We will not surrender our freedomsToday, Independence Day, we renew our pledge to serve the people, to continue speaking truth to power, and to guard and defend freedom of the press and of expression from all threats.Read More Covering the PandemicRead more Covering the CoViD-19 Pandemic 2026 National budget: Headlines hit the big numbers THE SUBMISSION of the MARCOS administration’s PHP6.793-trillion 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) on August 7 grabbed headlines, its historic size duly highlighted, a budget consistent with constitutional requirements and “ready to execute.” From PHP6.352 trillion in 2025, the increase once again placed education at the top of allocations, with... The people have a right to know about the VP and her activities CHEERS TO several media outlets who reported Vice President Sara Duterte’s conspicuous absence and the clueless response of her office when asked about her whereabouts. A safe SONA, a cautious press PRESIDENT FERDINAND Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, filling an hour and 11 minutes with feel-good updates on rice subsidies, infrastructure buildup, and the increased use of digitalization for governance. It seemed clear he did not wish to reckon with... As floodwaters rose, media failed to focus on flood control JULY OPENED the rainy season with simultaneous storms hitting the country. Cruising, Dante, and Emong all caused floodwaters to rise rapidly around the city. On July 28, media reports highlighted the president’s anger about the failure of the country’s flood-control projects. Shadow over sabong: How media tracked the disappearances to discover a mass murder MORE THAN three years have passed since the disappearance of some 32 sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts was first reported in the news. With a lack of evidence to move the story forward, the news waned, overtaken by other developments. On June 17, a whistleblower came forward telling the story... Media fuel Castro-Duterte word war but fail to discuss issues JEERS TO the media for allowing the “word war” between the Malacañang and Vice President Sara Duterte to take up as much space and time as given in their coverage, instead of focusing on the issues reflected in the verbal dispute between the two officials. Lack of Pride: Under-reporting gender issues JUNE IS Pride month, dedicated to remember and highlight the Stonewall uprising in 1969 which is regarded as a catalyst for the popular struggle to assert queer rights. Sadly this year, the memorial month saw the murder of two transwomen in the Philippines. Bulatlat’s pride stories lend color to space claimed in literature, faith, and policy CHEERS TO Bulatlat for its reports that uphold pride, offering a refreshing, radical, and deeply human take on LGBTQIA+ lives and struggles. Love, property, and low news value: The Duterte distraction JEERS TO several media for giving undue prominence to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s personal affairs — particularly his private residence in Davao City and a message to his “13 girlfriends.” When leaders neglect education: Failon’s news commentary presents pattern of failures CHEERS TO the news commentary "Think About It" by Ted Failon that pointed to systemic corruption and the failure of leadership as primary causes of the learning crisis confronting the Philippines.  123…201Next »
