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
How Balinese communities in Indonesia are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic
"COVID-19 mini-wikithons provide a safe space for people to talk in their native Balinese language about their challenges and coping strategies of the pandemic in Balinese communities."
Cambodia continues to block memorial activities honoring murdered political analyst Kem Ley
Four years on, the government is still ignoring calls to set up an independent commission to investigate the murder.
Manila Pride protester fights back and narrates ordeal inside police detention
"We persist against all odds. Our existence is resistance. We're here to dismantle oppressive systems, to change the things we cannot accept.", says Filipino LGBTQ+ activist Carla Nicoyco.
Al Jazeera, Malaysiakini, and Code Blue news websites probed for critical reporting in Malaysia
"The government...should be working to earn the confidence and trust of voters, particularly given how it came to power this March."
Rift over Solomon Islands’ new ‘One China’ policy makes chaos of COVID-19 response
"I call on the government to stop dancing to Beijing’s tune and prioritise our people’s health and safety."
Timor-Leste plans to restore criminal defamation law amid concerns about its free speech impact
"This draft law threatens everyone, particularly vulnerable people without political connections or financial resources. "
Surprise in Papua New Guinea as Prime Minister rejects the renewal of license for major gold mine
Papua New Guinea's decision not to renew a major mining lease has ignited an intense discussion about its economic impact and the future of the country’s mining sector.
Malaysia’s new government probes journalists, critics despite free speech pledge
Civic groups argue that the Communications and Multimedia Act is being wielded as a weapon against free speech.
These officials flouted lockdown rules in Myanmar, Malaysia, and the Philippines
From "pagoda renovations" to "mananitas", the region's politicians are finding a language to bypass harsh lockdowns.
Explore beauty and heritage in the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand while staying at home
Southeast Asian countries have lost millions of visitors but none of their branding know-how.
Where’s the Pacific voice in the viral ‘real Lord of the Flies’ story?
The story of a group of Tongan castaways goes global thanks to an article published in The Guardian, but Pacific Islanders take issue with its point of view.
Banned for 30 years, Singapore’s only martial arts film is now on YouTube
"It's almost as if the film is a time capsule into Singapore’s past."
Taiwan refuses to deport caregiver who ‘insulted’ Philippine president on Facebook
"I felt that they listened to what I was trying to say, and it shows that they do value democracy here in Taiwan."
Fiji general cites need to ‘stifle criticism’ in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic
"The COVID-19 pandemic is not an excuse for human rights violations. Excessive force and brutality are unacceptable from any of our enforcement or security forces."
‘Clean city-state’ image of Singapore shows double-standards in its treatment of migrants in times of COVID-19
"....even if you do most things right, if you're not considering or proactively looking out for the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, you're not going to effectively fight #COVID19."
Papua New Guinea’s police minister says two journalists who reported on COVID-19 funding ‘can’t be trusted’
"It is not up to a government minister to decide whether journalists should be fired, and especially when it is because of a report he didn’t like."
Malaysia orders ‘stern action’ against media misreporting government statements on COVID-19
"Resorting to censorship, especially in its extreme form, in a time of crisis reflects the insecurity of the government of the day."
From Brazil to Kosovo to the Philippines, confined citizens protest from their windows
People all over the world have been banging pots and pans to attract the attention of politicians and decision-makers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippine police dismantle anti-mining barricade amid COVID-19 lockdown
"My heart bleeds for our brave men and women of Didipio who had to suffer and be arrested for expressing their resistance against mining, a great menace to Mother Earth."
Online journalist detained for quoting Cambodian prime minister’s advice on COVID-19
"The Covid-19 crisis must not be used as pretext for getting rid of journalists who do not blindly toe the government line."
