Politics

Nothing to celebrate for 100 years of a colonial, rubberstamp Congress

Commentary | That the House leadership traces its roots to the US-created Philippine Assembly of 1907 and not to the first Malolos Congress of 1898 is a testament to the colonial mindset that has characterized the institution for the last century. From 1907 till this day, Congress's role has been to protect the narrow foreign and elite interests. Thus, it is one of the biggest hindrances to social reform and political modernization.

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Big banana behind Davao bet’s defeat?


Nenita Orcullo, who ran for councilor in the third district, angered Davao's banana companies. (davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)

By Germelina A. Lacorte |

Nenita Orcullo says because of her stand against the aerial spraying of pesticides, multinational banana companies launched a "massive campaign," which included intimidating workers in banana plantations, to make sure that she would be defeated in the May 14 elections. Orcullo, who authored the law that will implement the ban this month, said what happened to her sends a strong message to the city's officials that they, too, can be destroyed by the banana industry.

Related stories: Pilot says drift of aerial-sprayed pesticides can?t be controlled | Witness tearfully testifies at aerial spraying hearings

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Somalia: IFJ says government must end attacks on radio stations

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today said the Somalia government must put end to its policy of media harassment and intimidation after authorities shut down three radio stations in Mogadishu for the third time this year over allegations they were ?backing terrorists.?
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Bayan Muna leader in Koronadal abducted

Jing Cardino

Gilbert Rey "Jing" Cardino was abducted at around 11 a.m. today at Crossing, Barrio 2, Koronadal City. At 27, he is the youngest member of Bayan Muna's national council. House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo quickly denounced the abduction and demanded that the military, whom he suspected of being behind the kidnapping, surface Cardino. Joel Virador, also a Bayan Muna congressman, urged Arroyo to order the military and the police to stop these enforced disappearances. "Without such an explicit, publicly stated order, more activists will either be killed or abducted," Virador said.

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