Groups such as Pamalakaya, Katribu BAYAN, Gabriela along with youth organizations League of Filipino Students and Kabataan Partylist, gathered at the Chinese Consulate in Makati, Metro Manila as early as 9 am to raise their calls. They later proceeded to the US Embassy in Manila to continue the protest.

Metro Manila

During the protest, the group Pamalakaya asserted the rights of the Filipino fisherfolk amidst Beijing’s continued presence in the West Philippine Sea. They also urged the government to stop reclamation and seabed quarrying in Manila Bay and other areas.

Despite Chinese assertiveness in the West PH Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains optimistic over the ties between the two countries. 

Earlier, the President attended a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, where he again called for unity. This marked his first Philippine Independence Day as President.

Katribu, an indigenous peoples (IP) group, also expressed its strong opposition to the construction of China-funded dam projects such as the Kaliwa Dam, which will cause environmental damage and possible displacement of communities. The Kaliwa Dam is a 12.2 billion project signed under the Duterte administration that has been collectively opposed by environmental groups and indigenous peoples organizations.

Kabataan Representative Raoul Manuel along with its other members also marched from the Chinese Consulate to the US Embassy despite police presence along the route. 

“Sa ika-125 na Araw ng Kalayaan, ang Pilipinas ay patuloy pa ring humaharap sa matinding hamon at banta mula sa mga bansang naghahangad na supilin ang ating kalayaan. Ang Tsina at Estados Unidos ay nagtutunggalian para isa ang manaig bilang kapangyarihan sa Pilipinas,” the party-list Kabataan said in a statement.

(On the 125th Independence Day, the Philippines still faces many challenges and threats from countries that want to curtail our freedom. China and US are competing in order to reign over us.)

Despite a 2016 landmark Hague Ruling which invalidated Beijing’s claim over most of the vast South China Sea via the nine-dash line principle, China has maintained vessels within the West Philippine Sea.

The US, on the other hand, has been granted access to four new local bases where the American military will be allowed to build facilities and preposition defense assets. This was announced when US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited the Philippines on February 2. 

Militant youth group Anakbayan also expressed its opposition to the continued attacks on national sovereignty by the US and China.

Other church groups also urged the government to free former senator Leila de lima, reiterating that her continued detention showed that the country is not truly free. (READ: ‘Not truly free as a nation’: Rights advocates decry De Lima’s continued detention)

Davao

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and Anakbayan Southern Mindanao also organized a protest at Freedom Park in Davao. They urged the current administration to implement and keep an effective independent foreign policy in relation to the rising tensions between the US and China over the West Philippine Sea. 

Bacolod City

Meanwhile in Bacolod City, sectoral groups also echoed the calls of the groups in Metro Manila and Davao. They also called for an immediate response of the government in certain issues including jeepney modernization, continuous oppression of local vendors and farmers, and privatization of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO)  vendor spaces. 

“For us in the marginalized sector of the city, there’s no true and genuine independence in terms of our evidently [poor] living conditions,” secretary-general of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap Ante Berlita told Rappler. 

Bacolod City also organized a program featuring a military parade, flag raising ceremony, and a wreath laying at the monument of an unknown soldier. 

Members from various groups including the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Drum and Bugle Corps of various participating schools, and PNP Bacolod also took part in the civic-military parade from Lizares and Araneta Streets to the public plaza. – with reports from Alexandria Grace Magno and Amiel Antonio/Rappler.com.

Alexandria Magno is a Rappler Volunteer from the University of Santo Tomas.

Amiel Antonio is a Rappler intern from Bulacan State University — Main Campus. He is an incoming fourth-year journalism student.

This year, various groups and advocates across the country and abroad are conducting events, protests, and activities to address the importance of history, human rights, and fight for genuine equality and freedom of Filipinos. 

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is organizing a month-long event with the national theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. (Freedom. Future. History.)” which will consist of concerts, parades, ceremonies, and job fairs across the country from June 11 to 30. 

In alignment with the International Labor Organization’s 2023 World Day Against Child Labour, NHCP will also launch the #BatangMalaya campaign on June 12 in pursuit of creating safe spaces for Filipino children, and help forward a child-labor free country. Those interested may access the full list of NHCP’s calendar of activities here.

Here is a running list of other events and activities on the 125th anniversary of Independence Day: 

Protests

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) will conduct a protest with the main call, “MAHAL KO ANG PILIPINAS, U.S. AT CHINA LAYAS!” to address issues between Philippine-China relations on Monday, June 12. The protest will start at 9 am, at the Chinese Consulate and will end at the US Embassy in Manila, by 11 am. 

Bazaars

Araneta City is organizing a week-long event themed “Iisang Kalayaan,” which will consist  of concerts, bazaars, and exhibits in several malls located in Cubao, Quezon City from June 1 to 12. 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Calabarzon launched the 10th KALAKAL CALABARZON, a regional trade fair with the theme “Kalakalan ng mga Produktong Galing sa CALABARZON sa Araw ng Kalayaan” that will run from June 9 to June 13 at the Palm Drive Activity Center in Glorietta 2, Makati City.

