Just like the government-sequestered media establishments, the government-owned People’s Television Network or PTV4 is seen as grossly mismanaged, its officials appointed in payment of political debts. Last Jan. 19, restive PTV4 employees demanded the resignation of the PTV4’s Board of Directors, charging that the current PTV4 board has mishandled the network, which now runs on…
Bulatlat Contributors
Pictures of Terror in Mindoro
Nineteen families fleeing their homes, a farmer missing, a number of residents picked up and reportedly tortured and human rights activists investigating the reports of violations robbed and harassed. These disturbing pictures came from Occidental Mindoro, showing – human rights volunteers say – an even clearer picture of government forces out to sow terror. By…
Oil Spill Threatens World-Famous Dive Spot, Militant fishers want criminal raps filed against shipowner
One month after it capsized in Apo Menor Reef off Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, the diving ship M/V Island Explorer has not been pulled off the mishap site and threatens to explode. Village fisherfolk are readying criminal charges against the shipowner while holding environment officials also accountable for the ecological destruction. By Gerry Albert Corpuz Bulatlat.com…
Negros in Cojuangco’s Grips
The Negros vote is one of the most coveted votes for candidates aspiring for president and other national posts. To do that however one must first kiss the hand of the country’s acknowledged powerbroker, Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr. whom many say considers Negros Island his own kingdom. By Karl G. Ombion Bulatlat.com/Cobra-ans BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental…
Youth Party Calls for Tuition Hike Freeze, Sole sectoral youth party unveils legislative agenda
Sixty years since Wenceslao Vinzons’ Young Philippines was founded, a new sectoral party has risen to represent the country’s youth in Congress. Anak ng Bayan, the only youth sectoral party accredited by the Comelec, vows to push its electoral agenda on education, campus press freedom, employment and other youth concerns. By EMILY VITAL Bulatlat.com This…
Politics of the Masses: Mendiola Massacre survivor, labor leader and urban poor luminary lead new party-list electoral bid in May 2004
Scores of presidentiables and senatoriables attended recently the convention of the new sectoral party for the basic masses, Anakpawis, vowing to support their legislative cause. Their appearance only confirmed that Anakpawis, which boasts of 250,000 organized members nationwide not only has a vote power but also showed that the time has come for the poor…
Face to Face: The Progressive Party-list Groups Through Their Nominees
This early, the 2004 national elections have given rise to unconventional and non-traditional political figures through the party-list system. Progressive groups are in fact supporting six party list groups: Bayan Muna (People First) which topped the 2001 party-list elections, and the newly formed Anakpawis (Toiling Masses), Gabriela Women’s Party, Anak ng Bayan (Youth Party), Migrante…
The Bayan Muna experience: How the Left Fared in Congress
“Politics of change.” This was the platform that the militant group Bayan Muna carried in its successful campaign for seats in the House of Representatives. Three years after and with only a few weeks of sessions left, only two of the bills it actively supported got passed the labyrinth of intertwining personal and political interests…
The American Empire’s Bases Without Borders: New U.S. Global Basing Strategy Gears for a War to Last for Generations*
Since 9/11, the United States has set in motion a new basing strategy involving the most extensive realignment of U.S. military forces that will establish American military supremacy in all corners of the world. The strategy includes using the Philippines as a base for troop operations in the region and as a naval staging post…
Marie Hilao-Enriquez: an icon of human rights activism in the Philippines
“I have committed myself to fight for genuine change in our society. “
Photo of the week: Candles for peace
Contrary to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s charge that only militant groups are against the U.S. war, women and children are also expressing their opposition to war by lighting candles for peace. They solemnly pray for, among others, the enlightenment of the president and her cabinet. Photo by Arkibo ng Bayan