Gilas must-wins“I don’t think you want to do too much change,” explains Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Sean Chambers, an important part of the 1996 PBA Grand Slam champion Alaska Milkmen. And I believe in that 100 percent.”Fans of the men’s national basketball team were naturally very disappointed when Gilas Pilipinas lost to New Zealand and Australia. “I don’t think you want to do too much change,” explains Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Sean Chambers, an important part of the 1996 PBA Grand Slam champion Alaska Milkmen. The important games are going to be the crossover games after we go visit them. “Our fans definitely travel well, they’re all over the world and they all follow the Gilas program,” he adds.

Guanzon, 3 others eyeing Sara’s 2028 slateMANILA, Philippines — Four people have expressed interest in joining her senatorial slate for the 2028 national elections, Vice President Sara Duterte revealed on Saturday. In a chance interview in Davao City, Duterte said that former Commission on Elections commissioner Rowena Guanzon and three others have informed her of their intention to be part of her ticket in the 2028 polls. Asked whether she was considering them as candidates under her slate, Duterte replied, “I am allergic to politicians now. They should just consider me.”

Duterte lawyer hit for ‘frivolous’ appealsMANILA, Philippines — Lawyers representing victims in the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have accused the defense team of filing “frivolous” appeals that they said waste the court’s time and resources. In a 14-page filing dated March 12 and made public over the weekend, lawyers Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres, appointed as external common legal representatives of victims (CLRV), urged ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I to reject the latest request for leave to appeal filed by defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. Kaufman sought permission to appeal the chamber’s earlier dismissal of his request to disqualify Butuyan, Andres and their appointed case manager Nicolene Arcaina. “The Defense bemoans the lack of time it has had to raise issues for appeal on this matter and denies responsibility for the timing of its submissions. Yet, Counsel can indeed be held responsible for making frivolous leaves for appeal, particularly as it implicates the solemn undertaking by all counsel before the Court,” read Butuyan and Andres’ filing.

Rice prices also rise amid global oil crisisWorkers unload sacks of rice from a truck along Dagupan Street in Manila on January 23, 2026. Due to supply disruptions, fuel price hikesMANILA, Philippines — Rice prices have increased and may continue to do so as market speculations swirl over supply disruptions and fuel price surges driven by the escalating war in the Middle East. Industry sources told The STAR that rice prices have increased by about P2 per kilo following the first wave of fuel price hikes last week. Department of Agriculture (DA) officials earlier disclosed that rice prices may be affected by the global oil crisis since the sector uses fuel for various means, from harvesting to transportation. All these compounding factors have offset the softening of imported rice prices in the past two months due to ongoing harvest in Vietnam, the country’s top supplier, Manuntag said.

Palace: ICI closure not end of flood control inquiryMANILA, Philippines — The pursuit of people involved in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal continues even with the looming closure of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Malacañang said yesterday. The conclusion of ICI does not signal the end of the inquiry,”Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said. Furthermore, they have the power to conduct more investigations motu proprio,” the Palace press officer said. Several groups, including Akbayan, questioned the impending shutdown of the ICI, saying the “big fish are still swimming free.”Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima also criticized the planned closure of the ICI, saying it failed to conduct a serious investigation and to hold those involved in the flood control corruption accountable. Ferdinand Topacio, who serves as spokesman for the Duterte-aligned Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, earlier labeled the ICI as a “waste of taxpayers’ money.”

No break looms for House impeachment hearingsMANILA, Philippines — Proceedings for the two impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte pending at the House of Representatives will most likely last beyond Congress’ March 18 recess – whether she decides to defend herself or waive her right to file a response. The April 8 hearing remains “tentative,” shortly after the panel found last March 4 that the complaints of Fr. Joel Saballa and attorney Nathaniel Cabrera were sufficient in form and substance, which gave Duterte the opportunity to refute the charges. “In the event that she does not respond by Monday (today), the process will be shortened, abbreviated,” Ridon said. Congress is expected to go on a Lenten break starting March 18, and will resume session on May 4.

Lady Archers humble NU rivals for Round 1 sweepMANILA, Philippines — La Salle delivered a statement game in its much-awaited rematch with reigning champion National U, scoring a 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17 romp to complete a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Lady Spikers yielded only a single set to the back-to-back titleholders marked by a 15-3 runaway salvo in the fourth set for the convincing win before an 18,351-strong crowd. La Salle will head into the second round unscathed at 7-0, in full control of the race after losing only four sets in total for a good start to its redemption tour from a bridesmaid finish to NU last season. Earlier, Adamson whipped the Casiey Dongallo-less University of the Philippines, 25-18, 25-16, 25-19, and forged a three-way tie at third spot with Santo Tomas and Far Eastern U at 4-3. Nigerian spiker Frances Mordi hammered 18 points while national team player Shaina Nitura added 14 as the Lady Falcons notched their best first-round record in three seasons.

Velaris reigns supremePowered by Alva Bual, Mervic Jean Indagacan, Rose Bacaron and Sun Lacida, Team Velaris displayed nerves of steel in a championship duel packed with extended rallies, clever third-shot drops, and precise kitchen dinks that kept the crowd on edge until the final exchange. MANILA, Philippines — Team Velaris reaffirmed its status as one of the country’s rising forces in pickleball, edging Dinkasaurs in a gripping 21-19 showdown to capture the PCL Rising Stars U19 Sectional Tournament title at the Net and Paddle courts in Cebu over the weekend. Powered by Alva Bual, Mervic Jean Indagacan, Rose Bacaron and Sun Lacida, Team Velaris displayed nerves of steel in a championship duel packed with extended rallies, clever third-shot drops, and precise kitchen dinks that kept the crowd on edge until the final exchange. The Velaris squad recovered from an early setback in women’s doubles before responding with disciplined net play and well-timed drives to claim victories in men’s doubles and the decisive mixed doubles matches, ultimately sealing the hotly contested gold medal and earning a berth in the PCL Asia Grand Finals. The triumph followed another dramatic victory for the Velaris program just two week earlier in Davao, where Shesha Bree Biñas, Chrystelle Marjh Elisan, Izzy Lacida and Jacob Cagas pulled off a thrilling 23-21 victory over the SABR squad in the first PCL leg.