The event is in partnership with the DTI’s provincial offices in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.

Cultural events, educational discussions

BAYAN will launch a bike initiative titled “Lakbay Aral, Rutang Makabayan 2023: Bike Ride para sa Kalayaan, Kapayapaan, at Katarungan” on Monday, June 12, 5 am, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Oblation in Quezon City. 

The bike ride will stroll through different historical sites in Quezon City, San Juan, and Manila to look back to the history of heroes who fought for freedom and democracy. The route will end at the Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila. Plus, this is free!

Those interested to join may register here for free. The first 100 registrants will receive free shirts. 

Katribu Youth, in partnership with Katribu PUP and Katribu University Belt, invites everyone to their educational discussion titled “YARN: Paghabi ng Isyu at Kwento ng Paglaban ng Pambansang Minorya,” on Wednesday, June 13, from 10 am to 3 pm, at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. 

Those interested in joining the discussion may register here. The organization also encourages everyone to sign the Youth Action for Ancestral Lands, Rights, and Natural Resrouces Manifesto of Unity which will be open until June 10, 11:59 pm.

The Human Rights and People Empowerment Center is inviting everyone to join their  cultural festival, “MiyerKULET! Freedom Extravaganza,” happening on Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 pm, from June to July, at the Rooftop, Fil Garcia Tower, Kalayaan Ave., Quezon City. The event will feature more than 30 films, live performances, and discussions. Admission is free.

Events abroad

Kalayaan Fiesta Foundation Netherlands will be holding the 2023 KFFN Independence Day Picnic on June 10 at Spaarnwoude Houtrak, Halfweg, The Netherlands. This will feature several cultural performances, concerts, and workshops.

The Philippine Embassy of Israel is also conducting a cultural festival titled, “Halina sa Hayarkon: Magsama-sama para sa Kalayaan,” to feature songs and cultural dances of the Filipino community in the Middle East. This will happen on Saturday, June 17, at  the Sky Town, HaYarkon Park, Tel Aviv. 

Job fairs

In partnership with NHCP, the Department of Labor Employment invites everyone to the Kalayaan Job Fair 2023 happening on June 12 nationwide. Those interested may visit their Facebook post here to know more about the venues.

The Department of Migrant Workers is holding an overseas mega jobs fair on Monday, June 12, from 8 am to 5 pm, at the Blas F. Ople Building in Mandaluyong City.

Applicants are requested to bring their resume, a copy of their passport, ballpen, face mask, and alcohol. – with reports from Amiel Antonio/Rappler.com

Amiel Antonio is a Rappler intern from Bulacan State University — Main Campus. He is an incoming fourth-year Journalism student. 

To recognize the rights and echo the struggles surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community, various organizations and groups were back on track to host events and initiatives for Pride Month 2023.

This year, Metro Manila Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ event in Southeast Asia will hold its annual Pride March and Festival, with the theme, “Tayo Ang Kulayaan: Samot-saring Lakas, Sama-sama sa Landas.”

The event, themed “TAYO ang KULAYAAN! Samot-saring Lakas, Sama-sama sa Landas!,” will take place on Saturday, June 24, at the Circuit Event Grounds, Makati City.

Participants may register here for free. 

MMPride will also hold the following activities: 

• June 3: Kwiz Nite (FFTG Cafe, Cubao, Quezon City, 7 pm) 
• June 7: SKL Discussion spaces (Online, 8 pm) 
• June 11: MMPride Community Meeting #4 (Hybrid, 1 pm) 
• June 18: Pride Picnic x Pride Speaks (Hybrid, 1 pm) 
• June 21: SKL Discussion Spaces (Online, 8 pm) 
• June 24: TAYO ang KULAYAAN Pride March & Festival (Makati, 10 am – 6:30 pm) 

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MMPride is also consolidating events and activities from like-minded organizations. Activities can be shared here. 

Donations are accepted in support of the month-long festival:

• BDO: 00 3660 1277 57 (Metro Manila LGBTQ+ Pride, Inc.)
• GCash: 0929 756 2816 (Angella M.)
• Paypal: bit.ly/MMPPayPal

Here is a running list of other events and activities organized by different advocates and groups across the country to celebrate Pride:

Bahaghari

Bahaghari is organizing a month-long calendar of activities consisting of roundtable discussions, film screening, cultural performances, and regional events for Pride month. 

One of their most anticipated events is their cultural night titled, “Baklaan sa Lansangan: Paghuhubog ng Sangkabaklaan,” on Saturday, June 17, at the Primos Roofdeck Resto, Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City, at 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Meanwhile, the group is also launching a fund-raising initiative titled, “For the Gays, Fund the Gays,” in support of forthcoming pride-related activities.

This will be done through merchandise such as shirts, tote bags, and stickers starting from 15 pesos. There are also pre-order benefits such as discounted bundles for those who will order until May 30. 

You may purchase your merchandise here. 

Bahaghari also accepts monetary donations. QR codes directing to GCash, Maya, GrabPay, and PayPal can be accessed through their post. 

Kahilwayan 2023

Mindanao-based initiative Kahilwayan 2023 is organizing a two-week event in Cagayan de Oro City from June 11 to 24, featuring learning sessions, job fairs, and a Pride March. 

