Shut down? Speak up!
By TILDE...
Bulatlat Contributors | May 6, 2020
Resisting the ongoing crackdown on free expression
Resisting the ongoing crackdown on free expression
We articulate not only what concerns us but more essentially what concerns those whose rights are trampled upon. In so doing, we empower them to likewise articulate their sentiments and aspirations.
Responding to Escolta’s street vendors: How do we provide relief and security to the economically vulnerable?
Responding to Escolta’s street vendors: How do we provide relief and security to the economically vulnerable?
Most of us may be afraid and cautious of this invisible virus possibly lurking in our vicinity. But for the economically vulnerable, it is the untrustworthy authorities that they are most afraid of during this quarantine. With Duterte’s order to shoot anyone who does not obey, the police were given even more power to assert their authority over the vendors and homeless.
First Person | The virus of a broken world
First Person | The virus of a broken world
I am now able to process this, thinking I am lucky to be able to have myself tested, as scores of Filipinos struggle with symptoms while ensuring that they will still have something to eat. But is it all luck? Is it just my luck to live in a territory with satisfactory practices in dealing with a pandemic? And what of it? What of the millions of Filipinos dealing with the pandemic on their own, with barely any government support? Is it their luck to die miserably, alone?
Global food security crisis not merely a ‘logistics’ issue
Global food security crisis not merely a ‘logistics’ issue
Treating the current global food crisis as a ‘logistics’ issue glosses over the fact that it roots from decades of imperialist plunder, land grabbing, trade monopolies, and neoliberal policies espoused by International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, and other international financial institutions.
Heart-opening yoga for abandoned elderly slated April 25
Heart-opening yoga for abandoned elderly slated April 25
“Amid the lockdown because of COVID-19 pandemic, Balay Alima is struggling to find food and cleaning and hygiene supplies. And because of their old age, they are more at risk from COVID-19. At this time, they really need our help.”
Harassment against detained Cebu artist continues
Harassment against detained Cebu artist continues
Not contented with her detention, social media users deemed as paid trolls continue to attack Maria Victoria Beltran.
Cebu-based artist jailed for satirical post
Cebu-based artist jailed for satirical post
“This targeting and arrest is a vicious attack on freedom of expression amidst the continuing failure of the national and local governments to ensure expanded and systematic mass testing and a comprehensive public information drive on the pandemic.”
Informal workers find ways to earn, but still struggle because of lockdown
Informal workers find ways to earn, but still struggle because of lockdown
“Government is contented with the limited food aid that they have given us, without even thinking that it would only last for a day or two, what would happen after that? And then there are the other needs of our family like medicine, where would we get that?”
Alberta gov’t urged to expand healthcare coverage to uninsured OFWs during pandemic
Alberta gov’t urged to expand healthcare coverage to uninsured OFWs during pandemic
“International human rights law guarantees everyone the right to the highest attainable standard of health and obligates governments to take steps to provide medical care to those who need it. Now more than ever, we need to ensure health care access is available to all in the time of COVID-19 pandemic.”
Instruments of God’s love
Instruments of God’s love
That light is our hope, that light is Christ, and his light is pointing us to the way, the way that is for us to tap into our very humanity to think beyond ourselves, to go beyond ourselves and instead see the situation of others. It’s not me, it’s them. Their comfort above my comfort. Their safety above my safety. The question now is, like Jesus, am I able to offer my life for the salvation of others? So that others would no longer weep in hunger, in isolation, in separation?
Easter Message | ‘Build a better world, a more humane, just and compassionate one’
Easter Message | ‘Build a better world, a more humane, just and compassionate one’
Like the disciples who were transformed by the resurrection, let us not return to the life as it was. We can build a better world, a more humane, just and compassionate one! After this, we should not return to business as usual, but walk in the newness of life where love, justice and peace prevail.
Peasant leader in Butuan arrested on ‘trumped-up charges’
Peasant leader in Butuan arrested on ‘trumped-up charges’
KMP decried the charges as fabricated, adding that Torralba has been a peasant leader since 1985.
‘No, Thanks, I Don’t Buy This’ | A New World Order in the Time of the Corona Virus
‘No, Thanks, I Don’t Buy This’ | A New World Order in the Time of the Corona Virus
Medical experts said it will take 18 months to develop a vaccine, though more for it to become deployable. In the meantime, I find myself being ushered into a “new normal”.
Keeping our eyes on the ball: Human rights in the time of COVID-19
Keeping our eyes on the ball: Human rights in the time of COVID-19
That is why the work of defending human rights must never flag as this crisis develops. While our programming is naturally affected by necessary constraints on travel and physical meetings, human rights work is never done in isolation. It is rooted in personal connections based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust. We will continue to find ways to nurture the connections and solidarity this work requires.
Meet Yani, UP’s #COVIPH chatbot
Meet Yani, UP’s #COVIPH chatbot
Yani can provide information regarding the nearest hospitals, data on COVID-19 cases, and even government's policies in relation to health, education, transportation and economic support.
Amid COVID-19 lockdown and land conflict, a village wages struggle to live
Amid COVID-19 lockdown and land conflict, a village wages struggle to live
How would a small poor village be faring in the time of the coronavirus? In a community in the central Philippines, the farmers' struggle against land grabs amid threats of food insecurity has taken on greater urgency.
How is the Duterte administration faring in the WHO mandate on COVID-19?
How is the Duterte administration faring in the WHO mandate on COVID-19?
On March 26, WHO issued a statement urging countries to not waste time in its efforts against the contagion and gave a list of six actions every country should take immediately. Unfortunately, the Philippine government is found wanting in its efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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