Stories about Philippines
Philippines's oldest political prisoner walks free at 85
"No words can describe my happiness. My happiness is sky high."
Filipino groups defy China’s ‘unilateral’ and ‘baseless’ fishing ban in the South China Sea
“This is a demonstration of fisherfolk’s opposition to China’s baseless fishing ban that will cover our territory.”
Southeast Asian media groups cite need for press freedom in dealing with extreme weather events
Southeast Asian media groups organized panels, protests, and pointed reports about the state of media freedoms in the region.
Heatwave highlights climate vulnerabilities in Southeast Asia
South and Southeast Asia roasted in a record-setting heatwave that killed hundreds, forced some governments to close schools, and led to an uptick in health issues.
Controversy in Hong Kong involving a Dubai prince-turned-pop star, highlights due diligence missteps
Some critics see the Dubai Prince incident as a reflection of the city’s desperation to maintain its financial hub status.
Philippine media groups condemn China’s claim of ‘manipulated’ coverage of maritime tension
"The journalists who join these missions risk their lives in the face of unwanted aggression to bring the unvarnished truth to light."
A decade of digital repression and resistance in Southeast Asia
Global Voices Southeast Asia editor Mong Palatino highlights the major trends, challenges, and prospects of upholding freedom of expression in the region
Poetry as therapy: Hong Kong’s domestic workers muse about love and sacrifice
"Ingat", meaning “take care” in Tagalog, is a book featuring the work of dozens of domestic workers telling stories about family, hardship, love and sacrifice.
Filipino academics and civil society groups express support for Palestinian cause
"We support our Palestinian brothers and sisters in their rightful and just cause for peace and self-determination."
Widespread labour standards violations among Japanese businesses with so-called technical interns
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan found record-high labour standard breaches in worksites where “technical interns” work in 2022. Can future legislative reform effectively address this issue?
Undoing colonialism in gender diversity discourse in the Philippines
Colonized by Spain, the US, and Japan, the Philippines has a long history of discourses imposed on its own traditions, including the ones related to gender identity and fluidity.
Filipino radio host killed during live broadcast
"This barbaric act reflects the broader peril of democratic discourse in the Philippines. It is a manifestation of an alarming, ongoing trend that casts a dark shadow over independent media."
Why do ‘Bart Simpson’ and ‘Monkey D. Luffy’ have registered SIM cards in the Philippines?
"The SIM registration law cannot be “fixed” without having serious implications on our right to privacy and communication."
The Chinese 2023 map has nothing new. But why are China’s neighbours mad about it?
The strongest reactions came from countries in Southeast Asia as the Chinese map claims virtually the entirety of the South China Sea.
A new platform monitoring press freedom in Southeast Asia
Seven Southeast Asian media organizations have launched pfmsea.org, a joint platform to monitor press freedom across the region.
Unfreedom Monitor: Civic Media Observatory findings report
The Unfreedom Monitor is a project to analyse, document, and report on the growing phenomenon of the use of digital communications technology to advance authoritarian practices.
Post-pandemic, lockdown on rights persists in the Philippines
The restrictions and repressive measures imposed during the pandemic have continued to have a chilling effect on the local population.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Philippines
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in the Philippines is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
In the Philippines, cyber censorship is a new form of authoritarianism
Qurium’s investigation revealed that the cyber attacks were coming from the Philippine military, using the government infrastructure of the Department of Science and Technology.
What is red-tagging and why it is dangerous in the Philippines?
With the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2020, red-tagged individuals and groups face the risks of being subjected to surveillance, freezing of assets, and restriction of movement, among others.
Underscoring the challenges of promoting digital rights in Southeast Asia
"…information disorders have been weaponized for political gain, while oppressive governments have tried to control the internet, particularly through social media, and crackdown on dissidents using digital surveillance as tactic."
