The Vanguard Posted on Feb. 28, 2026 at 9:35 am
ICC Opens Confirmation Hearings on Duterte Crimes Against Humanity Case
February 23 — The International Criminal Court opened a four-day confirmation of charges hearing for former president Rodrigo Duterte, who faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to his deadly anti-drug campaign.
The 80-year-old former leader was not present after the ICC granted his request to waive his right to appear, despite judges ruling he was fit to participate. Prosecutors allege Duterte committed crimes against humanity as part of a “widespread and systematic attack” on civilians, with victims including children .
The hearing will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to send the case to trial, with judges expected to issue a decision within 60 days.
DOTr Opens P1.75B Bidding for 5 Airport Projects Ahead of ASEAN 2026
February 24 — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has opened bidding for five airport development projects worth a combined P1.75 billion, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity ahead of the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN summits this year.
The projects cover Tacloban, Naga, Ormoc, Kalibo, and Antique airports, with bid submissions closing on March 16 and 17. Contract completion periods range from 120 to 390 calendar days.
Duterte Directed Drug War Killings — ICC prosecutor
February 24 — ICC prosecutors alleged that former president Rodrigo Duterte personally drew up “death lists” and boasted about murders committed during his “war on drugs,” describing the 76 killings in the charges as a “mere fraction” of thousands killed.
Prosecutor Edward Jeremy told the confirmation hearing that children as young as 14 had their heads wrapped in packing tape and were strangled to death. Video evidence showed Duterte declaring: “I am the sole person responsible for it all.”
Lawmakers Push PH Return to ICC
February 24 — Opposition lawmakers filed separate House resolutions urging the Philippine government to rejoin the ICC, coinciding with the start of the confirmation of hearings against former president Rodrigo Duterte. Akbayan party-list representatives filed HR 811, while ACT Teachers, Gabriela, and Kabataan representatives filed HR 809, urging re-accession to the Rome Statute.
12 BFP Personnel Face Administrative Raps Over Corruption
February 24 — Twelve Bureau of Fire Protection officials face administrative charges over alleged irregularities, including a slot-for-sale scheme requiring applicants to pay up to P800,000 for guaranteed entry, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
Four BFP officials in Eastern Visayas were preventively suspended for 90 days over the recruitment scheme. Six officials in Northern Mindanao were charged for approving applicants without the required clearances and failing to properly release exam results. Two personnel in Calabarzon face complaints over alleged irregularities in fire safety inspections.
Security in Place for EDSA 40th Anniversary — PNP
February 25 — The Philippine National Police has finalized security measures for the 40th anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution and the simultaneous Trillion Peso March protest against corruption, with over 13,000 personnel deployed across Metro Manila.
As the EDSA Shrine has been declared a “no-rally zone,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the deployment aims to ensure peaceful and orderly activities, maintaining maximum tolerance while preventing disruption. The Armed Forces of the Philippines have been placed on red alert to provide support if needed.
‘PRRD List’ Led to Killings of Narco-Politicians — ICC Prosecutor
February 25 — Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “PRRD list” of alleged drug personalities functioned as a “dead list” that led to the killings of targeted narco-politicians, ICC prosecutor Edward Jeremy told the Pre-Trial Chamber, presenting an Excel spreadsheet, organized by region, with targets ranked from Level 1 to 5. Jeremy said it was used by police to kill former Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, who was murdered in his cell in November 2016. The prosecution seeks to prove Duterte’s criminal responsibility for at least 59 killings under his anti-drug campaign.
Groups mark EDSA 40th Anniversary at People Power Monument
February 26 — Around 60,000 from various groups gathered at the People Power Monument to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, holding protests against alleged large-scale government corruption. Over 13,000 police personnel were deployed to secure the events.
Defense urges ICC to drop case, cites weak evidence vs Duterte
February 27 — Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s lead counsel told the International Criminal Court the case against his client is weak and there is no reason to detain him, urging his release. Nicholas Kaufman argued prosecutors failed to establish a direct link between Duterte and the killings, saying there is “no smoking gun” and that no witness will testify to receiving a direct order from the former president. He described Duterte’s speeches as “uniquely colourful and crusty” but lacking proven connection to alleged crimes.
Ex-Marines accuse Marcos of masterminding P805-B kickback scheme
February 27 — Lawyer Levi Baligod and 18 former Marines accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of masterminding the delivery of P805 billion in kickbacks from anomalous infrastructure projects to politicians, including himself and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez .
The alleged “bagmen” claimed they delivered suitcases of cash from resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co’s residence to officials from 2022 to mid-2025, with money referred to as “basura.” The affidavit also implicated former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, alleging he received $2 million to fund ICC investigators.
Malacañang dismissed the claims as a “lousy script.” The Philippine Navy later clarified four of the 18 were never military members, while most were dishonorably discharged. Senator Imee Marcos filed Resolution 317 seeking a Senate probe, while National Security Adviser Eduardo Año denied involvement and suggested the allegations may be part of a destabilization plot.
South Korean leader to visit Manila for defense, maritime talks
February 28 – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will visit to the Philippines on March 3-4 for talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on defense, maritime cooperation and economic ties.
The state visit, Lee’s first to Manila since a bilateral free trade agreement in 2024, coincides with the 77th anniversary of Phillipines-South Korea diplomatic ties.
