activist and two-term member of the philippine house of representatives. blogging since 2004 at mongster's nest.
Latest posts by Mong Palatino
19 June 2017
Thailand’s Junta Leader Wants Citizens to Answer Four Leading Questions About Elections
"If in the future, Thailand experiences another coup d’etat, will it be charged as a crime against the state?" wrote an activist in response.
15 June 2017
Singapore Ad Watchdog Advises LGBT Event to Remove ‘Supporting Freedom to Love’ Tagline
"We cannot see how a tagline calling for inclusion and love can be seen as undermining the concept of family or disrespecting the individual," wrote the Pink Dot organizers.
14 June 2017
Photos and Videos Show Massive Destruction of Marawi Battle Zone in the Philippines
"I weep for all the civilians who were mercilessly killed, I weep for the lost homes of my people," wrote the mayor of Marawi City.
8 June 2017
A Video Ad That Suggests Black Isn't Beautiful Sparks Outrage in Malaysia
"Pull out the ads and sign your boss and agency up for social sensitivity 101 class please," wrote a Twitter user, addressing Watsons health and beauty chain.
At Annual LGBT Event, Singapore Kicks Out Foreigners and Puts Up Barricade
"These new laws are actually keeping families apart: Singaporeans with non-resident spouses or relatives will not be able to attend Pink Dot together.”
7 June 2017
Myanmar Journalists Unite Against Online Defamation Law
"Many people believe that the previous government, run by ex-generals, created such a legal mechanism to be able to sue those who stood against their administration."
1 June 2017
The Fake News Photos Justifying the Return of Martial Law to the Philippines
Wrong photos. Wrong countries. Some officials of the Philippines defended the martial law declaration in Mindanao by posting photos of the Vietnam War, Thailand's 2014 coup, and the Honduran police.
30 May 2017
PHOTOS: More Than 70,000 Displaced by Clashes Between Philippine Troops and Suspected ISIS-Backed Group
Thousands of families have fled their homes in Marawi City to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.
22 May 2017
Malaysian Editors Face Cybercrime Charges for Posting a Video that Criticized Attorney General
In the video, which was taken during a press briefing, a former member of the ruling party called for the resignation of the attorney general.
18 May 2017
#FreeThe5KH Campaign Seeks Release of Five Detained Human Rights Activists in Cambodia
The five have been recognized as among the finalists in the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders in 2017.
12 May 2017
Thailand Threatens to Take Facebook to Court Over Anti-Monarchy Posts
Tha Thailand government has given Facebook until Tuesday, May 16, 2017, to remove the 131 remaining 'anti-monarchy' posts.
5 May 2017
Young Girl Quits Malaysian Chess Tournament After Organizers Call Her Knee-Length Skirt ‘Seductive’
"The police should not only be looking into the claims of the breach of dress code but the fact that a child was possibly sexualised by an adult.”
3 May 2017
‘Crusading’ Philippine Environment Minister Shares Her Visits to Open Pit Mines on Facebook
"I clearly saw that the mine tailings had killed the economy of the entire area," wrote the environment secretary on her Facebook page.
30 April 2017
The ‘Royal Duck’ Scarf Trends in Brunei, But Some Are Disappointed With Its Hefty Price Tag
"The amount of selfies I have seen of people just to show their dUCK scarves is part of what Islam does not encourage: vanity."
19 April 2017
Thailand Tells Internet Users to Unfollow Junta Critics on Social Media — Or Face Consequences
"This is a ridiculous and oppressive order but I don't want any innocent people being targeted just because they follow my journalism," wrote former Reuters journalist Andrew MacGregor Marshall.
17 April 2017
Who Removed Thailand’s 1932 Revolution Plaque?
"Removal of the 1932 plaque is an ironic reminder that Thais may have ended absolute monarchy in 1932 but absolute dictatorship exists today," wrote a Twitter user.
7 April 2017
Southeast Asian Leaders Use ‘Fake News’ to Justify Tighter Media Laws and Intimidate Their Critics
Singapore plans to update its Broadcasting Act, Philippine House Speaker is proposing to regulate social media, and Cambodian officials are mimicking Donald Trump by calling unfavorable news "fake".
31 March 2017
The CIA's Online Museum Offers a Glimpse of US Military Intervention in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a region where U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War led to the expansion of the CIA’s paramilitary operations in Laos and Cambodia.
26 March 2017
Art in Transit: Meet the Commute Sketchers of Singapore
"With dwindling interests in traditional art, the public commute presents a unique, safe and condensed setting to practice what I love."
24 March 2017
Searching for Justice, This Catholic Church Worker Documents Drug Killings in the Philippines
"As a photojournalist, always be with the poor, understand their social reality."
