Over 70 Middle East flights canceled, divertedIn this photo from June 2025, hundreds of overseas Filipino workers head for the counters of Emirates Air at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 after Philippine Airlines canceled flights to the Middle East due to conflict between Israel and Iran. MANILA, Philippines — Seventy-two international flights to and from Riyadh, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait have been canceled and three more diverted as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between the United States, Israel and Iran. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Philippine Airlines canceled 16 flights between Manila and Riyadh, Doha and Dubai while two flights were diverted. Meanwhile, Emirates Air canceled 19 flights to and from Dubai, Etihad Airways (10 flights to and from Abu Dhabi), Kuwait Airways (two flights to and from Kuwait), Gulf Air (five flights to and from Bahrain), Qatar Airways (10 flights to and from Doha and one diverted). Shipping lines are also directed to monitor maritime advisories and warnings issued by the International Maritime Organization, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and relevant flag state authorities.

Philippines, South Korea sign deals on defense, agricultureMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung yesterday at the start of the latter’s two-day state visit, which saw the signing of 10 agreements on key sectors, including defense, nuclear energy and technology. The agreements come as both nations vowed to deepen their 77-year-old ties cemented by their common experiences during the Korean War. During his bilateral meeting with Lee, Marcos pointed out that the South Korean leader’s visit coincides with the 77th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations. “We have also agreed to strengthen substantial cooperation in the field of nuclear power. Building on the results of the feasibility study for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant resumption and the MOU for cooperation on new nuclear power projects, we will become optimal partners for nuclear power cooperation,” the South Korean president added.

Global airspace shutdown hits Philippines' mail to 35 countriesMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Postal Corp. has temporarily suspended all international outbound mail services to 35 countries due to escalating military conflict in the Middle East. In an advisory on Tuesday, March 3, PHLPost said the suspension takes effect immediately and covers all classes of mail, including standard letters, parcels and Express Mail Service shipments. PHLPost assured the public it is prioritizing the security of mail items while taking steps to prevent major service backlogs. Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh), South Africa and the UAE (Dubai). PHLPost said it will issue further updates once international transit routes stabilize.

Ex-ICC judge weighs in on Duterte's confirmation of charges hearingsA man holds a portrait of former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he will be appearing, in The Hague on March 14, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Rodrigo Duterte's confirmation hearings before the International Criminal Court have elicited mixed reactions, partially reflecting political allegiances. Ahead of the confirmation hearings, debate had already emerged over whether the drug war's extrajudicial killings should have been tried domestically. Duterte's confirmation of charges hearings were held from February 23-27. The Pre-Trial Chamber I has 60 days from the day it concluded hearings to decide whether or not Duterte's case should proceed to a full trial.

Marcos meets South Korea's Lee in Manila, securing 10 dealsPhilippine President Ferdinand Marcos (R) and South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung (L) lead their delegations during a bilateral meeting at the presidential palace in Manila on March 3, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Malacañang Palace, marking Lee's first visit to the Philippines since assuming office. Lee arrived in Manila on Tuesday, March 3 with First Lady Kim Hea Kyung and was accorded full welcome honors. He also South Korea's assistance for the Panguil Bay Bridge in Mindanao, which is now operational. An amendment to a defense procurement arrangement between the Department of National Defense and Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

VP Sara calls for permanent motorcade ban, cites rising fuel costsIn this photo uploaded on Facebook on March 2, 2026, Vice President Sara Duterte personally visits residents affected by Typhoon Basyang at Iligan City Public Plaza. MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has called on local government units to permanently ban motorcades and vehicle caravans amid rising fuel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East. The vice president's statement comes after her supporters held a motorcade in Davao City to back her 2028 presidential bid. "These events not only lead to higher fuel costs but also worsen air pollution and increase traffic congestion," Duterte said. On March 1, hundreds of Duterte supporters in Davao City launched the "Green Rise: Action and Hope for 2028" with a dawn motorcade from Freedom Park.

