Author Archives: admin

Combatting disinformation in Asia Pacific: Intended – and unintended – consequences

This is part of a series IFEX is producing on regional experiences with the global problem of information disorder, and what people are doing to counter it. From blackouts to legislation, from fact-checking to education, Mong Palatino scrutinises some of the most popular responses to the problem of disinformation in his region. Disinformation may be […]

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The books I read in 2019

Published by Bulatlat 1. Blow-Up and Other Stories by Julio Cortázar, Paul Blackburn (Translator). Unfamiliar, intriguing, but creative narratives and plotlines. Stories about madness, compassion, and complexity of modern living. 2. Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan. The first few pages are surreal, apt description of Payatas. A crime novel, page-turner, and a rare look into the […]

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Fast track delivery of social welfare programs, not mass arrests

Published by Bayan Metro Manila We condemn the police for violently dispersing the peaceful protest of Sitio San Roque residents in Quezon City. We are outraged that the state response to the appeals for relief is terror and brutal detention. This is insensitive, repressive, and inhuman. This is the result of the national government’s ill-conceived […]

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Will the political crackdown stop if the CPP-NPA is defeated?

Published by Bulatlat For the military, activists deserve to be arrested because they are members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA). This is easy to dispute. For example, why would the rural-based NPA conduct its training in cities like Bacolod when this can be done in the mountains of Negros? Based on news […]

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Bayan Metro Manila to telcos, power, and water firms: #WalangSingilan

Published by Bayan Metro Manila We are asking utility companies to waive the collection of bills from customers whose lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The enhanced community quarantine has prevented many from going out to work and earn a living. The hardest hit are those who belong to the informal sector. Minimum […]

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Duterte’s New Threat to Philippine Press Freedom

Written for The Diplomat When the Philippine government’s solicitor general filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to forfeit the franchise of ABS-CBN, the country’s leading broadcaster, the development attracted international headlines. As it should: While Duterte’s efforts to undermine press freedom are longstanding, this is the most serious threat to press freedom since he […]

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Are we there yet, kasama?

Published by Bulatlat Not today. But within our lifetime. Malacañang Palace is still in the hands of corrupt tyrants but organs of political power are being established in guerrilla zones across the country. Landlords and big business tycoons continue to hoard more wealth and influence but farmers and workers are not giving up the fight. […]

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IFEX regional brief: August, September, October 2019

August 2019: News blackout and rising repression in Kashmir and West Papua. Read more September 2019: September strikes: Climate actions, student protests, and landmark court rulings. Read more October 2019: Protests condemn communications blackout, police violence, and government secrecy laws. Read more.

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Decongest jails, release political prisoners

Published by Bayan Metro Manila Bayan Metro Manila calls for the urgent release of political prisoners as a humane response to save lives and contain the spread of COVID-19. The country’s jails are notorious for being congested which makes social and physical distancing difficult to implement. The conditions in city jails have deteriorated over the […]

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#KuwentongBM: Campaigning for Bayan Muna in 2001

Published by Bulatlat Inspired by the success of the broad people’s movement that ousted the corrupt presidency of Joseph Estrada in January 2001, many activists became more determined to campaign for the congressional bid of Bayan Muna partylist. Everybody was excited to volunteer and make history by sending three Leftist leaders to Congress. It may […]

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