SunStar Philippines 
Exporters back PH-US critical minerals accord
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ largest group of exporters has welcomed the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Manila and Washington on critical minerals. This is an agreement that the umbrella group said could provide a “major boost” to domestic industrial development. READ: Critical moment for PH’s critical minerals In a statement […]... Keep on reading: Exporters back PH-US critical minerals accord
Inquirer 
Philippine banks seen resilient amid consumer, graft risks
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine banking system is expected to remain resilient despite mounting risks, including pressure on asset quality, as well as an ongoing graft scandal that could weigh on corporate borrowers’ ability to repay on time. Moody’s Ratings said in a note to clients that it was maintaining a “stable” outlook on local […]... Keep on reading: Philippine banks seen resilient amid consumer, graft risks
New office mandated to uplift coffee industry
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has created an office dedicated to the development of the Philippine coffee industry amid the rising demand for this commodity. The agency ordered the creation of the Coffee Industry Development Office (Cifo) via Department Order No. 06, with a mandate to resolve various challenges that hamper coffee […]... Keep on reading: New office mandated to uplift coffee industry
Drug traffickers exploiting postal channels
TRAFFICKERS are increasingly using mail hubs to transport parcels disguised as clothing or food to conceal illegal items, a trend authorities recently uncovered. In a major blow to mail-order narcotics, the PNP Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted four abandoned parcels containing P11.76 million worth of kush marijuana at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) on Feb. 6, 2026. Government authorities, along with the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG), uncovered approximately 7,840 grams of high-grade marijuana cleverly concealed within household items. Authorities stated that a batch of abandoned inbound shipments was subjected to the BOC's cargo X-ray examination, which resulted in a positive alert. A subsequent manual inspection aided by a narcotics detection dog revealed the drugs hidden inside tin containers and clothing, alongside items such as candies, comforters, cereal and snack packs. According to BOC District Collector Yasmin Mapa, the intercepted illegal drugs were handed over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for proper disposition, laboratory analysis, and case documentation. Avsegroup chief BGen. Dionisio Bartolome said that the interception underscores the vigilance and effective interagency collaboration in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country via mail and cargo. Major kush interception at CMEC in early 2026, worth millions of pesos of contraband, includes P11.76 million worth of 4 parcels on Feb. 6; P14.83 million in 40 parcels on Feb. 4; P15.44 million in 42 parcels on Feb. 3; P8.91 million in 20 parcels on Feb. 2; P3.72 million in 8 parcels on Jan. 22; and 63 packs of marijuana candies on Jan. 26.
The Manila Times 
Postpandemic public debt ‘less worrisome,’ says PIDS
MANILA, Philippines — Despite projections that public debt could exceed 65 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the coming years, a state-run think tank said the Philippines remained on a sustainable fiscal path under sound consolidation efforts. In an updated research paper, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said the sharp increase in […]... Keep on reading: Postpandemic public debt ‘less worrisome,’ says PIDS
Vico Sotto backs enactment of anti-political dynasty law
PASIG City Mayor Vico Sotto called on Monday for the urgent passage of an anti-political dynasty law, describing it as a systemic necessity to prevent the concentration of power and the misuse of public resources. Speaking at a consultative meeting at Tanghalang Rizal in Pasig City on Feb. 9, Sotto argued that the dominance of political families is driven less by talent or competence, but by access to government machinery, which provides an almost insurmountable advantage. The session was led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation. “This is not against a family, an individual, or a politician. What we are against here is the concentration of power in the hands of a few political elites. What we also oppose is the use of state resources and taxpayers’ money to perpetuate themselves in power,” Sotto said. The mayor said that even when some members of political families are competent, the system inherently favors candidates with name recognition and access to public funds over highly qualified independent challengers. “We know the truth. But let’s look at the overall picture. You have a candidate who is excellent, honest, has integrity, competent and capable. But they have no name, no machinery. Their opponent is a member of a political family who may lack knowledge, experience, or skill. In our situation in the Philippines, nine times out of ten, the member of a political family wins. Why? Because they use government resources,” Sotto said. Beyond electoral disadvantages, Sotto highlighted the personal safety risks faced by those challenging entrenched political interests. He noted that in several parts of the country, newcomers without political connections face threats of violence when attempting to enter public service. “In some areas, there are instances of violence. When a newcomer enters politics without connections, their life can be at risk. In many parts of the Philippines, this is the reality. That’s why we need a law to level the playing field and give us the constitutional guarantee of equal access to opportunities for public service,” Sotto said. The consultation, which brought together students and civil society groups, is part of a broader push to enforce the long-delayed constitutional mandate against dynasties. Mayor Sotto urged citizens to maintain the pressure on legislators to ensure the bill finally moves forward in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. “I hope Congress will finally be serious, whether in the Senate or the House. But we also know the truth — our citizens, students, and civil society organizations need to join forces to push for an anti-political dynasty law,” he said.