It will also host the Pride Met Gala 2023, happening on Sunday, June 11, 7 pm, at the gymnasium located at the New Municipal Hall of Villanueva in Misamis Oriental.

The organization is also consolidating events and initiatives from like-minded organizations to help craft a calendar for LGBTQ+ rights advocates. Events may be shared here. 

O Bar Philippines

O Bar Philippines, the home of Manila’s Finest Drag Queens, is ready to show off its 11th annual Philippine Pride Party on Saturday, June 24, at O Bar, Ortigas Technopoint, Pasig City. 

The event will feature drag families and personalities such as The Bacolod Drag Association, The Baguio Drag Queens, The Cebu Divettes, The O Divas, and Precious Paula Nicole!

Doors will open at 10 pm, while the Pride Party will begin at 12 am. A P1,500 admission fee is required.

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A post shared by O Bar Philippines (@obarphilippines)

Pride PH

Pride PH, in partnership with the Quezon City Government, is set to host a Pride Festival themed “Love, laban!” on Saturday, June 24, 10 am to 12 am, at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. 

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A post shared by Pride PH (@tfprideph)

Celebrities, social media influencers, and drag personalities will be present such as Sassa Gurl, AC Soriano, Phi Palmos, Precious Paula Nicole, and Naia.

Prior to the actual event on June 24, PridePH will also conduct the Pride Kickoff Street Party on June 17, at Maginhawa Street, Quezon City.

Organizations who wish to be part of the festival can scan the QR code below. 

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Surftown Pride

Surftown Pride invites everyone to join their week-long activities in the Great Northwest Philippines, San Juan, La Union, from June 1-5.

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A post shared by Surftown Pride (@surftownpride)

For its fifth year, the organization continues with the theme #YouAreMyHome, inspiring allies with a sense of solidarity and shared goals, and establishing safe spaces on the northwest coast.

Humanist Alliance Philippines International

Humanist Alliance Philippines International, is slated to host a talk on the SOGIE bill, on Sunday, June 11, at the White House, A. Morales, Cebu City, from 8 am to 12 pm.

Meanwhile, HAPI – Bacolod is calling for volunteers, as they spearhead Negros Pride 2023 happening on Sunday, June 25, in Bacolod City. Volunteers may sign up here. 

In-kind and monetary donations are also accepted. Cash donations may be sent via GCash at 09398907625 via Francine Abalayan. For in-kind donations, you may drop them off at 20 Galo St, Barangay 21, Bacolod City. – with reports from Anamarie Antolin/Rappler.com 

Do you know of other events and activities in celebration of Pride? Email them to move.ph@rappler.com

Anamarie Antolin is a Rappler intern from Bulacan State University—Main Campus. She is an incoming senior studying Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

Sixteen-year-old Kim Guanzon, a Grade 10 student from Bulanon Farm School in Negros Occidental, was sketching her contest piece during the DSPC in their province, when netizen Rene Jun Gasper took a photo of her on May 19. Gasper later posted it on his Facebook account.

Gasper shared Kim’s talent to the world because he said he was amazed by her determination to overcome extreme difficulty and excel despite her disability.

“Hindi ito naging hadlang. Sa halip, ito pa ang naging daan para ipakita sa lahat na ang tulad niya ay kayang mangibabaw at magtagumpay…. Magsisilbing salamin si Kim sa lahat ng mga bata na magpakita ng husay at kagalingan sa paaralan dahil ang mga recognition o parangal na tintanggap nila ang tanging bagay na maari nilang maibalik sa suporta at pagsasakripisyo ng kanilang pamilya,” said Gasper.

(It did not serve as a hindrance for her. Instead, it became the way to show that people like her can rise to the top and succeed…. Kim serves as an inspiration for all kids to work hard and try their best in school because the recognition and achievements they get are ways of giving back to the support and sacrifice their families make.)

Guanzon’s hard work paid off as she bagged the first place in the Editorial Cartooning category of the Negros Occidental DSPC because of her entry that portrayed the pertinent problems of the country.

The DSPC is part of a qualifying competitions for campus journalists all over the country organized by the Department of Education. The culmination of this competition in the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC).

The DSPC gives students the opportunity to showcase their talents while recognizing the role journalism played in building a socially-conscious nation. (READ: What campus journalists can do to strengthen their role as community watchdogs)

No hands? No problem

Guanzon, born with no hands and feet, has been drawing since she was six. She started by drawing flowers one day. Her parents immediately recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue it. From then on, it became something she did often for fun.

Nowadays, she especially loves to draw faces and houses, while incorporating shading techniques in her artwork. She has also joined a number of drawing contests throughout her elementary and high school years — thanks to the guidance and support she has always had from her teachers and family.

When asked what exactly inspired her to draw, Guanzon said: “Yung family, guro, at mga mag-aaral po na nagsusupporta sa akin… dahil sila yung naniwala sa aking kakayahan. Malaking pasasalamat ko sa kanila lalo na po sa Panginoon dahil binigyan niya ako ng ganitong talento.”

