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PBBM, Leni to meet on flood mitigation
By Charles Dantes, Ram Superable and Maricel Cruz
RESIDENT Ferdinand
PMarcos Jr. will meet with former vice president and now Naga City mayor Leni Robredo on Saturday, days after Vice President Sara Duterte declared her intention to seek the highest position in the 2028 national elections.
Officially, Mr. Marcos and Robredo are scheduled to discuss the administration’s “Oplan Kontra Baha” program, which aims to clear canals, esteros, and rivers to mitigate flooding, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
Mr. Marcos and Robredo also met in 2024 in Sorsogon, which the President previously described as “a very important step toward political reconciliation.”
Asked if other topics will be brought up during the meeting, Castro said: “Iyan ang abangan ninyo. (That is what you should watch for.)”
Mt. Kanlaon blows ash 2,000 meters high—Phivolcs
By Rex Espiritu
KANLAON Volcano in Negros island erupted yesterday throwing out ash 2,000 meters up in the sky, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported. The eruption occurred at 4:38
By Peter Atencio
By Pot Chavez
By Vito Barcelo
A MEMBER of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on lawmakers to confront corruption, describing it as a form of “spiritual decay” that robs public funds meant for classrooms, hospitals and the poor.
China
By Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday warned that China is ramping up its cyber attacks the Philippines amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the biggest challenge in defending the country’s position in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was no longer social media trolls, but politicians spreading fake news and disinformation.
Speaking at a forum organized by Stratbase ADR Institute, AFP Cyber Command chief Brig. Gen. Joey Fontiveros said the Philippines continues to face persistent cyber attacks linked to ongoing territorial disputes over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“The country’s cybersecurity landscape in 2026 is characterized by escalating threats driven by geopolitical tensions, rapid digital transformation
Bishop Raul Dael of Tandag said corruption is not only a legal offense but a moral and spiritual failure that harms vulnerable citizens and weakens trust in government institutions.
“Corruption is not only illegal; it is a spiritual decay, a sin against God,”
‘YAKAP AT KALINGA’. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. poses for a groupie with teachers of the Minuyan Elementary School in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, where the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and Kalinga caravan of the DepEd are providing free consultations, laboratory tests, and other health services to teachers
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026
Senate committee ends anti-dynasty hearings
By Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz
THE Senate ended its public consultations on the "Kontra Dinastiya" bill on Thursday in Cagayan de Oro as part of the nationwide push to level the political playing field.
Meanwhile, Speaker Faustino Dy III on Thursday underscored the importance of Visayas stakeholders as the House of Representatives brought its nationwide consultations on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act to Cebu City.
The regional hearing was held at the University of the Philippines Cebu, drawing participants from across the Visayas to discuss the longdebated reform measure.
PBBM,...
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Castro, however, clarified there have been no discussions yet on possible political alliances.
“There is really nothing to discuss yet about the campaign or who will run in the 2028 presidential elections. It is too early for politics,” she said.
“Many things need to be fixed in our country, many things that must be addressed for the interest of our fellow citizens. It is too early to talk about who will run in 2028,” Castro added.
Castro assured the public that the Vice President’s announcement to run for president in 2028 will not affect the President’s focus on governance, including boosting the economy, im-
Legal...
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“First, the serious constitutional infirmity in the July 25, 2025 decision was this, the Court said for the transmittal of the impeachment complaint to the Senate, there must be a plenary vote and there was no plenary vote so that is a serious constitutional infirmity... In this resolution of January 28, 2026, the Court said there was a plenary vote, just like that, it did not explain their factual error,” Carpio said.
“That serious constitutional infirmity never happened because the Court walked back its finding that there was no plenary vote,” he added. Carpio also criticized the additional requirements the Court had imposed on the second mode of impeachment — the endorsement by one-third of House members — including what he described as an administrative hearing at the plenary level.
China...
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“From a security and defense viewpoint, the country faces persistent cyber attacks linked to territorial disputes in the WPS with Chinabased malicious actors deploying malware, DDOS attacks, data leaks and website compromises to advance Beijing’s regional ambition,” he added.
According to Fontiveros, these intensifying threats lead to a broader global risk profile where misinformation, disinformation and cyber insecurity rank among top short and longterm concerns.
High-risk sectors include public administration, which accounted for over 20 percent of dark web threats, the AFP Cyber Command chief said. This was followed by educational services at 14.8 percent and the finance and insurance sector at 10.1 percent. Common tactics involve ransom-
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injury. She followed this with a stunning upset of world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini, winning 6-1, 7-6 (7-5) in one of the biggest triumphs of her career. She then showed composure beyond her years dispatching experienced and former tormentor Romanian Sorana Cirstea, 7-5, 6-4, to secure her first-ever WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance. Now, standing between Eala and
Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros presided over the session to align the proposed antipolitical dynasty legislation with regional perspectives.
"We are already familiar with the harms associated with the dynasty system, where concentrated power in a few families often comes with corruption, poverty, and a lack of
proving the lives of Filipinos, and addressing long-standing flooding issues.
“The President’s focus will not be affected. Will the work of the President be derailed just because a vice president announced that she will run?” she said.
“The announcement that she will run for president was not shocking because her campaigning has already been felt even before the official announcement,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, Senator Erwin Tulfo on Thursday said he has no plans to run for the country's top post amid speculation about a potential tandem with Robredo.
The neophyte senator described the rumors as flattering but emphasized he and his family are exhausted from previous political battles, legal challenges, and public criticisms dur-
He said the January resolution effectively restored the procedure that existed before the July 2025 ruling.
“Even now in this present resolution, the Court said there was no violation of the Constitution, so it is really ‘chopsuey.’ I mean, mismatch,” he said.
Carpio argued that Congress acted in good faith, following prevailing jurisprudence at the time.
He also questioned the Court’s new interpretation of “session days,” which it defined as calendar days when plenary sessions are held.
“So, this concept of session day as a calendar day where there are plenary sessions was never a legal concept before January 28, 2026 — not in the US. No court ever said that. No legislature ever adopted that rule. In the Philippines, no court ever said that. No legislature ever adopted that rule. So, it’s a totally new concept,” Carpio said.
While he disagrees with the ruling, the ex-justice said it is now binding and affects pending impeachment
ware, phishing, and access sales, with law enforcement reporting increases of 37% in online threats and 200 percent in phishing incidents.
Fontiveros said the Philippines has detected foreign attempts to access intelligence data, though no major breaches have been confirmed, underscoring vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure like healthcare, transportation and power grids.
“Government responses include the National Cyber Security Plan, which emphasizes advanced threat assessment, capacity building and closing skills gaps to bolster resilience,” he said.
“Overall, the landscape demands a shift from reactive to proactive defenses, integrating AI powered detection and multilateral cooperation to counter hybrid threats in a digitally interconnected region,” he added.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the WPS, said statements made by certain lawmakers against the government’s stance on maritime issues are harder to counter because of their influence over followers and voters.
a historic semifinal berth is Gauff, a Grand Slam champion and one of the sport’s brightest stars.
A victory over Gauff would propel Eala into her first WTA 1000 semifinal and likely push her ranking even higher, potentially bringing her closer to the Top 25.
A win would also earn Eala 390 ranking points, nearly doubling the 215 points awarded to quarterfinalists, strengthening her chances of gaining direct entry and improved seedings in upcoming elite tournaments. Such a breakthrough would place
accountability, and where personal interests frequently take precedence over public service for ordinary Filipinos," she said.
"There are three core issues that need to be addressed... first is the degree of relationship... second is the scope of prohibition... third is whether the ban should be simultaneous or successive," the senator explained.
Hontiveros also cited the recent filing of Senate Bill No. 1854 by Senator Loren Legarda, adding to the existing six anti-dynasty bills considered by the committee.
"Some have asked why not focus on fixing corruption, flood control, or poverty instead, but research is clear: when dynasties exist, corruption is highly likely, as greed and wrongdo-
ing the 2025 elections.
"I don’t have plans to run for higher office. There are still many out there that they should take a look at first. There are plenty of capable people. I can suggest Senator Bam Aquino or Senator Risa Hontiveros. There are many qualified individuals who could serve as VP Leni’s running mate," Tulfo said.
He said his brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo, also prefers to focus on his Senate re-election rather than pursue higher office.
Aquino, for his part, said he will not run for vice president in 2028.
At the House, Committee on Human Rights chair Bienvenido Abante Jr. yesterday dismissed claims that Duterte distanced herself from the administration over alleged corruption or inefficiency.
“This was not a principled res-
complaints “because counting is now based on calendar days.”
Retired justice and 1986 Constitutional Commission member Adolfo Azcuna said the Court effectively corrected a “very fatal error” in its earlier ruling without explicitly admitting it.
“The error was a very fatal error... Instead of saying that ‘we were wrong,’ they just restated the facts, saying there was a plenary vote,” Azcuna said.
Azcuna also objected to the Court’s issuance of procedural guidelines on impeachment.
“Being themselves impeachable, they (justices) cannot be the ones to write the rules for their own impeachment. That would be a violation of due process and violation of fairness. So, for them to make guidelines on the procedure for impeachment is, I think, beyond the scope of their powers because precisely they are impeachable officials,” he said.
He further clarified the constitu-
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ing are easily hidden when those who should provide checks and balances are family members, and poverty often deepens with wealth failing to reach the wider population," she said.
Alongside Hontiveros, Senator Francis Pangilinan encouraged attendees to use available channels to express support and pressure lawmakers for the bill’s passage, pointing out that while legislators draft and debate the law, grassroots involvement is crucial to ensuring Congress enacts the measure.
Hundreds of participants attended from various sectors in Northern Mindanao, including local officials, legal experts, church leaders, civil society organizers, business representatives, and youth groups.
ignation,” Abante said. “If the Vice President truly believed the administration was corrupt or incapable of addressing the people’s problems, she had every opportunity to say so while she was inside the Cabinet. She did not.”
According to Abante, tensions rose when Congress scrutinized the use of confidential and intelligence funds.
“The timeline is clear. The tension escalated when Congress exercised its constitutional power of the purse and asked questions about public funds. That is not political persecution— that is oversight,” he said.
“When accountability mechanisms were activated, that is when the distancing began…What we saw instead was a political realignment following fiscal pushback… Let us not confuse succession maneuvering with moral crusades,” Abante added.
tional phrase: “No impeachment proceeding shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year. It does not say ‘more than one (case or proceeding).’”
Azcuna said oral arguments would have helped clarify the issues.
For her part, Gwen Grecia De Vera, dean of the UP College of Law, said aspects of the Court’s handling of the case were “problematic” and appeared to depart from Constitutional Commission records, which reflected a more liberal approach to impeachment.
UP Law Associate Dean Paolo Tamase said the forum did not aim to relitigate the 2025 complaints but to examine whether impeachment “has changed for good and if so, for the better.”
Despite their criticisms, the panelists acknowledged that the unanimous en banc ruling is final and must be respected, even as debate continues over its implications for future impeachment proceedings.
Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Kanlaon Volcano, and entry into its four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited.
Kanlaon has erupted more than 40 times since 1866, according to Phivolcs. In 1996, three hikers were killed by ash ejection from the volcano.
Residents near Kanlaon are urged to prepare for possible evacuation.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) told Manila Standard that residents of Canlaon City and La Castellana within the four-kilometer permanent danger and strict protection zones have been staying in evacuation centers since the eruption began.
Kanlaon has shown increased activity since late 2025, when Phivolcs recorded a minor explosive eruption at the summit crater on Oct. 24. It emitted ash in December 2025 and a superheated plume in January 2026.
Authorities are also closely monitoring the six-kilometer extended danger zone, where 1,279 families, or 4,150 individuals, could be affected if volcanic activity intensifies. OCD-NIR Director Donato A. Sermeno III has instructed local government units to mobilize and prepare residents for possible relocation, ensuring evacuation plans and safety measures are in place.
“Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2 status. Because of this, affected communities in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental are again reminded of the hazards of volcanic activity, such as ashfall,” the OCDNIR said.
the 20-year-old Filipina in prime position heading into major WTA 1000 events like Indian Wells (March 4 to March 15, 2026 in Indian Wells, California) and the Miami Open (March 18 to March 29, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida), where she is expected to be seeded and stronger rankings often translate into more favorable draws.
Such a win would further cement her growing reputation as one of the tour’s most dangerous young players and mark another defining moment in her rapid rise. However, even if her Dubai run
The Cagayan de Oro consultation concluded the committee’s nationwide series, which previously held sessions in Pasig, Laguna, Bacolod, and Bulacan. In a video message, Dy said the House intentionally moved consultations outside Metro Manila to ensure the proposal reflects nationwide sentiment.
“Ngayon naman po ay lumalapit ang Kongreso sa inyo, mga mahal naming taga-Visayas, dahil ang inyong tinig at damdamin ay aming pinahahalagahan at isinasaalang-alang,” Dy said.
(Now, Congress comes to you, our dear people of Visayas, because your voice and your sentiments are what we value and consider.)
Rody ICC case not political at all, says Palace
By Charles Dantes
MALACANANG on Thursday rejected claims that the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) was politically motivated, saying the proceedings arose from complaints filed by Filipinos who believed they could not obtain justice at the home front.
Meanwhile, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said the fact that Duterte agreed to waive his rights to attend his own trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) was proof that he is of sound mind, albeit “pathological.”
In a televised interview, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro pushed back against statements from Duterte’s camp likening Duterte’s arrest to “kidnapping” and describing it as political persecution.
“We all know what kidnapping means,” Castro said, noting that the Philippines has legal mechanisms to address cases under investigation abroad. She cited Republic Act No. 9851, particularly Section 17, which allows Philippine authorities to defer to investigations on a case already handled by another state or international tribunal. RA 9851 is also known as the Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
Despite repeated criticisms from Vice President Sara Duterte, Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remained focused on governance, prioritizing efforts to strengthen the economy and move the country forward.
Castro said the complaints were filed before the ICC by Filipino citizens who felt they had no recourse in domestic courts at the time, recalling Duterte’s earlier public statements asserting that he would not be arrested or jailed due to immunity and old age.
Castro said the complainants sought redress before the ICC because they believed justice would not be served domestically.
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Dael said, warning that it hurts the poor first by diverting resources from education, health care, social services and communities awaiting assistance.
Dael made the call during a Mass at the House of Representatives on Ash Wednesday, where he addressed legislative staff and employees and emphasized that leadership depends on teamwork and shared responsibility in upholding transparency and accountability in public service.
The bishop urged legislators to treat public office as a vocation centered on service, sacrifice and accountability rather than personal gain or political advantage.
ends in the quarterfinals, Eala will still emerge as one of the tournament’s biggest revelations. Her climb to a career-high ranking of No. 32 ensures improved seedings in future tournaments and strengthens her position on the WTA Tour.
More importantly, her victories over Baptiste, Paolini, and Cirstea have demonstrated her ability to compete with, and defeat, elite players, proving that she belongs among the world’s best and is not just a popular player with a massive worldwide Filipino following.
He added that ethical leadership requires integrity in both public decisions and private conduct, especially when away from public scrutiny.
Dael said the Lenten season is a time for self-examination, calling on officials to reflect not on their public image but on their conscience and moral responsibility in governance. He said corruption erodes institutions, drains public resources and deepens inequality among ordinary Filipinos who rely on government services.
