Marine security aides of Zaldy Co
NBI to investigate ex-Marine security aides of Zaldy CoMANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating the identity and background of former Marines who claimed they served as bagmen and security aides of former lawmaker Zaldy Co.NBI Director Melvin Matibag yesterday said the bureau is verifying the authenticity of the men’s claims and the circumstances surrounding their public disclosure. The Philippine Navy on Wednesday said that four of the 18 men who surfaced were never part of the Marines, while the others have been dishonorably discharged. “We already have initial findings, but I cannot disclose them because of the sensitivity,” he said. Matibag urged Baligod to voluntarily submit to the NBI the affidavits of the former Marines so they could be interviewed as part of the investigation. He said the bureau may issue subpoenas to compel their appearance if necessary.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:32 UTC
BOC raises P102.5 million from auction of Discaya cars
BOC raises P102.5 million from auction of Discaya carsThe Bureau of Customs holds another public auction of the luxury cars of contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya at the Port of Manila on February 25, 2026. Three of the seven Discaya-linked vehicles put on auction last Wednesday were sold, generating proceeds of P25.771 million. According to the BOC, the sales in this auction generated P25.751 million, and including registration fees, the total proceeds reached P25.771 million. Four remaining Discaya luxury vehicles failed to attract buyers: the 2022 GMC Yukon Denali, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2022 Maserati Levante Modena and 2022 GMC Yukon XL Denali. The first auction raised P38 million, followed by P9.5 million in proceeds from the second auction and P29 million from the third.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:32 UTC
House bill proposes ban on ‘cong-tractors’
House bill proposes ban on ‘cong-tractors’Workers do renovation works around the House of Representatives within the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on July 3, 2024. The NUP is also proposing to the House leadership to include the ban in the current House rules to deter lawmakers from contracting infrastructure projects. Both in the proposed bill that we proposed and at the House rules. But here in the House, once it is accepted by the House and included in the House rules, that will be over. It will be implemented once accepted by the leadership of the House to include it in the House rules,” Puno said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:04 UTC
South Korean President visiting Philippines
South Korean President visiting PhilippinesMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos will meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Manila next week, where they are expected to tackle deeper cooperation in key areas, including defense, maritime and economy. The President and First Lady Liza Marcos will officially welcome Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung at Malacañang. The visit coincides with the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in March 1949. Dy said the visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defense and people-to-people ties, especially as the Philippines serves as ASEAN chair in 2026. Our relationship has been built over decades – through shared sacrifice, growing trade, strong defense cooperation and deep people-to-people ties,” Dy said in a joint statement with Pangasinan 3rd district Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas.
Source:Philippine Star
February 27, 2026 16:04 UTC