With its trade, mining, and economic interests in the Philippines, it is no wonder that Australia is pushing for the signing of military treaties with the Philippine government.? There were reports that even without a treaty, 20 soldiers from the elite Australian Special Air Service (SAS) were involved in combat operations with AFP and U.S. Special Forces troops in Mindanao. Caesar Ben Basan Baro?a of Bulatlat reports.
A man mourns at the Davao Memorial cemetery. As with most Filipinos all over the country, Davaoenos started flocking to the cemeteries as early as Oct. 31 to pay their respects to their dear departed. Click here to view more All Souls’ Day pictures by Davao Today’s Barry Ohaylan and Cheryll D. Fiel.
At 72, Federico Gapuz does not look like a swashbuckling lawyer with a 10-gallon Stetson hat. But make no mistake: he does not seem to have passed his prime either. Gapuz remains among the few, brave men of the legal profession who wouldn?t hesitate to come to the rescue of people prosecuted ? and persecuted — for their political beliefs. Davao Today managing editor Cheryll D. Fiel recently had the chance to chat with this ?people?s lawyer.?
Foreign delegates at a recent gathering of lawyers in Davao City bewailed the continued killings of activists and the harassment and other threats being faced by lawyers who take the cases of the poor and those who suffer from abuses of the state. Davao Today?s Cheryll D. Fiel reports.
Leaders of business, legal and progressive groups are elated over the Supreme Court?s decision junking the petition for a ?people?s initiative? to change the Constitution. But, they warn, the fight to protect the charter from vested political interests is not yet over. Davao Today?s Cheryll D. Fiel and Grace S. Uddin report.
Related stories:
Ermita: SC Decision on People’s Initiative Not a Total Setback to Cha-Cha Movement
Satur Hails SC Ruling vs. Palace Initiative
?Best News of the Century? ? Pimentel
Beltran Hails Supreme Court Decision Against People?s Initiative Petition
