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Saturday, February 21, 2026
Today's Paper

Sen. Panfilo Lacson SENATE PHOTO

Lacson: Senate may revisit rules amid Dela Rosa's prolonged absence

n EVA sampling and scientific laboratory analysis studying how resins that adsorb hydrophobic proteins and peptides.
IMAGE FROM AHR

Science & Technology

Proteomics: Turning archives into biological labs

By Deriq Bernard

Senior Appeals Counsel and Head of the Appeals Section of the ICC, Helen Brady and Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Julian Nicholls, along with defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, attend a hearing on the provisional release of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (80) at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, 28 November 2025. EPA PHOTOS

ICC grants Duterte, prosecution requests to expand evidence lists days before confirmation hearing

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

A general view of the courtroom during a hearing on the provisional release of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (80) at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, 28 November 2025. EPA/LINA SELG / POOL

ICC pre-trial chamber junks Duterte motion to disqualify victims' lawyers

By Javier Joe Ismael

This photograph taken on March 14, 2025 shows the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP)

Prosecution urges ICC to reject Duterte’s request to skip confirmation hearing

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

ICC grants Duterte, prosecution requests to expand evidence lists days before confirmation hearing

ICC pre-trial chamber junks Duterte motion to disqualify victims' lawyers

Prosecution urges ICC to reject Duterte’s request to skip confirmation hearing

Watch: 8 members of Hezbollah killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon

PUJ fare hike ‘premature’ – Palace

INCLUSIVE FINANCIAL GROWTH Now in its 32nd year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas stays steady in driving digitalization, financial inclusion and economic resilience amid global and domestic challenges. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Uncertainty hanging over policy decisions

Kanlaon ash covers 11 LGUs in Negros Island

Gauff ends Eala’s Dubai dream run

SENSATIONAL SCANDAL A television journalist holds a newspaper with an image of the United Kingdom’s former prince Andrew while reporting at an entrance to Wood Farm, on the British royal family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, eastern England, on Feb. 20, 2026. AFP PHOTO

UK monarchy reels from Andrew’s arrest

Foxies make quick work of ZUS for back-to-back wins  

LOOK: Farm Fresh def. ZUS (3-0)

LOOK: NU Lady Bulldogs def. FEU Lady Tamaraws, 3-2

NU pulls off reverse sweep against FEU, goes 3-0 in UAAP volley

Lacson: Senate may revisit rules amid Dela Rosa's prolonged absence

Watch: 8 members of Hezbollah killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon

Complete Creamline sweeps Belen-led Capital1

Watch: Brazil, India eye minerals deal as leaders meet

LOOK: Creamline def. Capital 1 (3-0)

Watch: Indigenous peoples, social movements protest against Cargill in Sao Paulo

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

From bloodlines to power: Why the real reform is anti-capture, not anti-dynasty

By Antonio Contreras

Observer

Andrew’s arrest: Distraction and relief from flood control scandal

By Yen Makabenta

Remoto Control

Round-robin reactions after Sara’s declaration

By Danton Remoto

Persida V. Rueda-Acosta

DEAR PAO

What happens to an adopted child who causes harm to adopters?

By Persida V. Rueda-Acosta

HEADLINES: Duterte to skip pre-trial hearing | Feb 21, 2026

HEADLINES: Duterte to skip pre-trial hearing | Feb 21, 2026

Today's Front Page

Digital Edition

PRO-DOCTOR DEVELOPMENT

Leveraging the private sector for public progress

Mauro Gia Samonte

My Say

Going full circle on the West Philippine Sea

By Mauro Gia Samonte

Al Vitangcol III

All Insight

Traffic mismanagement at NLEx; what now, Secretary Lopez?

