PCC considering stiffer penalties for competition law violations

February 26, 2026 | 8:43 pm

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said it is seeking comment on its proposal to increase fines for competition law violations.

In a statement, the PCC said it is soliciting public comment for its draft memorandum circular adjusting the schedule of fines prescribed by Republic Act No. 10667.

The PCC is accepting comment on its draft until March 13.

The regulator is proposing to raise the maximum administrative first-offense fine for violating the ban on cartels, abuses of dominance, and prohibited mergers to P125 million from the current P110 million.

For the second and succeeding offenses, the PCC is looking to raise fines to a range of P125 million to P310 million, from P110 million to P275 million currently.

It also proposed a fine of up to P2.5 million for failure to notify the commission of any sale, donation, disposition, or other such transfers during adjudication.

It proposed the same penalties for failure or refusal to comply with a PCC ruling, order, or decision.

It also seeks to raise fines for the entities found supplying incorrect or misleading information to P1.25 million from P1.1 million.

Those found obstructing PCC investigations face a maximum penalty of P2.5 million, against the current P2.2 million. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Senate body to hear dela Rosa no-show complaint amid possible ICC warrant

February 26, 2026 | 8:20 pm

Bato Dela Rosa — SENATOR RONALD “BATO” M. DELA ROSA — PNA PHOTO BY AVITO C. DALAN

THE Senate Ethics Committee will convene next week to review complaints against several lawmakers, including an absence complaint against Senator Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa, who has skipped sessions for months amid reports of a possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the Philippines’ war on drugs.

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, on Thursday said the body would hold a closed-door session on March 4 to adopt its rules and begin initial vetting of pending cases.

“[There will be an] executive session among members — the agenda is the adoption of rules and we will proceed to initial vetting of cases,” he told reporters in a Viber group message.

The committee had been unable to meet for several months due to a lack of members and scheduling constraints.

Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III has authorized the use of the Senate President’s conference room to expedite the meeting, Mr. Ejercito said.

Among the complaints set for review is one filed against Mr. dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief and chief architect of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

A civil society group, Wag Kang KuCorrupt, lodged the ethics complaint this week, accusing the senator of dereliction of duty over his prolonged absence from Senate sessions and committee hearings.

Mr. dela Rosa has not attended sessions since Nov. 11, 2025, when reports surfaced about a possible ICC arrest warrant linked to its investigation into the drug war.

The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity tied to Mr. Duterte’s campaign, which left thousands dead in police operations and vigilante-style killings.

In court documents related to the probe, Mr. dela Rosa and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go were identified as co-perpetrators in connection with the implementation of the crackdown when they held key government positions.

Mr. dela Rosa served as national police chief at the height of the campaign, while Mr. Go was Mr. Duterte’s longtime aide and later special assistant to the President. Both have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

There has been no public confirmation of an arrest warrant against Mr. dela Rosa. The senator has previously questioned the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines, which withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019 under Mr. Duterte.

In its complaint, Wag Kang KuCorrupt said Mr. dela Rosa’s continued absence from official duties constitutes “a clear dereliction of duty” and risks delaying legislative work.

The group argued that committee hearings are central to lawmaking and oversight, and that prolonged nonattendance weakens accountability.

Mr. Ejercito said complaints before the ethics panel would be handled on a first-in, first-out basis.

“Whatever is filed first, then we will hear that first,” he said.

In total, six complaints have been filed against Senators Francis G. Escudero, Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel, Mr. dela Rosa and Mr. Ejercito himself .

Mr. Ejercito declined to disclose details of two complaints, saying it would be unfair to discuss cases that may later be deemed insufficient.

An ethics complaint has been filed against Mr. Ejercito over his alleged failure to promptly act on a case involving Mr. Escudero, who has been accused of receiving campaign funds from a contractor linked to a multibillion-peso flood control scandal.

Ms. Hontiveros faces a separate complaint alleging witness tampering tied to a Senate inquiry into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

The ethics panel’s reopening sets the stage for politically sensitive proceedings, particularly as scrutiny intensifies over lawmakers linked to the ICC’s drug war investigation. — A.H. Halili

Duterte defense calls ICC case ‘circumstantial,’ lacking direct evidence

February 26, 2026 | 8:19 pm

By Erika Mae P. Sinaking, Reporter

THE defense of former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday argued that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) case against him is built on weak circumstantial evidence and contains no direct proof linking him to specific killings.

Lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman told the Pre-Trial Chamber the prosecution’s case is an “artificial construct” relying on “circumstantial data of the lowest quality.” He noted that none of the 49 alleged murder incidents included a witness who could testify to receiving a direct order from Mr. Duterte.

“There is no smoking gun in this case,” Mr. Kaufman said during the livestreamed hearing. “Not one witness relevant to any of the 49 incidents… will testify that he received a direct order from the former President to go out and kill someone.”

The remarks respond to the ICC prosecution’s opening presentation earlier this week alleging that Mr. Duterte oversaw a “common plan” to neutralize civilians through a national network of police and hired assassins. Prosecution lawyer Robynne Croft presented a map of killings to argue the campaign was systematic and met the legal threshold for crimes against humanity.

Mr. Kaufman challenged the prosecution’s narrative using Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) data covering July 2016 to February 2019. The statistics showed 5,281 deaths occurred in 123,441 anti-drug operations, while 176,021 “drug personalities” were arrested. He said the proportion of deaths — 3% of operations — was minimal compared with arrests.

“The only thing that is widespread here, or rather spread wide, is the utility of the prosecution’s statistics,” he said, noting that the prosecution selectively cited 20 of Mr. Duterte’s speeches to imply criminal intent while ignoring 35 others instructing police to follow the law.

Mr. Kaufman also rejected claims that Mr. Duterte used “self-defense” as a cover for extrajudicial killings, calling the argument “complete supposition.” He said the former President’s “colorful and crusty” speaking style did not indicate a deliberate criminal plan.

The defense questioned the prosecution’s definition of the target population, calling the idea that Mr. Duterte launched an attack on the entire Philippine population “bizarre” and highlighting inconsistencies in the theory that the campaign specifically targeted suspected criminals.

Regarding allegations from Mr. Duterte’s time as Davao City mayor, Mr. Kaufman said nine alleged killings were “hardly widespread” and that no bodies had been uncovered to support claims of mass graves at the Laud Quarry, cited by prosecutors as a burial site for 1,500 to 2,000 victims.

“The defense’s role is simply to persuade your honors that Mr. Rodrigo Duterte should not remain in detention for years to come simply because the prosecution cannot make out substantial grounds to believe that this individual committed the crimes with which he is charged,” Mr. Kaufman said.

Ex-marines allege cash scheme; Senate to probe

February 26, 2026 | 8:19 pm

Ombusdman — OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE

A GROUP of 18 former elite soldiers submitted a referral to the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday, alleging they delivered billions of pesos in cash to high-ranking government officials.

The whistleblowers, mostly ex-personnel of the Philippine Marine Corps and Philippine Army, submitted a 31-page joint affidavit through lawyer Levito D. Baligod, detailing their roles as “security consultants” for former Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co.

The affidavit claims the former soldiers’ primary duty was escorting assistants who transported suitcases and paper bags filled with cash, referred to in the document as “basura” (trash).

Large suitcases held P50 million to P70 million, medium-sized P30 million to P40 million and smaller ones P15 million to P25 million, according to the ex-soldiers. Paper bags reportedly contained P5 million to P10 million, while expandable envelopes held about P2 million.

In cases where suitcases ran out, they said they were ordered to buy cartons or storage boxes for the remaining cash.

The referral names seven senators, 26 congressmen and several government officials. Many were described as “top-tier officials” while the Ombudsman evaluates the claims.

The affidavit also alleges that from 2023 to 2025, the ex-soldiers provided security for International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators secretly operating in the Philippines to probe the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.

The group claims that high-ranking Cabinet officials met privately with these investigators despite the government’s official policy of noncooperation with the ICC.

The Office of the Ombudsman clarified that the submission is currently categorized as a “transmittal of an affidavit” and has not yet reached the status of a verified complaint to initiate formal proceedings.

