TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 26 February 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

26 February 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m.

.    1. Pres. Marcos visits Cebu, inaugurates two vital facilities

[ABS-CBN News, Cebu Daily News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, Sunstar, The Freeman]

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/700613/pres-marcos-visits-cebu-inaugurates-two-vital-facilities

2. Palace on NUP unlikely backing VP Sara impeachment raps: It's their decision

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/977965/palace-on-nup-unlikely-backing-vp-sara-impeachment-raps-it-s-their-decision/story/

3. Palace respects ICC move allowing Duterte to skip hearing; return to Rome Statute not a priority

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZRH, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, MindaNews, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/26/palace-respects-icc-move-allowing-duterte-to-skip-hearing-return-to-rome-statute-not-a-priority

4. Lawyer refers affidavit of 'ex-Marines' vs lawmakers, gov't officials to Ombudsman

-ICC Office of Prosecutor denies ex-Marines' claims, asserts independence

-Palace: Bribery claims vs Marcos may be bid to discredit ICC

-Trillanes denies $2 million bribe to ICC judges

-Año dismisses ‘malicious’ cash deliveries accusations

-NBI chief Matibag orders probe into exposé by 18 ex-Marines

-Validation of ex-Marines' cash delivery claims begins – Lacson

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, Panay News, Rappler, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/26/lawyer-refers-affidavit-of-ex-marines-vs-lawmakers-gov-t-officials-to-ombudsman-1349

5. Palace: ‘Wonder Boy’ Mike Defensor is ‘Ador Mawanay 2.0’

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2187952/fwd-palace-on-mike-defensor

6. PNP: EDSA 40th anniv rallies generally peaceful despite tension; Youth group denounces arrest of 2 activists

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune,  DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/977935/pnp-edsa-40th-anniv-rallies-generally-peaceful-despite-tension/story/

7. JV Ejercito eyes March 4 for Senate ethics panel hearing

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2187837/jv-ejercito-eyes-march-4-for-senate-ethics-panel-hearing

8. Davao scribe disputes CCTV evidence presented before ICC

[Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/26/davao-scribe-disputes-cctv-evidence-presented-before-icc

9. Pro-Duterte pages use AI to recast drug war victims' kin as rich

[ABS-CBN News, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/02/26/2510415/pro-duterte-pages-use-ai-recast-drug-war-victims-kin-rich

10. Youth leaders urge Comelec to junk bid to disqualify Kabataan Partylist

[ABS-CBN News, DZBB, DZRH, Philstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/26/youth-leaders-urge-comelec-to-junk-bid-to-disqualify-kabataan-partylist-1457

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Thursday, 26 February 2026

BIR launches Mindanao-wide tax campaign in Caraga

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) formally kicked off the pilot conduct of its Mindanao-wide tax campaign on February 20 in the Caraga region, drawing more than 2,000 participants composed of BIR national executives, officials, and personnel from the five Mindanao revenue regional offices, along with their invited taxpayers.

The annual campaign underscores taxpayers’ responsibility and their vital role in nation-building. Each year, the BIR reminds citizens that taxes are not merely obligations but the lifeblood of government programs and services, funding schools, hospitals, roads, disaster response, and social protection. The campaign frames tax compliance as a shared duty, where every peso collected contributes directly to national progress.

BIR Regional Office No. 17 –  Caraga Director Esmeralda M. Tabule highlighted this message by echoing the words of BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza: “You [taxpayers] are our VIPs. Our very important partners.”

“More than a ceremonial opening, this gathering reaffirms our shared responsibility of ensuring that every peso collected translates into tangible benefits for our people and our communities. Through this campaign, we reinforce the vital connection between tax compliance and nation-building,” Tabule added.

During the program, an overview of each region’s economy was presented, highlighting the key industries that drive local growth. The presentations emphasized Mindanao’s diversity and how this broad economic base expands opportunities to generate revenues and strengthen contributions to nation-building.

Following the program, a press conference with local media partners was held, in which BIR officials thoroughly discussed the agency’s thrust toward digitalization of transactions, especially those related to tax compliance. The initiative aims to make processes more efficient, transparent, and accessible, thereby encouraging greater taxpayer participation and trust in the system.

The Mindanao-wide campaign serves as the opening salvo for BIR’s nationwide tax awareness drive, aiming to strengthen partnerships with taxpayers, and encouraging voluntary compliance across the country. Ultimately, tax compliance plays a crucial role in improving governance and advancing the nation’s economy, as revenues collected enable the government to deliver better public services, invest in infrastructure, and promote inclusive growth for all Filipinos. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Butuan City builds international relations at Jakarta decarbonization forum

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The city government of Butuan continues to advance sustainable development efforts and strengthen international cooperation in support of climate action and energy transition initiatives.

Councilor Gemma Tabada, together with City Administrator Attorney Ian Sabado and other representatives of the Butuan City government, actively participated in the February 9–10, 2026 Twinning Arrangements for Decarbonization in Southeast Asia Regional Matchmaking Exchange held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Twinning Arrangements for Decarbonization in Southeast Asia is an initiative under the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), designed to accelerate the clean energy transition in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The program aims to foster collaboration among cities and institutions to facilitate partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building efforts focused on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Around 75 representatives from both public and private sectors across the three participating countries joined the regional matchmaking exchange. The forum centered on practical strategies to decarbonize urban systems, enhance renewable energy adoption, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen local climate governance frameworks.

According to Councilor Tabada, Butuan’s participation in the regional forum reflects the city’s strong commitment to pursuing innovative and sustainable solutions to address climate change. She emphasized that building partnerships beyond national borders allows the city to learn from best practices, access technical expertise, and explore potential investments that will support its long-term sustainability goal of becoming a smart-eco city.

