Communities realizing disadvantage of harboring Reds: AFP
More communities in the countryside are realizing that not taking a strong stand against the New People's Army (NPA) puts them at a disadvantage. This was emphasized by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato when asked Tuesday on why more local government units are showing their resolve against the communist rebels and declaring them persona non grata.
Philippine News Agency

114 ex-rebels, supporters pledge loyalty to govt
A total of 114 former supporters and militias of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental pledged loyalty to the government in a ceremony held at the Barangay 2 covered court on Monday. 
The Manila Times

Davao City IPs lauded for standing up vs. CPP-NPA
The chief of the Army's 3rd Infantry Battalion has lauded the Ovu-Manobo tribe for "standing up" against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People Army (CPP-NPA), as he underscores the role of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the government's campaign against communist insurgency.
Philippine News Agency

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PH gov’t red tags rights groups in complaint to UN
“Stop whining and address the issue,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay told the government after it once again tagged the group as front organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
Bulatlat

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UPLM decries vilification of lawyers
FOLLOWING the circulation of an anonymous list tagging three lawyers as communists, the Union of People's Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) hit the worsening vilification of lawyers in different parts of the country.
Sunstar Cagayan de Oro

The semiotics of Ronald Cardema
The directive of National Youth Commission Chairperson Ronald Gian Carlo L. Cardema for youth leaders and other young people to inform on leftist scholars is alarmingly similar to Gestapo tactics using informants.
Manila Standard

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NDF-EV unites with the people on #EDSA33 and tells Duterte: Your time will come
“We express solidarity for the people in commemorating this February 22 to 26 the fall of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the ouster of his fascist dictatorship through popular uprising,” said National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas spokesperson Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas today on the anniversary of the EDSA uprising.
PRWC

Tight security for Jalaur mega dam groundbreaking
Security will be tight in the hinterland barangay of Agcalaga in Calinog, Iloilo today for the groundbreaking of the P11.2-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Phase II (JRMP II). New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have been sighted in the area and two adjacent barangays, Cahigon and Alibunan.
Panay News

Peace Talks

Incidents/ Operations   

Cop killed, another wounded in Bukidnon ambush
A POLICE officer was killed while another was wounded after four suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) launched an ambush in Sumpong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, late Monday, February 25. The fatality was identified as Police Officer 3 (PO3) Jerry Tropel. 
Sunstar Cagayan de Oro

NPA stops destructive hydroelectric powerplant in Oriental Mindoro
New People’s Army-Mindoro successfully launched a punitive action against the Sta. Clara Power Corporation (SCPC) in Brgy. Malvar, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 25, sending a clear message to all destructive mining and energy corporations: the NPA does not allow plunder and environmental destruction in the island of Mindoro.
PRWC 

AFP condemns NPA attack on Oriental Mindoro power plant
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday strongly condemned the latest atrocity of the New People's Army (NPA) when rebels torched and destroyed heavy equipment, vehicles and other facilities of the Santa Clara Hydro Power Plant in Barangay Malvar, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Philippine News Agency

Duterte, US Secretary of State to tackle terrorism, security matters
President Rodrigo Duterte will discuss key regional issues in his meeting with United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Malacañang on Thursday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sunstar Manila, Business Mirror

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Documentary: Crisis childhood
Jaffar and Abdullah are only teenagers, but they’ve already been to war, fighting alongside Islamic State-affiliated militants in the southern Philippines. It wasn’t their choice though. The teens’ relatives sold them to the Abu Sayyaf extremist group for less than $500. The boys took part in the battle of Marawi before surrendering to government forces. A year after the traumatic events, ex-child soldiers describe the horrors they lived through, while they struggle to build new lives.
RT 

MARAWI

Catriona Gray Adds Fabric From Marawi To Her Pinoy Fashion Collection
Miss Universe Catriona Gray looks amazing in Philippine threads. Whether decked in crisp coats tailored from indigenous fabrics or draped in traditional styles made from the Philippines' signature textiles, the queen is able to draw attention to Philippine-made fashion with such allure and grace.
Cosmopolitan

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD      

REPORT: Terrorism and the threat to democracy
Terrorism does more than kill the innocent: It undermines democratic governments, even in mature democracies like those in the United States and much of Europe. The fear terrorism generates can distort public debates, discredit moderates, empower political extremes, and polarize societies.
Brookings Institute

South Asia Weekly Report | Volume XII; Issue 8
Since the terror-attack in Uri, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed that any aggression by Pakistan would be dealt with in the harshest manner possible. Despite such statements, this has not deterred the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terrorist outfit based in Pakistan and funded by the nation’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as the recent Pulwama attack clearly shows. 
Observer Research Foundation

