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Friday, March 6, 2026
Today's Paper

Hundreds of street vendors line the service road near Baclaran Church on February 1, 2026, catering to the surge of devotees arriving for the first Sunday Mass of the month. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Inflation accelerates to 2.4% in February

By Giselle P. Jordan

Boardroom Watch

Sealed with a kitsch

TRILLANES FILES CASE Former senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV files cyberlibel and perjury complaints against lawyer Levi Baligod and 18 ex-marines who accused him of allegedly bribing the investigators of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Also included in the complaints were former congressman Mike Defensor, former newscaster Jay Sonza, former anti-insurgency spokesman Lorraine Badoy, and vlogger Cathy Binag who were instrumental in spreading the propaganda at the Department of Justice on March 5, 2026. PHOTOS BY RENE DILAN

Baligod, 18 ex-soldiers charged with cyber libel

By Catherine S. Valente , Franco Jose C. Baroña and Red Mendoza

Vice President Sara Duterte announces her intention to run for president in the 2028 national elections during a press briefing in Mandaluyong City on Feb. 18, 2026. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

VP Sara's impeachment case moves forward

By Reina C. Tolentino , Red Mendoza and Agence France-Presse

Vice President Sara Duterte answers the questions of congressmen on Sept. 16, 2025 at the House of Representatives in Quezon City. The P902.8 million budget of the Office of the Vice President was approved by the House Committee on Appropriations after a brief hearing. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

House panel orders VP Duterte to answer impeach complaints

By Reina C. Tolentino

Baligod, 18 ex-soldiers charged with cyber libel

VP Sara's impeachment case moves forward

House panel orders VP Duterte to answer impeach complaints

PCSO Lotto Results | March 5, 2026

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero answers questions from the media during a press briefing on Monday, June 2, 2025. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

Ways to ease rising oil prices eyed

TOP TWO Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) speaks with Premier Li Qiang during the opening ceremony of the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress of China at the Great Hall of the People in the capital Beijing on March 5, 2026. EPA PHOTO

China bolsters military spending with eyes on US, Taiwan

ON HOLD A Maersk cargo ship loaded with shipping containers navigates through New York Bay on Jan. 23, 2026. Maersk on March 4 said it is suspending bookings in the Persian Gulf ‘until further notice’ as the crisis in the Middle East escalates. AFP PHOTO

Maersk suspends bookings in Gulf 'until further notice'

Common caption: Jessie Buckley with her directors: Chloe Zhao for ‘Hamnet’ (with Paul Mescal) and Maggie Gyllenhaal for ‘The Bride!.’ PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND WARNER BROTHERS

The bewitching Jessie Buckley

Sealed with a kitsch

FBI investigating 'suspicious' cyber activity on system holding sensitive surveillance information

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Noem after building criticism over immigration enforcement

Celtics' Jayson Tatum listed as 'questionable,' on verge of return 9 months after Achilles surgery

More than 20 states sue over new global tariffs Trump imposed after his stinging Supreme Court loss

Trump says Zelenskyy 'has to get a deal done,' insists Putin ready

More flights take off despite continued fighting in Middle East

Inflation hits 13-month high

P2B business fund for OFWs launched

Global economic resilience 'tested yet again' by Mideast war: IMF chief

Stock market rebounds but peso falls anew

Rigoberto D. Tiglao

Has the tide turned against the Empire and its Jewish partner-in-crime?

By Rigoberto D. Tiglao

Francisco S. Tatad

First Things First

The anti-dynasty law must be fair to all

By Francisco S. Tatad

Ma. Isabel Ongpin

Ambient Voices

Hanoi on the run

By Ma. Isabel Ongpin

Persida V. Rueda-Acosta

DEAR PAO

Salary increases under the company’s collective bargaining agreement

By Persida V. Rueda-Acosta

HEADLINES: Sara’s impeachment case moves forward | Mar 5, 2026

HEADLINES: Sara’s impeachment case moves forward | Mar 5, 2026

Today's Front Page

Digital Edition

PUSHED OVER THE EDGE

The need for AI governance more urgent than ever

Stephen CuUnjieng

The Empiricist

Anti-corruption vs anti-poverty

By Stephen CuUnjieng

Vantage Point

Understanding the historical roots of the United States-Iran conflict

By Van Ybiernas

Life Plucks

Like a Circle

Evidence of woman power

By Carl E. Balita

Charlie V. Manalo

Naked Thought

Ill-timed and distracting

By Charlie V. Manalo

Vice President Sara Duterte answers the questions of congressmen on Sept. 16, 2025 at the House of Representatives in Quezon City. The P902.8 million budget of the Office of the Vice President was approved by the House Committee on Appropriations after a brief hearing. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

