By PIERRE SPREY Counterpunch.org The dry dollar numbers in the latest Congressional Research Serviceannual arms sales report paint an ugly new picture. Over the last 5 years, every major arms exporting country has reduced its sales to developing countries–except for the U.S., which has sextupled its sales. At the beginning of this period, we supplied…
Month: August 2012
Chicago teachers union to file ten-day strike notice, say reports
By YANA KUNICHOFF Truthout.org Chicago teachers demonstrate in May, 2012. (Photo: JohnnyGotHisGun)The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is expected to file a ten-day strike notice on Wednesday, say media reports, meaning that the union could call a strike as early as September 10. The notice would not mean that the union would strike in ten days,…
There are now more slaves than at any point in human history
Most of the time, the stories we hear about trafficking are of women and girls. But 20% of trafficking victims are men and boys. By CAMERON CONAWAY The Good Men Project / Alternet.org “My very first survivor was a boy. How many of us are looking for boys?” –Sandra Morgan, Director, Global Center for Women…
Planned MRT, LRT fare hikes in 2013, passing of burden of government debts to commuters

By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Renato Reyes of Bayan said the government is heavily subsidizing the MRT and LRT because of the onerous contracts and loan guarantees it entered into with foreign banks and investors as part of a public-private partnership project.
Pandayang Lino Brocka tackles history and social change
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO Bulatlat.com MANILA – The Pandayang Lino Brocka has formally opened for this year’s festival with the theme on history and social change. “We want the viewers to remember our history and to encourage them to be a part of social change,” Lady Ann Salem, executive director of Tudla Productions, said.…
Kin of missing call on Aquino to stop enforced disappearances

By RONALYN V. OLEA
“Nothing has changed. In two years of the Aquino administration, there are already 11 victims of enforced disappearances.”
Related post: Bulatlat Live: International Day of the Disappeared
Anti-discrimination bill faces rough sailing in Senate
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — Already under fire for alleged plagiarism for his speech attacking the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, senator and actor Tito Sotto is now the target of criticism from the country’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. According to reports, Sotto is demanding the removal of sexual orientation…
Central Luzon farmers group decry AFP harassment against CL-based journalist
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is again going after a journalist who is merely doing his job. This is the charge of the regional farmers’ group Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (Amgl, Farmers’ Alliance in Central Luzon) as it condemned the recent acts…
Bulatlat Live: International Day of the Disappeared

By BULATLAT STAFF
Until now, there is no existing law in the Philippines criminalizing enforced disappearances despite the fact that hundreds — from the time of Marcos dictatorship until the present administration — have been abducted and remain missing.
Piston leads weekly protests against oil price hikes

By MARYA SALAMAT
In recognition of its consistent record in fighting for the people’s welfare against incessant oil price hikes, the Oil Deregulation Law, and the VAT on oil products, the Comelec approved the application for accreditation of transport group Piston as a partylist group.
Philsteel workers terminated for refusing CBA moratorium

By MARYA SALAMAT
“Any step taken by the capitalist to take away the past victories of Philsteel workers’ continuing struggle is a blow on the entire labor movement of Southern Tagalog.”