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 from July, 2012
Thailand: Doughnuts for National Reconciliation
Supporters of Thailand’s ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently in exile, celebrated his 64th birthday by distributing 64,000 doughnuts to underprivileged children. The campaign is also said to be a 'gesture of national reconciliation.' But netizens have questioned the wisdom of distributing doughnuts instead of spending on the more essential needs of the poor
Laos: Participation in 2012 Olympics
Laos sent three athletes to the 2012 London Olympics. An employee of the United Nations World Food Programme in Laos also represented the country when she was invited to become an Olympic torchbearer early this month
East Timor: Government Sues Multinational Oil Company
The government of East Timor has sued multinational oil and gas company ConocoPhilipps for its failure to pay the right taxes and other fees. The petroleum sector is the country's biggest source of revenues.
Cambodia: Social Media and Education
Nayheak Khun discusses the role of the internet and social media in improving the delivery of education in Cambodia
Cambodia: Primer on Preah Vihear
Cambodia publishes a primer of Preah Vihear Temple which was listed as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO in 2008. The location of the temple became controversial in recent years because it's being claimed by Thailand.
Laos: Environmental Impact of Xayaburi Dam
Kirk Herbertson explains the environmental impact as construction of the controversial Xayaburi Dam along Mekong River in Laos begins.
Vietnam: Bad Politics and the Economy
Geoffrey Cain thinks that the economic woes faced by Vietnam can be partly attributed to the “rotten politics and in-fighting within the Communist Party.” The author also looks into the dynamics of decentralization and ‘recentralization’ of state power in the country
Brunei: ‘Heart of Borneo’ Project
The ‘Heart of Borneo’ Project “aims to protect the ecological and cultural richness of the rainforests of Borneo.” The island, shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, is the third largest in the world
Indonesia: Social Media Impact on Jakarta Polls
Tobias Basuki observes that social media played a less effective role in the recent local elections in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Thailand: University Launches E-Bookstore
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand's oldest university, has recently launched an e-bookstore as part of its program to become a digital university within four years
United States Eases Sanctions on Myanmar
The United States Treasury and State Department have issued a joint fact sheet about the government's decision to ease financial and investment sanctions on Myanmar in response to the recent political and economic reforms implemented by the Myanmar government
Laos: Prison or Drug Detention Center?
The Human Rights Watch is asking the United States to stop the funding of the Somsanga Drug Detention Centre in Vientiane, Laos until the Laos government has investigated the reported human rights abuses in the facility
Few Surprises in East Timor Parliamentary Elections
East Timor conducted its parliamentary elections on July 7, 2012. There was a lower voter turn out this year but at least there were no alarming cases of violence and poll fraud. Netizens used the hashtags #eleisaun2012 and #timorelections to cover the elections.
Indonesia: Lobby Power of Tobacco Firms
Elizabeth Pisani writes about the lobby power of tobacco companies in Indonesia and the prospects of introducing legislation and programs that would curb smoking in the country
Indonesia: Copyright Law Review
Ario Tamat reviews Indonesia's revised Copyright Law which was passed in 2002.
Philippine Flood Hazard Map
The Philippine Flood Hazard Map identifies the flooded areas in different parts of the Philippines.
Koumintang Army in Thailand
Ian Manley interviews a veteran of Kuomintang’s 93rd Division which left China in 1950 to settle in Burma and then finally in Thailand. The interview sheds light to the history of China's ‘forgotten army’ which continued to fight in other countries for several decades.
Chinese Investment: Boon or Bane for Southeast Asia?
The emergence of China as a global economic powerhouse is bringing tremendous benefits to its cash-strapped neighbors in Southeast Asia. But some of its investments have been mired in various controversies involving land disputes, village displacements, environment destruction, and corruption.
Southeast Asia: Home to the World's Longest Ongoing Civil Wars
Southeast Asia is more than just white sand beaches, temples and resorts: it’s not often mentioned that the region is actually home to the world's longest ongoing civil wars, the most heavily bombed countries in the world, and the world’s longest communist insurgency.