“This platform enables us to connect with like-minded cities and institutions that share our vision for a cleaner and more resilient future. Through collaboration and shared knowledge, we can accelerate our local initiatives while contributing to broader regional climate targets,” Tabada said.

The Butuan City Development Council has adopted the Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (LEECP) for 2026–2028. This plan promotes responsible energy use, operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and a 10 percent reduction in electric and fuel consumption by 2028. The engagement also opened opportunities for possible twinning arrangements between Butuan and counterpart cities in Indonesia and Vietnam, particularly in renewable energy development, sustainable urban planning, and low-carbon infrastructure projects.

As climate challenges intensify across the country, Butuan City’s participation in international platforms underscores its proactive stance in aligning local development strategies with global climate commitments. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

DICT turns over 50 satellite kits to public schools in Agusan Sur

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — In line with Republic Act No. 10929, which provides free, fast, and secure internet access in public spaces nationwide, particularly in underserved and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga turned over 50 low-earth orbit satellite (LEOSAT) kits at the Provincial Learning Center (PLC) in Prosperidad on February 20.

“We thank the province of Agusan del Sur for accommodating DICT Caraga. We also express our gratitude to the two congressional representatives who selected the 50 schools where the LEOSAT kits will be deployed, primarily prioritizing public schools under the Department of Education (DepEd),” said Regional Director Mario P. Cuñado of the DICT Caraga.

“This is our way of giving back to the taxpayers what they are paying for,” he added.

Through this program, LEOSAT kits are deployed to priority locations, particularly public schools, to help improve digital learning, strengthen access to online government services, and support communities in remote or underserved areas.

The initiative also forms part of the national government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive digital transformation in the Philippines. Adolph Edward G. Plaza, congressional representative of Agusan del Sur’s District II, thanked the DICT Caraga as one of those who initiated and requested the project from the agency.

“We are truly grateful to the DICT for providing the 50 LEOSAT kits. This initiative will significantly enhance connectivity, empower students and teachers, and support the government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide,” he said.

The kits will also greatly help the province as it prepares to host the Palarong Pambansa 2026, enabling athletes to stay connected with their families, access important updates, and share their achievements online.

Moreover, improved internet connectivity will support real-time coordination, strengthen media coverage, and ensure the efficient dissemination of information throughout the event, as some of the recipient schools will also serve as billeting quarters for the Palarong Pambansa 2026.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda shared his audiovisual presentation (AVP) while he was in India representing the Philippines. 

“Even though I am not in Agusan del Sur, you are in my heart because this day is not a simple turnover; it is history. We all know the reality in many places in the Philippines, especially in the provinces. There are areas in the country that have high-speed internet, complete access, and services available with just one click. However, some still need to search for a signal, climb to higher places, leave their homes, and go somewhere just to download requirements, submit modules, or even send a simple message. We admit that many families in Agusan del Sur are experiencing this. It is not just an inconvenience but also a gap in opportunities—a digital divide that slows down the progress of many, which should not be the case,” Aguda said.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gave me a very clear mandate to ensure that no Filipino is left offline. It is simple but heavy. It is not a suggestion but a directive, and this is the reason why we are here. This mission is anchored in law under R.A. No. 10929. It is the government’s obligation to bring internet access to everyone in public spaces. Today, we are turning that promise into reality,” he added.

Some of the school heads from the different schools selected by the two congressional representatives of Agusan del Sur are present to share the joy of the positive change and new opportunities to GIDA communities in the province. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

DTI backs authenticity registration of Surigao Norte’s Giqaquit Rum

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Surigao del Norte supported the proposed geographical indication (GI) registration of Gigaquit rum products, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering local industries as drivers of inclusive growth.

Gigaquit Rum is a renowned local spirit originating from Gigaquit, a town in the province of Surigao del Norte, crafted using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. Its unique flavor profile and cultural significance make it a sought-after product in the region. 

To promote this regionally distinctive product, DTI Surigao del Norte conducted a briefing and orientation for the members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Gigaquit during their 33rd regular session on February 18, for support on proposed geographical indication registration for Gigaquit rum. 

DTI Provincial Director Arnold Faelnar said that the GI concept is the rum’s legal framework and economic significance. 

“A GI is a form of intellectual property protection that grants exclusive rights to products with qualities, reputation, or characteristics attributable to their place of origin. By securing GI recognition, Gigaquit Rum can gain formal protection against misuse or imitation, safeguarding its authenticity in the market.”

He said, “This initiative aims to recognize and protect the unique identity, quality, and reputation of the rum produced in Gigaquit which is deeply rooted in the locality’s natural resources, climate, and time-honored craftsmanship.”

Engineer Ma. Theresa Z. Calang led orientation, supervising the trade-industry development specialist (SupTIDS) of DTI Surigao del Norte, who provided an in-depth discussion on the importance and process of securing a GI recognition. 

The discussion highlighted the potential benefits of GI registration, including strengthened product branding, improved market positioning, increased consumer trust, and expanded opportunities for tourism and investment. 

The recognition is expected to boost local economic development and promote Gigaquit as a center of quality rum production, and encourage sustainable practices while preserving traditional methods.

SB member Elias Crisanto of the local government of Gigaquit is positive on the initiative Gigaquit Rum GI registration.

“The local government’s active participation and support are crucial to ensuring the long-term integrity of the Gigaquit rum, once the Geographical Indication registration is approved.” (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DTI-Surigao del Norte)