In the year 2000, the Philippines breathed a sigh of relief as the World Health Organization (WHO) delivered the good news and declared the country polio-free. The country, at that time, had not had a documented case of polio for seven years. That all changed this year when the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed two…
Tag: Editorial
With the arrival of the monsoon season naturally comes the anticipation for weather updates, which local governments and various institutions turn to as basis for taking precautionary measures, such as cancelling classes or office work. Coordination and efficiency are thus of paramount importance—especially when it comes to public safety. This was perhaps what lawmakers in…
When discussing the Philippine LGBTQ+ community and the sentiments toward them, a question usually raised is, “How accepting of the LGBTQ+ community is the Philippines?” The Philippines is considered as one of the most gay-friendly countries globally according to an article written by the Philippine Daily Inquirer in 2013. But just last year, a Social…
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The debate on debates
Last February 25, Otso Diretso requested Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) to participate in a debate in Plaza Miranda. Candidates from HNP did not show up, however, and instead opted to continue with their scheduled campaign sorties in Bulacan and Valenzuela City. Sara Duterte, HNP’s campaign manager, cited that they will not participate in a palengke-style,…
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Birth of the new bogeyman
Last January 28, the final reading of the bill lowering the minimum age of criminal liability from 15 to 12 years old was passed by the House of Representatives. Many were taken aback by the speed in which the bill was passed, many more were afronted at the implication that children as young as 12…
Last February 13 at 5pm, Rappler Founder and CEO Maria Ressa was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for charges of violating Sec. 4(C)(4) of Republic Act (RA) 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Despite being arrested beyond working hours, making it harder for Ressa to find a court, she attempted…
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Our father
Now that we’re at the dawn of a new year, looking back, it is apparent that the bad really did outweigh the good in 2018. In what seemed like the downfall and the slow execution of the Philippine Constitution, the nation was perpetually stuck under dark clouds. It was the year that highlighted the tenure…
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Where has resilience brought us?
It seems as though the hustle and bustle that is characteristic of the “ber” months has fallen over the Philippines as a whole. With issue after issue and controversy after controversy coming at us from multiple sides all in in the span of a month, it’s not difficult to imagine why one would wonder what…
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An Electoral Gamble
Seasoned lawmakers, political neophytes, and individuals young and old made their presence known in front of lights and cameras as they bared their plans to be put in the highest seats of power in the government last October 11 to 17. The Philippines saw its democracy at work when individuals from all walks of life…
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Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil
Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux ‘Mocha’ Uson created an uproar with fellow blogger Andrew ‘Drew’ Olivar through a controversial ‘sign language’ video last September 14. The viral video reportedly had Uson filming from behind the camera as Olivar symbolized their “Pepederalismo for the deaf” while making vigorous “sign language” gestures. None of the flailing hand movements…