“How tragic it is when a vocation meant to serve the common good becomes entangled in massive corruption,” he said.
Vico files poll complaint vs. rival Sarah Discaya
By Vito Barcelo
PASIG Mayor Vico Sotto on Thursday fi led a formal complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against his former rival, contractor Sarah Discaya, for alleged campaign overspending and perjury in connection with the 2025 midterm elections.
The mayor personally submitted the complaint to the Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department, accompanied by election lawyer Romulo Macalintal.
In his complaint, Sotto accused Discaya of violating provisions of the Omnibus Election Code by allegedly exceeding the allowable campaign spending limit.
Under the law, candidates are subject to spending caps based on the number of registered voters, with violations carrying possible criminal liability, fines, and even disqualification from holding public office.
The local chief executive also alleged that Discaya committed perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code for supposedly making false and
South Korea eases PH visa rule
By Katrina Manubay
SOUTH Korea on Thursday announced
it will waive the three-month bank statement requirement for visa applicants starting February 20, streamlining the process and promoting travel to the country.
In an announcement posted on social media, the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in the Philippines said the submission of three months of bank statements will no longer be required for any visa applicants as part of the country’s initiative to enhance travel convenience.
The center added that student applicants now have the option to submit either their original school certificate or a copy of their student ID as proof
of student status, rather than having to provide both documents.
For multiple applicants, the KVAC announced that common documents, such as invitation letters, family relationship documents, and companyrelated documents, can be submitted in a single copy and included with the representative applicant’s file.
Additionally, for employment-related documents, an explanation letter is no longer required if a landline number is not provided or if the document features an electronic signature.
The KVAC clarified that documents will still be accepted as long as alternative contact information, such as an email address or mobile phone number, is included.
material declarations in her Statement of Contributions and Expenditures, a mandatory report that candidates must file after elections detailing all campaign donations and expenses.
“I think it’s a clear and blatant violation of election law. In fact, I don’t want to do this, but we want everyone in Pasig City to abide by the law. You need to obey the election laws,” Sotto said.
The poll body is expected to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether sufficient grounds exist to pursue formal charges.
“If probable cause is found, the case may be elevated for prosecution, underscoring the poll body’s mandate to enforce campaign finance rules and ensure a level playing field in Philippine elections,” Comelec said.
PBBM to appoint Melvin Matibag as NBI chief
By Charles Dantes
Malacañang on Thursday confirmed
that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to appoint lawyer Melvin Matibag as the new director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary
Claire Castro announced the leadership change during a press briefing but did not provide further details on the timing or reasons for the appointment.
“The reason has not yet been given to me — that is all I can provide for now,” Castro said in Filipino, adding that when the appointment will take effect has not yet been specified.
“That is the only thing given to us so far. There will be a new NBI Director in the person of Atty. Melvin Matibag,” she added.
The PCO official emphasized that appointments remain the President’s prerogative and suggested that trust
factored into the decision. Castro said the Palace would release additional information once details become available.
Matibag is a veteran lawyer who served in the previous administration, appointed Cabinet secretary in 2022 during the final months of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term.
He has been active in various government roles, holding positions with the Manila International Airport Authority and the National Transmission Corporation, as well as serving as director of the Laguna Lake Development Authority.
Matibag has also been involved in party politics, serving as secretary general of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan, the political party closely associated with Duterte.
He resigned from these positions in 2023 amid internal debates over party funds, among other issues.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026
IN BRIEF
Evacuees return home after weekend clashes
AROUND 45 families, or 152 individuals, have returned to their homes in a remote village in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, days after weekend clashes between government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA).
Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade, assured Tanjay City Mayor Pepe Orlino that residents of Sitio Canggabi, Barangay Sto. Niño, are safe, saying the encounter sites are far from homes and farms.
As of Wednesday, no evacuees remained at the Sto. Niño barangay gymnasium, where they sought shelter after Sunday’s skirmishes. City health officials, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, and police provided food packs, medicines, and psychosocial support.
Jumawan said operations are ongoing, with support from Army units in Negros Occidental, to pursue NPA remnants blamed for clashes that killed Corporal Renold Gardose and wounded Private 1st Class Janes Tyrone Lozano of the 11th Infantry Battalion. Rex Espiritu
DOST-7 gearing up for Feb. scholarship exam
CEBU CITY – The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VII (DOST-7) is gearing up for the DOST Undergraduate Scholarship Examinations on February 21–22, following an orientation briefing for 2026 scholarship test personnel on February 19 at the Elena O. Diola Memorial Hall in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City. DOST-7 Regional Director Tristan Abando said the exams will be administered in 25 test centers across Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, requiring coordinated efforts from supervisors, room watchers, and technical teams. The regional testing center is at the DOST-7 Lahug S&T Complex. Abando emphasized preparedness and professionalism as the agency welcomes thousands of aspiring scholars seeking to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees under its flagship scholarship program. Minerva Newman
NCRPO arrests suspect in death of male in Pasay
THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Thursday, February 19, arrested the main suspect in the gruesome killing and dismemberment of an unidentified male in Pasay City whose body parts were later dumped in Delpan, Manila.
The dismembered body, placed inside a blue drum abandoned at the Delpan Sports Complex along Mel Lopez Boulevard in Binondo, Manila, triggered an intensive investigation that led authorities to a condominium unit in Pasay and the filing of murder charges under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said investigators reconstructed the events of February 15, 2026, when the victim was killed around 6:30 p.m. Vince Lopez
PBBM: Intensified ops vs. ‘colorums’
By Charles Dantes
MALACAÑANG said Thursday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Land Transportation Office to intensify its operations against unauthorized public utility vehicles nationwide.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the agency’s stepped-up enforcement aligns with the Presi-
dent’s directive to ensure safe and orderly travel for motorists.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the agency
is sustaining its anti-colorum campaign to crack down on unlicensed and unauthorized vehicles operating on public roads.
From February 9 to 11, the LTO apprehended 353 colorum vehicles across the country. Of the total, 107 units were impounded, while 246 were placed under technical impoundment, a procedure in which license plates are confiscated pending compliance with regulations.
The LTO also formally launched its K9 Unit to strengthen law en-
forcement operations, including inspections at transport terminals and checkpoints, as well as other field activities.
Earlier, the agency rolled out a Mobile Command Center to enhance operational coordination and ensure continuous monitoring of road conditions and enforcement activities.
Castro said the initiatives form part of broader government efforts under President Marcos’ leadership to prioritize the safety and welfare of motorists.
House panel OKs Presidential Merit Scholarship Program Act
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE House Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Suansing, has approved a substitute bill institutionalizing the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program (PMSP).
The measure is included in the priority agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
The approved substitute bill consolidates eight proposals, including House Bill 5763 principally authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, with TINGOG Party-list
Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre.
Acidre, who chairs the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, sponsored the measure before the appropriations panel.
The proposed law stems from the President’s 2025 State of the Nation Address, where he announced a merit-based scholarship program for senior high school graduates with highest honors.
For Academic Year 2026–2027, the Commission on Higher Education has earmarked over P600 million to benefit about 20,000 graduates nationwide under the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Schol-
food aid
arship. Institutionalizing the program through legislation aims to ensure continuity and provide a stable legal framework for merit-based support in public and private higher education institutions. Acidre said the measure addresses the financial barriers faced by academically outstanding students whose families cannot shoulder college costs.
“The obstacle is not ability. It is affordability,” he said. Under the bill, the PMSP will be lodged under CHED and provide comprehensive financial assistance to qualified senior high school graduates enrolled in prior-
ity degree programs aligned with national workforce needs.
Benefits include free tuition and other school fees, allowances for books, supplies, internet connectivity, clothing or uniforms, dormitory or transportation support, and other living expenses.
Acidre said the program complements existing scholarship mechanisms by covering exceptional students who may not qualify for other assistance but still face financial constraints.
“Our shortages in health care, engineering, teaching, agriculture, and emerging technologies will ultimately be addressed by people,” he said.
BOC intelligence officer linked to smuggling reassigned
By Vito Barcelo
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has temporarily reassigned an intelligence officer to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner who was reportedly linked to smuggling activities at the Port of Manila.
In a memorandum dated Dec. 12, 2025, Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Romeo Allan Rosales ordered the temporary detail of Paul Oliver Pacunayen, Intelligence Officer III of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Office (CIIS), to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner. Under the directive, Pacunayen is barred from engaging in operational activities outside the scope of his temporary assignment unless expressly authorized. The order stated that the reassignment was made pending an investigation into
alleged corrupt acts involving Pacunayen, who was named in a complaint tied to purported smuggling operations at the Port of Manila.
He has been instructed to report directly to the Intelligence Group chief and perform tasks as directed.
The same order designated lawyer Allen Dela Cruz, chief of the Intelligence Division of the CIIS-Intelligence Group, as officer-in-charge of the Port of Manila Field Station.
Dela Cruz has been tasked with overseeing daily operations and ensuring continuity of functions.
Pacunayen was among the officials cited in a letter sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by concerned BOC personnel and stakeholders alleging the resurgence of smuggling activities at the port. CIIS Director Thomas Narcise was also mentioned in the communication.
By Maricel V. Cruz
STRESSING that food assistance must never be used as a political tool, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno pushed for an explicit ban on political branding of food aid.
“There must be criminal liability for discriminatory distribution,” Diokno said during the Committee on Human Rights’ deliberation on the various proposals for the Right to Adequate Food Framework Act.
The proposed measures seek to create a national legal framework to serve as a guiding principle for future policies and programs pertaining to food security and nutrition.
Diokno underscored the need for criminal liability for discriminatory distribution and called for an anonymous grievance mechanism so that affected families can inform authorities and immediate action can be taken.
Diokno, a human rights lawyer, proposed the establishment of a transparent beneficiary system with privacy safeguards to ensure that allocated food goes to its intended beneficiaries.
“Food is a right, not a debt owed to politicians,” he said.
During the same hearing, Diokno also suggested holding government officials accountable for missed hun-
ger targets.
“We have to have mechanisms in place. For example, automatic congressional review if targets aren’t met or are missed for two consecutive years,” he said, adding that concerned Cabinet secretaries should appear before Congress to explain their failure to meet the target.
“Mandatory appearance of concerned secretaries so they can explain to us what is being done and what they are not doing,” he stressed.
He further urged the government to make public a quarterly hunger dashboard and allow automatic reallocation of unused food funds to make the process more transparent.
SEA OF CLOUDS. Outdoor enthusiasts watch a sea of clouds and a vibrant sunrise at Op-oplas Viewpoint along the Western Benguet mountain range in Sudipen, La Union, as the province marks its 176th foundation anniversary on February 19, 2026. Dave Leprozo
ONION STOCK. Workers arrange sacks of onions at Balintawak Market in Quezon City on Thursday. The Department of Agriculture said imported red onion stocks in cold storage are not enough to lower farmgate prices, contrary to farmers’ claims. Manny Palmero.
BLOOD DONATION. Police officers donate blood during a bloodletting activity organized by Chinese General Hospital in partnership with the Manila Police District at the MPD multipurpose hall along UN Avenue in Manila. Norman Cruz
OPINION
Votes, machines, and doubt
CONFIDENCE in election technology is easy to proclaim and far harder to defend.
The Philippines has invested more than a decade in automated voting systems precisely to remove suspicion from the counting process.
The promise was simple. Machines would deliver speed, accuracy, and insulation from manipulation.
Yet, recent developments in the 2025 vice mayoral race in Rosales, Pangasinan have forced a closer look at whether that promise is being fully upheld.
A ruling by the Regional Trial Court Branch 53 overturning results initially produced by the Automated Counting Machines has introduced questions that extend beyond a single municipality.
When a machine-generated outcome is set aside after a manual review, the issue is no longer confined to local rivalries.
It becomes a test of whether the safeguards built into the automated system are being rigorously applied and transparently defended.
Automation has been presented as a technological shield against dagdag bawas and human interference.
Each machine is equipped with encrypted digital ballot images, audit logs, and verification protocols designed to ensure that voter intent can be confirmed whenever disputes arise.
Yet, in Rosales, those safeguards appear to have been insufficient to prevent a judicial reversal.
When courts overturn machine counts based on discrepancies with physical ballots, the question becomes unavoidable.
If the system is protected by multiple layers of verification, why were those mechanisms unable to settle the matter before it escalated? That is the question now confronting the Commission on Elections.
Chairman George Garcia has repeatedly reassured the nation, often through a media friendly blitz of interviews and press conferences, that the 2025 automated elections achieved a near-perfect 99 percent accuracy rate.
The message was unmistakable.
The system worked and it worked almost flawlessly. Delivered with confidence and reinforced with statistics rounded to inspire trust, those assurances were intended to calm public anxiety.
But elections are not judged by presentation.
Polished appearances and carefully delivered sound bites projecting institutional authority do not substitute for rigorous verification.
Accuracy is not measured by how convincingly it is described in a press briefing. It is measured by whether it withstands scrutiny when challenged in court and examined against physical ballots.
If discrepancies can arise in one municipality, voters elsewhere are justified in asking whether similar vulnerabilities might exist in their own jurisdictions. Election technology is standardized nationwide.
A flaw exposed in Rosales does not re-
main confined there. Doubt travels quickly, and once it spreads, it becomes difficult to contain.
Automation was introduced precisely to prevent these uncertainties.
The encrypted ballot images and audit trails embedded in the system were intended to provide objective evidence whenever disputes surface.
This is not a debate between manual and automated counting. It is a question of whether the technological safeguards designed to protect voter intent are being applied consistently before machine generated results are set aside.
The danger lies not only in potential technical discrepancies but in institutional overconfidence.
Decline in PH corruption rankings
THE Philippines’ continued decline in global corruption rankings, now for the third consecutive year, reflects both the persistence of systemic governance challenges and the heightened public frustration following the flood control scandal exposed in 2025.
The scandal has therefore magnified distrust in government institutions. For Marcos Jr., the stakes are high: failure to deliver tangible accountability could erode his political capital and reinforce perceptions that corruption is tolerated at the highest levels.
the difficulty of prosecuting entrenched networks of power. The report highlights what can be described as a “waiting game for accountability.
Repeated assurances of near perfection create expectations that demand equally strong accountability when controversy emerges.
The Rosales case now functions as a stress test for the entire automated election framework. It challenges Comelec to demonstrate that its safeguards are more than procedural talking points.
The Commission must show that digital ballot images can be verified transparently, that audit logs are examined thoroughly, and that reconciliation procedures between physical ballots and electronic counts are clear, consistent, and enforceable.
Public trust in elections is fragile. Once shaken, it cannot be restored by statistics alone.
The credibility of the 2025 elections is at stake. More importantly, the foundation for the 2028 polls is being shaped now.
If voters begin to suspect that machine counts can be overturned without exhaustive verification, confidence in automation will erode rapidly.
Comelec must therefore move beyond messaging and into measurable transparency. It must explain clearly what occurred in Rosales, how the safeguards were applied, and why the outcome unfolded as it did. The public does not need reassurances. It needs evidence.
Automation promised certainty. It promised that every vote would be counted as cast and protected from manipulation.
That promise cannot rest on press briefings or optimistic statistics. It must rest on proof.
