Recto: Philippine nears upper middle-class country statusMANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is close to achieving its much-coveted upper middle-income country (UMIC) status this year and is now setting its sights on higher growth targets, according to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. Recto said the Philippines recorded a gross national income (GNI) per capita of $4,470 in 2024 – just $26 shy of the $4,496 UMIC threshold. The “lynchpin is clean, credible, and accountable governance” that boosts investor confidence and sustains growth, Recto said. Recto stressed the 6.793-trillion national budget this year, with its historic-high investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, and social protection, will fund development goals. Recto said the government is also committed to accelerating structural reforms so the Philippines can compete as an investment haven in the region.

Madonna was the star attraction Saturday at the Dolce & Gabbana show in Milan, the week's top celebrity sighting that risked overshadowing the brand's all-black collection of ultra-feminine looks. And when Madonna is at your show during Milan Fashion Week, you practically leap from the catwalk to greet her, as did Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce afterwards, escorting their guest backstage to the flash of hundreds of cameras. The lingerie feel pervaded the collection, on minidresses with long sleeves, flowing skirts, see-through tops or on bralettes worn underneath other lacey looks. Little black dresses were structured, sensual and very tight, while imposing (fake) fur coats were belted and paired with black kerchiefs. RELATED: Prada unravels, layers, reveals at Milan Fashion Week

PALM BEACH, United States — Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader since 1989 and sworn enemy of the West, was killed Saturday in the opening salvo of a massive US and Israeli attack, President Donald Trump said, as he urged the overthrow of the Islamic republic. The attack came weeks after Iranian authorities ruthlessly put down mass protests, killing thousands. There was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities of Khamenei's death. The Israeli army said that Ali Shamkhani, a top advisor to Khamenei, and the head of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Mohammad Pakpour, were both also killed. "I saw with my own eyes two Tomahawk missiles flying horizontally toward targets," a Tehran office worker told AFP before communications and internet access were cut.

US, Israel launch Iranian offensiveUS President Donald Trump on Saturday announced a major attack against Iran, vowing to "annihilate" its navy and missile sites and telling Iranians their "hour of freedom" had come from the Islamic republic. Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender, including the elite Revolutionary Guards that is tasked with safeguarding the cleric-run government. Nicholas Kaufman, speaking for the defense, confirmed that the team had filed an appeal against the pre-trial chamber’s earlier detention ruling. He noted that in other Southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore, vaping has been banned to develop the first smoke-free generation. Opinion and editorialMarlen Ronquillo is today’s front page columnist and has a message to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s defense lawyer.

Airspace closed, flights cancelled as US-Iran conflict flaresA check-in desk shows information on a cancelled flight in the north terminal at London Gatwick airport in Crawley, on February 28, 2026, following the US and Israel's strikes on Iran. PARIS, France — Flights across the Middle East were cancelled Saturday as several countries closed their airspace after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. - Israel also closed its airspace to civilian flights, Transport Minister Miri Regev announced. Flights cancelled- Gulf carriers: Emirates and Etihad cancelled 38 percent and 30 percent of their flights respectively, Cirium said. - Wizz Air: Hungary's low-cost carrier suspended "all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until March 7 inclusive" and cancelled flights to Saudi Arabia until March 2.

Ombudsman skeptical on affidavit by former soldiersMANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has cast doubts on the joint affidavit executed by 18 former soldiers who claimed to have delivered millions of pesos in cash to government officials, dismissing the allegations as “canard” and politically motivated. “It is hard to believe that all 18 of them knew everything written in that affidavit. The joint affidavit was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman last week by lawyer Levi Baligod. What was that – were there 18 soldiers as witnesses? Meanwhile, a religious leader who signed as witness to the affidavit clarified that he did not vouch for the truthfulness of the claims made by the former soldiers.

No evidence speaks for itselfPublic investigations often leave two separate trails: the political narrative that circulates widely and the documented findings that remain in the official record. Instead, the committee will recommend the continued gathering of evidence against Romualdez in relation to his alleged links to the flood control controversy. Instead, the committee operates under a lower standard of evidence, namely, substantial evidence or such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. On the other hand, the committee recommended the conduct of a PI against incumbent senators Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva. Some people may not agree with the conclusions of the ICI and the Blue Ribbon Committee.

Palace dismisses hospitalization rumors; President Marcos wellMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is “well” and working even on a Saturday, Malacañang said amid fresh rumors that the Chief Executive was brought to a hospital. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President is healthy and working on a weekend, as he held a meeting with the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) yesterday. On Friday, Marcos welcomed the new ambassadors of Slovak Republic, Papua New Guinea and Lao at the Palace. Marcos is scheduled to travel to New York, from March 8 to 11 for a working visit. Prior to this, Marcos will meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Manila on March 3.

Maya posts P1.7 billion profit in 2025Maya, the financial technology venture of the PLDT Group, is improving its viability as a digital bank, booking a full-year profit for the first time in its three-year history. MANILA, Philippines — Digital bank Maya booked a P1.7-billion profit in 2025 due to its expanding customer base and growing lending business. Maya, the financial technology venture of the PLDT Group, is improving its viability as a digital bank, booking a full-year profit for the first time in its three-year history. Likewise, Maya partnered with more than 2,000 merchants for Maya Miles, its rewards program for credit card users. Afterward, Maya plans to go public in the Philippines to complete what is a rare dual listing for a local entity.

DOH chief wants total vape banMANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is pushing for a total ban on vape products due to their toxic and addictive substances that endanger lives. “My personal stand is to ban vape, because it is poison. Herbosa explained that EVALI is a new illness that emerged and became evident when many started using e-cigarettes and vape products. The Department of Health noted that in Southeast Asia, only three countries – the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia – have yet to ban vape products. “For our children, it should be total ban,” Herbosa said.

Tarriela promoted to rear admiralMANILA, Philippines — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela has been promoted to rear admiral. He earlier figured in a word war with the Chinese embassy in Manila over his vocal stance against what he described as Chinese maritime aggression in the WPS. Despite allegations of smear campaigning against China, the new rear admiral defended his actions as a factual counter to Chinese narratives. Members of the House “Young Guns” also extended their congratulations to Tarriela on his promotion from commodore to rear admiral. “We salute Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela for his fearless advocacy and tireless service in defending our West Philippine Sea,” the lawmakers said.

PSC chief Gregorio is guest of honor at Cebu scribes' awards ritesMANILA, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio will grace the 40th Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Brewery (SAC-SMB) Cebu Sports Awards as guest of honor and keynote speaker of the milestone event slated on March 8 at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center. An established businessman, hotelier and sports executive, the 58-year-old Gregorio is the 13th chairperson of the PSC, a government agency responsible for the country's sports development. After being appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as PSC chairman in July 2025, Gregorio's administration focused on athlete welfare, strengthening sports facilities, professionalizing sports governance, and boosting sports tourism. Under his watch, the Philippines hosted and made bids for major international sports events, including volleyball, gymnastics, surfing, futsal and tennis competitions. Just a few weeks ago, Gregorio was honored as "Executive of the Year" by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) for his early achievements as PSC chief.

Palace declares special non-working holidays in 11 areas for February, March 2026MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has declared several special non-working holidays in various parts of the country from the last day of February through late March 2026. The special holidays were issued under Proclamations No. 1164 to 1179, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto by authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to an advisory from the Office of the Executive Secretary released on Saturday. Here’s the list of declared special non-working holidays:

Tram derails in central Milan leaving two dead, 40 injuredEmergency services work at the scene following a deadly tram derailment in Milan, Italy, February 27, 2026. REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo

GSIS income rises to P344 billion in 2025Data released by the agency showed total income grew by 6.4 percent from 2024, supported by stronger insurance revenues and investment returns. MANILA, Philippines — The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) posted higher earnings in 2025, with total income rising to P344.47 billion as the state pension fund continued to expand its asset base and increase benefit payouts to members. Data released by the agency showed total income grew by 6.4 percent from 2024, supported by stronger insurance revenues and investment returns. The higher income came as GSIS assets climbed by 8.2 percent to P1.96 trillion, bringing the fund close to the P2-trillion threshold. Investment income from financial assets reached P76.55 billion, helping strengthen the fund’s capacity to meet long-term pension obligations.