By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Leonardo Co wrote two very important books: on medicinal plants and the forest trees of Palanan. He could speak fluent Filipino, English, Mandarin, and Latin. He could sing, play classical Chinese music with his harmonica, and make people laugh with his antics. But most of all, he dedicated his life in the service of the people.
Sidebar: Groups Say Impunity in Human Rights Violations Resulted in the Killing of Renowned Botanist
By RONALYN V. OLEA
In a resolution adopted by 390 delegates, the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters condemned, in the strongest terms possible, the culture of impunity in the Philippines.
By MARYA SALAMAT
Children have been suffering the brunt of military operations along with their elders, but whereas before they were considered as “collateral damages,” since 2007, most children being encountered by the military in operations are being labeled as “child combatants.”
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
“Land reform is a question of social justice. It is at the heart of the conflict in Luisita.” – Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.
Sidebar: A Mother’s Quest for Justice
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“The activities are meant to enhance public awareness on the Ampatuan massacre and on impunity,” CMFR deputy director and former dean of the UP-CMC Luis Teodoro said in a press conference Nov. 16.
By IBON FEATURES
Experiences show PPPs did not guarantee savings for the government but even bloated the public debt. It can only get worse under the Aquino government’s new schemes for more of PPPs.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“After this dialogue, there is still no clear resolution [on the Morong 43 case],” said Ofelia Beltran-Balleta, mother of Jane Balleta. “We came here with high hopes. After Aquino’s statement about the illegal arrest, we were expecting that he would soon order the release of the Morong 43.”
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
When the session resumed on November 8, members of the House of Representatives were being asked to vote on the proposed budget. ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio stood up and asked if they could still look into the amendments that were considered and included in the final version of the bill. The request, however, was denied.
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Lila Pilipina, the organization of Filipino women who were used as sex slaves by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, said the Supreme Court decision denying their petition to hold the Japanese government accountable for its crimes against them, which was penned by Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo, was not only plagiarized but was also “twisted.”
By MARYA SALAMAT
Like many Filipinos, the leaders of various health workers and health professionals in the public health sector said they dream of having a decent house, enrolling their children in quality schools, and providing for their family’s basic needs like food, clothing and recreation. But sadly, they could not make both ends meet.
Sidebar: Doctors’ Association Seeks Amendments to Laws to Further Code of Ethics
By MARYA SALAMAT
While owners of big name brands ranging from Apple to Nokia to HP and JVC Kenwood roost in their headquarters in the US or Europe and try to outdo each other in bragging about their latest research and development, their supply chain around the world is comprised of different outsourcing companies vying for the contract to manufacture their required parts at the lowest production costs possible.