By ALFRED W. MCCOY TomDispatch.com International Posted by Bulatlat.com In his approach to National Security Agency surveillance, as well as CIA renditions, drone assassinations, and military detention, President Obama has to a surprising extent embraced the expanded executive powers championed by his conservative predecessor, George W. Bush. This bipartisan affirmation of the imperial executive could…
Day: November 14, 2009
With Entry of CIA-Funded Group, US Deepens Involvement in Mindanao Conflict
By ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO
The Asia Foundation, a “charity group” founded and funded by the CIA that represents American political and economic interests in Asia, is now part of a group that would help facilitate the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
In Hawaii, Financial Crisis Hits Filipinos Hard
By ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO
Through the generations, many of the Filipinos in Hawaii attained their dreams of greener pastures, and other Filipinos continue to go there in search of more decent opportunities. Their dreams, however, have been crumbling in the face of the financial crisis, which hit the US in 2008. They have not been spared from the effects of the crisis.
Cordillera Peoples Alliances Holds 10th Congress
BAGUIO CITY – The oldest and most widespread grassroots organization advocating indigenous peoples’ rights in northern Luzon, the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA), is holding is 10th congress since it was established in June 1984. The CPA traces its origins to the popular resistance launched by the indigenous people against the World Bank-funded dams along the…
In Baguio, Opposition to San Roque Dam Heightens
BAGUIO CITY? Resistance to the San Roque mega dam here had peaked about two decades ago. Today, after a massive flash flood submerged most of Pangasinan, there is a renewed drive to protest. Lugging streamers, placards and relief goods, the Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayanan (BALSA, Mutual Cooperation for the Nation) and Bayan (new Patriotic Alliance)…
Workers Demand Scrapping of DOLE Order Used to Break Up Strikes, Kill Unionists
The Kilusang Mayo Uno said the “assumption of jurisdiction” order issued by the labor secretary has been abused and has been used in many instances to break up strikes, often violently, as what happened in Hacienda Luisita in 2004.
Arroyo’s Price Caps Further Expose ‘Greed’ of Oil Firms, Underscore Need to Repeal Oil Deregulation Law
By MARYA SALAMAT
Despite its limitations, the oil-price caps have irked Big Business and their think tanks and they have been lobbying to have it lifted. Fearing EO 839 could set a dangerous precedent to its business, Shell even filed a case in court against Arroyo’s order. But consumers and critics say that if Arroyo is really sincere in protecting consumers, she should use her power to have the Oil Deregulation Law repealed.