By RONALYN V. OLEA
“The eyes of the whole world are on the Philippines because of this crime and especially because until now, there is no justice and the killings, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations continue.” – Nestor Burgos, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
Sidebar: Groups laud filing of case vs Arroyo for Ampatuan massacre
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Shortages continue to plague the country’s education system despite President Benigno Aquino III’s campaign and inaugural promises that his administration would provide quality education for the Filipino people.
By RITCHE T. SALGADO
“Here we have a political climate blanketed by fear and submission, and a system that promotes such.” Karapatan
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO and RONALYN V. OLEA
“The Arroyos will not run out of cards to play as long as they have the numbers in the Supreme Court. So what really matters now, apart from sound legal tactics, is the political decisiveness of the Aquino administration.”
The legality or not of the hold departure order and eventual arrest of Arroyo rests on hairsplitting arguments. But one thing is sure: Arroyo, her family and allies have a lot to answer for.
By MARYA SALAMAT
Given the worsening hunger and poverty in the Philippines and the already soaring prices of commodities, the ‘triple threats’ of new price hikes may well turn out to be the “straw that would break the camel’s back.” – Lana Linaban, Gabriela
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
“The Cojuangco-Aquinos used and abused all legal means to their advantage and interest of further controlling the lands.” – Rep. Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“We occupied the land because it belongs to us. We used the idle land for the benefit of our children,”
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
“It is like telling fishing capitalists all over the world that the country’s territorial waters are open for exploitation as long as they maintain diplomatic relationships with Malacañang.” – Pamalakaya
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“Agreements are binding and not only pieces of paper. One of the basic principles of international law is that agreements must be executed in good faith. There are no documents without obligation.” – Jan Fermon, professor of law at the University of Maastricht and a member of the International Legal Advisory Team
By RAYMUND B. VILLANUEVA
“We felt the people’s desire and interest for a radio station they truly own long before this launch. Radyo Sagada is no longer a dream but a reality.”