Asia Philippines Planned fare hikes for jeepneys, buses and ride-hailing vehicles have been suspended to ease pressure on commuters, amid rising global oil prices surges driven by the conflict involving Iran which has disrupted supply and pushed up transport expenses
Asia Philippines The annual Bataan–Tarlac Freedom March has been held across 28 February and 1 March, commemorating the WWII Death March; Participants retraced key routes in Central Luzon to honor Filipino and American soldiers who endured the 1942 forced trek
Asia Philippines On February 19 the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island disrupted classes in 107 public schools, affecting about 52,975 learners; Ashfall and volcanic activity led to emergency measures, as authorities are assisting impacted communities
Asia Philippines The house of representatives formally initiated impeachment proceeding against Vice President Sara Duterte, after four separate complaints were filed from opposition parties, civil and religious organizations due to alleged misuse of confidential funds
Asia Philippines A Senate resolution condemns Chinese diplomats urging a firm response toward China over incidents in the South China Sea, where China allegedly harassed and intimidated Filipino fishermen, resupply missions and officials
Asia Philippines The first natural gas discovery in over a decade in the Philippines has been announced, an offshore field with an estimated 98 billion cubic feet of gas; Officials say it could boost energy security and support a transition away from coal
Asia Philippines The Traslación, Manila’s annual mass procession of the Black Nazarene drawing millions of bare footed devotees, was held amid public outrage over alleged corruption in its management and misuse of funding, while authorities tightened security
Asia Philippines Temporary maritime restrictions have been announced in parts of the West Philippine Sea ahead of a Chinese rocket launch; Authorities cited safety risks from falling debris, analysts note the move comes amid tensions with Beijing over contested waters
Asia Philippines Anti-political dynasty House Bill 6771 has been filed by speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos; the measure would bar spouses, siblings and relatives of a public official from holding elective posts at the same time
Asia Philippines Domestic flights in the Philippines were disrupted after Airbus began a mandatory software upgrade for A320 aircrafts; delays and cancellations have been announced as planes undergo the update, affecting schedules nationwide
Asia Philippines First extradition treaty for South East Asia was signed in Manila during 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting; it standardizes extradition procedures across the region covering all aspects from the arrest of suspects to how countries settle over requests
Asia Philippines An agreement in principle on a new defense-logistics pact ACSA has been reached with Japan; it encompasses exchange of logistical support during joint exercises and common peacekeeping operations, solidifying the Japan-Philippines axis
Asia Philippines Thousands spent the night on the streets amid repeated aftershocks of the 6,9 magnitude earthquake that struck the Cebu province; a state of calamity has been declared