MOPC hosts night with Justice Reyes
MOPC hosts night with Justice ReyesMANILA, Philippines — The Manila Overseas Press Club is inviting MOPC members and guests to a Feb. 19 assembly with former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr.Reyes, chairman of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, will discuss geopolitics and the future of the ICI, a body probing anomalous flood control deals. Reyes is also expected to share his views, plans and reform agenda. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Fairmont Ballroom in Makati. For reservations, contact the MOPC secretariat at 0920-204-9229. Slots are available on a first-come, first-paid and first-served basis.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:41 UTC
Unmarried couples, partners not exempt from dynasty ban
Unmarried couples, partners not exempt from dynasty banMANILA, Philippines — The proposed ban on political dynasties will not spare unmarried couples or domestic partners, as long as they share a common household, Sen. Risa Hontiveros clarified yesterday. Hontiveros said the bill’s definition of a dynasty extends beyond civil or church marriages to close potential loopholes. Hontiveros, who chairs the committee tackling the dynasty bills, said the ban applies even to officials who enter into a relationship while already in office. “The flow of wealth or the influence, it is no longer transferred that far,” Sy said, suggesting that relatives in the fourth degree could be considered separate households. However, Manuel Bernas of the Model SK Network countered that in the Philippines’ “family-centric” culture, the ban must extend to the fourth degree (first cousins) to be effective.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:33 UTC
Bribery, public funds misuse top forms of corruption – poll
Bribery, public funds misuse top forms of corruption – pollThe survey, conducted by OCTA Research from Dec. 3 to 11, found that 73 percent of respondents identified bribery as the most common type of corruption. MANILA, Philippines — For most Filipinos, bribery and irregularities in the use of public funds are the most common types of corruption in the Philippines, a survey commissioned by the Office of the Ombudsman revealed. The survey, conducted by OCTA Research from Dec. 3 to 11, found that 73 percent of respondents identified bribery as the most common type of corruption. It was followed by irregularities in the use of public funds (66 percent), vote buying (62 percent), delays in the justice system (54 percent), irregularities in public procurement (32 percent), and nepotism (14 percent). Many Filipinos may have directly encountered or observed informal payments in frontline services, making it the most immediate and recognizable form of corruption,” OCTA said in its report.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:33 UTC
Marcos: Over 423,000 housing units constructed
Marcos: Over 423,000 housing units constructedPresident Marcos tours the Megawide Pre-cast Technology Plant in Taytay, Rizal, where advanced production processes accelerate the construction of affordable, high-quality homes under the government’s expanded 4PH program. With him are Megawide president and CEO Edgar Saavedra, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta, NHA general manager Joeben Tai and SFFC president and CEO Federico Laxa. MANILA, Philippines — The administration has built and financed more than 423,000 housing units since 2022, President Marcos said yesterday, as he vowed to fast-track home construction and improve access to affordable and decent housing. “From July 2022 to January 2026, we were able to build and finance more than 423,000 housing units,” the President said. “Along with the acceleration of the construction of these (housing units), we are also strengthening the mechanisms to make it easier to acquire houses,” he added.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:33 UTC
Another fuel price hike set today
Another fuel price hike set todayMotorists line up at a gas station in Quezon City in this file photo from July 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Another round of fuel price increases is set to greet motorists today, pushing diesel’s total net rise to P7 per liter since the start of the year. The latest price movements extend the upward trend for diesel and gasoline to eight and six consecutive weeks, respectively. Rodela Romero, assistant director at the Department of Energy, attributed the hike mainly to rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in Iran. Last week, major oil firms hiked prices of diesel by P1 per liter and gasoline and kerosene by P0.60 per liter.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:33 UTC
South African man yields P40.8 million shabu
South African man yields P40.8 million shabuAuthorities conduct an inventory on the PHP40.8 million worth of suspected shabu found inside the luggage of a 30-year-old South African national at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Feb. 15, 2026MANILA, Philippines — A 30-year-old man from South Africa was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday for allegedly carrying six kilos of shabu valued at P40.8 million, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported yesterday. The PDEA said the suspect, known only as JD, flew to Manila from Johannesburg with a connecting flight to Hong Kong. Authorities nabbed the suspect and brought him to the airport’s exclusion area after noticing suspicious items in his backpack. Meanwhile, anti-narcotics agents confiscated around 600 grams of shabu worth P4.08 million from a suspected drug dealer in Caloocan City on Sunday. Amil allegedly sold a pack of shabu to a PDEA agent who posed as a buyer.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:31 UTC
Tributes pour in for JDV
Tributes pour in for JDVMANILA, Philippines — Speaker Faustino Dy III yesterday joined former speakers of the House of Representatives in paying tribute to the late congressman Jose de Venecia, who had served as presiding officer of the lower chamber for 15 years. Eulogies were also delivered by former speakers and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Feliciano Belmonte Jr., former Senate president Manny Villar and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez. “The Philippines has lost an iconic political figure whose influence in our political life will be felt for generations. I mourn the passing of JDV, not only as a former speaker, but as a longtime colleague and partner in public service. Other figures who paid tribute were former congressman Neptali Gonzales II as well as Sen. Loren Legarda and former congresswoman Bernadette Herrera.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:31 UTC
Mongao to face court martial
