(UPDATE) THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has begun discussions with the Chinese Embassy in Manila to explore ways to ease mounting tensions between the Philippines and China. Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he met Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on Feb. 12 to exchange views on strengthening peace and order, with a particular focus on ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens in the country and expanding cooperation in law enforcement and cultural exchanges. Remulla made it clear that the talks were confined to confidence-building measures, and did not include territorial disputes involving the Kalayaan Group of Islands. “We did not discuss Kalayaan. What we talked about was how to de-escalate the tensions between the two countries, and a lot of that has to do with cultural exchanges,” Remulla said. “There are many areas where we can help each other in law enforcement and in maintaining peace and order. That was the extent of our discussion. As far as Kalayaan is concerned, we did not talk about it,” he said. Remulla, however, reiterated the Philippines’ position on the disputed maritime features. “It is within Philippine territorial waters. It is our sovereign right to occupy those islands. Plain and simple,” he said. The diplomatic engagement came as former diplomat and geopolitical analyst Adolfo “Ka Ado” Paglinawan warned that flawed interpretations of international maritime law by prominent legal figures could weaken the Philippines’ claims in the South China Sea. Speaking at a forum organized by the based Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, Paglinawan accused retired Supreme Court justices Antonio Carpio and Adolfo Azcuna of misrepresenting key provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) by promoting what he described as a misleading theory of “automatic” maritime entitlements. Paglinawan was reacting to recent online remarks by Carpio and Azcuna, where they dismissed Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s legal arguments and reiterated that a coastal state does not need to publish geographical coordinates to assert its exclusive economic zone. Paglinawan said Carpio’s reliance on Articles 76 and 77 of Unclos — which recognize inherent rights over the continental shelf — was incomplete without reference to Articles 74 and 75, which require states with overlapping maritime claims to negotiate boundaries and publish official coordinates. “Automatic entitlement alone is not enough,” Paglinawan said, stressing that Article 74 obliges states to pursue delimitation agreements or provisional arrangements where claims overlap. Without formally defined and publicly deposited coordinates, Philippine maritime claims remain legally weak, diplomatically vulnerable and difficult to enforce, he said. “Without defined coordinates, a claim cannot be objectively tested, peacefully contested, or credibly defended,” he said, quoting Washington-based international lawyer Arnedo Valera. Paglinawan also rejected Carpio’s assertion that satellite-based GPS measurements are sufficient, saying this oversimplifies enforcement and ignores Unclos requirements for official charts and published boundaries. Linking the legal debate to recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea, Paglinawan said the Philippines’ assertion of “automatic” rights without negotiated delimitations has contributed to confrontations at sea, including blockades, water cannon incidents and boarding operations. He defended Marcoleta’s call for a legislative review of maritime laws, saying it was intended to strengthen enforcement and diplomacy, not to score political points. Paglinawan also questioned Republic Act 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, authored by former senator Francis Tolentino, claiming it contains internal contradictions and may conflict with both Unclos and the 2016 arbitral ruling favoring the Philippines. Failure to address these legal gaps, he warned, could further weaken the country’s maritime position and expose it to greater external pressure from major powers involved in regional disputes. While Remulla’s meeting with Chinese officials focused on de-escalation and cooperation, Paglinawan said long-term stability would ultimately depend not only on diplomatic engagement but also on the Philippines’ ability to anchor its maritime claims in clear, precise and internationally defensible legal boundaries. In a related development, the Chinese Embassy on Friday clapped back against calls by some Filipino lawmakers to declare a Chinese diplomat persona non grata. In a sharply worded statement, embassy spokesman Ji Lingpeng questioned the motives behind the “posturing” by certain senators who have been pressing for the recall of what they termed an “aggressive and sensitive” Chinese ambassador. Ji did not name the senators, but Senate President Vicente Sotto III has been quoted as saying, “When someone triggers you to react, and you do not, it’s annoying!” Ji said it was unclear who was truly “triggering” whom. He noted that while there was an “anti-China resolution” and public calls to declare a Chinese diplomat persona non grata, the embassy’s response was consistent with how diplomatic missions normally address issues concerning their country. “But when the Chinese Embassy responds as any normal embassy would, some senators can’t get over that,” he said. He cast doubt on whether the senators advocating the diplomat’s recall even had the authority to carry out such a move. Under Philippine law and diplomatic practice, the power to declare a foreign envoy persona non grata rests with the executive branch, not the legislature. “Who do they think they are? Do they even have the capability?” Ji said, adding that repeated calls for recall amounted to “always posturing, always bluffing.” He questioned whether the lawmakers believed their statements would intimidate Beijing. “Who exactly are they trying to intimidate and threaten? Do they really think anyone is scared? Is this supposed to be impressive? Does anyone actually buy it? Is that what they call ‘respect’?” Ji said. He warned that any serious downgrading of diplomatic relations between Manila and Beijing could impact on trade, tourism and employment. “Any serious damage to diplomatic relations, including downgrading of those relations, would cost millions of jobs,” he said. China remains one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners and a major source of imports, infrastructure financing and pre-pandemic tourist arrivals. Ji concluded his statement with a pointed appeal for what he described as a more responsible approach to foreign policy. “When it comes to serious diplomatic affairs, some politicians behave like children playing house,” he said. “Could they at least try to act like adults? If they don’t understand how diplomacy works, they can learn. Spouting nonsense only exposes their ignorance and arrogance that seems to come from nowhere.”

