The Supreme Court (SC) has junked the rebellion charges filed against six representatives of party-list groups and four other leaders of progressive people’s organizations. BY EMILY VITAL Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 17 June 3-9, 2007 The Supreme Court (SC) has junked the rebellion charges filed against six representatives of party-list groups and four other leaders…
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On Migrants Day: ‘Strong Economy’ at OFWs’ Expense
With less than a week before Migrants’ Day on June 7, an alliance of organizations composed of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families hit President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over the plight of OFWs in distress. BY AUBREY MAKILAN MIGRANT WATCH Vol. VII, No. 17 June 3-9, 2007 With less than a week before Migrants’ Day…
Emerging Configuration in the Party-List Bloc
Among the top-ranking groups in the latest party-list vote count are three newcomers. At least two of these party-list groups have been linked in some way to the Arroyo administration – with one having openly endorsed a local candidate from Kampi, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s party, in the recently-concluded senatorial and local elections. Meanwhile, three more…
Elections in ARMM are ‘Farcical, Fraudulent’ – Kontra Daya
Although elections seem to have become an opportunity for the poor and desperate to earn a few pesos, it is undoubtedly the grand cheaters in power who bag the biggest loot. BY KONTRA DAYA Posted by Bulatlat Election Watch Vol. VII, No. 17 June 3-9, 2007 The provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao…
The Maranaos of Lanao: Poorest of the Poor
With the Maranao communities plagued by poverty and short in social services, election season is considered “paskuhan” (Christmas season). Politicians’ money flows like rain, mainly to buy the votes of the Maranaos. BY DABET CASTAÑEDA Bulatlat Election Watch Vol. VII, No. 17, June 3-9, 2007 MASIU, Lanao del Sur — Lanao del Sur is home…
Something Fishy in Maguindanao
As in the 2004 presidential elections, polling results in these far-flung areas appear to be crucial in the nation-wide “dagdag-bawas” (vote padding-shaving) scheme intended to bring about victory for senatorial and party-list candidates backed by the Arroyo administration. BY CAROL PAGADUAN-ARAULLO Streetwise Business World / Posted by Bulatlat Election Watch / Alternative Reader Vol. VII,…
Comelec and the Theater of Fraud
No election has been fair and square. In the recent elections, the outcome has been decided by one’s political hold on the poll body – and the numerous compromises that powerful election authorities make with the highest bidders to rig the elections. BY THE POLICY STUDY, PUBLICATION AND ADVOCACY (PSPA) PROGRAM Center for People Empowerment…
U.S. Ramps Up Missile Tests in the Pacific
BY JOHN LASKER InterPress Service / June 1, 2007 Posted by Bulatlat Alternative Reader Vol. VII, No. 17 June 3-9, 2007 COLUMBUS, United States, Jun 1 (IPS) — Earlier this year, when China blasted one of its satellites into thousands of little floating pieces, it was condemned by Washington as a provocative act. But some…
Satur Calls for Ka Bel’s Release as SC Dismisses Rebellion Case vs Batasan 6
BY BULATLAT HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH/BREAKING NEWS June 1, 2007 – 5:07 p.m. House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna President Satur Ocampo said that the Supreme Court decision dismissing the rebellion case against the Batasan 6 should pave the way for the release of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran. The high court’s decision is “a slap…
Poll Watchdog Groups Attend Mass at the PICC
BY EMILY VITAL Bulatlat Breaking News June 1, 2007 – 1:53pm Some 50 members of Kontra Daya and Concerned Citizens trooped to the Philippine International Convention Center, June 1 and attended a Holy Mass at the building’s lobby. Kontra Daya spokesperson Fr. Joe Dizon celebrated the Mass around 11 a.m. Before the Mass, the security…
Lanao Sur Special Elections ‘Farcical and Extremely Vulnerable to Vote Manipulation’ – Kontra Daya
BY BULATLAT Posted May 30, 2007, 6:18 p.m. Election watchdog Kontra Daya joined the Concerned Citizens and other groups in a protest rally, Wednesday, near the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) where the national canvassing is ongoing. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) canvassed votes from Sulu on the same day. The group warned against rigging…