Author Archives: admin

Mensahe sa mga bagong graduate ng NSTP

*Binigkas sa Asian Institute of Tourism, UP Diliman, noong Hulyo 16, 2019 Binabati ko ang mga bagong kasapi ng National Service Training Reserve Corps (NSTP). Nagagalak akong magsalita ngayong umaga sa inyong harapan dahil isa po ako sa mga nagtaguyod ng NSTP Law. Pumasok ako sa Diliman noong 1996. Tinapos ko ang Reserved Officers Training […]

Posted in speeches | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Rising Anxiety About China’s ‘Debt Trap’ in the Philippines

Over the past few months, rising scrutiny on Chinese investments in countries ranging from the Maldives to Malaysia has intensified an ongoing conversation in the Philippines about the risks of a Chinese “debt trap” in the country as the government of President Rodrigo Duterte pursues increased engagement with Beijing. This discussion has become more pronounced, […]

Posted in nation | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How I survived anti-Left academics and became an activist

Published by Bulatlat Yes, I studied Marxism at the university. But all things considered, I believe I spent more time learning about postmodernism and its numerous variations inside classrooms and libraries. I got introduced to the politics of the Left through the writings of anti-Left academics. No ‘mad Marxist’ indoctrinated me to become an activist. […]

Posted in education, reds | Tagged , | Leave a comment

IFEX regional briefs: February, March, April 2019

Journalists face growing persecution, an impunity win in Indonesia, and much more…February in Asia: A roundup of key free expression news, based on IFEX member reports. Read more Women’s Day marchers attacked, Thai media restricted, and report on media killings in Afghanistan. March in Asia: A roundup of key free expression news, based on IFEX […]

Posted in east asia, media | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Reading in the age of distraction

Published by Bulatlat Metro Manila’s insane traffic congestion is an opportunity to read books. Reading is more productive and relaxing instead of cursing at drivers, enforcers, and pedestrians. It’s less risky than using a smartphone inside jeepneys, UV Express vans, and trains. It’s a matter of adjusting our perspectives. For example, a three-hour ride from […]

Posted in education | Leave a comment

The Philippines’ (Too) Quiet Opposition

After the Philippine midterm elections, some members of the opposition party decided to join the majority coalition in Congress. This despite the aggressive campaigning of opposition candidates against the human rights abuses under the government of President Rodrigo Duterte. That opposition politicians would quickly affiliate themselves with the ruling party reflects not only the quality […]

Posted in nation | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Ampatuan Massacre: 10 years of fighting for justice

The 10th anniversary of the single most deadly assault on journalists ever takes place on 23 November. IFEX’s Asia & Pacific Regional Editor Mong Palatino writes about a decade of activism on behalf of the 58 Ampatuan Massacre victims, among them 32 journalists, in this Spark multimedia feature article. Written for IFEX Global solidarity for […]

Posted in media, nation | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

2018: Exposing the Bully and Resisting the Tyrant in Malacanang

Here are the highlights of the people’s struggles in Metro Manila in 2018. Labor Unrest The labor sector initiated breakthrough actions in 2018. Taking cue from government pronouncements rejecting contractualization, labor groups stepped up its organizing among contractuals. It led to workers asserting their right to unionize in response to the duplicitous move of capitalists to outsource their responsibility […]

Posted in nation | Tagged | Leave a comment

Ang problema kay Jose Maria Sison

Published by Bulatlat Introduksiyon sa aklat na ‘Strengthen the People’s Struggle against Imperialism and Reaction’ na binasa noong Pebrero 8, 2019, UP Diliman, Solair Ang problema kay Jose Maria Sison ay naglatag siya ng mataas na pamantayan kung paano suriin ang pulitikal na kalagayan ng bansa. Pagkatapos mo siyang basahin, tatatak sa iyo ang kanyang […]

Posted in education, reds, speeches | Tagged | Leave a comment

Is It Time for the Philippines to Move Its Capital City, Too?

Indonesia’s decision to go ahead with its plan to transfer the seat of power from Jakarta to East Kalimantan has renewed earlier debates about whether it’s also time for the Philippine government to leave Manila and look for another capital. Like Jakarta, Manila is notorious for its swelling population and an expanding urban area grappling […]

Posted in nation, places | Tagged , , | Leave a comment