ICC charge sheet puts pressure on 2 senators

February 15, 2026 | 7:50 pm

police drug raid — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL ANTONIO DE GUZMAN

By Erika Mae P. Sinaking

THE International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent release of a less redacted charge sheet has intensified scrutiny on two sitting Philippine senators over their alleged involvement in the country’s anti-drug campaign, analysts said over the weekend.

Kristina C. Conti, ICC assistant to counsel for the victims, told BusinessWorld via Viber that the disclosure increases pressure on Senators Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go to clear their names.

“They could either play to the public and the media or cooperate with the court,” she said.

The senators, along with six others, are named in the ICC filing as co-perpetrators in crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the administration of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. The Office of the Prosecutor recently uploaded a less redacted version of the document containing the charges, similar to an “information” under Philippine law, revealing for the first time significant details and naming alleged co-perpetrators from Davao-based police units and close associates.

The charge sheet alleges that Mr. Duterte and his associates shared a “common plan or agreement to neutralize alleged criminals” through violent means, including murder.

Ms. Conti said the decision to release the names ahead of the confirmation of charge hearing on Feb. 23 was likely strategic. She noted that discussions of Mr. Duterte’s role would be “impossible to describe without mentioning his co-perpetrators.”

The filing also suggests the existence of a structured plan to implement the anti-narcotics campaign while ensuring impunity through the involvement of investigative units, according to Ms. Conti.

Ephraim B. Cortez, president of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, said the revelations were expected. “We were not surprised. These are the architects and implementers of Duterte’s drug war,” he told BusinessWorld in a Viber chat.

“This will greatly impact accountability because the ones prosecuted are not the ordinary policemen who carried out orders, but the policymakers, implementers, and those who issued the orders,” he said. “They are the ones most responsible.”

Mr. Go denied the allegations in a statement on Saturday, describing them as “entirely unfounded” and unrelated to his previous roles as special assistant to the President and executive assistant to the mayor of Davao City.

Israelito P. Torreon, a lawyer for Mr. Dela Rosa, said the disclosure is procedural and does not equate to a finding of guilt.

“International criminal proceedings, by their nature, evolve in stages, and public disclosures are often strategic and procedural rather than definitive findings of liability,” he said via Viber. “It is important to emphasize that any naming of individuals in the course of ICC proceedings does not amount to a finding of guilt.”

ICC prosecutors said Mr. Duterte is criminally responsible for three counts of crimes against humanity, including at least 76 murders. These include 19 killings while he was mayor of Davao City, 14 murders of so-called high-value targets, and 43 killings of lower-level drug suspects nationwide from 2016 to 2018.

Vitaliano N. Aguirre II, listed as a co-perpetrator, denied participation in or support for extrajudicial killings during his tenure as Justice secretary from 2016 to 2018.

Mr. Cortez said Senators Dela Rosa and Go “played a key role in systematizing the policy and implementing it, while Aguirre was complicit, and police generals were the implementers.”

There are concerns that the senators may use political influence or seek sanctuary within the Senate to avoid potential arrest.

“Bato and Bong Go will definitely use their influence and resources to evade arrest,” Mr. Cortez said. “Seeking sanctuary with the Senate is a possibility, as floated earlier when news of a warrant of arrest against Bato surfaced.”

He added that the senators are likely to pursue judicial remedies to prevent the Philippine government from surrendering them to the ICC, as it did with Mr. Duterte.

Philippine House moves to modernize anti-espionage laws

February 15, 2026 | 7:49 pm

blueeyed-cyborg-woman-watches-futuristic-computer-data-generated-by-AI — FREEPIK

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

THE House of Representatives National Defense and Security Committee seeks to boost the Philippines’ decades-old anti-spying laws, broadening the definition of espionage to include modern surveillance technologies and applying penalties even during peacetime.

The proposed legislation comes as security experts warn of rising espionage risks tied to the Southeast Asian nation’s sea dispute with China.

“The fight against espionage, clandestine acquisition of sensitive information, and unlawful obtaining of classified information that affects national security or national defense requires a comprehensive approach,” according to a copy of the substitute bill jointly drafted by the Defense committee with the House Committee on Revision of Laws obtained by BusinessWorld. “Interference by foreign jurisdictions on our political and governmental affairs poses a threat to our sovereignty and independence.”

The substitute bill represents the first consolidated effort since 2024 to modernize the country’s 84-year-old anti-espionage laws. At that time, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. had pushed for reform after the arrest of a former town mayor accused of spying for China.