Until that proof is made visible and verifiable, election integrity will remain under question, not just in Rosales but across the nation. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
Ash Wednesday, Duterte crimes and Bad Bunny
ASH Wednesday serves as the solemn threshold to the 40-day Lenten season, traditionally dedicated to the profound spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Often referred to as the three pillars of Lent, these practices function as a comprehensive spiritual “reset” designed to reorient our lives toward what truly matters. By engaging in these acts simultaneously, we recalibrate our relationships with the Creator, with our own desires, and with our community.
In Wednesday’s Gospel Reading, Jesus focuses on these three pillars with one overarching theme: sincerity over showmanship. Jesus warns that if you perform religious duties to be seen by others, that public recognition is your only reward.
The moral danger of showmanship lies in its ability to hollow out the soul, replacing authentic virtue with curated image. When religious practices are performed for an audience, the primary motivation shifts from pleasing God to seeking social validation.
This creates a “spiritual narcissism” where the ego becomes central. We care more about appearing holy than being holy.
In his first Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV reminds us: “I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining
from words that offend and hurt our neighbor.”
He urges us to “disarm our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement.”
Amidst public scandals and corruption, spiritual pride manifests as self-righteousness. It becomes a “mob mentality” that prioritizes instant condemnation over the difficult work of intercession.
When courts overturn machine counts based on discrepancies with physical ballots, the question becomes unavoidable —“—
We must guard against a justice that lacks mercy
When we judge those accused of wrongdoing with absolute finality, we fall into the trap of the Pharisee, building a pedestal of moral superiority that blinds us to our own shared brokenness.
We must guard against a justice that lacks mercy.
This tension between justice and mercy takes on particular urgency today.
The International Criminal Court has confirmed charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte and other officials for crimes against humanity committed against the poor.
This marks a significant step toward ac-
The scandal, which implicated officials in the misuse of funds intended for critical infrastructure, has become a litmus test for the Marcos Jr. administration’s credibility in combating corruption.
The government’s assurances that investigations are ongoing and that accountability will follow have not yet translated into visible results, leaving citizens skeptical and international observers wary.
Corruption perception indices, such as those published annually by Transparency International, measure how business leaders, experts, and citizens view the integrity of public institutions.
A downward trend signals not only unresolved scandals but also weak enforcement mechanisms. For the Philippines, the flood control scandal has crystallized long-standing concerns: procurement irregularities, collusion between contractors and officials, and the slow pace of judicial processes.
The fact that the scandal remains unresolved a year after its exposure underscores institutional inertia and
The government’s assurances that investigations are ongoing and that accountability will follow have not yet translated into visible results
This phrase captures the tension between public outrage and government promises. Citizens, already burdened by flooding risks and infrastructure deficiencies, see corruption in flood control projects as a direct assault on their safety and livelihoods.
Malacañang’s statement that investigations are continuing and that more officials will be held accountable reflects a familiar pattern in Philippine governance: pledges of reform without immediate outcomes.
While such assurances may buy time, they risk deepening cynicism if prosecutions stall or result in minor penalties.
The credibility of the administration hinges on whether these investigations lead to convictions of highranking officials, not just scapegoats. Moreover, the government must demonstrate that reforms are systemic rather than reactive measures tied to a single scandal.
The country’s three-year slump in corruption rankings is not merely a statistical decline; it is a reflection of deep-seated governance challenges and unmet public expectations.
The coming months will determine whether the Marcos Jr. administration can transform promises into action, or whether the Philippines will continue to slide further in global perception, thus risking both domestic legitimacy and international standing.
Major US naval, air buildup sets stage for potential Iran war
WASHINGTON, DC – The massive US military buildup in the Middle East, including warships, fighter jets, and refueling aircraft, lays the foundation for a potentially sustained campaign against Iran -- should President Donald Trump give the order.
Trump -- who ordered strikes on Iran last year -- has repeatedly threatened Tehran with further military action if ongoing talks do not reach a replacement for the nuclear deal the US president tore up in 2018, during his first term in office.
CNN and CBS reported Wednesday that the US military will be ready to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, though Trump has reportedly not made a final decision yet.
The presence of “so much firepower...in the region creates a momentum of its own,” said Susan Ziadeh, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
“Sometimes that momentum is a little hard to just put the brakes on and say, that’s it, we’re not doing anything,” Ziadeh said during a panel discussion Wednesday.
Ships
Washington currently has 13 warships in the Middle East: one aircraft carrier -- the USS Abraham Lincoln -- nine destroyers and three littoral combat ships, with more on the way, according to a US official.
The USS Gerald R. Ford -- the world’s largest aircraft carrier -- is currently in the Atlantic Ocean en route from the Caribbean to the Middle East, after being ordered there by Trump earlier this month. It
countability for thousands of extrajudicial killings.
That is why the statements attributed to Senators Lacson, Aquino, and Hontiveros echoing Duterte supporters’ arguments or perceived as protecting their fellow senators who have been implicated in the crimes against humanity committed by Duterte are unacceptable.
Justice for the victims of the massacre of the poor, disguised as a war against illegal drugs, cannot be sacrificed for political considerations.
The deeper moral question confronts us directly:
As a nation, are we willing to acknowledge and atone for systematic violence inflicted upon our most vulnerable citizens?
The call for perpetrators to face justice is not about vengeance but about restoration.
A country that refuses to reckon with crimes against humanity remains spiritually captive to those crimes.
Just as Lent calls individuals to honest self-examination, our nation must undergo
is accompanied by three destroyers.
It is rare for there to be two US aircraft carriers -- which carry dozens of warplanes and are crewed by thousands of sailors -- in the Middle East.
—“—
Trump had repeatedly warned Iran that if it killed protesters, the United States would intervene militarily
The United States had two of the massive warships in the region in June last year when it targeted three Iranian nuclear sites during Israel’s 12-day campaign of strikes on Iran.
Aircraft
The United States has also sent a large fleet of aircraft to the Middle East, according to open-source intelligence accounts on X and flight-tracking website Flightradar24. These include F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets, F-15 and F-16 warplanes, and the KC135 aerial refueling aircraft that are needed to sustain their operations.
On Wednesday, Flightradar24 showed multiple KC-135s flying near or in the Middle East, as well as E3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft and cargo planes operating in the region.
its own metanoia, confronting the brutal truth that thousands of poor Filipinos were killed as deliberate targets of state violence.
On February 8, the world witnessed an unexpected moment of grace. Bad Bunny performed at the Super Bowl halftime show entirely in Spanish.
For those paying attention, it was a moment of cultural redemption illustrating this tension between condemnation and restoration.
For Filipinos watching, there should have been particular resonance.
Both Puerto Rico and the Philippines share the complex legacy of being “the other”—island territories shaped by Spanish colonialism, then acquired by the United States in 1898. What makes Bad Bunny’s moment redemptive is what it represents for all who have been told they must diminish themselves to succeed.
Instead of seeking validation through conformity, he chose authenticity. Instead of performing for approval, he performed from conviction.
Protests, threats, talks
Trump ordered the Lincoln to the Middle East as Iran cracked down on protests that were initially driven by economic grievances, but which turned into a mass movement against the Islamic republic.
The clerical leadership that took power after the 1979 Islamic revolution responded to the demonstrations with deadly force and has held onto power, with many opponents of the system looking to outside intervention as the most likely driver of change.
Trump had repeatedly warned Iran that if it killed protesters, the United States would intervene militarily, and also encouraged Iranians to take over state institutions, saying “help is on the way.”
He pulled back from ordering strikes last month, saying Tehran had halted more than 800 executions under pressure from Washington, but has since renewed threats against Iran.
US and Iranian officials held talks in Geneva on Tuesday aimed at averting US military intervention, with Iran saying afterward that they had agreed on “guiding principles” for a deal.
But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that while there was “a little bit of progress made,” the two sides are “still very far apart on some issues.”
Leavitt also told journalists there are “many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran,” adding: “Iran would be very wise to make a deal.” AFP
This is the antithesis of the showmanship Jesus condemns. Bad Bunny’s journey reminds us that redemption comes through the courage to be genuinely present in our own stories. The right attitude for Lent is radical interior humility. We must move from being the world’s judge to being a servant of Truth. Instead of participating in public condemnation, the right attitude prioritizes quiet consistency and “hidden holiness.” It seeks God’s gaze in secret rather than the approval of the crowd. It balances necessary social accountability with sincere hope for the conversion of others.
It understands that while justice addresses the crime, mercy addresses the soul. As we enter this Lenten season, may we resist the temptation to become the world’s judge. Instead, may we embrace the humility of the servant.
The ashes on our foreheads unite us in our common need for mercy and transformation.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
IN BRIEF
N. Korea unveils new nuke rocket launcher
SEOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong
Un oversaw the formal unveiling of a huge multiple rocket launcher that can fire nuclear warheads, state media said Thursday. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Kim gave a speech touting the new 600-mm multiple launch rocket system as unique in the world and said it is “appropriate for a special attack, that is, for accomplishing a strategic mission,” the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, using a common euphemism for nuclear use. He insisted the weapons system was for “deterrent” use against enemies he did not name. South Korea remains the North’s primary adversary.
“When this weapon is used actually, no force would be able to expect God’s protection,” Kim said, according to KCNA. “It is really a wonderful and attractive weapon.” When Kim toured the factory producing the rockets last month, South Korean officials and analysts said they could be used against Pyongyang’s southern neighbor. AFP
US Southern Command chief visits Venezuela -- embassy
CARACAS – The chief of the US military command responsible for strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats off South America, visited Venezuela Wednesday and held talks with interim leader Delcy Rodriguez and her top ministers, its government said.
US Southern Command (SOUTCHOM) chief General Francis Donovan met with Rodriguez as well as Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, a government account posted on X. It added that the two countries “agreed to work on forming a bilateral cooperation agenda in order to combat drug trafficking, terrorism, and migration.”
The visit follows last month’s ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a deadly US military operation.
The US Embassy posted a photo on X of Donovan -- who commands US military operations in Central and South America and the Caribbean -- in the Venezuelan capital.
It said Donovan met US military personnel who guard embassy facilities and then members of the interim government “to assess the security situation.” AFP
Putin: Russia ‘always’ stands by Cuba
MOSCOW – Moscow will “always” stand by Cuba, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Havana’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Moscow on Wednesday, reiterating support for the Caribbean island struggling against sweeping US sanctions.
Rodriguez traveled to traditional ally Russia seeking help as his country reels from a severe fuel crisis, intensified by Washington’s de facto oil blockade.
US President Donald Trump cut off key supplies of Venezuelan oil to Cuba after ousting Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro and has threatened sanctions on states that sell oil to Havana.
“We have always stood by Cuba in its struggle for independence and the right to follow its own path,” said Putin, receiving Rodriguez in the Kremlin.
“It is a special period, with new sanctions. You know how we feel about this. We do not accept anything like this,” the Russian leader added. AFP
Australian defense firm helps Ukraine knock Russian drones off
SYDNEY – One of Australia’s most highly valued defense firms is helping Ukrainian soldiers knock Russian drones off the battlefield, riding a surge in military spending by Western governments with tech combating the weapon of the future. From the trenches of Ukraine to the Red Sea and the cartel wars of South and Central America, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an ubiquitous part of modern conflict -- conducting surveillance, taking airports offline, dropping deadly payloads, and carrying out socalled “kamikaze” strikes.
Shares in the Sydney-based DroneShield -- whose tech was originally conceived as a high-tech mosquito swatter -- soared over 300 percent in the last year on hopes that it is uniquely positioned to profit from the wars of the 21st century.
“Any future war will have all the normal things you expect like tanks and artillery and missiles but also to have drones, and with it, you need counter drone systems to cover that,” CEO Oleg Vornik told AFP at the firm’s headquarters in Sydney.
“You have to now assume the threat from the air is just as likely as the threat from the ground.”
An hour’s drive from
South Korea’s Yoon sentenced to life over bungled rule
SEOUL – South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol capped a remarkable fall from grace on Thursday when he was sentenced to life imprisonment over his bungled efforts to impose military rule.
A self-styled anti-corruption crusader, Yoon rose from star prosecutor to South Korean president in just a few years. But he would sow the seeds of his downfall on December 3, 2024, when he abruptly declared martial law to root out “anti-state forces” corrupting the nation. The hardline conservative was later impeached, arrested and charged with a litany of crimes ranging from insurrection to obstruction of justice.
A panel of judges at Seoul Central District Court completed Yoon’s humiliation on Thursday, sentencing the 65-year-old to life in prison after finding him guilty of insurrection.
Born in Seoul in 1960, months before a military coup, Yoon studied law and went on to become a public prosecutor and anti-corruption crusader. He played an instrumental role in Park Geun-hye, South Korea’s first female president, being impeached in 2016 and later convicted for abuse of power and imprisoned. AFP
White House tells Iran to do deal as Trump hints at attacks
WASHINGTON, DC – The White House warned on Wednesday that Iran would be “wise” to do a deal with the United States as President Donald Trump once again hinted at military action.
The two sides recently resumed indirect talks, mediated by Oman, after Trump repeatedly threatened military action against Iran over a deadly crackdown on protesters last month.
A previous attempt at negotiations collapsed when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran last June, beginning a 12day war that Washington briefly joined to
bomb Iranian nuclear sites.
“Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with his administration,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.
On Wednesday, Trump again suggested the United States might strike Iran in a post on his Truth Social site, with a US military buildup underway in the Middle East.
5th day of hunger strike for freedom of political inmates
ARACAS – Relatives of Venezuelan political prisoners staged a fifth day of hunger strike Wednesday on the eve of a parliament sitting they hope will result in passage of a long-awaited amnesty law.
Outside the “Zona 7” prison in the capital Caracas, five women from an initial group of about a dozen lay on mattresses on the ground, weakened but resolute.
The strike will last “as long as my body can take it,” one of the participants, Narwin Gil, told AFP.
Her brother-in-law, Jose Gregorio Farfan, is among 60 inmates that remain in Zona 7.
There are hundreds more prisoners countrywide whose release family members have been clamoring for, with relatives holding vigils outside prisons in the weeks since the ouster of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro.
Five days after Maduro’s toppling on January 3, an interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez -- formerly his vice president -- vowed under pressure from Washington to free all political prisoners.
But Rodriguez and the rest of what remains of the regime left in power by US President Donald Trump are staunch Maduro acolytes, and some Venezuelans distrust their intentions.
The National Assembly has delayed several sittings meant to pass the amnesty bill. Parliament is to reconvene Thursday, but its agenda is not known.
A week ago, lawmakers were unable to agree on the wording of an article in the bill on freeing political prisoners.
Critics fear the bill’s wording is vague enough to be used by the government to pardon its own and deny freedom to real prisoners of conscience.
He warned Britain against giving up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, saying that the archipelago’s Diego Garcia airbase might be needed were Iran not to agree a deal, “in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous regime.”
CNN and CBS reported Wednesday that the US military will be ready to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, though Trump has reportedly not made a final decision yet.
The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Trump has been briefed on his military options with “all of them designed to maximize damage,” including a campaign to “kill scores of Iranian political and military leaders, with the goal of
overthrowing the government,” unnamed US officials told the newspaper. Earlier on Wednesday, Tehran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, said Iran was “drafting” a framework for future talks with the US. Iran and the US held a second round of Oman-mediated negotiations on Tuesday in Geneva. Araghchi said then that Tehran had agreed with Washington on “guiding principles,” but US Vice President JD Vance said Iran had not yet acknowledged all of Washington’s red lines.
