Phl-US diplomatic relations: 80 years after
As we mark the 80th anniversary of Philippines-US diplomatic relations, we are not simply commemorating history. We are recognizing a living alliance that continues to shape our strategic, economic and regional future. Sustained economic cooperation enhances resilience and positions both nations to adapt to rapid change. What makes the Philippines-United States relationship truly special is that it is not only anchored in treaties and institutions: it is anchored in people. Marking 80 years of diplomatic relations is not nostalgia – it is a reaffirmation of deliberate choice.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:43 UTC
Wanted: An honest and courageous president for 2028
Wanted: An honest and courageous president for 2028The fight for 2028 should begin this year as we continue to battle corruption. I am not stating that if we elect an honest president, that corruption will be immediately eliminated. But I am saying that this will be the first giant step towards eliminating corruption and poverty. A moral and courageous president will bring into government moral and courageous officials which can start changing the behavior of society. The election of 2028 is therefore a crucial and a possible historic turning point in Philippine history.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:43 UTC
EDITORIAL — Discomfort rooms
EDITORIAL — Discomfort roomsUntil a few years before the COVID pandemic, washrooms with inadequate water and without toilet paper were among the top complaints at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. In many other public transport facilities across the islands, however, inadequate washrooms remain a problem. Filipinos call washrooms comfort rooms. But across the country, even in several top travel destinations, public toilet facilities are sources of discomfort. Modern public washrooms are available mainly in shopping malls, major fast-food chains and dining areas and certain gas stations.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:43 UTC
Highrisers win one after 345 days
Highrisers win one after 345 daysErica Jin Deloria of Galeries Tower puts up a solid defense against Jovelyn Gonzaga of Zus Coffee in the Highrisers’ breakthrough win yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — There’s nowhere to go but up for the Galeries Tower Highrisers. “Sobrang happy ako sa team tonight na kumapit talaga kaming lahat.”The win ended a string of 17 straight defeats that started after it shocked Cignal on Feb. 27 last year – a losing spell that lasted 345 days. Interestingly, that stunning result against Cignal catapulted Galeries Tower to its breakthrough quarterfinal appearance. But good things come to those who wait as the Highrisers finally emerged from the ashes after revamping their old roster and acquiring a new coach in Clarence Esteban.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:43 UTC
Jockey Club launches eco recycling and ecotourism center in Sha Tau Kok
Officiating at the launch ceremony of the Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Project were Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government (5th left); Bernard Chan, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (5th right); Professor Wong Kam-sing, Chairman of the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation (4th right) and other guests.
Source:The Standard
February 07, 2026 16:35 UTC
Duterte’s brother dies
Duterte’s brother diesDAVAO CITY, Philippines — The youngest brother of detained former president Rodrigo Duterte died yesterday due to a lingering illness. Benjamin “Bong” Duterte, 62, helped draft the campaign plan of his niece, Vice President Sara Duterte, during the 2022 elections. We take comfort in our faith knowing that we now have a campaign manager in heaven,” the Vice President said. Benjamin had twice visited his brother at The Hague, where the former president has been detained since March 2025. He was a councilor of Davao City when Duterte was mayor.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:33 UTC
Teacher promoted 4 months before retirement
Teacher promoted 4 months before retirementPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara lead the oath-taking of 2,915 newly promoted teachers and school heads from the National Capital Region at the Makati Coliseum on February 6, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — In line with the commitment of President Marcos that no teacher will retire as Teacher 1, a teacher from Pasig City was promoted two ranks higher five months before her retirement in June 2026. Teacher Eloisa Reyes Cruz, who will turn 65 in June, is among the 2,915 newly promoted teachers and school leaders in Metro Manila who recently took oath in Makati City. Cruz said as a Teacher 1, she received around P26,000 per month, while as Teacher 3, her salary increased to at least P34,000. Marcos, who witnessed the oathtaking of the 2,915 newly promoted teachers and school leaders, highlighted the administration’s push to fast-track the career progression in the education sector.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:33 UTC
Philippines to continue asserting sovereignty over West Philippine Sea
Even an inch of our territory ay hindi isu-surrender sa foreign powers (The President will continue his policy of defending what’s ours. Even an inch of the country’s territory will never be surrendered to foreign powers),” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told “Balitanghali” on Friday. Castro reiterated the President’s position after Sen. Rodante Marcoleta was quoted in a news report as saying that some of the KIG features are “way beyond” the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They’re outside the coverage of EEZ,” Marcoleta said. Sen. Marcoleta claimed the KIG is outside the EEZ, and I cannot accept that because there were Filipinos living on Pagasa Island,” he said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:33 UTC
Philippines, Australia to boost maritime relations, trade
