By MARYA SALAMAT
“If you take the proper nurse to patient ratio in this country more than 364,000 nurses are actually needed…but owing to the volunteer-for-a-fee practice of private health facilities, compounded by the low government budget for health,.. the Philippines finds itself today in a situation where it has seemingly surplus nurses but it also has a pressing need for their services.”
Category: Human Rights
Local, International Journalists’ Groups Warn Against Possible Release of Key Suspect in Ampatuan Massacre
By RONALYN V. OLEA Bulatlat.com MANILA – Media organizations here and abroad have raised alarm over the possibility that one of the suspects in the Ampatuan massacre would be released from detention. The gruesome Ampatuan massacre on Nov. 23, 2009 claimed the lives of 58 individuals, including 32 journalists and media workers. It has been…
Satur C. Ocampo | Edsa 1, Broadly
The 25th anniversary of the 1986 Edsa popular uprising again stirred feelings of pride and frustration among Filipinos. The pride stems from our having successfully carried out the first “people power” that ousted a dictatorship through peaceful mass action. The frustration boils out of the unfulfilled promises of post-dictatorship reforms. (By Satur C. Ocampo / bulatlat.com)
Luis V. Teodoro | No More Than Thieves
By LUIS V. TEODORO Vantage Point | BusinessWorld “Behind every great fortune,” said the French novelist Honore de Balzac, “is a great crime.” The Marcoses most certainly have a great fortune, estimated at somewhere between US$30 billion and $50 billion — much of it acquired, despite claims otherwise, during the martial law years from 1972…
Benjie Oliveros | Two Steps For Justice
Recently, there were two positive developments in the Filipino people’s quest for justice: the victims of the Marcos dictatorship finally got what is due them and the impeachment case against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez is finally being heard. (By Benjie Oliveros / bulatlat.com)
News in Pictures: Lolas Lament Slow Pace of Justice, Hit Aquino for Failed Promise
The lolas (grandmothers) of Lila Filipina, an organization of former “comfort women,” stormed the Japanese Embassy in Manila on Wednesday to demand justice from the government of Japan for the crimes they committed during World War II. The lolas proceeded to Don Chino Bridge near Malacañang gate and brought with them a letter addressed to President Benigno S. Aquino III, asking why he failed to fulfill his promise of obtaining any measure of justice for them. (Photos courtesy of Gabriela / bulatlat.com)
Martial Law Victims Insulted by Exclusion from List of Compensation Claimants
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Out of the 9,539 original complainants in a class action suit filed against the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, only 7,526 victims would receive compensation. “Are they telling us that we are not genuine victims? Where is justice for us?” said martial-law victim Carlos Bolito, 60, after learning he was not included in the list of claimants.
Three Activists Slain, Rights Group Urges Aquino to Stop Killings
By RONALYN V. OLEA
According to Karapatan, there are 37 victims of extrajudicial killings under the Aquino government, at an alarming rate of one victim per week. “As the Aquino government talks peace, his troops are once again on a killing spree,” Karapatan spokesman Roneo Clamor said.
PROGAY Begs Bahrain, Free Jailed Gays, Respect Street Protests (PR)
Press Release February 22, 2011 MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 22, 2011) – Gay activists in the Philippines have appealed Tuesday for the release of more than 120 Arab homosexuals arrested by police a week before massive protests swamped the oil-producing kingdom of Bahrain. Goya Candelario, spokesperson of the Progressive Organization of Gays in…
Environmental Activists, Students, and Journalists Demand Justice for Dr. Ortega at DOJ Picket (PR)
Press Release 28 February 2011 Environmental activist group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, College Editors Guild, League of Filipino Students and Hustiya! held a picket at the Department of Justice (DOJ) preliminary hearing on Dr. Ortega’s slay to support his family and to demand swift justice. “Justice is being delayed. Thirty four (34) days…
An Open Letter to the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli, Libya
February 28, 2011 Attention: Ambassador Vicente ANT Admin Jovencion Catbagan Welfare officer Rosauro Octiavano Dear Sir, Nais ko po alamin sa inyong tanggapan riyan sa ating embahada sa Tipoli libya kung ano po ang kalagayan sa 17 ofws ng CKG na naiwanan ng kanilang employer? Midyo matagal na po ito sa shelter ng embassy? Sana…