Speaking on Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted “We do not want war” but suggested Tehran could not give in to US demands. AFP
real annexation’ of W. Bank
UNITED NATIONS, New York – A top UN official warned Wednesday that steps by Israel to tighten control of areas of the West Bank administered by the Palestinian Authority amount to “gradual de facto annexation.” Since last week, Israel has approved a series of initiatives backed by far-right ministers to consolidate control over the West Bank where the Palestinians exercise limited autonomy under past deals.
“We are witnessing the gradual de facto annexation of the West Bank, as unilateral Israeli steps steadily transform the landscape,” UN Under Secretary General Rosemary DiCarlo told a meeting of the Security Council on the Palestinian question.
“If implemented, these measures will constitute a dangerous expansion of Israeli civil authority in the occupied West Bank, including in sensitive areas like Hebron.
“The moves could lead to settlement expansion by removing bureaucratic barriers and easing land purchases and
building permits.” The recently approved steps are set to increase Israel’s control in parts of the West Bank where the Palestinian Authority currently exercises power. Under the Oslo Accords, the West Bank was divided into areas A, B and C -- under Palestinian, mixed and Israeli governance respectively.
The West Bank would form the largest part of any future Palestinian state, but many on Israel’s religious right view it as Israeli land. The Oslo Accords, in place since the 1990s, were signed with the stated aim of paving the way for an independent Palestinian state. The UN missions for 85 member states issued a joint statement Tuesday condemning Israel’s encroaching control of the West Bank.
“We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank,” the statement said. AFP
WEAKENED
(left)
PNP warns public vs. posting fake news, false info on socmed
By Vince Lopez
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) urged netizens, particularly content creators, to exercise caution when posting on social media, emphasizing the need to verify first their information.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio
Nartatez Jr. warned that the government remains relentless in curbing the spread of fake news, particularly on social media platforms, adding that those involved
in circulating misinformation will face sanctions.
“The Philippine National Police reminds the public, especially content creators, to be cautious about what they post online and not to post just
for engagement or clout. Spreading false information online is not just irresponsible, it is a violation of the law, and those who do so will be held accountable,” he said.
The warning came after a vlogger admitted to posting online fake and unauthorized medical records of President Marcos.
The vlogger is currently being investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation.
Nartatez earlier directed a probe to identify the individuals behind the spread of the fake medical bulletin of the President.
He noted that the act was disrespectful, insensitive, and a gross violation of the law.
“Any form of manufacturing and circulation of false information against someone is considered a violation of the law,” Nartatez said.
To recall, a document about the President’s supposed health status circulated on social media when Marcos was diagnosed with diverticulitis. Malacañang described the medical bulletin as “fabricated and malicious.”
Cotabato, BARMM regain power after 27-hour blackout
PH, Luxembourg cite rule of law
By Katrina Manubay
A LUXEMBOURG diplomat on Wednesday underscored that the rule of law was essential for peace, stability, and international cooperation, drawing on lessons from post-World War II Europe and discussions on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel tackled mutual international concerns, highlighting their shared commitment to multilateralism and respect for the rule of law.
“We emphasize our shared commitment to multilateralism and respect for the rule of law. We also discussed the priorities of the Philippine chairship of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, along with political and security developments in the region,” Lazaro said following her meeting with Bettel.
For his part, Bettel emphasized the significance of collaborating with countries that uphold the rule of law, which he described as the backbone of society.
“There are countries with whom we want to align ourselves—countries that recognize that respect for the rule of law is fundamental. As someone from a small country, I can tell you that the rule of law is my best protection. It is my safeguard. We also discussed various situations, including the West Philippine Sea, and I must emphasize that when the rule of law is not respected, we are aligned in our concerns,” he added.
By Nash B. Maulana
COTABATO City—The power outage that started about noontime Tuesday and plunged this city and other major areas of Mindanao including portions of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao into darkness ended Wednesday afternoon, but significant amount of economic damage has been done.
The 27-hour blackout upset communication lines, trade, industry and commerce, and the transport sector in the franchise area of the Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Co.
The Bangsamoro Dharul Ifta (House of Opinion) was prompted to deploy professional volunteers for the lunar telescope spotting of the crescent moon to determine if its appearance would be auspicious for the start of Ramadan on Wednesday morning.
But the moon was not visible, the Dharul Ifta reported early evening Tuesday amid total darkness wrought by the massive power outage.
In the midst of poor internet signals, Mufti Abdulraof Guialani declared that since the crescent moon could not be seen, Ramadan fasting would officially begin Thursday.
The power interruption lasted 27 hours—from 12:17 p.m. Tuesday to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Bernadette Bua speaking for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines asserted that the power outage was a purely technical issue, and not caused by any bomb or terror attacks on its transmission tower in Barangay Dalingaoen, Pikit, Cotabato.
In daytime, the unusually long period of power outage sent people grasping for the last vanishing internet signals to transmit messages via sms or texting, via emails or chat via the FB messenger: the Globe and the Smart towers support system were running out of power supply from built-in generators.
There was no way to refuel the diesel generators as gas stations had to hesitantly close shop for lack of electricity to operate the gas pumps.
By Vito Barcelo
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to establish a “green lane” system for legitimate and major construction firms to accelerate the completion of the Marcos administration’s priority infrastructure projects. The proposed green lane aims to streamline procedures and encourage qualified contractors to actively participate in government bidding to expedite the implementation of key infrastructure projects nationwide.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the concept draws inspiration from existing green lane arrangements under the Board of Investments (BOI), which provide faster processing for investors and companies that meet specific criteria.
“There’s no reason why we can’t adopt a similar approach in DPWH to attract legitimate contractors and speed up project implementation,” Secretary Dizon said during the general membership meeting of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). The green lane initiative forms part of broader reforms being institutionalized by the DPWH to promote transparency and efficiency in infrastructure delivery.
Among the changes is the recently launched Integrity Chain monitoring system, with PCCI serving as one of the accredited validators to help ensure accountability in public works projects. Meanwhile, the DPWH has expanded its Oplan Kontra Baha program in the Bicol Region to mitigate flooding in low-lying areas ahead of the rainy season to cover sustained clearing of esteros, drainage canals, and rivers nationwide.
DPWH to adopt greenlane setup for contractors IN BRIEF
LTFRB ags 2 PUV terminals in QC THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday summoned terminal operators and managers for public utility vehicles located at the premises of two popular malls in Quezon City to a hearing on March 18 for non-compliance on rules and regulations LTFRB chief Vigor Mendoza II said the operators and officials
Kerstin death toll now at 64,
MOU SIGNING. Foreign A airs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and her counterpart from Luxembourg, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, ink a memorandum of understanding highlighting the signi cance of adhering to the rule of law in maintaining peace, stability, and international cooperation, drawing on lessons from post-World War II Europe and discussions on the West Philippine Sea.
HANGING BRIDGE. Mayor Davey Chua of Noveleta, Cavite leads the reopening of a suspension bridge linking barangays San Antonio and Sta. Rosa. The hanging bridge was closed to human traffic while undergoing repair and rehabilitation following damage wrought by Typhoon Kristine in 2024. Dennis Abrina
WHEN DARKNESS FALLS. Cotabato City and adjoining areas in Mindanao plunge into darkness not on day’s end, but with power outage that lasted 27 hours, upsetting the start of the Islamic fasting during the Ramadan. Nash B. Maulana
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Perpetual Help retires Hawkins’ No. 6 jersey
By Dennis Abrina
THE jersey of former Altas star Bong
Hawkins will be formally retired and raised at the Home of the Altas Gym II on Friday, February 20, at 2 p.m., as part of the University Week celebration and the 50th foundation anniversary of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA–Las Piñas City.
Hawkins will be joined in the ceremony by university president Dr. Anthony Tamayo, vice president for sports Anton Tamayo, and school director Dr. Arnaldo De Guzman, as his iconic No. 6 jersey is immortalized in recognition of his contributions to the Perpetual Altas basketball program.
Hawkins is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished products of the Las Piñas-based squad, carving out a decorated career in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was named among the league’s 50 Greatest Players and earned numerous accolades, including PBA Finals MVP honors in the 1996 Commissioner’s Cup, eight PBA championships, three All-Star selections, Most Improved Player in 1994, All-Defensive Team honors, and multiple Mythical Team selections.
Nicknamed “The Hawk”, Hawkins suited up for Perpetual from 1984 to 1989 under coach Roberto Littaua. Alongside Most Valuable Player Eric Clement Quiday, Hawkins helped steer the Altas to their first NCAA Finals appearance in Season 65 in 1989, where they finished runners-up to the defending champion San Sebastian Golden Stags. Earlier this month, Hawkins was also honored as Distinguished Alumni in Sports during the university’s Grand Alumni Homecoming held at the Manila Hotel on February 7, alongside Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
WHAT once promised to be just another elite gathering of the country’s finest has quickly taken on a bigger edge – a primetime showdown for supremacy in Philippine men’s tennis. The best and brightest of local tennis are slugging it out in the Philta Men’s Masters Top 8 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, with pride, prize money and positioning in the national pecking order all on the line.
At the center of it all is Alberto Lim Jr.
After a resurgent 2025 campaign that saw him reassert his dominance with multiple top-level national titles, highlighted by the PCA Open Championship, Lim enters the Masters determined to firmly re-stake his claim as the country’s premier player.
A many-time national team mainstay, he has long been the standard-bearer of Philippine men’s tennis. But in a compact, unforgiving Top 8 format, reputation alone guarantees nothing.
Lim opened his campaign against Noel Salupado Wednesday night before facing John Kendrick Bona Thursday and Nilo Ledama at 6 p.m. on Friday in group play. Each match presents a different stylistic test, and in a short round-robin setup, every set – even every game – could spell the difference between advancing or going home early.
For the rest of the field, the Masters offers something rare – a spotlight that doesn’t always shine this brightly.
Millora-Brown to join Gilas for FIBA Asia qualifying tilt SPORTS
By Randy M. Caluag
FILIPINOAMERICAN center
Quentin MilloraBrown is set to join Gilas Pilipinas’ training camp for the second window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers after discussions between the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the player’s family.
SBP said on Thursday that the 6-foot10 big man was en route from Japan to Manila and would report to the national team’s training base at Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.
“After direct conversations with Quentin Millora-Brown and his family, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announces that he is en route to Manila from Japan,” SBP said in a statement.
The Philippines will host New Zealand on Feb. 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena before facing Australia on March 1 at the same venue.
SBP welcomed Millora-Brown’s decision, describing him as a key piece of the program moving forward.
“The SBP appreciates his continued commitment to the program. He’s ready to suit up for Gilas and is going to be an integral part of the current and future of the national team,” the federation said.
Millora-Brown’s return comes days after national team coach Tim Cone
said the center would not be available for the second window, citing the player’s decision not to join the camp.
Millora-Brown’s camp, through his agent, disputed that account, saying they were presented with a “take-it-orleave-it” offer that included provisions requiring the player to be available even outside FIBA windows, including non-FIBA tournaments such as the Asian Games.
Despite the earlier uncertainty, SBP
said both sides were able to reach common ground to ensure MilloraBrown’s availability for the upcoming qualifiers. His arrival provides a boost for the Philippines, which will be without 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto in the second window as he continues his recovery and conditioning following an ACL injury. Sotto has committed to rejoin the national team in the third window of the qualifiers, SBP said.
Millora-Brown is expected to be joined in camp by other overseasbased Gilas players, including Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao, who are due to arrive within the week. Already training with the squad are PBA standouts Chris Newsome, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario, RJ Abarrientos, Juan Gomez de Liaño and recent addition Justine Baltazar.
MILO Marathon celebrates 50th year with Golden Run
By Peter Atencio
ORGANIZERS look forward to a bigger turnout when they
celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the MILO Marathon.
Starting with first leg on March 1 at the Mall of Asia grounds, the race, to be known as “The Golden Run”, is expected to draw around 25,000 runners.
“We had a lower turnout last year. But this will be bigger,” said MILO Sports Executive Carlo Sampan during Thursday’s launch at the Citadines Bay City Manila.
This time, around 15 races will be slated across the nation, with the second leg set on March 8 in Naga City, and the third in Sorsogon on March 15.
Defending champion Eduard Flores will seek qualification in the men’s 42-km, when he shows up at the General Santos City leg on Aug. 2.
The famed races will celebrate “50 Years of Building Champions,” and focus on the legacy of grit, discipline, and teamwork.
The competitions will have runners taking part in “bigger celebrations” and enhanced experiences, through special tributes to the athletes and partners, who have shaped the marathon since its inception in 1974.
Women’s champion Myrel Benignos of Negros is also expected to return to go for another podium finish.
Past champions like Richard Salaño and Christine Hallasgo, who saw action for the Philippines at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, will also be back for more medals.
THE recent announcement that the Palarong Pambansa will now implement two groundbreaking changes to its upcoming football competitions is the best reward possible for the people, who really pushed and worked to make them possible. These game changers include a shift to an eight versus eight (8v8) format with offside in the elementary boys’ tournament and the integration of futsal in the secondary high school competitions for girls. As early as now, these innovations will definitely impact the grassroots programs of the beautiful game all over the country, as these will boost player development for both football and futsal.
pool from which future Filipina5, also known as the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team, will be selected.
“It will be exponential. This is really a proud moment for local football. Maraming kids ang magbe-benefit,” a long-time football supporter aptly described the impact of the announcement. Imagine this, by making the game more accessible to more regions participating in the Palarong Pambasa, shifting the usual 11 players to just eight, and making the pitch smaller, boys’ football will no longer be the same. I’m not good at math, but offhand, at least 47,000 public schools and 12,000 private schools scattered all over the 18 regions of the country will definitely become potential sources of future Azkals. Same, too, with Filipina5, as these figures will also be potential talent pools for the team. More importantly, there will be at least a playing standard for all teams whether they are in Laguna, Cebu or even in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat. The players, too, will benefit – technically, tactically, mentally and more – and not only on the physical aspect of the game.
For boys’ football, the move to a 8v8 format will ensure that players will get the opportunity to start early in the game.
Having a lesser number on the pitch will also allow players to be more active during the game. This will translate into more touches on the ball, making them more engaged, more into the tactical aspects of the sport (such as “read” of the game) and not on their feet most of the time. Faster, exciting and more action-packed games will be the norm of the sport that some fans call and regard as boring. Its addition in the secondary competitions for girls is a big victory for women’s futsal, which is very appropriate after the Philippines achieved modest “wins” in recent international competitions. Having futsal in high school will definitely strengthen and improve player identification and development. This, in turn, will definitely deepen the talent
“They will develop mental toughness, the ability to compete with more pressure, but in a smaller space. They will also have to make quick decisions in a flash during the game. Summing these up, the players will develop and enhance their football IQ from an early age,” the same source added.
