On the Fringes Archives

An Activist Looks Back on Edsa 2

We were young, full of energy and were willing to do anything to contribute toward change.

“Sampung taon na pala iyon?” I told Sally, and laughed. “Naramdaman mo bang tumanda tayo ng sampung taon?” I added. We went on sharing memories, those moments when we held meetings until the wee hours of the night at the Anakbayan headquarters on P. Noval in Sampaloc, Manila; the allies we encountered during the campaign; all the “gimmicks” we devised to oust Estrada and even the times when we skipped meals because we had no money; and many more.

Ronalyn V. Olea | Jan 21, 2011

2010 Elections: ‘Caught in the Middle’: A Journalist Witnesses Violence in Lanao del Sur

By RAYMUND B. VILLANUEVA / Kodao Productions / Bulatlat.com

I was caught in the middle of a gunfight that lasted hours in Tugaya, Lanao del Sur while covering the country’s first-ever automated elections. I don’t know if being ‘caught in the middle’ is a correct description because I was there as a journalist and had prior knowledge that that town is a poll hotspot. But I use it nonetheless because I did not want the gunfight to happen, much less witness it up close.

Raymund Villanueva | May 13, 2010

2010 Elections: Voting Made More Difficult

Automation and computerization are supposed to make life easier. It is supposed to speed up processes by minimizing human intervention. After all, machines are more efficient, more precise, and do not tire easily compared to humans. However, this is not the case with the first Philippine Automated Election System.

Benjie Oliveros | May 10, 2010

The AFP is telling us we need more NPA guerrillas

The AFP tries to malign the 43 health workers by calling them communists. Instead, the military is suggesting to the country that NPA guerrillas are dedicated and seriously serving the people, against all odds. The AFP could win its case in the Court of Appeals but it would lose the war against the NPA and public opinion.

Marya Salamat | Feb 17, 2010

Human Rights Watch ‘World Report’: Abusers target human-rights defenders

Human Rights Watch, based in New York, just released its World Report on human rights. It blamed the Philippine government for the rise of private armies. It also blamed the "culture of impunity" in the Philippines for the Ampatuan massacre and other killings.

Bulatlat Staff | Jan 21, 2010

Questionable partylist groups accredited again by Comelec, says Bayan

The Comelec has accredited at least nine party-list groups identified with the Arroyo regime, according to Bayan.

On The Fringes Blog | Jan 21, 2010

Rebelyn's mom slams speedy release of AFP agent tagged in rape-slay

Ka Parago's wife Evangeline Pitao, together with members of the organization of rights victims' families, was dismayed after knowing that one of the primary suspects in the abduction, rape and killing of Rebelyn Pitao was immediately released by the Davao City Police office after being apprehended for violation of the gun ban.

On The Fringes Blog | Jan 19, 2010

Auditing Maguindanao

The Commission on Audit's annual reports on Maguindanao have always highlighted deficiencies in the province's finances. In its 2008 audit report, the commission found that it could not ascertain the validity of the provincial government's claim that the province had more than P107 million pesos deposited in banks. The COA also could not verify the existence of properties and assets worth P345 million pesos that the province said it had.

On The Fringes Blog | Dec 8, 2009

Reyes, Nograles, Mikey on oil price hike: All bark, no bite

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Congressman Mikey Arroyo seemed to have their roles down pat by now. When the big three oil companies raised oil prices yet again this Oct. 20, despite the disaster-wracked times and despite charges of persistent overpricing thrown their way, these three government officials just continued their role – speak like they want to change the situation but allow the oil companies to have their own profitable way in the end.

On The Fringes Blog | Oct 23, 2009

Philippines improves ranking in Press Freedom Index

Reporters Without Borders today released its Press Freedom Index for 2009. In it, the Philippines ranks 122, compared to last year's 139. This suggests that press freedom in the Philippines has improved, regardless of the many killings, attacks and intimidation being faced by Filipino journalists. But over the years, the country's rankings in the index indicate a worsening of press freedom.

On The Fringes Blog | Oct 20, 2009

Dams and how communities deal with them

Dams, among others, are packaged as part of development that people have to live with. But, as can be gleaned from Bulatlat's stories on the subject, dams have proven to be a bane to the public.

On The Fringes Blog | Oct 20, 2009

A murder and an abduction in Northern Samar

Ruth Gecaro, barangay treasurer of Somoroy, Lope de Vega, in Northern Samar, was supposed to provide witnesses to a fact-finding team on the murder of Father Cecilio Lucero, the parish priest of Catubig, Northern Samar. Two days before the fact-finding team arrived in Samar, Gecaro was abducted by men believed to be soldiers. She remains missing.

On The Fringes Blog | Oct 18, 2009

Gender in disaster management

Women and men are differently affected by natural disasters. For example, women are especially vulnerable to poor nutrition, vitamin and iron deficiency—especially anemia, which can be fatal in pregnancy.

On The Fringes Blog | Oct 16, 2009

Welcome to Bulatlat's group blog

Welcome to "On the Fringes," the group blog of the staff of Bulatlat.com.

Here, the staff of one of Philippines's most credible alternative online publications will blog about people's issues that are rarely tackled in the mainstream press. This blog will complement Bulatlat's reporting, featuring posts and stories that cannot be found in the main site.

We hope this blog would encourage dialogue between the staff and our readers.

Enjoy your visit.

Benjie Oliveros
Managing editor

On The Fringes Blog | Oct 15, 2009

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