Journalism Review Archives | Page 79 of 159

“Ghost Dialysis”: Inquirer Breaks Story on PhilHealth Fraud

CHEERS TO the Philippine Daily Inquirer for a three-part series that exposed the fraudulent practices in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The report traced the use of ghost billings by the WellMed Dialysis Center, a healthcare facility in Novaliches, Quezon City which provided medical treatments to PhilHealth clients....

“Overworked and Underpaid:” Focus on Public School Teachers’ Woes

CHEERS TO the Philippine Daily Inquirer for its special report on public school teachers who at 800,000 comprise the largest sector in the bureaucracy. Moving away from the usual shortage of classrooms, the lack of materials and the poor quality of facilities, the article delves into their plight as...

On the Hajj Expenses: Citing What the Constitution Says on Public Funds

CHEERS TO CNN Philippines’ News Night for providing the necessary context in reporting what President Rodrigo Duterte said regarding the expenses for the Hajj of a group of Maranaos in a speech on June 6. Instead of just reporting what was said, News Night anchor Pia Hontiveros recalled on...

Spin Doctors In, Medical Doctors Out: The Duterte Health Watch

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON Salvador Panelo neither confirmed nor denied reports that President Rodrigo Duterte was hospitalized during the period of his absence in late May. “You draw your own conclusions,” Panelo said at a press briefing on May 20, reducing the critical issue of the chief executive’s health to a...

Duterte in Japan: Media Missed What It Was All About

ONE OF the long standing allies of the Philippines, Japan is also one of the country’s top partners in trade and development. The two countries are not embroiled in controversy nor in questions of sovereignty. Japan also has territorial disputes with China as both countries claim the Senkaku Islands...

No More Climate Conferences for PH? Media Show Little Interest

WHAT SIGNIFICANCE does climate change have in the policy landscape of the Philippines, a country which is among the most vulnerable to devastation caused by extreme weather phenomena? If the top diplomat’s tweet on the subject is any indication, the concern has low priority. On June 5, Foreign Affairs...

Alias Bikoy’s Folly: Media Fail To Get at the Truth

SEVENTEEN DAYS was all it took for Peter Joemel Advincula, alias “Bikoy,” the hooded figure in the controversial “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos, to recant his statements about the involvement of the Duterte family in the drug trade. In a press conference at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in...

All the President’s Men: Independent or Rubber Stamp?

UNRESOLVED IRREGULARITIES in the recent midterm elections did not stop the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from proclaiming the new senators last May 22. Nine out of the 12 are administration allies, including Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. who is facing graft charges, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who, as chief of...

The Powerful and Popular Versus the Marginalized: The Party-list Poll Results

THE PARTY-LIST system has been so corrupted that it has led to the political dynasties’ and their agents’ strengthening their hold on the House of Representatives. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed 51 winning party-lists in the recent midterm polls, filling 61 seats in the next Congress. Many groups...

All Eyes on Comelec: Media on Election “Glitches”

THE “GLITCHES” which marred the May 13 elections triggered public dismay, not just among those who supported the opposition, but also those who have held faith with the automation of the ballot. Most Filipinos did not expect the kind of procedural lapses which marred the experience of voters early...