Karlo is a bibliophile, social activist, flaneur, literature graduate, and citizen media advocate based in Panay island in the Philippines. Check out hello.lenin!, his blog on books, literature, reading, and politics.
Latest posts by Karlo Mikhail Mongaya
8 September 2016
Filipino Fishers Living in a Scenic Cove Fight to Save Their Homes From Demolition and Land Grabbing
"Our forefathers have been here, 150 years ago. They were the ones who cleared the area. Now a giant developer wants us to leave the land where we grew up."
16 August 2016
Jalaur Mega Dam in the Philippines Threatens to Displace Indigenous Peoples in Panay Island
"The people who will be most affected by the project do not approve of the project."
13 July 2016
Filipinos Call on China to Do a #Chexit in the South China Sea
"West Philippine Sea is legally, politically and historically ours. The hell with China's imaginary 9-dash line, #CHexit now!"
29 March 2016
How a Nazi Ghost Came to Haunt the Philippine Presidential Debate
After being accused of corruption in a televised debate, the Philippine vice president conjured the ghost of Nazi propaganda minister Goebbels.
24 November 2015
How Manila Became a ‘Walking Dead’ City During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit
Leaders from 21 nations arrived in Manila to attend an economic summit. As part of security measure, major roads were closed and flights were cancelled, which inconvenienced thousands of residents.
11 November 2015
Lumad Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines Speak Out Against Abuses
“The Philippine Army destroyed our school. They even burned our agricultural cooperative. I experienced getting jailed and now face trumped-up charges of kidnapping. We miss our ancestral land."
28 August 2015
Migrant Filipinos and Their Families Tell the Government: ‘Hands Off Our Balikbayan Boxes!’
"The implied accusation that they are out to cheat government is an insult they can never forgive and forget."
13 August 2015
After “Grossly Distorting” UN Views on the Internally Displaced Ata-Manobos, the Philippine Military Apologizes
"The community wishes to return to its lands but stressed that they will only feel safe to do so if the long-term militarization of their region comes to an end."
4 June 2015
‘We're Here for Our Families': Filipino Workers on Strike Share Hopes for Tomorrow
“We are fighting for regularization so that we will not lose our livelihood. This is for all the workers abused by the company.”
29 May 2015
Despite Attacks by Guards and Thugs, These Factory Workers in the Philippines Remain on Strike
About 90 percent of the workforce in the factory are contractuals or temporary workers. The striking workers were violently dispersed by goons reportedly hired by the company.
26 May 2015
Philippines’ Deadliest Ever Factory Fire Linked to Lax Labor Standards
An initial probe reveals that the factory violated several occupational health and safety standards, despite the government's assurances to the contrary.
5 February 2015
Filipinos Ask ‘Where Is the President?’ After He Skips Arrival Honors for Slain Police
Forty-four policemen died in a special operation to capture the alleged mastermind of the 2002 Bali bombings. President Aquino attended a car event instead of the arrival honors.
3 February 2015
Philippines Admits Homeless Families Were Taken to a Posh Resort During Pope Francis Visit
But the government insisted that the 'family camp' for homeless families merely coincided with the papal visit.
18 November 2014
Tens of Thousands Demand Justice for Typhoon Haiyan Victims in the Philippines
"They cry every time they retell their stories. And not just because they lost loved ones and what little properties they had during the storm."
17 October 2014
Outrage Over Transgender Woman's Suspected Murder by US Marine in the Philippines
The case has led some in the Philippines to call for the military agreements between their country and the United States to be scrapped.
27 September 2014
Philippine Mall Apologizes For Selling Shirts that Say Rape is a ‘Snuggle with a Struggle’
This week Internet users were also enraged after a female model on a leash was pulled by a man, while she was on all fours, at a fashion show.
9 September 2014
Forget Ice Water. Philippine Commuters Are Challenging Politicians to Ride Public Transport at Rush Hour
Senator Grace Poe took the #MRTChallenge last week while presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte and Edwin Lacierda also followed a few days after.
27 August 2014
‘Citizen Lawmakers’ in the Philippines Are Organizing a Campaign To Do What Politicians Won't: Abolish Pork Barrel
Hundreds of organizations hailing from various sectors have united in a historic attempt to collect enough signatures for a law abolishing the corruption-tainted presidential and congressional pork barrel.
27 July 2014
The Philippines’ ‘Anti-Corruption’ President Is Facing Impeachment Calls Over Accusations of Corruption
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, who won on an anti-corruption platform, is now accused of corruption after one of his fund programs was dismissed by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional.
5 July 2014
Workers Who Make Your iPhone Possible Are Fighting Labor Abuse in the Philippines With Selfies and Hashtags
The #bringbacknxp24 campaign on social media, which demands fair pay and regular employment, has received support from around the world.