Mongao to face court martialArmy Col. Audie Mongao as seen in an undated photo. MANILA, Philippines — Mongao will face a general court martial after being relieved of his duty, Army chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said yesterday. Nafarette said they are preparing for the court martial proceedings following the completion of the Army Training Command’s investigation. Nafarrete said the composition of the general court martial, which will try Mongao, is being finalized. As for speculations that the proceedings are meant to silence Mongao, Nafarrete maintained that Mongao “was detained because of his statements disrespecting the President.”“Mongao is still part of the organization.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:31 UTC
7,179 cops deployed for Lunar New Year
7,179 cops deployed for Lunar New YearThe Manila Police District commenced the deployment of thousands of police to different cemeteries in Manila on October 31, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will implement heightened security measures across Metro Manila and key cities nationwide for the Lunar New Year celebration today. PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said a maximum police presence would be enforced, particularly in Binondo and other high-traffic areas. According to the National Capital Region Police Office, 7,179 NCRPO personnel will be deployed in Metro Manila. In Quezon City, 478 police have been deployed in Banawe Chinatown.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:31 UTC
Mongao set for court-martial over post 'withdrawing' support from Marcos
Army colonel to face court-martial over post 'withdrawing' support from MarcosMANILA, Philippines — Col. Audie Mongao, the senior Philippine Army officer relieved from his post in January after he said online that he was withdrawing support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is set to face court-martial. "Tapos na po 'yung investigation sa kanya sa [Training Command] and he's already here for General Court Martial. "I, Col. Audie A. Mongao, am withdrawing my personal support to our President and Commander-in-Chief, Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr! He later voluntarily surrendered to the Training Command, where he cooperated with the investigation. TRACOM commander Maj. Gen. Michael Logico said at the time that the command was also extending emotional support to Mongao.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:15 UTC
1st day of Fire Horse year: Good wishes, good fortune
1st day of Fire Horse year: Good wishes, good fortuneToday is the first day of the lunar New Year, popularly referred to as Chinese New Year, although it is as well the Vietnamese New Year Tet and the Korean New Year Seollal. Let me add then my good wishes – gong xi fa chai, xin nian kwai leh, wan shr ru yi! Speaking before thousands, the group’s leader Bhikkhu Pannakara spoke of mindfulness as the key to unlocking peace. Mindfulness. Then, take paper and pen and write down, “Today is going to be my peaceful day” – write it, read it, say it aloud.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:13 UTC
Lacson says local court order needed before ICC arrest
Lacson says local court order needed before ICC arrestMANILA, Philippines — A domestic court order should precede the implementation of any arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson reminded authorities. In a statement Monday, January 16, Lacson said his position was not meant to sheild his fellow senators, Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go, from charges at the ICC. While no arrest order has been issued or charges filed against them, Lacson stressed the application of domestic laws ahead of these developments. Legal opinions on Duterte's arrest by government authorities in 2025 have been mixed, with some saying that the warrant should have passed through a local court. Dela Rosa has not appeared in public or attended Senate sessions since November 2025, following reports that an ICC arrest warrant may be issued against him.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 16:11 UTC
Precautionary hold departure orders vs Jinggoy, Bonoan, others issued
Precautionary hold departure orders vs Jinggoy, Bonoan, others issuedComposite image: Sen. Jinggoy Estrada as seen in January 2025 and former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan. MANILA, Philippines — A Manila Regional Trial Court has issued a precautionary hold departure order (HDO) against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and several former Public Works officials in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan. With the issuance of the precautionary HDO, however, he may no longer leave the country without court authorization. A hold departure order is issued by a court to prevent a respondent from leaving the Philippines while a case is pending. Martinez said the directive is considered precautionary because the complaints have yet to be formally filed in court and remain under preliminary investigation.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 14:53 UTC
Digital advocates to messaging apps: Cooperate with cybercrime probes
Digital advocates to messaging apps: Cooperate with cybercrime probesMANILA, Philippines — A digital advocacy group urged messaging platforms to cooperate with lawful cybercrime investigations and ensure their services are not used to facilitate illegal activity. In a statement issued Monday, February 16, Digital Pinoys called on platforms to act promptly when investigators look into accounts suspected of cybercrime. "Messaging apps like Signal should immediately preserve available account registration data and connection records of accounts under lawful investigation. These are the standard non-content data points that help investigators trace organized scam operations," said Ronald Gustilo, national campaigner of Digital Pinoys. "Our goal is simple: protect users, respect privacy, and ensure that platforms are not inadvertently enabling organized cybercrime," Gustilo said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 07:32 UTC
BRP Miguel Malvar joins joint drills in first-ever mission in India
BRP Miguel Malvar joins joint drills in first-ever mission in IndiaPhilippine naval frigate BRP Miguel Malvar arrives in Visakhapatnam, India to participate in first-ever joint drills there, as photographed on Feb. 14, 2026. Sailing as part of Naval Task Group 80.5, BRP Miguel Malvar left the Philippines on February 5 and arrived in Visakhapatnam on February 14. The sea phase will feature tactical maneuvers, communications drills and maritime security operations aimed at enhancing interoperability among participating navies. Closer tiesThe Indian Navy welcomed the arrival of BRP Miguel Malvar in a February 14 social media post. In recent years, the Philippines and India have expanded cooperation in maritime security through port calls, joint patrols, high-level exchanges and defense agreements, reflecting shared interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Source:Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 05:54 UTC