Author Archives: admin

How I survived anti-Left academics and became an activist

By admin | February 3, 2020

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. […]

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IFEX regional briefs: February, March, April 2019

By admin | January 22, 2020

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 […]

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Reading in the age of distraction

By admin | January 9, 2020

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 […]

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The Philippines’ (Too) Quiet Opposition

By admin | December 31, 2019

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 […]

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The Ampatuan Massacre: 10 years of fighting for justice

By admin | December 22, 2019

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 […]

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2018: Exposing the Bully and Resisting the Tyrant in Malacanang

By admin | December 12, 2019

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 […]

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Ang problema kay Jose Maria Sison

By admin | December 6, 2019

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 […]

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

By admin | November 24, 2019

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 […]

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The books I read in 2018

By admin | November 16, 2019

Published by Bulatlat 1. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Utopian vision of society but eerily familiar to those who are living in the 21st century. 2. Utos ng Hari by Jun Cruz Reyes. Stories of the everyman in the urban, survival as resistance, the common tao and his struggles against alienation. 3. Pulang Mandirigma: Images of the New People’s […]

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My first five years as a full-time activist

By admin | November 6, 2019

Published by Bulatlat I joined the Center for Nationalist Studies in 1997, became an active member of STAND UP in 1998, and declared my commitment to be a full-time activist after graduation in 2000. I enrolled for a master’s degree but decided to discontinue pursuing this during the ‘Oust Estrada’ campaign. As a full-time activist, […]

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