Archive for October, 2007
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Tondo’s Tribes
Disgraced president Joseph Estrada has been pardoned by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. To many Filipinos, Arroyo’s move was not a surprise. But to journalist Carlos Conde, it reminded him, for some reason, of May 2001, when Estrada supporters stormed Mendiola, hoping to lay siege on Malacanang. He filed his report on that siege, “Entering the war zone: ‘I saw nothing but rage’”, for the now defunct CyberDyaryo, an online newsmagazine.
The Arroyo administration was not satisfied with the apology today by the Philippine Daily Inquirer over the erroneous story that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was present when those “cash gifts” were given out. In a statement today, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye castigated the paper for “sowing disinformation.” The apology notwithstanding, he said, the damage had been done.
Where are the investigative reports that in 2001 led to Joseph Estrada’s impeachment, and eventually to his ouster? Where are the reports that in 2005 and early 2006 shook the Arroyo regime by exposing the “Hello Garci” tapes, their source, and the individuals involved in the perversion of the 2004 elections? The answer is mostly nowhere. The investigative reports that could have shed light on the NBN scandal, for example, are still to be written.
The most pernicious and the most grievous of political sexism is that which disallows women the right to effect historical signification, which has led, through 7,000 years, to the loss of women’s history and social amnesia regarding women’s ability to effect social change.
(Utrecht, 18 October) Citing a dozen policy measures made by the Manila government to sabotage and stall peace negotiations since the end of 2001, NDFP chief negotiator Luis G. Jalandoni yesterday reiterated their call to the Arroyo government to first comply with existing peace agreements in order to pave the way for the resumption of [...]
How Green Is My iPhone? Apple’s Steve Jobs failed to deliver on his promise, Greenpeace says.
In a report released today, Greenpeace Philippines disclosed that tests made by the group on the iPhone determined that the popular device contains hazardous chemicals and materials. “Apple could have demonstrated that it is a true industry leader with a green iPhone. Unfortunately, Apple missed that call and the public is left with an Apple that is no greener than what was promised by Steve Jobs in May,” said Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace Southeast Asia toxics campaigner.
Philip Alston, the UN’s special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, submitted his report on the Philippines to the UN General Assembly today. In his report, Alston points to one key factor in the series of extrajudicial killings of activists: “Many in the Government have concluded that numerous civil society organizations are ‘fronts’ for the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed group, the New People’s Army. One response has been counter-insurgency operations that result in the extrajudicial execution of leftist activists. In some areas, the leaders of leftist organizations are systematically hunted down by interrogating and torturing those who may know their whereabouts, and they are often killed following a campaign of individual vilification designed to instill fear into the community.” Download or read the report (PDF) here.
After the “slur” on Philippine medical schools in “Desperate Housewives,” Manila’s networks have dug up a September episode in the Daily Show With Jon Stewart in which the “correspondent” Samantha Bee “reports” on whether America is ready for a woman president. In Bee’s hilarious report, a picture is shown of former president Corazon Aquino; across it is the word “slut.” Some Filipinos are offended. Should you be? Watch the “report.”
Among 192 countries the Philippines ranks 153rd in terms of government spending on health as a share of a country’s total health spending. Filipinos have increasingly relied on out of pocket expenses on health, as against government allocation.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Nene” Q. Pimentel,
Jr. (PDP-Laban) has urged that the current
investigation on the so-called Garci tapes cannot be
legally prohibited or stopped even as he pointed out
that the statutory prohibition against the disclosure
or wiretapped materials is not absolute.
Anakpawis Rep.Crispin Beltran today said that the scrapping of the
Macapagal-Arroyo government’s national broadband network (NBN) deal
with China’s ZTE Corp. was a victory of the Filipino people against
graft and corruption. He said that Pres. Arroyo was essentially forced
to terminate the contract because of the strong outrage generated by
the controversy over the illegal and underhanded brokering [...]
3 October 2007—Philippine Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur Victoriano M. Lecaros reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Malaysia expressed gratitude to the Embassy for taking care of her during her pregnancy until she gave birth to a healthy baby boy at the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital last [...]
Is there another ZTE NBN scandal in the making with Chinese mining firms?
Environmental watchdogs today castigated the Arroyo administration for planning to enter into deals with Chinese mining firms. At their meetings with Chinese investors such as the Philippine Business and Investment Forum, Pres. Arroyo and Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye was quoted by media reports as [...]
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