On Dec. 13, on its last session day before the holiday break, the 17th Congress of the Philippines, dominated by the “super-majorities” of President Duterte’s political allies, took two controversial actions both of which will have negative impacts on the lives of the Filipino people, particularly the vast number of the poor and marginalized. The…
By IAN IRVING BAZARTE Bulatlat MANILA – In a special session held today at Batasan Pambansang Complex, Quezon City, the Congress of the Philippines – which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate – approved a five-month extension of President Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao. Sixteen senators voted yes for the extension of…
Among those arrested are three volunteer teachers of Alcadev.
Without even a peep, President Duterte’s allies gave their quick nod to martial law.
A number of mass leaders and activists are now banned from Congress for “shouting and displaying of banners” inside its august halls.
QUESTION EVERYTHING Mong Palatino Bulatlat.com I was a congressman for four years (2009-2013) which equaled the number of my undergraduate years at UP Diliman (1996-2000). When asked about my two-term stint in Congress, I often claim that it’s like college but not quite like college. Of course it’s a joke since my college life was…
BY JANESS ANN J. ELLAO Bulatlat Farmers, fisherfolk and their families were forced out from the premises of the Batasan Complex on their 40th day of the Rural People’s Camp Out for Genuine Agrarian Reform yesterday afternoon around 2:00 p.m. Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) secretary general Danilo Ramos said they did not expect the…
The senators who voted for the anti-terrorism bill have nothing to say against the constitutional anomaly that while the measure gives the chief executive and the military vast authoritarian powers it is silent on Congress’ lack of power as a “check and balance mechanism” to executive abuse. BY BOBBY TUAZON Bulatlat Members of Congress, pro-administration…