Author Archives: admin

How redbaiting triggers the killing of activists in the Philippines

By admin | October 20, 2019

Published by Bulatlat When is it acceptable to red tag an activist in the Philippines? Never, unless you are among the rabid state-backed forces advocating the prohibition of communist philosophy and the violent persecution of individuals and groups accused of advancing communist causes. It is politically-incorrect even if the intent is to ridicule the supposedly […]

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Why are there no Filipino rightists in the news?

By admin | October 14, 2019

Published by Bulatlat It is easy to identify Filipino leftist groups and leaders by reading and watching the news but an ordinary citizen will find it more challenging to recognize rightists. Leftists are outrightly named and oftentimes insulted in news reports and commentaries in mainstream media. They are the ‘usual suspects’ in Philippine politics whose […]

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IFEX Regional brief: November, December 2018, January 2019

By admin | October 9, 2019

Asia-Pacific in November: Hong Kong freedom under siege, APEC, Rappler indictment, and same-sex marriage referendum loss in Taiwan. Hong Kong’s free speech is under attack, media restrictions at APEC summit, Rappler indicted, Shahidul Alam is free on bail, Pakistan court overturns blasphemy conviction, and disappointing referendum loss for same-sex marriage advocates in Taiwan. Read more […]

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The War Against the Philippine Press

By admin | October 2, 2019

If the aim of the media attacks is to distract and mute the opposition, so far it is not succeeding. But it sends a dangerous message about how far this government is capable of doing to stretch the limits of the law to run after its critics. Written for The Diplomat Magazine Why Philippine Politics […]

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‘Groundhog Day’ in Congress

By admin | September 22, 2019

Written for Bulatlat Of all the films in all the cable channels in all the world, they had to show the Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day inside the members’ lounge of the Philippine House of Representatives. Seeing the character Phil Connors enduring an ‘eternal recurrence’ in the movie made me realize that it’s an apt metaphor for […]

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How blood money is worsening impunity and media killings in Pakistan

By admin | September 10, 2019

So-called “blood money” laws and practices may offer a faster route to a minimum threshold of justice, but legal scholars warn they can also lead to grave abuses while enabling the cycle of killings to continue. In short, acceptance of offers of blood money could be rendered unnecessary if journalists are secure, laws and regulations […]

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The intransigence of Joma Sison

By admin | August 21, 2019

Published by Bulatlat After his arrest in 1977, Philippine communist leader Joma Sison was presented to the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. He could have negotiated his release with his fellow Ilocano by pledging loyalty to the ‘New Society’. He could have altered the course of history by agreeing to surrender his beliefs and disowning the national […]

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What the Neverending Imelda Marcos Case Means for Philippine Politics

By admin | August 17, 2019

Published by The Diplomat The consequences of Imelda’s conviction continue to spark the realignment of political forces and it could end up in a duel between a Duterte-backed alliance of pro-Marcos groups against an opposition coalition supported by a battle-tested anti-Marcos movement. That is further testament to a broader trend in Philippine politics, where the past […]

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Activism After College

By admin | August 14, 2019

Published by Squeeze For many student activists, the ‘long march’ encounters a fateful challenge immediately after the graduation march. This is when youthful idealism is tested by mainstream ideologies which many equate with realism. The lifelong commitment to fight for social justice is suddenly put on hold. Will he resume his role in the struggle […]

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Fact or fiction: Lawbreakers, professional rallyists, blind followers and other labels about activists

By admin | July 26, 2019

Published by Bulatlat Vow of poverty. Activists are encouraged to live simply, but unlike priests, they don’t have a vow of poverty. They don’t fetishize poverty; instead, they work with the poor to fight the structures that engender oppression in society. Indeed, activists renounce material riches and the glorification of wealth but it doesn’t mean they […]

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