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 October, 2012
Thailand: Gun Crimes on the Rise
Thailand's homicide rate has declined since 2006 but criminal cases involving guns are on the rise. Bangkok Pundit analyzes some statistics on gun crimes, homicide cases, and gun ownership in Thailand
Thailand: Hotline to Help Children
Childline Thailand Foundation is an NGO that runs a nationwide 24-hour telephone hotline to help children in Thailand. The “SaiDek 1387” hotline is also maximized to urge government compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child.
Thailand: Bangkok Launches Bike Rentals
To decongest traffic and encourage people to use public mass transport system, Bangkok has recently launched a bicycle rental program. Richard Barrow attended the launch and provided ideas on how to make the program successful in Thailand.
Indonesia: ‘Jokowi’ Phenomenon in Jakarta
Meet Jakarta’s new governor: Joko Widodo or Jokowi. His recent electoral victory surprised many people who now regard him as Indonesia’s most charismatic leader. His phenomenal political achievement and soaring popularity is seen by many analysts as a positive development for Indonesian democracy
Thailand: Problems in Implementing Information Act
Saksith Saiyasombut and Siam Voices translate an article written by ThaiPublica about Thailand's experience in implementing the Official Information Act of 1997: Thai citizens were given more rights to request the disclosure of official government information…But even with such progress, it hasn’t resulted in simpler access to official information yet,...
Malaysia: Penang's Bicycle Lanes
anilnetto writes about the proposed 12.5km bicycle lane in Penang, Malaysia. The first phase of the project has already started and completion is targeted in the next two years.
A Maligned Law to Protect the Philippines from Cybercrime
The majority of Filipino internet users and media groups opposed the passage of the Philippine Cybercrime Law because of provisions which they think would curtail media freedom and other civil liberties. But prior to the insertion of online libel and other last minute amendments, the bill was actually quietly supported by many.
Singapore Tightens Rules on Casinos
Singapore is revising its casino rules to discourage low-income groups and the jobless from gambling. After weeks of consultation, the government has filed the Casino Control (Amendment) Bill which would empower authorities to restrict the entry of ‘financially vulnerable’ individuals in casino gaming centers.
Vietnam: Cost of Rescuing Trafficked Children
It's definitely worth stopping to count the cost of rescuing trafficked girls and boys. When we do so, we see that the cost of NOT rescuing them is even higher. Blue Dragon explains the value of helping trafficked children in Vietnam.
Vietnam: Impact of Agent Orange
Aaron Joel Santos uploads photos which show the negative legacy of the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Indonesia: Impact of Bali Bombing
Reporting on Bali changed the way I looked at the world. Until today, I believe Bali could have been prevented if authorities paid attention to the signs along the way. When the explosions happened a decade ago, the Indonesian police already had the names of every single one of the...
Indonesia: Ending Police Corruption
Pramudya A Oktavinanda suggests several reform measures on how to eradicate corruption in the Indonesian police force. He reminds government that raising salaries is not enough and it must be complemented with other incentives and other bureaucratic reforms.
Indonesia: Setback in the Fight Against Illegal Drugs?
Multibrand questions the sincerity of the Indonesian government in fighting illegal drugs after a drug trafficker was granted clemency by the president.
Indonesia: Anti-Corruption Agency Gets Online Support
The power of social media was once again affirmed in Indonesia when internet users collectively expressed their support to corruption investigators who are being harassed by the police and some politicians.
Cambodia: Life Under the Khmer Rouge Regime
I was born in 1977. My mum told me it was hard to find food for me. They forced people to work on the rice field but they didn’t allow people to eat anything but just a bow of porridge. It was the Pol Pot regime.
Thailand: People’s Movement for a Just Society
The People’s Movement for a Just Society is a network organized to strengthen the voices of different causes working to bring justice for marginalized groups in Thailand, including land rights for small-scale farmers, citizenship for stateless persons, fair compensation for communities forced to relocate to accommodate large scale state projects,...
Preserving Southeast Asia's Peatlands
Peat swamp forests in Southeast Asia cover approximately 35 million hectares in the region. An inter-nation network was set-up to preserve the peatlands which play a ‘critical role in the economy and ecology of the region – providing timber and non-timber forest products, water supply, flood control and many other...
How Indonesia Filters Internet Content
Suara Blogger Indonesia explains how the Indonesian government blocks internet content in the country through the help of local Internet Service Providers. Indonesia has one of the most active social media communities in the world.
Thailand: Films Chosen for Historical Registry
Thailand's Culture Ministry and the Thai Film Archive have identified 25 films to be included in the country's historical registry. Blogger Wise Kwai discusses the importance of some of the films in the list.