The National Security Council also urged lawmakers to update the framework, citing last year’s arrests of alleged foreign spies under laws that still largely rely on World War II and Commonwealth-era statutes.

Authorities accused several Chinese nationals of spying near the Presidential Palace, military bases and other sensitive locations, claiming they used message-interception devices and digital mapping tools to monitor restricted areas. Beijing dismissed the accusations as “baseless speculation and accusation.”

Under the substitute bill, espionage includes receiving, collecting, or transmitting “classified matters” even in peacetime without proper authority, whether through physical, electronic, or cyber means. Unauthorized access to “sketch, drawing, map, layout, blueprint, graphical or multimedia representation” of sensitive sites would also qualify as espionage.

Those convicted could face life imprisonment without parole and fines of as much as P20 million. Foreign nationals found guilty would be deported immediately after serving their sentence and permanently barred from re-entering the Philippines.

The draft bill grants authorities the power to “secretly wiretap” suspected spies, including intercepting or collecting private messages, provided a court order is issued on reasonable grounds.

It also lets the Anti-Money Laundering Council examine the bank accounts of suspected spies to determine if they are receiving funds from foreign intelligence agencies, even without a court order.

Additionally, the proposal bans the possession of surveillance and mapping equipment, such as drones, cameras or tracking devices if used to spy on government officials or sensitive locations. Violators could face up to 12 years in prison and fines of up to P20 million.

Analysts noted that the Philippines’ anti-espionage laws fall short of addressing modern threats. The Revised Penal Code defines espionage mainly as unauthorized entry into military facilities to obtain confidential defense information or disclosing it to foreign powers, while Commonwealth Act No. 616 of 1941 covers intelligence gathering that could aid enemy forces in wartime.

“Modern anti-espionage efforts must evolve to address the convergence of emerging technologies and sophisticated misinformation campaigns,” Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “Intelligence agencies are shifting from traditional human-centric methods to digital-first strategies to counter state-sponsored actors and cyber-threats.”

Sherwin E. Ona, an international fellow at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said spying could occur even in peacetime, particularly with advances in cyberspace, the Internet and electronic signal interception. “Space and sub-sea cables are also emerging areas of concern,” he said via Viber.

Security experts framed the legislation as part of Manila’s response to China’s so-called “grey-zone tactics” — strategic activities that advance national interests without triggering open conflict.

“Espionage threats in the Philippines are imminent as it becomes a competing field of tactics and hegemonic rivalry,” Mr. Cabalza said.

Mr. Ona noted that espionage and foreign influence operations could be used as part of a “hybrid assault” in which cyberspace and information are weaponized against the country.

PHL warship joins India drills

February 15, 2026 | 7:48 pm

Chinese Navy ship — THE BRP MIGUEL MALVAR. — ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

THE Philippine Navy said on Sunday one of its warships arrived in India to participate in multinational drills there, as part of Manila’s drive to broaden security ties and maritime cooperation.

In a statement, the Philippine Navy said the guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar’s deployment to India is part of its participation in a major international exercise hosted by New Delhi featuring warships from the US, Russia, Japan and other navies.

“BRP Miguel Malvar’s deployment represents a historic milestone for the Philippine Navy, reflecting its expanding role in international naval diplomacy,” it said.

The navy’s involvement in the major drills “places the Philippines together with major maritime partners in a forum designed to promote peace, maritime stability, and cooperative security in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The BRP Miguel Malvar is armed with missiles and torpedo systems and fitted with sonar, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities. It was built by South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. The namesake of its class ship, the Philippine frigate left South Korea in March 2025 and was commissioned in late May. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Gov’t could offset travel tax losses

February 15, 2026 | 7:47 pm

A CONGRESSMAN said on Sunday that scrapping the travel tax could generate as much as P22 billion in annual government revenue, countering projections by the Finance department that the move would result in losses.

In a statement, Marikina Rep. Romero “Miro” S. Quimbo said that there may be an initial revenue loss from the first 18 months of cutting the travel tax, but it could be offset by economic activity generated by its removal. The House Ways and Means Committee aims to approve the proposal before the June congressional break, he added.

“Based on our computation, the additional income tax, since they will be earning more, will reach P22 billion,” he said in Filipino.

The government collects a travel tax of P1,620 ($28.35) from economy air passengers and P2,700 ($47.24) from first class air passengers.

“If we remove the P1,620 from a plane fare, it means more people will be able to travel,” Mr. Quimbo said. “That will increase the earnings of our travel agencies and airline companies.”

