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Cavendish bananas may be golden for the Philippine economy, but their sweet streak faces a bitter threat. Fusarium wilt, famously dubbed Panama disease, has been ravaging plantations and threatens the livelihoods of millions of farmers across Mindanao. 

In a shift from stern audits to street-level support, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) fanned out across the country on February 23 for a Nationwide Simultaneous Friendly Tax Compliance Verification Drive (TCVD), putting dialogue ahead of discipline.

Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) reported an attributable income of ₱4.17 billion in 2025, nearly unchanged from ₱4.16 billion in 2024, citing higher interest rates, more selective homebuyers, and structural shifts in the office sector.

The International Criminal Court in The Hague on Monday opened confirmation of charges proceedings against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, a crucial step that will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to send the case to full trial. Prosecutors, defense lawyers, and legal representatives of the victims are set to present their evidence and arguments before ICC judges, who have up to 60 days to decide if the case will move forward. The 80-year-old Duterte was arrested in March last year and has remained in detention while awaiting the court’s ruling on whether he will stand trial. Outside the ICC chamber, protesters from the families of the victims and those who support Duterte gathered to voice the opinions.

Caloocan City’s People’s Park has reopened following a P50-million redevelopment funded by the Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corporation (MRP Foundation). The renovation was inaugurated in February by mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan and MRP Foundation chairman Clarence Chung, coinciding with the city’s 64th cityhood anniversary celebration.