By Al Vitangcol III

Prime Energy, sovereignty and the price of ‘galunggong’

By Dean de la Paz

Anna Malindog-Uy

Headsight

Why Sara Duterte’s declaration reshapes 2028 and signals she’s ready to lead now

By Anna Malindog-Uy

Thailand's royalist right turn

By Thitinan Pongsudhirak

PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

Quezon City to close roads, put a zipper lane for 'Trillion Peso March' on Feb 25

Muntinlupa to open road safety park for children

Marcos to DPWH: Speed up completion of all infra projects

Malacañang: Sara’s presidential bid ‘irrelevant’

PH conjoined twins await surgery in Saudi Arabia

COLISEUM UPGRADE
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspects the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum and turns over ₱500 million for its retrofitting and modernization to Naga Mayor Leni Robredo during his visit to the city on Feb. 21, 2026. The renovations include the construction of a community kitchen for mass feeding, upgraded sanitation and drainage systems, reinforced structures, and dedicated medical response areas. This is intended to strengthen the local government’s ability to plan and respond more quickly in times of disaster, while maintaining the coliseum as a major venue for sports, health, and other community activities. PHOTO BY PCO

Marcos turns over P500M for Jesse Robredo Coliseum upgrade in Naga

Kanlaon ash covers 11 LGUs in Negros Island

DepEd cites three priorities to boost PH education system

ProtecTEEN reinforced for young CDO mothers

Ilagan City soon to have own school

Relatives of detainees they say are held for political reasons wait outside El Helicoide, headquarters of Venezuela's intelligence service and a detention center, after the National Assembly approved an amnesty bill in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Crisitian Hernandez)

Venezuela’s new amnesty law gets a chilly response from the opposition and detainees’ families

Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs, sparking fierce pushback and vow of new levies

UN report exposes torture, rape in Southeast Asia’s multi-billion-dollar scam centres

Anxious Venezuelans seek clarity on new amnesty law

Austria snowstorm leaves five dead, road and power chaos

Specialist Thomas McArdle works at his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Wall Street keeps calm after the Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs

Uncertainty hanging over policy decisions

Stocks keep gaining but peso back at P58:$1 level

Jollibee to buy SKorea hot pot chain for P5.1B

2026 AFS, GIS submission schedule released by SEC

Farm Fresh Foxies. PVL PHOTO

Foxies make quick work of ZUS for back-to-back wins  

LOOK: Farm Fresh def. ZUS (3-0)

LOOK: NU Lady Bulldogs def. FEU Lady Tamaraws, 3-2

NU pulls off reverse sweep against FEU, goes 3-0 in UAAP volley

Complete Creamline sweeps Belen-led Capital1

Transparency advocates and civil society groups launch bisto.ph during the 'Bisto Proyekto' forum at the Adamson University in Manila on Feb. 21, 2026. The online platform, in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, features an interactive map and database designed to help citizens monitor local flood control projects. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT MONITOR

February 21, 2026

Flowers are offered at the Memorare Manila 1945 Memorial during the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Manila at the Plazuela de Sta. Isabel in Intramuros on Feb. 21, 2026. The ceremony, supported by the Intramuros Administration and spearheaded by the Philwar Foundation, honored the thousands of civilian victims who died in 1945. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

February 21, 2026

Sven Wilbur Lim, a student of Adamson University, holds 'Living Pages: Infinity Exhibit' at the school's gallery on Feb. 21, 2026 in celebration of National Arts Month. Lim used pages from discarded books, newspaper and magazines to create sculpture pieces. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

PAPER SCULPTURE

February 21, 2026

A child poses for a photo under the 'golden money tree' in Intramuros, Manila on Feb. 21, 2026. The money tree, according to research, is a feng shui enhancer that invites wealth, abundance and positive energy into space. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

February 21, 2026

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan celebrates the Lunar New Year and Year of the Horse with the Chibog Chow Festival, bringing together Filipino-Chinese heritage, cuisine and community in one immersive cultural experience. The event was organized by former senator Nikki Coseteng, Golden Collective Communications Team in coordination with the Chinese Embassy, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) and other sponsors on Feb. 21-22 in Manila. Other attendees were Sen. Bong Go; Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino; FFCCCII President Victor Lim; Chinese Embassy spokesman Ji Lingpeng; Blanca Mercado, president and COO of The Manila Times as media partner and other foreign dignitaries. PHOTOS BY BENEDICT ABAYGAR, JR.

