This statement was issued by groups and individuals expressing concern over recent developments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. — Ed. We, leaders and representatives from civil society, academe, labor, and business—sectors that have long supported and contributed to sustaining peace in Mindanao, express deep concern and sadness over the growing tensions and...
Tag: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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More than a year later, no word from Marcos on ex-OFW Veloso’s renewed plea for clemency
The plea for clemency aired by former overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso upon returning to the Philippines more than a year ago remains unanswered, even as she renewed her appeal in a handwritten open letter early this week. “Unfortunately, no word yet on clemency. No word from Malacañang at all,” Josalee Deinla, one of...
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Collective calls for accountability on various fronts mark February
The past year ended with a whimper. The public pressure brought to bear on the administration to produce results in assorted inquiries into the corruption scandal did not amount to much (and now requires recalibration). To be sure, due process takes time (in these parts, too long a time). But with the huge amounts of...
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With new natural gas source found at Malampaya, energy expert raises need for long-term plan
As the Malampaya gas field, the Philippines’ largest source of natural gas, was projected to run dry by 2027, a major deposit of natural gas promising sufficient fuel to power millions of homes and schools for a year was found. But according to energy expert Alexander Ablaza, the Philippines needs a clear plan to meet its...
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Impeach case filed vs Marcos over Duterte surrender to ICC, alleged drug addiction and corruption
An impeachment complaint has been filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for alleged graft and corruption, violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust. The complaint was filed on Monday by lawyer Andre de Jesus and was endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay, a party-list lawmaker who owns JVN Construction and Trading...
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Marcos flies to Abu Dhabi (he has ₱1.018 billion in travel funds for 2026)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flew out Monday night to attend a sustainability summit in Abu Dhabi, his first foreign trip this year. The 2026 national budget earmarks ₱1.018 billion for his local and international travels. Mr. Marcos will also witness the signing of trade and defense agreements between Manila and Abu Dhabi during his three-day...
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What’s taking so long, Bongbong?
The first strike was at the State of the Nation Address (Sona) last July, when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appeared to be scolding the corrupt, blurting out so confidently, “Mahiya naman kayo!” only to be met with resounding applause and loud cheers by the people he was addressing. It was a curious moment, patently Pinoy...
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Marcos ready for lifestyle check and release of SALN, but analysts say genuine reforms necessary to address corruption
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is prepared to undergo a lifestyle check, including the release of his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), but political analysts said such a move must be paired with genuine reforms and must also address the corruption issues that attended his father and namesake’s strongman rule. “All members of...
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Marcos relieves ‘high-performing’ Torre as PNP chief in what lawmakers see as ‘escalating internal conflicts’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has relieved Gen. Nicolas Torre III of his post as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief—a sign of growing conflict within his administration, according to some lawmakers. The move was “by order of the President” and “effective immediately,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told Torre in a letter dated Aug. 25. “For the...
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Donald Trump’s brutal tariff assaults on Southeast Asia
As of Aug. 1, US President Donald Trump has finalized a sweeping set of new and brutal trade tariffs on Southeast Asian countries after a series of bilateral negotiations with the region’s leaders and trade representatives. These tariffs reflect an increasing trend toward protectionism and moving away from free trade principles and practices. The tariffs...