Philippines, Australia to boost maritime relations, tradeThe arrangement aims to reduce administrative barriers as well as support the two countries’ shipping and logistics partnerships. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Australia have taken further steps to boost maritime relations by reaffirming commitment to mutual recognition of seafarer certificates. The arrangement aims to reduce administrative barriers as well as support the two countries’ shipping and logistics partnerships. The developments followed the re-election of both Australia and the Philippines to the International Maritime Organization Council, and as the two countries celebrate 80 years of bilateral relations this year. Together, Australia and the Philippines are building a partnership that keeps our economies moving and our seas connected,” he pointed out.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:33 UTC
Fleeing suspect killed in bus accident
Fleeing suspect killed in bus accidentAccording to the Highway Patrol Group, HPG operatives flagged down Ricson Timosan along Andrews Avenue at 5 a.m. for using an improvised license plate. MANILA, Philippines — A man facing estafa charges was killed after trying to escape police, only to be run over by a bus along Domestic Road in Pasay yesterday. According to the Highway Patrol Group, HPG operatives flagged down Ricson Timosan along Andrews Avenue at 5 a.m. for using an improvised license plate. Timosan was rushed to the Pasay City General Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. The bus driver fled the scene but later surrendered.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:33 UTC
PAF jets team up with US B-52s
PAF jets team up with US B-52sA Philippine Air Force FA-50PH fighter jet flies alongside a US B-52 bomber during an air patrol over the Luzon Strait on February 4. MANILA, Philippines — Fighter jets of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) flew and trained side-by-side with B-52 bomber planes of the United States military in a five-day bilateral exercise over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The exercise continued with an air defense scenario on Feb. 4 over the WPS focusing on airspace coordination, command-and-control integration and joint operational response. On Feb. 6, Basco said the activity culminated in a joint bomber air patrol, again over the WPS and the Luzon Strait, highlighting combined mission planning, airspace coordination, and operational readiness among PAF, PACAF and supporting US forces. “These activities enhanced bilateral interoperability, operational readiness and strategic cooperation through joint planning, coordination and execution in a realistic training environment,” she said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:33 UTC
Flood scam report to undergo serious scrutiny
“We’re saying we’re not happy with the initial draft of the report. The controversial leaked “draft and unofficial” Blue Ribbon committee report earlier showed the committee recommending plunder and malversation charges against Sens. Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, as well as former senator Bong Revilla, regarding alleged kickbacks from flood control projects. I have many questions, which is why I have reservations,” he added, referring to his forthcoming interpellation during amendments for the committee report. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is awaiting the official copy of the Blue Ribbon committee report, saying it could serve as a guide in its ongoing probe into the alleged flood control scam.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:33 UTC
5 charged over P12 million substandard gadgets
5 charged over P12 million substandard gadgetsThe suspects – identified only as Liang, Liu, Xiao and Yuan – and their Filipino companion, Lori, were charged for violating Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines. MANILA, Philippines — Four Chinese nationals and a Filipino have been arrested for allegedly selling substandard laptops and cell phones at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo, Zambales, the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reported yesterday. The suspects – identified only as Liang, Liu, Xiao and Yuan – and their Filipino companion, Lori, were charged for violating Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines. The suspects were arrested following a raid on the Subic Gateway Park on Thursday, which resulted in the seizure of 2,400 units of laptop computers and 65 cell phones valued at P12.19 million, according to CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II. The sale of the devices reportedly lacked permits from the National Telecommunications Commission, and Department of Trade and Industry, Morico said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:33 UTC
DOJ to appeal Teves’ murder acquittal
DOJ to appeal Teves’ murder acquittalExpelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves attends a press conference at the National Bureau of Investigation Headquarters in Pasay City on May 30, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service will challenge the acquittal of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. of murder in connection with the killing of former Negros Oriental provincial board member Miguel Lopez Dungog in 2019. But definitely, we will question the decision,” Fadullon said. Teves is still facing 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila RTC Branch 51 and one count of murder each at the Manila RTC Branch 12 and the Bayawan RTC Branch 63 in Negros Oriental. He is also facing a case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives at the Manila RTC Branch 12 and a separate case of violations of several provisions of Republic Act 10168, or the Terrorist Financing Prevention and Suppression Act at the Quezon City RTC Branch 77.
Source:Philippine Star
February 07, 2026 16:33 UTC
US plans initial payment towards billions owed to UN-envoy Waltz
Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz addresses during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy received the draft of a new U.S.-backed plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., November 20, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Source:The Standard
February 07, 2026 14:05 UTC