Focus on the Global South Philippines Programme is in need of a MEDIA
COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH ASSOCIATE to join a team working
on various thematic programmes – deglobalization and trade, the commons, alter-
natives, peace and security and climate justice.
Focus on the Global South-Philippines joins the Right to Know. Right Now! Campaign for the immediate passage of the Freedom of Information Act!
To download FOI Highlights click here
To downloal FOI Bicameral Bill click here
Focus condemns the impunity of the Ampatuan Massacre, and joins the nation's call for justice.
Announcement
Navigating Critical Waters: The Maude Barlow Water and Climate Justice Speaker Tour.
Focus on the Global South Philippines Programme.
Deconstructing Discourse and Activist Retooling Programme.
Focus on the Philippines this month includes analysis and reflections on the recently concluded climate talks in Copenhagen. Walden Bello shares his reflections on the COP 15 in his piece ‘The Prince of Denmark.’ Mary lou Malig and Cecilia Olivet’s interview with Filipina Activist Amparo Miciano, a participant of the TRADE to CLIMATE CARAVAN, is also reproduced here. The issue also carries political and electoral updates from Men Sta. Ana of Action for Economic Reforms and the Right to Know! Right Now! Freedom of Information Act Campaign.
We are also pleased to share with you the release of the FOCUS ON THE PHILIPPINES 2009 YEARBOOK. The 320-page publication covers key issues and events in the Philippines. The book was first shared with Focus friends and partners during our 15th Year Anniversary Celebration last January 20, 2010.
FOP’s last issue for 2009 covers the intertwined issues of elections, political violence and clan politics. While most of the articles found here discuss the shocking massacre that took place in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, Focus on the Philippines insists that this horrible atrocity can only be understood in relation to the many contradictions that beset Philippine politics and its dysfunctional democracy.
Here, Carmina Flores-Obanil shares with us her first FOP piece. Reflecting on what she calls ‘pedigree politics,’ she probes Noynoy Aquino’s candidacy against the backdrop of the many socio-political ills exemplified by the Ampatuan massacre. In ‘Clan Wars’, I also discuss the Ampatuan massacre as a manifestation of the ‘anarchy of families’ in the Philippines, which I consider a key factor that continues to warp our institutions and an important challenge for those struggling to deepen democracy in the Philippines. Walden Bello’s commentary, The Blood of Martyrs, is also included in this issue, along with think pieces from our friends Pancho Lara, Eric Gutierrez, Ramon Casiple, and Randy David. Mary Ann Manahan also gathered important statistics on Maguindanao for the socio-econ monitor.
FOP condemns the Ampatuan atrocity and joins the call for justice. With this issue, we offer our small contribution to the struggle for justice and peace; the quest for meaningful, participatory democracy; and thorough going, systemic political transformation.
2010 is just around the corner. May the coming year bring us less of the ‘same-old’ and ‘business as usual; and provide us with renewed energy and significant spaces to push on through.
FOP shares with you more articles that seek to contribute to climate justice debates. In the run up to Copenhagen, Joseph Purugganan writes about his recent interview with Ms. Ditas Muller, the country’s foremost expert on climate negotiations. Also in this issue, Walden Bello relates climate issues with the DOHA round, in his piece ‘Derail Doha, Save the Climate.’
This issue also includes summaries of two papers by Larry Lohmann of Corner House. Focus Philippines’ Deconstructing Discourse and Activist Retooling Program (DDARP) brings Larry Lohmann to the Philippines for a 3-week speaker tour in November and December 2009. For more information, contact
THIS month’s FOP builds on last month’s climate justice issue, looking at it in relation to recent disasters that have hit the country. This issue includes the second part of Herbert Docena’s special report on the Clean Development Mechanism, as well as commentaries from Prof. Randy David and Kenneth Cardenas written in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy.
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