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 15 dakika

SEN. Robinhood Padilla on Thursday brushed aside speculation that he and fellow lawmaker Bong Go may cross over to the Senate majority, saying that such a move is “unlikely.” Padilla made the statement when asked if anyone from the majority bloc had approached him and Go about switching sides. The senator responded rhetorically, questioning how they could join a group that includes senators with whom they have long-standing political differences, such as Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan. Padilla said he has no personal issues with them, but their divergent political views make a coalition improbable. “We simply have different political positions,” he said He reiterated that he, Senators Go and Ronald Dela Rosa remain firmly aligned with former president Rodrigo Duterte, describing their group as “solid Duterte” within the minority bloc. Padilla also downplayed persistent rumors of a leadership shake-up in the Senate. He said no one has approached him regarding a coup, adding that as a neophyte senator, he may not yet be in a position to be consulted on sensitive political maneuvers. “I am new here. Perhaps I have not yet reached the point where I would be advised about such matters,” Padilla said. Padilla also disclosed that minority senators in the Blue Ribbon Committee will not sign the panel’s partial committee report on the controversial flood control projects. The draft report is still going through revisions, including the removal of the phrase “to be charged” in reference to senators implicated in the alleged anomalies. According to Padilla, the minority bloc has its own report, “and that is what we will sign.” He stressed the importance of unity within the bloc, noting that they will stand by the position of minority floor leader, Alan Peter Cayetano. An earlier “minority report” on the flood control inquiry released by Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Imee Marcos was dismissed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III as a “PR or media report.” The controversy over the flood control projects has further exposed divisions within the Senate, as the majority and minority groups come up with their own narratives.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 16 dakika

THE defense team of former president Rodrigo Duterte has requested the disqualification of the three lawyers for drug war victims in his International Criminal Court case, citing their failure to disclose prior association with Philippine government entities constitutes conflict of interest that undermines the fairness of proceedings. In a public redacted filing dated Feb. 11, Duterte lawyers asked Pre-Trial Chamber I to revoke the appointments of Joel Butuyan, Gilbert Andres and Nicolene Arcaina — the latter recently appointed as case manager for the victims’ legal team. The defense argues that Arcaina’s previous employment at CenterLaw Philippines, where she worked alongside Butuyan and Andres, overlapped with a period in which the organization had contact with the government official whose name has been redacted in the filing. According to the filing, Butuyan and Andres were given access to the official’s case materials before the defense raised inquiries on Jan. 30. The defense also alleged that the two lead representatives gave “evasive” responses when asked whether they or their associates had been in contact with the official or had represented individuals who may have been connected in the case against Duterte. Butuyan replied on Feb. 3 that he was “not under any obligation” to answer. The defense argued that even if no formal impediment to representation is found, Arcaina’s simultaneous roles as case manager for victims and the official create an inherent conflict. The filing contends that the arrangement allows individuals outside the prosecution’s disclosure framework to access potentially exculpatory material. “The resulting web creates an objective appearance of bias incompatible with the integrity of the proceedings,” the filing stated. The defense noted that neither Butuyan nor Andres informed the Chamber of the relevant facts, nor did they take steps to terminate Arcaina’s appointment — instead actively promoting it. All three lawyers were appointed by the Chamber on Jan. 26, alongside a counsel from the Office of Public Counsel for Victims, following a Registry report whose proposed names were initially redacted. The defense had previously voiced concern about Butuyan’s involvement, citing public comments they said demonstrated preconceived views on Duterte’s guilt. The Chamber rejected a defense request on Feb. 6 seeking disclosure of the Common Legal Representatives of Victims’ (CLRVs) full team composition. Butuyan confirmed Arcaina’s appointment on the evening of Feb. 10 notifying the Chamber the following morning. The defense has requested that the Chamber immediately suspend the CLRVs’ access to the case record pending a determination on the disqualification request, and that their appointments be revoked.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 17 dakika