(My family, teachers, and classmates who support me… because they are the ones who believe in my capabilities. I am very grateful to them, especially to God, because he gave me a talent like this.)

As an artist with disabilities, Guanzon often struggles as it takes her a longer period of time to complete her piece compared to others. Nonetheless, she takes this opportunity as a challenge that allows her to further hone her craft.

“Minsan marami akong mga mali or erasure, pero kapag pinagigihan ko sa pagpraktis ay mas na-iimprove yung pag drawing ko. Kaya ito rin yung isa sa paraan ko upang hindi ako mahihirapan… pinagsikapan ko talaga at pinagigihan sa pag practice hanggang makabisado ko na yung iguguhit ko,” she said.

(Sometimes I have a lot of mistakes or erasures, but when I am patient enough to practice, I am able to improve my drawing. This is also another way to make it easier for myself… I work hard and be patient with practicing until I am able to master what I am drawing.)

Despite her physical challenges, Guanzon would like to be an inspiration to the people with the same situation as her, and to show that people can use the blessings they are given to pursue their passions.

“Ipagpatuloy po nila yung gusto nilang gawin at huwag po mahiya na ipakita yung kanilang talento at gamitin sa tama. Huwag po silang sumuko sa kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay dahil nandyan po yung Panginoon upang tulungan tayo. At nandyan rin yung pamilya natin at mga taong patuloy na sinusuportahan tayo,” she said.

(They should keep doing what they want to do, and they shouldn’t be ashamed to show their talents and put it to good use. They should not give up on their aspirations in life because God is there to help. And our families and loved ones are there to support us also.)

However, her journey is not easy. When asked about her challenges in pursuing this passion, Guanzon said she wished she had the financial resources to buy more art materials. “Yun din po yung kulang sa akin, yung mga art materials po para mas mag improve yung skills sa pagdraw at matry din yung ibang style sa pag drawing po.”

(That’s what I’m missing, art materials, so that I could improve my skills in drawing and I could try other styles as well.)

She also hopes that the community and government could provide more support and aid to persons with disabilities.

“Ang tulong na maaaring ibigay ng government sana sa mga ibang PWD ay yung mga pangangailangan po nila lalo na sa kanilang mga disabilities na mayroon sila tulad po ng mga wheelchairs at iba pang maaring makakatulong para mapabuti po yung kanilang kalagayan.”

(The government could help other people by providing them with what they need given their disabilities, like wheelchairs and other equipment that could best improve the quality of their lives.)

When she grows up, Guanzon wishes to become an architect, as she hopes to build a home for her family some day.

She will be representing Negros Occidental in the 2023 Regional Schools Press Conference in June. – Rappler.com

Chloe Canivel is a Rappler volunteer from Ateneo de Manila University. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

In an interview with Rappler, cartoonists Zach and StephB, described the murky situation of editorial cartooning in the Philippines.

For one, editorial cartoons were removed in at least two major print publications in 2022. First, The Philippine Daily Inquirer scrapped editorial cartoons in March. This was followed by The Philippine Star, which also ended the inclusion of editorial cartoons in its op-ed pages in August. 

“Cartoons used to be one of the most anticipated in major publications–Philippine Star, Inquirer. You will notice that the pages in the newspapers are getting thinner and thinner. Because of cost-cutting, because social media is also rising. So one of the first casualties was the cartoon, cartoonists were the first removed,” Zach said in a mix of Filipino and English.

He also pointed out how some publishers avoid controversial cartoons that would pose conflict to some political interests. 

This has pushed cartoonists like Zach and Steph to use the digital platform as a new avenue to promote their work. 

“Akala siguro nila– some newspapers, na hindi ganun ka importante yung cartoons, pero, I think social media proves otherwise, na alam mo na grabe yung engagements, grabe yung reception ng mga tao. (Some newspapers thought that cartoons were not important, but I think social media proves otherwise, because you know, the engagements and the receptions from people were really enormous),” Zach added.

But for Steph, social media as a wider platform also brings its own set of challenges to remain relevant online.“Since ang kakumpitensya mo ngayon is the whole world ‘di ba? Yung hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas…. kailangan medyo iimprove mo lagi ang sarili mo para manotice ang artwork mo. Mas malaki na ngayon ang playing field eh (Since you have a bigger competition worldwide, you need to also improve yourself as a cartoonist so your artwork will stand out from the rest. The playing field has become bigger),” Steph said. 

Regardless of the boost that social media can give to their work, Zach, meanwhile, expressed that editorial cartooning is a profession that must be balanced along with other jobs in order to meet the costs of living. 

“There are no full-time cartoonists in the Philippines. It is always necessary to have a side job. If you are an artist, you are not only a cartoonist, but also a graphic artist, you do the layout too. Because you need to make a living, the challenge is you cannot be a full-time cartoonist,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

“Social media has a huge potential. But of course, artists have to pay their bills so it is necessary to balance with other passions you love,” Zach added.

Call for support

Despite these challenges, cartoonists like Zach and Steph managed to keep the art alive. They mentioned the importance of belonging to an organization such as Pitik Bulag, an artist-collective co-founded by Cartoonist Zach, which aims to provide aspiring cartoonists a platform to showcase their works on sociopolitical issues.

