Archive for January, 2008
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DOJ Warning to Media a Clear, Shameless Attempt to Criminalize Press Freedom
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) calls on all journalists and media organizations to defy Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez’ warning to hold media criminally liable for “disobeying” so-called lawful orders from government officers.
It is a clear and shameless attempt to criminalize the exercise of press freedom and a clear case of prior [...]
By imposing tariff cut recently, the cash-strapped Arroyo government has not only failed to address high pump prices but defaulted on its responsibility to collect revenues, all in favor of the oil companies.
Government had already imposed tariff reductions in the wake of high prices through Executive Order (EO) 527. The automatic tariff mechanism imposed under [...]
The strengthening peso has resulted in a sharp cut in overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) incomes, costing them over P700 per $100 remitted, according to independent think-tank IBON Foundation.
From January to December 2007, the exchange rate of the peso to the dollar has strengthened by almost fifteen percent. This means that over the period, the family [...]
By the Asian Human Rights Commission
HONGKONG — At the height of the escalating incidents of the murder of activists, there was strong condemnation, both within and outside the country that forced the government to do
something to stop the killing. Now that the number of killings has declined, condemnation has also decreased and discussion into [...]
Unless government removes the 12 percent value added tax (VAT) on oil and repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, the country is facing as much as P50 per liter in gasoline prices and more than P700 in LPG retail prices by the end of the year, umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) disclosed.
Simulations of the monthly [...]
by L. Gordon Flake
Since year’s end, much of the attention on North Korea’s
nuclear program has focused on the missed deadlines for disabling the
Yongbyon facility and more importantly for Pyongyang’s provision of a
“complete and correct” declaration of all its nuclear
programs. However, whether a declaration is forthcoming or not, [...]
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Nene” Q. Pimentel,
Jr. (PDP-Laban) said he believes that Congress will
back a Malacañang call for amending the 1987
Constitution to pave the way for the adoption of a
Federal System of Government to break the prolonged
impasses in the government’s peace talks with the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front.
Pimentel, however, warned that efforts to pursue
Charter Change will [...]
Lawyers representing the Alpha Phi Omega International ( Philippines ) Fraternity and Sorority have charged that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) had violated its contract for the December 16, 2007 special sweepstakes draw by printing 7,000 booklets more than the agreed 35,000 booklets for sale to the public.
In a letter sent to PCSO chief [...]
Workers in Japanese corporations based in Southern Tagalog expressed opposition to the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA). They deemed that their situation will get worse if JPEPA is ratified.
According to a study by Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan (Pamantik- Southern Tagalog) titled “Calabarzon workers and the imminent danger posed by JPEPA, “The JPEPA assumes [...]
Task Force Mapalad, a national peasant federation, will ask progressive members of Congress to conduct a review of the role played by landowners in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to determine to what extent they have contributed to its success of failure.
TFM president Jose Rodito Angeles said they have [...]
by Brad Glosserman
A gloom is settling over Tokyo. A recent visit revealed deep and deepening frustration and anxiety as Japanese contemplate strategic options. Decision makers in Tokyo have framed their choices in overly simple terms that do not reflect the range of possibilities in foreign and security [...]
Arroyo veto will cause serious political backlash
As more senators echo the people’s demand to scrap the 12 percent value added tax (VAT) on oil, umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) challenged Congress to cross party lines and rush a bill that would lift the regressive tax on petroleum products. Congress is expected to resume its [...]
Philippine green groups today cautioned the Environment Secretary against supporting larger deployments of military and police personnel to protect the operations of foreign mining firms such as Xstrata in South Cotabato, warning that this would give rise to even more conflict and human rights violations against mining-affected communities.
In a statement, Clemente Bautista Jr., National Coordinator [...]
A bomb exploded in Lahore, the capital city of Punjab province, on
January 10, killing more than 30 persons and injuring 70, mostly
policemen, outside the Lahore High Court building where lawyers had
planned a protest rally. On the directives of different Bar
Associations lawyers are holding their weekly protests against the
sacking of the higher judiciary through the state [...]
by Brad Glosserman and Bonnie Glaser
There is no simple description for the U.S.-China relationship. The two countries are bound together by a thick web of interactions that is growing denser on every level. That is to be expected of two countries with global interests and influence. But strains in [...]
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