A critic, teacher, playwright and poet. All these describe the 72-year old cultural giant, Bienvenido Lumbera. But perhaps the most important description is that Lumbera does not write from the ivory tower. His poems inspire the downtrodden and extol the struggles of the ordinary, as he himself does not hesitate to visit strike areas and…
Ronalyn V. Olea
In the wake of tsunami calamity: Indonesian army steps up war in Aceh
By John Roberts wsws 5 January 2005 Bulatlat.com There are growing signs that the Indonesian military (TNI) is exploiting the current catastrophe in northern Sumatra to crush the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and establish its unchallenged control over the resource-rich province of Aceh. So far the death toll from the earthquake and tsunami that…
The Hacienda Luisita Massacre: How It Happened
The violence that marred the strike of plantation and milling workers of the Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita on Nov. 16 was bound to happen and government authorities may have to account for it.
Ka Daning: From the Church to the Parliament of the Streets
Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos struggled early in life to provide for his family’s needs. He may not have impressive academic credentials, having finished only Grade 6, but his knowledge of the national situation is more impressive and credible than some government officials. Ka Daning has a distinct advantage: He knows poverty because he lives it…
GMA, A War Criminal – Int’l Court
An international tribunal found President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as guilty as U.S. President George W. Bush for committing crimes against humanity and the Iraqi people. By RONALYN V. OLEA Bulatlat.com “Guilty!” This was the verdict of the International Criminal Tribunal for Iraq (ICTI) on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as an accomplice of U.S. President George W. Bush’s…
DepEd Not Ready for June 21 Opening – LFS High School: Students to walk out on Day 1
Education Secretary Edilberto de Jesus admits that shortages in classrooms and teachers throughout the country have increased to 42,641 and 51,319, respectively. Fifty percent of public schools, he said, have no principals at all. Meanwhile, students threaten to walk out on school opening June 21 to protest government neglect. By Ronalyn V. Olea Bulatlat.com The…
Samu’t-Saring Repleksiyon ni Felix Razon, OFW, Habang Naglalakad sa Daungan ng Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, USA
NI E. SAN JUAN, JR. Inilathala ng Bulatlat Vol. VIII, No. 14, May 11-17, 2008 Katawa-tawa, tila lumalala habang nagkakapatong-patong ang mga taon sa pawis at liwaliw…. Di ko pa rin makuhang manahimik, maghalukipkip…. Hindi naman nakababagot ang lungsod na ito, bukod sa ilang ghetto, bar at putahan; May maluluwang na lansangan, ilog na tila…