Helicopter crashes in Rizal; 2 reported deadThe helicopter that crashed in Pililia, Rizal on the morning of March 3, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — A civilian helicopter crashed in Pililla, Rizal, on Tuesday morning, March 3, leaving two people dead and three others injured, according to local officials. In a statement, the Rizal Provincial Police Office said the crash occurred at 7:27 a.m. in Upper Barak, Quisao, Pililla. Five passengers were taken to the Rizal Provincial Hospital in Morong, Rizal for treatment. Pililla Mayor John Masinsin told media that one passenger was declared dead at the crash site, while another was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is considering asking Congress for emergency powers that would allow him to reduce excise taxes on fuel products as should the United States and Israel’s war against Iran prolong and worsen. In a media briefing on Tuesday, Marcos said that the country still has sufficient oil reserves that can last up to two months. Marcos also said that the government will also mull providing free bus rides along major routes and freezing fare hikes in transportation hubs. “It will be something that we will dispose of as soon as the crisis is over,” Marcos added. Iran is currently retaliating across the Middle East after the United States and Israel attacked the country.

Analysis - Attack on Iran could buoy Trump in talks with China's XiU.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk as they leave after a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025.

Mayweather to figure in another exhibition before Pacquiao rematchFloyd Mayweather takes part in media availability prior to his June 6 fight against Logan Paul at Hard Rock Stadium on May 06, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. He will then stay busy with another one, reportedly against Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis. An ESPN.com report said Mayweather and Zambidis will lock horns in Athens, Greece this June, or three months before his scheduled rematch with Pacquiao. Mayweather and Pacquiao are penciled to fight on September 19 in Las Vegas, 11 years after their record-breaking first showdown. It’s been reported that Pacquiao himself will also take the exhibition route before facing Mayweather.

Marcos urges restraint in US-Iran warUS President Donald Trump meets with Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 22, 2025. US President Donald Trump voiced confidence at reaching a trade deal with the Philippines as he welcomed his counterpart Ferdinand Marcos to the White House. MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged restraint and expressed hope for a ceasefire on Tuesday, March 3, as the United States and Israel continue their broad and open-ended war on Iran and Iranian reprisals escalate and widen. Marcos was asked by reporters in a chance interview Tuesday whether he'd formally urge both sides to agree to a ceasefire. The conflict, which United States President Donald Trump suggests could last several weeks, has already seen Iran target energy infrastructure and threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran and FilipinosThe US-Israeli war against Iran has a tremendous impact on Filipinos:One, higher inflation, with higher prices of commodities and utilities arising from tension and speculation following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, where 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. Located between Iran and Oman, it is essential for exporting oil from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the UAE to Asia. Three, security risks for Filipinos and the Philippines that any war naturally brings about. After it was bombed, Iran launched retaliatory attacks against Persian Gulf countries hosting US bases – UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait. If the Iran war takes years and Middle East Filipino workers are displaced, can our economy create 2.5 million jobs instantly for them?

Tennis players holed up in Dubai after Iranian strikesPARIS, France — A "small number" of tennis players remain stuck in Dubai following a men's tournament last week, owing to the war in the Middle East, the tour's governing body the ATP said on Monday. "The health, safety and well-being of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority," the ATP said in a statement published on X, formerly Twitter. "We can confirm that a small number of players and team members remain in Dubai... The players were offered a glimmer of hope when Dubai Airports announced "limited" flights would resume on Monday evening. However, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) told AFP the two World Tennis Tour tournaments, third-tier events set for March 16-28 at Fujairah, in the north east of the Emirates, had been "postponed".

Gilas to turn tide in July? Justin Brownlee fights for rebounding position against Sam Froling of Australia in their game Sunday at the MOA Arena. MANILA, Philippines — It was a stinging loss to mighty Australia that left Gilas Pilipinas with a feeling of letting its adoring supporters down. With this, they reeled to a 0-2 showing in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers after falling short three nights earlier in a fighting 66-69 loss to New Zealand. The July window gives Gilas (2-2 overall) a chance at atonement against Australia (4-0) and NZ (2-2).

Iranian missiles and drones hit US bases and hotels housing American military personnel in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq. The Islamist regime learned much from the brief attack that happened last year. Much of East Asia is dependent on oil delivered through the Strait of Hormuz. The two most populous countries – China and India – will be most affected by the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz. Venezuela’s deposits may be large, but these are largely sludge and difficult to extract and process, magnifying the importance of Iranian oil.