Death of free press

On May 5, 2020, the Philippines’ premier broadcast network shut down under the orders of the government.  The shutdown of the free TV and radio network sent shudders throughout the country, as it was the country’s number one source of news. In an announcement, the network management said, “This is in compliance with the cease and desist order… Read More »

It’s time to decriminalize libel

Last June 15, in the latest blow to press freedom, Maria Ressa, the founder of an award-winning Philippines-based news site was convicted of cyber libel in a Manila court.  The court found Ressa, editor and chief executive of online news site Rappler, and former researcher-writer Rey Santos Jr. guilty of libeling a businessman.   The case is about a… Read More »

I can’t breathe!

“Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made.” Immanuel Kant Last famous words, asking for sympathy but none was given. In eight minutes and forty six seconds, the life of Mr. George Floyd was snuffed out of him, captured on a video by a concerned bystander. According to Wikipedia, the last person publicly… Read More »

This and That

By Tess Taylor It was March when the world was upended. Spring was up in the air. But the world had other things in store for us.  Lifestyle changes.  Drastic ones for hordes of people. For me, it was a test of maintaining one’s equanimity in the midst of the fear, uncertainty and confusion and the changes that… Read More »

When things fall apart

I received the emergency call from my superior. She wanted me to report to the hospital right away although it was my day-off. It’s good my mother was living with us. I didn’t need to scramble for a babysitter. She could watch my 5-year old daughter while I was at work. That’s what she’s doing mostly anyway. We… Read More »

It’s Not Done ‘Til It’s Gone

The pandemic is absolutely far from over. COVID-19 is still up, about and around.         A breathe of permanent relief will only happen when the deadly virus is gone and aground. *****         Momentarily, all hands are regularly and persistently urged to go back to the basics.         Wash hands for at least 20 seconds more often.         Help prevent a viral… Read More »

AWESOME MEMORIES OF ALIP CLAN

Trivia: One year and five months from now, I’ll turn 80 on my birthday. I can’t help but remenisce some awesome memories of the Alip clan. My father the late Mauricio Alip and his sibling Dr. Eufronio Alip were both professors at the University of Santo Thomas and San Beda College. My uncle served as presidential adviser for… Read More »

ENTERING CANADA DURING THE PANDEMIC

By Atty. Henry Moyal There is no doubt that these are unprecedented times and 2020 will always be known in history as the year of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is also no doubt that the pandemic has taken everyone by surprise and many have questions on proper safety protocol and the future of immigration. However, those following IRCC… Read More »

I can’t breathe!

“Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made.” Immanuel Kant Last famous words, asking for sympathy but none was given. In eight minutes and forty six seconds, the life of Mr. George Floyd was snuffed out of him, captured on a video by a concerned bystander. According to Wikipedia, the last person publicly… Read More »

EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY

Fighting for Our Right to Know By Tess Cusipag In the last 14 months or so Balita has been seeking answers to many questions about how some individuals and organizations seduce the Filipino community with sweet-talk and appeal to our sense of compassion. On the issues of accountability and transparency that Balita has been raising, in particular directed… Read More »