Latest posts by Karlo Mongaya
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
How the Philippine President Managed to Anger Film Legend Nora Aunor's Legions of Fans
The Filipina actress who starred in one of the most memorable Asian films has been nominated for the National Artist title. But the Philippine president rejected the nomination.
Student Faces Criminal Charges for Disrupting Philippine President's Speech on Independence Day
A student leader in the Philippines was detained and subsequently charged with two criminal cases for disrupting the Independence Day speech of the President.
PHOTOS: Hundreds Dead, Historic Churches Destroyed in Philippine Quake
"Our churches may have been destroyed but not our faith" became a popular online message in the Philippines after a strong earthquake hit the central part of the country
‘Million People March’ Against Corruption in the Philippines
Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered in Manila and several cities in the Philippines to denounce rampant corruption in the government.
‘Selfies’ Protest Against Philippine Train Fare Hikes
Filipino activists are encouraging commuters and netizens to post "selfies" or self-portraits expressing opposition to train fare hikes.
Philippine Elections Tainted by Allegations of Automated Fraud
In spite of claims by the Commission on Elections of a peaceful, orderly, and ultimately successful elections, poll watchdogs are alleging that the Philippine midterm polls were tainted by automated fraud, massive vote buying, violence, and other irregularities.
Diaper Ad Hit for ‘Twisting’ Philippine History
A popular diaper manufacturer has been ordered to stop airing a TV advertisement that parodies an episode in Philippine history. An online petition was also initiated which criticized the ad for “insulting the Filipino people.”
Philippines: Forced to Leave School Due to Unpaid Fees, Student Commits Suicide
A 16-year old college freshman in the University of the Philippines Manila committed suicide after she was forced by the school administration to stop attending her classes because of unpaid tuition. Grief and sympathy poured all over social networking sites over her untimely passing. Many also expressed outrage over the highly commercialized system of education in the country
Philippines: US Navy Ship Damages ‘Protected’ Tubbataha Reefs
Filipino netizens, environmentalists, and nationalists are angry after a United States Navy minesweeper, the USS Guardian, caused damage to the corals of the Tubbataha Reefs in the Sulu Sea. The Tubbataha Reefs was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. It is a protected marine area that is off-limits to ships.
Philippines: Anti-Cybercrime Law Denounced as ‘Cyber Martial Law’
More voices in the Philippines are questioning the Cybercrime Prevention Law as the oral arguments on the petitions against the law are being heard in the Supreme Court. The law was denounced by activists as a 'Cyber Martial Law' because of provisions that would limit free speech and expression in the internet sphere
Tropical Storm Pablo Leaves Trail of Devastation in Southern Philippines
Tropical storm Pablo (international name: Bopha) left a trail of destruction in various parts of the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao, Leyte, Cebu, and Negros after entering the country last December 4. Pablo is the strongest typhoon to ever hit Mindanao