“The document will undergo the standard evaluation process,” it said. “This includes a determination of sufficiency in form and substance, jurisdiction and the existence of a prima facie basis to proceed, if warranted.”

It cited its independence and noted that political context would not affect the assessment of the affidavit’s contents or the credibility of the ex-soldiers.

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo M. Lacson said the panel would first review the ex-soldiers’ claims before deciding whether to hold formal hearings.

“We will evaluate first the source of information, which in this case are the 18 alleged marine personnel who appeared at a press conference last Tuesday,” he said in a statement. “Second is the reliability or credibility of the information itself, meaning the content of their affidavit.”

Mr. Lacson also questioned the scale of the alleged cash transfers, noting that the P805 billion cited in the affidavit would require at least 13,400 large suitcases, not including smaller ones.

Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte is now under ICC custody awaiting trial for crimes against humanity after the government handed him over to the International Criminal Police Organization last year.

Mr. Lacson said he has asked the Philippine Navy and Army to verify the military records of the 18 ex-soldiers.

The Navy said four of the group were never members, while most others were discharged dishonorably.

National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año, also named in the affidavit, rejected the allegations. “I categorically reject and denounce the malicious, unsigned affidavit purportedly from 18 ex-marines accusing me of receiving a paper bag after a meeting at the Polo Club townhouse,” he said in a statement.

He added that his lawyers would take steps to protect his reputation. He described the timing of the affidavit, amid ongoing ICC hearings and the 40^th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, as politically sensitive.

Senator Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go were previously named as co-perpetrators in ICC proceedings targeting former Mr. Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

The tribunal alleged their involvement in operations that resulted in extrajudicial killings, though neither has been arrested. The ex-soldiers’ affidavit references alleged interactions with ICC investigators, raising further attention to the tribunal’s inquiry.

Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio said the testimony from the former soldiers reinforces her allegations of foreign involvement in Philippine affairs.

In a statement, Ms. Duterte said their accounts were consistent with information she had long possessed regarding coordination between certain Philippine officials and investigators from the ICC.

“Sovereignty should not depend on who benefits and should not shift with political winds,” she said. “When we weaken the principle of sovereignty, we do not only affect one leader or one family. We affect the dignity of our country and the trust of our people in the institutions meant to protect them.”

Senator Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos earlier filed Senate Resolution No. 317, calling for an investigation into the cash scheme and the ex-soldiers’ reported cooperation with the ICC.

Mr. Lacson said the committee would start preliminary checks to determine whether the allegations merit a full inquiry, with a focus on consistency, credibility and alignment with known facts. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking and Adrian H. Halili

Marcos expands disaster stockpile, automates relief

February 26, 2026 | 8:18 pm

Workers-relief — Workers prepare relief packs in Pasig City, Aug. 13, 2021. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said the government is building up its disaster stockpile and automating relief operations as it prepares for more frequent climate shocks, after inaugurating a mechanized repacking facility in Cebu province.

At the launch of the Visayas Disaster Resource Center’s mechanized production system in Tingub village, Mandaue City on Thursday, Mr. Marcos said the upgraded hub could produce as many as 30,000 family food packs a day at full capacity. That compares with 5,000 to 8,000 packs previously assembled by hand.

“Its production will continue until it reaches about five million,” he said in Filipino. “This is a big help.”

The Philippines, which lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces about 20 typhoons a year and ranks among the world’s most disaster-prone countries.

The P117-million upgrade turns the facility into the main production, storage and logistics hub for relief operations in the Visayas and Mindanao. It forms part of a plan to pre-position supplies across major island groups and cut response times when storms, earthquakes or health emergencies hit.

Mr. Marcos said about four million food packs are in storage, with output continuing until inventories exceed five million.

Five mechanized production lines have been installed in the Visayas hub. The system uses vacuum sealing to extend shelf life and reduce spoilage, allowing goods to be stored longer in disaster-prone areas. Similar facilities are operating in Luzon, while a separate center in Butuan City for Mindanao is under construction and due to open late next year.

The push to stockpile and automate comes as climate-related losses strain public finances and test the government’s ability to respond quickly to successive storms.

Also on Thursday, Mr. Marcos expanded an anti-poverty program aimed at homeless people, seeking tighter coordination between national agencies and local governments before the 2027 budget cycle.

