Lumad schools face harassments as new school year opens
Salugpongan Ta ‘Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center (STTICLC) in Talangingod, Davao del Norte said at least five of their campuses have either been occupied or are being harassed by government as the new school year opened today. “Military troops have occupied our schools and conducted roving operations that hamper our members’ [work for] the start […]
Php750 minimum wage possible, non-inflationary and good for the economy–IBON
Contrary to government and big employers’ claims, research group IBON said that raising minimum wages nationwide to Php750 is doable, need not spike prices further, and will benefit millions of Filipino workers and the economy. The group cited the following reasons: Raising minimum wages nationwide to Php750 is doable if owners of establishments allow a […]
No travel permits yet for 6 NDFP consultants
The last round of informal talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) set next week is in danger of being postponed after six consultants have yet to be granted permits to travel to Europe. Set to be the final informal round of […]
Substantial wage hike urgent, gov’t told
Research group IBON said that the government’s recently announced plan to respond to labor’s clamor for an increase in the minimum wage is welcome but underscored that this move is urgent amid rising prices. The group said that the hike should be meaningful enough to keep up with accelerating inflation and worsening poverty. Amid the […]
CASER may be approved by July or August—Joma
Jose Maria Sison said a Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) may be approved between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) in about two months. In response to yet another assurance from GRP President Rodrigo Duterte for his safety should he […]
It’s not just about Sereno
By Luis V. Teodoro The unprecedented removal through quo warranto proceedings of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno from her post isn’t only about her, or solely about the Supreme Court, the rule of law, the Constitution, or the Duterte regime and its autocratic pretensions. Even more crucially is it about the fate and future of […]
Group assails FB for taking down accounts critical of Duterte
An arts and media group has slammed social media platform Facebook for taking down accounts of Duterte critics Mae “Juana Change” Paner and the popular Pinoy Ako Blog (PAB) creator Jover Laurio. The Let’s Organize for Democracy and Integrity (LODI), itself critical of attacks on press freedom and freedom of expression under the Rodrigo Duterte government, […]
One-fourth of increase: TRAIN aggravates oil price hikes–IBON
Government is wrong in downplaying the contribution of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law on recent big-time oil price hikes, research group IBON said. The price of fuel products combined with the TRAIN increased since year-end 2017 to Php10.20 per liter for diesel, Php11.41 for kerosene, and Php15.14 for gasoline as of […]
GRP rejects Joma-Duterte meet in Hanoi
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) negotiating panel rejected a National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) suggestion that its chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison and President Rodrigo Duterte meet in Hanoi, Vietnam. This was revealed by Sison in a statement Saturday, May 26, saying he and his former student could […]
Sr Pat’s lawyers explain next moves after deportation order
In a press conference after the Bureau of Immigration ordered Sr Patricia Fox’s deportation, her volunteer lawyers explained their next moves to allow the nun to stay in the country. Various political and sectoral organizations also expressed their support for the beleaguered nun. During the press conference, Sr Pat broke into tears due the deluge […]