Strategically located between Taiwan and the northern Philippines, Fuga Island in the Babuyan archipelago in the Luzon Strait provides an important role in preventing China from entering the gateway to Western Pacific and beyond. It’s a known fact that whoever is in control of the Luzon Strait could easily establish military superiority over the vast Pacific Ocean. Last… Read More »
“Is this the town of San Isidro?” tanong ng misyonaryong Amerikano sa mga kalalakihang nag-uusap sa harap ng maliit at kaisa-isang sari-sari store sa puso ng bayan. “Wen,” sabi ng Ilokano. “Wai,” tugon ng Magindanaw. “Haw,” ingon ng Ilonggo. “Ho?” sambit ng Tagalog. Umalis na iiling-iling, wari’y kausap ng Kano ang sarili: “Seriously? When, why, how, who?” Madalas… Read More »
It was the afternoon of July 12. Amid dark heavy clouds looming above, King Sun took every chance to peek through a shady curtain and spread his radiant summer rays. It was welcome weather, a respite from a prior nine-day heat wave and humid blast that hit Toronto. Braving the outdoors was most tempting. However, being on the… Read More »
“President Trump likely suffers from a range of mental disorders developed over the course of a turbulent childhood, cheated his way into a top college, subjected his own brother to severe emotional abuse and turned himself into a scruples-free bully who could now bring about an ‘end to American democracy,’ “ says Mary Trump in her tell-all book… Read More »
On May 5, 2020, the Philippines’ premier broadcast network shut down under the orders of the government. The shutdown of the free TV and radio network sent shudders throughout the country, as it was the country’s number one source of news. In an announcement, the network management said, “This is in compliance with the cease and desist order… Read More »
Last June 15, in the latest blow to press freedom, Maria Ressa, the founder of an award-winning Philippines-based news site was convicted of cyber libel in a Manila court. The court found Ressa, editor and chief executive of online news site Rappler, and former researcher-writer Rey Santos Jr. guilty of libeling a businessman. The case is about a… Read More »
The pandemic is absolutely far from over. COVID-19 is still up, about and around. A breathe of permanent relief will only happen when the deadly virus is gone and aground. ***** Momentarily, all hands are regularly and persistently urged to go back to the basics. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds more often. Help prevent a viral… Read More »
Fighting for Our Right to Know By Tess Cusipag In the last 14 months or so Balita has been seeking answers to many questions about how some individuals and organizations seduce the Filipino community with sweet-talk and appeal to our sense of compassion. On the issues of accountability and transparency that Balita has been raising, in particular directed… Read More »
For the first time in the United States’ birth as a nation 231 years ago, the President of the United States used armed personnel outside the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces. On June 3, 2020, armed men in green paramilitary uniforms with face coverings and wearing no identification and insignias — some wearing tennis shoes —… Read More »
Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesperson Salvador Panelo boastfully said that there is nothing wrong if the government used the gas-rich Recto Bank (Reed Bank) as collateral for a $62-million loan agreement with China. “China seizing Recto Bank, should there be a default in the repayment of the loan, is not a possibility because we never reneged,” Panelo… Read More »