According to them, such organizations serve as a strong foundation of support, encouragement, and motivation necessary for them to accomplish more as cartoonists. 

“I think because I’m part of an organization, I’m able to take part, and also join exhibits, collaborations and such- which on my own, If I’m not a part of a group, perhaps, I will not be able to do,” Steph, who is the only female member in the group, said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Both of them also added that their followers’ simple act of recognizing and sharing their works on social media can make a big difference to further amplify their advocacies and awaken people’s consciousness towards pressing issues.

“Sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng cartoons meron kang abilidad… para isiwalat ano yung mensahe mo, ano yung gusto mo ipahiwatig tungkol sa mga issue na napapanahon. (Through creating cartoons, you have the ability…to reveal your messages, the things you wanted to share on issues that are relevant in our time),” Zach said.

This is especially important, according to Zach, because even if cartoons portray an issue at a certain time, its significance cannot be buried in the past. 

“Marami sa mga martial law or mga lumang cartoons na hanggang ngayon ay super relevant pa rin. (Most old cartoons, and those released from the Martial Law period are still relevant up to this day) And that’s a manifestation of a good cartoon. It’s a timeless concept,” Zach added.

Alongside its timeless value, Steph added that cartoons also create an instant connection among its audience beyond words. 

“I guess the editorial cartoon, for example, I will illustrate without words – if I do it well, someone from Iran or Japan will understand it, anyone who doesn’t speak English or Tagalog, they will understand. That’s how powerful it is,” Steph said in a mix of Filipino and English.

That is why for both of them, editorial cartooning still plays a very important role in journalism and upholding press freedom, especially in today’s online landscape. 

“I know the importance of facts. So before making a cartoon, like I said before, I make sure na I do my research….  Facts help a lot pag gagawa ka ng isang illustration or editorial cartoon,” Steph said, highlighting the importance of facts in creating editorial cartoons and its influence on people’s perception.

They also called for support from Filipinos so they can continue to do the work that they do. 

“In this age of disinformation, many people share false information. I want to make something different because art has the ability to instill awareness in people. It has the ability to mobilize, to arouse people’s political consciousness,” Zach said.– with reports from Angelica Coleto/Rappler.com

Angelica Coleto is a Rappler intern from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa. She is currently a senior taking up a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literary and Cultural Studies. 

But this has not stopped the Philippine government from continuing to keep on trying to bring her home, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“We haven’t really stopped. Ganito (It’s like this), this is the impasse, okay. The impasse is that we continue to ask for a commutation or even a pardon or just an extradition back to the Philippines. And that is constantly there,” Marcos said in an interview in Indonesia on Tuesday, May 9.

Marcos is in Labuan Bajo Indonesia to attend the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

Marcos said that he and the government bring up the matter whenever there is a chance.

“We understand that she is convicted. We understand that the law in Indonesia is that way. But nonetheless, baka makahanap tayo ng paraan. Iuwi na lang namin ‘yan. Kami na magpaparusa sa kanya, whatever.  Basta’t anyway to ask for clemency, to ask for grace when it comes to this,” Marcos said.

(Maybe we can find a way. We can just bring her home, we will be the ones to punish her, whatever. Any way to ask for clemency, to ask for grace when it comes to this)

Must Read

Mary Jane Veloso’s mother appeals to Indonesian gov’t anew to act on case

In a statement, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers chairperson Edre Olalia said while the Philippine government is correct in continuously pushing for her clemency, it was “baffling” that Marcos would even suggest punishing Veloso in Manila. 

“The charge for which she was convicted happened outside the Philippines. And her consistent position is that she was a victim of a frame-up by those who trafficked her and precisely why she is suing her local recruiters here. It does not work that way,” he said. 

Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in September 2022 asked Indonesia to grant Veloso executive clemency when he met Indonesia’s foreign minister Retno Marsudi on the sidelines of Marcos’ state visit to Indonesia.

In 2010, Veloso was arrested in Yogyakarta after unwittingly bringing with her a suitcase packed with over 2.6 kilograms of heroin. (READ: The story of Mary Jane Veloso, in her own words)

Within six months of her arrest, Veloso was sentenced to death. 

She has requested for clemency before but was rejected in 2015. It was that rejection – and the threat of execution – that first turned Mary Jane Veloso into a household name in the Philippines. 

The Philippine government, then led by the late Benigno Aquino III, held last-minute talks – with the late president even breaking protocol – to stop Veloso’s slated execution by firing squad. Aquino himself spoke to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in a bid to save Veloso’s life. 

This was after Mary Jane’s recruiters, Ma. Cristina Sergio and her partner Julius Lacanilao, surrendered to the Philippine police. The two were reported to have links to drug trafficking, illegal recruitment, and fraud. 

In January 2020, Sergio and Lacanilao were found guilty of large-scale illegal recruitment in a case distinct from Mary Jane’s, where three female victims testified that the two also recruited Mary Jane. For illegal recruitment, Sergio and Lacanilao were sentenced to life imprisonment and fined P2 million. They were also charged with human trafficking.