He inaugurated a Pag-Abot Processing Center in Cebu that consolidates health screening, biometric registration, temporary shelter and livelihood assessment in one site. The facility is designed to move beneficiaries from street rescue to intake and reintegration.

More than 600 homeless people have been recorded in Cebu by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The center will serve as an access point for food, clothing, psychosocial support and short-term housing before beneficiaries are endorsed for longer-term assistance such as livelihood support or family reunification.

Social Welfare Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian said the Pag-Abot program is meant to link recipients to mainstream social protection, including assessment for the government’s conditional cash transfer program.

Launched in 2023 and institutionalized the following year, the program is being folded into the administration’s broader anti-poverty framework. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

NUP unlikely to vote for VP ouster

February 26, 2026 | 8:18 pm

LAWMAKERS from the National Unity Party (NUP) said that they are unlikely to vote in favor of the impeachment of Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio due to the lack of new evidence, as the House of Representatives is set to tackle her impeachment complaints next week.

In a statement, the NUP, which has 33 elected members, said that it will not vote for the impeachment of Ms. Duterte, unless there are new evidence that would fundamentally alter the factual basis for her impeachment complaint

“The NUP has not seen the inclusion of new and material evidence that would warrant a departure from issues that have already been the subject of prior inquiries and extensive public hearings,” the party said late on Wednesday.

The House Justice Committee is set to begin reviewing the merits of the impeachment complaints against the Vice-President next week, amid allegation of corruption, unexplained wealth, violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

The NUP added that it will not pre-empt the Justice panel’s proceedings and would remain prepared to assess any new evidence presented during the deliberations.

“The party remains open to evaluating any new evidence that may arise and will assess such developments on their merits, guided solely by the Constitution and the rule of law,” it said.

It likewise called on Congress to instead allocate its focus and institutional resources towards addressing more pressing and urgent national concerns, noting that impeachment proceedings will only hamper legislative priorities.

“An impeachment proceeding grounded on issues that have already been previously raised and examined would inevitably consume substantial time and attention from both chambers,” the NUP said.

It added that Congress should focus on efforts that could impact economic stability, public safety, and the welfare of Filipinos.

Several impeachment complaints have been filed against Ms. Duterte since early February by civil society groups and activists, which alleged that she had misused P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds allocated to the Office of the Vice-President and the Department of Education.

A fourth complaint filed last week accused her of failing to fully disclose assets in her statements of net worth and of amassing wealth disproportionate to her lawful income. — Adrian H. Halili

Measures for balikbayan boxes eyed

February 26, 2026 | 8:17 pm

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) is looking at putting in place measures and reforms that will address issues in the handling of balikbayan boxes and fraudulent practices by freight forwarding companies.

“These measures include developing strategic plans, issuing advisories on freight forwarding companies, and providing regular updates to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) community to safeguard their shipments,” the BoC said in a statement on Thursday.

“In addition to these initiatives, the agencies also emphasized strengthening monitoring mechanisms, improving reporting systems, and coordinating closely with logistics partners to ensure timely and secure delivery to the rightful recipients,” it added.

The BoC, with the Department of Migrant Workers, held a consultative meeting with representatives from various OFW organizations to discuss their concerns.

“The discussion centered on the current situation, providing updates on abandoned balikbayan boxes currently in delivery and the remaining containers still being processed by partner logistics companies,” it said.

In a separate release, the BoC said that it intercepted a vessel carrying around 3,000 master cases of illicit cigarettes worth P180 million on Tuesday.

“The operation followed timely BoC intelligence regarding suspicious movements of a bulk carrier in the area, reportedly engaged in transferring cargo at sea,” it said.

“The vessel was later identified and apprehended approximately 52 nautical miles west of Kalamansig Port, Sultan Kudarat, was boarded, and was inspected, revealing thousands of master cases of cigarettes devoid of supporting documents for lawful importation,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

LTO prepares for Panagbenga

February 26, 2026 | 8:16 pm

BAGUIO CITY — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has rolled out a mobile command center and deployed additional enforcers to manage the expected influx of motorists heading to Baguio City for the annual Baguio Flower Fest or Panagbenga.