Modi chairs meet after India-led air strikes kill over 200 terrorists across Kashmir border
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security at Lok Kalyan Marg hours after India had carried out pre-dawn air strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer 

TERRORISM STILL A REAL THREAT IN NETHERLANDS: COUNTER-TERRORISM COORDINATOR
There are still jihadists who are making plans to commit an attack in the Netherlands, the national coordinator for counter terrorism and security NCTV said in its latest threat assessment. The chance of an attack in the Netherlands remains real, and the threat level is therefore still at 4 on a scale of 5, NOS reports.
NL Times 

US, Taliban talk troop withdrawal, counter-terrorism at peace talks
American and Taliban officials looking to end a 17-year war in Afghanistan began their most detailed and high-level discussions yet on foreign troop withdrawals and counter-terrorism on Tuesday (Feb 26), officials close to the peace negotiations said.
Channel News Asia

Lebanon on UK's Plan to Ban Hezbollah: 'Resistance Is Not Terrorism'
On Monday, the UK announced it would ban Hezbollah's political wing as a terrorist organisation, following a decade-old ban on its military wing. It comes despite Hezbollah fighting against jihadists in Syria for many years, with Britain saying that the movement had sought to "destabilise" the balance of power in the Middle East.
Sputnik News

Youth promised false terrorists’ heaven – clerics
Kenyans have been called on to rise up against terrorism and radicalisation. Nyeri County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia said on Monday that sympathisers have even infiltrated security agencies in the country and everyone should be worried. 
The Star (Kenya)

British terrorist jailed after botched bid to join ISIS
The friend of a failed ISIS suicide bomber has been jailed after police uncovered his plan to use a martyr’s video to sign up to the terror group. Mohammad Imran, 23, was sent a video by a man plotting to kill UK prime minister Theresa May in a suicide attack so he could use it as a calling card when he travelled to meet extremists in Libya.
The National UAE

Religious teachers have responsibility to lead community based on true teachings of Islam: Halimah
Asatizahs or religious teachers have a certain standing and influence in the community, and that comes with the responsibility to ensure they lead their followers based on the true teachings of Islam, said President Halimah Yacob on Tuesday (Feb 26).
The Straits Times 

Israeli Extremists Are Making a Comeback—With the Help of US Tax Dollars
As Israel’s April 9 election approaches, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has paved the way for a Jewish-supremacist party—which some are dubbing the Jewish KKK—to enter the next Israeli Knesset. He encouraged the merger of three small far-right parties, Jewish Home, National Union, and Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit in Hebrew), since each of them separately was not expected to receive enough votes to make the minimum Knesset threshold. 
The Nation

What does Tehran Want in Post-U.S. Afghanistan?
President Trump laid out his strategy towards Afghanistan and South Asia in August 2018, in which he mentioned a possible political settlement that includes elements of the Taliban while supporting the Afghan government. Since then the latest round of talks to engage the Taliban are steadily moving up in the recent days across the capitals of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, Tehran is switching gears to get the most out of the chaos, instability, and uncertainty.
International Policy Digest
 

Duterte meets Misuari in Malacañang
President Rodrigo Duterte met with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Nur Misuari on Monday night, Malacañang said Monday. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the meeting between Duterte and Misuari lasted for 15 minutes.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte apologizes to Misuari, thanks him for 'patience'
President Rodrigo Duterte apologized to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari for their unimplemented "agreements" on federalism, Malacañang said on Tuesday, February 26.
Rappler

Duterte, Misuari to work on new peace deal
The government is prepared to craft a new peace deal with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) amid plans to resume talks with its chairman Nur Misuari, President Duterte announced Tuesday night.
Manila Bulletin

Muslim senatorial bets back gov't talks with Misuari
Two senatorial candidates from Mindanao welcomed fresh initiatives to talk peace with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by its founding chairman Nur Misuari. “The peace process should be inclusive. We are a democracy. Kailangan pagbigyan para sa lasting peace,” Maguindanao Representative Dong Mangudadatu, one of the 13 bets of the administration coalition Hugpong ng Pagbabago, told reporters after a campaign stop in Navotas.
GMA News

BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW

Murad vows a government “free of all the ills of governance;” names 10 ministers
Interim Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the 80-member body that will govern the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) until June 30, 2022, vowed on Tuesday a government that will “really be free of all the ills of governance,” and named the first set of Cabinet ministers during the turnover rites from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the BARMM at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.
Mindanews

