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 August, 2013
Crowdsourcing Malaysia’s 2014 Budget
Through the #bajet2014 website, Malaysians can give specific ideas in drafting the government's 2014 budget. They can also use the special page to approve or reject a particular proposal
How Vietnam Got its Name
Le Minh Khai traces the history of how Vietnam got its name and explains the inaccuracies in some historical accounts about the origins of the name. Ultimately, the name Việt Nam is related to the Nguyễn clan’s southward expansion of the Lê Dynasty realm. What it signifies is that the...
Campaigning for a Smoke-Free Southeast Asia
Review of several anti-smoking campaigns in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Plus an advisory from Philippine health authorities against the dangers of promoting e-cigarettes
Online Reporting of Bribery in Thailand
Bribespot Thailand encourages Thais to report cases of bribery and corruption in the country. Through an interactive map, the website also identifies bribery hotspots in Thailand.
PHOTOS: Protest Against LPG Price Hike in Thailand
Government claims the increase in cooking gas prices would ease the tax burden of motorists but consumers are worried about its impact on the cost of living in the country
Prison Overcrowding in Indonesia
Leopold Sudaryono tackles the problem of prison overcrowding in Indonesia. In 2011, there were 144,000 prisoners in the country. Prisons were reported to be overcrowded by 45 per cent on average. Among the factors contributing to the problem are lack of alternative sentencing options at trial and delays in the...
Bicycles in Vietnam
Karen Hewell and Marc Forster-Pert featured some of the common bicycles used in Vietnam such as the mountain bike, the Thong Nhat GN-03 model, 1930 Calla, Surly’s ‘Karate Monkey’, Mumar M-2 Sportbike, and the racer.
PHOTOS: Record High Floods in Philippine Capital
Tropical storm Trami struck the Philippines and caused massive flooding in Manila and nearby provinces. More than half a million persons were affected by the storm
More Religion, Less Science in Indonesia School Reform
The teaching of Science and English language at the primary level will be merged with core subjects such as Bahasa Indonesia, nationalism and religious studies
VIDEO: Father of Jailed Vietnamese Blogger Speaks About his Case
The 88 Project uploads a video interview of the father of Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, the Vietnamese blogger who is facing a 16-year jail term for allegedly spreading anti-government propaganda. …to claim innocence for him we have many times appealed to the top state leaders and related government agencies for...
Whistleblower Protection Urged to Fight Corruption in East Timor
Jose Antonio Belo, editor of Tempo Semanal, discussed the anti-corruption crusade of the paper in East Timor. He also urged the passage of a Whistleblower Protection legislation to fight corruption. We must find ways to support and protect people who blow the whistle on corruption. They must not be allowed...
Remembering the 1988 Student Revolt in Myanmar
Aung Zaw, the founding editor in chief of the Irrawaddy magazine, recalls the historic 1988 student uprising in Myanmar: As a student at that time, I can clearly remember the exhilaration of knowing that the entire nation was behind us, that we could not possibly lose. He issues this challenge...
Thousands Shave Their Heads for Cancer Awareness in Singapore
The head shaving event that aims to raise funds and promote awareness on childhood cancer attracted more than 6,000 participants.
PHOTOS: Oil Spill in Thailand's Samet Island
Oil spill reached a popular tourist destination aside from causing marine pollution. Environment groups claimed there was little disclosure on the impact of the disaster
VIDEOS: Vietnam’s Pride March 2013
Vietnam will soon deliberate the proposal to legalize same sex marriage. But are LGBT issues being properly addressed?
Kuryente: Philippine Electricity App
Kuryente (electricity), is a new website initiated by the Philippine government to help consumers calculate the power rates in their area. It also provides information on power plants, officials of power cooperatives, and tips on buying home appliances.
Massive Fraud Haunts Cambodian Elections
But opposition gained more seats and young people actively campaigned for change
Will Vietnam’s New Internet Decree Ban Sharing of Online News?
The government claims the decree is aimed only at protecting copyright but critics describe it as "the harshest offensive against freedom of information”
Stop Black Sand Mining in Biodiverse, Idyllic Philippine Island!
College students created a Facebook page to oppose black sand mining operations in Camiguin Norte, located in the northernmost part of the Philippines Imagine a serene, idyllic isle where humpback whales breed, where corals and rare marine biodiversity thrive. This is Camiguin Norte. The very existence of this island is...
Singapore Media and Censorship
After working for three years as sub-editor in a leading Singapore newspaper, Mark Fenn explains how censorship is enforced in the country: Control at the paper is exercised both overtly and through more subtle means. Self-censorship, meanwhile, is ubiquitous. …it was not uncommon for reporters to alter their stories at...
