Archive for July, 2007
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Palace assures protection of human rights, civil liberties as terror law takes effect
As the Human Security Act takes effect today (Sunday), Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye reiterated the government’s assurances that human rights and civil liberties will be protected.
MANILA — Sustaining a strong economy and investing in human capital and physical infrastructure are expected to form the central theme of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the joint session of the 14th Congress on July 23, according to Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye.
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the nation today in giving a hero’s welcome for the 14 enlisted personnel of the Philippine Marines 1st Marine Brigade who were killed in an ambush by hundreds of rebel renegades from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and lawless elements in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan last Tuesday (July 10).
While stressing her administration’s determination to pursue the peace process to attain permanent peace in Mindanao, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today the government will not allow groups or people committing “barbaric acts to hide under the negotiating table.”
Trafficking is the modern form of slavery. The victims lose all control over their lives, they are not free to leave, they are coerced into working and many times they are beaten if they refuse.
The 2007 New York International Independent Film and Video Festival presents “Fight! Without Fear!”, a documentary made by Filipina American Darlene Lombos about women living in the frontlines — fighting economic exploitation, gender violence and the effects of the global “war on terror.”
Activists led by Bayan and its allied groups have been mounting protest actions against the Human Security Act, the Philippines’s anti-terrorism law that is set to take effect tomorrow, July 15. Critics said the law is the most repressive piece of legislation ever crafted by the Philippine congress. (Photo by Arkibong Bayan)
“To this day I have never been called to any criminal investigation concerning any specific crime of terrorism. In Europe or anywhere else in the world, I have never been accused of committing any kind of crime before police authorities or the courts. In the Philippines, I have never been charged with the crime of terrorism,” Jose Maria Sison says.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is alarmed by the disappearance of a Nepalese journalist and subsequent reports of his death.
MANILA –Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr.
(PDP-Laban) is proposing the establishment of Human
Rights Resource Centers (HRRCs) throughout the country
to integrate the promotion and protection of human
rights in the implementation of the criminal justice
system.
As the country’s fiscal position remains susceptible to another crisis, the Arroyo government will likely try to impose new taxes at the latest by 2008, according to independent think-tank Ibon Foundation. “This is the inevitable result of its refusal to address revenue losses from trade and investment liberalization, revenue losses from corruption and big-time tax evaders, and grossly bloated expenditures from unconditional debt servicing,” the institution said.
Amnesty International, the AIRE Centre, The International Commission of JURISTs, Interights and REDRESS are warning that, in a hearing today, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights is being asked to reconsider the absolute ban on torture and other ill-treatment.
President Arroyo is likely to trumpet in the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) her administration’s ability to attract more foreign investments into the country by creating a more investor-friendly climate. But independent think-tank IBON Foundation says that the Arroyo government’s foreign investment-resource extractive- and cheap labor-led approach raises false hopes for job creation.
Reds seek activation of NPA hit squads in cities After Ampatuan Massacre, 2009 a Record Year for Journalist Killings Worldwide CHR to military: Respect and protect human rights during martial law in Maguindanao Maguindanao, its political elite and a culture subservient to corruption U.S. Must Improve Responsiveness to Mass Atrocities; Absent UN Action, Make Clear Willingness to Act on Its Own, Says New CFR Report Martial law dilutes the Philippines’s human rights and democratic gains Martial law in Maguindanao sets ‘most dangerous precedent’ Lawyers will wear black armbands, ribbons in courts Law group shall file plunder cases against President Arroyo et al. UN Experts: Maguindanao massacre must be the start of a major reform process
Arroyo’s oil-price control a publicity stunt, cries Ibon Political Bloodbath Continues: Widow of Slain Activist Shot Dead New Wave of Protests Against Charter Change Set in April Comelec’s Automation to Worsen Election Fraud — Watchdog 2008: Another Bad Year for the Philippine Press ‘Unemployment Figures Wrong; Number of Jobless Higher’ ‘Nicole Is Not the Enemy’ ‘Nicole’: ‘My Conscience Bothers Me’ Is the Call Center Industry a Bright Spot for New Graduates? 6 Great Ways to Vent Your Frustrations Eating Dirt Is Actually Good For Children Australia Offers 150 Scholarship Slots for Philippines, Asia-Pacific mamert dolera: The horrible maguindanao massacre displays the “crueltiest 221; act of political warlordism... Don Untalan: I am also interested to buy (AROD) and the tall hybreed variety. Pls advice where to buy from Manila,... scott: Sports and politics do not mix. But the economy of the Philippines relies on Pacqiao. How much money would a... Bernadine Ebo: nov.11,2009 4:45 my husband and i wants to adopt