OTS to launch non-lethal defense tool at airportsAn acrylic protective barrier to prevent passengers from retrieving baggage that are still going through security screening at x-ray counters will also be installed, said OTS spokesperson Kim Marquez. MANILA, Philippines — After a police officer shoot a passenger at Iloilo International Airport in January, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) will launch this week a non-lethal self defense tool at all airports in the country. An acrylic protective barrier to prevent passengers from retrieving baggage that are still going through security screening at x-ray counters will also be installed, said OTS spokesperson Kim Marquez. On Friday, Cruz conducted an inspection at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, as part of the OTS review of the standard screening procedures for airports. Security officers detected a knife inside the passenger’s bag and asked him to surrender the weapon.

Maroons rally from two sets down to stun Lady BulldogsMANILA, Philippines -- Fighting Maroons, indeed. UP, thus, dealt the Lady Bulldogs their first loss in four matches this season, while rising to a 3-1 slate. After dropping the first two sets, the Maroons had to fend off a furious rally by NU in the third set. Dongallo top-scored UP with 20 points, while Jelai Gajero and Nina Ytang had 19 and 18, respectively. Olayemi Raheem and Zairus Pacure had 14 and 12 points, respectively, for the Fighting Maroons.

Victim's counsel flips Kaufman's script citing Supreme Court on 'state-sponsored killings'Composite image: Gilbert Andres (L), counsel for the victims, and Nicholas Kaufman, lead counsel for Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court's confirmation of charges hearing on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Lawyers for victims in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte told International Criminal Court judges that a Supreme Court ruling cited by the defense could support an interpretation of possible "state-sponsored killings." Gilbert Andres, common legal representative for victims, responded that he and fellow counsel Joel Butuyan were familiar with the Supreme Court case cited by Kaufman. Supreme Court ruling citedAndres quoted from Supreme Court Resolution G.R. Andres said that in the same ruling cited by the defense, the Supreme Court questioned the government's assertion that the deaths resulted from legitimate police operations, saying there was little proof.

US and Israel launch "pre-emptive" attack against IranSmoke rises following an explosion in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026 in this screen grab taken from video. WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS

Taliban soldiers load a rocket launcher in a vehicle, following exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces, near Torkham border in Afghanistan, February 27, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

From spokesperson to rear admiral: Tarriela’s new rank amid West Philippine Sea tensionsIn this photo uploaded on Facebook on Jan. 14, 2026, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela speaks at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s SDG Dialogue Series on the West Philippine Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promoted Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, to the rank of rear admiral. The promotion, confirmed through a letter dated February 23 and signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, was addressed to Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez. Tarriela’s rise comes amid his key role in the Philippines' public stance on the ongoing maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea. was condemned by the Chinese Embassy as an attack on Chinese leaders and a violation of China’s political dignity.

MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court’s confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte has concluded, with both the prosecution and the defense delivering closing remarks. After a four-day back-and-forth, both the prosecution and the defense delivered their closing remarks, not without heated exchanges. Defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman mainly relied on the lack of documented evidence, criticizing the prosecution’s reliance on witness testimonies and Duterte’s allegedly exaggerated statements. He also accused the prosecution of releasing limited information in their case brief, leading to Duterte’s defense not being as strong as it could be. If he were allowed to leave ICC facilities, Duterte has a broad network of supporters who could help him escape.

'I don’t attest to accuracy or truth of statements': Ex-Marines’ affidavit witness clarifiesLawyer Levito Baligod presents several former members of the Philippine Marines who serve as security personnel for resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co on Feb. 24, 2026. The responsibility for the veracity of the document's content lies with those who gave their sworn statements,” he said. De Lima inclusion clarifiedSome of those named in the affidavit, including Rep. Leila De Lima (ML Party-list), denied involvement. Malacañang described the cash delivery allegations as “fishy,” suggesting they may be part of efforts to destabilize the government. The Office of the Ombudsman has yet to determine probable cause to file charges against officials named in the affidavits.

Oil firms extend price hike in MarchInitial indications point to a potential price hike of P1.40 to P1.60 per liter for gasoline and P0.80 to P1 per liter for diesel, according to local industry sources. Initial indications point to a potential price hike of P1.40 to P1.60 per liter for gasoline and P0.80 to P1 per liter for diesel, according to local industry sources. Kerosene prices, meanwhile, could climb by around adjustment potentially higher once oil firms’ operating costs and other premiums are factored in. These contributed to the upward direction of petroleum product prices,” Romero said. Earlier this week, gasoline prices went up by P0.60 per liter, while diesel and kerosene increased by P1.20 per liter.

Boomers next for GilasMANILA, Philippines — From coach Tim Cone to the players, Gilas Pilipinas recognized it as “Mission: Unaccomplished” against New Zealand Thursday night. We want to win games,” coach Tim Cone said after Gilas absorbed its first loss in Group A in front of adoring supporters at the SM MOA Arena after a 2-0 start. The preceding gig against tall and physical NZ should help prepare Cone’s troops for the formidable Boomers. Down by 10 in the fourth, Gilas rallied furiously and went one or two possessions short of completing a steal. I feel bad but we’ve got to move on to the next game,” said Ramos, who took the scoring cudgels with 16.

BBM, the economy, the next presidentWho is the ideal president in 2028? “And that’s – it boils down to – it might sound a little sentimental or emotional, but that’s what you need. That’s how it started.”BBM sounded like the next president should NOT be Vice President Sara Duterte. At the Feb. 24 forum, Rico Hizon asked BBM: “With the characteristics that you’ve mentioned on who should be the next president in 2028, have you already narrowed it down to about two or three?”The President: “You’re going to get me into trouble. The President: “Not soon.

UnprogrammedMy spellchecker does not accept the word “unprogrammed.” This machine has a better grasp of semantics than many of our legislators. “Unprogrammed” makes no logical sense. This is because a significant portion of our national budget goes under the heading of “unprogrammed appropriations” (UA). Of that total, 64 percent or P378.2 billion was for loan proceeds destined for foreign-assisted projects. Even more urgent, those who wield the power of the purse with such impunity should spare the executive branch the misery of scrambling to find the money for appropriated but “unprogrammed” items.

Mayweather favoredMANILA, Philippines — The betting odds are out for Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. Part 2. Like in their first encounter, which took place on May 2, 2015, Mayweather will climb the ring, this time at the futuristic Sphere in Las Vegas, as the heavy favorite. Early betting lines put Mayweather at -275 meaning you need $275 to win $100; and Pacquiao at +205 ($100 wins $205). In 2015, Mayweather was at -225 and Pacquiao +175 on fight night. Mayweather, who just turned 49, won the record-breaking showdown, on points, and Pacquiao, now 47, gets a second chance.

Eala out to break Top 30 barrierMANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala yesterday arrived in the United States for two massive tournaments that could catapult her to the world’s Top 30 for the first time. Before plunging back to action, Eala swung by the Nike World Headquarters in Oregon, where she was warmly welcomed and shown a wall of her own portraits. Eala posed with a big smile and flashed the peace sign. Eala also mirrored the biggest portrait on display, with both hands on her face in disbelief and tears after barging into the Final Four of the Miami Open last year. Eala broke into the Top 100 for the first time after Miami, thus qualifying in all 1000-level tours and Slam main draws.

Marcos replaces DENR's Lotilla, appoints him ambassador to Holy SeeMANILA, Philippines — President Bongbong Marcos has appointed Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla as the Philippines' new ambassador to the Holy See. "According to what we have heard, ang sinabi po ay mas nais ngayon po ni Secretary Lotilla ng lighter assignment. (Based on what we’ve heard, Secretary Lotilla reportedly prefers a lighter assignment at this time. Lotilla only served as DENR secretary for nine months since Marcos appointed him in May 2025, replacing former environment secretary Maria Yulo-Loyzaga as part of the president's cabinet revamp. Meanwhile, Castro explained that Marcos appointed Cuna as acting DENR secretary due to his long-standing service with the agency.