But before The Designated Kit Man forgets, we should give credit where credit is due because of these much welcome developments. Our heartfelt gratitude to Rufino Arellano and his team, which as early as 2013, have been pushing for these changes in Palarong Pambasa. Sir Pines, as Arellano is fondly called, first teamed up with Fernando
This is the true essence of pushing for the grassroots development of football in the county. More than the proposed plans and promises of building more pitches, more than the photo ops and definitely, more than just distributing tens of thousands of balls, players should be the priority. Before the fancy and highfalutin program names and titles, we need to find and encourage young ones to play the sport first. Yes, it is also important to have the infrastructure, too, but these pitches will amount to nothing if no kids will play the game. Incidentally and in a much-deserved accolade, Sir Pines will serve as the “national tournament director” for the events in the forthcoming 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan Del Sur. Good job, Sir Pines and team! Which I can’t say about an individual dead set in identifying the source that relayed to The Designated Kit Man an altercation involving the poor employee (PO), who was at the receiving end of the wrath of his boss, simply for being at the wrong place when this certain official (CO) arrived from a domestic trip. A source told me that this person is even giving a substantial monetary reward to anyone, who would admit to leaking the incident. Well, for starters, the altercation between the CO and the PO happened in a very public place with so many people witnessing what happened. Second, instead of looking for the source, this individual should investigate first what really transpired during that night. If it is true, is this the right way to treat a subordinate? Is this the proper way for a ranking official to behave? Or is the tact to offer monetary compensation a resounding confirmation that indeed the reported altercation really transpired? Another source told me that the poor employee has recently resigned from his job. Bakit kaya? For the record, I’m just being sarcastic. Tagay pa! Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
Designated Kit Man
Erel Cabatbat
Free Throw Shooter Nathaniel Dela Cruz
The Designated Kit Man
Erel Cabatbat
Free Throw Shooter
Nathaniel Dela Cruz
In The Red Corner Nissi Icasiano
In The Red Corner Nissi Icasiano
Alvin Aguilar (center), founder and current head coach of DEFTAC Ribeiro Jiu-jitsu Philippines, with fellow awardees
Quentin Millora-Brown: Ready to suit up for Gilas
Rene Hawkins
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Metrobank’s profit hit P49.75b in 2025
HMO
BSP cuts rate to 4.25% on stable inflation outlook
By Thony Rose Lesaca
THE Monetary Board on Thursday delivered its first interest rate cut of the year, reducing the overnight borrowing rate by 25 basis points to 4.25 percent as inflation remains manageable and economic sentiment shows signs of recovery.
Interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also adjusted to 3.75 percent and 4.75 percent, respectively.
The reduction comes as the Monetary Board noted that the outlook for inflation remains within target despite an expected uptick in prices this year.
“Our forecasts do indicate a slight uptick in inflation this year, but this is due largely to supply-side factors,”
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said in a press briefing. “While these factors are largely temporary, they will require continued vigilance with regard to possible spillover effects.”
The BSP revised its inflation forecasts to 3.6 percent for 2026 and 3.2 percent for 2027, up from previous projections of 3.2 percent and 3 percent, respectively.
BSP Deputy Governor Zeno
Abenoja attributed the adjustments to electricity rate hikes, oil price volatility in the futures market and the impact of the flexible rice tariff mechanism on domestic prices.
The central bank also noted that economic growth has undershot expectations due to weaker domestic demand. However, indicators point to a recovery in the second half of the year, contingent on how quickly business and consumer confidence returns.
“Our decision today may actually help to restore confidence, boosting investment and consumption,” Remolona said.
In line with the cautious outlook, the BSP lowered its economic growth forecasts to 4.6 percent in 2026 and 5.9 percent in 2027, down from previous projections of 5.4 percent and 6.2 percent.
Borrowing rate reduction
Revised inflation outlook for 2026
Previous 2026 inflation outlook
auto sales to level off after slight 2025 dip
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine automotive industry is projecting flat growth in 2026 after sales slipped slightly last year, according to Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. chairman Alfred Ty.
Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association showed total industry sales reached 463,646 units in 2025, down 0.8 percent from 467,252 units in 2024.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Philippine-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee meeting Thursday, Ty said the industry expects sales to level off this year following volatility in the latter half of 2025.
“The second half was a big shock. But of course, we’re ready to adjust up if the potential is good,” said Ty, who also chairs PhilJec.
Despite the conservative outlook, Ty said the industry remains stable, with companies shifting focus to strengthening fundamentals rather than pursuing aggressive expansion. For Toyota, the strategy centers on strengthening aftersales services, reinforcing brand presence and expanding its dealer network to cover underserved markets.
On electrification, Ty reaffirmed Toyota’s multi-pathway approach, offering hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles rather than relying on a single technology.
THE Philippines’ overall balance of payments posted a $373 million deficit in January, a significant improvement from the $4.08 billion shortfall recorded in the same month in 2025, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported Thursday. Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., attributed the deficit to imports outpacing exports. He said the figures reflect strong domestic demand and infrastructure spending, while global demand for exports and services has remained soft.
“This isn’t a crisis signal; it’s a growth-related deficit, and our external buffers remain solid,” Ravelas said.
The BSP said the reserves also cover about 4.1 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.
“Looking ahead, the BOP will likely stay in the red in the near term but should stabilize as exports recover, tourism picks up and investment reforms gain traction,” Ravelas said. Thony Rose Lesaca
Gross international reserves reached $112.6 billion as of the end of January. This provides an adequate external liquidity buffer worth 7.5 months’ of imports of goods and payments for services and primary income.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
SHARES of Semirara Mining and Power Corp. rebounded strongly Thursday after two days of decline, fueled by management’s confidence in securing a new coal operating contract.
During a briefing, the company outlined its case for winning the contract, citing its technical expertise and the substantial capital requirements that may deter competitors.
According to a report by COL Financial, Semirara management emphasized that its nearly 30 years of experience on Semirara Island provides a competitive edge. The company noted that the area’s
are located below sea level, requiring specialized mining techniques it has refined over decades. Management estimated that operating a 15-million-metric-ton-per-year coal mine requires several billion pesos in investment. With the mine’s remaining life estimated at about 10 years, the company believes the high upfront costs may not justify the entry of new players. Despite the optimism, the company has prepared contingency measures should it fail to secure the contract, including
and
By Darwin G. Amojelar
NEW NAIA Infra Corp. announced Thursday that more airlines have joined the airport’s new automated passenger processing program aimed at reducing terminal congestion.
The system allows eligible passengers to check in, print boarding passes, tag bags and board flights through automated lanes. The technology is designed to reduce queuing times and ease pressure on traditional counters. A phased activation of automated bag drop features is also ongoing.
At Terminal 1, Philippine Airlines offers these services for most international flights, excluding routes to Japan and the Middle East. Asiana Airlines provides access for South Korean nationals and international travelers who do not require a visa. Service availability at Terminal 2 is focused on domestic travel. All domestic passengers flying with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia are eligible to use the automated systems.
At Terminal 3, Cebu Pacific offers the service for all domestic and international flights, while AirAsia provides it for all international destinations. United Airlines limits eligibility to foreign travelers with no visa requirements, while Qatar Airways and Air Canada have enabled the services for all passengers.
“These systems are already operational, and we are seeing more airlines come on board as integration is completed,” said NNIC, the airport’s private operator. “As participation expands, more passengers will be able to move through check-in, security and boarding more efficiently.” The systems are part of a broader effort to align Ninoy Aquino International Airport with biometric-enabled standards used in major hubs across Asia, the Middle East and North America.
Megaworld to invest P10b in nationwide retail expansion
MEGAWORLD Corp. will invest
P10 billion to build new lifestyle malls and commercial developments across several townships nationwide through next year.
The projects will add more than 150,000 square meters of gross floor area to the company’s existing retail inventory, Megaworld said Thursday in a disclosure to the stock exchange.
The expansion is in line with Mrgaworld’s target to grow its retail portfolio to 1 million square meters of gross leasable area by 2030. New projects include Capital Mall in San Fernando, Pampanga; Northwin Global Concourse in Marilao and Bocaue, Bulacan; Maple Grove Mall in General Trias, Cavite; and The Upper East Mall in Bacolod City.
Capital Mall will be a four-level development within Capital Town Pampanga, while Northwin Global Concourse will be a two-level complex inside Northwin Global City. The latter will be directly linked to the future Northwin Station of the North–South Commuter Railway.
Maple Grove Mall will feature a two-level, classical modern design, while the three-level Upper East Mall will adopt a contemporary classic design inspired by New York’s Upper East Side. Megaworld also will expand Festive Walk Mall through a new two-level development between the existing mall and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.
“Stronger consumer spending continues to drive demand for quality commercial space, particularly in key growth centers where our townships are located,” said Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. “This allows us to expand our leasing portfolio while introducing new lifestyle concepts that enhance the overall value proposition of our developments.”
The retail push is part of Megaworld’s P65 billion capital expenditure program for 2026. The spending plan covers residential, office, hospitality and retail projects across Metro Manila and key provincial markets including Bacolod, Iloilo, Pampanga, Cavite and Palawan.
Megaworld currently operates more than 500,000 square meters of retail leasable area. In 2025, the company opened four retail projects, including The Shoppes at Park McKinley West in Taguig, retail spaces at Vion Tower in Makati, expanded areas in Alabang West in Las Piñas, and Newcoast Beachwalk in Boracay, Aklan. Jenniffer B. Austria
Metrobank’s net income hits P49.7b
By Jenniffer B. Austria
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. delivered a net income of P49.7 billion in 2025, supported by asset expansion, resilient margins, healthy trading income and contained cost growth.
Pre-provision operating profit accelerated by 17.1 percent to P78.4 billion. Backed by a robust capital base, the bank’s board of directors approved a total cash dividend of P5 per share for 2026. This includes a regular dividend of P3 per share, paid semi-annually, and a special cash dividend of P2.
The first payout of P3.50—consisting of a P1.50 regular and P2 special dividend—will be distrib-
GEOTHERMAL PARTNERSHIP.
Officials from Eastern Communications and First Gen Corp. sign an agreement for the direct supply of geothermal energy to support Eastern’s operations. Leading the signing are Jaeson Evangelista, left, Eastern Communications cocoordinator; Arlene Sy-Soriano, First Gen head of sales and engagement; Aileen Regio, Eastern Communications co-coordinator; and Maychelle Soriano, First Gen lead customer progress partner.
uted to shareholders of record as of March 9, 2026.
“This full-year performance reflects the trust of our clients, the dedication of our people and our commitment to disciplined growth,” Metrobank president Fabian Dee said. “We continue to strengthen our balance sheet while expanding support to businesses and consumers who drive the Philippine economy.”
Net interest income increased by
9.2 percent to P124.6 billion, in line with an 8.8 percent expansion in gross loans. Corporate and commercial loans grew by 7.4 percent, while consumer loans increased 13.9 percent. Total deposits rose to P2.7 trillion, with low-cost current and savings accounts (CASA) accounting for 59.2 percent.
The bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio of 74.9 percent indicates ample capacity to meet additional funding needs. Meanwhile, total non-interest income jumped 11.6 percent to P33.5 billion, and trading and foreign exchange income surged 47.2 percent to P8.2 billion.
Operating cost growth was contained at 3.3 percent year over year at P79.7 billion. Consequently, the cost-to-income ratio improved to
First Gen, Prime Infrastructure ink P75-b deal for 2,000-MW hydropower projects
By Alena Mae S. Flores
LOPEZ-LED
First Gen Corp. and businessman Enrique Razon Jr.’s Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. have executed a binding heads of terms agreement for First Gen’s acquisition of a 40 percent equity interest in Prime Infra’s 2,000-megawatt pumped storage hydropower portfolio for P75 billion.
First Gen disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday that following the execution of the agreement, the parties will proceed with due diligence and execute definitive agreements. The companies will also seek regulatory approval from the Philippine Competition Commission.
Upon obtaining PCC approval and satisfying conditions in the definitive agreements, the parties will execute documentation for the transfer of underlying shares through their respective subsidiaries. First Gen said the transaction is expected to close within the year.
The 2,000-MW Wawa and Pakil pumped storage hydropower projects, scheduled for completion by December 2030, are designed to support the country’s growing renewable energy capacity. The facilities provide grid stability and reliability, allowing for the seamless integration of renewable energy into the power system.
“First Gen’s investment in these projects
strengthens its partnership with Prime Infra and crystallizes the shift of the company’s portfolio to renewable energy,” the company said.
Of the P75 billion transaction value, P62.5 billion will directly fund construction and equity requirements. The balance represents the agreed consideration for shares in Prime Hydropower Energy Inc., the holding company that will own the projects.
First Gen said the investment embodies its mission to forge collaborative pathways for a decarbonized future. The Wawa and Pakil plants will join First Gen’s existing hydroelectric portfolio, which includes the 132-MW Pantabangan-Masiway and 165MW Casecnan plants.
Both developments are certified as Energy Projects of National Significance and have received notices of award from the Department of Energy under the green energy auction program.
Construction is progressing at both sites, with major civil and underground works underway for the Wawa project and early-stage construction starting for the Pakil project. Power China serves as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for both sites, while Toshiba and Andritz Hydro are providing electromechanical components.
The deal follows Prime Infra’s recent acquisition of a controlling stake in First Gen’s natural gas power plants.
50.7 percent from 53.8 percent in 2024.
Metrobank’s portfolio health remains intact with a nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio of 1.7 percent, well below the industry average of 3.2 percent. An NPL cover ratio of 140.8 percent provides a substantial buffer against potential risks.
Total consolidated assets expanded by 10.2 percent to P3.88 trillion as of end-2025, while total equity increased by 9.4 percent to P421.7 billion. Capital adequacy ratio stood at 16.8 percent and Common Equity Tier 1 ratio at 16.1 percent, both above regulatory requirements.
In 2025, Metrobank was recognized by the Asian Banker as the country’s strongest bank for the fifth consecutive year.
PSEi hurdles 6,400 level amid bargain-hunting
THE local stock barometer extended its gains to close above the 6,400 level Thursday, driven by bargain hunting and positive cues from Wall Street. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 12.38 points, or 0.19 percent, to close at 6,407.15. The
and services dipped 0.06 percent.
Trading remained thin with value turnover at P4.94 billion, trailing the year-to-date average of P6.28 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers, with outflows totaling P96.93 million. Semirara Mining and Power Corp. emerged as the top index gainer, jumping 13.53 percent to P25.60. DigiPlus Interactive Corp. was the worst performer, falling 1.66 percent to P14.18.
Meanwhile, the peso weakened slightly, closing at 57.996 to the US dollar from 57.861 on Wednesday. Jenniffer B. Austria
Maple Grove in General Trias, Cavite
HMO industry’s net income hit P3.99b in 2025
By Thony Rose Lesaca
THE health maintenance organization industry
posted a net income of P3.99 billion in 2025 as membership fee collections outpaced benefit payouts, the Insurance Commission reported Wednesday.
Data from the commission showed HMOs paid P74.64 billion in total healthcare benefits and claims during the year, representing 76.5 percent of the industry’s total expenses.
Membership fees amounted to P98.46 billion, lifting total revenues by 24.84 percent to P101.56 billion in 2025.
The regulator said the “positive spread” between revenues and expenses propelled the industry’s net income to grow fourfold from P996.52 million in 2024.
“Recent statistics emphasize the continued improvement in the performance of the HMO industry in 2025, characterized by expanded membership and increased benefits delivered to members,” Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado said in a statement.
SM Prime to open Cebu office towers by 4th quarter 2026
By Jenniffer B. Austria
SM PRIME Holdings Inc. is set to boost its office leasing portfolio with the opening of SM City Cebu Towers in the final quarter of 2026.