Veloso is currently detained at the Wonosari Women’s Penitentiary in Yogyakarta. – Rappler.com

Taking off from UNESCO’s theme, freedom of expression as a “driver for all other human rights,” these activities aim to highlight the importance of media and free press in the country, and amplify the calls of journalists to uphold press freedom.

Here is a running list of events commemorating the 30th World Press Freedom Day anniversary: 

Fair and art exhibits

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Metro Manila is holding a press freedom fair on May 5 at 6 pm at Quirido Bistro, TUCP Compound, Elliptical Road, Quezon City. With the campaign #NeverWriting30, the fair aims to highlight the courage of journalists to write in the toughest times.

The Foundation for Media Alternatives, a nonprofit organization in the Philippines that promotes the strategic and appropriate use of information and communications technologies, will be opening “Drawing Dissent,” an exhibit on online information disorder.

The exhibit will open on May 3, from 5 pm to 7 pm, at the UP Film Institute Media Center in UP Diliman. This will feature the works of local artists, such as Tarantadong Kalbo, Manix Abrera, Jesie Castro, Kapitan Tambay, and Marian Hukom.

Attendees must register here.

Roundtable discussions

The Asian Center for Journalism, in support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is holding “Meet the Press: A World Press Freedom Day Activity,” from May 2 to 3, at the Leong Hall Auditorium, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City. 

The two-day discussion will feature talks on Intergenerational Conversations on Journalism, Master’s Project Presentations, and Pitik: Forum Series on Visual Journalism.

The event will feature Bloomberg Hong Kong’s Ryan Chua, TV5’s Ed Lingao,  Inquirer’s Krixia Subingsubing, Pumapodcast’s Franco Luna, and freelance journalist Jhesset Enano.

Register here.

The Freedom for Media Freedom for All (FMFA) Network, in partnership with the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication, is inviting everyone to join the “Fight for Truth and Human Rights” forum to discuss the state of press freedom in the Philippines. 

The forum will happen on Wednesday, May 3, from 1 to 3 pm, at the UP College of Mass Communication Auditorium, Diliman, Quezon City. This will also be broadcast online via Zoom, @DZUP1602am’s Youtube, and FMFA’s social media channels. 

Zoom participants may register here.

The UP College of Mass Communication (CMC), in collaboration with Freedom for Media Freedom for All Network, is inviting everyone to join their roundtable discussion titled “Fight for Truth and Human Rights.”

The event will be held at the UP CMC Auditorium in Diliman on May 3, from 1 pm to 3 pm. This will also be available online via Zoom and will be broadcast on DZUP1602am’s Youtube.

Register here to join the Zoom session.

After the discussion, the college will also be opening the Dean Luis V. Teodoro Nook and Exhibit, and the Media Freedom Wall at the CMC library and CMC grounds, respectively.

The PUP College of Communication joins the celebration of WPFD with an online roundtable discussion on May 3 at 2 pm. 

Titled “Breaking Barriers: Journalists as Catalysts of Freedom of Expression,” the discussion will be done on Zoom with a live broadcast on the Facebook pages of the PUP College of Communication, Southeast Asian Media Studies Association, PUP Journalism Guild, and The Communicator.

Register here to join the online discussion.

Meanwhile, the PUP College of Communication Student Council is inviting students from PUP to join its forum titled, “RED ALERT: Dangers of Red-tagging and Union-busting to Press Freedom” on May 8 at 1 pm at the PUP College of Communication Audio Visual Room.

Register here to join.

The University of the Philippines’ Department of Journalism,  the University of Santo Tomas, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines is  inviting faculty and students to attend the Philippine Journalism Research Conference 2023 with the theme, “Journalism and Generation Truth.” 

This will happen on May 5, from 9 am to 5 pm, at the College of Mass Communication in UP Diliman, and will feature various speakers in the journalism field – all alumni of UP CMC and recipients of the Canadian embassy’s Marshall McLuhan fellowships: Joseph Morong of GMA News, Karmina Constantino of ABS-CBN, and Miriam Grace Go of Rappler.    

There will also be four parallel sessions for academic research, investigative journalism, special projects, and photo essays. The best research papers and journalistic output will be awarded respectively. 

Kindly register here for free: https://bit.ly/PJRC2023_RegistrationForm

Participants can either attend at the UP CMC Film Studio, Quezon City or join via Zoom or Facebook livestream.

Do you know of any events or activities organized in celebration of World Press Freedom Day? Send them to move.ph@rappler.com. – Glenn Jr. Ferrariz/Rappler.com

Glenn Jr. Ferrariz is a Rappler volunteer from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He’s in his fourth year of taking up Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

According to SINAGBAYAN spokesperson and Indi Na Maliwat’s production manager Faye Aldefolio, justice has yet to be served to the families of the victims, and farmers are still being harassed and exploited. She highlighted that farmers should not be perceived as enemies of the state especially since they have always been the backbone of our economy. 

The play was first launched on September 19, but SINAGBAYAN has steadily commemorated the Escalante massacre to help combat efforts in undermining dissent and attempts to revise the narratives among the plight of farmers. 