House panel orders VP Duterte to answer impeach complaints

1st batch of stranded Pinoys back home from the Middle East

3 defense personnel were spies for China — NSC

Fire chief faces charges in P14.7M bribery case

Ethics complaint filed vs Suntay

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Four officers reassigned after inmate escapes Sablayan prison

DSWD-NIR pays 60% of Typhoon Tino victims in Negros

Govt boosts rural economy through farm tourism strategy

Nueva Vizcaya boosts healthcare with P240M DOH projects

NUPL seeks protection for lawyers and activists facing threats

FBI agents investigate a shooting at Buford's in Austin, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

FBI investigating 'suspicious' cyber activity on system holding sensitive surveillance information

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Noem after building criticism over immigration enforcement

More than 20 states sue over new global tariffs Trump imposed after his stinging Supreme Court loss

Trump says Zelenskyy 'has to get a deal done,' insists Putin ready

More flights take off despite continued fighting in Middle East

Philippine Statistics Authority

Inflation hits 13-month high

P2B business fund for OFWs launched

Global economic resilience 'tested yet again' by Mideast war: IMF chief

Stock market rebounds but peso falls anew

Economic turnaround dims

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum stands next to bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Boston. AP PHOTO

Celtics' Jayson Tatum listed as 'questionable,' on verge of return 9 months after Achilles surgery

SGA, Holmgren lead Thunder past Knicks

Brownlee ready to face towering imports

Cone not in a rush to play Cariño

PH bows to Korea in women’s football

HARVARD GRADS VISIT THE TIMES
Filipinos who graduated from Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) Asian American and Pacific Islander (HKSAAPI) Caucus, who write columns for The Manila Times, visit the Times newsroom to sign a contract renewing the publication of its weekly column, 'Harvard Veritas' on March 5, 2026. Pictured are (from left) Benedict Carandang, HKSAAPI Special Project Lead for the Times; Mariliza Kalaw, HKSAAPI Corporate Secretary and Trustee, Times chief executive officer Anna Marie Ang-Thompson, Transportation Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc, HKSAAPI Trustee & President; and Zheng Liping, HKSAAPI Trustee. PHOTOS BY JEROME ESPAÑOL

HARVARD GRADS VISIT THE TIMES

March 5, 2026

FRESH PRODUCE
Vendors prepare fresh produce at the Pasay City Public Market along Taft Avenue, ahead of the afternoon influx of customers on March 5, 2026. Philippine inflation accelerated to a 13-month high of 2.4% in February, driven by a sharp rebound in food prices and increased utility costs in the capital, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported Thursday. The figure climbed from 2.0% in January, marking a third consecutive month of quickening price growth despite remaining within the central bank’s 2% to 4% target range. The government identified a spike in rice and meat costs as the primary drivers, while the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas signaled continued vigilance as rising global oil prices and electricity rate hikes in Metro Manila pose ongoing risks to the economic outlook. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

March 5, 2026

SCORCHING FIELD

Farmers endure the heat as they manually water the field in Tanay, Rizal on March 5 2026. The rising temperatures are starting to be felt across the Philippines as the northeast monsoon or Amihan season nears its end according to pagasa. Meanwhile, intense southwest monsoon or Habagat season is likely due to the expected El Niño phenomenon. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

SCORCHING FIELD

March 5, 2026

RENOVATED FOOTBRIDGE

Thousands of commuters no longer need to worry about climbing 'Mt. Kamuning,' the high, steep footbridge that is not linked to the Kamuning Busway Station. Under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the new footbridge was built with an elevator, wheelchair lift, and access to the busway station. Facilities such as an expanded platform, waiting sheds, lighting, and clear wayfinding signage were also added. With the new infrastructure, commuters are expected to travel safer, faster, and more comfortably, and the number of passengers using the Kamuning Station is expected to increase to 8,000 per day from the previous 3,000 - 5,000. PCO PHOTOS

