Upper middle income country, what?
No amount of rosy figures churned out by the government and credit-rating institutions could erase the reality of the crisis faced by millions of Filipinos.
Upper middle income country, what?
POSTS FOR "Bulatlat Perspective"
ADVERTISEMENT
Not a dictator?
Not a dictator?
Behind his macho posture and ashen face, Duterte is afraid to the core. He is fighting against the prospect of him being made to account for all his crimes. He is doing everything to stop us, the Filipino people, from exercising our right to have better governance and better society.
Relentless, shameless red-tagging
Relentless, shameless red-tagging
Badoy echoes a national policy that espouses state-instigated violence against civilians. Portraying activists and journalists as “enemies of the state” justifies human rights abuses perpetrated by state agents. Badoy’s line is as dangerous as Duterte’s marching order to “kill, kill, kill.”
Matrix, a bad omen for democracy
Matrix, a bad omen for democracy
Painting a conspiracy among the media groups and lawyers -- all perceived as enemies by Duterte -- might be used to justify further draconian measures and blatant attacks.
The real target of military operations in Mindanao
The real target of military operations in Mindanao
On Monday, Dec. 3, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. publicly tagged Bayan Muna former representative Satur Ocampo and ACT Teachers’ Partylist Rep. France Castro an “active members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New...
Rape as state violence
Rape as state violence
The recent incident of rape involving a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is enraging. But what is even more infuriating is the admission of PO1 Eduardo Valencia when he was presented to PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde. To quote, “Sir, may...
This is not just about Senator Trillanes
This is not just about Senator Trillanes
As human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares said during the gathering of supporters and families of the Makabayan 4 last July, this regime does not tolerate dissent. He said that the issue is beyond the arrest of the Makabayan 4, it is about the people whose democratic rights are being trampled upon for voicing out their grievances against the government.
Duterte gov’t’s proclivity for short cuts backfires
Duterte gov’t’s proclivity for short cuts backfires
People have been saying this all along; the Duterte administration could not solve the illegal drug problem with the use of uncontrolled violence and shortcuts that disregard human rights. And they were right. The Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs has...
Fading memory or a concerted effort to make people forget?
Fading memory or a concerted effort to make people forget?
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective Thirty-two years since the first EDSA People Power and the celebrations continue to lose its spirit, and the crowds that attend it. I am referring, of course, to the official government celebrations. It is natural for the...
Are we getting anywhere with a tough talking president?
Are we getting anywhere with a tough talking president?
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective During his presidential campaign, Rodrigo Duterte vowed that if he becomes president, he would solve the illegal drug problem in six months, adding that the drug war would be bloody. He also promised to stamp out corruption....
Hold public discussions on proposed amendments to 1987 Constitution
Hold public discussions on proposed amendments to 1987 Constitution
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective What do the public know about the current initiative in Congress to amend the 1987 Constitution? First, the Duterte administration is proposing a shift to a Federal form of government. And second, there have been...
2017 Yearend report on the Presidency | Blowing in the wind
2017 Yearend report on the Presidency | Blowing in the wind
Resolving the drug problem; curbing corruption; peace talks; an independent foreign policy; and concern for the plight of the poor and the ordinary masa fired up the imagination and hope of the electorate.
But now, in what direction does the wind blow?
Food, Freedom, Jobs, Justice
Food, Freedom, Jobs, Justice
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective Perhaps, nobody had so eloquently, yet so simply, summed up the road to peace than the late Senator Jose W. Diokno when, as head of the negotiating panel of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) in the peace...
Which is worse: fake news or irresponsible journalism?
Which is worse: fake news or irresponsible journalism?
Tiglao is what he has been accusing people of: a liar and a propagandist.
Human rights and politics
Human rights and politics
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective When, six days ago, President Duterte offered to host a world summit on human rights, people were aghast. It’s not as if the Duterte administration is the prime mover of respect for human rights considering the more than 7,...
A lot and yet, not much
A lot and yet, not much
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective During the first sixteen months of the Duterte administration, a lot has happened. The battle for the once bustling Islamic City of Marawi that lasted five long months, beginning May 23, 1017 and ended the last week of...
On destabilization plots and the declaration of a Revolutionary government
On destabilization plots and the declaration of a Revolutionary government
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective A week ago, President Duterte threatened to declare a revolutionary government purportedly to counter destabilization moves by the Reds (communists), the Yellows (Liberal Party), the elite, and the US Central Intelligence...
Desperate measures
Desperate measures
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective The Social Weather Station released the results of its un-commissioned survey, covering the period September 23 to 27, showing that the satisfaction and trust ratings of President Duterte dropped significantly. His...
Of violence, cover up, and connections| Will justice be attained for the death of Atio Castillo?
Of violence, cover up, and connections| Will justice be attained for the death of Atio Castillo?
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective The death due to hazing of 22-year-old Horacio “Atio” Castillo III shocked the public once more. Castillo died while undergoing hazing by his ‘brothers’ from the Aegis Juris fraternity of the University of Sto. Tomas law...
Will Duterte declare Martial Law like Marcos?
Will Duterte declare Martial Law like Marcos?
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective Talks about President Duterte declaring martial law this week became louder and sounded more urgent five days ago when the AFP (Agence France-Presse) came out with an article with the title “Philippines’ Duterte may declare...
BE A BULATLAT PATRON
A community of readers and supporters that help us sustain our operations through microdonations for as low as $1.