As part of the protest, she emphasized other similar events that happened in Negros, as well as relevant commemorations in November such as the Hacienda Luisita massacre and Ampatuan massacre which all involved civilians and farmers. 

“Kapag Pilipino ka at kumakain ka, kailangan mo suportahan yung mga magsasaka. Kahit anong administrasyon pa ‘yan, napaka evident ng massacre among farmers. May Hacienda Luisita Massacre, may Escalante Massacre, may Negros 14, may Sagay 9, especially sa Negros. Napakaraming massacre na nangyayari against farmers,” Aldefolio said.

(If you are a Filipino who eats, you have to support farmers. No matter what administration it is, the massacre among farmers is very evident. There is the Hacienda Luisita Massacre, there is the Escalante Massacre, there are Negros 14, there are Sagay 9, especially in Negros. There are so many massacres happening against farmers.)

Through this platform, they hope to donate proceeds to Defend Negros Network, an organization that calls for real land reform and acknowledges human rights violations in Negros Occidental. 

By tying the production to its home community, ensemble cast member Jules Azaula hopes that these experiences become more tangible to the audience by allowing them to learn, feel, and empathize with the Negrosanon people.

Art as dissent

The play follows the story of the Escalante Massacre, which happened just a day after the 13th Martial Law anniversary on September 20, 1985, in Escalante, Negros Occidental. The incident occurred after paramilitary forces gunned down at least 20 and wounded at least 30 civilians, including students, community leaders, farmers, and fisherfolk in a protest rally demanding for fair wages, work benefits, and genuine land reform in the province. 

With these issues still being relevant to the present situation of human rights in the agricultural sector, SINAGBAYAN highlighted how art can be utilized as a platform to expose the injustices happening in the country. 

But as a group dedicated to mobilizing and organizing the masses through artistic expression, they are hardly strangers to government suppression. 

“Hindi na maisagawa yung Escalante massacre commemoration at reenactment sa Negros Occidental. Hinuhuli yung mga cultural workers, yung mga artista ng bayan na gustong mag-reenact at sumama,” Aldefolio lamented. 

(The Escalante massacre commemoration and reenactment can no longer be held in Negros Occidental. Cultural workers and local artists who want to participate are being arrested.)

Bringing it to Manila and around the country not only cultivates awareness among those unfamiliar with the massacre and its relevance today, but also keeps these stories alive. According to Azaula, the act of truth-telling becomes visceral when it is done through his craft. 

Aldefolio echoes the sentiment of involving oneself in other local agricultural advocacies, whether that be through an art form like acting, joining protests, or simply educating oneself and others of the situation.

“Kailangan nating sumigaw at umiyaw para sa katarungan. Walang ibang gagawa nun kung hindi ikaw at tayong lahat,” she asserted.

(We need to shout and scream for justice. No one else will do that but you and all of us.)

“I-kwento [natin] yung naging kwento ng mga characters. Kung hindi ito hango sa totoong tao, hango sa kolektibo ng mga kwento mula sa mga interview ng mga nakaligtas ng Escalante massacre,” Azaula added. 

(Tell people about these characters and their narratives. Even if they don’t mirror specific individuals, these narratives are still based on a collection of interviews and accounts from those that survived the Escalante massacre.)

The play Indi na Maliwat: Alaala ng Escalante is scheduled for two reruns on November 27 at the 3rd floor of Alcantara Hall, Student Union Building in UP Diliman, Quezon City at 3 PM and 6 PM. Check out more updates on SINAGBAYAN’s Facebook page.—with reports from Gaile Patanñe and Marypaul Jostol/Rappler.com

The growing abundance of places to obtain information is putting credible news at risk. This is exacerbated by efforts to debilitate press freedom and everyone who stands for it. At this rate, the pressure for journalists to retain their place in a democracy will only intensify. 

Today’s public sphere has seen the rise of influencers, propagandists, trolls, and the like who actively partake in spreading disinformation online. Many rely on the internet as source of information, and it may be a matter of time before people are unable to distinguish what’s credible or false. 

Journalists, along with activists and fact checkers, will not concede to this trend. Amid personal attacks and ongoing threats to press freedom is a need to uphold their commitment to the truth and right to criticize. But how can they work against people’s waning trust in the news? How can others show their support for members of the press and protect their own right to trustworthy sources? How does fact-checking improve the way we consume information? 

To answer these questions and more, join us in our fact-checking webinar titled, “How can we #HoldTheLine in the post-truth era?” It is happening on Friday, December 2, at 4 pm, spearheaded by MovePH, Rappler’s civic engagement arm. 

This is part of MovePH’s series of fact-checking webinars, which aims at teaching participants about the current online landscape, how to spot and combat disinformation online, and about initiatives to help spread facts.

The program will feature the following speakers:

• Gemma Mendoza – Rappler head of digital services
• Loreben Tuquero – Rappler researcher-writer
• Ailla dela Cruz – Rappler researcher-writer

This webinar is co-presented by Amateur Media Association of Philippine Scouts, AUF College of Arts and Sciences – Lighthouse, Batangas Eastern Colleges, FEU IAS – Department of Communication, Kasingkasing Press, Limitless Lab, Rotary Club of Malolos Congreso, and The Kingfisher SLSU.

