When a world leader calls the end of an era the corner oracle
When a world leader calls the end of an era the corner oracleAt the World Economic Forum in Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney did something rare in global politics. It was a speech that will go down in history as marking the end of the current world order and the end of American hegemony. For eight decades, the world order rested on an unspoken agreement. When access to trade, money and security depends on loyalty instead of rules, the global order shifts from cooperation to coercion. The Philippines in the new world orderFor the Philippines, preparing for the new world order begins with accepting two facts: that dependence is risk and strategic autonomy is strength.
Source:Philippine Star
February 03, 2026 16:43 UTC
Losing trust
Losing trustSelf-styled anti-corruption crusader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must be dismayed that his trust ratings have been on a sustained slide for the past two quarters. On the other hand, trust in VP Sara went up in the fourth quarter of 2025, with a positive nudge as well in her performance rating. * * *Having been in government for a long time, the slide in his trust ratings during the holidays shouldn’t have surprised BBM. The fate of the ICI had a direct impact on BBM’s credibility and level of public trust. The trust ratings may also affect the latest efforts to impeach VP Sara.
Source:Philippine Star
February 03, 2026 16:43 UTC
EDITORIAL - Still under lock and key
The Akbayan congressmen and a former member did this even if the Office of the Ombudsman is not the repository of the SALNs of lawmakers and the judiciary. Remulla has openly lamented that the House has imposed a new rule to restrict the access of ombudsman probers to lawmakers’ SALNs. Investigators of the ombudsman, he said, have been told by the House secretary-general that plenary approval is needed before congressmen’s SALNs can be released. Remulla pointed out that there has never been such a requirement from the House secretary-general since his days as a congressman representing Cavite. This has not been seen in the judiciary, and the House is moving in the same direction.
Source:Philippine Star
February 03, 2026 16:43 UTC
Chinese families ache for sons stolen in one-child era
Guo Gangtang, 51, and his wife reunite with their son Guo Xinzhen, who was abducted 24 years ago at the age of 2, at a family reunion arranged by the police, in Liaocheng, Shandong province, China July 11, 2021. China Daily via REUTERS
Source:The Standard
February 03, 2026 16:40 UTC
Congressional body on judicial reforms pushed
Congressional body on judicial reforms pushedMANILA, Philippines — Akbayan party-list lawmakers, led by Rep. Chel Diokno, have filed a measure seeking to establish a Joint Congressional Commission on Justice System Reform (JUSTCOM) to conduct a sweeping review of the country’s justice system and address chronic problems hounding the judiciary. “We need to make our justice system work. Without the necessary reforms, it will continue to remain slow and unequal – and the poor will continue to suffer the most. It will submit annual reports and, within 90 days after its three-year mandate, a final report including a National Justice Development Plan and the draft Omnibus Justice Reform Act for immediate congressional consideration. “We may not agree with the Supreme Court, but they are the interpreters of the Constitution,” he said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 03, 2026 16:38 UTC
Sandro bill seeks no work, no pay in Congress
Sandro bill seeks no work, no pay in CongressMANILA, Philippines — Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos has filed a bill imposing a “no work, no pay” scheme in Congress to address absenteeism, strengthen accountability and protect public funds. In House Bill 7432, salaries and other emoluments of senators and representatives would be tied to their attendance and participation in plenary sessions, committee hearings and other official legislative duties. “The principle of ‘no work, no pay’ is a general labor standard applied to workers across the country. Per the proposed “No Work, No Pay for Members of Congress Act,” unexcused absences will result in forfeiture of compensation. Valid absences will be recognized, including illnesses certified by a licensed physician, authorized official representation, official travel or mission approved by chamber leadership and approved leaves of absence.
Source:Philippine Star
February 03, 2026 16:38 UTC
VP to identify ‘Piattos’ if impeach trial proceeds
VP to identify ‘Piattos’ if impeach trial proceedsVice President Sara Duterte addresses the media at the Office of the Vice President in Mandaluyong City on February 7, 2025, days after the House of Representatives approved her impeachment. MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to unwrap the identity of “Mary Grace Piattos” if the Senate decides to proceed with an impeachment trial, according to her defense team. Poa said the members of Duterte’s defense team are still the same, including those from the Fortun Narvasa & Salazar law firm. “Actually, the defense team did not stop its work even with the SC decision. ‘About time’For House deputy minority leader and ML party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, it is about time to hold the Vice President accountable for her alleged offenses.
Source:Philippine Star
February 03, 2026 16:35 UTC
PNP warns public vs AI love scams
PNP warns public vs AI love scamsIn this photo illustration, the dating app Tinder is seen on the screen of an iPhone on August 14, 2018 in Miami, Florida. MANILA, Philippines — As Valentine’s Day draws near, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up efforts to combat the rising threat of artificial intelligence-assisted love scams. Police cyber patrollers are undergoing training not only in AI detection but also in deepfake analysis and digital forensics to deter emerging forms of love scams. What has changed is their use of AI in committing these love scams. Deepfakes are now widespread and are being used to commit these love scams,” CICC executive director Renato Paraiso said in Filipino.
Source:Philippine Star
February 03, 2026 16:35 UTC
2 Quezon City cops axed over student’s death
Following the death of 24-year-old Eries John Genovatin who was hit by a stray bullet, Quezon City police director Col. Randy Glenn Silvio ordered the administrative relief of the policemen. Silvio did not disclose the identities of the policemen who are assigned with the Novaliches Police Station 4. One of the police officers who fired his gun during the shootout was subjected to a paraffin test. Silvio said a special investigation team he formed is gathering evidence to determine if the bullet that killed Genovatin came from the police officer’s gun. An initial report said Genovatin was hit by a bullet in his left thigh after he was caught in a crossfire between police and the gunmen.
Source:Philippine Star
February 03, 2026 16:02 UTC
UK PM orders probe into sacked envoy's Epstein ties
Peter Mandelson, former British ambassador to the U.S., attends an interview pre-recorded for the BBC's 'Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg' TV programme, in London, Britain, January 10, 2026. Jeff Overs/BBC/Handout via REUTERS
Source:The Standard
February 03, 2026 16:00 UTC
Sandro Marcos pushes 'no work, no pay' rule for lawmakers
Sandro Marcos pushes 'no work, no pay' rule for lawmakersMANILA, Philippines — Should members of Congress be subject to a "no work, no pay" rule? House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos filed House Bill 7432 on Jan. 27, seeking to institutionalize a "no work, no pay" compensation scheme for lawmakers to ensure that public funds are spent only on elected officials who actually perform their duties. A lawmaker's attendance will be monitored by each chamber’s secretariat, with daily attendance records used to compute compensation. Questions over lawmakers' attendance have surfaced since Dela Rosa stopped attending Senate sessions beginning Nov. 11, 2025. Last year, several senators said that the chamber does not impose a "no work, no pay" policy, even for members who miss sessions without filing a formal excuse.
Source:Philippine Star
February 03, 2026 14:10 UTC