Author Archives: admin

A Proposed Law Seeks to Ban Political Dynasties in the Philippines

By admin | October 22, 2024

Written for The Diplomat The clamor against the power of political clans in the Philippines has been revived, after the Supreme Court uploaded a copy of the petition seeking an order to compel Congress to pass a law banning political dynasties. In the meantime, Philippine politics remains largely under the sway of political dynasties who […]

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The deadly Duterte variant is the biggest threat facing Filipinos today

By admin | October 7, 2024

Published by Bayan Metro Manila The deadly Duterte variant is the biggest threat facing Filipinos today Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque blamed the new coronavirus variant for the surge in COVID-19 cases when it is clear that our alarming situation today should be attributed to the government’s bungled pandemic response. Duterte stubbornly enforced lockdown measures which […]

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Duterte’s Ironic Free Speech Advocacy in the Philippines

By admin | September 29, 2024

Written for The Diplomat Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned against the deterioration of freedom of expression under the government of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. After a planned rally was canceled in Tacloban City on May 25, Duterte issued a public statement blaming “the forces of darkness that threaten not only our rights to […]

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Are the Dutertes the New Opposition in the Philippines?

By admin | September 13, 2024

Written for The Diplomat The quick answer to the question posed in the title of this article is no. They are criticizing members of Congress and even Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., but their party is still part of the ruling coalition. If the split becomes irreconcilable, the Dutertes are expected to mobilize their […]

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Philippine Legislators Mull ‘Economic Charter Change’

By admin | September 1, 2024

Written for The Diplomat The plan to amend certain economic provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution is proceeding, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announcing his preference to hold a plebiscite during the 2025 midterm local election. Both Houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, are already conducting public hearings about the […]

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Relentless resistance against APEC

By admin | August 20, 2024

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 […]

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Marcos Allies Quarrel Over Confidential Funds

By admin | July 30, 2024

Written for The Diplomat Allies of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are squabbling over the allocation of confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs), which could undermine the “unity government” that rose to power in 2022. CIFs are not subjected to normal auditing rules because it is assumed that law enforcement agencies use them for sensitive national […]

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Stop the surge in demolition and anti-poor restrictions

By admin | July 10, 2024

Published by Bayan Metro Manila While COVID-19 cases are surging, authorities are brutally demolishing houses in urban poor communities. As residents adopt safety measures during the pandemic, the DILG treacherously lifted the ban on demolitions which quickly led to the destruction of houses in some barangays in Quezon City and heightened the tension in some […]

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My experience as a folding biker and bimodal commuter in Metro Manila

By admin | June 30, 2024

Published by Bulatlat Biking became necessary during the first month of the pandemic lockdown in 2020 when the government prohibited even jeepneys and tricycles from being out in the streets. It became a lifesaver for frontliners and convenient option for those who needed a faster and safe way to move around the city to access […]

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IFEX Asia brief: July, August, September 2023

By admin | June 24, 2024

July 2023: Journalists and activists from China and Pakistan targeted by transnational repression, prolonged internet shutdown in Manipur hides extent of communal violence, Cambodia blocked websites after disqualifying the opposition, and defiant Afghan women protested against repressive Taliban policies. Read more August 2023. Taliban marks its second year in power amid worsening repression targeting women […]

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