The LTO said personnel have been positioned along major highways from Metro Manila to Baguio to ensure smooth traffic flow and provide immediate assistance in case of breakdowns or road incidents. Its Central Command Center has also been placed on heightened alert, with real-time monitoring of key expressways such as the North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway.

Authorities are bracing for heavier vehicle volume as visitors troop to Baguio City for the month-long flower festival, one of the city’s biggest tourism draws.

Motorists were urged to observe traffic laws, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and follow advisories from authorities for a safe and orderly trip.

Meanwhile, the Baguio city government announced the suspension of classes at all levels in public and private schools on Feb. 28 to give way to the Panagbenga Grand Street Dance Parade.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong has issued Executive Order No. 24, series of 2026, to ensure public safety and the smooth conduct of activities.

City officials said the suspension would help minimize congestion and protect students and residents amid expected road closures, heavy traffic and large crowds during the parade, which annually draws thousands of spectators for its floral-themed street performances.

Residents and visitors were advised to plan their travel and follow rerouting and safety advisories. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Drug den closed, 4 operators arrested in Cotabato operations

February 26, 2026 | 8:16 pm

COTABATO CITY — Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and policemen arrested four drug dealers operating a drug den in an entrapment operation in Barangay Bagua 3 in this city on Wednesday.

City officials and barangay leaders told reporters on Thursday that the suspects are now detained in the office of the PDEA-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at the PC Hill area in Cotabato City.

Edgar T. Jubay, director of the PDEA-BARMM, told reporters on Thursday that the four suspects were immediately arrested during a trade-off right in their drug den in Barangay Bagua 3.

Mr. Jubay said the operation that led to their arrest was laid with the help of Cotabato City’s police director, Col. Jibin M. Bongcayao, the office of Mayor Bruce C. Matabalao and his constituent barangay officials and traditional Moro community leaders.

Mr. Jubay said their agents have confiscated 12 grams of crystal meth (shabu), costing P81,600, which will be used as evidence in prosecuting them for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Barangay officials said a companion of the four suspects managed to escape when he sensed that they had sold shabu to anti-narcotics operatives.

The drug den of the four now detained shabu dealers is now guarded together by barangay officials and volunteer community watchmen. — John Felix M. Unson

New National AI Center seen to boost AI adoption among MSMEs

February 26, 2026 | 6:54 pm

DoST — DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. (center) with DOST Usec for Research and Development Leah J. Buendia (left) and Franz A. De Leon, DOST-ASTII director (right) at the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Innovation. — EDG ADRIAN A. EVA

Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) may see faster adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) through the recent launch of a new national implementing body, which aims to unify the country’s AI development efforts, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Thursday.

The recently launched National Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Innovation (NAICRI) serves as the country’s central hub for research, advanced computing, and innovation.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the center aims to transform the fragmented, project-based AI efforts into a national and coordinated approach.

Mr. Solidum told BusinessWorld that the unified effort is seen to boost MSMEs’ AI adoption as NAICRI allows consolidated efforts between government agencies and various sectors.

“Yes, (I can see their faster adoption), as there will be many partners to upskill employees within existing industries and offer opportunities for MSMEs,” Mr. Solidum said on the sidelines of the NAICRI launch event.

The secretary said the agency has been supporting AI adoption in industries such as biotechnology, the circular economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.

As part of NAICRI’s key pillars, AI tools and training will be offered to communities and MSMEs outside urban centers through the DOST’s regional hubs.

“NAICRI will help provinces and MSMEs adopt AI tools for forecasting, quality control, logistics, and digital services, among others,” Mr. Solidum said in his speech.

DOST aims to train a total of 10,000 MSMEs on various advanced technologies, including AI, over the next three years, the secretary said.

In the next 90 days following NAICRI’s inception, the agency will hold consultations with various regions to identify the most suitable AI solutions for each locality, Franz A. De Leon, director of DOST–Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST–ASTII), said.

One of the AI projects featured during the launch was the Democratized Intelligent Model Exchange Repository (DIMER) — a shared repository of ready-to-use AI models designed to help government agencies, researchers, and small businesses deploy AI solutions without needing advanced technical infrastructure.

