Marcos backs UAE as Southeast Asia leaders urge restraint over Iran warMANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and called for an end to hostilities in the Middle East as Southeast Asian governments responded to the escalating conflict involving Iran. Marcos conveyed the message during a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement Friday. During the call, Marcos expressed confidence in the UAE government’s ability to ensure the safety of residents, including nearly one million Filipinos living and working in the country. ASEAN urges ceasefireThe reaction from Manila mirrors broader concerns across Southeast Asia as governments call for restraint and diplomacy. Governments across Southeast Asia have also raised concerns about the safety of millions of migrant workers in the Gulf region as the conflict continues.

Eala outlasts Yastremska, forges Gauff clash at Indian WellsMANILA, Philippines -- Alex Eala had to dig deep, but she is off to the third round of the 2026 Indian Wells Open. This, after fending off the gritty Dayan Yastremska of Ukraine, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, Saturday afternoon (Manila time) in California. This is my first time in Indian Wells," Eala said after the match. This, until Yastremska broke Eala’s serve, blanking the Filipina as she dominated the ninth game to grab a 5-4 lead. She broke her opponent’s serve in the 10th game before she held her own serve as she blanked Yastremska to grab a 6-5 lead.

Let small schools help: Expanding capacity with equity and integrityParents and teachers clean a classroom at an elementary school in Manila on June 13, 2025, ahead of the opening of classes on June 16. While public schools overflow, some small private schools operate below capacity. If small schools in congested communities are supported and enabled to participate meaningfully from Kindergarten to Grade 6, they can help ease pressure on public schools while longer-term infrastructure projects proceed. Allowing small schools to help the country is not about privatization. In a system facing such a significant backlog, leaving viable classrooms unused while public schools remain congested is not simply inefficient.

Reliable electricity as a matter of public interestThe sun bid goodbye for the day as viewed from Tagaytay City on January 7, 2024. 12144, declaring it constitutional and clearing the way for Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) to take over areas previously served by Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO). It must allow Davao Light to fulfill its legal mandate, providing reliable, uninterrupted power and long-overdue relief to the communities that have suffered for far too long. Despite the clarity of the ruling, NORDECO has continued to resist the transition, delaying the long-awaited transfer of operations to Davao Light. However, the broader public interest demands that the transition proceed without further delay.

Obiena tops ISTAF Indoor pole vault tiltThe Philippines's Ernest John Obiena competes in the men's pole vault event during the Shanghai/Keqiao Diamond League athletics meeting in Keqiao, Shaoxing in China's eastern Zhejiang province on May 3, 2025. Filipino Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena ruled the ISTAF Indoor pole vault competition in Berlin Saturday (Manila time) via countback. 12 pole vaulter, bested seven other athletes to grab the title. With Parokya ni Edgar’s Bagsakan blasting on the background, Obiena cleared a season-best 5.78 meters. Menno Vloon and Bo Kanda Lita Baehre wound up at joint-third after clearing 5.70 meters but missing their marks at the 5.78 meters.

Venezuela inflation hit 475% in 2025, the world's highest levelA vendor counts Venezuelan bolivar banknotes at the Coche wholesale market in Caracas on January 27, 2026. CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan inflation soared to 475 percent in 2025, the highest in the world, driven by a tightening of US sanctions in the lead up to the ouster of leader Nicolas Maduro. Full-year inflation far exceeded the International Monetary Fund's forecast of 269.9 percent, figures released by the central bank showed Friday. Accumulated inflation for the first two months of 2026 stood at nearly 52 percent, the bank, which had not released inflation figures in over a year, said. "This inflation is killing us," said Eduardo Sanchez, a leader of the teachers' union, blaming poor economic policies.

Sabalenka opens Indian Wells bid with dominant winINDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand in a match against Himeno Sakatsume of Japan during Day 3 of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 06, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. 1 Aryna Sabalenka launched her bid for an elusive first Indian Wells title with a dominant 6-4, 6-2 second-round victory over Japanese qualifier Himeno Sakatsume on Friday (Saturday, Manila time). "I have struggled in Indian Wells before, but I feel different this year," he said. Italy's Sinner, a two-time semi-finalist at Indian Wells, launched his bid for a first title in a night-session opener against Czech qualifier Dalibor Svrcina. Sinner missed Indian Wells last year serving a suspension for a positive test for banned anabolic steroid clostebol.

