“Issues such as China deals, drug war, war against the revolutionary movement, corruption etc. will not go away and these will be the considerations of administration candidates, except for those who are rabid supporters or are unthinking.”
A political analyst credited the “victory” of administration bets to fraudulent elections and the “unusual combination of Duterte’s popularity, systematic use of government resources, use of fear, and black propaganda and disinformation against progressive partylist groups.”
Dr. Temario Rivera of AES Watch pointed out that Comelec did not fulfill the requirements set by the law with the absence of a comprehensive source code review and digital signatures, the failure of final testing and sealing, and the absence of a contingency plan.
“Red baiting is a different level of negative campaigning. It poses risks to those who are red-tagged and might result in extrajudicial killings.”
Members and supporters of senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares and Makabayan partylist groups received death threats, were harassed and labeled as communists and supporters of New People’s Army (NPA). The Makabayan bloc has been critical of the Duterte administration.
MANILA — Elements of Philippine National Police (PNP) were seen distributing copies of Pulis Serbis Balita, the official newsletter of the PNP, inside the Geronimo Elementary School, Sampaloc, Manila, according to Kontra Daya-Metro Manila. The banner story, “Kabataan, nanguna sa pagkondena sa legal fronts at political parties na sumusuporta sa CPP/NPA” tags Bayan Muna, Kabataan,…
Kontra Daya has called for the suspension of pilot testing of the Voter’s Registration Verification Machine (VRVM), saying it has caused delays in the voting.
For respecting human rights, senatoriables Neri Colmenares, Chel Diokno, Leody de Guzman, Erin Tañada, and Samira Gutoc got a perfect score of seven. For outright disregard for human rights, Ronaldo Bato dela Rosa, Christopher “Bong” Go, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla and Jiggy Manicad earned a score of zero. Imee Marcos got two points but had a track record of abuses during his father’s rule.
The people must frustrate Duterte’s “serious attempts at dictatorship through martial law, bogus revolutionary government or Charter Change” by voting for the opposition.
“Human rights advocacy is not a crime, yet human rights workers are being killed, threatened, harassed, and jailed on trumped-up charges.”
Scientists, environmentalists and advocates commemorated the #MarchForScience in the Philippines, May 4, at University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City. Photos and text by Ronalyn V. Olea/ Bulatlat