Gov’t urged to respect right to protest vs. Pax Silica
"People's rights do not become suspended whenever the President is courting foreign investors.”
Aug
2023
27
At Ground Level | Global rights groups assail terror law misuse
Following Marcos Jr.’s approval of the National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028 on Aug. 12, progressive people’s organizations and the human rights community are increasingly protesting the continued threats, including red-tagging, vilification and actual attacks on the country’s human rights defenders and activists.
Aug
2023
27
Balik-Tanaw | But who do you say that I am?
This Sunday’s readings are focused on three issues: first, on authority (Is 22:19-23), second, on knowledge of God (Rom 11:33-3), third, on the identity of Jesus (Mt 16:13-20). At first glance, they seem to be unrelated to one another, but on deep examination, they are really pointing to a single direction. And that is, the way to our salvation. The mission of Jesus as leading us the WAY, seeking out the TRUTH and urging us to aspire for what is truly LIFE-GIVING. These three related important values in life fully capture this salvation framework.
Aug
2023
25
‘Charges vs. effigy artist, an attack against free expression’ – artists, progressives
"It is well established that an effigy is a form of art. It is not solid waste: it is not garbage or refuse."
Aug
2023
24
Proposed nat’l budget for 2024: ‘Filled with red flags, skewed priorities’
“The government’s fiscal strategy is seriously flawed. Revenues are low from over-relying on indirect consumption taxes on poor and middle-class Filipinos who have low levels of incomes and spending, from cutting direct taxes especially on high-income families and large corporations, and from avoiding wealth taxes even just on hugely concentrated billionaire wealth. Poor revenue generation is ultimately what causes constant borrowing and excessive debt.”
Aug
2023
24
First Person | One year in detention
Jail, after all, is not exempt from society’s great divide based on economic and social status. And even here, the movement for freedom and democracy considers our situation as part of the struggle.
Aug
2023
24
Local, int’l groups denounce harassment of Filipino rights defenders
Forty-two human rights groups in the Philippines and abroad stood in solidarity with 10 Filipino human rights defenders as they condemned the ongoing harassment against them.
Aug
2023
23
2 rights defenders ask prosecutor to dismiss trumped-up anti-terror law charges
Two human rights defenders from Southern Tagalog said that their trumped-up charges are evidence of how the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) is used to silence critical voices.
Aug
2023
17
30 SUCs to suffer budget cuts in 2024
Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel said that the impending budget cut in state universities and colleges reflects the Marcos Jr. administration’s disregard for quality tertiary education.
Aug
2023
15
Fishers skeptical over Manila Bay rehab funding
“Over the years, the DENR has been complicit with big corporations involved in reclamation and other forms of conversion in Manila Bay, putting the livelihood and other socio-economic rights of fishers at stake."
Aug
2023
15
Uncertain Waters | Laguna fishers face displacement, loss of livelihood over road construction
Can a road project be the residents’ highway to homelessness and joblessness?
Aug
2023
13
Balik-Tanaw | Maintaining the balanced faith
Our gospel reading today made me recall one of the gymnastic events in the Olympics called pommel horse. This is a sport that requires balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and endurance. One of the top athletes of this sport is Krisztián Berki of Hungary.
Aug
2023
13
At Ground Level | Efforts vs. Manila Bay reclamation push on
For many years, scientists and environmental advocates have cautioned the government against approving more proposals for land reclamation and coastal development projects in Manila Bay. The historic bay, they emphasize, is unsuitable for such projects because of the risks posed by floods, intensified typhoon-induced storm surges and other related consequences.
Aug
2023
11
Lab Notes | Manila Bay reclamation and the Baseco community
Science and development should consider the actual conditions experienced on the ground and prioritize projects that genuinely benefit communities. The situation in Baseco is not an isolated incident but rather a problem prevalent in various parts of the country.
Aug
2023
10
Luisita farmers ask gov’t to reopen Tadeco land distribution
Farmers of Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac province urged the government to reopen land distribution in a motion for reconsideration filed on Aug. 8.
Aug
2023
10
Jeepney drivers demand tax suspension, junking of deregulation law amid oil price hike
Jeepney drivers urged the Philippine government to suspend taxes on petroleum products like diesel to help cushion the impact of the recent oil price hikes.
