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EDSA
Tatlumpu’t walong taon matapos ang “People Power” (pati na ang pagtatapos ng aming Batch 1986 noong high school), nakatago pa ang mga medalya at sariwa pa ang alaala ng pakikibaka. Pinakamalaking karangalan ang mamulat sa katotohanan ng karanasan, pati na ang pagsisimula ng pagsisilbi sa bayan. Kumpara sa mga medalya, hinding-hindi ito kukupas.
Military hubris at play in envi activists’ case
To recall, the two activists, Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro, both in their early 20s, were kidnapped and held in secret custody for 17 days in September last year. Presented at a press conference purportedly to announce that they had surrendered, the two instead accused the military of abducting them. Taken by surprise, the authorities were shocked into releasing them pronto.
Balik-Tanaw | Mangahas tayong umibig tulad ng pag-ibig ng Diyos
Nauso kamakailan ang mga katagang ‘Kung gusto mong gulatin, manlibre ka!’ ‘Kung gusto mong gulatin, magsimba ka!’ ‘Kung gusto mong gulatin, mag madre ka!’ at kung ano ano pa, pero kung gusto mong talagang magulat, mamalengke ka!
Reflections after a prison visit
Given the constraints they face, political prisoners deserve our utmost respect for choosing defiance instead of compromise and collaboration with the class enemy. They provide a dignified example of how to live a life devoted to the cause of fighting with the oppressed. Their activism is demonized and criminalized by those who see no evil in the obscene hoarding of the nation’s wealth by the elite and the exploitation of the poor and powerless by those in power.
From Marcos to Marcos: Lawyers murderously attacked
From the Marcos Martial Law period to 2000, one lawyer was killed each year (18 in 18 years). From 2001 to the present, there have been 204 lawyers killed at a yearly rate of about 8.87.
Balik-Tanaw | Hear then, the pitch of God’s kingdom
Some are surprised to hear Jesus begin his ministry with an announcement of a new kingdom. His first public words sound almost like a political announcement: “The kingdom of God has come near!” Is Jesus launching a new political movement, beginning a new social system?
Call to tax the very richest arises from their own ranks
The combined wealth of the world’s very richest dipped by $500 billion in 2023, to $12.2 trillion from $12.7 trillion in March 2022, according to Forbes, whose list of 2,668 billionaires in 2022 also dipped to 2,640.
Lab Notes | Rosario’s black sand: That which we call home
Juan is just one out of many fisherfolk unable to make a living from the sight that greets them in the morning and lulls them at night. When reclamation started in Manila Bay and in Bulacan Aerotropolis, it meant finding source material for dumping, and there is no need to look farther than Cavite whose coasts are rich in black sand. High in iron content, the black sand can be used for concrete and asphalt production—a vital ingredient for built infrastructure.
Balik-Tanaw | Calling, listening, seeing, following
In our readings today, we hear stories of callers, seekers, and followers. In the first reading, a rather confused Samuel heard a calling but does not immediately recognize who it was “because the LORD had not revealed anything to him yet.” Discerning the will of God entails li.
Grado
Tinaguriang “hell week” ngayon sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman (UPD), pati na sa iba pang unibersidad na may halos kaparehong kalendaryong pang-akademiko. Sa unang dalawang linggo ng Enero 2024, abala ang maraming estudyante sa pagkuha ng pinal na eksaminasyon at pagpasa ng mga kahingian sa kurso (course requirements). Lahat ng pinaghirapan, pinagpuyatan at iniyakan, siyempre’y may katapat na grado.
South Africa slams Israel at ICJ for genocidal acts
“Genocides are never declared in advance but this court has the benefit of the past 13 weeks of evidence that shows, incontrovertibly, a pattern of conduct and related intention that justifies a plausible claim of genocidal acts.
Balik-Tanaw | Journeying with the Magi
Sometimes it is called The Three Kings or the Visit of the Magi. This feast is familiar to us. It conjures up colorful pictures of a journey, a search, with only a star as a guide. It is placed in the liturgical cycle to deepen and broaden an understanding of incarnation. The chosen Scripture texts are inspirational as they open us up to the needs of the world, and the wisdom of nature.
South Africa takes Israel to ICJ on ‘genocide intent’
Israel’s unrelenting, devastating attacks on the Gaza Strip in its war against Hamas has spurred South Africa to formally raise the issue of potential genocide before the International Court of Justice.
Baliksaysay | GOMBURZA, Hanggang hangganan
Ipinahayag ng 1872 na ilusyon ang reporma at liberalismo sa kapuluan. Ang pagkagarote sa tatlong pari ang simbolikong paalala ng lupit at dahas ng kolonyal na kaayusang hindi kayang tapatan ng ilusyon ng ideyalismong liberal na isinulong ng mga naglalayon na maging kapantay lamang sila ng mga mananakop.
Balik-Tanaw | The revealing of God through Christ and through us
In a moment, anytime today we will be hearing loud bangs and celebrations coming across the world as we close this year’s chapter. A few days ago, we were also delighted at how we joyously celebrated Christmas Day and how we also stood in solidarity with those who were unable to do so because of the many struggles they were facing.
In 2024, current wars are seen to intensify
By all indications, the coming year will see the continuation and even intensification of devastating wars in the world.
Balik-Tanaw | Still God’s love is everlasting
The readings for this last Sunday of Advent are full of “messianic expectation”. They exude a hope and trust which has endured through occupation and exile and grown stronger in persecution. It is a hope centred on the key promise of God given to David, that David’s house and his kingdom would be established forever (2 Sam.7:16). After the Exile, the people longed for another David, the shepherd boy anointed by God who became a great warrior, defeated enemies in battle and united the 12 tribes around Jerusalem. With the defeat of the Davidic dynasty the people asked where was God’s promise? We see the struggle of the community with this dilemma in the Royal Psalms. Psalm 89 begins praising God’s steadfast love and faithfulness to all generations but this trust in God is being tested as the psalmist laments “where is thy steadfast love of old, which by thy faithfulness thou did swear to David” (v49).
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