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Priests and Levites were the good guys. They were models of society in word and deed. They were expected to help the wounded: their fellow Jew, on that “bloody way” connecting Jerusalem to Jericho. But they did not.
A replication of mindless conformity and blind obedience is in process in the Philippines, where the power elite and its minions regard dissent and the diversity of views necessary in a democracy as a vice rather than virtue. Instead of unity in diversity, what the oligarchy wants is unity in conformity.
In his first Cabinet meeting last Tuesday, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that economic recovery takes precedence over all concerns under his administration and that his economic managers would set the “central policy.”
The “Tax Reform Act for the Masses and the Middle Class," seeks to exempt those making P33,333 ($590) monthly or less from paying income tax. It is also looking into providing tax breaks for families of persons with disabilities, those caring for elderly parents or relatives, and those with children.
United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan expressed deep concern over recent developments in the Philippines to silence independent and investigative journalism in the country.
Government workers are worried over the reported plans of Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s administration to ‘rightsize’ government agencies, saying “ordinary Filipino government workers are the usual victims of this mass layoff.”
Minerva Lopez of the NUPL, who is also among the lawyers of Bulatlat, said that despite the denial of the TRO, “the merits of the case are yet to be decided upon by the court.”
“This is déjà vu: Marcos in power, ordinary citizens as desaparecidos. Lest we forget, the massive human rights violations 50 years ago did not end well with the Marcoses."
Under the new Marcos regime, how will the country pay for its debts? Ibon Foundation, an independent think tank, said that government officials are eyeing higher taxes in the coming years.
“Marcos Jr. 's disbelief at the rising inflation rate shows his nonchalant attitude and extreme disconnect with the hardship experienced by Filipinos. His life of opulence is far from what ordinary hand-to-mouth Filipinos go through."
“We are not taking all these sitting down. As we always say, an attack on one is an attack on all.”
It has been more than a week since Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son, and namesake of the late dictator, was inaugurated. But prospects for peace remain uncertain with the newly-installed administration neither having a peace adviser nor a clear stance on how it will proceed with the peace process.
“Logically, affidavits and evidence presented during a preliminary investigation must at least show these elements of the crime and the particular participation of each of the respondents in its commission. Otherwise, there would be no basis for a well-founded belief that a crime has been committed, and that the persons being charged are probably guilty thereof."
“The blocking measure imposed through Defendant NTC’s 08 June 2022 Memorandum constitutes censorship and prior restraint or subsequent punishment, as the case may be, on the past, present, and future news as well as editorial content of Bulatlat.com."
“As a prosecutor who claimed to have worked as a lawyer of the DAR, she should have known or she should ought to know that an agrarian dispute exists in our case and therefore should have referred the matter to the DAR as repeatedly moved to by our lawyers."
Several groups urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto the whole Republic Act 11506 or the franchise granting San Miguel Corporation Aerocity to create the Bulacan Airport City, noting its unscientific construction.
Despite harsh prospects under the Marcos Jr. administration, activists say the fight is not over.
Will opening up natural resources to foreign-owned and large-scale mining boost the Philippine economy? For the government, the answer is yes. For environmental defenders, the answer is no.
Today we also are called to draw closer to Jesus and his mission of bringing about a new reign of justice, peace and love. As disciples, we know from experience the path is not easy. Moving into a new Government, we need to heed the advice of Jesus to his talmidim to be alert, especially as we see hungry farmers still being arrested for planting food crops, false charges against progressive people and organizations continuing, ecological defenders harassed and killed and indigenous peoples displaced.
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