FOR many couples, the question “Will you marry me?” is no longer delivered in private and left at that. It has become an immersive event — personal, intentional and often theatrical. This was the observation Carmela Denise Alcordo — founder and creative of M Proposals MNL — shared with The Manila Times in an interview ahead of Valentine’s Day. “Proposals today have become more personal and experience-driven,” she said. “It’s no longer just about how grand the surprise is. It’s about how meaningful it feels.” Alcordo established her full-service proposal-planning company in 2017 after noticing a gap in the local industry: while weddings were meticulously planned, proposals were often left to chance. From grand public spectacles to intimate, private setups, the company works closely with clients — most of whom are men, though LGBTQ+ partners are also served — to design proposals that reflect each couple’s story. “The process begins with consultation and a detailed onboarding questionnaire that extracts specifics about the relationship: how the couple met, shared interests, milestones and dynamics,” Alcordo said. Roughly 70 percent of clients, the creative director noted, come in without a clear plan. They rely on the team’s expertise to conceptualize and execute a proposal aligned with their relationship. The remaining 30 percent arrive with highly specific ideas, ranging from flash mobs to public mall activations. In both cases, the emphasis remains on narrative. “Every proposal now tells its own love story — raw, genuine and intentional,” she said. The experiential turn gained momentum after the Covid-19 pandemic. Alcordo observed a surge in organic inquiries once restrictions eased, attributing it to a broader cultural shift. For many partners, investing in a well-planned proposal is a visible expression of gratitude and commitment. The effort itself — sometimes months in the making — becomes part of the message: a demonstration that the moment was carefully considered. At the same time, modern proposals reflect changing attitudes toward consent and communication. M Proposals MNL asks clients directly whether marriage has been discussed and mutually agreed upon. The element of surprise remains, but not at the expense of clarity. “It should be mutual,” Alcordo said. “We don’t want to damage the relationship.” Yet tradition persists. Many clients still seek parental blessing before confirming a proposal date, blending contemporary personalization with long-standing Filipino customs. Geographically, proposals have expanded beyond Metro Manila. While based in the capital, the company now maintains teams in Cebu, Boracay and Palawan, catering to local and foreign couples who incorporate vacations into their engagement plans. December through February marks peak season, coinciding with anniversaries, holiday gatherings and Valentine’s celebrations. Alcordo said proposal packages start at P30,000 and can include setup, documentation and, just recently, engagement ring acquisition. The amount might surprise others, but Alcordo said, clients themselves would often tell her: “You cannot put a price on love.” Some concepts push creative boundaries. One recent proposal unfolded underwater, with a floral setup arranged for a couple who shared a passion for scuba diving. The scene — conceived and executed by the team — transformed a hobby into a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Beyond private bookings, M Proposals MNL stages Valentine’s pop-up activations in major malls, allowing the public to step into fully styled proposal environments. The installations are less about sales and more about access, Alcordo said — an advocacy rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a version of a fairytale moment. “The pop-up activations are very personal to me because they come from advocacy. Not everyone has the luxury of experiencing a beautifully planned proposal, but I believe everyone deserves their version of a fairytale. Through the pop-up, people can step into a space, feel a little bit of magic, and be reminded that love is still worth celebrating. And for some couples, that moment becomes real — they choose to say yes right there, and that’s always the most beautiful part for me.” Asked what these modern proposals say about how Filipinos celebrate love today, Alcordo finally answered, “Love today is celebrated not just privately, but as an experience. Even in a fast-paced city, people are making time to slow down for something meaningful.”

