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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…