Activist and former two-term member of the Philippine House of Representatives. Blogging since 2004 at mongster's nest. Joined Global Voices in 2006.
Latest posts by Mong Palatino
Media crackdown continues ahead of coup anniversary in Myanmar
"He is the third journalist to be killed in Myanmar in less than a month, in a sign of the absolutely unacceptable practices increasingly employed by the junta."
Australia’s refugees react to double standard over tennis star Novak Djokovic's treatment
"It's sad that so many contacted me about Djokovic. I've been in a cage for 9 years, I turn 24 today, and all you want to talk to me about is that."
Despite widespread opposition, Japan plans to dump water from Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean
"The Pacific is not and must not become the dumping ground for nuclear wastes." - The Pacific Collective on Nuclear Issues
Twitter ignores Malaysian government's request to censor Tweets about flood response
Tweets that criticized the Malaysian government's flooding response were flagged for deletion yet Twitter informed its users about the request, and decided to leave them uncensored.
New Caledonia votes to stay with France in referendum boycotted by the Indigenous population
"The future of New Caledonia cannot be built without its indigenous people. The Kanak voice is the cornerstone of New Caledonia’s common destiny."
Myanmar’s ‘silent strike’ delivers loud condemnation of continuing military rule
"The people showed that the revolution and popular defiance of the military council have not lost momentum."
Citizens start clean-up and recovery efforts after protests and riots in Solomon Islands
"We bring hardships and struggles upon ourselves, our family members, relatives and community members by involving in unlawful activities like riots, arson and looting."
Cambodian rapper vows to continue writing critical songs after a year in jail for incitement
"I will not stop writing and singing my songs about my country. I will continue to educate the people through my songs and keep the patriotic spirit going."
Myanmar rappers express rage and resistance against the military regime
"Myanmar hip hop will never be silenced. We come together, not because we are the same but because we are united as one."
Champani youth in Cambodia find creative ways to promote their culture amid the pandemic
"During COVID pandemic and lockdown, I am able to keep myself going sane with online language classes and Cham is one of them."
Meet the Pacific Islanders fighting for climate action at COP26
"We are resilient people, but we recognise the need for other countries to build their resilience as well if we are to have a fighting chance!"
Singapore's new law against ‘foreign interference’ threatens to undermine free speech
"The solution should never be to simply give the government more and more and more broad discretionary powers that can be used against citizens ..."
Community care during the pandemic in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines
From community pantries in the Philippines to the White Flag movement in Malaysia, this pandemic has spurred communities to mobilize and provide aid during this public health emergency.
Malaysian students share lessons using digital tools to promote indigenous languages
"Students have the opportunity to explore, reflect and scrutinize the functions and roles of indigenous languages in society and to the indigenous communities."
Life during the pandemic: An interview with former refugee, exiled cartoonist Eaten Fish
"I would like to tell other fellow artists that they should never stop trying, they should never stop searching and they should never be afraid of sharing their opinion."
Singapore’s The Online Citizen news website stops operating after government suspends its license
"The licensing regime is simply meant to strike fear in the minds of the would-be donors and subscribers to prevent them from supporting independent journalism in Singapore."
China-funded Kaliwa dam in the Philippines flagged for irregularities
"Indigenous Peoples should not be sacrificed on the altar of development aggression, which would just benefit big businesses and Chinese investors."
Resisting the coup and the patriarchy: An interview with Myanmar's feminist activist Nandar
"I want people to know that showing solidarity isn't an expensive act. It can be done in so many ways if you don't limit yourself."
Facebook user gets 18-month prison sentence for mocking Cambodia’s prime minister
"This verdict is a message that makes those who have constructive ideas or criticisms in relation to social issues be fearful and hesitant and will limit their freedom of expression."
Cambodia’s China-funded mega dam linked to rights abuses and loss of fisheries
"Today, everything the dammed-up rivers provided – food, water, an income from fishing – is gone."
Journalists call for the release of Cheng Lei who has spent a year in detention in China
"We are concerned about the chilling affect her arrest has on the practice of journalism, which has never been more critical."