Located on A. Soriano Avenue in the North Reclamation Area, the development will add 60,000 square meters of leasable space to Cebu City, one of the fastest-growing regional office markets outside Metro Manila. The project targets traditional corporations and business process outsourcing firms seeking alternatives to the higher costs and congestion of the capital.
“Cebu is a major economic hub because of its strong infrastructure, exceptional talent pool and complete business ecosystem,” Alexis Ortiga, vice president and head of SM Offices, said in a statement to the stock exchange Thursday.
Ortiga added that the project will support growing demand for highquality, well-connected office spaces in the province.
Data from Leechiu Property Consultants showed that Cebu recorded 150,000 square meters of office takeup in 2025, accounting for 55 percent of total provincial demand. The figure is 33 percent higher year over year.
The expansion is part of the company’s strategy to roll out mixed-use developments that combine offices with residential, retail, education and leisure components. SM Prime said this approach improves operational efficiency for tenants and supports employee retention through integrated amenities.
SM City Cebu Towers is part of the redeveloped SM City Cebu North Wing complex, which integrates retail spaces and a campus of National University.
The location provides access to the South Road Properties, MactanCebu International Airport, the port area and nearby government centers. Its proximity to National University allows office tenants to build recruitment pipelines and training partnerships with graduating students, reducing hiring costs and lead times.
Industry assets grew 17.34 percent to P88.58 billion as of year-end, while invested assets climbed 23.11 percent to P22.60 billion.
Liabilities increased 16.55 percent to P74.67 billion, while total equity jumped 21.82 percent to P13.91 billion.
“This progress not only demonstrates the industry’s commitment to help augment the provision of quality healthcare, but also serves as an encouraging impetus to further strengthen healthcare protection for Filipinos,” Regala-
Industry group head warns against ‘abrupt’ OECD-backed tax reforms
By Othel V. Campos
FEDERATION of Philippine Industries
chairwoman Beth Lee on Thursday urged caution in implementing tax reforms endorsed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, saying changes must be sequenced to avoid undermining demand and competitiveness.
Lee said the OECD proposals reflect global trends toward strengthening fiscal sustainability but stressed that reforms should be calibrated to protect consumption and investment.
On proposals to rationalize valueadded tax exemptions, Lee warned that while broadening the tax base could boost revenues, removing relief for seniors, schools and hospitals may raise costs in socially sensitive sectors.
“Any abrupt changes could ripple through households and, at the
margins, labor markets, affecting employment and service access.
Safeguards are essential, and we must be sensitive to the effects of these changes,” Lee said.
On fiscal incentives, Lee said tying benefits directly to actual investment activity is sound policy. However, she noted that investors benchmark across borders, with Southeast Asian peers continuing to roll out aggressive fiscal packages.
“Moving away from tax holidays, if and when it is implemented, must be carefully sequenced and regionally benchmarked to ensure reforms strengthen—rather than erode—the country’s investment appeal,” she said.
Lee added that the success of fiscal reforms will depend on the timing and order of implementation to preserve demand, sustain investor confidence and support industrial expansion.
New DOE policy mandates exit plans for non renewable plants
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy has ordered the retirement, replacement or repurposing of power plants operating on non-renewable energy once they reach the end of their economic life.
The directive is part of Department Circular No. DC 2026-02-0006, signed by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin on Feb. 16. Known as the Power Generator Accountability Policy, the circular aims to uphold service delivery standards and ensure accountability among power generation entities.
Under the new policy, generation companies, or gencos, must submit a retirement, replacement or repurposing plan within a set period before a facility’s projected expiration.
“The plan shall include the proposed course of action, technical assessment of the facility’s condition, compliance status, implementation schedule and such other information as the DOE may require,” the circular stated.
The policy requires strict adherence to technical and operational standards, dispatch instructions, market rules and reportorial requirements. It also strengthens sanctions against noncompliant companies, including blacklisting or disqualification from DOE-administered auctions and award mechanisms for a specified period.
All power generators are directed to comply with the reportorial requirements established under a 2022 department circular. These reports may be used as evidence in court or administrative proceedings if they are found to contain material misrepresentations.
The DOE may also use this data to curb anti-competitive behavior, unfair practices or market manipulation. Additionally, the agency may intervene if a generator’s behavior threatens the reliability of the power grid or distribution network, as determined by the DOE, market operators and affected utilities.
ridership to exceed pre-pandemic levels at 440,00 passengers daily
By Darwin G. Amojelar
LIGHT Rail Manila Corp. announced
Thursday it is doubling down on modernization efforts as LRT-1 ridership is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2026.
“LRT-1 ridership is now equivalent to pre-pandemic levels at a 440,000 daily average, with a year-end target of 450,000,” LRMC president and chief executive Enrico Benipayo told reporters following the launch of “KasamBiyahe: Kasama sa Biyahe, Kasama sa Buhay,” the rail line’s new service identity.
Since taking over the system in 2015, LRMC has implemented critical upgrades, including station rehabilitations, the introduction of 4th Generation train sets and the opening of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1.
The company maintains that lessons learned from the past 10 years are the primary drivers for the next phase of the line’s evolution. “We are taking ev-
erything we have learned over the past decade to ensure the continuous development of LRT-1,” Benipayo said.
To highlight the people driving the system’s success, LRMC also unveiled the “Humans of LRT-1” initiative. The campaign features an exhibit of standees representing the three pillars of the railway: government partners, including the Department of Transportation and Light Rail Transit Authority; dedicated LRMC employees; and the commuting public.
LRMC’s approach remains rooted in the public-private partnership model. By aligning private sector efficiency with the government’s transport vision, the company aims to sustain its modernization momentum.
“The development of LRT-1 is a collaborative journey,” Benipayo added.
“By strengthening our ties with our grantors and staying deeply connected to our passengers, we ensure that LRT1 remains a standard-bearer for urban mobility.”
PCCI MEETING. Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio Dizon, fourth from left, is the guest of honor and speaker at the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s first general membership meeting. With Dizon are PCCI officials, from left: chairman emeritus George Barcelon; director for energy and power, water and capital market development David Chua; president emeritus Enunina Mangio; president Ferdinand Ferrer; director for corporate social responsibility and national issues committee, treasurer and chairman emeritus Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.; director for membership Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco; chairman Raymund Jude Aguilar; and director for agriculture and fishery and
taxation Alfredo Yao at Dusit Thani Manila on Feb. 16, 2026.
JOB MATCHING. More than 100 residents of Imus participate in the Job Matching Program of the Public Employment Service Office of the Imus local government at Robinsons Imus on Feb.
PEZA eyes EU investment surge
By Othel V. Campos
PHILIPPINE Economic Zone Authority Director
General Tereso Panga said more European Union investors are likely to expand or set up operations in the country once the Philippines–EU Free Trade Agreement is finalized.
Panga issued the statement as PEZA hosted a 16-member delegation from the European Parliament Committee on International Trade on Feb. 17 during its trade mission to Manila.
“We are confident that the finalization of the Philippines–EU FTA will open new opportunities, attract more European investors and further strengthen our position as a key investment hub,” Panga said.
EastWest’s 2025 income rose 21% to P9.2b
By Jenniffer B. Austria
EAST West Banking Corp. reported
a 2025 net income of P9.2 billion, up 21 percent from the previous year, driven by stronger core revenues, double-digit fee growth and tighter cost management.
Return on equity stood at 11.9 percent.
Total revenues rose 20 percent year over year to P51 billion. Net interest income increased to P40.6 billion as interest-earning assets expanded 13 percent. Fee income climbed 21 percent to P7.1 billion, reflecting a higher non-interest revenue contribution.
“Our 2025 performance demonstrates the bank’s ability to grow efficiently amidst a competitive environment and evolving market conditions,” EastWest president Jackie Fernandez said. “We strengthened revenue generation across businesses, supported by resilient asset growth and improved fee momentum.”
Operating expenses increased 8 percent to P25.4 billion due to volume-related costs and continued investments in people and technology. Pre-provision operating profit rose 33 percent to P25.5 billion.
The bank’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 49.7 percent from 55.2 percent in 2024. Provisions for credit losses reached P14.2 billion, while nonperforming loan coverage stood at 86 percent.
“Our prudent provisioning strategy ensures the bank remains well-positioned against macroeconomic uncertainties,” EastWest chief executive Jerry Ngo said. “Even with these added buffers, we delivered solid profitability and improved returns.”
Total assets grew 10 percent to P577.1 billion. Deposits increased 13 percent to P437.8 billion, with current and savings account deposits rising 14 percent. Assets under management in the bank’s priority banking segment surged 40 percent to more than P100 billion.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro and INTA Chair Bernd Lange led the delegation along with lawmakers from several EU member states. Panga briefed the group on the country’s investment climate and the advantages of locating in PEZA zones, citing strong services growth, a deepening manufacturing base and infrastructure upgrades as key drivers.
Director General Tereso Panga
He identified priority areas for EU collaboration from 2026 to 2030, including electronics manufacturing, logistics digitalization and renewable energy focused on grid resilience and storage.
EU officials underscored the importance of the Generalised Scheme
of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which has granted the Philippines dutyfree access for more than 6,000 products since 2014. In 2024, the scheme supported 2.2 billion euros in Philippine exports, with total bilateral trade reaching 16.8 billion euros.
With GSP+ expiring in 2027, both sides cited an urgency in concluding the FTA to secure long-term market access. Trade Secretary and PEZA Board Chair Ma. Cristina Roque previously said a successful deal could unlock up to $12 billion in additional exports.
PEZA currently hosts more than 190 locator firms with EU equity, accounting for more than P400 billion in investments and more than 430,000 jobs.
Top Line eyes 1m liters in monthly sales from
FUEL retailer Top Line Business Development Corp. expects to generate up to 1 million liters in additional monthly sales following the renovation and rebranding of its first station cluster in northern Cebu.
Top Line, known as TOP, disclosed to the stock exchange Thursday that Cluster 1 includes eight stations now operating at full capacity under the Light Fuels Express format. These stations are located in the municipalities of Medellin, Bogo, Daanbantayan, Tabogon, Sogod, Borbon, Catmon and Carmen.
The renovation is part of a broader upgrade program covering stations in Cebu, Leyte, Siquijor and Negros Oriental. The Cluster 1 network alone is projected to sell between 800,000 and 1 million liters of fuel per month.
TOP noted that approximately 80 percent of northern Cebu’s fuel market consists of two-wheeled vehicles. The upgraded stations were specifi-
GoTyme takes top spot in PH Visa debit market
VISA and GoTyme Bank announced today that GoTyme has become the most used Visa debit card in the Philippines, securing the No. 1 position in the market.
GoTyme Bank, which has more than 8 million Visa debit card users nationwide, reported significant growth in active usage in 2025, outpacing industry benchmarks. The bank’s payment volume increased by more than 150 percent year over year, and it now holds more than P43 billion in customer deposits.
Visa also recognized GoTyme for having the highest growth in debit payment volume, active debit cards and contactless transaction growth. Additionally, the bank was among the first Philippine issuers to launch Google Wallet and Google Pay.
“When banking is made simple and beautiful, customers deepen their trust and adoption with the brand. This milestone reflects the confidence Filipinos place in GoTyme Bank,” GoTyme Bank president and chief executive Nate Clarke said. “Together with Visa, we will continue delivering secure, seamless everyday experiences as we push toward our goal of becoming the largest and most loved retail bank in the Philippines.”
Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Philippines country manager, said the partnership is leveling up the payments experience for Filipinos.
“This partnership also aligns with the government’s vision to build a digital-first, cash-lite society,” Navarro said.
Cristiano Ronaldo buys 10% stake in wellness tech firm
GLOBAL sports icon Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 10 percent equity interest in HBL Pro2col Software LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Herbalife that houses the company’s next-generation wellness technology, the company announced Thursday. Ronaldo invested $7.5 million and committed to providing ser
and his confidence
cally designed to serve motorcycles and light vehicles. The Light Fuels Express format aims to improve operational efficiency while allowing for future expansion.
“The completion of our Cluster 1 renovation shows how we maintain quality in our acquisitions, reflecting our disciplined approach to optimize each station to operate at full capacity,” said Brigitte Carmel Lapasaran Lim, senior vice president and chief operating officer. “This cluster-based rollout allows us to scale systematically and capture demand in highgrowth markets like northern Cebu.”
The rebranding seeks to establish a consistent Light Fuels identity across the retail network. The sites feature automated motor wash systems capable of cleaning a motorcycle in about three minutes. These systems also use water recycling technology as part of the company’s sustainability efforts.
Jenniffer B. Austria
IN BRIEF
in the future of personalized wellness.
Pro2col is Herbalife’s digital operating system designed to drive daily engagement and sustainable behavior change through a data-driven approach to health. The platform aims to make personalized wellness accessible globally by combining technology with personal support from Herbalife’s distributor community. Herbalife has served as Ronaldo’s global nutrition partner since 2013, focusing on performance and nutrition for the professional athlete.
ASEAN business leaders
see AI productivity gains
THE Deloitte AI Institute has released the 2026 edition of its “State of AI in the Enterprise” report, highlighting how global organizations are transitioning from simple optimization to fullscale business transformation.
The report, titled “The State of AI in the Enterprise: The Untapped Edge,” surveyed more than 3,000 directors and C-suite leaders involved in AI initiatives. It outlines the momentum of AI and offers critical actions for leaders to maintain a competitive advantage.
Chris Lewin, AI and data capability leader for Deloitte Asia Pacific, said business leaders in Southeast Asia have strong AI ambitions and are already seeing productivity gains. He noted that as investments continue, companies require a clear roadmap to move beyond incremental improvements.
“The full value of the technology will come from reimagining what is possible to achieve strategic differentiation,” Lewin said. Rahim Damanwala, technology and transformation leader for Deloitte Philippines, described AI as a “strategic inflection point.” He emphasized that organizations must choose between optimizing current models or reinventing the enterprise for the future.
Biz groups urge update of Japan-PH trade pact
By Othel V. Campos
STAKEHOLDERS from the Philippines and Japan are calling for updates to the 18-year-old JapanPhilippines Economic Partnership Agreement following a joint panel discussion Thursday.
The Philippine-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee and the Japan-Philippines Economic Coordination Committee hosted the discussion to address evolving trade needs. Richard Albert Osmond, PhilJec board special advisor and former chairman, highlighted the need for a structured review of JPEPA to reflect current business conditions.
“Negotiating updates to the agreement can bring benefits not just for industries, but also for cultural exchanges and the flow of imports and exports between our countries,” Osmond said.
He emphasized that progress and reviews led by the private sector signal that governments are engaged and responsive to changing economic landscapes.
Osmond also noted the Philippines’ growing participation in highstandard regional trade frameworks. He suggested that potential membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership would complement the existing bilateral agreement.
“This would support a more level playing field, clearer rules in trade and greater integration into regional value chains,” he said.
He stressed that bilateral and regional trade initiatives are complementary, strengthening the foundation of the Japan-Philippines relationship while anchoring the Philippines more firmly in regional trade infrastructure.
