Rep. Rafael Mariano of the Anakpawis (toiling masses) party-list described Oct. 14 the “stern” warning by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s allies against the “option” to declare martial law as “tremors of a political earthquake that will rock Malacanang.” If the president declares martial law or national emergency while Congress is not in session, Mariano cited “three…
Day: October 16, 2005
Government ‘bounty system’ endangers peace talks
Reacting to a top police official’s proposal to restore the reward system for the arrest or killing of suspected leaders of the underground Left, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said Oct. 14 that the government’s revival of its “bounty system” only exposed government’s “complete disinterest in pursuing peace negotiations.” CPP spokesperson Gregorio “Ka…
Progressive congressman wants U.S. warships probed, seized
Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador this week urged local officials of Zamboanga City, southern Philippines to probe and seize a U.S. warship escorted by a gunboat reported to be anchored off the province on Oct. 11. Virador said that “no foreign vessel is allowed to enter the Philippine coastal territory.” “Is this part of the…
With or without dengue, many Filipino children are dying
A health professionals group, Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD), this week warned the Filipino public to be alert on what the Department of Health (DoH) is not saying. The warning was issued following an announcement by the DoH that the season of dengue – which kills several children every year – is over. In a…
Face to Face
Two teenagers stare nonchalantly at a life-size wax statue of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in his mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte (471 kms. north of Manila). They are Bab-bab and Bugan, great-grandchildren of the famed Ibaloi warrior Kustacio Carantes, who served as liaison officer to Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the First Philippine Republic,…