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PH, US flag China WPS actions DFA rebukes Chinese embassy for ‘coercive’ trade retaliation remarks
By Katrina Manubay and Rex Espiritu
T
HE Philippines and the United States on Monday condemned China’s “coercive and aggressive” actions in the South China Sea while reaffirming their commitment to regional security, freedom of navigation, and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). Next page
MARITIME COLLABORATION. Philippine, US, and Australian ships conduct the 14th Philippine-Australia-United States Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The two-day exercise held last weekend, reinforces the continuity of multilateral cooperation and reflects the participating nations’ sustained commitment to strengthening maritime security in the region. AFP
VOL. XL • NO. 08 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Solon seeks P462-m funding for KIG in ‘27 budget By Maricel V. Cruz, Rex Espiritu and Ram Superable A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Tuesday vowed to push for a P462 million budget to develop the Kalayaan Island, covering the construction of road net-
works, sewerage and waste treatment facilities, evacuation centers, and other infrastructure in the municipality. This as the so-called “Kalayaan 16” – local officials who were declared persona non grata by the Chinese embassy -- were honored as West Philippine Sea
“heroes” on Tuesday by the Akbayan party and the Atin Ito coalition. Among those recognized were Mayor Beltzasar Alindogan, Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip Alexis Albayda, Councilor Francis Polizon, and 13 other officials. Next page
TRIMESTER SCHEDULE NOT FINAL—DEPED NEWS / A3
SC: SAME NICKNAMES NOT BASIS FOR DQ NEWS / A4
SHARED SEASON OF PRAYER. Catholic faithful watch, left photo, as a priest of the San Lorenzo Ruiz church in Binondo, Manila feeds used Easter Sunday palm fronds into a bonfire as part of preparations for the Lenten Season. Right photo shows Muslims in prayer in a mosque in Quiapo, Manila. Norman Cruz and Edd Castro
Season of grace Senate to hold closed-door caucus on fate of senators Bato, Go begins this week By Ram Superable
IN A powerful and rare alignment this year, Catholic and Muslim communities in the Philippines are beginning their sacred seasons of Lent and Ramadan this week. Church leaders are embracing this convergence as a unique opportunity for shared spiritual reflection, inviting both faiths to a collective period of prayer, fasting, and conversion, according to Fr. Mark Robin Destura, RCJ in his article in the Vatican News. The eve of the first full day of fasting for Ramadan, which commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, aligns with Ash Wednesday for Catholics, the start of the 40-day Lenten journey in preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, chairman of the Commission on Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, describes this shared beginning as “a grace”, writes Destura. “It invites us to slow down, to return to God and to walk together in faith,” he quotes Bishop Bagaforo Next page
THE Senate plans to hold a closeddoor caucus to discuss the International Criminal Court’s move naming Senators Christopher Lawrence
will probably hold a caucus. But first, we should wait for the ICC’s formal declaration on February 23 to see exactly what is there,” Aquino said. Dela Rosa has been absent from the Senate sessions since the reported is-
suance of arrest warrants by the ICC for Duterte’s co-conspirators. Despite the move initiated by the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor, Aquino said cases involving alleged Next page
Move forward with discipline, direction—PBBM By Charles Dantes and Pot Chavez
OFF TO THE HAGUE. Families of victims of extrajudicial killings together with their legal counsel, and human rights advocates, hold a press conference yesterday to announce that they will be sending a delegation to The Hague, as former President Rodrigo Duterte faces his first hearing on the confirmation of charges before the International Criminal Court on February 23, 2026. Manny Palmero
CBCP calls for anti-dynasty bill passage ahead of EDSA rites THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued a pastoral letter strongly recommending the passage of an anti-political dynasty bill in connection with the forthcoming observance of the 40th anniversary of
“Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as alleged co-perpetrators in killings linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, Senator Bam Aquino announced Tuesday. “We will discuss that tomorrow; we
the EDSA People Power also referred to as a bloodless revolt on Feb. 25. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Commitee on Electoral Reforms has earlier said that the Senate is Next page
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged the people to “move forward with discipline, prudence, and clear direction” as the country welcomed the Lunar New Year. On the other hand, Vice President Sara Duterte called on Filipinos to embrace the spirit of bayanihan and move forward with courage and unity as we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. Next page
Monthly pension, insurance for farmers pushed By Maricel V. Cruz LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has filed a bill proposing a ₱3,000 monthly pension and life, accident, and disability insurance for
farmers. Romualdez said House Bill 7663 aims to provide financial security for elderly farmers, who are “often among the poorest in society with limited access to formal, consistent
income.” “Because many farmers face low and unstable earnings and often work past retirement age out of necessity, pensions offer a guaranteed income Next page