The joint meeting underscored the significance of updating JPEPA alongside regional integration initiatives to deliver long-term benefits to businesses and communities in both countries.
upgraded Cebu stations
PAL opens in-cabin pet travel program to all domestic routes
By Darwin G. Amojelar
FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines has expanded its in-cabin pet travel program to all domestic routes, allowing passengers to fly with small dogs provided they meet specific weight and documentation requirements.
The “FurPAL” program, which launched in November 2025, allows travelers to bring small dogs into the aircraft cabin rather than checking them as cargo. The service is currently available for P2,500 one-way across the airline’s domestic network. Under the program, only small dog breeds weighing up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) are eligible. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. PAL limits the service to one pet per passenger, with a maximum of three small dogs permitted per flight.
“All pets must be transported in a soft-sided, leak-proof carrier
equipped with pee pads and at least two ventilation panels,” PAL said. The carrier must not exceed 17 by 11 by 9.5 inches.
The airline noted that pets must remain inside their carriers and be placed under the seat in front of the passenger for the duration of the flight.
“Health certificates and updated vaccination records are mandatory, along with a veterinary certificate, PAL waiver and declaration form, and shipping permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry,” PAL said. The carrier added that pet sedation is strictly prohibited.
To ensure passenger comfort, PAL said its cabins are equipped with hospital-grade HEPA filters that eliminate 99.99 percent of airborne particles. Cabins are also cleaned with high-grade, eco-friendly agents before every flight.
PEZA
IMO, PH push for global seafarer training reform
AS THE shipping industry undergoes a massive shift toward decarbonization and digitalization, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Philippine maritime leaders have called for an urgent modernization of global training standards.
IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the organization’s continued support for member states and the shipping industry, stressing that reform must go hand in hand with stronger investment in seafarers. Shipping, he said, must invest in people — ensuring that those onboard are treated with the same dignity and provided with the same facilities afforded to land-based workers, including access to internet connectivity and adequate living conditions.
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of seafarers, the Philippines plays a pivotal role in these global
IAC
reforms. Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized that maritime nations share a duty to ensure their workforces remain competent and future-ready.
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted the responsibility of maritime nations to ensure their workforce remains competent, adaptable, and future-ready.
“Together, we must confront the evolving challenges and opportunities within this dynamic sector,” Malaluan said, pointing to competency developments, environmental pres-
sures, and geopolitical shifts reshaping global shipping.
She emphasized that reform, while challenging, presents an opportunity to raise standards and reinforce global confidence in Filipino seafarers through strengthened maritime education and training.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr. called for a serious and forward-looking review of global standards — one that directly addresses automation, digitalization, violence and harassment at sea, and the safe handling of alternative fuels.
“If ships are to shift to cleaner energy, then training must shift with it,” he said, underscoring the need to equip seafarers with the skills to safely use, handle, and store emerging fuel technologies.
He stressed that respect must be the norm at sea, with zero tolerance for harassment and accountability for misconduct, adding that dignity and protection must extend equally to all genders.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni
Lopez reiterated the Philippine government’s commitment to ensuring safe and inclusive working environments for seafarers.
“We must ensure that every seafarer, women and men alike, can work in an environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful,” he said.
“When we protect our people, we strengthen our entire maritime industry,” Lopez added.
As the shipping sector undergoes one of its most significant transitions in decades — driven by climate commitments and rapid technological advancement — speakers at the forum were united in their message: global standards must evolve at the same pace as innovation, and seafarers must remain at the center of the industry’s transformation.
Meanwhile, IMO has recognized the Philippines as a pivotal partner in shaping global maritime regulations, citing its robust training ecosystem and its status as the world’s leading supplier of seafarers.
Dominguez highlighted the coun-
promotes MRO, aerospace industry development at Singapore Airshow 2026
THE Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) recently pitched Clark Aviation Capital as Asia’s next premier aerospace hub during the Singapore Airshow 2026.
Joining the Philippine Pavilion alongside the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Department of Transportation, CIAC officials met with global industry leaders to secure partnerships in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services.
CIAC president and chief excutive officer Jojit Alcazar said the agency’s participation aimed to attract more investments in aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and other aerospace-related industries.
He said meetings with global aviation players opened opportunities for potential partnerships, particularly in helicopter maintenance and other specialized MRO services. Several companies expressed interest in exploring business prospects in Clark.
“CIAC’s participation strengthened our investment ties and highlighted Clark’s readiness to support the growing demands of the global aerospace industry,” Alcazar said.
He added that the event also allowed CIAC
officials to observe global best practices in aviation operations, safety standards, technology adoption, and workforce development.
These insights, he said, will guide Clark Aviation Capital’s continued expansion as a competitive aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Alcazar cited the 2024 Philippine Aerospace Industry Roadmap, which projects the country’s aerospace sector to become one of the fastestgrowing in the region.
He noted that Clark is positioning itself to meet the increasing demand for reliable MRO services as global aircraft fleets require regular
Davao City to host 77th PAL Interclub
DAVAO City is set to host the 77th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub, the country’s premier and longest-running amateur golf team tournament, from February 20 to March 6, 2026. According to PAL, the event will bring together golfers from 214 teams, with 124 competing in the Seniors division and 90 in the Men’s Regular division, underscoring the tournament’s enduring popularity and the continued growth of Philippine golf. Since its inaugural edition in 1948, the PAL Interclub has brought together teams from across the nation and overseas in an atmosphere of spirited competition, camaraderie, and shared passion for golf. The event’s unique team-based format continues to foster lasting friendships and exemplifies the values of teamwork, integrity,
and fair play that have defined the Interclub for generations.
This year’s tournament will showcase Davao’s renowned hospitality and culture, with rounds to be played at three of the region’s premier courses: Apo Golf and Country Club, South Pacific Davao Golf Club, and Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club. Local officials and tourism partners are preparing to roll out a warm welcome for visiting players and guests, promising an unforgettable twoweek celebration both on and off the fairways.
“The PAL Interclub has always been a meaningful gathering for the golfing community,” Richard Nuttall, president of PAL said.
“We are excited to bring the 77th edition to Davao and look forward to celebrating this tradition with golfers, partners, and supporters,” he added.
maintenance while maintaining strict safety and efficiency standards.
Currently operating in Clark are some of the world’s largest MRO providers, SIA Engineering and Metrojet Engineering, which underscore Clark’s growing reputation in the aerospace sector.
CIAC said its long-term goal is to transform Clark Aviation Capital into a dynamic business and logistics hub and eventually the country’s leading global aviation center.
Alcazar emphasized that lessons learned from the airshow support the administration’s push under Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to attract more foreign investments and strengthen trade relations.
As the premier land and aviation development arm of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, CIAC is mandated to develop Clark Aviation Capital into a fullfledged aerotropolis.
It oversees the Clark aviation complex, where firms operate in industrial, commercial, mixeduse, warehousing, and manufacturing businesses, underscoring Clark’s steady transformation into a dynamic, aviation-driven hub.
try’s potential to provide the technical input necessary to design international standards for a decarbonized future.
He said that Philippine-led training programs and national best practices often serve as blueprints for global policy. With its vast network of maritime institutions, Dominguez noted that the Philippines is well-positioned to “take the next step” by contributing expertise that directly informs IMO rulemaking.
Dominguez emphasized the deep, ongoing partnership between the IMO and the Philippines through initiatives like the Smart Sea Projects— which target decarbonization, plastic litter, and biofouling.
“By identifying key areas where support is needed, the Philippines helps us plan for the future and ensures our resources effectively assist all member states,” he said. Under MARINA’s oversight, the country’s participation remains critical to global discussions on safety and sustainability,’ he added. Darwin G. Amojelar
CAB issues new guidelines for NAIA shuttle bus operations
THE Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has mandated all airlines operating at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to strictly adhere to new shuttle bus protocols.
The directive aims to enhance passenger safety, convenience, and overall operational efficiency during aircraft embarkation and disembarkation. Under the new order, carriers must deploy sufficient shuttle buses tailored to actual passenger loads. To prevent delays, vehicles must be positioned at planeside or designated gates prior to scheduled boarding or deplaning times.
The CAB also emphasized close coordination with the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for resource management.
Key to the directive is the strict enforcement of capacity limits. Carriers are prohibited from allowing standing passengers in smaller coasters, while larger buses are limited to a maximum of 10 standing passengers.
Furthermore, airlines must provide dedicated low-floor or ramp-equipped vehicles for senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to ensure seamless accessibility.
LRTA completes sewage system repair at Katipunan station
THE Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) has announced the successful restoration and reinforcement of the sewage ejector pump system at the LRT-2 Katipunan Station. Completed on February 4, 2026, the project is a key component of the agency’s proactive maintenance program. To ensure long-term reliability, the LRTA strengthened the station’s infrastructure by acquiring brandnew pump units and refurbishing existing units for reinstallation. The
station now features fully operational pumps, a dependable backup system, and ready-to-use spares.
The restoration—overseen by the Maintenance Transition Team in coordination with a specialized service provider—stabilizes wastewater operations and improves sanitation for both passengers and personnel.
This upgrade reflects the LRTA’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, clean, and dependable service across the LRT-2 network. Meanwhile, LRTAs acquired new
rail gauge rods for the LRT Line 2 system as part of its continuing efforts to enhance track safety, operational reliability, and passenger service quality. A total of 14 rail gauge rods were acquired under this initiative to support priority sections identified by LRTA Engineering Department. The number was determined based on technical assessment and preventive maintenance requirements of LRT Line 2. Rail gauge rods are used to main-
tain the correct distance between rails, ensuring train stability and safe operations. The replacement and installation of new gauge rods form part of LRTA’s preventive maintenance and infrastructure upgrade program aimed at sustaining the structural integrity of the railway system. LRTA Administrator Hernando T. Cabrera said the acquisition of new rail gauge rods reinforces the authority’s commitment to
IMO
Secretary-
General Arsenio Dominguez
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
Bad Bunny to star in Puerto Rico historical drama
FRESH off his Grammys and Super Bowl halftime show, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will take the lead in an all-star film, producers announced Wednesday.
Titled Porto Rico, the film will be directed by Grammy-winning rapper Rene “Residente” Perez Joglar and is described as a cross between a Caribbean western and a historical drama about the island both men call home.
The movie will also feature Viggo Mortensen, Javier Bardem, and Edward Norton, and will be produced by Academy Award winner Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.
Porto Rico tells the story of Jose Maldonado Roman, known as “Aguila Blanca” (White Eagle), a revolutionary who fought against colonialism in the late 19th century.
“I have dreamed of making a film about my country since I was a child,” Perez Joglar said. “Puerto Rico’s true history has always been surrounded by controversy. This film is a reaffirmation of who we are—told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.”
The director said the project fuses “historical scope with a visceral, lyrical approach and a gripping narrative inspired by true events.”
The 31-year-old reggaeton star, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, is on an unstoppable streak. Earlier this month, he won three Grammys, including album of the year for DeBI Tirar Mas Fotos, the first all-Spanish-language album to earn the honor. A week later, he headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, celebrating
SHOWBIZ
Miss Millennial Philippines 2019. She joined Bb. Pilipinas 2022, where she was crowned Bb. Pilipinas International 2022. She competed in Miss International 2023, placing third runner-up. Ysmael, 29, a Spanish-Lebanese beauty and niece of former Miss Universe Margie Moran, is a model, entrepreneur, and ballet teacher. She graduated with a degree in Psychology from De La Salle University. Dancing ballet all her life, starting at age three, she established her own ballet school, Milota Ballet. Ysmael first joined Miss Universe Philippines in 2020, where she finished first runner-up and won Best in Evening Gown.
Baeyens, 28, a Filipino-Belgian artist under GMA’s Sparkle Artist Center using the name Roxie Smith, is a tourism management graduate. She won Face of Tourism Philippines 2019 and competed in Miss Tourism and Culture Universe 2019 in Myanmar, placing first runner-up. She was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2020 and competed in Miss Earth 2020, where she was named Miss Earth-Water 2020.
Marshall, 28, a Filipino-British model and singer, was born and raised in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. She moved to the Philippines in 2016 and studied business management at Southville International School and Colleges. She recorded her debut single “I’m Just Like You” under Viva Records and appeared in Viva Films’ Squad Goals. Marshall finished in the Top 12 of Philippines Next Top Model: High Street (Cycle 2) in 2017 before representing the Philippines and finishing as co-runner-up in Asia’s Next Top Model (Cycle 6) held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2018. Windorski, 23, a Filipino-American model from Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, USA, graduated in International Relations and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She studied ballet at Milwaukee Ballet School
Comeback queens carry unfinished business at MUP 2026 Delegates Presentation
THERE is no stopping veteran beauty queens from making a comeback and taking a shot at a trip to the world’s biggest and most prestigious pageant. These seasoned beauties made a big splash during The Reveal: Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Official Delegates Presentation, held at City of Dreams Manila on Monday.
Pageant Concept Eton Concepcion
Among the comeback beauties, described as ‘a force to be reckoned with,’ are Miss Universe Philippines-Cebu Province Nicole Borromeo, Miss Universe Philippines-Taguig Bella Ysmael, Miss Universe PhilippinesBaguio Roxie Baeyens, Miss Universe Philippines-Muntinlupa Adela Mae Marshall, and Miss Universe Philippines-La Union Bea MillanWindorski Borromeo, 25, a native of Guadalupe, Cebu City, was appointed by the MUP Cebu franchise holder. She is a model and is pursuing a degree in Interior Design. Borromeo won Reyna ng Aliwan 2019 and Eat Bulaga’s
and cello at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.Aformer young professional at the EastWest Center in Washington, D.C., Windorski won Miss Earth USA 2024 and competed in Miss Earth 2024 in Manila, where she was named Miss Earth-Water 2024. Reconnecting with her Filipino roots, she now represents her mother’s
For the first time, fans will also be able to participate in live voting during coronation night. This marks a significant step in making the Miss Universe Philippines experience more interactive, secure, and inclusive. “This is your chance to be heard. Fans across the country and around the world can participate through secure and accessible voting, where public participation is not symbolic but truly impactful,” said Voltaire Tayag, executive vice president of Miss Universe Philippines.
How prayers guided Jopay Paguia’s return to SexBomb Girls
By Angelica Villanueva
SEXBOMB Girls member Jopay
revealed that she once hesitated to rejoin the girl dance group due to her religious beliefs before ultimately deciding to return.
Speaking in an interview with talk show host Boy Abunda, Jopay recalled leaving the dance group twice. She said her second exit came after she became engaged and grew more involved in church service, believing at the time that ministry was her calling.
Jopay admitted struggling
with the idea of returning to performing, particularly as some people viewed the group’s dances and costumes as inappropriate. Unsure if going back would conflict with her faith, she said she prayed for guidance.
She shared that a conversation with her pastor helped clarify her decision. He reminded her that singing and dancing were talents given to her, and that what mattered was how she chose to use them.
She later asked God for a clear sign to confirm her path. While she noticed several indications, she said the moment that convinced her was seeing children happily dancing to the group’s hit song “The Spageti Song.”
Pinag pray ko ‘yun. Sabi ko kay Lord bigyan mo ako ng sign kung babalik ako sa grupo ko… Binigyan niya ako ng sign na
Wolfgang legacy proven in reunion concert
ON Feb. 7, many avid fans of hard rock band Wolfgang witnessed their rock gods reunite at the New Frontier Theater. Simply dubbed Wolfgang The Reunion, it was the first time the trio of vocalist Basti Artadi, guitarist Manuel Legarda, and drummer Wolf Gemora played together since 2000. Wolf migrated to the United States, which broke up their original lineup. Another member of the classic personnel, bassist Mon Legaspi, died in 2022.
