Philippines’s GDP growth ‘pure government spin,’ says Beltran

MANILA — Detained lawmaker Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran today said that the Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s crowing that the economy is on an upsurge was empty and that whatever improvement in the economic indicators the government has chosen as signs of progress was not reliable.

(more…)

Continue ReadingPhilippines’s GDP growth ‘pure government spin,’ says Beltran

Philippines: Possible water contamination, fish kill in Rapu-rapu, residents report

MANILA — Environmental activists and local residents of Rapu-rapu, Albay reported that there is a possible water contamination in the creeks and coastal waters surrounding the Lafayette mining area.

Mr. Antonio Casitas, a Rapurapu resident and leader of the Sagip Isla Sagip Kapwa, a local organization opposing the operation of Lafayette, reported that for two weeks now foul odor coming from creeks nearby the mining area in Brgy. Poblacion were observed by the residents.
(more…)

Continue ReadingPhilippines: Possible water contamination, fish kill in Rapu-rapu, residents report

Activists denounce ‘secrecy’ in Philippines-Australia defense pact

MANILA, Philippines — The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today assailed the allegedly secrecy employed by the Arroyo government in entering into a Status Forces Agreement with Australia.

?The Philippine government has entered into an agreement with a foreign government with no one else knowing the details. The contents of the SOFA have been deliberately hidden from the public so as to avoid scrutiny and protest. The signing is treasonous because it allows foreign intervention in our country,? said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes Jr.

(more…)

Continue ReadingActivists denounce ‘secrecy’ in Philippines-Australia defense pact