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Thursday, March 19, 2026
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Repatriation flights will continue, Palace says

By Kristina Maralit,Aric John Sy Cua - March 19, 2026

Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax, carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia, that arrived clearing the Strait of Hormuz, is seen at the Mumbai Port in Mumbai, India, on March 12, 2026. AP PHOTO/RAFIQ MAQBOOL

Iran-friendly tankers cross Strait of Hormuz

March 19, 2026

Commission on Elections. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

Comelec: Marcoleta not guilty but his donors are

March 19, 2026

Department of Agriculture

DA to distribute aid to farmers, fisherfolk

March 19, 2026

no-image

Labor groups push for P200 wage hike

March 19, 2026

'EVERYTHING IS NORMAL'
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on says that 'everything is normal' as he assures the public that there is sufficient supply of food and fuel products in the country despite the oil price shocks triggered by the war in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Agora Market in San Juan City on March 18, 2026, Marcos said that the government was 'able to keep everything at normal levels' as of this time. SCREENGRAB FROM CATHERINE VALENTE

Marcos: Food and fuel supply stable despite Middle East war

By Catherine S. Valente

Go warns of mental health crisis

By Javier Joe Ismael

9 out of 10 Filipinos take health supplements – study

AI expert: Political will vital in advancing proactive health care

CFO Secretary Dante Ang II.

CFO mulls offering specialized orientation

By Bernadette E. Tamayo

CHR wants full reparation, justice for ‘Malaya Lolas’

By Arlie O. Calalo

‘PH-US defense ties strong’

By Izel Abanilla

LTO admits it has no control over clinic fees

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

DHSUD, NBI join forces vs real estate scammers

By Arlie O. Calalo

SSS partners with bank to boost rural services

By Arlie O. Calalo

National petroleum reserve sought

By Javier Joe Ismael

LOOK WHO'S STALKING

What PH is getting right and wrong about energy crisis response

By The Editorial Board

ANTONIO CONTRERAS

When the state starts policing love

By Antonio Contreras

A boon for books

By Danton Remoto

How bad faith is fueling war and blocking peace

By Ricardo Saludo

Get ready for higher electric rates

HARVARD VERITAS

The hidden cost of water scarcity: Time

By Charlene Morales

The ‘W’ factor in the insurance industry

By Anagel “Jay” Ledesma

Teen pregnancy: The laws we ignore, the families we need, and the future we must protect

By Jeremiah Belgica

Trump’s Iran quagmire could sink America

By Daron Acemoglu

MARIJUANA ERADICATION The Cordillera police are shown here as they uproot fully grown marijuana plants during one of the operations in Kalinga, which was part of a weeklong anti-drug campaign across the region that resulted in the seizure of over P43.6 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 15 drug personalities. PRO-CAR PHOTO

Cordillera police seize P43.6M in drugs, arrest 15 in anti-drug campaign

By Harley Palangchao

Albay cancels Magayon Festival amid economic crisis spawned by Gulf war

By Rhaydz Barcia

Former president Rodrigo Duterte. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

Castro to Kaufman: 'Focus on your client, not politicking'

By Kaiser Jan Fuentes

Over 26K Cebu PUV drivers to receive P5K fuel subsidy after Holy Week

By Kaiser Jan Fuentes

Bacolod jeepney drivers fret over possible exclusion from govt fuel subsidy

By Eugene Y. Adiong

Bangsamoro veterans' aid slashed in half, BARMM probe underway

By Ali Macabalang

Camiguin Vice Mayor arrested in drug bust, PNP captures top fugitives in Bicol

By Izel Abanilla

REMEMBERING WWII VETERANS Ilonggos pay tribute to World War II veterans from Iloilo and Panay Island during the 81st anniversary of the Panay Liberation on March 18, 2026, at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine in Jaro, Iloilo City. PHOTO BY RJAY ZURIAGA CASTOR

Iloilo City honors WWII heroes on 81st Panay Liberation anniversary

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

CASH AID FOR MALOLOS OFWS' FAMILIES The City Government of Malolos, led by Mayor Christian Natividad, on Monday distributed financial assistance to families of overseas Filipino workers from Malolos who are still stranded and unable to send remittances to the Philippines due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. PHOTO BY FREDERICK SILVERIO

Malolos City gives P10K aid to OFW families affected by Middle East war

By Frederick Silverio

74% of Baguio City structures lack building permits, officials report

By Gaby B. Keith

RAINWATER FILTER The Rainfold with Zeramic Filter (on showcase) is a foldable rainwater harvesting system developed to collect and filter rainwater through a mineral filtration system to support water, sanitation and hygiene, and disaster risk preparedness in remote communities. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

DOST-backed rainwater harvesting tech provides clean water in remote areas

By Jerry Hernandez

Calamba Medical Center opens new ENT Center to enhance healthcare in Laguna

US President Donald Trump speaks during a Friends of Ireland luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on March 17, 2026. AFP PHOTO

Trump nominee for Homeland Security chief grilled at Senate hearing

By Agence France-Presse

HEAVY DUTY Municipality workers remove debris at the scene of a Pakistani airstrike on a drug treatment center in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul on March 17, 2026. EPA PHOTO