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 18 dakika

(UPDATE) VICE President Sara Duterte sees the Philippines having a “broken government” before the 2028 presidential elections. Duterte’s statements come after several opposition figures loom as probable presidential contenders, including Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo. In an interview after the burial of her uncle, Bong Duterte, in Davao City on Thursday, Duterte said: “We are mired in trash, floods, our economic indicators and in corruption, we are down. No one is saying that the government is doing well. There are no development projects, nothing. So I am scared that one day, when we wake up, there is no more stable government and the nation is messy, assuming that we have a country in 2028.” She also believed that the 2028 elections may not happen under the Marcos administration, citing its “sinister” motives. Duterte reiterated she would reveal her decision to run by the end of this year. She also blasted Malacañang spokesman Claire Castro for describing her as a “liar,” after Duterte said she is no longer talking to the senators supportive of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. “She is only bringing embarrassment to the nation as she is called as the Spokesman of the Office of the President, and if the Office of the President speaks like that, the world listens, not only our countrymen. And when someone speaks and her statements are like that, she brings shame to the country, that’s why she should not be listened to and noticed,” Duterte said. She said she did not watch the House justice committee’s impeachment hearings against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but she believes that Marcos committed an impeachable offense after he signed the 2025 budget where it contained blank items and insertions, as well as his questionable competency and his use of illegal drugs. “For me, as Vice President, if someone challenged me on my fitness, I think I should not decline, because I took an oath, and I said that I will preserve and defend the Constitution. How can you defend the Constitution if you are not in your right mind?” Duterte said. She did not comment on the ongoing word war between Filipino officials and the Chinese Embassy, but said the government must fix its relationship with its neighbors and other countries across the world.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 19 dakika

(UPDATE) SINGER-ACTRESS Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan teased President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over his “wrong” vice presidential choice in the 2022 elections. Speaking onstage before the president and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos at an event in Manila on Thursday, Cuneta-Pangilinan said she “only has one vice president,” who was also her date for the night — her husband, Sen. Francis Pangilinan. “Sir, I have only one vice president... My date tonight. You made the wrong choice, didn’t you?” Cuneta-Pangilinan told Marcos, drawing laughter from the audience. “OK, OK. Let’s move on,” she added. Her remark came amid political tensions between Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, his UniTeam running mate in 2022. Cuneta-Pangilinan later expressed support for the president, saying she would continue to pray for him and for the country. “I will pray that before we all judge you, that you’re allowed to do your job for all of us,” Cuneta-Pangilinan said. “We pray for your good health, peace of mind from all the fake news, all the disinformation. May God be with you every single day, Mr. President,” she added. The event, “An Evening with the Stars: A Gala Celebrating the Stars Who Continue to Light Our Way,” was attended by celebrities that included Christine Reyes, Dominic Ochoa, John Estrada and Ruffa Gutierrez, and beauty queens Ariella Arida and Ahtisa Manalo. In his speech, Marcos thanked the artists for their contribution to Philippine cinema and the world stage. “Thank you for sharing your gifts so generously with all of us. Thank you for reminding us who we are and what we can become,” he said. “Thank you for proving that Filipino artistry can stand proud on the world stage by embracing what is uniquely ours, what is uniquely Filipino,” Marcos said.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 20 dakika

