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Friday, February 20, 2026
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7 killed in landslides unleashed by torrential rains in Davao Region

Boardroom Watch

ARRESTED
Former president Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested in March 2024 for alleged crimes against humanity of murder, torture and rape in the Philippines from November 2011 to March 2019 during his ‘war on drugs’ campaign as mayor of Davao City and president of the Philippines. The International Criminal Court (ICC) denies Duterte’s request for an interim release and deems detention necessary for posing a ‘flight risk.’ The ICC requires his presence in proceedings to ensure ‘he does not obstruct or endanger the investigation or the Court’s proceedings, and to prevent the commission of related crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court,’ writes the ICC, as posted on Philippines News Agency website. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

ICC grants ex-president Duterte request to skip confirmation hearing

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

Marcos, Robredo to meet in Naga City

By Catherine S. Valente and Kristina Maralit

ICC grants ex-president Duterte request to skip confirmation hearing

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

Marcos, Robredo to meet in Naga City

Today's Weather, 5 P.M. | Feb. 20, 2026

Former president Rodrigo Duterte. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

Duterte waives right to attend ICC confirmation hearing

Alex Eala AP PHOTO

Eala continues to draw frenzy crowd in Dubai

Award-winning director and writer Brillante Mendoza with his chosen collaborators, three generations of talent meeting at the right time (from left) Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo, Barbie Forteza and Charo Santos.
TMT PHOTO

Brillante Mendoza’s co-creators in ‘Until She Remembers’

Nestle weighs reducing exposure to ice cream business

The AI jobs recession

7 killed in landslides unleashed by torrential rains in Davao Region

ICC grants ex-president Duterte request to skip confirmation hearing

Today's Weather, 5 P.M. | Feb. 20, 2026

WATCH: Marcos won’t monitor Duterte’s ICC hearing – Palace

WATCH: Prosecution Rejects Duterte’s Request to Skip Confirmation Hearing

Kanlaon Volcano remains on Alert Level 2 amid ongoing unrest

MMDA inspects People Power monument route ahead of Feb 25 rally

Popular fastfood giant to acquire South Korea's leading hot pot chain

June Mar Fajardo faces tough challenge in PBA's no height limit conference

Coco Gauff praises Alex Eala for expanding tennis audience

Rigoberto D. Tiglao

Maynilad must turn rosy pictures into tap water

By Rigoberto D. Tiglao

Francisco S. Tatad

First Things First

Can we move beyond optics in our talks with China?

By Francisco S. Tatad

Ma. Isabel Ongpin

Ambient Voices

Paying more for less

By Ma. Isabel Ongpin

Persida V. Rueda-Acosta

DEAR PAO

Unregistered land case may bind purchaser who has personal knowledge of a pending suit

By Persida V. Rueda-Acosta

HEADLINES: Marcos, Robredo to meet in Naga City | Feb 20, 2026

HEADLINES: Marcos, Robredo to meet in Naga City | Feb 20, 2026

Today's Front Page

Digital Edition

IN PERILOUS COMPANY

Arresting salt industry meltdown

Stephen CuUnjieng

The Empiricist

The AI jobs recession

By Stephen CuUnjieng

Vantage Point

Conspiracy theory or sharp observations?

By Van Ybiernas

Life Plucks

Philippine politics is deeply personal

Ariane Macalinga Borlongan

Language Speaks

Aligning advocacy and practice in scholarship in Philippine languages

By Ariane Macalinga Borlongan

Charlie V. Manalo

Naked Thought

By Charlie V. Manalo

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Kanlaon Volcano remains on Alert Level 2 amid ongoing unrest

MMDA inspects People Power monument route ahead of Feb 25 rally

Duterte waives right to attend ICC confirmation hearing

LP: VP Sara should clear her name ahead of her run

Marcos names former Duterte ally as NBI chief

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Silay water initiative meets resistance

Ramadan prompts BARMM, MILF chiefs to reconcile

NHCP cites BRT station snag

Tri-city justice zone launched in Eastern Visayas

Marcos: No teacher will retire as Teacher 1

This picture taken on February 19, 2026 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on February 20, 2026 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivering the opening address at the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang. (Photo by KCNA VIA KNS / AFP) / South Korea OUT / SOUTH KOREA OUT / ---EDITORS NOTE--- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO/KCNA VIA KNS" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
THIS PICTURE WAS MADE AVAILABLE BY A THIRD PARTY. AFP CAN NOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, LOCATION, DATE AND CONTENT OF THIS IMAGE. /

North Korea opens major party congress with Kim emphasizing economy

New Mexico reopens investigation into alleged illegal activity at Epstein's former Zorro Ranch

Venezuela approves amnesty that could release of hundreds detained for political reasons

New Zealand seeks to abolish dedicated environment ministry

Deadly California avalanche search to go through weekend

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Popular fastfood giant to acquire South Korea's leading hot pot chain

Gasoline, diesel prices projected to increase again next week

Japan inflation eases in welcome news for Takaichi

BSP cuts rate amid growth slump

PH Asean chairship to boost exports

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June Mar Fajardo faces tough challenge in PBA's no height limit conference

Coco Gauff praises Alex Eala for expanding tennis audience

Dwight Ramos upbeat as Quentin Millora-Brown adds size to Gilas

Liu captures Olympic figure skating gold as US seal hockey glory

Coco Gauff too much for Alex Eala

Filipino Muslims attend the 'Luhor' midday or early afternoon prayer, inside the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila, on Feb. 19 2026, the start of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed as a holy time for fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and community, commemorating the revelation of the Quran. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

February 19, 2026

Members of the Manila Police District - Civil Disturbance Management (MPD-CDM) hold refresher training at their headquarters on Feb. 19, 2026 in preparation for the rally on the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution and 3rd Trillion Peso March. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

PREPARING FOR RALLY

February 19, 2026

People buy food for dinner following the first day of Ramadan at the Muslim Town market in Quiapo, Manila on Feb. 19, 2026. Residents gather at the market to prepare for iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast during the Islamic holy month. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

February 19, 2026

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto takes an oath as he files election offense and perjury complaints against Cezarah Rowena C. Discaya before the Commission on Elections Political Finance and Affairs Department at its Intramuros, Manila office on Feb. 19, 2026, over alleged campaign overspending and unreported expenditures in the May 2025 polls. PHOTOS BY SEVERINO FRAYNA AND JAMES DANIO

February 19, 2026

Visitors view artworks on display at the Bulwagang Eulogio Rodriguez, Manila City Hall, on Feb. 19, 2026. PHOTOS BY RENE DILAN

February 19, 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

PHOTO FROM CLI FOUNDATION

Beyond relief: CLI Foundation’s commitment to long-term community recovery

Legarda pushes K to 3 Foundational Learning and Nurturing Care Act to confront education crisis

Romualdez files bill for P3,000 monthly pension and insurance for farmers

Spanish DJ Hugo Capablanca holds artist talk at Instituto Cervantes ahead of UNKNWN Festival

Government Cyber Resilience Summit Philippines 2026 gears up to unite public sector leaders and global cybersecurity innovators

Comedienne K Brosas PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/KBROSAS

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

Brillante Mendoza’s co-creators in ‘Until She Remembers’

Beautiful and starry and oh so wild

‘KimPau’ series returns to primetime with alternate ending

Regine Velasquez opens up about performance anxiety after duet with Josh Groban

AS Watson begins translating its plastics target into tangible changes across its retail brands and markets. PHOTOS FROM WATSONS PHILIPPINES

AS Watson sets 21% virgin plastic cut by 2030

Owen Regenerative and Longevity clinic opens in Quezon City

The sitting syndrome

Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse at Discovery Boracay and Discovery Coron

Carlo Evaristo unveils new jewelry collection

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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

DMPI workers harvest pineapples. SCREENGRAB FROM DEL MONTE’S KITCHENOMICS YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Green Industries

Del Monte PH: a century of stewardship

By J. Albert Gamboa - February 14, 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

SALT POWER Sodium-ion batteries will not replace lithium-ion batteries but will provide an efficient and affordable option. IMAGE FROM CATL

Science & Technology

Sodium-Ion batteries is the next phase of EV electrification

By Raymond Gregory Tribdino - February 14, 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