HEADS UP: Top News Stories You Need to Know Today, Feb. 28

Here’s a Heads Up from reportr on the top news stories that you need to know today, Feb. 25.

COVID NEWS

• Metro Manila will be downgraded to Alert Level 1 starting March 1. Here’s what will change as the capital region moves to the so-called “new normal.”
• The MMDA is studying the possibility of increasing the capacity of public transportation in Metro Manila to 100% as COVID-19 cases further decrease.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT

• Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Here’s what you need to know.
• How will the Russia-Ukraine conflict affect the Philippines? At the outset, it could hurt Filipino consumers.
• Although the two countries are thousands of miles away from each other, the Philippines and Ukraine have a shared history, and it dates all the way back to the 1980s.
• The U.S. and its allies are seeking to punish Russia by cutting some of its banks from the SWIFT system. What exactly is it and how will it affect Russia? 

LIFE KIT

• Got a pay raise but you still struggle saving up? It may be a case of lifestyle creep. Here’s how to overcome it.

NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Filipino Catholics may once again receive ash crosses on their forehead this Ash Wednesday, two years after the tradition was suspended due to the pandemic.
• The spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution transcends surnames, Vice President Leni Robredo said as she marked the 36th anniversary of the bloodless revolt.
• Robredo acknowledged “Daks for Leni” in her campaign sortie in Cebu, recognizing their creativity in helping her in her campaign.
• What Cabinet positions will the vice presidential candidates want to get? Here’s how they answered.
• President Rodrigo Duterte vouched for actor Robin Padilla who is running for senator, saying he would play a "critical role" in the legislature as he is a Muslim.
• Five in 10 Filipinos admit having difficulty in spotting fake news in the media, highlighting the dangers of misinformation as the elections draw closer.