activist and 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
13 July 2018
Nauru bans the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from the Pacific Islands Forum
"If we allow ourselves to get into a situation where our ability to report is predicated on how positive our coverage is, then we can’t do our job."
3 July 2018
Cambodia's government claims upcoming election will be free, fair and plural—but civil society says otherwise
The government has dissolved the main opposition party, placed restrictions on election observers, expanded its control of the internet and social media, and filed tax charges against critical media outlets,
25 June 2018
Vietnam’s new Cybersecurity Law could further undermine free speech and disrupt businesses
"Despite the government’s claims, control is at the heart of the new legislation."
8 June 2018
Whether or not Papua New Guinea bans Facebook, critics say free speech still under threat
"If the government is serious about protecting its citizens, then creating an environment where they can safely use the internet should be the goal, not blocking parts of it altogether."
27 May 2018
Acquittal of Fiji Times sedition case hailed as victory for press freedom in Oceania
"It has become quite obvious that the government of Fiji has continued to charge people with sedition to suppress freedom of speech and also political dissent."
24 May 2018
Malaysia’s new government urged to implement media reforms
"These are the principles that have now evolved after much pain and argument in most modern democracies and Malaysia would do well to join them."
18 May 2018
Was Bangkok Post editor Umesh Pandey fired for mismanagement or political pressure?
"I rather lose my position than to bow my head."
17 May 2018
Yangon police and a group of ‘nationalists’ violently dispersed a peace march in Myanmar
"Who were those self-proclaimed “citizens” and why did the police officers present turn a blind eye when they attacked?"
12 May 2018
A new era for Malaysia after voters end six-decade reign of ruling party
"Barisan Nasional is no longer our ruler. A few hours from now, the sun will begin to rise over the horizon. How poignant.. we'll see a new Malaysia greeting us."
9 May 2018
Cambodia's last independent news site sold to PR firm that worked for the ruling party
"Our editor-in-chief was fired because he stood up for independent journalism and refused to take down an article shedding light on our new publisher."
18 April 2018
Will Singapore's plan to combat ‘deliberate online falsehoods’ stifle free speech?
"…the biggest threat to the stability and growth of the democratic process in Singapore is the government’s control of the media and information."
6 April 2018
With Elections Approaching and Parliament Dissolved, Will Malaysia's Anti-Fake News Law Become a ‘Political Weapon'?
"While this issue should not be ignored, the proposed broad-based law to criminalise the dissemination of news amounts to legislative overkill."
29 March 2018
‘Women Make the News’: Online Database Connects Journalists to Thai Female Experts
UNESCO Bangkok has launched a website that links Thai journalists and researchers to female academics, government officials, corporate leaders, and NGO activists.
21 March 2018
#SayNOto66d: Documenting the Surge of Online Defamation Cases in Myanmar
The #SayNOto66d website documents online defamation cases in Myanmar while providing information tools to support the campaign to repeal the law.
2 March 2018
Here’s What We Learned from the Online Database of Vietnam’s Political Prisoners
A new data set proves that persecution of dissent increased in 2017.
20 February 2018
‘Voices for Momos’ Campaign Seeks to Protect Myanmar’s Last Remaining Elephants
Myanmar’s wild elephant population is estimated to be between 1,400 to 2,000.
9 February 2018
From Street Murals to #WeWalk, Thais Protest Against Corruption and Call for Restoration of Democracy
"So many Thais just opened their eyes and woke up from an unrealistic dream."
1 February 2018
Malaysiakini News Site Will Appeal Defamation Case by Gold Mining Firm, Thanks to Crowdfunding by Readers
"This could drive media away from critically investigating and reporting issues of public interest that involved big corporations. This will further shrink the media freedom in the country."
19 January 2018
Reuters Journalists Covering Rohingya Conflict in Myanmar Detained for ‘Illegally Acquiring Information’
"If Myanmar is serious about democratic reforms, it must accept the right of journalists to work freely and report on topics that make those in power uncomfortable."
15 January 2018
Palau Visitors Are Now Required to Sign a Pledge to Respect the Environment
"Children of Palau, I take this pledge, as your guest, to preserve and protect your beautiful and unique island home."
