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
Citizen journalists face challenges in Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar
"To provide coverage of the protests, citizen journalists stepped up do the job themselves. The result was a truer coverage of events."
Activists decry shrinking freedom of expression in the Philippines
“We note that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to protect journalists and we challenge this administration to denounce media killings, and translate his promise into concrete actions.”
Civil society groups call for justice after a radio broadcaster is killed in the Philippines
“...the culture of impunity in the country has made members of the press easy targets by vested interest groups who want to hide the truth.”
Papua New Guinea’s new media rules could undermine the work of journalists
"We ask the simple question, what have we got to hide from public scrutiny?"
‘Where’s the President?’ trends as super typhoon batters the Philippines
"How tone deaf and insensitive can you be to post a vlog about your New York trip while Filipinos brace for the impact of super typhoon."
Protests mark 50th anniversary of Martial Law declaration in the Philippines
"We are the living testament to the atrocities committed by the Marcoses and their cronies against the Filipino people."
Solomon Islands threatens to block ‘disrespectful’ foreign journalists from entering the country
"This has nothing to do with "demeaning coverage" and everything to do with a government in Honiara allergic to scrutiny."
Families speak out after Myanmar executes four anti-coup activists
"My son was not a thief or a thug. I am proud of him for giving his life for the country. I’m really proud of my son."
The ‘war on drugs’ probe faces a setback as the Philippines refuses to rejoin the ICC
"Marcos' premise is incorrect - there is no genuine investigation in the Philippines into the government policy or pattern of activities that has led to crimes against humanity."
Myanmar detains Japanese journalist who covered protest
"We call for freedom of expression and the protection of journalists in Myanmar and abroad."
Marcos-Duterte critic arrested for cyber libel in the Philippines
"What a wonderful display of unity in defense of our common values! With solidarity like this, how can we possibly lose?"
Solomon Islands officials order national broadcaster to stop promoting ‘disunity’
"It may well be draconian leaving no room for corruption by ministers and government officials to be brought to public attention."
Can ‘Bongbonomics’ revive the Philippine economy?
"Bongbonomics: More pro-market, business friendly state supporting private profits; improved anti-poverty rhetoric; removal of remaining restrictions to self-serving economic liberalization."
Indonesia blocks Yahoo, Paypal, and gaming websites over new licensing rules
"The obligation of registration will open the gate for the government to intervene and censor. It's not just an administrative matter."
In a blow to regional unity, Kiribati leaves the Pacific Islands Forum
"It is meant to be a reminder to us all that our solidarity and unity as a region is dependent on how we treat each other with respect and understanding."
Legislator wants to rename Philippines’s busiest airport after the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
"Most airports (are) named after historical figures, heroic ones...Marcos Jr. maybe back but that doesn’t belie the fact that Marcos Sr. died a disgraced authoritarian."
Cambodian human rights groups continue to demand justice for murdered analyst Kem Ley
"We will still remember Kem Ley because he spoke the truth in society and dared to talk about the shortcomings of the authorities."
Fact-checking the inaugural speech of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"The inaugural speech raises concerns over how facts shall be regarded in the next six years."
The tide is rising against deep sea mining
"If allowed to go ahead, mining will irreversibly destroy ancient deep sea habits and impact those who rely on the ocean for their livelihood."
Malaysian lawyers behind ‘walk for judicial independence’ facing police probe
"The actions of the police have set a bad example for the citizenry, as it conveys the message that citizens are not free to exercise their constitutional rights ..."
Pacific groups celebrate Ocean Week by opposing deep sea mining
Various Pacific groups celebrated Ocean Week and Ocean Day on June 8 by calling on officials to reject deep-sea mining (DSM) in the region.