The Finance department last year projected that scrapping the tax could result in up to P5.1 billion in foregone revenue. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Rains likely to persist this week

February 15, 2026 | 7:47 pm

THE Philippines will see changing weather patterns this week as a shear line and the northeast monsoon take turns influencing rainfall across the archipelago, according to the state weather bureau on Sunday.

Rain is likely to persist through Monday and Tuesday in the eastern sections of Northern Luzon, where the interaction between cool northeasterly winds and warm easterlies may bring cloudy skies, scattered showers and thunderstorms, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Areas including Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora and Quezon are expected to see the heaviest precipitation early in the week, while much of the rest of Luzon — including Metro Manila — will likely experience generally fair weather punctuated by isolated thunderstorms.

PAGASA said a transition by midweek as the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, is forecast to re-intensify from Tuesday through Thursday, potentially expanding rain coverage across a larger part of the country.

It noted this could bring cooler air and renewed rainfall in northern and central areas, while eastern Mindanao may also see scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

No tropical cyclones or low-pressure areas are currently being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility, limiting the risk of severe storm-related disruptions for the week.

Marine conditions are also expected to remain relatively stable, with no gale warnings raised over the country’s seaboards as of the latest advisory. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Next phase of MTerra Solar begins

February 15, 2026 | 7:46 pm

MERALCO PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) has begun with the construction of the next phase of the P200-billion MTerra Solar project following the integration of its initial phase to the Luzon grid.

Construction of the project is continuing to progress toward full completion, on track to become the world’s largest integrated solar and storage facility, the company said in a statement on Saturday.

Spanning across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, MTerra Solar is developing a 3,500-megawatt-peak solar power plant and a 4,500-megawatt-hour energy storage system.

The company said that it has successfully completed the initial grid synchronization and energization of the project, allowing the facility to export 85 megawatts (MW) of constant power to the grid by the end of the month.

“MTerra Solar proves the Philippines can build big — and build fast. Today’s energization is not the finish line; it is the start of a bigger journey that will expand our capacity, broaden our impact, and demonstrate that the Philippines can lead in delivering renewable energy at scale,” MGEN President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio said.

MGEN is the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), which currently has more than 5,068 MW of net sellable capacity across conventional and renewable energy assets.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT, Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Bill seeks digital payment integration

February 15, 2026 | 7:46 pm

Phone-hand — STOCK PHOTO | Image by David Dvořáček from Unsplash

A BILL seeking to mandate the adoption of digital payment methods for transactions in the government and all merchants has been filed in the Senate, aimed at modernizing payment systems, reducing reliance on cash, and improving transparency.

“It promotes the adoption of digital payments across government and private sector transactions while ensuring that such adoption is inclusive, interoperable, and aligned with existing regulatory standards,” Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva said in the explanatory note of Senate Bill No. 1821.

The proposed measure mandates national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, foreign-based Philippine government agencies, local government units (LGUs), State Universities and Colleges, and Local Universities and Colleges to use digital payment systems for the disbursement of government funds.

It also orders all government entities to offer digital payment options for collection of taxes, fees, tolls, imposts, and other revenues.

LGUs are also encouraging merchants in their jurisdiction to adopt digital payments through monetary and non-monetary incentives, and capacity-building.

“Government entities may adopt incentive frameworks to encourage digital payments, including reduced transaction fees for fees for micro-payments, administrative incentives, and financial and digital literacy programs,” the bill states.

The bill penalizes noncompliance with a fine of P200,000 to P2 million or imprisonment of not less than three years up to 10 years.

Public officer or employee held liable will also face perpetual or temporary disqualification from public office — Adrian H. Halili

Aparri port upgrades sought

February 15, 2026 | 7:46 pm

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — The Cagayan provincial government is advancing plans to modernize the Port of Aparri, aiming to position it as the country’s “Northern Gateway to the Asia-Pacific” and a new driver of trade and industry in Northern Luzon.

Governor Edgar Aglipay is leading the initiative in coordination with the Bureau of Customs, headed locally by District Collector Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte, Jr.

Mr. Aglipay said Aparri’s proximity to China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea gives it a strategic advantage, supporting national priorities on infrastructure modernization, trade facilitation, and border protection while helping ease congestion at Manila’s seaports.

Modernization plans include expanded berths and container yards, dredging works, and upgraded navigational systems to accommodate larger vessels.

The proposal also covers the establishment of inland container terminals in Tuguegarao and Aparri to streamline cargo movement and improve logistics efficiency across the region.

In the long term, the province envisions developing Aparri into an offshore oil transshipment hub and an industrial complex comparable to Singapore’s Jurong Island, attracting investments and generating employment. Officials said the strategy aims to open new trade corridors for Northern Luzon and stimulate broader economic activity.