Two for Tiu: Phoenix rolls onRicci Rivero of Phoenix Super LPG soars for a layup versus the Titan Ultra Giant Risers in their game last night at the Ynares Center-Montalban. Phoenix’ locals stepped up to the plate as Titan’s defense focused on import James Dickey III after his 20-point, 26-rebound debut in their 101-98 upset over Magnolia two nights before. We can’t take any game in the PBA for granted; being a part of PBA, it’s very hard to win games against any team so we’re happy to get back- to-back wins,” said Tiu. Phoenix secured win No. Later, NLEX made it two in a row via a 112-105 disposal of Magnolia, which skidded to its second consecutive defeat.

Donaire battered, stopped by Masuda to end title hopesPhilippines' Nonito Donaire poses for photos at an official weigh-in in Tokyo on December 16, 2025, ahead of the WBA Bantamweight title match with Japan's Seiya Tsutsumi on December 17 at Tokyo's Kokugikan. MANILA, Philippines -- It could be the last time boxing fans see Nonito Donaire Jr. This, after the Filipino boxing icon got dominated by Japan’s Riku Masuda, which led to Donaire’s corner to throw in the towel in their WBA bantamweight title eliminator Sunday evening in Yokohama. And as the Japanese landed a four-punch combination, the corner of Donaire threw in the towel. This is the second straight defeat of the 43-year-old after a split decision loss against Seiya Tsutsumi last year.

All systems go for Asian track cycling tilt in TagaytayPhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino checks on the progress of preparations at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome. MANILA, Philippines -- Tagaytay City rolls out the red carpet for more that 600 athletes who will see action in the 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships and 14th Asian Para Track Cycling Championships set from March 25-31 at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome. The Philippines last hosted the track championships in 1995 at the Amoranto Velodrome, which has since been demolished and transformed into a football pitch, leaving the Tagaytay CT Velodrome as the only world-class track facility in the country. The Asian championships offer 44 gold medals, while 30 golds are staked in the para track competitions that will be held simultaneously. The events in the para track cycling competitions are the individual pursuit, 1,000 meters time trial, sprint, elimination, scratch race and mixed team and tandem sprints.

Eala makes main draw of clay season's first tourneyFilipina tennis ace Alex Eala is seen practicing ahead of her match in the Philippine Women’s Open at Rizal Memorial Coliseum on January 24, 2026. MANILA, Philippines -- Another debut in a big tournament awaits Alex Eala in the Upper Austria Ladies Linz Open in Europe to kick off her clay season after her grand return to the Miami Open next week. The Linz Open, slated April 6-12 in Austria, over the weekend announced its player list with Eala making it to the main draw alongside Top 20 players Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia (No. The Linz Open is a 500-level tour, marking the first clay tourney season leading up to the French Open next month. With 1,542 points, Eala might return to 1,142 points if she could not replicate a Final Four finish or higher.

PARIS, France — As Hollywood grapples with existential questions and fickle audiences, one of its top stars, Ryan Gosling, has a simple credo. The comment was made as part of a globetrotting publicity tour for his latest move, "Project Hail Mary" — but it could be read as part of the debate over the future of cinema. "Project Hail Mary," which Gosling co-produced under a first-look deal with Amazon MGM Studios, has him carrying most of the story solo in front of the camera — along with the VFX alien Rocky, of course. Christopher Miller, who directed "Project Hail Mary" with longtime collaborator Phil Lord, said Gosling aptly married drama and comedy in the film. RELATED: Ryan Gosling plays science teacher out to save earth in 'Project Hail Mary'

Over 900 golfers test mettle in Southwoods InvitationalMANILA, Philippines — The Southwoods Invitational fires off Monday, March 16, with a huge field of 466 teams — 932 players in all — primed for a week-long battle of competitive golf, camaraderie and fun at Manila Southwoods’ Masters and Legends courses in Carmona, Cavite. The competition features a 36-hole format, with each team playing one round on the Masters and one on the Legends layout. Supporting the event are Bebang’s Halo-Halo, Lavie Kitchenwares, Malveda Properties, Era Health Innovation, DEAGEO and Robin Jeon as Gold sponsors. Beyond the leaderboard, the Southwoods Invitational remains a celebration of the sport and the relationships it fosters. The week-long event traditionally features social gatherings, shared rounds among friends and guests, and festive activities that reinforce the club’s culture of hospitality and community.

Lakers edge Nuggets in OTLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Naz Reid #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won the season series over Denver, a key tie-breaker edge in the standings if needed. Wembanyama scored four points and added an assist in a 12-0 Spurs run to grab a 104-88 lead with 6:05 remaining. - Hawks' streak at nine -The Atlanta Hawks stretched their win streak to nine games, a run they had not produced since the 2014-15 campaign, by defeating visiting Milwaukee 122-99. Orlando's win streak reached seven games with a 121-117 victory at Miami, ending the Heat's win streak at seven behind 27 points by Paolo Banchero and 21 by Desmond Bane.