Archive for August, 2007
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With JPEPA, Philippines ushers in era of ‘unparalleled defeatist policymaking’
Ibon Foundation says JPEPA is the country’s first full-fledged bilateral free trade agreement after colonialism, and as such is dangerous for setting precedents for liberalization that the country will have to concede in future trade negotiations. Its negotiating position in future trade agreements with other trading partners is compromised since it will have to grant to them what it granted to Japan, else it would be accused of unfair discrimination.
Javascript, the scripting language, makes website much more helpful, interactive and interesting. Many websites don’t function well without it. But Javascript can also be dangerous. How then do you ensure safety in your browsing without altogether disabling Javascript?
Cebu is famous for its beaches and the annual Sinulog mardi gras. However, given the folly of some lewd tourists, many Filipinos have conveniently forgotten that Cebu, first and foremost, is the root of our pride as Southeast Asia’s only predominantly Catholic country.
“Merese” is part of the vocabulary of Mindanao gayspeak which translates to “Darn!” “Argh!” “Bloody hell!” “Merde!” Pardon my expletives. But my life is pretty dull for the past week. I’m a loser. Or is the blues?
The middle and lower ranks of the police and the military may have been confused by, and were in fact leery of, the Human Security Act (HSA). But that was before they were briefed by their superiors, who, taking their orders from their bosses who’re privy to the intent of that deliberately misnamed law, most likely assured them they had nothing to fear but fear itself from the Act’s so-called safeguards.
By ABHOUD SYED M. LINGGA
Since undeniably the Mindanao problem is rooted in the Bangsamoro aspiration for self-determination, the implementation of this fundamental right of peoples to determine their political status will certainly open the window of opportunity to resolve the long-drawn conflict peacefully. As signatory to United Nations instruments on right to self-determination, the Philippines has the obligation to uphold, respect and promote this right.
Advertising is the main way that Nestle and other corporations convince mothers who can breast feed that the bottle is best. It became so effective that breast-feeding dropped and mortality rates for children one to two years old vastly increased. In response the World Health Organization brought out a code of advertising conduct many years ago for these corporations to follow.
Congress remains the stronghold of traditional politics, now shored up by the increasing presence of certain elitist party-list groups. This is a long way off the charter-based principle of guaranteeing the marginal sectors’ representation in the lawmaking body.
Bitter, indeed, was this recent trip to the homeland; shocking, indeed, to find it still in the grip of such poverty that tyranny had become a necessary component of the social order. A slow balkanization of the archipelago is underway, as more and more Filipinos leave for work overseas and more and more “foreigners” enter: a hundred thousand Koreans are in the school system; thousands more of Taiwanese; Mindanao has become the land of banana plantations edging out poor communities; educational tourism, medical tourism, sex tourism, military tourism (which is what the Balikatan exercises are), tourism everywhere…
ABC-5’s Jove Francisco was an eyewitness to Quentin Tarantino’s pedicab adventure yesterday. He writes: “The cabbie was making a sharp turn when I saw from my window two guys in barong tagalong and a woman in black floral terno with a huge flower in one side of her head. “Interesting sight” I told myself. Until I recognized the guy with the darker complexion: It’s Tikoy Aguiluz, the film director who I’ve interviewed in the past regarding Cinemanila. And when the word Cinemanila came into mind…. “Manong, si Quentin Tarantino iyun ahhh!?” Cabbie: “Sino?” 
Read Jove’s account
The Philippines is in the news again, this time playing a role in the manufacture of defective computer touch screens that are used for voting in the United States. Veteran journalist Dan Rather, in a report on HDNet titled “The Trouble with Touch Screens”, presents new information on this story. “From scientists involved in testing the equipment, to manufacturers in third world countries who shipped these defective voting machines to the United States, Dan Rather Reports will present new information showing that these defective machines may have altered the outcome of multiple elections,” HDNet said. Watch the report here.
Newsbreak: Tactical errors, lapses—these are now commonly used words in the Armed Forces of the Philippines—and they appear to be the most convenient excuses for the recent setbacks in Sulu and Basilan. But our findings show that poor planning and tired troops are key factors in the military debacle. Read the story
By ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO | Bulatlat
Is the HSA really necessary in curbing what it defines as “terrorism”? A lawyer who represented petitioners against the said law before the High Tribunal views the HSA as not only unnecessary but also dangerous.
Balikbayan Dr. Annalisa Vicente Enrile was on her way back to the U.S. on Aug. 5 after a month’s stay in the Philippines. However, as she proceeded to the Immigration booth to have her passport exit-stamped, she was told that she could not get on the plane because she was on the “watchlist.”
Security, economics, the U.S. role in the Asia Pacific, Beijing-Washington relations, and the hard to define, but “know it when you see it,” concept of “soft power” were the major topics of discussion at the just concluded at the East-West Center’s eighth Senior Policy Seminar. The gathering of twenty-eight serving or retired officials, academics, sector experts, and business leaders from around the Asia Pacific region held frank and open discussions on the myriad of topics that will affect the region in both the short and long-term.
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