Mass burials readied for victims of Kabul rehab center strike

By Agence France-Presse

INTERNET SENSATION Moo Deng yawns at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand, on July 10, 2025. AP FILE PHOTO

Man climbs into Moo Deng's enclosure, gets arrested

By Associated Press

STEADY SAILING A ferry transports passengers and vehicles across the Mekong River in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh on March 16, 2026. AFP PHOTO

Cambodia turns to Singapore, Malaysia for fuel as Vietnam, China limit supplies

Taiwan’s flag flutters in the wind at Liberty Square in the capital Taipei on July 2, 2025. EPA FILE PHOTO

China to Taiwan: Reunification to bring energy security

ANTI-JUNTA FIGHTERS Soldiers of the People's Defense Force, the armed wing of Myanmar's anti-junta National Unity Government, stand at attention inside a makeshift detention camp in an undisclosed jungle area in the country on May 2, 2025. EPA FILE PHOTO

Seven foreigners suspected of training Myanmar rebels nabbed in India

By Agence France-Presse

BLOW BY BLOW This combination of pictures shows an Israeli airstrike targeting a building in the Bashoura neighborhood of Lebanon’s capital Beirut on March 18, 2026. AFP PHOTO

Deadly Middle East strikes launched after Iran's Larijani killed

By Agence France-Presse

GOOD HEALTH FOR ALL Pope Leo XIV at his weekly general audience at Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican on March 18, 2026. AFP PHOTO

Pope Leo: Universal health care a 'moral imperative'

'NO IMMINENT THREAT' Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, appears at a House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 11, 2025. AFP FILE PHOTO

Top US security official quits over Iran war

AFTER THE RAIN A rainbow is pictured over Cuba’s capital Havana on March 17, 2026. AFP PHOTO

Cuba vows 'unbreakable resistance' as US pressure mounts

By Agence France-Presse

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

Oil risks seen limiting central bank rate cuts

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

EUNEY MARIE MATA-PEREZ

Withholding tax obligation challenges of Asean member-states

By Euney Marie Mata-Perez

Auto sales down 8.5% in February

By Chynna Grace Ong

China won’t freeze fertilizer exports to PH

By Catherine S. Valente

KAY CALPO LUGTU

Opportunity in crisis

By Kay Calpo Lugtu

BAP to contribute in strengthening financial system under new leadership

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

PH financial system resources hit P36.3T in January

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

Reform corn tariffs to reduce meat prices, govt urged

By Chynna Grace Ong

Philippine Stock Exchange building at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

PSEi extends gains on bargain hunting; Peso up

By Nazylen Joy Mabanglo,Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

Filipinos favor preventive health care – study

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

DA anticipating drop in fish supply

By Giselle P. Jordan

DTI: No price hike yet in basic goods

By Chynna Grace Ong

DOE assists grid upgrade in Mindoro

By Ed Paolo Salting

Lululemon forecasts softer 2026 amid demand strains

FMCG firms urged to adopt co-loading to cut logistics costs

By Chynna Grace Ong

Rockwell Land raises P10B from bonds to fund projects

By Nazylen Joy Mabanglo

PSEi maintains P170B capital-raising goal

By Nazylen Joy Mabanglo

SM to open 8th Mindanao mall in Zamboanga City

By Nazylen Joy Mabanglo

CAUTIONARY MEASURES A smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire near Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. Several airlines canceled fights as the war between the United States and Iran intensifies. AFP PHOTO

Airlines cancel more flights as Middle East conflict escalates

Amazon CEO sees AI doubling prior AWS sales projections to $600 billion by 2036

Alex Eala POC PHOTO

Eala battles Siegemund to begin Miami Open campaign

By Niel Victor C. Masoy

Nxled Chameleons’ Myla Pablo (center). PVL PHOTO

Chameleons test resurgence vs red-hot HSH

By The Manila Times

NU Bulldogs UAAP PHOTO

NU bounces back, sweeps UP Maroons

By The Manila Times

San Juan shocks Caloocan in MPBL

By The Manila Times

Japan’s Mina Tanaka (left) and Philippines’ Jessika Cowart fight for the ball during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 football match between Japan and Philippines at Accor Stadium in Sydney on March 15, 2026. AFP PHOTO

Filipinas meet Uzbeks for World Cup slot

By The Manila Times

Abby Arevalo CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Arevalo: Lone Filipina shining on Ladies European Tour

By The Manila Times

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots over Tristan da Silva of the Orlando Magic during the second half at the Kia Center on March 17, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. AFP PHOTO

SGA nails 40 as Thunder clinch playoff berth

By Agence France-Presse

Thai esports players jailed over scandal

By Agence France-Presse

Venezuela stuns US to win WBC crown

By Agence France-Presse

The ‘Kings of P-pop’ PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/OFFICIALSB19

