In Context Archives | Page 6 of 12

Unity or Continuity: Marcos Jr. on the Leila de Lima case

A “NEAR-DEATH experience” was how former Senator Leila de Lima described the harrowing hostage-taking she endured in the early hours of October 9, 2022 at the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame. An inmate attempting to escape the facility held De Lima hostage...

Media’s notes on Marcos first 100 days

DESPITE A hundred days in Malacañang – June 30 to October 8 – Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has yet to show that he has really taken over as Chief Executive, although he has visibly enjoyed the perks of the Presidency.

One signature away: Mandatory SIM registration bill

THE SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) Registration Act is poised to become the “first of many” laws passed during the Marcos Jr. presidency, according to Rep. Martin Romualdez, House Speaker and presidential cousin. Railroaded in both chambers of the 19th Congress, the bill is awaiting the signature of President Marcos...

Three trips in a month: What did Filipinos gain?

RODRIGO DUTERTE set a record as President by making 19 foreign trips in his first year in office. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made three so far in one month, with quite a bit of time before marking his 100th day in office.

More than lines on a map: Re the Maguindanao split

THE PEOPLE of Maguindanao have spoken. The plebiscite on September 17 confirmed the split of the province into two -- Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.

Martial law @ 50: Media repression then and now

SEPTEMBER 21 marks one of the darkest days of Philippines history, when President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation 1081 revoking all civil liberties, shutting down the democratic system of government, and removing all checks and balances so he could establish himself as a dictator backed by the military and police.

On the supposed gains of Duterte’s “war on drugs”: Did bloody policy bring down crime rate?

IT SEEMED like a small matter, another one of those moments when a politician or public official let slip a thought that perhaps was best left unsaid. But CMFR took note of it and felt it was a moment that mattered, offering a chance to examine the message about...

Aborted deal between ABS-CBN, TV5: More than a business deal

WE CAN only speculate what could have been achieved by the planned investments agreement between ABS-CBN and TV5. When the venture was first announced in early August, Filipinos felt hopeful that something big in terms of news and entertainment programs could finally overwhelm the pressures of competition as well...

Media track cuts, spikes in Marcos’ proposed budget

ONCE MORE, ‘tis the season for budget talk. This is one area of concern about which the media can lead with news and commentary to help the public understand whether the budget indicates what the Marcos administration intends to do for the good of the people. The reports on...