France to enshrine abortion rights in constitution as a guaranteed freedom
In a groundbreaking move, French lawmakers are set to make history by anchoring the right to abortion in the country’s constitution. This would be a.....»»
Why people’s initiative to amend Philippine Constitution reeks of ‘Marcosian tactics’
“Corruption & poverty are the main reasons why we lag behind economically and politically. These problems are not created by the 1987 Constitution, but by greedy politicians who control power and money for their self-interests." The post Why people’s initiative to amend Philippine Constitution reeks of ‘Marcosian tactics’ appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
One nation, one Constitution
Possibly the best Constitution Day ever was celebrated on Feb. 8, 2024, jointly by the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) and Manila Overseas Press Club, at Makati Shangri-la Hotel......»»
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......»»
Vice President Sara bucks Cha-cha moves: Guard the Constitution
Rejecting the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution is “to guard the Constitution,” Vice President Sara Duterte said yesterday, as she joined the pushback against the move seen as “tainted” by reports of bribery by its proponents......»»
Women s Voices Have Power to Drive Change
Every March 8, International Women's Day, women flood the streets in countries around the world to commemorate hard-won victories for women's rights and to fight for more. It's a time to celebrate advances while sharing our frustrations about too-slow progress or even backsliding.But we're only able to express our joy and rage when we enjoy freedom of expression. Without it, realizing other rights is nearly impo.....»»
VP Sara ready to face ICC charges only before a Filipino court
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her readiness to confront any allegations against her but insisted that she would only do so in front of a Filipino judge and within the jurisdiction of a Filipino court. In a statement on her Facebook page, she emphasized her refusal to participate in any process that could tarnish the reputation and integrity of the Philippine judiciary system. Duterte adamantly opposed the involvement of foreign entities in the country's legal affairs, citing it as a dishonor to the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes for the nation's freedom. Duterte, who previously served as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, vehemently denied any involvement in the Davao Death Squad during her terms in office. She expressed dismay over the sudden appearance of a witness against her in the International Criminal Court (ICC) after assuming the vice presidency. Duterte dismissed the accusations and questioned the motives behind the allegations, asserting her capability to accomplish tasks without resorting to unlawful means. In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his refusal to acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines, considering it a threat to the country's sovereignty. He issued a directive for all government agencies to refrain from cooperating with the ICC, emphasizing the nation's non-recognition of the court's authority. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that ICC investigators had gathered substantial evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his administration's war on drugs. He anticipated an imminent issuance of an arrest warrant against the former president. Former President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the ICC's decision to initiate a preliminary investigation into the war on drugs, labeling it an insult to the Philippines and challenging the court's jurisdiction within the country. During his presidency, he initiated the withdrawal of the Philippines' membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The ICC appeals chamber recently granted a request to resume the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the Philippines' controversial drug campaign, spanning from November 2011 to March 2019. The developments surrounding the ICC's probe into the Philippines' internal affairs have sparked a contentious debate, with key political figures and rights groups expressing divergent views on the matter. The ongoing tensions between the Philippines and the ICC underscore the complex intersection of international law, national sovereignty, and human rights issues......»»
Rights groups score gov t for ‘whitewashing’ abuses ahead of UN rapporteur visit
Karapatan said on Sunday that even as the government has publicly welcomed the visit of the UN rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, it has also “disregarded, shrugged off, and rejected” previous findings by UN special rapporteurs on the country’s human rights situation......»»
CHR: Red-tagging among threats to press freedom
In his keynote speech at the opening of the historic 1st Philippine Media Safety Summit, CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc said critical journalists are being subjected to red-tagging and surveillance, or are faced with the charges of libel or cyber libel. The post CHR: Red-tagging among threats to press freedom appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Press freedom index: Philippines falls 2 notches to 134th
The Philippines remains a “difficult country” for journalists as it dropped two spots in the annual press freedom index released by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontières/RSF)......»»
12 years in prison, political prisoner wants freedom on his 85th birthday
"There are no further obstacles that should hinder Tatay Gerry's release as the Board of Pardons and Parole issued a recommendation for the commutation of his sentence to a definite prison term of 12 years." The post 12 years in prison, political prisoner wants freedom on his 85th birthday appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
British Council celebrates 10 years of sharing LGBTQIA+ stories
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The British Council kicks off the first in-person screening of the Five Films For Freedom programme to live audiences in Cebu on Wednesday, March 13, in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival The Five Films For Freedom, launched by the British Council and the British Film Institute in 2014,.....»»
Remembering EDSA in Bicol | PNP opts for ‘police power’ in freedom parks
During the People Power commemoration, the Philippine National Police (PNP) occupied all parks in Camarines Sur for their supposed “outreach” program. Still, it did not stop more than 300 activists here to stage a protest action in the afternoon of Feb. 25. The post Remembering EDSA in Bicol | PNP opts for ‘police power’ in freedom parks appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
‘Media is a public good:’ Closure of CNN Philippines draws concerns from UN expert
The United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion said that the recent closure of CNN Philippines is a "worrying sign" for media freedom in the country......»»
Frail body, sharp mind: Oldest political prisoner longs for freedom
Despite the deteriorating conditions, political prisoner Gerardo Dela Peña remains hopeful that he will still be reunited with his elderly wife Pilar and their family in Camarines Norte. The post Frail body, sharp mind: Oldest political prisoner longs for freedom appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Women writers in detention continue to fight for freedom
In this story, Bulatlat highlights the story of women writers who are in detention for expressing their criticism and dissent through their craft. The post Women writers in detention continue to fight for freedom appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Marcos vows to fight threats to freedom
President Marcos has vowed to continue the fight against threats to freedom and repel those who trample the country’s “sacred shores.”.....»»
STATEMENT | Bulatlat reminds Philippine military of culpability in cyber-attacks and misinformation
Bulatlat maintains that these so-called “cyber security” efforts could mean online surveillance, distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks, “fake news” and other forms of attacks aimed to suppress freedom of the press and of expression, as well as the people’s right to information. This issue was brought to the attention of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan who will hold her official country visit next week. The post STATEMENT | Bulatlat reminds Philippine military of culpability in cyber-attacks and misinformation appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Makabayan bloc seeks probe into funding of charter change initiatives
In a resolution Reps. France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-list), Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party) and Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Party-list) called for a probe by the House’s committee on public accounts, stressing the public deserves to know the source of funding for the renewed attempt to change the Constitution. .....»»
Honoring a Philippine Human Rights Icon - Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Human rights lawyer and former senator Rene Saguisag holds a copy of a book about the martial law period in the Philippines while describing his ordeal in detention, Manila, September 26, 2018. 2018 Bullit Marquez-AP Photo The Philippines on April 23 lost a human rights stalwart. Rene Saguisag, a human rights lawyer and former senator, defended victims of abuses during the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorsh.....»»
Honoring a Philippine Human Rights Icon
The Philippines on April 23 lost a human rights stalwart. Rene Saguisag, a human rights lawyer and former senator, defended victims of abuses during the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship and was an ardent human rights advocate in the ensuing years. He died of undisclosed causes at the age of 84.Saguisag, along with Jose Diokno, Lore.....»»