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
Pacific groups celebrate Ocean Week by opposing deep sea mining
Various Pacific groups celebrated Ocean Week and Ocean Day on June 8 by calling on officials to reject deep-sea mining (DSM) in the region.
Timor-Leste journalists challenge restrictions and assert their right to question China’s foreign minister
"The youngest independent nation and the most fledgling press in the Asia-Pacific, has finally shown how it’s done. Tackle the Chinese media gatekeepers and creeping authoritarianism. . . "
The Economist draws fire after criticizing independent media in Myanmar
The Economist published a piece calling out local Myanmar media for “painting an overly optimistic picture of the war.” Local journalists fired back, accusing the Economist of promoting military-backed misinformation.
The Chinese foreign minister's visit to the Solomon Islands has been shrouded in secrecy and press restrictions
"Giving credentials to selected journalists is a sign of favouritism. Journalists should be allowed to do their job without fear or favour."
Myanmar journalists face grave risks at every turn
"Many journalists have gone into hiding or fled abroad with no legal or financial support and only pro-military publications can now work openly in the country."
The Philippines: Protests erupt as a former dictator’s son leads the presidential election tally
"It is difficult for voters to be confident in election proceedings marred by machine errors and breakdowns."
How the Fiji Meteorological Service uses social media
Global Voices interviewed the Fiji Meteorological Service about the role of social media in informing citizens about the weather and climate science in the South Pacific nation.
For acclaimed journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, winning a Nobel Peace Prize offers no protection
For Filipino journalist Maria Ressa and Russian editor Dmitry Muratov, winning the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize has not provided protection from their attackers and state threats as they continue their investigations.
Malaysian writer faces blasphemy probe for Facebook post
"Uthaya Sankar SB’s arrest for his social media post highlights the limits of free expression in Malaysia on issues such as religion."
Myanmar activists launch ‘Blue Shirt’ campaign to show solidarity with political prisoners
"These activists bravely stood up against the military coup, but the world seems to have forgotten about them."
Sorcery accusation-related violence continues to plague Papua New Guinea
"In no anthropological writings have I seen reference to anything barbaric as this. This is not part of the ancestry of PNG as we are far more a caring society."
Citizens push back on Palau’s plan to open marine sanctuary to commercial fishing and exploration
"...We believe there is a multitude of unexplored alternatives resulting in sustainable revenues that return social and environmental gains."
Malaysians worry over reported plan to sell contact tracing app to a private firm
"Everyone was so worried about contact tracing when we should have been worried about CONTRACT tracing."
Threatened with deportation in Thailand, a Lao activist seeks asylum in Canada
Khoukham is among the founders of Free Laos, a network of Lao workers in Thailand pushing for human rights in their home country. Thai authorities were seeking to deport him.
Bangkok or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon: What's the correct name of Thailand’s capital?
"The authorities need to understand that the capital is more than words and spelling...If the authorities decide to change it, they should consult people first and ask before making decisions."
How the ‘two Myanmars’ view the Russian invasion of Ukraine
"The two very different approaches were a reflection of Myanmar’s split political and diplomatic status."
Pandemic rules used to disperse strike of women workers in Cambodia
"Women strikers have been repeatedly and disproportionately targeted by government efforts to disperse the peaceful strike."
How is Southeast Asia reacting to the invasion of Ukraine?
While the ASEAN block referenced the “conflict in the West” and called for de-escalation, many Southeast Asian leaders are choosing to stay silent and sidestep any direct references to Russia.
Malaysian artist Fahmi Reza faces police probe and two charges for satirical posters
"Gov leaders must learn to take public criticism and dissent in stride and stop going after critics like #FahmiReza for poking fun at them."
Pacific media groups rally behind suspended Papua New Guinea journalist
Sincha Dimara was suspended for reporting on court proceedings against Australian hotelier Jamie Pang. MLN has faced criticism before for suspending and silencing journalists.
Myanmar activists oppose sale of Telenor telecom to military-linked firm
"They have not consulted with the people risking their lives to resist the military junta, whose lives are in Telenor's hands."