UP professor: House bill to legitimize political dynastiesMANILA, Philippines — A professor at the University of the Philippines-Diliman yesterday warned that political dynasties will proliferate further, after the House of Representatives adopted the proposal introduced by Speaker Faustino Dy III and Majority Leader Rep. Sandro Marcos. In an interview with dzBB, UP Diliman Department of Political Science professor Jean Encinas-Franco said House Bill 6671 – approved by the House panel chaired by Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong – does not ban political dynasties. In fact, it is legalizing the expansion of political dynasties,” Franco said. “It is not helping the weakening of political dynasties in the Philippines as it promotes proliferation of dynasties,” Franco added. “In a way, it is legalizing the proliferation of political dynasties.

Hong Kong's Coleman Wong upsets world No. 72 to reach Round of 16 at Hong Kong Open 2026

Feeling at home miles awayEala counts on fans in Indian Wells debutMANILA, Philippines — Filipina Alex Eala marches into another “home turf” when she makes her highly-anticipated debut in the prestigious Indian Wells Open (BNP Paribas) today at the massive Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California. California boasts the biggest population of Filipinos across the states with around two million, and that presence is tipped to jolt Indian Wells. Eala also enjoyed similar support during her campaigns in Manila, Auckland, Melbourne, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, making her feel at home even when she’s thousands of miles away. Fans packed the practice venue, braving the scorching sun, to get a glimpse of the world No. She’s the face of Philippine sports now,” an Eala fan, clad in “Pilipinas” shirt and holding a tennis banner for Eala, told Indian Wells officials.

I am old enough to remember the 1973 oil shock which threw the global economy into two years of recession. All the US bases in the Persian Gulf have been demolished by Iranian missiles and drones. From everything that has happened this past week, it is certain the global economy will go into a deep slump. We have not even convened a high-level national security meeting to assess the coming crash. While facing possible oil supply shortages and the thinning of remittance flows, our politicians are trying to impeach the Vice President.

The evening was a heartfelt gathering of cherished family members and distinguished friends — a testament to five decades of devotion, grace, and shared triumphs. Among those who raised a toast were distinguished members of the government, diplomatic, business, and social sectors, all of whom came to celebrate with the beloved couple. Roswitha Brieger with husband, Austrian Ambassador Johann Brieger, Ane and her husband, Costa Rica Consul General Fausto Preysler Jr. It was a night of sparkling champagne, warm laughter, and enduring affection — a golden milestone befitting a truly inspiring love story. As they transitioned from campus corridors to courtrooms and professional pursuits, their bond only deepened, anchored on faith, friendship, and shared dreams.

Bees sustain farmers, consumers and the futureAmid the rolling landscapes of La Union, a golden treasure can be found – the National Apiculture Research and Development Institute (NARTDI), established through Republic Act 9151 on Aug. 10, 2001. During my visit to the DMMMSU Bacnotan bee yard, I observed how European (Apis mellifera) and local bees produce honey. These studies are converted into practical knowledge and shared through training programs for beekeepers nationwide. Interested groups can visit the institute or enroll in these training programs by contacting NARTDI training coordinator Precious Alcantara ([email protected]). Ultimately, NARTDI’s story exemplifies how science, community and nature can converge to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

LeBron breaks field goal recordDENVER — LeBron James broke the record for most field goals made in NBA history Thursday, though the latest milestone in his glittering career did not stop the Los Angeles Lakers from crashing 120-113 to the Denver Nuggets. James, 41, who already held the NBA all-time points record, sailed past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 15,837 field goals with a fadeaway jumper in the first quarter. James has played a record 23 NBA seasons, and has stoked rumors of possible retirement.

The Iran war; DFA’s crazy alert levelsHow long will the Iran war last? “Iran war is not going to last (long),” said a top Filipino tycoon when I queried him, but quickly adds, “the Ukraine war was supposed to be only for days. The US military insists the Iran war won’t be a “forever war,” unlike the Iraq war (nine years from March 2003) and Afghanistan (20 years, from 2001). According to some estimates, Trump has spent $240 billion to start the Iran war. Countries in the middle of the Iran war are not even at Alert Levels 3 and 4 – levels that require OFWs to seek shelter, move to safe places or evacuate immediately.