Courts all over the world are still divided on this issue, especially when generative AI systems are trained on copyrighted works. Like all AI, generative AI works by using machine learning models pre-trained on vast amounts of data. It cited McKinsey research stating that one-third of organizations already use generative AI regularly in at least one business function. At the same time, industry analyst Gartner projects that more than 80 percent of organizations will have deployed generative AI applications or used generative AI application programming interfaces by this year. The debate has not been settled, but what is clear is that the use of generative AI is growing and is here to stay.

Global oil crisis shows why Phl must accelerate solar deploymentDisruptions in the global oil supply, like the one happening now, can quickly turn into a domestic cost-of-living crisis in the Philippines. They remind us that the most effective way to reduce our exposure to global oil shocks is to accelerate the transition toward locally available renewable energy. Among the available options, solar energy stands out as one of the most immediate and scalable solutions. Solar panels themselves have become dramatically cheaper, with the International Renewable Energy Agency estimating that global solar PV module prices have fallen by around 90 percent since the end of 2009. The Philippines has 1.8 GW in potential rooftop solar capacity across homes, commercial buildings and public facilities.

Romualdez lauds presidential scholarship programMANILA, Philippines — Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has lauded the approval on third reading by the House of Representatives of the consolidated bill establishing the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program. “The program aims to widen access to quality education of graduating senior high school students, not only from poor families, but from other financially-challenged and middle-class households as well,” he said in a statement. Romualdez’s House Bill 5763 was incorporated into the consolidated measure, principally authored by majority leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos. “The program will extend substantial financial assistance to the cream of the crop in senior high school. Hopefully, we can produce the best and the brightest professionals who can be our country’s future leaders among these graduating senior high school graduates,” he said.

Marcos calls for solidarity, compassion on Eid’l FitrMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos called on Filipinos yesterday to display solidarity and compassion and emphasized the importance of faithfulness to one’s duty as Muslims observed Eid’l Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan. “The virtues nurtured during this sacred month – compassion, humility, patience and charity – must not end with the breaking of the fast. Marcos expressed hope that Eid’l Fitr would bring comfort to those grappling with difficulties, renewed strength to those rendering service and joy to every Filipino home. 1189 declaring March 20 a regular holiday nationwide to observe Eid’l Fitr. However, the religious event was observed yesterday because the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ announced last Thursday that the crescent moon was not sighted.

Garin is asking Filipinos to conserve energy – a “small sacrifice,” as she puts it – even if fuel supply remains stable until the end of April. “If possible, don’t use cars if it’s not necessary,” she said, promoting carpooling and work-from-home setups. Consumption grew at an average annual rate of 3.7 percent between 2014 and 2024, surpassing that of Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. Asia, which sources most of its energy supplies from the Middle East, has implemented a range of measures to reduce consumption. Pakistan and Bangladesh have canceled classes, while the Maldives and Nepal have started rationing liquefied petroleum gas.

Photo by STR / AFP. Iranian Shia women, including one covered in the Iranian national flag, take part in Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran on March 21, 2026.

The United Nations logo is seen on a window in an empty hallway at United Nations headquarters during the 75th annual U.N. General Assembly high-level debate, which is being held mostly virtually due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in New York, U.S., September 21, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

Food supply stable until July – agriculture chiefMANILA, Philippines — The country’s food supply is sufficient until July, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Thursday. Tiu Laurel assured the public that the country’s adequate inventories and ongoing harvests are cushioning the impact of global volatility. “Cold storage facilities are stocked with imported pork while the local swine population continues to increase,” Tiu Laurel said. Tiu Laurel said the DA is directing Food Terminal Inc. and Planters Products Inc. to offer more affordable alternatives to consumers. “For now, supply remains steady, with the government focused on ensuring availability while limiting price pressures,” Tiu Laurel said.

P40 million monthly subsidy needed for LRT-2 discountsLRTA administrator Hernando Cabrera said the LRT-2 would need a P40-million monthly subsidy to cushion the financial impact of the fare reduction. MANILA, Philippines — The Light Rail Transit Authority has asked the government for additional funding, ahead of the LRTA implementation of a 50-percent discount on Monday. LRTA administrator Hernando Cabrera said the LRT-2 would need a P40-million monthly subsidy to cushion the financial impact of the fare reduction. The 50-percent fare discount for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students using white beep cards will remain in effect. Meanwhile, private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) said it has not made an official announcement on the implementation of an across-the-board 50-percent discount on LRT-1.

The Pentagon logo is seen behind the podium in the briefing room at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Al Drago/File Photo

How Iran's IRGC rebooted Lebanon's Hezbollah to be ready for warSmoke rises from a Lebanese village near the border with Israel, amid escalation between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, and amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, as seen from northern Israel, March 19, 2026. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo

Isko to seek reelection in 2028MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno revealed on Thursday his plan to run again as city mayor in 2028, dismissing rumors that he is eyeing a national post in the next election. “I will run in 2028 for reelection,” Moreno said during an interview, adding that he would focus on continuing his development programs for the country’s capital. The programs are part of a “10-year plan” for Manila to address concerns on housing, education, healthcare and jobs, he said. He previously denied being invited by other political figures to become a running mate in the 2028 general elections. Moreno said he would not prohibit rallies as long as the participants remain responsible for the cleanliness and orderliness of the city.

An armoured personnel carrier (APC) and a self-propelled artillery unit at the Israeli side of the border with Lebanon, amid escalation between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, and amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in northern Israel, March 20, 2026. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran is seen behind a 3D printed oil pipeline in this illustration taken June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Top Flight Canada bags Global Hoops U19 three-peatMANILA, Philippines — Top Flight Canada rudely slammed the door on Crossover Canada’s Global Hoops International’s Under-19 title ambitions when Ryan Garcia blocked the latter’s Nate Sundararajah’s drive. Top Flight Canada cruised until the end for an emphatic 91-77 win that gave the Vancouver-based basketball club a three-peat at the Blue Eagle Gym. Riley Santa Juana, who finished with 20 points for Top Flight Canada, was named the U19 division’s Most Valuable Player. Both Top Flight Canada and Crossover Canada were undefeated in group play. Friday, March 20, Top Flight Canada bested Homegrown Australia, 64-55, while Crossover Canada topped Mic Basketball Australia 71-67.