(UPDATE) A RAPE victim who was assaulted at age 16 has sought the help of anti-crime watchdog Citizens Crime Watch (CCW), claiming that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is mishandling her case because the respondent, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, is the main witness and whistleblower in the high-profile missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts) case. In a handwritten letter dated Feb. 10, 2026, addressed to CCW president Diego Magpantay, the victim, who identified herself only as “Gracie,” claimed she is being denied justice because the respondent is a “known individual” who allegedly receives preferential treatment. Now 21, Gracie claimed the respondent is being protected due to his status as a state witness in a separate high-profile case, which she claimed the government is prioritizing over her rape complaint. “We are currently in the preliminary investigation, but I cannot help but worry because my opponent is a known individual with many connections,” the victim wrote in Filipino. “He is also a witness in a case involving missing money, which is why I fear I am not being given fair treatment.” Gracie’s counsel, Glessa Janolino, said both the respondent’s legal team and the investigating prosecutors have displayed conduct that undermines confidence in the impartiality of the proceedings. “We are constantly being given the impression that the perpetrator, Mr. Patidongan or ‘Dondon,’ is a protected individual who can do no wrong in the eyes of the DOJ,” Janolino said. “This is wrong, because my client feels that she is being preyed upon again and that her rights are being violated anew.” CCW chairman Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said the group is extending full support to the victim, including legal assistance, moral support, and personal counseling. “Our group is behind the victim all the way,” Topacio said. “We will provide not only legal assistance but also moral support and even personal counselling.” As of press time, the DOJ has no statement yet in response to Gracie’s claim.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 21 dakika

(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday led the groundbreaking of the Kalayaan Avenue and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) stations of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), marking a major milestone in the government’s push to deliver faster, more reliable, and interconnected rail transport across the National Capital Region. In his speech during the ceremony in Taguig City, Marcos said that the project was not only about infrastructure but about restoring dignity to daily travel and reaffirming confidence in the nation’s ability to achieve transformative progress. “Today, we proved to the world something we thought — we once thought would be impossible: a subway in Metro Manila,” Marcos said. The new segment will connect Shaw Boulevard Station in Pasig City to Lawton Avenue Station in Taguig City, with the BGC stations within Uptown BGC projected to serve more than 200,000 passengers daily during their opening year. “This means workers arriving on time, students getting home earlier, and our citizens regaining hours that we once lost to congestion,” the president said. Once the entire 33.1-kilometer Metro Manila subway system is fully operational, Marcos said travel time from Valenzuela to BGC would be reduced from 1.5 hours to just 29 minutes. Connectivity to the airport will also improve, with Quezon City to Manila Airport travel time shortened from more than one hour to 35 minutes, he added. The subway will feature seamless interconnections with existing and planned railway lines, including LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, LRT-2, MRT-4, and the North-South Commuter Railway, strengthening Metro Manila’s linkages with nearby provinces. “This is the scale of transformation that we are building. And this brings us closer to a fully connected subway system that will redefine mobility in our nation’s capital,” President Marcos said. “It also brings us closer towards restoring dignity to daily travel and reaffirming our confidence in what we can achieve as a nation,” he added. Before the groundbreaking ceremony at BGC that was also attended by Megaworld President and CEO Lourdes Alfonso, Marcos inspected the ongoing construction of the Shaw Boulevard Station. Upon arrival, the chief executive proceeded to the construction site to personally observe the progress of the subway segment. He was briefed by Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and MMSP project manager Mikaela Eloisa Mendoza on the overall status of the project. Also present during the inspection were Pasig City Lone District Rep. Roman Romulo and Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis Sotto. In his speech, Marcos highlighted the progress of the Shaw Boulevard Station and expressed optimism about the project’s implementation. “The progress we’ve witnessed there and in all these projects demonstrates that implementation is fully and actively underway,” he said. Under Contract Package 104, the Shaw Boulevard Station segment is being implemented by the Tokyu-Tobishima-Megawide Joint Venture, with a contract cost of P18.27 billion. The package covers the construction of 3.40 kilometers of subway tunnels and two underground stations: Ortigas Avenue Station and Shaw Boulevard Station in Pasig City. In an update, demolition works at Ortigas Avenue Station are 88.15-percent complete, while excavation works at Shaw Boulevard Station have reached 40.77 percent. The segment is targeted for completion by November 2031. Phase 1 of the MMSP will operate 30 eight-car train sets, each capable of carrying up to 2,228 passengers. A demonstration run is targeted by 2028, with full completion expected by 2032.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 22 dakika