BTA chief vows: Jihad vs. corruption
The next Jihad or Holy War of the Bangsamoro people will be against corruption, nepotism and other problems plaguing the government, Bangsamoro Transition Authority interim Chief Minister Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim said Tuesday.
Manila Standard

Though incomplete, BTA members to hold 1st meeting on Feb 27
Though still lacking some members, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) appointees will hold their first meeting on Wednesday, February 27, to prepare for their first governance tasks.
Rappler, NDBC News, Philippine Star

MILF chief now a government servant, assumes leadership of new Muslim region
The leader of the country’s largest Moro rebel group today started governing an expanded territory for Muslims in southern Philippines with his assumption as interim chief minister.   
NDBC News

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“The MNLF is well represented in the BARMM” – Defense Chief
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Tuesday said that as far as he is concerned the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is well represented in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
Manila Bulletin

Peace adviser defends equity in BTA representation
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said that contrary to claims by some, the members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have equitable representation in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
Manila Bulletin

Despite favoring federalism, Nur Misuari has 'no choice' but to support BOL – Panelo
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari would rather witness the implementation of federalism over the Bangsamoro law, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.
CNN Philippines

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PEACETALK: Iisa tayo, kaya ipakita natin sa lahat kung ano ang kayang gawin ng nagkakaisang bayang Bangsamoro
Ngayong araw po ang pormal nating turnover. Ibababa ang bandila ng lumang Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; sa muling pagtaas nito, kikilalanin na tayo bilang Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Mindanews

PEACETALK: We should put personal interest behind and work for the common good of the Bangsamoro People
Speech of Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. on the occasion of e the ARMM to BARMM turnover ceremony on February 26, 2019 in Cotabato City.
Mindanews

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

NORTH COTABATO

LANAO PROVINCES

BASILAN

SULU 

Joint Task Force Sulu confirms erosion in ASG ranks
The military’s Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu Tuesday said that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has splintered into small groups to avoid government forces and now fearing civilians who might report their locations and identities.
Manila Bulletin

TAWI-TAWI 

7 rescued from sinking boat off Tawi-Tawi
Authorities rescued Monday 7 crew members of a motor launch after the boat they were riding sank off Bongao town in Tawi-Tawi. Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) said rough seas damaged the hull of M/L Jomong, which was en route to Sitangkai town.
ABS-CBN News, The Manila Times, Philippine News Agency

DRUGS

‘This is Manila’
As the corpse bobbed, details were revealed. The dead man’s legs and arms were bound with rope. His head was wrapped in packing tape. His body was coiled with chains, padlocked to a pail filled with concrete.
The Washington Post

PHL slams Washington Post story on drug war
THE PHILIPPINE Embassy in Washington on Monday slammed an article by the Washington Post on the Philippine government’s war on drugs, saying its portrayal of the country’s capital was a “hasty generalization.”
Business World Online, Manila Bulletin, The Straits Times, Philippine News Agency

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Duterte updates promise: End of PH drug menace in 3 years
President Rodrigo Duterte has updated his promise to end the drug problem in the country, saying he intends to quash the menace by the time he steps down in 2022.
Rappler

Sara believes public supportive of war against drug
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said she is not worried that the administration’s bloody war on drugs will reflect badly on the image of Hugpong ng Pagbabago candidates. “Drugs are a reality of the Philippines and all countries in the world,” she said amid issues of floating bricks of illegal drugs being found off the waters in various parts of the country.
Manila Bulletin

Senator Gatchalian wants “harsher approach” to target drug lords
Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said Tuesday President Duterte’s call for harsher approach to curb the drug menace should be focused on identification and arrest of the phantom drug lords in the multi-billion-peso drug trade.
Manila Bulletin

Robredo, Diokno hit death threats vs bishop critical of Duterte’s drug war
Vice President Leni Robredo and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno slammed the death threats received by Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, a staunch critic of the government’s bloody drug war.
Rappler

Espinoza: Cocaine: a real concern
THE discovery of the several blocks of cocaine that were washed ashore in the beaches of the country’s eastern seaboard is disturbing and the police are still not yet certain where these blocks of cocaine come from. I am personally concerned that some of these blocks of cocaine were found on the shores of Tandag City, the capital of Surigao del Sur, my home province.
Sunstar Cebu

Operations/ Incidents

Shabu, guns recovered from 3 suspects in Taguig buy-bust
Police seized several guns and bullets and sachets of suspected “shabu”  (crystal meth) from three suspects in a buy-bust operation in Taguig City on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Drug ring leader, member arrested in Quezon City
An alleged drug ring leader and one of his members were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Quezon City on Monday, police said. Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr. on Tuesday identified the suspects as Sonny Boy Regajal, alleged leader of the Ragajal drug group, and a certain Rebecca Officiar, an alleged syndicate member.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

