Category Archives: nation

Duterte’s Forgotten Federalism Agenda is Dead

By admin | November 26, 2021

Published by The Diplomat The Philippine Congress adjourned its sessions this month without tackling bills on federalism, a key legislative proposal of President Rodrigo Duterte since his campaign for president in 2016. It is Duterte’s prerogative to name the priorities of his government as he enters his last year in office. Today, he can afford […]

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A Brief History of Charter Change Attempts in the Philippines

By admin | October 4, 2021

Written for The Diplomat Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has reportedly instructed allies in Congress to begin proceedings aimed at amending the country’s constitution, fueling immediate speculation that he is aiming to extend his term beyond 2022. Unlike in Myanmar and Thailand, where proposals to amend the constitution are often aimed at eroding the power of […]

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On the proposed extension of emergency powers

By admin | September 14, 2021

Published by Bayan Metro Manila Instead of deliberating the extension of the BAHO Law, Congress should spend its last session week by conducting an emergency probe on the bungled COVID-19 response of the government. Congress should not simply accept the weekly reports of Malacanang without questioning its content. But even if these reports are used […]

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Myanmar’s Coup: The View from Manila

By admin | August 30, 2021

Written for The Diplomat News about last month’s coup d’etat in Myanmar prompted solidarity actions in Manila, which became more frequent after the Philippine government dissociated itself from the United Nations Human Rights Council statement expressing concern over the actions of the Tatmadaw. The embarrassing actions of the Philippine government have been repudiated by democracy-loving […]

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A Deadly and Disastrous 2020 for the Philippines

By admin | July 9, 2021

Written for The Diplomat A major volcanic eruption, massive flooding in several regions, surging COVID-19 cases, and a worsening human rights situation are among the disasters that made the lives of Filipinos more miserable in 2020. Guilty or not for exacerbating the suffering of Filipinos in 2020, Duterte is facing a potentially tougher challenge in […]

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Duterte owes millions of Filipinos an apology

By admin | June 13, 2021

Published by Bayan Metro Manila President Rodrigo Duterte apologized to tycoons Ayala and Pangilinan during his late night televised speech for the hurtful words he uttered in the past. He said sorry on the same day his office submitted the sixth COVID-19 report to Congress which revealed, among others, that more than six million households […]

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Rodrigo Duterte: The Weak Strongman of the Philippines

By admin | May 22, 2021

Published by The Diplomat After Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo announced his resignation due to poor health last month, many Filipinos wondered aloud if Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte would soon arrive at the same decision, considering his recent revelation that his medical condition was “nearing stage one cancer.” Duterte earlier disclosed that he suffers from […]

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Politics and resistance under a lockdown regime

By admin | May 12, 2021

Published by Bulatlat The pandemic is forcing us to be more critical of the repressive state even as we reexamine our methods and ideas about doing politics under the so-called new normal. Citizens started to wear protective face masks at almost the same time when the state’s authoritarian identity is laid bare with little or […]

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Duterte’s Pasaway Gang

By admin | April 24, 2021

Published by Bayan Metro Manila Contrary to the self-serving government spin which blames citizens for the continued spread of COVID-19 infections, the notorious cabal of pasaways are to be found in Malacanang Palace. They are responsible for the bungled response to the public health crisis. Rodrigo Duterte Leading the gang is Rodrigo Duterte, the chief […]

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Duterte Is Killing the Philippines’ Environment

By admin | January 2, 2021

Published by The Diplomat In addition, mining, logging, and reclamation activities are expected to intensify if the proposal to change the 1987 constitution is passed by Congress. There are various drafts submitted to Congress, but all of them include several provisions allowing foreign ownership of lands and the exploitation of the country’s resources. Critics have […]

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