The show will happen on Zoom. Only limited slots are available.

Interested participants may register here.

Registration is open until Thursday, December 1, at 5 pm. If you signed up past the deadline or have any questions about the event, you may send an email to move.ph@rappler.com. Registered participants will receive a confirmation email from MovePH on or before December 1. – with reports from Marypaul Jostol/Rappler.com

Disinformation and internet propaganda are growing more prevalent in the Philippine landscape than ever before. At present, both are working hand in hand to revise historical accounts. It now seems enormous an issue to tackle following this year’s elections, but information advocates are nonetheless pushing citizens to continue challenging disinformation individually and as a community.

This was the topic of conversation during the episode of MovePH’s ‘#CourageON: What the FACT? The primacy of truth over personal opinions’ on Friday, October 21. 

Information advocates asserted that the primacy of truth is being undermined. With disinformation becoming more rampant, seemingly menial tasks like fact-checking a piece of information before sharing it with others can already go a long way.

“Spreading unverified information, especially exaggerated claims, [causes] unnecessary panic that can harm lives,” Rappler digital forensics researcher Pauline Macaraeg said. 

Opinions may also be based on unverified information, making some of them equally detrimental to society at large. Macaraeg furthered that while opinions are harder to fact-check, it is doable as long as they bear details that can be cross-checked with factual evidence. 

Disinformation today has propelled many pressing matters, one of them being historical distortion. The altering of past narratives to serve a particular person or regime and its interests is hardly a new phenomenon in the local setting, but it is not to say that citizens shouldn’t be wary of its presence.

Ateneo de Manila University assistant professor and Tanggol Kasaysayan member Mike Pante shared how even the most ludicrous, unsupported claims from dubious sources can gain traction if fact-checking isn’t conducted thoroughly or early enough. 

“Misinformation and disinformation architecture is quite complex and it’s able to twist certain things that many of us, especially in the academe, [know] are completely untrue,” Pante added. 

And these things don’t end in social media. What happens on the internet can—and has—spilled over onto real life. In fact, disrupting reality with their efforts is what keeps disinformation architects going. 

Harsh realities

Macaraeg presented the Marcos gold myth to demonstrate where disinformation and historical distortion meet and its effects on the social landscape. The myth, which surmises that the Marcos family own enough gold to save the world from poverty, was planted in 2011 and grew exponentially over the years despite no factual evidence. 

“Those who are spreading this false claim are saying that the gold is for the Filipino people, but the catch is that it will only be distributed once they are united and Marcos’ New Society Movement is reestablished,” Macaraeg elaborated. 

For years the myth was shrugged off as a conspiracy and left unaddressed. Unfortunately, it was slowly amplified by fringe groups, legacy groups and pages, Marcos-Duterte fake history groups, and supporters until such time that it became a public concern. 

“Initially, we thought, ‘do we still need to address this? Is it not clear enough that what they are saying is wrong?’ Apparently not…that led to the perception of reality now being taken as the reality by many important stakeholders,” Pante said in a mix of Filipino and English. 

According to Pante, disinformation like this continues to thrive because it receives validation—not from reputable sources, but the rather dubious ones who are inclined to agree and disseminate them. When the reach is wide enough, it starts to impact public perception. 

“Many of these falsehoods come from social media. They use that to their advantage by claiming that this is the voice of the masses—what these people are saying on YouTube, in TikTok—even if they are not verified by legitimate sources,” he added.

How can we combat historical distortion?

As seen through the Marcos gold myth and other similar claims like the “golden age,” historical distortion entails meticulous planning and constitutes several years of action, a myriad of resources, and a great deal of power. Reversing its effects surely isn’t just one man’s job, nor something that can be done overnight. But it can be combatted through proactive steps.

“Report abuse and dubious claims. Beware of attempts to manipulate. Cross-check details such as names, dates, and incidents, addresses and locations…photos, videos, and the like. Help spread awareness and challenge disinformation at source,” Macaraeg said. 

Moreover, Pante proposed the idea of organized resistance in 2 ways: through bettering informal education, and engaging with others on public and personal levels.

“Education is not limited to what we learn inside the classrooms, in our textbooks, or what a teacher tells us. Take advantage of informal education, such as movies, social media, and more,” Pante said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Public engagement simply means supporting fact-checking efforts and organizations that revolve around similar advocacies. As for personal engagement, he emphasized how small impacts can come a long way through simple discourse with family members and others of close proximity. 

“We need to maximize all the weapons in our arsenal…because we can never fight organized crime individually. We can never defeat it on our own. Organized crime, such as disinformation, has to be combatted using organized resistance,” he added. 

The #CourageON show was organized by MovePH and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, in partnership with Senior High School – Leadership Development Program, the Arrupe Office for Social Formation, and the Ignatian Spirituality Formation Office of Ateneo de Davao University. – Rappler.com

Marypaul Jostol is a Rappler intern for MovePH. She is a Communication Arts major at De La Salle University.