By PHYLLIS BENNIS Counterpunch.org The brave, non-violent Syrian challenge to a brutal dictatorship emerged as part of the Arab risings across the region. But that short Syrian spring of 2011 has long since morphed into an escalation of militarization and death. The International Committee of the Red Cross acknowledged what many already recognized: Syria is…
Month: August 2012
Misery Rising: American Freefall
By PAUL CRAIG ROBERTS Counterpunch.org Washington has been at war since October, 2001. This war took a back seat when Bush concocted another excuse to order the invasion of Iraq in 2003, a war that went on without significant success for 8 years and has left Iraq in chaos with dozens more killed and wounded…
Father of political detainee Ericson Acosta appeals for son’s health, freedom
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
“I cannot but be distressed by the continuing prejudice of our justice system against my son and other political prisoners like him.”
Teachers oppose Aquino’s ban on bonuses
INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
“Instead of heeding the just demands of state workers for adequate remuneration and tighter price controls, Aquino targets public servants, whose basic take-home pay cannot them home.”– ACT
Children used as ‘guides’ recount experience with the military
By DANILDA L. FUSILERO Davao Today MAGPET, North Cotabato — Cousins Kenneth, 13, and Bernie, 12, (not their real names) share almost similar dreams. On their way home from school, the two adolescents enthusiastically shared what they hope to be like when they finished school and how they wish things are different from what they…
‘2013 budget for electioneering, PPPs’
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“The budget continues to prop up defective policies imposed by foreign creditors such as privatization while allocating huge resources for CCT dole-outs to conceal the harsh social impact of such programs and automatically setting aside a significant portion for debt servicing.” – Bayan
Filipinos warned against Aquino government’s rush to amend 1987 Constitution
By MARYA SALAMAT
When President Aquino sought US support for joining the Trans Pacific Partnership during his US visit, the US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas Jr. declared…“[we] have to change laws, issue executive orders and frankly, introduce amendments to the Constitution.”
Justice grinds slowly for Pangarap Village martyrs
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
While the investigation into the death of two residents took a year to begin, the fight of the community to prevent the Araneta family from evicting them continues.
‘Every day Aquino delays investigating oil overpricing is glorious day for oil cartel’ – PISTON
‘Every day Aquino delays investigating oil overpricing is glorious day for oil cartel’ – PISTON (Photo by George San Mateo / Bulatlat.com)
Probe involvement of soldiers in illegal logging, DENR asked
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — Are military personnel involved in large-scale, illegal logging operations in the country? The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) is convinced that this is a possibility. It advised Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje to launch investigations into the matter. Pamalakaya…
Sending UN peacekeeping forces to Spratlys dangerous – fisherfolk group
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — The Pambansang Lakas ng Mamamalakayang Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has issued a demand that the Benigno Aquino III administration stop its plans to ask the United Nations to send a peacekeeping force and help keep China in check in relation to the conflict involving territorial rights over the West…