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
Remembering Asia’s first Pride march in Manila
Two organizers of the historic 1994 Manila Pride shared their reflections about the legacy of the protest and the continuing struggle to fight for LGBT+ rights
Laos social media task force: Will it target ‘fake news’ or censor online criticism?
"The reinforcement of social media platforms’ registration and severe control of online information are another reflection of the digital dictatorship in Laos."
CDM, NUG, EAO and other acronyms of Myanmar’s anti-coup resistance
Learn more about the common acronyms used by Myanmar protesters, their meaning, and significance to the coup and the democracy movement.
Environmental activists convicted in Cambodia for planning ‘one-woman walk’
"These young people were arrested for trying to protect Phnom Penh’s largest lake and preserve it for current and future generations."
Two Malaysian artists face police probe for online commentary and artwork
"The persecution of artists such as Zunar and Fahmi stifles creative expression, chills public discourse, and undermines trust in Malaysian authorities."
Singapore bloggers crowdfund defamation damages due to PM Lee Hsien Loong
"The contribution to the crowdfunding movement is an example of targeted resistance against the government's financially based persecution method against individuals."
LIVE on April 22—Myanmar: Coup & civil disobedience
The session will be live-streamed on Facebook Live, YouTube, and Twitch.
Samoa’s surprise election stand-off, and the politician who will be a king – or queen – maker
"The election results have already guaranteed a robust opposition party, an essential element of democracy that has been missing for a decade."
Thailand’s draft NGO law threatens to undermine the work of civil society groups
"This could block a vast amount of activities beneficial to society, while the punishment is disproportionate."
Artists ‘raise three fingers’ in support of Myanmar protesters
"When we see somebody, and we raise three fingers, we know the movement is still alive. There is still hope."
Malaysia’s ‘fake news’ ordinance takes effect amid continuing concern over the COVID-19 state of emergency
"This ordinance strengthens the perception that the state of emergency we are currently in is a smokescreen to curb any form of criticism towards the government of the day."
Cambodia’s internet gateway could intensify surveillance and censorship
"Government surveillance cultivates an environment of fear, creating incentives for self-censorship and directly undermining the ability of journalists and human rights defenders to undertake their work."
Philippines’ ‘Paradis Island’ has a message for ‘Attack on Titan’ fans
"We are an innocent island in a lake in Laguna and we have nothing to do with Titans."
Myanmar citizens continue strong opposition to military junta with ‘22222’ general strike
"If we oppose the dictatorship, they might shoot us. But we have to oppose dictatorship. It’s our duty. That’s why so many people are coming out today against them."
Myanmar introduces ‘draconian’ cyber security bill amid growing anti-coup protests
'It can be expected that the true aim of the bill is to repress freedom of expression online and ban social networks.'
What happened in Myanmar on the first day of the coup
"People are disheartened by the news and mostly sharing information about each other’s whereabouts and safety measures. We have all seen this coming but it’s surreal when it actually happens."
Critics warn Malaysia’s state of emergency could undermine democracy
"Members of the public should not be treated as enemies and be dealt with by military personnel."
Thai woman receives 43-year sentence for sharing audio clips ‘defaming’ the monarchy
"Although her sentence was reduced to 43 years, it’s still too harsh & unnecessary cruel. Should a defamation case land someone several decades in jail?"
Malaysia’s internet regulator deactivates Twitter account after offensive tweets exposed
"It is shocking that they violated Twitter's terms by acquiring an account of a person that had no shame with their racism, misogyny, anti-baldness."
A digital artist depicts the lives of Thais and the struggle for democracy
"It’s time for us to rise up for a better future not just for ourselves, but also for the generations to come.”
