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‘China will back 2028 bet who will not defend WPS rights’ transparency efforts and avoid challenging Chinese actions in disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea. Tarriela, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for the West Philippine Sea, said China is un-
By Rex Espiritu COMMODORE Jay Tarriela on Friday warned that China would likely back a presidential candidate in the 2028 general elections who would scale back
CLOSING THE GAP. Despiter her
likely to support someone who would firmly defend Philippine rights in the disputed waters, cautioning that Beijing’s information operations may intensify as the polls approach.
quarterfinal defeat against American Coco Gauff, Alex Eala’s stirring run at the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Championships has pushed her to a career-high live ranking of number 32. Story on A8. Dennis
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VOL. XL • NO. 11 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026 •
Palace dismisses ‘anoint Leni’ yarn, VP Sara early bid By Charles Dantes, Ram Superable, and Maricel Cruz MALACAÑANG on Friday downplayed speculation that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could back former Vice President Leni Robredo in the 2028 presidential polls even as it described Vice
Rody allowed to skip ICC hearings next week Prosecutor argues former president fit to attend trial
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By Pot Chavez, Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz
T
HE International Criminal Court PreTrial Chamber I has approved the request of former President Rodrigo Duterte not to attend the confirmation of charges hearing starting Feb. 23.
“The Chamber, while acknowledging the objections of the Prosecution and the CLRV (Common Legal Representative of the Victims), considers that, in the present circumstances of the case, it is appropriate to proceed with the hearing on the confirmation of charges in the absence of Mr. Duterte,” the ICC judges said. The Office of the Prosecutor earlier opposed Duterte’s request not to appear during his confirmation hearings scheduled on February 23-24 and February 26-27, 2026. They argued Duterte is "fit, competent, and physically and mentally able" to attend personally, citing the Chamber's earlier conclusion. ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet said Duterte’s absence is not based on "reasons related to the health.” Duterte's lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said the former president is within his rights to submit a waiver declining to attend proceedings, saying it is is allowed under the law. Next page
DRY RUN. A member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) band blows his trumpet during a rehearsal at the Edsa People's Power Monument in Quezon City in preparation for the upcoming Edsa Peoples Power 40th anniversary on February 25, 2026. Inset shows organizers of the Trillion Peso March against corruption and political dynasties with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III at the monument following a walk-through of the planned activities next week. Manny Palmero
‘China using ‘force or coercion’ to change status quo’ CHINA is stepping up attempts to change the status quo "by force or coercion," Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Friday, while adding she wanted "stable and constructive" ties with Beijing. "China is intensifying its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, while also expanding and
stepping up its military activities in the areas surrounding our country," Takaichi told parliament following her election landslide on February 8. "It is a consistent policy of the Takaichi Cabinet to comprehensively advance a 'Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests' with China and to build a constructive and stable relationship.
"Precisely because China is an important neighbor and there are various pending issues and challenges, we will continue our communication and respond calmly and appropriately from the standpoint of our national interest," she said. China is beefing up its military and is engaged in a number of territorial disputes with
House eyes Sara’s SALN, bank records By Maricel Cruz THE House of Representatives may examine Vice President Sara Duterte’s bank records as part of ongoing impeachment proceedings, citing allegations of unexplained wealth and possible omissions in her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs). Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union on
Friday described the accusations in the fourth impeachment complaint as “serious and disturbing.” He noted claims that certain bank accounts, properties and significant cash movements were not fully reflected in Duterte’s SALNs. “These matters must be reconciled with SALN disclosures,” he said, particularly in light of allegations of sworn accounts detailing large Next page cash transfers.
All set for One Trillion March on February 25 By Rio N. Araja, Rex Espiritu, and Rolando Ng THE Quezon City government on Friday said it has issued a rally permit to the organizers of the Trillion Peso March on Feb. 25 but warned
• 30,000 expected
to join EDSA rally • At least 9 schools suspend classes
against burning of materials, including effigies. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is gearing up for the massive anti-corruption rally, underscoring its dedication to facilitating a peaceful demonstration. Next page
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No jeepney fare hike; oil prices to rise next week By Charles Dantes and Alena Mae Flores MALACANANG on Friday said a proposed fare increase for passenger jeepneys is premature even as fuel prices are projected to rise for what could be the eighth straight week. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the LTFRB was prioritizing discussions on possible bus fare increases, noting that buses do not have a provisional fare adjustment. “Their priority is the discussion on increasing bus fares,” she said. Next page
LANDSLIDE. Bureau of Fire personnel bring out the body of one of four family members who died in a landslide yesterday in Mati City, Davao Oriental. Story on A3. Bfp X1 Mati Firestation