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Red-tagging hobbles free expression and opinion
Freedom of expression and opinion in the Philippines is seriously hampered by the practice of red-tagging, according to Irene Khan, United Nations Special Rapporteur, who wound up a 10-day official visit to the Philippines yesterday......»»
Ramon Lim, former STAR opinion editor, writes 30
Ramon M. Lim, former opinion editor of The Philippine STAR, fought a good fight from COVID to pneumonia for more than a month starting mid-January of this year......»»
FPRRD opposes disguised Charter change initiative
Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte has vehemently opposed the disguised People’s Initiative for Charter change, denouncing the cash-for-signature campaign as repugnant and a disgraceful act during a YouTube interview with Banateros Brothers on January 22, 2024. Duterte emphasized his disapproval of the initiative, urging for it to be halted, particularly criticizing the payment of individuals to sign the documents. He warned that such actions could lead to a new Constitution that might destroy the nation and open avenues for political abuses. Duterte stressed the importance of democracy in the Philippines, asserting that those seeking to remain in power should go through the electoral process. He highlighted that a well-performing and non-corrupt individual would retain power, while those with poor performance would be ousted through the electoral process. Expressing satisfaction with the current Constitution, Duterte argued that it has contributed to stability, reducing conflicts with groups like the New People's Army (NPA). He strongly advised against meddling with the Constitution, cautioning that it would only bring trouble to the country. Duterte pledged active opposition to the initiative, stating that he would campaign against it. Additionally, residents of Calinan District, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Representatives Isidro Ungab and Paolo Pulong Duterte have also voiced opposition to the People's Initiative for Charter Change. Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles, the representative of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist, alleged to have started the cha-cha signature campaign, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as of the latest update. Related stories include the denouncement of alleged `vote buying’ in signing the petition for Cha-cha by Davao City lawmakers, Vice President Duterte's condemnation of the cash-for-signature drive, and a prayer rally against PI’s Cha-cha on Jan 28......»»
Continue serving with care, compassion, PBBM tells DSWD
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of serving the public with care and compassion during the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) 73rd anniversary celebration. He commended the DSWD for its continuous efforts in providing aid to disaster victims and the disadvantaged sectors. President Marcos urged the DSWD to treat the poor and vulnerable with kindness and empathy, highlighting the agency's role in uplifting communities. He also noted the significant increase in the agency's budget, particularly for programs such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior pension, food catering operations, and the food stamps program. President Marcos emphasized that the DSWD's programs are designed to offer a hand up rather than a handout, aiming to empower individuals and families to improve their circumstances. He underscored the government's commitment to dignified giving and support for those in need, emphasizing the agency's role in providing assistance while promoting self-sufficiency......»»
Reflections after a prison visit
Given the constraints they face, political prisoners deserve our utmost respect for choosing defiance instead of compromise and collaboration with the class enemy. They provide a dignified example of how to live a life devoted to the cause of fighting with the oppressed. Their activism is demonized and criminalized by those who see no evil in the obscene hoarding of the nation’s wealth by the elite and the exploitation of the poor and powerless by those in power. The post Reflections after a prison visit appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
In the Philippines, women journalists face sexual harassment, politically-motivated attacks
“Frenchie used to lead the Eastern Vista, where is it now? They used to report the prices of basic commodities of Samar and how it affects the people. No one does that now. It is a big disservice to the poor in the region.” The post In the Philippines, women journalists face sexual harassment, politically-motivated attacks appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Caritas Philippines hits Charter change initiative; says Constitution ‘not a political football’
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 12 January) – The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has expressed its opposition to moves to amend the 1987 Constitution and urged instead the government to “focus on strengthening basic social services, combating corruption, and implementing programs that address the plight of the poor.” In […].....»»
4 PH medicinal herbs for gout, pain relief pass clinical trials
MANILA, Philippines — Back in the 1970s, the government had a dream of providing cheap medicines for Filipinos, especially the poor, who are often left out of health care. Dr. Cecilia Lazarte, director of the Institute of Herbal Medicine of UP Manila’s National Institutes of Health, stressed in 2020 the importance of research on the.....»»
Scorching schools: How heat worsens conditions of poor students in PH
[This is the second and last part of a special report on how extreme heat in 2023 impacted the education sector in the Philippines. Click here for the first part.] CEBU CITY, Philippines – The same analysis by Cebu Daily News Digital (CDN Digital) showed that even private schools, which usually have better facilities and.....»»
Malabon gives out cash aid card
The local government of Malabon has started the distribution of the first tranche Ahon Blue Card financial aid for poor residents of the city......»»
Some top tourist spots in Visayas have high coliform level
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Some of the top tourist spots in Central Visayas have poor water quality that might be unfit for swimming, prompting the Regional Development Council here (RDC-7) to urge the government to take action. There are three sites in the region wherein high levels of fecal coliform have been detected. These are.....»»
ULAP lauds water supply program for poor LGUs
Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and Quirino governor Dax Cua lauded a government program that aims to help the poorest municipalities in the country have access to clean and stable water supply. “We in ULAP have always emphasized the need to address people’s basic right to water, in line with our commitment […].....»»
‘Imee budget realigning led to millions not receiving 4Ps’
Nearly 4.3 million poor Filipinos were deprived of cash aid under the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in 2023 after Sen. Imee Marcos realigned the 4Ps funding of P13 billion in the national budget to another social amelioration program, a member of the House of Representatives said yesterday......»»
Oppenheimer, Poor Things top BAFTA nominations; Barbie only gets 5 nods
"Oppenheimer" is now the clear frontrunner for Oscars glory, some three weeks after the highlight of the annual British film calendar, the BAFTAs, on February 18......»»
Women-owned businesses getting more loans; non-performing assets less than 2.5 pc: Smriti Irani at WEF
Davos [Switzerland], January 17 (ANI): Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said her government in New Delhi is working with a mantra of women-led development, and it has helped in empowering them. She said the PM Awas housing scheme, where a majority of the beneficiaries are women, and the Ujjwala gas connection for poor women have helped empower them. The total number of gas connections in India rose.....»»
Women-owned businesses getting more loans; non-performing assets less than 2.5 pc: Smriti Irani at WEF
Davos [Switzerland], January 17 (ANI): Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said her government in New Delhi is working with a mantra of women-led development, and it has helped in empowering them. She said the PM Awas housing scheme, where a majority of the beneficiaries are women, and the Ujjwala gas connection for poor women have helped empower them. The total number of gas connections in India rose.....»»
DepEd s SHS vouchers fall short of decongesting public schools, helping poor learners
"It's a waste that we don't solve the problem of congestion because we are randomly giving the voucher program to students," the senator said......»»
Why Business Should Start Investing in the Mental Well-Being of Their Employees
The pandemic has triggered waves of anxiety, uncertainty, and financial strain, impacting the mental health of millions of employees. Poor mental health leads to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and strained work relationships. With that said, it is crucial to address employees’ mental health issues to have a thriving workspace. Encourage Open Communication and Supportive Culture […].....»»
Non-poor enjoy subsidy
One of the landmark statutes that have broadened a bit the access of Filipinos to education is Republic Act (RA) 6728, or the GASTPE Law, for brevity’s sake......»»
Philippine employers warned against inflating job titles
“Hiring professionals solely based on their desire for a grandiose title rather than their suitability for the position could lead to the company experiencing poor performance, increased turnover and wasted resources.“.....»»