(UPDATE) THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Friday that the expanded number coding scheme for vehicles would be suspended on Tuesday. The suspension comes as the country observes a special nonworking holiday for the Chinese New Year. Under the existing policy, the coding scheme is automatically lifted during official national and special holidays. The agency warned of potential congestion in major thoroughfares and traditional celebration hubs, specifically in Manila’s Binondo district. Motorists and commuters are advised to plan their routes accordingly, strictly adhere to traffic regulations, and exercise patience as heavier-than-usual traffic is anticipated near the festivities.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 23 dakika

(UPDATE) METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III clarified Thursday that while filing a case regarding the recent LRT-1 tragedy is mandatory, the specific legal procedure remains within the police’s discretion. The clarification came after public questions arose over the Feb. 11 incident at the Fernando Poe Jr. station, where a 23-year-old student jumped from an elevated portion of the station and was subsequently struck by a black sedan. The Quezon City Police District initially subjected the driver to inquest proceedings. However, the student’s father executed an affidavit declining to pursue charges, prompting the police to release the driver from custody. “Filing of the case is mandatory because there are parents who are crying, but the manner of filing is at the discretion of the PNP investigator,” Torre said in a Facebook post on Thursday evening. Torre outlined two legal paths available to investigators. The first is regular filing, which triggers a preliminary investigation by a prosecutor without an arrest and requires the complainant and respondent to submit affidavits and documentary evidence within a prescribed period. The second is inquest proceedings, a summary process conducted when a person is arrested without a warrant, during which a public prosecutor determines probable cause and whether formal charges should be filed while the respondent remains in detention. In a separate post on Friday, Torre defended the principle that police are duty-bound to act when someone seeks assistance in filing a complaint. “When someone asks the police to help file a case, you cannot simply ignore it. They feel there should be a case, so it must be heard. Only the prosecutor and the judge can have the final say on whether there is a case. That is the law of common sense,” he wrote. He added that the prosecutor will determine if there is probable cause, not the police. He added that the law enforcers’ role is to submit the complaint for proper evaluation. Torre added that in a regular filing, which he said should have been applied in this case, arrest is unnecessary and the driver would not be detained, but instead be required to submit a counter-affidavit and other evidence in defense. He noted that inquest proceedings, on the other hand, require an arrest, and warrantless arrests are allowed only under very specific circumstances, which carry personal responsibility and potential liability on the part of the arresting officer. “So now in this case, how will you arrest the driver? What crime did he commit? The police said reckless imprudence?” Torre said, questioning the basis for a warrantless arrest in the incident.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 24 dakika

(UPDATE) DIESEL and gasoline prices are expected to increase again for the fifth consecutive week, as the global market reacts to tensions between the US and Iran and tight oil supply due to changes in demand, local oil industry sources said on Friday. They said diesel will increase by P0.50 to P0.70 per liter, while gasoline prices could rise from P1.40 to P1.60 per liter. These estimates are based on the 4-day trading of Mean of Platts, Singapore, the pricing basis for refined goods in Southeast Asia. As mentioned earlier, the continued geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, the rejection of Russian crude by some countries, and the increase in oil demand due to the Lunar New Year are among the reasons for next week’s increases. “Oil prices have remained elevated and volatile this week as the threat of US-Iran conflict remains, with Iran-related Western sanctions and tariff threats on countries buying Iranian goods have added to the price volatility,” Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said. “In addition, global oil supply is tightening as India and Europe are shifting away from discounted Russian crude, and this, in turn, has made oil prices remain elevated. Furthermore, the strong buying interest in the region and seasonal uptick in demand during the upcoming Lunar New Year are also factors for the high prices,” he added. “However, there was a positive factor as the stronger Philippine Peso this week versus the US dollar has helped prices from going up further,” Bellas continued. This week, all fuel prices increased as gasoline prices went up by P0.60 per liter, and diesel prices by P1.00 per liter.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 25 dakika

