Now playing out in a hitherto-neglected region of the world – but not that far from our own beleaguered corner – is the escalating tension between the United States and China.
At Ground level | US reasserts presence in Pacific island nations
Category: Commentary
At Ground Level | US, Phl update defense guidelines
The US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, nearly 75 years old now, is being dusted off in the light of “current and emerging threats” to the two countries – read: China’s increasing belligerence about Taiwan and its own maritime claims over almost the entire South China Sea.
Root Access | Fraud in the 2022 elections and our ways forward
One year after the elections, the Computer Professionals’ Union takes a look at everything that’s gone wrong in the automated elections system, and puts forward recommendations.
Why become a people’s lawyer?
Two lawyers, one of whom recently passed the 2022 Bar exams, share whypeople’s lawyering has become a necessity for them. By MAVIC CONDE Bulatlat.com Atty. Rea Guiloreza represents a student journalist for her first case as a lawyer. Photo courtesy of Atty. Sol Taule. MANILA, Philippines — The country’s dire human rights condition necessitates people’s…
At Ground Level | ‘Most lethal’ US drones deployed in Balikatan 2023
Yesterday, the US and Philippine military forces formally ended their 18-day joint war games under the 38th version of the Balikatan. The various exercises, held in Northern and Central Luzon, involved more than 17,000 troops and live-firing of a variety of US modern weapons systems.
At Ground Level | How far EDCA sites will be used remains unclear
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said those investments “will spur job creation and economic growth in local Philippine communities.” His enthusiasm may have exhilarated the current administration, especially the defense establishment. But to us, the Filipino people, one crucial issue remains unclear, even disturbing: how exactly or to what extent the American forces will use the EDCA sites.
Balik-Tanaw | Palm Sunday of the Lord’s passion
It’s Holy Week, a moment of reflection, getting together, family and friends bonding moment, a break from hectic days, or a celebration from heydays. Wherever we are, I assume that we pray and reflect on these days apart from gallivanting and jubilating.
‘Unwise and rash’ move to ‘disengage’ from ICC
We don’t have a next move, that is the extent of our involvement with the ICC. That ends all our involvement with the ICC. Because we will no longer appeal, the appeal has failed and there is, in our view, nothing more that we can do in the government and so at this point we essentially are disengaging from any contact, from any communication with the ICC.”
At Ground Level | US military bases are back, via EDCA
This week, the United States and the Philippine militaries – with enthusiastic support from Ferdinand Marcos Jr. – kick-started the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the 2014 bilateral executive accord which had been delayed for eight years.
Buryong
Malaking sanhi ng pagkaburyong ay ang mabagal na takbo ng kaso sa bansa na may kinalaman sa bulok na hustisya. Kadalasan naghihintay ng anim na buwan para sa paglilitis at lagi itong hindi natutuloy. Marami sa mga nakakulong ay inosente at sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso subalit walang sapat na kakayanan para makakuha ng tulong ligal.
At Ground Level | US-Phl troops prepare for possible war with China
Live-fire training, using naval artillery gunfire and aviation rockets and bombs to sink a vessel in the West Philippine Sea, where China continues its aggressive maneuvers. And the first live-firing here of a US Patriot missile as part of a drill in coastal defense.