Category Archives: nation

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 […]

Also posted in east asia, election | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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 […]

Posted in nation | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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 […]

Also posted in Bayan | Tagged | Leave a comment

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 […]

Posted in nation | Tagged | Leave a comment

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 […]

Posted in nation | Tagged | Leave a comment

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 […]

Also posted in Bayan | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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 […]

Also posted in gender, greens | Tagged | Leave a comment

China’s COVID-19 Diplomacy Backfires in the Philippines

By admin | October 16, 2020

The Chinese embassy in Manila released a music video dedicated to COVID-19 frontline workers, but it quickly drew widespread anger among Filipino internet users because of the song’s indirect reference to the South China Sea, known locally as the West Philippine Sea. The music video of the song “Iisang Dagat” (One Sea) was released on […]

Posted in nation | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Duterte’s New Threat to Philippine Press Freedom

By admin | July 13, 2020

Written for The Diplomat When the Philippine government’s solicitor general filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to forfeit the franchise of ABS-CBN, the country’s leading broadcaster, the development attracted international headlines. As it should: While Duterte’s efforts to undermine press freedom are longstanding, this is the most serious threat to press freedom since he […]

Also posted in media | Tagged , | Leave a comment

What Does 2020 Hold for the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte?

By admin | April 27, 2020

Despite the landslide victory of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s party in the 2019 midterm elections, he still faces several serious challenges that could potentially undermine his government in 2020. The Southeast Asian country next holds general elections in 2022. Duterte’s strong showing in midterm elections last year, following the presidential election victory that propelled him […]

Also posted in reds | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment