The tone may have changed, but the press freedom landscape remains virtually unaltered: In the Philippines, journalists remain under attack for reporting the truth; the people’s right to know remains vastly curtailed; and the practice of journalism remains a dangerous act.
Two films from Mindanao won awards in the recently concluded 20th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
The publicized family feud surrounding two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo has drawn reactions on media’s coverage on this matter.
The Marcos Jr. government will not stop the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor from interviewing five former police officers who are suspects in the previous Duterte administration’s war on drugs campaign.
Marcos Jr. paints an economic landscape of potentials in the SONA; jobs are now slowly being created and prices are being controlled. But the issues such as low wages, poverty alleviation, developing industry and agriculture remain blank.
The former president Rodrigo Duterte, and his camp have long relied on this playbook of playing up rumors, scandals, and hype to build their political capital, as noted by long-time observers of Davao City politics.
Despite the populist theatrics and rhetoric of Marcos Jr.’s SONA, it is clear that this administration continues to implement the same old failed agricultural policies of neo-liberalism.
Gathering at Freedom Park in Roxas Avenue, around 50 members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Anakbayan, Gabriela, and various progressive groups raised issues such as the need for increased living wages, upholding democratic rights, and other issues.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on July 22, 2024.
Colmenares said Marcos’ promises of growth are not felt by the people who have suffered from hunger, high prices, low wages, and budget cuts on social services.