The 30th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, actually released in 1995, was the main reason for the reunion show. That album contained three of their biggest hits: Arise, Halik Ni Hudas, and Natutulog Kong Mundo
Clips from the show, brought to fans by Ovations Productions with Blast TV as official media partner, trended on social media as several attendees shared tribute posts. Wolfgang is being labeled as the Metallica of the Philippines, and it fits the bill. The group, both on record and in live gigs, could really rock hard without abandoning infectious melodies. Other bands in their league could not come up with as many powerful melodies as they did on their first albums.
On Natutulog Kong Mundo, there comes a point—or twice in the song—when the instruments cool down, giving Basti’s emphatic voice the floor amid the haunting strains of Manuel’s guitar. It’s like Metallica’s The Unforgiven reaching the chorus, when James
“Halik Ni Hudas is no doubt Wolfgang’s signature song, with more than 12 million streams on Spotify as of this writing, dwarfing the nextin-line track, “Mata Ng Diyos,” by almost half. Interestingly, Darkness Fell” has more streams than “Arise,” which for me showcases Basti’s voice at full strength. It always felt that his kind of singing was better suited to songs with English lyrics.
The same album sent the message that the band had so much great material ready for recording that, when given a chance, they loaded it beyond what was needed. Some tracks, like Cast of Clowns,” were technically viewed as fillers, when in fact they could have been lead singles for a weaker album. Wolfgang’s self-titled collection was stacked!
The group, by the way, produced six studio albums with the lineup intact. Their music became the basis for the rock opera Si Faust, which reportedly sold out its run at the Ateneo de Manila University. This band earned respect.
Veteran record label executive Neil Gregorio, who unearthed a 30-year-old demo cassette of the band, posted on his Instagram account: “Looking back, heard them play live, talked to one of them in the CR, asked for a demo, and went on to sign them with the label I was with as A&R at the time.”
He added for emphasis, “Meron pa ako deal back then with the label. If this band didn’t make it big, I’d resign!”
Many of us would have said the same if we were in Neil’s shoes. You’re tone-deaf if you don’t see the band’s potential. Its rhythm section is tight. Manuel’s playing is glorious enough—there’s no need for another guitarist. And of course, Basti has talent and charisma. He could pass for an effective movie villain look-wise, but he chose to be a rocker. Thus, he became a hero and inspiration for many teenagers in the ’90s. My college classmate and seatmate Christine Lising-Ylagan, a
who watched Wolfgang perform at Mayric’s and God knows where, would agree. She became a government official,
of Wolfgang’s truest fans grew up well and are still doing fine, much like Wolfgang’s enduring musical legacy.
Bad Bunny takes stars in ‘Porto Rico,’ signaling a new chapter for the global star as he expands further into acting
Wolfgang reunites onstage, bringing its signature hard rock sound and classic hits back to longtime fans
Jopay Paguia recalls hesitating to perform again after getting engaged and deepening her church service, before deciding to return to the SexBomb Girls
Touchbass
Yugel Losorata
talagang pumukaw talagang sa akin,” she said. Jopay has since remained part of the SexBomb Girls, continuing to perform with the group in recent reunion shows and appearances.
Miss Universe Philippines 2026 contenders (from left) Marian Arellano, Adela Mae Marshall, Nicole Borromeo, Bea Millan-Windorski, and Clarissa Westram
LIFE & SHOWBIZ C3
Beyond the courtesy call
Celebrating a milestone for inclusion
FEB . 11, 2026 marked a professional and personal milestone for me. It was my first time stepping inside the House of Representatives of the Philippines at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, a space I have long associated with legislation and power.
Quezon City 1st District Representative Juan Carlos Atayde (backrow, center) welcomes the cast members of MMFF entry ‘I’mPerfect’
‘I’mPerfect’ cast members and creative team make a courtesy call at the House of Representatives
Down syndrome. You feel an instant connection, a sense of kinship rooted in shared experiences that need no explanation.
Random Talk
Working in media gave me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, including families who do not have the means for therapy, special education, or consistent medical support. Their realities remind me that access to even basic needs remains uneven.
Often, the persons with Down syndrome who gain visibility in films, advocacy campaigns, or public platforms are those who have had access to quality education, early intervention, and strong family support. This includes the stars of I’mPerfect, who have been given opportunities to work, to be trained, and early this month, to be formally signed as artists of Nathan Studios.
What made the experience more meaningful was that I was there not just as a member of the media, but as a sister and advocate, alongside the entire cast of I’mPerfect I’mPerfect was produced by Nathan Studios last year for the Metro Manila Film Festival. The movie starred actors with Down syndrome, and the story centered on individuals with the condition.
The House of Representatives visit was historic as the cast was formally recognized at the plenary hall, a quick acknowledgment meant to last in its impact. The cast and team behind the movie made a courtesy call to House Speaker Faustino Dy III and Quezon City 1st District Representative Juan Carlos Atayde
Having a brother with Down syndrome, now 31 years old, shaped how I see moments like this. Growing up, there was always something powerful about encountering another family with a loved one who has
MANAGING internet use often means balancing data limits with a daily budget. PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid addresses that reality in its latest video campaign, “Bitin,” which focuses on Filipino households that rely on volume-capped data for home connectivity. The video portrays common situations at home, from learning new skills and watching online content to livestreaming, where limited data can disrupt daily activities. It positions unlimited fiber as a practical option for families seeking more stable and consistent internet access. PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid offers unlimited internet designed for multiple devices within a household. Running on fiber technology, the service supports simultaneous use for video calls, online classes, streaming, and uploading large files.
Yet this is not the reality for many. Down syndrome comes with specific health and developmental needs, and without enough support systems, those needs remain unmet.
This is why recent legislative efforts are crucial. Early last year, Rep. Atayde filed bills aimed at addressing these gaps, including a proposal mandating the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to provide free 2D echocardiography for infants diagnosed with Down syndrome.
This is an essential procedure given the prevalence of congenital heart conditions among them. Another proposed measure seeks to institutionalize a Philippine National Down Syndrome Care Plan, ensuring a more comprehensive and coordinated framework of support.
Beyond the policies, what stayed with me most was the symbolism of the day. In the dining area before the plenary session, I watched the actors with Down syndrome confidently interact with lawmakers and public servants. They spoke with confidence, looked assured, and carried themselves with pride. They felt they belonged because that day, the event was meant for them, and they knew that.
What also struck me was the moment of recognition when each of the actors with Down syndrome and their guardians experienced acknowledgment alongside their co-stars in the plenary hall. I watched as the lead actors Krystel Go and Earl Amaba, supported by their families, happily stood up with actress-producer Sylvia Sanchez and fellow cast members Joey Marquez, Joel Saracho, and Viveika Ravanes as their names were called. It was as if their places in society were being affirmed.
I am grateful that the doors for people with Down syndrome to have access to healthcare support have just been opened. I pray that the bills will soon be approved and enacted. Looking at the bright side, it was already a huge step for them to have been given the chance to show up for themselves and assert their dignity and belonging. I wish that they continue to be heard, felt, and seen.
For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at
The prepaid setup provides budget flexibility, with no monthly bills or lock-in contracts. Users can load credits as needed. A 30-day unlimited fiber load works out to less than P23.30 per day, a cost level comparable to what some households already allocate for recurring mobile data but applied to a dedicated home connection.
For P999, the package includes a device and 30 days of free unlimited fiber with speeds of up to 50 Mbps. Reload options are priced at P50 for one day, P199 for seven days, P399 for 15 days, and P699 for 30 days. Reloading is available through the PLDT Home website, Maya, GCash, SM, and Smart loading partners nationwide.
The campaign underscores a message centered on uninterrupted home connectivity, with the “Bitin” concept reflecting moments when data runs short during daily use.
THE Turkish government on Wednesday said it would provide incentives to producers of the country’s increasingly popular soap TV series that promote Turkey and its language.
“We will provide support of up to the equivalent of 100,000 US dollars in Turkish lira per episode for our TV series broadcast abroad,” Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy told a news conference.
Turkish television dramas and series, known as “dizi,” are now available in 170 countries. Global demand rose by 184 percent between 2020 and 2023, figures from Parrot Analytics show.
Ersoy said Turkish series have become a “global brand that touches the lives of nearly one billion people across approximately 170 countries, spanning a vast geography from Asia to America and from Africa to Europe.”
“Currently, Turkey has become one of the world’s top three television industries in terms of sales and export power,” he said.
“With export revenues exceeding one billion dollars, our sector has recently surpassed a historic threshold.”
To receive the government cash, productions must comply with criteria, including the promotion of Turkey and its language, whether the countries to which the series are exported are among target markets for Turkish tourism, as well as ratings and viewership data, the minister said.
“As the ministry, we will also provide significant facilitation to our sector, such as accelerating bureaucratic procedures related to filming locations and the use of historical and
series became a global phenomenon, influencing music, fashion, and children’s television. It
and two feature films.
“ Hannah Montana opened the door for so many fans to dream big, sing loud, and embrace every side of themselves,” said Ayo Davis , president of Disney Branded Television.
Kate Adajar
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Jasper Valdez
IN the Philippines, dressing for summer is not a three-month exercise. It’s a year-round reality. Heat, humidity, and constant movement shape daily wardrobe choices—whether commuting through the city, traveling between meetings, or spending long hours outdoors. Comfort has become less of a preference and more of a requirement.
That climate reality is increasingly influencing how global brands approach seasonal design. During a preview of its 2026 Spring/Summer collection in Intramuros, Uniqlo positioned its latest lineup around “ultimate basics,” staples reworked for warmweather living.
Uniqlo Philippines marketing director Jan Ang explained that the direction responds directly to regional conditions.
“Of all the collections that Uniqlo has, I really think the 2026 Spring/Summer Collection is made for us,” she said. “Because the reality is we live in a tropical country… it really feels like a perpetual summer. So we all thought that this season is actually the perfect time to really bring the ultimate basics but make them more comfortable.”
Dressing for a perpetual summer
Fabric selection sits at the core of that thinking.
Lightweight cotton, AIRism materials, and linen dominate the range—chosen not only for breathability but for styling flexibility. Linen, in particular, is being reframed from resort wear into an everyday staple.
“I think linen elevates any look,” Ang said. “Every time you wear linen, it kind of gives you that effortless, cool vibe.”
Silhouettes follow the same climate logic. Shirts are cut looser, trousers roomier, and tailoring softer, allowing airflow and mobility in humid conditions. Even denim, often avoided in hot weather, returns in relaxed constructions.
“We have the boot-cut jeans and the baggy jeans,” Ang said. “What Uniqlo really invests in is not just the silhouettes. We invest in the Japanese craftsmanship of it… People may say jeans are jeans, but we believe differently. They need to be top-notch jeans.”
Sun protection has also become part of everyday styling rather than a niche category. UV-blocking outerwear and cooling inner layers reflect how fashion is intersecting with wellness.
“Uniqlo does not just want you to look good under the sun,” Ang said. “We want to make you feel fresh,
NAIA ramps up self check-in with more partners, easing travel
SELF check-in kiosks at Ninoy Aquino International Airport are now available to more passengers as additional airlines join the automated passenger processing program introduced by New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC). More travelers can use the airport’s self checkin kiosks, automated pre-security screening gates, and self-boarding gates at Terminals 1, 2, and 3 as airlines complete system integration and join the program.
The system, progressively rolled out across the airport, allows eligible passengers to check in, print boarding passes, tag their bags, clear initial security, and board through automated lanes. Airport officials say this helps reduce queuing times and ease congestion at traditional counters. A phased activation of automated bag drop features is also ongoing.
At Terminal 1, Philippine Airlines covers international destinations except Middle East and Japan routes, while Asiana Airlines accommodates Korean nationals and foreign passengers without visa requirements.
At Terminal 2, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia provide the service for all domestic destinations.
At Terminal 3, Cebu Pacific operates the system for both domestic and international flights, while AirAsia covers all international
destinations. United Airlines enables the service for foreign passengers without visa requirements, and both Qatar Airways and Air Canada extend access to all passengers.
“These systems are already operational, and we are seeing more airlines come on board as integration is completed,” NNIC, the airport’s private operator, said. “As participation expands, more passengers will be able to move through check-in, security, and boarding more efficiently.”
The automated processing systems form part of NAIA’s broader effort to improve passenger flow and align airport operations with biometric-enabled standards used at major international hubs across Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Passengers on eligible flights are encouraged to use the self check-in kiosks located near the check-in areas of each terminal. After printing boarding passes and bag tags, they may proceed to bag drop counters or automated lanes before continuing through the pre-security and selfboarding gates. Additional airlines and routes are expected to be enabled in the coming months as integration work continues.
The airport’s private operator says wider airline participation helps reduce congestion by shifting more steps into automated lanes
By Nickie Wang
RETAIL giant Puregold Price Club Inc. is channeling its digital reach into a social mission, with president Vincent Co directing the full streaming revenue of the Puregold Channel to fund his Pusong Panalo Program, an initiative aimed at revitalizing the country’s “last mile” schools.
A personal undertaking, the Pusong Panalo Program supports underserved public schools nationwide, combining short-term relief with long-term improvements.
Plans include installing solar panels in campuses with limited electricity, providing livelihood packages for teachers, extending grocery support to students, renovating
comfortable… and protected.”
The styling cues feel vacation-ready—airy tops, relaxed shorts, and clean, light colors. In practice, they’re meant for everyday wear: the kind you can use for errands, quick meetings, or long days out in the heat.
Actress Solenn Heussaff pointed to that balance while describing her summer look.
“It’s a very chic outfit. Very easy to move around,” she said. “Especially now that it’s hot here in the Philippines… you feel breezy and comfortable.”
Model Anthony Constantino, meanwhile, framed summer dressing around confidence rooted in comfort.
“If you don’t have confidence, it’s going to be really hard to feel comfortable within your own clothes,” he said. “So wear comfortable clothes and be comfortable within your own skin.”
As temperatures stay high year-round, summer dressing in the Philippines is less about seasonal trends and more about day-to-day function. Breathable fabrics, relaxed cuts, and sun-ready layers are becoming standard choices rather than specialty pieces.
Puregold Price Club Inc. President Vincent Co directs streaming revenue from the Puregold Channel to the Pusong Panalo Program
The initiative aims to reach at least 10,000 students in 30 public schools across the archipelago by 2028.
The Puregold Channel serves as the company’s hub for its “retailtainment” strategy, an integrated content ecosystem that includes free digital series, music collaborations with leading OPM artists, and original Filipino storytelling through the annual Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. The
Uniqlo frames its 2026 Spring/Summer lineup around breathable ‘ultimate basics’ to match tropical, on-the-go living
Vincent Co’s (right) Pusong Panalo Program backs ‘last mile’ schools with upgrades that range from solar power and classroom repairs to learning equipment and student support
The Pusong Panalo Program aims to help at least 10,000 students in 30 public schools nationwide by 2028
Fabric choice drives the range, with cotton, AIRism, and linen favored for breathability
Model Anthony Constantino ties summer style to confidence built on comfort, urging people to wear pieces that feel natural in their own skin