The Philippines has the notorious distinction of being the second most dangerous country for journalists topped only by Iraq. It is also one of the most dangerous places for workers and political activists. Now it has been adjudged as the most dangerous place for lawyers, said the Counsels for the Defense of Liberties (CODAL) –…
Category: Special Reports
UP Increases Tuition by 300 percent
“And UP will have really lost its character, and soul, as a State University,” said Faculty Regent Roland Simbulan in his dissenting vote to the tuition increase. And lost it did. BY REYNA MAE TABBADA Bulatlat.com “And UP will have really lost its character, and soul, as a State University,” said Faculty Regent Roland Simbulan…
Bleak Christmas for Workers in CL Economic Enclaves
(First of two parts) This Christmas season, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo paints a rosy picture for workers especially in so-called “industrial enclaves” such as the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) in Pampanga and the Subic Bay Free Port Economic Zone (SBFEZ). But the realities workers have to contend with in these industrial enclaves are low wages,…
Litany of Woes for Workers in CL Special Economic Zones
(Last of two parts) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo claims that growing investments in the industrial enclaves will provide employment and uplift workers’ conditions, but this is belied by union leaders. BY FRED VILLAREAL Gitnang Luson News Service Posted by Bulatlat OLONGAPO CITY(126 kms. North of Manila) – President Arroyo claims that growing investments in the industrial…
Bleak Christmas for Workers in CL Economic Enclaves
(First of two parts) This Christmas season, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo paints a rosy picture for workers especially in so-called “industrial enclaves” such as the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) in Pampanga and the Subic Bay Free Port Economic Zone (SBFEZ). But the realities workers have to contend with in these industrial enclaves are low wages,…
Modernize and Demolish
Around 849,000 individuals face eviction due to the privatization of the Manila North Harbor, the urban poor organization Kadamay said. Yet, the port modernization project’s Terms of Reference is silent on relocation plans for the soon-to-be evicted families. BY DABET CASTAÑEDA Bulatlat.com
UP Manila Wears Black in Fight vs Tuition, Other Increases
Black was the color of the day for students at the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila last November 23. The death of the university, after all, is said to result from the plan of the UP administration to increase tuition and other fees. BY REYNA MAE TABBADA Bulatlat.com It was a day of fighting,…
Graveyards of the Living
Here, in the first public cemetery I have ever entered, the living may not be thriving, but definitely, they are surviving among the dead. BY TRINA FEDERIS Bulatlat.com Cemeteries are for the dead. This idea was imprinted in me early on due to our semi-annual visits to my grandfather’s grave in Libingan ng mga Bayani…
Trailing Hadji Akmad Bayam
The inclusion of a Hadji Akmad Bayam in the charge sheet in connection with the bomb blast in Makilala, North Cotabato last Oct. 10 has generated considerable controversy. The reason? The Hadji Akmad Bayam included in the Makilala charge sheet works with the office of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, said leaders of the Moro Islamic…
Marcos Mansions Eyed as a Tourist Hub
A proposal from a Baguio City councilor to turn the Marcos mansions in this city into a tourist hub is facing bright prospects, with a PCGG lawyer expressing openness to the idea. BY ACE ALEGRE Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat.com BAGUIO CITY – It was perhaps the first time in 20 years that the Marcos…
Bayan Muna Gears for 2007 Elections
As it gears for next year’s congressional polls, Bayan Muna (BM) continues to campaign against charter change, a divisive issue in Congress. Fresh from celebrating its 7th anniversary, BM hopes to top the elections for the third time. BY REYNA MAE TABBADA Bulatlat.com “Di mapipigilan ang pagsikat ng araw” (The sun is bound to rise).…