(UPDATE) TEN rider-couples, from delivery drivers to motorcycle enthusiasts, have tied the knot in Marikina City. Mayor Maan Teodoro officiated Thursday’s mass wedding, comparing marriage to a long motorcycle journey with smooth stretches and inevitable bumps, and stressing the importance of trust, patience, and partnership. The ceremony was held on Thursday at the historic Kapitan Moy Plaza in Barangay Sta. Elena, drawing families, friends, and city officials who witnessed couples formally seal their commitment just days before Valentine’s Day. For some couples present, the event offered an opportunity to solemnize their union without the usual wedding expenses, allowing them to make their relationship official under civil law. In her message, Teodoro elaborated on her motorcycle analogy, saying marriage is not always a smooth ride. “Marriage is like a long motorcycle trip. Not every day is a flat road. There are days when the ride is smooth, joyful, and light. But there are also days with potholes, traffic, rain, and times when you have to fix something in the middle of the journey,” she said. She emphasized that a lasting marriage requires both partners to navigate challenges together. “In this journey, it is not enough that only one knows how to drive. You need to trust each other. When there is a challenge, do not let go immediately. Do not race ahead or leave one another — you should be together,” she added. The mayor further urged the newlyweds to remain steadfast during difficult moments. “Do not leave each other on the side of the road. Do not let go of their hand. Accompany them until the wounds heal,” she said. “It is not the speed that will bring you to forever, but perseverance, forgiveness, and choosing each other every day.” As part of the ceremony, the city government gave monetary gifts to the couples to help them begin their married life together. Under the Local Government Code of 1991, city mayors are authorized to solemnize marriages within their jurisdiction as part of their official functions.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 26 dakika

THE Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) on Friday said the Filipino youth is not weak, stressing that associating depression with weakness promotes shame and discourages people from seeking help. ​The statement comes after Sen. Robin Padilla said in a Senate hearing that today’s Filipino youth are weak and that the word "depression" was virtually unknown to him in the past. ​“We are concerned by recent public remarks from Senator Robin Padilla describing today’s young people as 'weak,’ as reported by different news outlets. This framing is stigmatizing and misleading, and it risks harming children, adolescents, and families who are navigating real mental health challenges,” the PAP said in a statement. ​The group said that openness about mental health reflects higher mental health literacy and better help-seeking behavior. ​Furthermore, the association emphasized that true strength lies in acknowledging suffering and seeking support, not in denying emotional or psychological difficulties. ​“Strength is recognizing distress, seeking support, and building systems of care grounded in evidence,” the association said. ​The PAP said children and adolescents deserve “accuracy, dignity, and science-based understanding,” instead of labels that silence their struggles. ​The group urged individuals to seek professional help if they or someone they know experiences symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of self-harm. ​“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a meaningful act of self-care and responsibility,” it added, noting that early recognition and consultation are crucial in recovery. ​The association said it remains open to working with the Senate and other institutions to forward mental health initiatives and reduce stigma through evidence-based programs. ​Padilla has since defended his remarks, saying they were backed by data.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 27 dakika

​THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has intensified its nationwide campaign against illegal adoption, online baby-selling, and other forms of child abuse. ​Assistant Secretary Rowena Macalintal said the drive, conducted in coordination with the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), is in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to DSWD Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian to step up efforts against child trafficking and unlawful adoption schemes. ​Authorities recently rescued two infants who were allegedly being sold by their mothers or intermediaries in an operation led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center. ​“Children do not need to be sold because the government provides assistance, and selling babies or conducting online adoption is illegal,” Macalintal said. ​The agency reiterated that families must follow child protection laws and legal adoption processes, while discouraging illegal arrangements that place minors at risk. ​Macalintal added that the NACC works closely with the National Bureau of Investigation and the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to track and apprehend individuals involved in unlawful child transactions. ​She noted that authorities are consolidating cases and monitoring digital platforms such as Facebook. ​Macalintal reported that law enforcers carried out five entrapment operations in 2024, eight in 2025, and seven more in early 2026, reflecting a rise in baby-selling incidents. ​From 20 successful operations, authorities rescued 22 minors and arrested 32 suspects. One conviction has already been secured for qualified trafficking, which is punishable by 20 years to life imprisonment and fines of P2 million to P5 million. ​“There is no reason to engage in illegal adoption because the process is now simplified and faster,” Macalintal said. ​“If you cannot care for a child, surrender them to DSWD residential care centers or other legal government institutions instead of abandoning them,” she added.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 28 dakika