BOC intensifies campaign vs. smuggling in Zamboanga City
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has stepped up its campaign against smuggling of imported goods into this city from Sabah, Malaysia and BaSulTa or the Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces. BOC Zamboanga City District Collector Segundo Z. Barte, Jr. said Tuesday the BOC police, together with elements of the Philippine Coast Guard and Task Force Zamboanga, have started to board vessels that arrive here coming from Malaysia and BaSulTa.
Manila Bulletin

KIDNAPPING

Kidnapping suspect nabbed in QC
Police arrested on Monday a man who allegedly attempted to abduct four children in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City by luring them through song numbers.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

Palace blames opposition, critics for politicizing President’s ‘hyperbolic’ remarks
Malacañang is blaming the opposition and critics of President Rodrigo Duterte for politicizing the Chief Executive’s ‘hyperbolic’ statements, which led to death threats hurled at some members of the clergy.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

‘I’ve done all I promised,’ why don’t you know it?
IN a campaign speech in Laguna last Saturday, President Rodrigo Duterte was reported to have said, “I made no promise I have not kept,” except untangling the traffic gridlock at EDSA, which, he said, could have been done if only Congress had given him the “emergency powers” he needed.
The Manila Times

Duterte pushes PH name change as unifying factor
President Rodrigo Duterte seems determined to change the name of the Philippines. He said Monday night that the country’s name “could change” in the future, during a speech at the National Assembly of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas (League of Villages) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Manila Standard

Duterte offers Filipino citizenship to Rohingya refugees
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday offered Filipino citizenship to Rohingya refugees as he reiterated his willingness to accept them into the country.
GMA News

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Pasay prosecutor indicts Trillanes on 2nd inciting to sedition case
The Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted Senator Antonio Trillanes for inciting to sedition.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ELECTION RELATED

Familiarize with ballots for May polls: Comelec tells voters
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday asked voters to familiarize themselves on the official ballots to be used in the May 2019 midterm polls.
Manila Bulletin

Comelec makes ballot face templates available on their website
To already familiarize voters with the ballot that will be used in the May 13 midterm polls, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) posted the ballot face templates at their official website.
Manila Bulletin

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PNP warns politicians vs using ‘wang-wang’ during campaign sorties
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday warned political parties and election candidates against using sirens, blinkers, and other similar devices while holding campaign sorties.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Absence of a leader
If we are to believe Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia, at least one, maybe two, opposition senatorial candidates will make it in May 13. Defeated 2016 presidential candidate Mar Roxas will certainly make it, not only because of name recall but because he has the funding to ensure his victory.
Manila Standard

Oppositions

‘Otso Diretso’ bets go solo on Tuesday’s campaigns
Senatorial bets under the "Otso Diretso" opposition coalition went on individual campaign on Tuesday a day after the Hugpong ng Pagbabago slate skipped the debate challenge they issued. Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano, for one, went around Balanti and Marikina Markets in Marikina City earlier in the day to introduce himself to vendors and market goers.
GMA News

Administration

Sara Duterte on Otso Diretso debate: No to 'palengke style' challenge
No Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) senatorial candidates showed up at the opposition slate Otso Diretso's debate challenge because there was no formal invitation and agreement.
Rappler, The Manila Times

Administration senatorial bets dish out songs, dances, jokes in Cebu City
It was a night of song numbers and comical skit. Former presidential assistant to the President Bong Go had a friendly banter with actor Philip Salvador over the latter’s relationship with actress Kris Aquino.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Dela Rosa on Chinese workers: Kung illegal, dapat gawing legal
Illegal Chinese workers should be given a chance to abide by Philippine law before being deported, said former police chief and now senatorial bet Ronald dela Rosa.
Rappler

Dela Rosa: I've never crafted laws but I've implemented countless
Former police chief Ronald dela Rosa again addressed his lack of experience in legislation during his campaign speech in Malabon City with the rest of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago candidates.
Rappler

Jinggoy Estrada, Francis Tolentino poke fun at De Lima in campaign speeches
Two administration-allied senatorial candidates on Tuesday, February 26, poked fun at detained Senator Leila de Lima in their campaign rally speeches in Malabon City.
Rappler

Election-related Violence, Incidents and operations

DISASTER

MINDANAO

Drought to continue in Mindanao – PAGASA
Dry spell and drought will scorch several Mindanao areas as the dry season approaches, according to the latest climate advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Manila Bulletin