SB19 to make history as first P-Pop act at Lollapalooza 2026

By Iza Iglesias

OPM singer Jun Sisa TMT PHOTO

Jun Sisa’s ‘2nd Chance’ tops Vibe PH chart

By James Daniel Danio

EarlySeven PHOTOS FROM CURVE ENTERTAINMENT

OPM bands mark new releases with ‘seven’ as creative anchor

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Chairman Lee Man-hee delivers a message at the 42nd founding anniversary Commemorative Service of Shincheonji Church of Jesus at Cheongju Church, Shincheonji Church of Jesus. PHOTO FROM SHINCHEONJI CHURCH OF JESUS

Shincheonji marks 42nd anniversary: From a basement beginning to a growing denomination

MOVEMENT IN MOTION Now in its third year, the Filipina CEO Circle (FCC) Women’s Run PH continues to grow not only in numbers but also in impact, solidifying the FCC’s place as a powerful platform for leadership, empowerment and community. PHOTOS FROM FCC

FCC Women’s Run PH draws 16,500 runners on International Women’s Day

NEW VIDEO With Pokemon Pokopia, players can enjoy imagining a kind of slow life they will experience. IMAGE FROM THE POKÉMON CO.

Slightly peculiar-looking Rotom and Greedent appears in Pokémon Pokopia’s new video

UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE PhilHealth assures that all frontline and hospital-based services will continue operating on a regular five-day schedule amid adjusted work arrangements for select administrative and back-office personnel. IMAGE FROM PHILHEALTH

PhilHealth assures uninterrupted frontline services amid govt-wide energy conservation measures

REGIONAL EXCELLENCE By bringing these long-running programs together under the Southeast Asia Real Estate Awards by Dot Property and Lamudi, the new platform combines the experience, reach and credibility of two of the region’s most recognized property awards initiatives. PHOTO FROM DOT PROPERTY/LAMUDI

Dot Property, Lamudi launch Philippines Real Estate Awards 2026

WOMEN AND CHILDREN PROTECTION UNIT OPENING Rev. Fr. Ricardo Moraga leads the blessing during the opening of the Women and Children Protection Unit of the Bulacan Medical Center (BMC), City of Malolos, Bulacan, on March 11. PHOTO FROM BMC

Bulacan Medical Center opens its Women and Children Protection Unit

HISTORIC DEAL The acquisition of Eastdil Secured LLC is one of the largest deals in the history of Savills. It brings together one of the leading international real estate advisors with the leading global real estate investment bank. PHOTO FROM SAVILLS PLC

Savills announces acquisition of Eastdil Secured LLC

WELCOMING AN AUSPICIOUS YEAR UnionBank Wealth, the premier wealth management arm of UnionBank, gathers its VIP clients for a series of exclusive market outlook events in Manila and Cebu. PHOTO FROM UNIONBANK WEALTH

UnionBank Wealth welcomes Year of the Fire Horse

QUALITY REST Distinguished guests and personalities, including Ruffa Gutierrez, Iñigo Pascual and Crystalle Belo, join the Naturel Collection launch, highlighting the importance of quality rest and wellness in modern living. PHOTO FROM SERTA

Serta, Rustan’s redefine luxury sleep with the Naturel Collection launch

The Philippine Rice Research Institute is upgrading its digital farming tools to help local government units better support rice farmers and improve productivity in farming communities. PHILRICE PHOTO

PhilRice upgrades digital farming tools to boost rice production

By Leander C. Domingo

The Department of Agriculture inaugurates the P60-million Norte Agricultural Trading Center in Batac on March 12, 2026. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

P60-M farm trading center inaugurated in Batac

By Leander C. Domingo

Mango stakeholders from Luzon to Mindanao gather at 6th Luzon Mango Congress in Vigan

By Leander C. Domingo

Former Agriculture secretary William Dar. File Photo

Time for 'Generation RE' to rise

Street protests in Neyshabur, Iran, 2026. PHOTO FROM WIKIPEDIA CREATIVE COMMONS CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL PUBLIC DOMAIN DEDICATION

Iranian Gen Z angry for being dragged into war

By The Manila Times

'When we elect government officials, we give them our power, but they must be accountable to us,' human rights lawyer and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said at a recent gathering of senior high school and college students. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Diokno: Youth must demand transparency in govt

By The Manila Times

'Unstuck' is an easy read (less than 100 pages) but is also full of insights on why and how people found themselves bound by traditional work systems that now demand an overhaul. CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

Beating traffic by working around it

By Pocholo Concepcion

2023 national winner Jeremy De Leon (top) invented a device that turns a smartphone or a tablet into a powerful microscope, while 2025 winner John Carlo Reyes developed a process that helps farmers produce higher‑quality, more consistent flaky salt. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Over P2M at stake in design and engineering contest

By The Manila Times

Project Pastil featured a learning session that engaged student leaders and underserved learners with tools to use digital platforms safely and responsibly in academic and community settings. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Online safety project launched for Mindanao students

By The Manila Times

The Google AI Professional Certificate program is grounded in a 'learn by doing' philosophy, featuring over 20 hands-on activities. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Google offers AI fluency certificate program

By The Manila Times

Micro-credentials a new pathway to decent jobs

By Ernie Cecilia, DPM

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

When the state starts policing love

By Antonio Contreras

Remoto Control

A boon for books

By Danton Remoto

The Word on the World

How bad faith is fueling war and blocking peace

By Ricardo Saludo

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