Editor's Pick

From monarchy to Islamic rule to war in Iran: A personal account (Part 2)

From monarchy to Islamic rule to war in Iran: A personal account (Part 1)

Middle East conflict tests PH economy and politics

Commentary

|

By Tita C. Valderama

|

Mar 16, 2026

Ordinary Filipinos often bear the cost of prolonged political conflict. When leaders focus on political survival rather than economic management, reforms slow and policy execution weakens. Programs meant to protect vulnerable sectors, from fuel subsidies to social assistance, can become entangled in partisan disputes.

KEEP READING

The Fourth Gulf War

Commentary

|

By Jose Antonio Custodio

|

Mar 14, 2026

Given the limited capabilities of the Iranians, the threat to Filipino workers in the Middle East is not as serious as painted by journalists engaged in sensationalist reporting and commentary… The real threat to the Philippines is the economic fall out of the war especially in oil supplies. That will affect every single Filipino as prices will inevitably increase causing more hardship to a nation that is still recovering from the COVID pandemic’s disastrous effects on the economy.

KEEP READING

Will the ICC accept Panelo as defense lawyer?

Commentary

|

By Antonio J. Montalvan II

|

Mar 9, 2026

The second thing I remember was of Panelo dozing off during the hearings. He was seated next to the aging and infirm Salvador Medialdea who was on his right. Panelo's head was tilted to the left, almost touching the seat on his left. ICC is keen on preventing any disturbance in the public gallery. Within clear sight of us, an ICC security personnel approached the dozing Panelo to wake him up from dreamland.

KEEP READING

FACT CHECK Online Posts

FACT CHECK: Reel on ‘nationwide brownout’ due to fuel shortage AI-GENERATED

A viral video claiming there will be a nationwide brownout starting April 20 due to an oil shortage is circulating online. This is fake.

Arts & Culture

Countertenor resumes MCOF’s Young Artists Series

It just seems part of nature’s course that a boy’s falsetto lowers as he moves out of puberty. But some retain or choose to keep that voice the way countertenor Paul Ryan Arcolas does. In his case, he experienced an identity crisis with his voice post-puberty.

Commentary

Priests who defend Duterte from the pulpit

Priests have a duty to form the consciences of the faithful regarding moral and social issues. This often interacts with politics but is distinct from partisan campaigning. For instance, priests should preach on Catholic Social Teaching, including the protection of life, care for the poor, and religious liberty. Indeed, they must help laypeople analyze candidates and policies based on Catholic principles, without telling them whom to vote for.