Archive for May, 2008
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Rice NGO Seeks Lower-Priced Rice in Market
MANILA, Philippines — Rice Watch and Action Network (R1) today urges Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap to investigate why the prices of rice remain high and therefore unaffordable, despite claims from various sectors that the tight supply of rice has softened.
Jessica Reyes-Cantos, R1 lead convenor also seeks stronger government action to prosecute unscrupulous traders that will [...]
Senate President Manuel Villar and Minority Leader Aquilino “Nene” Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) have introduced a bill that seeks to correct the flaws in the Overseas Absentee Act of 2003 (Republic Act 9189), especially in the areas of registration, voting and disqualification of voters, and enable more Filipinos abroad to exercise their right of suffrage.
Senate [...]
PALAWAN, Philippines — Northern Palawan farmers whose only source of income was slash-and-burn agriculture that nets them 10 cavans of rice for each hectare annually now have a new livelihood, thanks to a non-government organization (NGO) led by a UP Los Banos graduate who never thought he would stay for keeps in the country’s last [...]
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is shocked by the brutal murder of a television and radio correspondent in Jaffna on the evening of May 28.
Paranirupasingam Devakumar, 36, of Vaddukoddai, Jaffna, was hacked to death in Navanthurei by unidentified attackers while returning from Jaffna town. His companion was also reported killed in the attack.
The Free [...]
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A mayor of a mining-affected community and environmental groups today charged DENR Secretary Lito Atienza as favoring mining firms over local government units, after the latter issued a statement calling the provincial order by Nueva Vizcaya Governor Luisa Cuaresma to stop the mining operations of Oceana Gold “illegal”.
“Is DENR Sec. Lito Atienza [...]
Poor Disaster Response Reflects Government Political Oppression
(New York, May 29, 2008) – Despite welcome and improved access to the Irrawaddy Delta area affected by Cyclone Nargis, the Burmese military government is still using red tape to obstruct some relief efforts when it should accept all aid immediately and unconditionally, Human Rights Watch said today. The [...]
Groups press Congress to rush bills removing VAT on oil and power
As another round of oil price hikes looms over the weekend, groups behind the Kontra-KulimVAT, a campaign to cancel the 12% value added tax (VAT) on electricity and petroleum products, resumed today their signature drive this time in various LRT stations.
The signature campaign, held [...]
MANILA, Philippines — It will be a meeting of two of the most unpopular presidents in their respective countries, a summit between a colonial master and a puppet.
These were the words used by the umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan to describe the reported meeting between United States George W. Bush and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal [...]
In a statement to mark World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, WHO said the tobacco industry preys on the vulnerability of young people, knowing that they underestimate the risk of becoming addicted to nicotine. WHO called on policy-makers to support the ban on advertising, sponsorship and promotion.
The warden of the Davao Penal Colony in Davao del Norte has not released radio broadcaster Alexander Adonis despite being paroled by the Department of Justice Board of Pardon and Paroles as early as December 2007 and the posting of a bail bond for another libel case. Adonis was jailed after one of the country’s most powerful politicians, Davao City congressman and now House Speaker Prospero Nograles, sued him for libel.
Victim Tortured, Interrogated to Confirm Military Accusations vs Detained UCCP Pastor Berlin Guerrero
Even as the family and co-workers of UCCP Pastor Berlin Guerrero continue to cry out for freedom and justice for Pastor Berlin, another UCCP worker, Pastor Rodel Canja suffered torture in the hands of military agents. For four days, armed men alternately [...]
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines expresses grave concern over the continued incarceration of broadcaster Alexander Adonis at the Davao Penal Colony (Dapecol) despite a court order for his release on bail.
Each day that Adonis remains behind bars in defiance of the court order for his release is a grave miscarriage of justice. [...]
Lumuha ka kung sa puso ay nagmaliw na ang layon,
kung ang araw sa langit mo ay lagi nang dapithapon,
kung ang alon sa dagat mo ay ayaw nang magdaluyong,
kung ang bulkan sa dibdib mo ay hindi man umuungol,
kung wala nang maglalamay sa gabi ng pagbabangon,
lumuha ka nang lumuha’t ang laya mo’y nakaburol.
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MANILA, Philippines — The malunggay propagation campaign has invaded posh subdivisions in Quezon City, with Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista leading the launch of the Halamanan sa Bakuran project at the Tivoli Royale Subdivision last May 16.
Bautista said the project was launched as a complementary program to the malunggay planting program in urban poor communities in [...]
A pet shop at the Metrowalk mall in Ortigas uses an eye-catching name that can be offensive to some conservative Filipinos but, when you think about it, apropos. (Photo by Carlos Conde/pinoypress.net)
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