ICC case vs Duterte: What happens next? The International Criminal Court resumes its hearing on the confirmation of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte on February 27, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte wrapped up last Friday with the prosecution, defense and the victims’ representatives all laying down their arguments over the crimes against humanity charges pending before the International Criminal Court. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I – composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Antonella Motoc and Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera – have 60 days to issue a written decision on whether the case against Duterte will go to trial. At the ICC Appeals Chamber, which is composed of a different set of judges, Duterte’s defense team has two pending appeals that are up for resolution.

Fuel price spike seen amid war on IranA worker transfers petroleum from a fuel tanker to a barge docked along the Pasig River in Manila yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Domestic pump prices could surge beyond initial estimates this week amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the joint assault by the United States and Israel on Iran, experts have warned. Diesel and kerosene prices have been rising since the last week of 2025, while gasoline has been climbing steadily since mid-January. This week, local industry sources initially estimated a potential per-liter price hike of P1.40 to P1.60 for gasoline, P0.80 to P1 for diesel and around P0.90 for kerosene. Since January, gasoline, diesel and kerosene prices have jumped by P4.80, P8.20 and P6.20 per liter, respectively.

Home woes continueGilas’ Dwight Ramos tries to create a shot against Nick Kay of Australia in their game last night at the MOA Arena. But in the end, the reigning Asian champ’s world-class skills and experience were too much to overcome. The Tall Blacks routed Guam on the road, 99-67, to eliminate the 0-4 Guamanians. But only one other Philippine player produced double-digit production in Quentin Millora-Brown who banged in 11 to go with five boards. The home side stood toe-to-toe with the touted visitors early on, trailing by five after the first 20 minutes.

Experts question Duterte's defenseIllustration of Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s lead counsel, with the charts he used to compare drug war arrests and deaths during the former president’s confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court. So, for Duterte’s defense to attack the prosecution’s methodology, he explained to Philstar.com, it was most likely an attempt to “create doubt” on the prosecution’s claims. Kaufman repeated this approach in Duterte’s defense at least three times. Duterte’s defense also cited the nearly 1,900 drug-related investigations conducted on policemen in 2017 and 375 who were later dismissed, criticizing the prosecution for not pointing this out. However, Arguelles argued that in political science, a state policy is not limited to formal documents with explicit instructions.

Lady Tamaraws rebound, down Lady FalconsMANILA, Philippines -- Far Eastern University returned to the win column of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tourney after charging through the Adamson Lady Falcons, 22-25, 30-28, 25-17, 25-20, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Lady Tamaraws, who dropped a heartbreaking five-set loss against defending champions National University the last time around, lost the first set but bagged the next three to secure the win. After a hard-fought 30-28 second set, FEU trampled to an easy third set win. And in the fourth frame, the Lady Tamaraws had to fight back against Shai Nitura’s brilliance. Nitura tried to force the Lady Falcons back into it with an off-the-block attack, but Lopez iced the match.

City shift into title-winning mentality 'is so crazy,’says SemenyoAntoine Semenyo scores the only goal in Manchester City's win over Leeds at Elland Road.

A screengrab from a video released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which accompanied a press release describing the operation dubbed "Epic Fury", an attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, shows smoke and dust rising following an explosion at an unknown location, in this image obtained from social media released on February 28, 2026.

Southerners want expansion of a private firm’s bamboo planting projectThe bamboo propagation project of a private firm in Tampakan, South Cotabato is supported by the local communities and government agencies in Region 12. COTABATO CITY — Local executives and big business blocs want the bamboo propagation project of a private firm in a highland town in South Cotabato replicated in the Bangsamoro region and other southern provinces. According to company officials, the BDP is part of SMI’s broader, community-based environmental rehabilitation efforts in Tampakan and neighboring highland towns in South Cotabato. South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the province supports SMI’s BDP and hopes other private firms will replicate the project in areas where they operate.

In view of this, flights across the Middle East were canceled amid the attacks in the region. PAL updateIn an advisory, PAL said it is closely monitoring developments in the region and prioritizing safety above all else. Cebu Pacific updateOn Sunday, March 1, Cebu Pacific also said it is closely monitoring the situation and emphasizing passenger and crew safety. For flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, Cebu Pacific is extending flexible options, including free rebooking and Travel Fund conversion until March 4, 2026. "We thank our passengers for their continued patience and understanding," Cebu Pacific concluded.

The top honor at the newly rebranded Actor Awards recognizes the ensemble cast of a film — a decision that sometimes, but not always, presages Oscars best picture glory. "I think 'Sinners' is almost certainly going to win the Best Ensemble SAG Award," Scott Feinberg, awards columnist for The Hollywood Reporter, told AFP. "I'm not as confident that it's going to win the best picture Oscar. Catherine O'Hara, who died suddenly in January, could win the award for best actress in a comedy series for "The Studio." The 32nd Screen Actors Guild Awards will take place at 5 p.m. in Los Angeles (0100 GMT Monday).

More explosions heard in Dubai, Doha and ManamaMotorists drive past a plume of smoke rising from a reported Iranian strike in the industrial district of Doha on March 1, 2026. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Fresh blasts were heard across Dubai, Doha and Manama on Sunday morning as Iran carried out strikes in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks that killed the supreme leader and other top officials. AFP reporters heard blasts in Dubai, Bahrain's capital Manama and Qatar -- where AFP correspondents saw thick black smoke rising on the clear morning horizon in the south of Doha. The new explosions came after a day of Iranian strikes in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, as well as strikes on military bases and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf -- except for mediator Oman. In Manama, the Iranian attacks saw drones and shrapnel slam into residential buildings, with video on social media showing smoke and fire from high-rises.

Filipino runners break Philippine records at Tokyo MarathonMANILA, Philippines — As the saying goes, records are meant to be shattered. The 22-year record of Olympian Eduardo Buenavista for marathon has been broken not by one, but two Filipino athletes in the Tokyo Marathon. Sonny Wagdos and Richard San Luis Salano finished the 42.195 kilometer course with times of 2:14:32 and 2:15:08, respectively. According to World Athletics, the national record for a full marathon was at 2:18:44, and was established by the two-time Olympian also in Japan during the Beppu-Oita Marathon. Artjoy Torregosa and Christine Hallasgo also bested the nine-year national record of Mary Joy Tabal in Tokyo.

DND, AFP: Middle East conflict poses 'no direct threat' to Philippine territoryA fireball lights the sky following a missile strike on Tel Aviv on February 28, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have reassured the public that the ongoing Middle East conflict poses "no direct" threat to the country. In a statement on Sunday, March 1, authorities said the airstrikes between the US, Israel, and Iran are localized and limited to the Middle East. "At the moment, the conflict is contained within the Middle East and there is no credible direct threat to our territory and Filipino and foreign citizens in the country," the defense department said. The DND and AFP said they are closely monitoring the escalating Middle East tensions and are prepared to assist in humanitarian and evacuation operations, including repatriation support and crisis response coordination.

Marcos: No Filipino casualties reported so far amid US-Israel strikes on IranThis combination of video grabs taken from UGC images posted on social media on February 28, 2026, and verified by AFPTV teams in Paris, show a repoted explosion in Tehran. Speaking in a video message on March 1, Marcos said no Filipino casualties had been reported as of 9 a.m. following the back-and-forth strikes between US, Israel, and Iran. At sa ngayon, patuloy ang aming pagmo-monitor para tiyakin na nasa magandang kalagayan ang ating mga kababayan sa Middle East," he said. At this point, we continue to monitor the situation to ensure that our fellow citizens in the Middle East remain safe and in good condition.) Embassies in the Middle East have also reminded nationals to stay vigilant and head to the nearest safe zone or bomb shelter when sirens sound.

Payback on home soil? MANILA, Philippines — After the failed bid against New Zealand, Gilas Pilipinas takes a second crack at an “Upset at the MOA Arena” caper versus another heavyweight and long-time tormentor. “Nakakalungkot na hindi nanalo (against NZ) but may chance kami bumawi (versus Australia),” CJ Perez said. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Basketball Australia have since built a harmonious relationship and put that ugly incident behind. Nearly eight years later, the Boomers are back on Philippine soil and the two federations are working hand in hand to ensure it would go smoothly.