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Is charter change the game changer in the next Congress?
On 18 January 2019, three days before the January 21, 2019 plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), President Rodrigo R. Duterte alluded to pursuing charter change once the BOL is ratified. If ratified, the BOL creates the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and replaces the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Now that the BOL was ratified on 25 January, the path to charter change seems clear. Is it or is it not?
Business World Online

JUDICIARY

Junk gov’t nurses’ pay hike petition, SolGen asks Supreme Court
The government, through Solicitor General Jose Calida has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to dismiss the four-year old petition filed by Ang Nars Party-List which seeks to increase the salary of government nurses by enforcing a provision of Republic Act 9173 or the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

LEGISLATIVE

Sotto files bill to make BFP sole enforcer of country’s Fire Code
As the Fire Prevention Month nears, Senate President Vicente Sotto III has filed a bill that seeks to designate the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as the sole enforcer of the country’s fire code.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Gatchalian seeks swift passage of Proof of Parking bill 
The perennial traffic on Edsa could still be addressed even without emergency powers granted to President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte admitted over the weekend that he failed to solve the monstrous traffic on Edsa because of Congress’ failure to grant him extra powers to solve it.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BUDGET AND FINANCE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

PNP gets biggest batch of women recruits in SAF history
The elite Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) got its biggest batch of women recruits since it was founded in 1991. In the oath taking ceremony of their new recruits on Tuesday, February 26, PNP SAF Director Chief Superintendent Amando Empiso swore in 112 men and 172 women, set to be commandos to be trained against high-profile crimes and terrorism.
Rappler

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

Retail T-bond sale bares strong demand
THE GOVERNMENT saw strong demand during the sale of the retail Treasury bonds (RTB) to institutional investors on Tuesday in which the five-year debt papers fetched a higher coupon than in previous exercises.
Business World Online

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

West Philippine Sea

LABOR

DOLE to lead meeting on permits for foreign workers
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will lead on Friday, March 1, a high-level committee meeting that will discuss how the government could better address the growing number of foreigners, especially Chinese nationals, who are working either legally or illegally in the country, according to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

CA junks GMA plea to reverse NLRC ruling in labor case
The Court of Appeals (CA) has dismissed the petition filed by network giant GMA-7 seeking a reversal of the decision of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) to declare their 96 “talents” as regular employees.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

De Lima: Allowing illegal Chinese workers here an act of cowardice
Senator Leila de Lima said Tuesday that allowing illegal Chinese workers in the country shows President Rodrigo Duterte’s  “cowardice” in dealing with China.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TRANSPORTATION

Gov’t hikes fuel subsidy for PUV operators, drivers
The government has increased the fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle operators and drivers under the Pantawid Pasada Program (PPP) of the national government to PHP20,514 this year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

HEALTH 

Still not enough people getting measles vaccine, says DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, February 26, again appealed to the public to get vaccinated against measles, as the immunization rate has yet to improve amid an outbreak.
Rappler

No more HMO discrimination under new AIDS law
Health and life insurers can no longer discriminate against Filipinos living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) under the new AIDS Prevention and Control Law, Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Johnny Pimentel said Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

NEDA: Rice M.A.V. may exceed 350,000 metric tons
The government may increase the volume of rice imports from non-Asean countries that can enter the Philippines at a lower tariff rate, according to the draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the rice trade liberalization law.
Business Mirror

EDUCATION

Public school teachers to get salary increases; asked to wait a bit
President Duterte has appealed to public school teachers to “wait a little” longer for the increase in their salaries he proposed this year.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

POVERTY

HOUSING

5-hectare Port of Manila land set as relocation site
At least five hectares of land inside the Port of Manila were allotted as a relocation site for residents of Isla Puting Bato in Tondo, Manila through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by government officials and stakeholders on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TOURISM

Tourism chief thanks Catriona for promoting the Philippines
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray paid a courtesy call to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat at the Department of Tourism (DOT) head office in Makati City.
Manila Bulletin

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

Customs, Phividec to go after Verde Soko for S. Korean garbage import
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) and Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation (Phividec) will be going after Verde Soko II Philippines Industrial Corporation for importing South Korean garbage in 2018.
Rappler

Reclamation in the Philippines: Good, bad or ugly?
The Philippines may not be the most populated country in Southeast Asia, but its capital, Manila, is now the most densely populated city in the world. Manila has over 42,000 inhabitants per square kilometer with the city’s population estimated at 21.3 million, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority in an October 2018 report.
Philippine Star

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR