4 more Chinese in ‘chop-chop’ case chargedPolice take custody of a Taiwanese man following his arrest in Para- ñaque yesterday for the killing of a Chinese national. MANILA, Philippines — Murder charges have been filed against four more Chinese nationals tagged in the killing of a Chinese man whose dismembered body was found stuffed inside a drum in Binondo, Manila. Police confirmed yesterday that the suspects were the registered tenants of a condominium unit along Roxas Boulevard where the murder occurred last week. Probers are still investigating if the four Chinese were inside the condominium unit when the killing took place, Asilo said. Davao’s partner, who also resides in the condominium unit, helped authorities identify the four Chinese nationals and the victim.

New ‘horn-leaf’ plant species discovered in ApayaoThe horn-leaf Medinilla calanasan is shown in this photo courtesy of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. The discovery of the new plant species highlights biodiversity at the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Apayao. MANILA, Philippines — A new horn-leaf species was discovered in the forest of Barangay Eva in Calanasan, Apayao, the Philippine Eagle Foundation said. The species, named Medinilla calanasan was formally described in the international journal Phytotaxa on Feb. 18, the foundation said. Protecting apex predators safeguards countless other species, many of which we are only just beginning to discover,” said Felicia Atienza, Philippine Eagle Foundation chairperson.

HIV treatment open to minors through proxy consent – DOHThe DOH said the move aims to prevent delays in life-saving medication. MANILA, Philippines — Minors living with HIV or human immunodeficiency virus can have access to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment through a proxy consent system, according to the Department of Health. “Most of the new HIV cases – about 57 a day – include a large percentage below 18 years old. “Some of them disappear after testing positive and come back with advanced HIV.”To address this, health officials said a proxy consent mechanism may be used so minors can begin treatment. The DOH said HIV screening and confirmatory testing remain free in treatment hubs and social hygiene clinics nationwide.

Gas up by P0.60; diesel, kerosene by P1.20A gas station attendant fills up cars at a station in Paco, Manila on January 12, 2026. Starting today, Jetti, Seaoil, Petron, PTT Philippines and Caltex are set to implement an upward price adjustment of P0.60 per liter for gasoline and P1.20 per liter for diesel and kerosene. The adjustment brings the year-to-date net rise for gasoline, diesel and kerosene prices to P4.80, P8.20 and P6.20 per liter, respectively. Also exerting upward pressure on prices was the drawdown on US commercial crude oil inventories, which indicated tightening supply in the near term. Last week, oil firms raised prices of gasoline by P1.20 per liter and diesel and kerosene by P0.60 per liter.

‘China supports back-channel talks on West Philippine Sea tension’A China Coast Guard ship passes near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday. “He agreed that it should always be like that – having meetings to further advance better relations between Philippines and China,” Tulfo, chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, said. Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) is expected to be revived by the end of March. “Instead of engaging in hostilities in the West Philippine Sea, they will have cooperation in patrol, search and rescue, cleanup. Definitely, it will be the People’s Republic of China,” Tarriela said.

Pinoys want Bato held accountable for drug war – SWSMANILA, Philippines — Most Filipinos agree that Sen. Ronald dela Rosa should be held accountable for drug war killings during his time as chief of the Philippine National Police, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed. Conducted in November 2025 amid reports of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Dela Rosa, the poll found that 53 percent of respondents agreed that Dela Rosa should be held accountable for the killings. Dela Rosa should be detained by the ICC if the court issues an arrest warrant, 44 percent of respondents said. Meanwhile, 47 percent of respondents believe the ICC will conduct a fair trial against Duterte. Survey results were released as part of the 2026 SWS Survey Review.

Tulfo slams Ironman challenge as reckless, riddled with violationsMANILA, Philippines — Citing numerous traffic violations and accidents involving its participants, Sen. Raffy Tulfo expressed strong dismay over the BOSS Ironman Endurance Challenge. The senator questioned whether event organizers conduct proper skills assessments to ensure that participants are qualified and knowledgeable about traffic rules and motorcycle safety. While expressing support for motorcycle tourism and its potential to boost local economies and promote local products, Tulfo stressed that no advocacy should come at the expense of human lives. Tulfo also questioned why the BOSS Ironman event was still allowed to proceed despite a congressional hearing on similar concerns in 2024. He also cast doubt on the group’s charitable activities, noting that despite reportedly earning millions from the event, organizers allegedly distribute only minimal assistance.