Disruptive impeachment trial
MANILA, Philippines — With the way things are going at present in the House of Representatives, the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, through any of the two modes cited by the Supreme Court in its recent ruling on that issue, is just a matter of time. Unless the court does any interventionist acts (ugh!), […]... Keep on reading: Disruptive impeachment trial
Antipolo special poll bets warned vs premature campaigning
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned candidates against premature campaigning in the upcoming special election in the second congressional district of Antipolo City. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia reminded the seven candidates vying for the post vacated by the late Rep. Romeo Acop that on March 14, 2026, the special poll will be conducted manually; thus, it is covered by appropriate laws prohibiting premature campaigning. He warned candidates to strictly observe the Comelec guidelines, specifically the prohibition on premature campaigning, or risk disqualification. "We will keep an eye on those who are giving away money, especially when campaigning is still forbidden, and not use public funds in promoting one's candidacy. We will not hesitate to disqualify. We have proven that in the past," added Garcia. The filing of certificates of candidacy ran from Feb. 5 to 7. Seven aspirants filed their COCs — former councilor Bong Acop (National Unity Party), Antipolo incumbent councilors Paulo Tapales (Independent) and LJ Sumulong (NPC), and independent candidates Maria Trinidad Cafirma, Dandin Infante, Reden Llaga, and Nathaniel Lobigas. Garcia said that since it is a manual election, all those who filed their COCs are automatically considered candidates for the congressional race. Thus, they are prohibited from campaigning before the campaign period that starts Feb. 12. All election materials displayed ahead of the campaign period will be removed, and complaints are to be filed against those caught committing the said election offense. In an automated election, the poll chief said those who filed their COCs will be considered candidates once the campaign period starts. Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code states that “it shall be unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or candidate... to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity, except during the campaign period.” But the said provision was voided by the Supreme Court in its 2010 ruling in Penera v. Comelec, which disqualified Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte Mayor Rosalinda Penera as a candidate in the 2007 local elections, and was found guilty of violating Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits premature campaigning. With the reversal, the Supreme Court effectively nullified Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code, rendering it inapplicable to the 2010 automated polls. But during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Comelec put to the test the Supreme Court's landmark decision on the so-called "Penera Doctrine" by voiding the prohibition on premature campaigning. Garcia said that the Comelec en banc, after studying the case, held that the Supreme Court ruling on the Penera doctrine was only applicable to automated elections, not to the BSKE, which is manually done. "That is why the en banc has agreed to the proposal since the barangay and SK elections are done manually," he said, adding that as such it would be reflected in the Comelec guidelines and instructions in relation to the BSKE that "upon the filing of candidacy, a candidate, whether in SK or in barangay, will be considered a candidate." Garcia said that the poll body is ready to take the risk and is inclined to participate in a legal battle if anyone files a petition before the Supreme Court questioning its decision.