RENOVATED FOOTBRIDGE

March 5, 2026

FIREBOYS AND GIRLS

Fire Inspector Annabelle Padilla and firefighters from the sub-station in Paco, Manila leads the training children on what to do in case fire breaks out in their area or house with the aim of providing them with adequate and correct skills. The parents of students who participated in the activity were also included. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

FIREBOYS AND GIRLS

March 5, 2026

DONATION TURNOVER Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan delivers speech on the formal turnover of the People’s Republic of China cash donation of US$1 million at the DSWD main office in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, on March 2, 2026. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

Special Features

Chinese Embassy turns over US$1M cash donation to DSWD

SM enters into landmark partnerships with the NHCP, National Museum

Check in, swipe for exclusive deals and rewards

Watsons, Unilab champion everyday alaga (care) with their first community wellness run

Proposed digital economy pact could double region’s economy to $2 trillion by 2030

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CHR partners with the Supreme Court to expand free legal aid under ULAS

Patients lead the urgent call for a PhilHealth Z Benefit Package for lung cancer

Pickle Yard Conference League 2026 holds official event at Vista Mall SOMO

Angele Lapp ignites global pop with ‘Downtown Girl’

Arton Capital, Mercan Group strengthen Southeast Asia presence

Common caption: Jessie Buckley with her directors: Chloe Zhao for ‘Hamnet’ (with Paul Mescal) and Maggie Gyllenhaal for ‘The Bride!.’ PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND WARNER BROTHERS

The bewitching Jessie Buckley

Blood ties fracture in action drama film ‘Pater Noster’

Early reactions hail ‘Project Hail Mary’ ahead of PH release

David Licauco ranks top Filipino at Hyrox Taiwan

Alvin Aragon comments on Bong Suntay’s remarks about Anne Curtis, talks about ‘sin of lust’

Injuries to the big toe can affect one’s gait and may lead to foot, knee and hip pain. PHOTO FROM FREEPIK.COM

How is your big toe?

Experts warn of common tennis injuries and how to prevent them

Cavite beauties shine in Miss Universe Philippines tilt

A beautiful union at Santuario de San Antonio

The Frenzy Group’s Chinese New Year feast

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The Sunday Times

Hilda Koronel and the freedom to return

When in Dumaguete, eat like a local

Bulaqueño chef places in Top 10 at international culinary competition

Mega brunch brings five Solaire restaurants together for one-day affair

The many dimensions of Raffi Kasparian

Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, with Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan during the MoU signing between Marina and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on mutual recognition of seafarer certificates. PHOTO FROM AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY

Expats & Diplomats

Australia, Philippines partner to boost trade and protect seafarers

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of February 24, 2026

Wagon, but make it RS: Wider arches, honeycomb grille, and plug-in hybrid punch with real EV range for city runs.

Fast Times

New Audi RS 5 is Audi Sport's first high-performance PHEV with 639 PS and 84 km EV range

By Isaac Atienza - March 3, 2026

Maritime

ITF and JNG designate Strait of Hormuz as "High Risk Area" amid escalating ccnflict

By The Manila Times Maritime Team - March 4, 2026

Ar. Lor Calma, circa 1970s.

Build & Design

Remembering Lor Calma: a pillar of Philippine modernist architecture

By Michele T. Logarta - March 3, 2026

ludwig federigan

Green Industries

Green investments drive $120 billion growth in Southeast Asia

By Ludwig Federigan - February 28, 2026

Campus Press

Marikina Polytechnic College pilots micro-credentialing program

By Menere Nasiad - March 6, 2026

Boardroom Watch

Sealed with a kitsch

By Moises Cruz - March 6, 2026

Photo shows the groundbreaking for the P84.8-million warehouse in Barangay Damortis, Santo Tomas, La Union. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Agribusiness

P84.8-M NFA facility in La Union to reduce post-harvest losses

By Leander C. Domingo - March 5, 2026

Keep in View

By T. Aviles - March 1, 2026

SEMICON SHIFT Semiconductor fabrication uses a variety of chemicals in large amounts which demand strict and safe management of these materials. SAMSUNG PHOTO

Science & Technology

AI boom is reshaping the global memory industry

By Raymond Gregory Tribdino - February 28, 2026

Sunday Business & IT

Google settles with Epic Games with offer to lower its app store commissions

By Associated Press - March 5, 2026