The project is being pursued in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Regional Development Council Region II, as Cagayan positions itself as a connected and competitive gateway to the Asia-Pacific. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Eala battles US qualifier Baptiste in Round 1 of Dubai Championships

February 15, 2026 | 6:54 pm

ALEXANDRA “ALEX” Eala faces a familiar opponent in qualifier Hailey Baptiste of the United States to begin her second WTA 1000 campaign in the Dubai Tennis Championships at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Seeded in the main draw, the 20-year-old Filipina drew the 24-year-old American after her qualifying supremacy for Round 1 starting on Monday with hopes of keeping mastery of her rival after a big win last year.

Back in the 2025 Eastbourne Open in England, Ms. Eala pulled off a pulsating 6(1)-7, 7-6(4), 6-1 comeback win against top-ranked Ms. Baptiste in the qualifiers to ignite magical run all the way to earning her first WTA Finals appearance. Ms. Eala, however, bowed to Australia’s Maya Joint, 4-6, 6-1, 6-7 (10-12), in the epic marathon finale.

The WTA No. 39, Ms. Baptiste, this time around ruled the qualifiers as the No. 1 seed with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Chinese Shuai Zhang (WTA No. 86) to get a shot at WTA No. 40 Ms. Eala.

Ms. Eala, who’s supposed to still go through the qualifiers, advanced straight to the main draw after her seat was upgraded by organizers as one of the hottest tickets in town on Monday.

Waiting for the survivor of the Mses. Eala-Baptiste duel is world No. 6 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, who gained a first-round bye in the stacked 64-player main draw.

The Dubai tilt will serve as Ms. Eala’s sixth straight campaign in a hopeful 2026 season so far marked by a bevy of playoff finishes.

Ms. Eala made the semifinals in the WTA 250 ASB Classic in New Zealand on top of a pair of quarterfinals finishes in the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open for her first home tourney and the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open, where she also reached the doubles final four with Indonesian partner Janice Tjen.

She also completed an appearance in all four major main draws after a debut in the Australian Open last month in Melbourne, where she ran away with an exhibition crown in the Kooyong Classic as well.

Ms. Eala’s lone early exit so far was a first-round elimination in the WTA 1000 Qatar Open after yet another defeat against Tereza Valentova of Czechia, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1.

Her solid run so far has catapulted her to a new career-best of No. 40 in the world rankings with a pretty chance to garner more points and hopefully enter the Top 30 in the 1000-level Dubai joust.

And like what she had in every stop of the WTA Tour so far, the nation’s pride is tipped to receive roaring support from overseas Filipinos in the bustling Middle Eastern city. — John Bryan Ulanday

Malixi ties for third in Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific

February 15, 2026 | 6:54 pm

FILIPINA ace Rianne Malixi closed out with a three-over 75 to finish tied for third in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) topped by Korean Yang Yunseo at the Royal Wellington Golf Club in New Zealand.

The 18-year-old Ms. Malixi wound up with a six-under 282 aggregate, or 10 shots behind Ms. Yang, who had a final round 69 to rule the event.

It was Ms. Malixi’s third top five finish in the prestigious championship, which is now on its eighth edition.

Under breezy and tough conditions, Ms. Malixi, who was just four strokes back entering the last day, limped to an outward 39 that was saddled by a pair of bogeys and a double-bogey against a low birdie, leaving her fighting for a top three finish in the late stretch.

But she had a blistering eagle on 10 where she sank a long putt from 215 yards out that may not have resuscitated her bid to become the first Filipina winner of the WAAP but somehow helped her secure a top five finish.

“We got like bad weather… finally showed its teeth, so it was really struggling (Sunday). I hit a lot of good low shots, couple of bad ones. Putting was also a struggle. I couldn’t get any of my putts to drop,” said the 2024 US Women’s Amateur champion.

“I was like far back heading into the last round, and there is always like a chance, but I didn’t really capitalize (Sunday).”

“I’m glad to be playing in a really good event since the past year and a half maybe since my injury. I’m happy and grateful. I’m looking forward for what’s in store for me. It sucks I couldn’t really back a win, but I’m looking forward to the upcoming season,” she added. — Joey Villar

Tabuena finishes joint 44^th at LIV Golf Adelaide

February 15, 2026 | 6:53 pm

MIGUEL TABUENA capped an up-and-down stint at LIV Golf Adelaide with a one-over 73 as he finished joint 44^th at the Grange Golf Club on Sunday.

