A review of the macroeconomic assumptions prepared by the Department of Budget of Management (DBM) shows that there are glaring contradictions in government projections. By DANILO ARAÑA ARAO Bulatlat.com According to news reports, the Senate took only five days to approve the national budget for 2004. A senator says that its swift passage “would ensure…
Year: 2004
Youth Nominees Vow To Bring Street Militancy To Congress
This early, the 2004 national elections have given rise to unconventional and non-traditional political figures through the party-list system. Progressive groups are in fact supporting six party list groups: Bayan Muna (People First) which topped the 2001 party-list elections, and the newly formed Anakpawis (Toiling Masses), Gabriela Women’s Party, Anak ng Bayan (Youth Party), Migrante…
Ramming Through: Macapagal-Arroyo’s New Minerals Policy spells doom – environment groups
After failing to enact a controversial National Minerals Policy (NMP) due to widespread opposition by environmental groups and mining-affected communities, the government changed tact. Out of the blue, it issued last week Executive Order 270 which it says aims to promulgate a Minerals Action Plan within 90 days to revitalize the mining industry. But NGOs…
‘Walk of Shame’ in Cagayan de Oro Assailed
Davao is not the only city in southern Philippines that has earned notoriety for the summary execution of suspected criminals many of them minors. Fast catching up is Cagayan de Oro City which recently paraded for public view a group of crime suspects – three of them minors. By Grace Cantal-Albasin Bulatlat.com Minadano Bureau CAGAYAN…
Remembering the Mendiola Massacre: ‘Amid the Assault, We Were Undaunted’
When gunfire raged and blood soaked Mendiola bridge on the afternoon of Jan. 22, 1987, killing at least 13 peasant protesters, Marianito “Itoy” Dimapilis thought he would never get out of that scene alive. By DENNIS ESPADA Bulatlat.com It was nearly dusk. And despite having two bullets lodged on his left foot, Marianito “Itoy” Dimapilis…
Compensation Bill for Mendiola Massacre Victims Sought, Party-list Anakpawis to revive 1987 massacre case
Seventeen years ago last week in Mendiola at the approach of the presidential palace, Marines and police opened fire at some 30,000 peasant protesters. After the smoke cleared, 13 of the marchers lay dead. Today, organizers of that tragic rally want the massacre case reopened for justice and a bill filed in Congress for the…
Gov’t TV Union Decries Mismanagement; Wants Palace Appointees To Resign
Just like the government-sequestered media establishments, the government-owned People’s Television Network or PTV4 is seen as grossly mismanaged, its officials appointed in payment of political debts. Last Jan. 19, restive PTV4 employees demanded the resignation of the PTV4’s Board of Directors, charging that the current PTV4 board has mishandled the network, which now runs on…
Pictures of Terror in Mindoro
Nineteen families fleeing their homes, a farmer missing, a number of residents picked up and reportedly tortured and human rights activists investigating the reports of violations robbed and harassed. These disturbing pictures came from Occidental Mindoro, showing – human rights volunteers say – an even clearer picture of government forces out to sow terror. By…
Oil Spill Threatens World-Famous Dive Spot, Militant fishers want criminal raps filed against shipowner
One month after it capsized in Apo Menor Reef off Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, the diving ship M/V Island Explorer has not been pulled off the mishap site and threatens to explode. Village fisherfolk are readying criminal charges against the shipowner while holding environment officials also accountable for the ecological destruction. By Gerry Albert Corpuz Bulatlat.com…
Negros in Cojuangco’s Grips
The Negros vote is one of the most coveted votes for candidates aspiring for president and other national posts. To do that however one must first kiss the hand of the country’s acknowledged powerbroker, Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr. whom many say considers Negros Island his own kingdom. By Karl G. Ombion Bulatlat.com/Cobra-ans BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental…
Youth Party Calls for Tuition Hike Freeze, Sole sectoral youth party unveils legislative agenda
Sixty years since Wenceslao Vinzons’ Young Philippines was founded, a new sectoral party has risen to represent the country’s youth in Congress. Anak ng Bayan, the only youth sectoral party accredited by the Comelec, vows to push its electoral agenda on education, campus press freedom, employment and other youth concerns. By EMILY VITAL Bulatlat.com This…