Greenpeace today challenged Bayer to stop contaminating the world’s rice supply with GMOs (genetically modified organisms), during a forum on rice genetics sponsored by the giant agrochemical company and hosted by IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) in Manila.

Reacting to the incident, the CHR Chairperson Leila M. De Lima remarked, “The use of firearms is strictly prohibited during demolition operations. The PNP has no justification for the discharge of firearms, whether for the purpose of firing warning shots, disabling or killing protesters.”

A celebrated author of children’s stories and literary professor from the University of the Philippines, Eugene Evasco has further cemented his stature in the world of Filipino literature as he joins this year the ranks of Palanca Hall of Famers.

“The victory of Manny Pacquiao shows the whole world what a true Mindanawon Filipino can do amidst adversity. His grit and determination in conquering all odds are values very closed not only to Filipinos but more so to every Mindanawon,” said AMIN Rep. Ariel C. Hernandez.

Fr. Roberto Reyes, a staff member of the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), is one of the 25 people who joined the protestors–two of whom are Catholic priests and sixteen of whom are Mangyans; as well as seven others. The group has pledged to go on a hunger strike until their demands are met.

Former President Joseph Estrada put an end today to the rumors that he is backing out of the presidential race to support the presidential bid of Senator Noynoy Aquino

The Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-list today urges the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Food Authority (NFA) to prioritize the development of agriculture in Mindanao to supply the needed food stocks required by the whole country.

Anakpawis Rep. Joel Maglunsod strongly condemned Malacanang’s appointment of National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales as the new Department of National Defense (DND) chief replacing Gilbert Teodoro Jr.
Maglunsod described Gonzales’ appointment as ‘hell on earth’ as human rights violations are expected to further escalate with Gonzales, a known militarist, at the helm of the defense [...]

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said that although he and other senators signed the investigation report submitted by Sen. Richard Gordon, they do not agree with certain portions and will move to amend them when the report is taken up during the plenary session of the chamber.

Amid the national jubilation over the latest win of Manny Pacquiao, cause oriented groups and farmers today retained an air of sadness as they commemorated the 5th anniversary of the Hacienda Luisita Massacre.

The US Troops Out Now! Mindanao Coalition believes that Secretary Clinton’s rhetoric of supporting peace in Mindanao must begin with the scrapping of the VFA, the pull out some 600 embedded American soldiers in Mindanao, and the demolition of US military structures in the island.

Reports have claimed that climate change and the show of support and solidarity with the victims of the recent typhoon of Pepeng and Ondoy are part of the agenda of Hillary Clinton in her one-day visit to the country. However, environmental groups remain skeptic as to the real intentions of US and just how genuine [...]

OIL CRISIS   Amid the uproar over the Malacañang-imposed oil price ceiling, Executive Order (EO) 389 is apparently a mere government public relations gimmick, according to Ibon Foundation.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS   The decline in worldwide abortion occurred alongside a global trend toward liberalizing abortion laws. Nineteen countries have significantly reduced restrictions in their abortion laws since 1997, while only three countries have substantially increased legal restrictions.

HUMAN RIGHTS   “While the fall of the Berlin wall symbolized the opening of borders, the signature response of Europe now to the challenges of migration is to turn the continent into a fortress,” said Nicola Duckworth, Europe and Central Asia Programme Director at Amnesty International.