Ombudsman urges public vigilance on flood control judicial proceedingsMANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has urged the Filipino people to scrutinize court proceedings, particularly in the trial of graft and corruption cases involving flood control projects, saying corruption in the country is systemic and involves multiple institutions, including the judiciary. Remulla cited the Sandiganbayan rulings on pork barrel and fertilizer fund scams where the number of convictions is dismal. He noted there had been fewer convictions than acquittals in pork barrel and fertilizer fund scams. Maybe some of the cases were weak, but many had strong cases but still were acquitted,” Remulla said. The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing a compendium of all the cases involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund and fertilizer fund scams so the public could take a look at how the cases proceeded.

House resolutions seek Philippines return to ICCThe International Criminal Court is investigating killings linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drug campaign, which rights groups say left thousands dead. MANILA, Philippines — Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives yesterday filed resolutions seeking the revival of the Philippines’ membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Duterte administration withdrew the country’s membership in March 2018. “Instead, the authorities may surrender or extradite suspected or accused persons in the Philippines to the appropriate international court, if any, or to another state pursuant to the applicable extradition laws and treaties,” the resolution stated, quoting from RA 9851. Cendaña said returning to the ICC would be an act of solidarity with all the victims of extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.

New heights for EalaTennis star Alex Eala defeats Japan's Himeno Sakatsume, 6-4, 6-0, and advances to the quarterfinals of the 2026 WTA125 Philippine Women's Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center on January 28, 2026. The Filipina sensation moved closer to the world tennis titans, resetting her career-best to No. 31 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings following a remarkable campaign in the WTA1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships over the weekend. 5 in Asia just behind Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan (No. Eala saw the end of her run in a 6-0, 6-2 defeat to good pal and world No.

Mr. Duterte must be held to account, and this case must be confirmed for trial,” he told the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I. “If all or part of the charges are confirmed, the chamber will refer the case to trial, where the Trial Chamber will decide upon the innocence or guilt of Mr. Duterte,” she added. Unlike Mr. Duterte who is represented by his counsel here today, they were deprived of any form of due process,” he said. In fact, if Mr. Duterte could threaten to slap the judges of this court, which he did while he was president. “The killings masterminded by Mr. Duterte continue to have consequences for the victims, even to this day, because of his clones.

And not – I stress – with lethal intent,” Kaufman said in his opening statement at the confirmation of charges hearing yesterday. “His rhetoric was calculated to arouse fear and obedience, to instill fear in their hearts and to inculcate a respect for the law in their minds. Kaufman argued against the prosecution’s assertion that Duterte enabled widespread and systematic killings during his time as president and Davao City mayor. Kaufman urged the pre-trial chamber to dismiss what he described as “grievously misplaced and politically motived” charges against the former president. “We will ask you to send Rodrigo Duterte back to his family.

The former vice president and Marcos met again during the signing ceremony between the Department of Education and city mayors for the nationwide classroom building program at the Palace later in the day. A photo shared on social media showed Robredo with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto having lunch at Malacañang. Marcos and Robredo, who were also opponents in the 2016 vice presidential race, were together in Naga City last Saturday for the inspection of Oplan Kontra Baha. The 2028 presidential bid of Marcos’ ally-turned-arch critic Vice President Sara Duterte spurred speculations about political alliances. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong were among the local chief executives present at the Palace events.

LIVE Coverage: ICC confirmation of charges hearing for Rodrigo DuterteMANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has set the confirmation of charges hearing for former President Rodrigo Duterte from February 23 to 27, moving the pre-trial proceedings forward after months of legal delays. The hearing, which is not a trial, will determine whether there is enough evidence to send Duterte’s case to a full trial over alleged crimes against humanity. The case, formally titled “The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” stems from the ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of killings during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Prosecutors have charged him with three counts of crimes against humanity, citing at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018. Stay updated on the latest developments in Duterte’s ICC pre-trial proceedings in The Hague.

Reclamation is altering Laguna de Bay's shores, and lives that rely on itA lone worker labors away on a reclaimed area in Laguna de Bay on February 11, 2026. Ramonito Domingo was fixing his nets on a small makeshift wharf sandwiched between two reclaimed areas. The Laguna Lake Development Authority is the singular agency tasked with protecting the lake and has sole jurisdiction over its regulation. LLDA General Manager Leopoldo Parumog told Philstar.com that the agency has intervened in several reclamation projects, including some linked to the Taguig local government. Osorio said the government must provide a cumulative impact assessment on reclamation projects, including that of Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay.