IN what came in as a surprise, the Social Weather Station (SWS) survey released on Wednesday this week, showed that 51 percent of the 1,500 adult respondents agreed that drug tests be made mandatory for Grade 4 students and older pupils. Grade 4 students are usually 10 years old. “Much too young,” if the Philippine […]
Opinion
Digital Parenting and Divide
“No screentime!” the kasambahay of our two-year-old neighbor screeched early morning Wednesday, awakening me from a deep slumber. It was followed by a brief discussion between the other adults in the household, the parents of the child, who supported the no screentime mode advice. The kasambahay would later explain to the wailing child that this […]
Making technology work for Peace
I am not a techie, as I consider myself a perpetual learner in utilizing technology and its different platforms in development research and communication. Technology is a force multiplier where anyone can easily access information to assist them in making decisions and access relevant information and resources from other stakeholders. It can foster greater understanding […]
Grounding in Leadership
I remember years back, upon accepting the responsibilities in the union, I was asked. “Are you sure? Are you willing to put up with the difficult? Are you prepared to lose your job?” I said Yes, but actually, deep in my heart, all I knew was that there were not too many who were willing […]
Of Decency and Humiliation
Believe survivors. Lean towards supporting those who come out and report cases of abuse and harassment despite the stigma of shame, denial, and fear of the consequences that surround them—in their workplace, family environment and in the larger community which inhibit survivors to report and speak up. Sexual harassment always thrives in a culture where […]
PDEA 10 director hits judge over suspected ‘druglord’s’ acquittal
MY PERSONAL THOUGHT ON THE ACQUITTAL OF MARIMAR: The War on Drugs suffered a setback with the acquittal of Johaira Macabuat, popularly known as “MARIMAR”, a notorious druglord who is trafficking drugs for almost two decades… who caused the destruction of the future of our children, and contributed to the proliferation of illegal drugs not […]
Spare Julie Alipala; respect journalists
The members of the working press belonging to Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Incorporated, would like to call on those people behind dubious facebook account Phil Leaks to spare Julie Alipala from their tirades and respect the work of the journalist. As Mindanaoans, we work in a hostile environment, but free from influence of anyone […]
Anything is possible at this point
I was glued on television last Tuesday, watching at President Rodrigo Duterte addressing the various concerns of the nation. I was watching a grim-faced but combative President, various degrees of dismay on his face, he was in a sorry state of resignation, he talked with humility and awe. He speaks his heart, manifesting his desire […]
IBP interpretation is wrong
If it is true, as shown on television, that the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) allegedly made a stand regarding the issue whether or not the signing of the amnesty of Sen. Trillanes by former Secretary of Defense Voltaire Gazmin instead of former Pres. Pnoy was valid. According to the report, IBP stands that […]
A reflection of reality in Duterte’s administration
The last few days have seen a few twists and turns, but we have remained on course: the independence of our institutions has been affirmed, and our democracy has been strengthened. PRRD, thru Atty. Harry Roque, announced , he prefers to wait for the civilian courts to issue a warrant of arrest than for the […]
A story about Dr. Farrah Agustin-Bunch
By: Atty. Abeto A. Salcedo Jr. The authorities raided the Dr. Farrah Agustin-Bunch Natural Medical Center in Victoria, Tarlac on Friday and closed its pharmacy for allegedly selling food supplements without authorization. The case was initiated from the complaints filed by medical societies before the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). These kinds of occurrences are […]
Making Things Count
IN his third State of the Nations Address (SONA), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte raised an important pronouncement regarding the protection of the environment and the policy of the government to prohibit open pit mining. “Do not destroy the environment or compromise our resources. Repair what you have mismanaged. Try to change management radically because this […]
Tuloy ang Laban
Davao City— Filipinos are curious on the reasons of the Oblation as one of the symbols of the University of the Philippines. UP students, alumni, professors, staff and even the Filipino sculptor Guillermo Tolentino have different notions about Oble. As a fresh graduate who journeyed the in and outs of UP, my perception of […]