In 2024, the country marked the 30th anniversary of the Philippine internet. First accessed in 1984, the internet has opened a wealth of opportunities for Filipinos to connect, learn, and access information. But three decades since, it has also shown how technology can deepen existing socio-political crises, especially in the Read more…
In the past, overseas Filipinos can vote by going to the Philippine Embassy or consulate to cast their votes, or through mail. It was observed however that voter turn-out is way below the number of registered overseas Filipino voters. Overseas Filipinos often face logistical difficulties when voting, arising from the Read more…
On April 23, the Foundation for Media Alternatives launched the 10-Point Digital Rights Electoral Agenda, bringing together digital rights experts, journalists, and human rights advocates whose insights produced a rich conversation that emphasized the shared responsibility of both aspiring policymakers and the electorate in protecting our digital freedoms. With the Read more…
Like it or not, closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) have become a ubiquitous presence in modern cities. As CCTVs record daily public activity, they help monitor crimes and illegal activities, providing a sense of security among citizens. But as much as it can reassure a community’s safety, it can also put them Read more…
To say that the Philippine Internet has changed over the past decade is an understatement. The Internet has opened up various opportunities for Filipinos to communicate and learn. But the past few years have been challenging with how hate and prejudice ran rampant online, rendering the Internet a perilous place Read more…
Last August 2024, I attended the Asia-Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum in person for the second time. The first time was in 2017, merely a year after I started working on digital rights. The biggest difference is that this year, I went to APrIGF not just as a participant but Read more…
It is a privilege for LGBTQIA+ kids to have accepting parents considering the reality mentioned earlier. It is a dream for every unaccepted queers to be shielded by parental acceptance against societal demarcation. To aspiring parents or to those who already have an LGBTQIA+ kid, you can still actualize such Read more…
Being a predominantly religious country, the Philippines still has a long way to go before it can truly claim to be a gay-friendly country. Many Filipinos continue to believe that queers are either a sin or a sickness that requires assistance in transforming themselves to heterosexuality. Parents are one of Read more…
The household should be a safe space, where people can be comfortable being their truest selves. In the case of most of the LGBTQIA+ community, it is just like any other spaces in which they conceal their identity to protect themselves against their homophobic parents. They already receive so much Read more…
Universal Health Care (UHC), also known as Kahimsogan Para Ha Ngatanan in Waray-Waray, is a phrase that has yet to achieve full sincerity in the Philippines. With PhilHealth members covering at least 60% of their medical expenses out of pocket and an increasing number of women facing unmet needs for Read more…