By Raïssa Robles
First, let me greet you all a belated Blessed Christmas and a Fulfilling New Year.
I basically spent the Christmas rush finishing the two stories on Chinese workers in the Philippines for South China Morning Post (SCMP, HK).
The days after Christmas were spent recovering. And thinking about what lies ahead.
I realize that with fake news flooding online and threatening to drown everything else, the usual kind of coverage is no longer feasible.
And so, I’ve decided that while I will still write lengthy, in-depth features for this blog, I will intersperse that with short posts to highlight something I feel needs attention.
I would like to thank all of you who frequent this blog and post in the comments section breaking news, your insights on what is happening and links to what others are saying. Your coming here truly makes this blog a Cyber Plaza Miranda.
I will be writing more frequently for SCMP, but I will give you the link to what I write.
Whatever I post here — short or long — I will try to be true to the reporter’s creed – to find and write the truth, no matter how monstrous it is.
I will try to follow the advice of one of my favorite poets, Robert Frost, who once said: “Never be bullied into silence.”
Best,
Raissa
leona says
Sara Duterte: Pick only 12 FOR SENATORS from Hugpong slate of 13:
Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada,
Koko Pimentel, Bong Revilla, Cynthia Villar, Ronald dela Rosa,
Bong Go, Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu (Maguindanao), former reporter Jiggy Manicad and former MMDA chair Francis Tolentino.
Bote None Of The Above.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/02/13/1893385/sara-duterte-pick-only-12-hugpong-slate
Will she be a pres’l candidate by 2022?
arc says
sara picking 12 hugpongeras and hugpongeros? dapat each of the 12 receives a resounding slap from sara padrina. tatay niya has fist pump, sara padrina ought to have her very own signature, the slap. a sheriff once got slapped by her. only those brave enough and unaffected by sara padrina’s slap should be in her line up. matigas ang luob at makapal ang mukha, he, he, he.
mga mukhang uling!
leona says
This 1987 constitutional provision: Article III Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “[n]o law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. is a DEAD provision. The law of libel under RA 10175 Cyber Crimes and Revised Penal Code, as Amended, are higher laws. Correct? It looks like it.
Art. III Section 4 is the only provision, that can be used to defend libel on the ground of that LIBEL laws are unconstitutional. All other defenses are not as strong.
So, either de-criminalize libel law by Congress or apply Art. III Section 4. That’s it. Forget all other issues of libel laws.
If the courts, high or low, refuses to declare libel laws as unconstitutional or Congress refuses also, only another new constitutional provision clearly expressing Art. III Section that libel laws in whatever form made, is unconstitutional and PROHIBITED.
A challenged to libel laws is the (1) first legal action. Next, (2) is repealing it. Last, (3) is another clear expression prohibiting libel since there is a idiotic stubborn refusal on Nos. (1) & (2).
Corruption will not even be minimized under existing libel laws. With Cyber Crime libel law, it is strengthened aggressively against a DEAD or blatantly ignored Art. III Section 4 provision.
Maria Rezza arrested for alleged violation of libel law.
https://www.philstar.com/happens/248
Tapos!
Kalahari says
whoever engineered the unexpected arrest of Maria Rezza has committed a gargantuan blunder politically – and all indications point to vengeful Du30
There’s a saying “he, who sow the wind, will reap the whirlwind”
Those who supported Duterte in 1916 may have a second thought of voting for his candidates and those of Sara’s, especially their favorite Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, Imee Marcos etc., and may switch to the opposition candidates.
Finally, they’re making a martyr of Rezza
Kalahari says
erratum – 2016, not 1916
arc says
methink, doj under guevarra caused ressa to be arrested after hours, that must be guevarra’s election gift to duterte,he, he, he. in the cover of darkness.
clean election made dirty. duterte is all for clean election much like duterte is all for corruption to stop but made to flourish and thrive and blooming; for illegal drugs to cease only for drugs to exponentially proliferate and flood the markets, to sugpo terrorism only for terrorism to dangwa in his own backyard, sa mindanaw mismo: bomba rito, bomba ruon.
sa coming election on may 2019, people who are not happy with the way duterte govern the nation; all the way to china and damn all pinoys! should take back their power, dont give their power to duterte and dont vote for his candidates. they will only be too happy to do duterte’s bidding, and make things worse for us.
leona says
Ang LIWANAG ng Konstitusyon – that “[n]o law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press x x x
Pag ka intiende ko: ‘Walang BATAS’ laban sa ‘Freedom of Speech or Expression’ x x x
Alin ang mahalaga – yun 1987 Constitution that “[n]o law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press”, or R.A. No. 10175 Cyber-Libel, or Art. 355 Libel Revised Penal Code, as Amended?
Siempre, yun Konstitusyon ng 1987! Kung sabihin ko mahalaga ‘o mataas ng ‘statutory law ‘o iba na “Special Law,” ‘o yun Revised Penal Code Art. 355, as Amended, eh – tangi ako! Subalit hindi ako tangi ‘o pagkatanga [ idiot ]!
Ano sabi ng spokesperson sa Pasig River? Sabi nya: We are a country of laws and every citizen must adhere to the rule of law. No one is above the law.
https://www.untvweb.com/news/ressas-cyber-libel-case-unrelated-to-freedom-of-expression-malacanang/
Anong law mas mahalag kay sa 1987 Constitution Art. III Sec. 4 freedom of speech at freedom of the press? Yun CONSTITUTION !
Daming katangahan talaga.
leona says
Kaya itong Konstitusyon Art. III Sec. 4 ay PATAY na tadhana na pinagkasunduan ng mga Tao ng Bayan.
Lahat ng Batas na libelo ay unconstitutional. ILLegal. Immoral. Unlawful. When will Congress abolish or repeal LIBEL law? When will the Supreme Court declare LIBEL law unconstitutional? When will the PEOPLE rise up and throw away LIBEL law?
When when when the HIRAP scene.
leona says
To have a LIBEL law that punishes a person by imprisonment or criminal fine is unconstitutional. The alternative, as previously suggested by some lawmakers, is to make malicious utterances or printed otherwise only a CIVIL liability.
leona says
Ano ang sabi ni kandidato Mar Roxas? Sabi nya: ‘I’m not here to redo 2016. I’m not here to show them [that], ‘See, nagkamali kayo (See, you’re wrong).’ No, they can do what they want. I’m here because gusto ko makatulong na umahon tayo sa kahirapan (I’m here because I want to help our people overcome poverty),” said Roxas on Friday, February 8.’
Hindi nagkamali tayo. SIYA YUN NAGKAMALI.
Sa akin, si Mar Roxas ay hindi para sa politika. Hindi sya maganda ng political leader. Bakit? Ang sagot ko: Makupad sya mag isip at mag desisyon.
Ang problema ng Bayan ay marami ang malaki. Ano POVERTY na sinasabi nya? Pa paano nya gagawin na maka tulong sya dyan? Ay wang ko. Wala sya sinabi ukol nito. Dapat may sagot sya na maliwanag – PA PAANO!
Para ka senador sya ngayun. Ang problema ukol sa ‘poverty’ ay sobrang bigat. Eh, wala man lang sinabi si Mar Roxas ang paraan na gagawin nya sa ‘poverty problem.’ Wala. WALA!
Natalo sya ng isang nag sasabi: ‘Papatayin ko yun mga kriminal. Mga p$%^7# ina sila! Lahat ng nag bubuhay sa druga, PATAY!’ bla bla bla patay na bla bla bla.
Ayan! Na iboto sya si papatay kasi may sinabi na solusyun sya.
Hindi na ako bubuto kay Mar sa akin pasiyenza. Iba na lang. Votse para kay Mar.
he he he
leona says
https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2019/223240-roxas-senate-bid-not-redo-2016
arc says
begging your pardon po and I say this with all humility, I’ll give mar roxas a try and will vote for him, again.
mar roxas is not going for highest office, not going for 2nd highest office din po, he downgraded heself and running for senate seat na lang po. okay po yan sa akin, him occupying one seat in the senate.
maraming marami po dyan sa senado at congress na hinding hindi dapat sa polika, but they’re there, voted for their eloquence, promises and lies and ganging up on those that stood on their paths. de lima was martyred, democracy is ridiculed, human rights is being assassinated, truth is send packing and justice is being gagged. so thriving silang hindi dapat sa politika, flourishing and making havoc, their pork getting so fat, it’s bursting na.
I’ll vote for mar roxas.
leona says
THE Initial list of candidates for senator: [B=Best; G=Good; Bd=Bad and W=Worst ] Note: Anyone can: drop-out; dead-drop; naka lusot-in; buntot-out; SCREW TINAZE THEM.initially.
ABEJO, VANGIE (IND) Independent – G
AFUANG, ABNER (WPP) Workers and Peasants Party -G
AGUILAR, FREDDIE (IND) -Bd
ALBANI, SHARIFF (WPP) – G
ALEJANO, GARY (LP) -G
ALFAJORA, RICHARD (IND) -G
ALUNAN, RAFFY (BGMBYN) Bagumbayan Volunteers or a new Philippines -G
ANGARA, EDGARDO SONNY (LDP) Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino -Bd
AQUINO, BENIGNO BAM (LP) -G
ARCEGA, GERALD (WPP) -G
ARELLANO, ERNESTO (IND) -G
ARIAS, MARCELINO (WPP) -G
AUSTRIA, BERNARD (PDSP) Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas -G
BALDEVARONA, BALDE (FFP) Filipino Family Party – G
BINAY, NANCY (UNA) United Nationalist Alliance -W
BONG REVILLA, RAMON JR. (LAKAS) Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats -W double
CACERES, JESUS (IND) -G
CASIÑO, TOTI (KDP) Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino -Bd
CAYETANO, PIA (NP) Nacionalista Party – Bd
CHAVEZ, MELCHOR (WPP) -G
CHONG, GLENN (KDP) -Bd
COLMENARES, NERI (MKBYN) Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan -G
DE GUZMAN, KA LEODY (PLM) Partido Lakas ng Masa -G
DELA ROSA, BATO (PDPLBN) Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan -Bd
DIOKNO, CHEL (LP) -B
EJERCITO, ESTRADA JV (NPC) Nationalist People’s Coalition – Bd
ENRILE, JUAN PONCE (PMP) Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino – W treble
ESCUDERO, AGNES (IND) – Bd
ESTRADA, JINGGOY (PMP) – W treble
FRANCISCO, ELMER (PFFP) Partido Federal ng Pilipinas – Bd
GADDI, CHARLIE (IND) – G
GADON, LARRY (KBL) Kilusang Bagong Lipunan – Bd
GENEROSO, GEN PEDERALISMO (IND) -G
GO, BONG GO (PDPLBN) – W Bd
GUIGAYUMA, JUNBERT (WPP) – G
GUTOC, SAMIRA (LP) – G
HILBAY, PILO (AKSYON) Aksyon Demokratiko – B very
JANGAO, BFG ABRAHAM (IND) – G
JAVELLANA, RJ (KDP) – G
LAPID, LITO (NPC) – Bd
MACALINTAL, MACAROMY (IND) – B very
MALLILLIN, EMILY (IND) – G
MANGONDATO, FAISAL (IND) – G
MANGUDADATU, DONG (PDPLBN) – Bd
MANICAD, JIGGY (IND) – Bd
MARCOS, IMEE (NP) – W por dyos!
MATULA, JOSE SONNY (WPP) – G
MENIANO, LUTHER (WPP) – G
MONTAÑO, ALLAN (IND) – G
NALLIW, JOAN SHEELAH (IND) – G
ONG, DOC WILLIE (LAKAS) – G
OSMEÑA, SERGE (IND) – Bd
PADILLA, DADO (PFP) – G
PIMENTEL, KOKO (PDPLBN) – Bd
POE, GRACE (IND) – Bd
ROLEDA, DAN KAIBIGAN (UNA) – G
ROXAS, MAR (LP) – Bd
SAHIDULLA, LADY ANN (KDP) – G
TAÑADA, LORENZO ERIN TAPAT (LP) – G
TOLENTINO, FRANCIS (PDPLBN) – Bd
VALDES, BUTCH (KDP) – G
VILLAR, CYNTHIA (NP) – Bd
With OPTION to change choices for Heaven or Hell.
