By RONALYN V. OLEA
“Governments are only instruments. The peoples must exercise their power. The peoples are masters of international society. Law is a struggle of the peoples.” — Roland Weyl, IADL first vice president and dean of the Paris Bar Association
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Not a single victim of human-rights violation during the Marcos dictatorship has achieved justice nor received any compensation from the government.
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
The 49-page document contained the farm workers’ final stand regarding the agrarian dispute, which has been going on for more than a century already. “The justices would be able to find every answer to their questions (in this memorandum),” ULWU acting president and Ambala vice chairmain Lito Bais said.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
There has been a series of four evacuations in the region since July this year. “Martial Law is still being imposed in the region.” — Genasque Enriquez, leader of Kahugpungan sa mga Lumad Organisasyon-Caraga (Kasalo).
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
The relocation site is right in the middle of the Marikina fault line. There are no livelihood opportunities available and the houses are made of light materials.
Update: Quezon City North Triangle Residents Hold Vigil, Prepare for Demolition Tomorrow
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“It’s amazing to see how strong you are despite everything that had happened to you…It’s fantastic. I am moved and it has given me more encouragement to take your case,” Michael Gooding, a lawyer from United Kingdom, told the Morong 43.
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
When the lawyers of the Cojuangco family said, during the September 14 hearing, that they are open to land distribution if the price is right, the farm workers finally became hopeful. However, the Cojuangco clan denied it the very next day.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
There are at least 388 political prisoners in the country, 317 were arrested during the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Under the new administration, activists continue to be slapped with “trumped-up” criminal charges.
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
“We are condemning the violent dispersal by authorities here and elsewhere,” Bea Arellano of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap said, “While there are still no decent jobs available for the Filipino people, the government should allow vendors to sell, even on sidewalks, to earn a living.”
By MARYA SALAMAT
Is this proposed budget just a dream? A study conducted by health groups HEAD and AHW revealed that there are enough sources to fund a P90 billion ($$2.037 billion) health budget, if the Aquino government has the political will to do so.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
The NDFP has reiterated its readiness to resume peace talks with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) on the basis of The Hague Joint Declaration and subsequent agreements — Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDFP negotiating panel.