Despite the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) consistent denial that they have Jonas Burgos in custody, unidentified men, suspected to be military intelligence agents, have been mysteriously tailing the Burgos family ever since the start of the Supreme Court sponsored human rights summit. BY DABET CASTAÑEDA Bulatlat HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH Vol.…
Ronalyn V. Olea
Reminiscing Childhood
The joy of remembering one’s childhood is irreplaceable. But unfortunately, this is not the case for the thousands of Filipino children whose recollection of childhood is tainted with fear, trauma, and distress. Even worse, some never had the chance of building up these memories. BY MARICAR CINCO Bulatlat Human Rights Watch Vol. VII, No. 25,…
World’s Educators to Arroyo: End Extrajudicial Killings, Disappearances
The world’s educators have called on their fellow educator, no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to end extrajudicial killings – the victims of which included nine teachers – and enforced disappearances. BY AUBREY MAKILAN Bulatlat HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH Vol. VII, No. 25, July 29-Aug. 4, 2007 “A good teacher leads by example.” The world’s educators…
Puro Ka Salita, Kulang Ka sa Gawa?
(Isang Pagsubok sa Diyalektika ng Kritika ng Sandata at Sandata ng Kritika, ayon kay Karl Marx) NI E. SAN JUAN, JR. Inilathala ng Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 25, July 29-Aug. 4, 2007 [Para kay Karolina] Pambihira ka Matatag matingkad mabagsik ang luntiang apoy sa iyong mga mata Habang dumadampi ang hamog ng umaga Sa iyong…
Kung Gaano Karahas ang Ating Panahon
NI RICHARD GAPPI Inilathala ng Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 25, July 29-Aug. 4, 2007 Mga mamamayan at artista ng daigdig: Noon, nang bumagsak ang bomba- atomika sa Hiroshima, may “isang anino na ibinakat ng araw sa hagdan sa harapan ng isang gusali, na inupuan ng pagal na mama na-radiation ang katawan.” * Humiwalay sa katawang…
Activists in Canada Give Tribute to Claver
BY JHONG DELA CRUZ Bulatlat HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH Vol. VII, No. 25, July 29-Aug. 4, 2007 Vancouver, British Columbia – In a tribute to signify their protest against the impunity in human rights violations back home, supporters of Alice Omengan-Claver gather July 28 to mark the one year anniversary of her death. Claver, wife of…
Beltran Wants to Probe Witness Protection Program, Slays and Disappearances
If he were to have his way, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran would like to be a member of the House Committee on National Defense. That way, he said, he can help start investigations into the Witness Protection Program, extra-judicial killings and forced disappearances. BY ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 25, July 29-Aug. 4,…
IOM Canadian Delegates Report Back Observations on May 2007 Philippine Elections
In a report back event in Montreal by Canadian delegates to the People’s International Observers’ Mission (IOM) to the Philippines they noted that it was almost impossible to have truly democratic elections in a country where the overwhelming majority live in crushing poverty while a small landowning elite enjoys incredible wealth and power. BY MALCOLM…
Migrant Groups Protest the State of the Nation
The state of the nation presented by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her address during the opening of the 14th Congress was totally different from what was described by militant organizations in the street outside Congress. They seem to be talking about two different countries. But the picture being presented by migrant groups in protest actions…
International Investments: Is Policy Pendulum Swinging Back?
Unlike the 1990s, nowadays the costs and benefits of foreign investments are being evaluated in a much more balanced manner now, keeping in mind not only economic factors but also social, political, and strategic factors. It is increasingly becoming clear that the benefits of foreign investment have been fewer than anticipated while the costs have…
More Filipinos Have Trouble Paying for Meds, Water, Power Bills
Filipinos are increasingly having trouble paying for their basic expenses, especially for medicines and medical treatment, and for their water and power bills, according to the results of the latest IBON survey. BY IBON FOUNDATION Posted by Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 25, July 29-Aug. 4, 2007 Filipinos are increasingly having trouble paying for their basic…