Human rights, gender equality, freedom of speech, environmental protection, and fighting climate change. “These are areas where my government is very active globally. And we like to advocate these matters also here in the Philippines. I appreciate that it’s easy to find partners in advocating our priority concerns.” Addressing a crowded hall filled with guests…

Government covering up on Malayao murder—CPP

By RAYMUND B. VILLANUEVA Kodao Productions SAN PABLO, Isabela—The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounced efforts by the Rodrigo Duterte government for what it calls the “regime’s foulest move in sowing false information surrounding the murder” of National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultant Randy Malayao last January 30 in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya.…

Duterte gov’t’s proclivity for short cuts backfires

People have been saying this all along; the Duterte administration could not solve the illegal drug problem with the use of uncontrolled violence and shortcuts that disregard human rights. And they were right. The Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs has not made a dent on the illegal drug trade despite more than 12,000 extrajudicial,…

Fading memory or a concerted effort to make people forget?

By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective Thirty-two years since the first EDSA People Power and the celebrations continue to lose its spirit, and the crowds that attend it. I am referring, of course, to the official government celebrations. It is natural for the collective memory of the Filipino people about EDSA People Power to start fading.…

Are we getting anywhere with a tough talking president?

By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective During his presidential campaign, Rodrigo Duterte vowed that if he becomes president, he would solve the illegal drug problem in six months, adding that the drug war would be bloody. He also promised to stamp out corruption. Well, barely after a year in office, in August 2017, President Duterte conceded…

Hold public discussions on proposed amendments to 1987 Constitution

By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective What do the public know about the current initiative in Congress to amend the 1987 Constitution? First, the Duterte administration is proposing a shift to a Federal form of government. And second, there have been disagreements between the Lower House and the Senate on how to amend the 1987 Constitution.…

Vigilance and action needed to protect our rights

By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective It could have been a simple case of a corporation being penalized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for violations of corporate law or the Constitution. Usually the SEC acts when a complaint against a corporation is filed, in an intra-corporate battle, or when a corporation is remiss it…