Mr. Tabuena mixed an eagle, three birdies, two bogeys and a pair of double bogeys as he lost momentum after a solid 69, 71 and 71 in the first three rounds of his debut tournament as a LIV Golf Wild Card player.

The Filipino ace netted $88,500 (around P5.1 million) for his showing in Australia, the second event of 2026.

Before earning full-time status in the lucrative circuit this week, Mr. Tabuena played as sub for the 4Aces team of Dustin Johnson in the season-opener in Riyadh, where he shared 48^th.

Anthony Kim, whose signing with 4Aces prior to the Adelaide stop opened a permanent spot for Mr. Tabuena in the Wild Card roster, pulled through with a remarkable comeback triumph.

Trailing by five shots to begin the final round, Mr. Kim sizzled with a nine-under 63 to blitz past Jon Rahm and the other stars en route to his first pro win in nearly 16 years.

Mr. Kim finished at 23-under to reign supreme again, leaving Mr. Rahm (268 after a closing 71) in his wake. Bryson DeChambeau (71), Tyrrell Hatton (67) and Peter Uihlein (68) shared third spot at 271s. — Olmin Leyba

Keshad Johnson tops dunk contest; Damian Lillard wins 3^rd trey contest

February 15, 2026 | 6:53 pm

INGLEWOOD, California — Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat has not started a game this season, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers has not played in one, and yet both made their impact on All-Star Weekend.

Johnson delivered the defining moment of his short, two-season NBA career so far when he won the Slam Dunk competition over rookie Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs to close out Saturday’s prelude of events to Sunday’s All-Star Game.

In the 3-point Contest, the veteran Lillard defeated seven other long-distance shooting rivals and won the event for a third time, tying the record previously held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges. The 35-year-old has been out due to an Achilles injury.

Johnson used a between-the-legs reverse dunk and a running dunk from just inside the free-throw line to post a combined score of 97.4 in the final round. He then had to wait out a final dunk from Bryant, who delivered a perfect 50 on his opening dunk of the final round.

Needing a score of 47.5 to become the dunk champion in his native Southern California, Bryant struggled to deliver some flash and settled for a 360-degree dunk just before time expired. His score of 43 left him with a final-round total of 93.

“I beat the odds. I made it. I made it into the NBA,” Johnson said. “Every year I was watching the NBA Dunk Contest, I dreamed of being out there, putting on a show for everybody. I learned from all the people that came before me, paying homage to them. And now that I’m here, I had to have crazy faith to be here and be in this position.”

Bryant said that whether the result is last place or a close second, the pain is all the same.

Eliminated in the opening round of the dunk competition were Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic and Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Johnson, who has played in just 21 games off the bench this season and averages 7.6 minutes per game, outlasted them all.

Lillard’s 3-point victory was almost as much of a surprise. He has been out of action since an Achilles tear during last season’s playoffs as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

“For me, it means a lot just being able to get involved in some competition, feel a little bit of pressure, to do something that I haven’t been able to do all year,” Lillard said. “But just as a shooter, any time you can get in this competition and win it amongst other great shooters, I think that’s one of the greatest honors you can have as a shooter in this league.”

Lillard scored 29 points in the final round to hold off Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, who had 27 in the final after posting a high score of 30 while advancing from the first round. Rookie Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets also advanced to the final round but was eliminated with a score of 17.

While Lillard made his final 3-point shot to record his 29, Booker reached 27 by making his first two shots on the final rack of balls, then missed all three of his final shots, any one of which would have forced overtime in the competition.

In addition to Booker’s 30 in the first round, Knueppel and Lillard each scored 27 to move on. Failing to advance were the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell (24), the Miami Heat’s Norman Powell (23), the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray (18), the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey (17) and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis, Jr. (15).

Lillard said his entry in the contest started off as a joke between NBA executive Michael Levine and became a reality when one player in the field backed out.

“It didn’t really take much,” Lillard said “I think I’ve done it enough times… I think this was my sixth time doing it. I get up every day, and my mind is engaged in being able to play the game. I knew it was an opportunity to get back on this stage.”

Team Knicks — comprised of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and team legend Allan Houston — won the Shooting Stars contest with a dominating 47 points in the final. Team Cameron — consisting of former Duke players Jalen Johnson, Kon Knueppel and Corey Maggette — were the runner-up with 38 points.

The Shooting Stars competition had all three players shoot from seven different spots on the floor with each distance worth a varying amount of points.

Team All Star (Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, Richard Hamilton) and Team Harper (Dylan Harper, Ron Harper, Jr., Ron Harper) were eliminated in the first round of the Shooting Stars contest. — Reuters