lawyer | teacher | leader | thinker
TONY LA VIÑA, BERNARDINE DE BELEN ‘Surface Dexter and Bazoo. Surface all the desaparecidos!’ Cases of enforced disappearances in the Philippines are not at all new. In fact, we have been dealing with the same experience, the same tale for decades now. The term “desaparecidos” is Spanish for “disappeared.” It was eventually used in Latin …
Continue reading “Break the pattern of enforced disappearances”
TONY LA VIÑA, DINAH FAYE BALLECO ‘Even though environmental issues are included in formal institutional discussions, there is little to no mention and recognition of the condition of the people who continuously fight for environmental protection’ The Philippines is one of the most dangerous places for environmental defenders. Previous authoritarian policies have led to business …
TONY LA VIÑA, KALOI ZARATE, JAYVY GAMBOA ‘Do we really need to change the Constitution for economic reasons? No.’ Last March 6, the House of Representatives approved on third reading Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 calling for a constitutional convention, or ConCon, as a mode of charter change. RBH No. 6 states that …
TONY LA VIÑA, KALOI ZARATE, JAYVY GAMBOA ‘Does climate action really have to be at odds with the livelihood and economic security of those affected by the shift?’ The impending weeklong jeepney strike on March 6 to 12 has resurfaced the heated and spirited debate on the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and the issues …
Continue reading “Wanted: A just transition for the jeepney sector amid the climate crisis”
TONY LA VIÑA, BERNARDINE DE BELEN ‘Sibuyan residents also exhibit how deep people’s concern for their environment can go’ Sibuyan Island, located in Romblon Province, is deemed the Galapagos of Asia. It is a hotspot of biodiversity and home to various endemic species such as the Philippine Hanging Parrot, the Philippine Pygmy-woodpecker, and the Orange-bellied …
Continue reading “[OPINION] An epic sustainability battle in Sibuyan Island”
Memory alone cannot be purely truthful – this is how the collective memory was pervaded by Marcos myth and propaganda Co-written with Bernardine de Belen When we hear of Marcos Sr.’s Martial Law, we are haunted by the voices demanding to never forget. What happened must remain engraved in our collective memory so that we …
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To remember is to memorialize those who sacrificed their safety and personal lives so that future generations would not suffer what they did. Co-written with Bernardine de Belen September marks the anniversary of a turbulent, violent, and painful memory in Philippine history – Ferdinand E. Marcos’ Martial Law. This year, in particular, denotes the 50th anniversary …
Continue reading “Never again, never forget: The violent memory of Martial Law”
‘Nangingingibabaw pa rin ang paghahanap kung nasaan ang mamamayang Pilipino sa gobyernong ito’ Co-written with Bernardine de Belen Noong nakaraan, inilista namin ang mga dapat abangan at bantayan sa unang SONA ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Ngayong tapos na ang SONA, nararapat namang ikumpara ito sa 9-point People’s Agenda for Change na naglalayong ipahayag ang mga dapat pagtuunan …
‘How will Marcos’ plans address the people themselves, especially the poor and marginalized?’ Co-written with Bernardine de Belen Amidst all of opportunities we can take advantage of under the new presidency, the question remains: what does the President, Marcos Jr., have in store for the Filipinos? According to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the following are …
Continue reading “Will our hopes be addressed in Marcos’ 1st SONA?”
‘Whether we like it or not, this SONA is important’ Co-written with Bernardine de Belen Newly inaugurated president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be delivered on the 25th of July. Everyone’s waiting with anticipation; whether that anticipation is with hope, anger, or grief, it is anticipation nonetheless. This …
Continue reading “A Marcos’ 1st SONA: Is there hope under all the mistruths?”
Tony La Viña