@mongster is a Manila-based activist, former Philippine legislator, and blogger/analyst of Asia-Pacific affairs.
Written for The Diplomat The recently concluded Trilateral Summit of the United States, Japan, and the Philippines saw the unveiling of the Luzon Corridor, an economic scheme that is intended to spur economic partnerships among the three countries. Located south of Taiwan, Luzon is the Philippines’ biggest island with five regions including Metro Manila, the […]
Published by Bulatlat The 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was supposed to showcase the post-pandemic recovery and resurgence of the economy but it only put into spotlight its notorious legacy amid the raging crisis in the multipolar world and genocidal occupation in Palestine. News narratives hyped the United States – China rivalry without calling out […]
Published by Bulatlat In the opening pages of Jose Rizal’s El Filibusterismo, the steamer Tabo was likened to the ship of state where the presence of the ilustrado classes at the upper deck and the indios at the lower deck alluded to inequality in society. The Tabo was slow like the progress of the country […]
Published by Bulatlat My father Reynaldo spent 43 years of his life in the Philippines and the last 29 years in the United States. Did he achieve the great American dream? He thrived as a family man while his heart and mind continued to yearn for the homeland. He maintained and strengthened old ties even […]
Written for The Diplomat Philippine officials are denying the claim of the Chinese Foreign Ministry that there was a previous pledge to tow away its ship in the Second Thomas Shoal, known to Manila as Ayungin Shoal and to Beijing as Ren’ai Jiao. China did not identify the Filipino official who promised to remove the […]
Written for The Diplomat Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ended his second State of the Nation address on Monday by declaring that the country’s situation is “sound and improving” as he heralds the rise of “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines). This was a reference to the new branding adopted by the Marcos government as part […]
Written for The Diplomat In February, residents of Sibuyan Island in the Philippines’ Romblon province protested against a mining exploration activity by forming a “people’s barricade.” This was followed by another barricade in Brooke’s Point in the southern part of Palawan province, which was also organized by community-based groups to protest an ongoing mining operation. […]
Rebyu sa aklat na ‘Sa Aking Pagkadestiyero/In My Exile’ ni Joi Barrios. Sinulat para sa Bulatlat Bilang dating migrante, ramdam ko ang kakaibang tipo ng lungkot na pinapahiwatig ng mga linyang ito: Dito, taglay ko ang pilat na nasa noo ng bawat dayo,Markado ngunit hindi nakikita,na parang may tagabulag O ang pangungulilang kapareha ng pananabik […]
Published by Bulatlat There are several stereotypes of activists but the most uncommon figure is that of the community organizer. We are familiar with the image of activists raising banners with clenched fists. The grim and determined look of street protesters. The dignified posture of influencer dissenters made more visible on various social media platforms. […]
Published by Bayan Metro Manila After imposing a ‘hard lockdown’ in Sampaloc, the Manila local government is set to adopt the same measure in Tondo. The ‘hard lockdown’ is worse than the national government’s ‘enhanced community quarantine’ since it imposes absolute restrictions on individuals while deploying a bigger number of police and military forces in […]
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