Category Archives: Government

And Now the Search for Justice

Toronto Updates:
Our thanks to Tan Canchela for forwarding us the link to the Philippine Reporter, a Filipino community newspaper in Toronto which covered this tragedy.

Hermie Garcia: The groundswell of community support generated by the Oct. 1 murder of 27-year old live-in caregiver Jocelyn Dulnuan is very encouraging. The struggle for justice in the Jeffrey Reodica fatal shooting by a police officer is still fresh in the minds of Filipino Canadians in Toronto . Yet here comes another campaign for justice for the community to take on. Read the full article here.

Jonathan Canchela: Indeed, if you are Filipino, you cannot help but grieve for what happened to Jocelyn, who was found dead in a basement of her employer’s multi-million-dollar mansion in Mississauga last October 1. Indeed, if you are Filipino, you cannot help but grieve more over the action (or inaction) of the Philippine Consulate – which, just to remind you, represents the Philippine government – in handling situations like this. While we seek justice for Jocelyn, we also ask questions about the actions of the government in this particular case. Read the whole article here.

Continue reading And Now the Search for Justice

Congress Watch: Apayao Rep. Elias Bulut Heads Committee on Agrarian Reform

Wow. Are Cordillera congressional representatives on a roll or what?

We don’t usually agree with their politics but we must admit that we are impressed that four of them are heading four committees in Congress.

Continue reading Congress Watch: Apayao Rep. Elias Bulut Heads Committee on Agrarian Reform

His Side of the Story

We sort of bashed him and called him names (i.e., Damomo) but he is certainly entitled to share his side of the story. For those who missed Baguio Rep. Mauricio Domogan’s explanation of his P200,000 allowance a.k.a bribery ak.a. gift a.k.a. suhol, here it is:

Inquirer:
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Baguio City Representative Mauricio Domogan on Wednesday said all members of the House of Representatives received P200,000 in checks last week as part of their annual representation and transportation allowances.

Continue reading His Side of the Story

Si Morris et Damomo

Si Morris et damomo
Sotsoten da i-idyana
Sot sot ak ak sot.

If I am not mistaken (and I may very well be wrong), this used to be the jeer/chant that Sagada boys use to taunt their fellow boys who are old enough to go to sleep in the dap-ay but who continue to sleep at home with their parents.

We are dedicating the song to our favorite Cordillera Congressman because he apparently continues to receive allowance from his Mama.

Continue reading Si Morris et Damomo

Gina Dizon on Regional Autonomy: Once More With Feelings

What do Cordillera people think about autonomy? Attempts by officials to make the region autonomous was voted down in a plebiscite in Jan. 30, 1990 when the provinces of Kalinga-Apayao, Abra, Benguet, Mountain Province and the City of Baguio voted no with only Ifugao saying yes. The second attempt was also foiled with only Apayao voting yes on March 7, 1998.

What is autonomy? The people must have been right in their decision at the very first and second take. What chances do the third take give? Have the people become wiser, more informed, or they are already wise and informed in the very first place?

Continue reading Gina Dizon on Regional Autonomy: Once More With Feelings