Breaking News

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

Continue ReadingBig banana behind Davao bet’s defeat?

Bayan Muna leader cried ‘Pulis! Pulis!’

The human-rights group Karapatan details the abduction of Gilbert Rey Cardino, Bayan Muna's coordinator in the SOCSKSARGEN area. "Ayon sa testigo na driver ng tricycle na sinasakyan ni Jing na si Phinney Tolentino, muntik na niyang mabundol ang L-300 van sa biglang pagharang nito sa daanan. Nagsibabaan ang limang lalaki na halos naka-barber's cut ang gupit o mukhang mga military. Ang isa ay nakablack long sleeve shirt na may 'police' sa likod na nakasulat. Hinatak palabas ng tricycle si Jing ng apat na lalaki, dalawa sa magkabilang balikat at dalawa sa magkabilang paa." | Earlier story: Bayan Muna leader in Koronadal abducted

Continue ReadingBayan Muna leader cried ‘Pulis! Pulis!’

Militant peasants to help in CHR probe

?AFP systematically delaying investigation on Jonas? case!?-KMP

MANILA — The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) together with church people from different denominations gathered today at the Miriam College for the Interfaith Rural Congress to call for genuine land reform and to demand that those who were abducted by military forces be surfaced immediately to be with their friends and family. Relatives of the disappeared are also present at the congress.

(more…)

Continue ReadingMilitant peasants to help in CHR probe

Philippines: Malacanang dismisses rumors of Cabinet revamp

MANILA — Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita dismissed today as the product of “curious minds” rumors of an impending revamp of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?s Cabinet following the May 14 mid-term elections.

In his weekly press briefing in Malaca?ang this afternoon, Ermita surmised that speculations on possible changes in the Cabinet were being floated by people curious to know who would be appointed to replace Cabinet members who ran in last month?s polls.
(more…)

Continue ReadingPhilippines: Malacanang dismisses rumors of Cabinet revamp

Arroyo returns tomorrow from 3-nation visits

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo returns Thursday afternoon from her six-day official and working visits to the Vatican City, Portugal and China.

The Presidential entourage is expected to fly in at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City at 3:25 p.m. on board a chartered Philippine Airlines (PAL) Flight PR-001.
(more…)

Continue ReadingArroyo returns tomorrow from 3-nation visits