Crazy Jhenny, February 10, 2026
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Philippine politicians in crisis mode, international consultant says
A GLOBAL political strategist said Filipino politicians are in “crisis mode,” following the series of scandals and mounting public dissatisfaction. Speaking at The Manila Times Newsroom, Aron Shaviv, chief executive officer of the political consultancy company Vantage Influence, emphasized that the government’s inability to fulfill its most basic responsibility — protecting its citizens — has created a crisis of confidence, prompting officials to divert the public’s attention to other issues. “You see a lot of politicians turning into other issues; others have turned to TikTok. The one thing you don’t see many politicians doing, in response to the crisis, is actually taking responsibility for it,” he said, citing how many politicians reacted to the anomalous flood control scandal. In the face of these challenges, many politicians have turned to social media as a tool to manage public perception. Shaviv observed that platforms like TikTok and Facebook are being used to shift attention away from local issues and onto broader, often global, concerns. While this strategy may provide short-term relief, he warned that this approach risks alienating voters who are more concerned with immediate, tangible problems in their daily lives. “To the individual voter in a constituency anywhere in the building, the consequences of global events or regional events in the South China Sea, they don’t really impact their days of their lifetime,” he said. He argued that voters are eager for leaders who will own up to their mistakes and take decisive action to prevent future crises. Shaviv also shed light on the challenges facing the country’s political leaders, the role of social media in shaping public perception, and the urgent need for accountability and solutions to pressing issues like food security and the flood control scandal. He described food security as a “unique” concern that transcends other political priorities, calling it crucial even from an “electoral point of view.” “Food security is really unique in the way that if you’re going to sleep every single night thinking about how I’m going to feed my children tomorrow morning, and you wake up every morning asking yourself the same question without a clear answer, there’s no second issue,” he said. Shaviv said addressing food security is not only a moral imperative but also a political necessity. Politicians who fail to tackle this issue risk losing the trust and support of their constituents. He further noted that while the Philippines’ political landscape is unique it is not singular. He noted that dynasties transitioning from father to daughter or brother to sister are common globally, drawing on his experiences in Thailand, where political dynasties and familial successions mirror familiar scenarios in the Philippines. “The idea of political dynasties is not unique to the Philippines. It’s a global phenomenon, and the key is how leaders respond to crises and adapt to changing circumstances,” Shaviv said. Looking ahead to the 2028 elections, Shaviv stressed the importance of balancing short-term crisis management with long-term planning. He urged politicians to focus on delivering tangible results, particularly in areas like disaster preparedness and food security, to rebuild public trust. “Elections are not about the past; they’re about the future. Voters want to know what’s being done today to ensure that past mistakes are not repeated and that their basic needs are met,” Shaviv said. Shaviv also highlighted the benefits of bringing in international consultants to provide an objective perspective and data-driven strategies. “Sometimes, it helps to have someone from the outside to come and take a fresh look at it,” he said.
Senate majority tackle Blue Ribbon Committee draft report
THE Senate majority bloc met Monday to discuss concerns of some senators about the draft report of the Blue Ribbon Committee, which includes recommendations that three senators be charged for allegedly receiving kickbacks on anomalous flood control projects. Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday declined to provide details of the meeting, noting that it was an executive session with some members of the executive department, including Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon and some officials of the Anti-Money Laundering Council. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee, said the draft report was still a “work in progress.” But he said the substance and some recommendations in the report would remain, including the recommendation that charges be filed against fellow Sens. Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, for allegedly receiving kickbacks from flood control projects. In a radio interview on Sunday, Lacson said that so far, the committee found no basis to link President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the flood control fund scandal. Lacson said the report needed at least 11 signatures before it can be presented to the plenary. Sen. Erwin Tulfo, who was present in the meeting, said he was not sure whether it can generate 11 signatures. He has yet to read the 400-page draft report. Tulfo said some fellow senators are hesitant to sign it. “They are saying that it lacks something while others find it strongly worded,” he said. The Blue Ribbon Committee is composed of 17 regular members, with Lacson as its chairman and Tufo as its vice chairman. Majority bloc members include Sens. JV Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, Pia Cayetano, Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Francis Pangilinan, Raffy Tulfo, and Mark Villar. The minority has six seats, held by Villanueva, Rodante Marcoleta, Ronald dela Rosa, Estrada, Bong Go, and Imee Marcos. Ex-officio members include Juan Miguel Zubiri, majority floor leader; and Alan Peter Cayetano, minority floor leader. Aside from Sotto, Lacson, and Tulfo, present during the meeting were Legarda and Raffy Tulfo. Erwin Tulfo said the caucus was “like a consultation because the committee hearings [are almost complete]. The committee report just needs some polishing.” “Where [do] we stand right now? Do we have enough evidence? My question was... do we have an airtight case? If not, what are we talking here?” he said.