​A CARDIOTHORACIC surgeon warned Friday that heartbreak — or severe emotional stress — can have an adverse effect on health. ​Dr. Avenilo Aventura Jr., director II of the Philippine Heart Association, told The Manila Times that the condition is called takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as "broken heart syndrome." ​“Takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimics a heart attack without blocked arteries. It involves sudden weakening of the heart muscle, which can manifest as chest heaviness, shortness of breath and irregular heart rate,” Aventura said. ​He noted that emotional stress can also increase stress hormones — such as cortisol and adrenaline — which increase heart rate and blood pressure. Aventura said this physiological response, if left unchecked, can lead to cardiac distress or exacerbate existing heart conditions. ​He emphasized the importance of recognizing stress and seeking support. “Social support can greatly reduce our physiologic responses to stress (decrease stress hormones), thereby reducing cardiac distress," he said. ​The American Heart Association (AHA), he noted, has recognized the link between psychological health and heart disease, stating that emotional resilience and proper support after cardiac events can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of future heart issues. ​Aventura highlighted the role of positive lifestyle habits in managing stress and reducing cardiovascular risks. He urged Filipinos to get adequate sleep, get at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate exercise and avoid smoking to keep the heart healthy, emphasizing that prevention is always better than cure. ​“Know your health numbers: monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels," he said. "Consult with your doctor and screen for hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia; get personalized risk assessments; adjust medications and lifestyle plans as needed.”

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 29 dakika

​ENVIRONMENTAL group EcoWaste Coalition warned Friday that the use of unregulated sexual enhancement products carries serious health risks. ​The group said these products — often sold online, by sidewalk vendors, and in Chinese drugstores — promise to improve sexual drive and performance but may contain harmful substances. EcoWaste said based on information from Health Canada, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Philippine FDA, unregistered male dietary supplements, energy pills, sexual stimulants, and erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines contain components that should only be used under medical supervision. ​ED medications like sildenafil and tadalafil, the group said, should not be taken by men taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine), as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Canadian health authorities warned that “individuals with heart problems taking these drugs are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat.” ​“Among the products flagged by the FDA for containing sildenafil or tadalafil are specific batches of Drivemax Plus Brand Herbal Dietary Supplement Capsule, El Combate Food Supplement for Men, Manhattan Biological Maxman, Megaman, and Qi Lu Tadalafil Tablets Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction,” the EcoWaste Coalition said in a statement. ​It urged the public to verify such products on the FDA website. ​“The EcoWaste Coalition is promoting consumer and regulatory vigilance to ensure that adulterated and unauthorized health products containing banned or restricted substances are not offered for sale in the market, including on e-commerce and social media platforms,” the group said. ​Meanwhile, BAN Toxics, another environmental group, warned Friday of Valentine's Day gift items containing neurotoxicant lead and other hazardous substances. ​“Giving gifts on Valentine’s Day is a heartfelt way to show affection but be mindful — some gift items may contain toxic chemicals, turning romance into a health risk,” the group said in a statement. ​The group said such items include colorful plastic flowers with button cell batteries and mini plastic flower bouquets with lights sold in the streets of Makati, Manila, Caloocan, and Quezon City. An independent test conducted by the group showed lead levels of up to 2,410 parts per million (ppm), which far exceeds the 90 ppm limit under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds. ​“Valentine’s Day novelty items should be carefully monitored and tested for hazardous chemicals to protect public health and safety while fostering love and care for the environment,” BAN Toxics advocacy and campaign officer Thony Dizon said. ​Lead is a “well-recognized toxicant with wide-ranging health impacts,” according to the World Health Organization. ​“Young children are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to be exposed to lead than adults, and even low levels can harm the developing brain, potentially reducing intellectual ability,” the group said. ​“Avoid plastic-based presents and excessive packaging. Choose gifts that express love while caring for the environment, such as sustainable, handcrafted, or locally sourced items. Spend time in an eco-park, enjoy nature, and swap extravagant plastic bouquets for fresh flowers or potted plants. Bring home-cooked meals in reusable containers for a more meaningful and waste-free celebration,” it added.

• The Manila Times
• 3 saat, 30 dakika