Since 2006, the yearly budget allotted to Philippine Defense has been continually rising. Parallel to that supposed growth, though, numerous reports linking generals to serious cases of graft and corruption have surfaced to the public. If this trend continues, the country is sure to find itself riding through a downward spiral, with the line between [...]
Fighting for the Spratlys – can the Philippines defend itself?
A look at some of the events that shook not only the Philippines, but the world as well. (click image for higher-resolution version)
If you think terrorism is just pure senselessness, think again.
ON DECEMBER 30, 2000, the citizens of Metro Manila witnessed the city’s worst terrorist attack to date. Twenty-two people died and hundreds were injured as the Mindanao conflict, seen as distant by many in the metropolis, literally exploded into the urban scene: five different places across the Metro were bombed within the span of an [...]
As the country welcomes a change of leadership, different bodies have promised to improve the country’s justice system. What should the people look forward to and keep an eye on?
The familiar image of a blindfolded woman clutching a set of scales reminds us that justice must be fair, balanced and unbiased. How well is the Philippine adhering to the principles set by Lady Justice?
The Department of Justice is now beneath a yellow spotlight as a brand new pair of eyes oversees it. In his first State of the Nation Address, President Noynoy Aquino promised to investigate hispredecessor’s alleged wrongdoings. But beyond the more publicized graft and corruption cases, street crimes continue to happen, human rights violations go unreported [...]
Everyday, numerous cases are filed, investigated and dismissed. Whether these cases receive the right verdict is the bigger question. The GUIDON looks through the most prominent cases in the Philippines where justice is still left unserved. MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE 9 MONTHS Case opened: November 23, 2009 Prime suspect: Andal Ampatuan Jr. for multiple murder. The Crime: [...]
THAILAND AND Indonesia have already been implementing a law for free access to all government information pertinent to the public. The Philippines could have been the third Southeast Asian nation to pass a Freedom of Information (FOI) . However, with repeated legislative delays, the 14-year journey of the FOI bill in Congress only ended in [...]
BEFORE THE 14th Congress came to a close, around 67 foreign organizations sent a letter to the former President, Senate President and House Speaker, urging them to ratify the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill. This collective feat proves how staunch supporters have as much influence in a bill’s passage as the legislators who wrote it. [...]
THE FREEDOM of Information (FOI) bill stands to encourage greater accountability and transparency in government. If applied, the people would be given easier access to information from the government and its agencies. Instructor Joy Aceron of the Ateneo School of Government said that the bill “also builds trust and confidence between [the] State and society [...]
WITHOUT THE freedom to information, exacting accountability in the exercise of power would be impossible.
This, according to Political Science Instructor Joy Aceron is the reason why the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, which expands the right to procure any form of information from the government, should be passed. “While the right to information is constitutionally guaranteed, there is a need for a law to ensure that non-compliance of government instrumentalities are sanctioned,” she said.
ALLEGATIONS OF “Hocus PCOS”, the term coined for automated cheating started to emerge as soon as the official results were released. Involved parties, candidates, supporters and politicians started to cry foul. Computer programming is an exact science. Any error is unacceptable -IT Expert Al Vitangcol, on the program errors in the computation of votes If [...]
AS THE whole nation anticipates the new government that promises change, unforseen events surrounded the May 10 national elections. MAY 4 PCOS failure After some precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines produced inconsistent results during the testing, Comelec replaced 76,300 compact flash cards. The massive glitch caused a stir for polls postponement. MAY 8 Delay [...]
Ilocos Norte: The Marcos Comeback The Marcos family regained political prominence as former first lady Imelda Marcos won as second district representative, daughter Imee became governor and son Bongbong gained a seat in the Senate. Ilocos Sur: Family Affair The Singson clan created a political dynasty as Chavit Singson returned as governor, his son, Ronald [...]
Allegations of massive vote buying first surfaced when Segio Osmeña Jr. won in only one province against Ferdinand Marcos. During this time, there were no laws preventing this form of cheating. 1969 Allegations of massive vote buying first surfaced when Segio Osmeña Jr. won in only one province against Ferdinand Marcos. During this time, there [...]
DAYS BEFORE the May 10 polls, the automated election system seemed to be tamper-proof. As candidates hungry for the win could no longer cheat through ballot-shaving, switching and ballot box stealing, they resorted to massive vote buying.