CELEBRATION WITH CHINESE FILIPINOS

February 21, 2026

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Special Features

A Genuinely Good Man, A Rare Human Being

China-chic products ignite consumer passion, win global fans with culture

A year of growth and renewal: Forecast for the Year of the Fire Horse

CYBERZONE’S FIRE HORSE RESET:

First lady and philanthropists illuminate historic Binondo’s renaissance

BANGUS SUCCESS (From left) Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Elisha Bay Dagupan Bangus and Seafoods owner Raiisa Vargas and her husband Randy show the sample bottled and canned bangus and tuyo products of Elisha Bay during a project visit at Mangin District, Dagupan City Pangasinan as part of the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week celebration on Feb.16, 2026. PHOTOS FROM DOST

DOST program helps small Dagupan bangus enterprise grow, reach intl markets

PH first salt research center in Pangasinan to address massive salt imports; targets 100% national salt sufficiency rate

PCUP, MMDA meet on humane treatment of illegal vendors

GSIS ‘Ginhawa Go’ provides fast, affordable credit for government employees

LBC at 75: Thriving with business, moving with Filipinos

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Katseye’s Manon to take indefinite hiatus from group activities

Gary Valenciano on Alvin Aragon’s issues: ‘It took me time to learn’

Coco Martin ends ‘Batang Quiapo,’ to star in new series with Julia Montes

BAFTAs to stream live on Lionsgate Play in PH

K Brosas, Jopay Paguia-Zamora react to Alvin Aragon’s remarks

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Uniqlo launches Clare Waight Keller’s Spring/Summer 2026 line

Next-gen fashion innovators stage anniversary showcase

Masterclass series highlights Korean skin science, community learning

Fil-Brit Adela Mae Marshall takes center stage as MUPh Muntinlupa 2026

AS Watson sets 21% virgin plastic cut by 2030

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The Sunday Times

Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles enter their next act

Dining options beyond Valentine’s Day

Luck and love at play at Solaire Resort North’s offerings

A week of Albay flavors

A steady presence

OCAC Minister Chia-ching Hsu and Ambassador Wallace M.G. Chow of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines distribute red envelopes to children during the TAPh 20th anniversary celebration, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. PHOTO FROM CULTURE CENTER OF TECO

Expats & Diplomats

Taiwanese Association marks 20th anniversary in Manila

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of February 18, 2026

Trail mode helps manage traction on loose surfaces.

Fast Times

Sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 breaks cover, PH launch expected soon

By Fast Times Team - February 17, 2026

MSC Etoile makes its inaugural call at VICT on Feb. 3, 2026, launching the new Eagle service. PHOTO FROM ICTSI n Participants to the public consultation held in Batangas City reviewed a draft memorandum circular titled ‘Rules and Regulations on the Mandatory Implementation of the Shipping Online Ticketing System for Inter-Island Passenger Ships.’ PHOTO FROM MARINA

Maritime

MSC Eagle service connects VICT to the Americas

By Genivi Verdejo - February 18, 2026

The growing C-5 corridor. IMAGE FROM COLLIERS PHILIPPINES

Build & Design

Mid-income condo market booms with 70% net demand, luxury segment to rise

By Michele T. Logarta - February 17, 2026

The Didipio Mine is located in the town of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. PHOTO FROM OGP

Green Industries

OceanaGold's sustainable mining vision for a better future in Luzon

By Leander C. Domingo - February 21, 2026

The Greentech team (from left): Raymund Acedera (CEO), Rommel Bernardo (inventor), Rowena Bernardo (global systems and communications), ER Rollan (cofounder). CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Campus Press

UP alumna brings invention to the world

By Pocholo Concepcion - February 19, 2026

Boardroom Watch

By Moises Cruz - February 20, 2026

n Photo shows participants of the Department of Agrarian Reform Farm Business School, a 17-session program designed to equip agrarian reform beneficiaries with essential farming techniques and practical business management skills. DAR PHOTO

Agribusiness

Aurora ARBs benefit from farm business school

By Leander C. Domingo - February 19, 2026

Rojean Jensen: Owner Nissen Coffee Farm

Keep in View

Perk of the job

By Nora L. Molde - February 15, 2026

n EVA sampling and scientific laboratory analysis studying how resins that adsorb hydrophobic proteins and peptides.
IMAGE FROM AHR

Science & Technology

Proteomics: Turning archives into biological labs

By Deriq Bernard - February 21, 2026

EXPLORER SERIES At the Doraemon Run 2026, Jackery offers participants a first-hand look at its Explorer Series. PHOTO FROM JACKERY

Sunday Business & IT

Jackery sparks a jolt of fun, dependable power at Doraemon Run 2026