Despite the growing availability of AI tools and Filipinos’ widespread internet use, AI adoption among local firms remains low. According to a Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) report released last September, only 14.9% of local firms have adopted AI, with adoption concentrated mainly among larger companies. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Laput-less La Salle braces for rivalry match against Ateneo

February 26, 2026 | 6:14 pm

SHEVANA LAPUT’S availability is still up in the air as De La Salle University (DLSU) gears up for a much-awaited rivalry match against Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) in a bid to extend an unbeaten run in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-2 spiker missed the DLSU Lady Spikers’ easy win against the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday due to undisclosed illness and the team is still waiting on go-signal for her return.

“Shevana is sick. We will wait for the doctors findings if she okay for the next game,” said coach Ramil de Jesus ahead of the big clash against the ADMU Blue Eagles.

Ms. Laput, sister of PBA player James from Magnolia, has stamped her class as the early MVP contender with the league-best average of 22.5 points in La Salle’s first two wins against Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) before being sidelined.

Without her, La Salle still took care of business by scoring a 25-12, 25-15, 25-19 romp of erstwhile unbeaten UP with former MVP Angel Canino and middle blocker Amie Provido leading the way alongside newbies Shane Reterta and Mikee Santos.

Not only did La Salle keep a perfect slate at 3-0 to join rival and reigning champion National University (NU) for a share of lead but it also maintained a perfect campaign without dropping a single set (9-0).

Before the Fighting Maroons, the Lady Spikers also drubbed the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 25-19, 25-14, 27-25 and the UST Golden Tigresses, 25-14, 25-15, 26-24, to leave the NU Lady Bulldogs as the only contender left on their checklist for a roaring start so far.

Against Ateneo, Mr. de Jesus brims with confidence that his wards can hold the fort with or without Ms. Laput.

La Salle had a bridesmaid finish to NU last season to go 1-2 in their finals trilogy after winning in Season 85. This year, La Salle’s looking like the champion team that it has been through decades. — John Bryan Ulanday

IM Mark Jay Bacojo shares lead in ultra-tough Russian Chess Crown Standard A in Moscow

February 26, 2026 | 6:14 pm

FILIPINO International Master (IM) Mark Jay Bacojo knows going to Russia, one of the superpowers of chess, and winning there is like a suicide mission.

But the 19-year-old Far Eastern University (FEU) standout conquered his inner fear and is delivering a performance for the ages after seizing not just a share of the lead with a round to go, but also a Grandmaster (GM) norm in the ultra-tough Russian Chess Crown Standard A in Moscow.

Mr. Bacojo conquered Russian FIDE Master Stanislav Bukreev in a marathon 70-move, Queen’s Pawn duel that catapulted the former straight to a four-man tie at the helm with seven points apiece after the 10^th and penultimate round.

He sealed his first GM norm in the process and has gained a whopping 83.8 rating points and an astonishing 2667 performance rating — equivalent to a super GM level — approaching the final round.

There, he clashes with another Russian in IM Ramil Faizrakhmanov for a shot at history as the first Filipino to win on Russian soil.

He also shares the lead with two more Russian GMs Boris Savchenko and Zhamsaran Tsydypov.

The late great GM Rosendo Balinas won a stronger GM tournament in Odessa in 1978 but that was in Ukraine, not Russia.

“Technically, Mr. Bacojo has the best performance by a Filipino in a Russian tournament,” said Mr. Bacojo’s FEU coach GM Jayson Gonzales.

“If he wins, he’ll be the first Filipino to win there because that one by Mr. Balinas in Odessa was not in Russia, but in Ukraine.”

All nine foes Mr. Bacojo faced had higher FIDE rating, which included four GMs whom he scored a win and two draws against a loss.

But this one was possibly his best game in the Russian capital yet as he unleashed a ferocious sacrificial attack where he gave a knight that saw Mr. Bukreev’s king scampering for safety by jumping from the kingside to the queenside.

Just as when it looked like Mr. Bukreev’s king had found a safe haven, Mr. Bacojo found a way to win the opposing queen for a rook and bishop and defended well to extract the full point. — Joey Villar