he he he
Kalahari says
Opposition: May elections a referendum on Duterte
The midterm elections will shape up to be a referendum not only on Duterte’s 3-year administration but also on the people’s capacity to vote wisely, according to members of the opposition Otso Diretso slate
Sounding a message of resistance to the President’s populist policies, the LP-led coalition launched its nationwide door-to-door campaign in Caloocan City on the first day of the election season yesterday
“We are the alternative candidates,” civil society leader Samira gutoc said at a press conference attended by all members of the team, except Mar Roxas, who opted to kick off his campaign in his hometown in Roxas City
With only Roxas and Bam Aquino figuring in the “Magic 12” of early senatorial surveys, the Otso Diretso candidates appeared to relish the role of underdogs, expressing optimism that a grassroots campaign would convince people to vote based on principle
They conceded that it would be an uphill battle, considering the President’s enduring popularity
“Others are on the side of the President. but we are on the side of the people.” said Aquino
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno said the campaign would try to communicate its clear opposition to the Duterte administration’s repressive policies, including extrajudicial killings and the tax reform law that had caused prices of goods to soar. Former Solicitor general Florin Hilbay said the May elections could be considered an “indirect referendum” on the President.
“To that extent, it’s a campaign of contrasts. We are facing off with their forces, their wealth, their tarpaulins,” Hilbay said
“We think the coalition endorsed by the administration is a coalition of traditional politicians, whereas we are a coalition of men and women”, he said
In Capiz, Roxas spoke to some 2,500 supporters and allies led by Gov. Antonio. Also present were Mar’s mother, Judy Araneta-Roxas, and his wife, Korina Sanchez
“I am running because of you,” Roxas told the crowd at dinggoy Roxas Civic Center
“This campaign will not be easy. This is different from the past because we are not ‘flavor of the month’ of the government,” he said. “But we are still here because we are only fighting for what is right and true.”
“I am no longer running to prove something for myself. I’m here to help ensure that we will leave a better Philippines to the younger generation of Filipinos.” he said
Sen. Franklin drilon, LP vice-chair, noted that administration senatorial candidates were scrambling to campaign individually with no semblance of a political party. (more)
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1085004/opposition-may-elections-a-referendum-on-duterte
arc says
if I were to waste my vote, I’ll waste it on mar roxas.
cynthia villar, bong go, bato, the cayetanos: husband, wife and sister, the marcoses sisters: imee and grace, the ejercito bros: jv and jinggoy, the hugpongeros and hugpongeras, not getting my votes sila.
I’ll waste my vote on mar roxas; all in his party gets my vote 1st and foremost.
Rolly says
Si Duterte mismo ang problema ng bayan, A vote for any candidate other than the opposition is a vote for Duterte’s scheme.
arc says
tamang tama po kayo, rolly,way to go! hear! lhear!
thrash all candidates na may bahid at basbas ni duterte.
duterte hates corruption and that is why corruption flourish with gusto at nagkakalat na. under his watch corruption has gone to the topmost and cascading down. and many of his re-electionists and bad politicians friends benefited so much that they are now some of the richest in the country and soon to get even more richer, already thier bogus projects are lined up.
new candidate whose best qualification is ability to speak english, needs a haircut, he, he, he. dapat best qualifications niya are abilities to feel for the common tao, may compassion at may malasakit sa kapwa, makatao at may pagmamahal sa bayan at hindi yong chinese inclined, wearing hat gaya si fidel ramos, he, he, he.
a vote for duterte’s candidates is a vote for more taxes, for more corruption to flourish, for pork to get even fatter, for disregard of our laws. for more chinese coming in to grab jobs from pinoys, for more harassment of law abiding citizens, for martial law to be enlarged, for more polis brutality, and for very highly paid but weaker military that think road blocks stops terrorism, he, he, he.
vote for otso diresto, vote for the opposition!