Abbey M.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Babes Romualdez revealed that US President Donald Trump sent a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inviting the Philippines to become part of the Board of Peace.

The Board of Peace is a US-initiated multinational body that promotes post-conflict solutions.

According to Romualdez, the Philippines could contribute through human resources or financial contributions.

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Former President Rodrigo Duterte's lawyers insisted that the former president is in an "enfeebled physical state" as they appealed the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to keep him detained while awaiting trial.

The defense team argued that the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber erred in upholding its decision to keep Duterte imprisoned and in rejecting the joint medical report regarding his cognitive impairments.

According to the report, Duterte no longer has the capacity to plan his daily activities. His lawyers contend he is even less capable of planning an escape from his captors.

Duterte's attorneys also said the Pre-Trial Chamber treated the defense's medical evidence capriciously.

The Pre-Trial Chamber previously denied Duterte's camp's request for his release while the trial remains pending on his murder charges equivalent to crimes against humanity due to the killings under his administration's war on drugs.

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A growing number of Gen Z individuals are opting to become pet parents rather than have children, citing financial constraints and evolving lifestyle preferences.

According to a 2023 USA Today Blueprint survey of 1,000 dog owners, 67% of people ages 18 to 26 say they are choosing pets over parenthood, at least for now. A separate 2023 Pew Research study found that among Americans aged 18 to 49 who are unlikely to have children, 36% cite affordability as a major reason.

The rising cost of raising children has become a significant factor in this shift. From education and healthcare to housing and daily necessities, the expenses associated with parenthood continue to climb, making it increasingly difficult for young Filipino adults to afford starting a family. 

With inflation, high rent in Metro Manila and other urban centers, and entry-level salaries barely keeping pace, many find traditional family planning out of reach.

Pet ownership, by comparison, offers a more financially manageable alternative. While pets still require care, food, and medical attention, the overall costs remain substantially lower than raising a child. 

This affordability appeals to Gen Z Filipinos who face economic pressures including student loan debt, rising living costs, and uncertain job markets.

Beyond financial considerations, the lifestyle flexibility that comes with pet ownership aligns better with Gen Z values. 

Pets provide companionship and emotional support without the long-term commitments and lifestyle changes that come with raising children. Young adults can maintain their careers, travel plans, and personal freedom while still experiencing the joys of caring for another living being.

The trend also reflects changing attitudes about traditional life milestones. Filipino Gen Z is redefining what family means, with many finding fulfillment in relationships with their pets rather than following conventional paths to parenthood. 

This shift challenges traditional Filipino family values where having children has long been seen as essential.

Social media has amplified this shift, with countless Filipino Gen Z pet owners sharing their experiences and creating communities around pet parenthood. The emotional bonds formed with pets offer many of the same rewards as traditional parenthood: companionship, responsibility, and unconditional love, without the financial strain.

As economic realities continue to shape life choices, the preference for pet parenthood among Filipino Gen Z appears to be more than just a trend but a reflection of broader societal and financial changes affecting young adults today.

Northern Bloom in Atok, Benguet has become one of the must-visit destinations this February, drawing tourists eager to experience its natural beauty and cool mountain climate.

Located in the vegetable bowl of the Philippines, Atok offers visitors a refreshing escape with its sprawling flower gardens and picturesque highland landscapes. The town sits at an elevation that provides cooler temperatures, making it an ideal retreat from the heat of lowland areas.

February marks the peak blooming season in the region, with vibrant flowers covering the hillsides and creating stunning photo opportunities. The area's agricultural terraces and vegetable farms add to the scenic views that have made Northern Bloom a popular attraction.

Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks through the gardens, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and take in panoramic views of the Cordillera mountain range. The site has become increasingly popular on social media, with tourists sharing photos of the colorful blooms against the backdrop of Atok's rolling hills.

The destination offers a peaceful getaway for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts looking to experience the beauty of the Philippine highlands. Local businesses in the area provide accommodations and dining options featuring fresh vegetables and native dishes from the region.

With its combination of natural beauty, pleasant weather, and accessibility from major cities in Northern Luzon, Northern Bloom in Atok continues to attract visitors seeking a memorable mountain experience this February.

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Days after completing a two-month suspension, Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga received another 60-day suspension from the House of Representatives.

The penalty stems from alleged repeated and escalating misconduct during his previous suspension from December 1, 2025 to January 30, 2026.

The House voted 238-10 with 9 abstentions to adopt Committee Report No. 102. Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan announced the suspension would take effect immediately.

House Ethics Committee Chairperson JC Abalos said Barzaga's actions damaged the chamber's reputation. He noted the congressman appeared not to recognize the gravity of the disciplinary measures despite knowing their severity.

Abalos stated that Barzaga escalated his misconduct to include vilification of a deceased colleague and defamatory statements against colleagues and private citizens through his official social media. 

The behavior demonstrated that the initial suspension failed as discipline and showed unfitness for legislative duties, according to the complaint.

Barzaga defended his actions, saying Congress was deflecting from priority issues like flood control and corruption. He argued lawmakers should focus on creating beneficial laws rather than producing reports that don't serve the public.

"No matter how you change the way the budget is being allocated, if a percentage is still being stolen, you cannot expect our economy to prosper. It's a waste of taxpayers' money. These committee reports serve no purpose," Barzaga said.

The congressman stood by his actions, saying he would not have done them if he was going to regret them later.

With reports from Jed Nerecina