@mongster is a Manila-based activist, former Philippine legislator, and blogger/analyst of Asia-Pacific affairs.
Talumpating binigkas sa regional student leaders assembly ng University of Assumption, San Fernando, Pampanga World Youth Day. Nagtitipon ang maraming kabataan ngayon sa Brazil para sa World Youth Day (Bahagi ako ng WYD 1995). Isa itong selebrasyon na pinangungunahan ng simbahang Katoliko subalit ang kabuluhan nito ay hindi lamang para sa mga Romano Katoliko tulad […]
Written for The Diplomat Several Southeast Asian countries have begun scaling down the subsidies they are providing to key sectors of their economies. Last month, the Thai government confirmed that it will soon decrease the rice price subsidy it gives to farmers. In Indonesia, the parliament approved a revised budget that lowered the fuel subsidy. […]
Written for The Diplomat The first surprise came when the U.S.-based Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF) decided to give Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (aka SBY) the World Statesman Award for promoting religious freedom in his country. The second surprise was when SBY accepted it two weeks ago. For a group guided by the belief […]
Written for The Diplomat “For what has happened, as President, I say sorry and seek the understanding of our relatives in Singapore and Malaysia.” This was Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono apologizing on national television Monday evening, a week after forest fires in Sumatra caused a thick blanket of smog to descend on Singapore and […]
Which is worse: The politician liar, or the spokesperson who willingly and even gleefully lies for him? In the age of hyper communications, the politician must be an expert communicator. But if he has problematic communication skills, the next best thing is to hire a butt double, oops, I mean a spokesperson. The spokesperson must […]
The Diplomat’s Jonathan DeHart spoke with Filipino activist, legislator and writer Raymond “Mong” Palatino about his country’s recent spat with Taiwan, the Sabah turmoil, and the Philippines’ impressive economic growth. The Philippines has been through a lot politically and diplomatically these past few months, starting with the turmoil in Sabah and most recently in the […]
As I write this, there seems to be frantic race in Batasan to file the first set of bills in the 16th Congress. It’s a futile effort since the date of filing has no bearing in the calendaring of measures dictated by the powerful Rules Committee. Furthermore, being an early porker or early bird doesn’t […]
