Some immediate past events in Philippine history need to be retold, never mind if there are flaws, if only to make us remember. How can one forget those momentous times when history unraveled which began with the return of former senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. at the Manila international airport […]
Poe OKs recommendation of filing of charges against former President Benigno Aquino III. Yes , you read it right. Senator Grace Poe welcomes the decision of the Ombudsman in recommending the filinng of charges against former President Benigno Aquino III and other identified keyplayers of the Mamasapano massacre of SAF44. […]
On Wednesday, Malacanang confirmed approval of the initial release of P1,000 pension hike for Social Security System beneficiaries.The palace nod signals the fund administrator can release the promised P1,000 hike beginning Mach 2017 and retroactive covering from the month of January this year. According to the SSS, the schedule of […]
The call of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez’s to review all permits and operations of coal-fired power plants in the country gets a loud support from the environmental advocacy group Greenpeace Philippines. The organization’s energy campaigner Reuben Muni also challenged DENR to take the initiative further […]
Free at last! That could be one of the first liners former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo may have said after the Supreme Court of the Philippines (SCOTP) dismissed the case that stemmed from the alleged misuse of the P366-million confidential intelligence fund of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) during […]
Watch here the live stream feed of the 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration direct from the Rizal Monument at the Rizal Park, near Roxas Boulevard, Manila. MANILA – President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed hope on Sunday that the Filipino people would continue to protect and defend democracy even beyond […]
Will Roxas or Poe cancel candidacy to forge a coalition win? Is there a last minute looming coalition between presidential candidates, former front runner Grace Poe of independent Partido Galing at Puso and Mar Roxas of the ruling Liberal Party? Who will offer self as sacrtifice? Will one of the […]
In his latest sortie of the Bicol region this week, the President of the Philippines (POTP) went on a whirlwind visits and inauguration of finished government projects just in time for the last minute push for the administration’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The POTP also visited the municipality of Calabanga […]
In so many words, this is what Malacanang can say after the heinous beheading of hostage, a Canadian natonal, selected from among many others, by the Abu Sayyaf. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Canadian national John Ridsdel who had been held captive and confirmed killed […]
The presidential sister Kris Aquino went on leave on her ABS-CBN morning show to campaign for her brother’s, President Beningo S. Aquino III, anointed presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Many of her fans applauded her intention. A twist on that admiration suddenly changed course when the municipality of Dalaguete (Cebu) posted […]
Malacanang has formed a task force to advance the country’s national interests in the disputed West Philippine Sea which will be under the chairmanship of National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia Jr. The task force will handle planning and synchronizing the employment of the different national government agencies’ capabilities to achieve […]
President Benigno S. Aquino III signed EO No. 203 on March 22 directing the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) to conduct compensation studies, develop and recommend to the President of the Philippines (POTP) a competitive compensation and remuneration system. which shall attract and retain talent at […]
This is, again, more of being a clueless President of the Philippines (POTP). President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday said the Supreme Court of the Philippines, which has allowed Senator Grace Poe to run in the presidential elections in May, should clarify the rules on citizenship. “Sana iyong ating […]
Malacanang was trying to defend the campaign sorty of President Benigno S. Aquino III with Liberal Party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates. President Benigno S. Aquino III believes campaigning for Daang Matuwid Coalition candidates is his duty to the Filipino people, a Malacanang official said on Sunday. “President Aquino is actively […]
President Aquino leaves for US-ASEAN summit in California. President Benigno S. Aquino III has vowed to further solidify the Philippines’ stand for the peace process during his attendance in the two-day ASEAN-US Leaders’ Summit in the United States this week. The Summit, to be held in Sunnylands, California, aims to […]
Maybe it was the right but unpopular decision for Malacananng not granting the raise in pension of SSS members so the troubled agency can stay afloat. But what is more disheartening to know is that the people at the helm of the agency are doing a different stroke. Many thanks […]
One year after the infamous massacre of the elements of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force in the killing fields of Mamasapano in Maguindanao by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Malacanang has found some sense in granting the fallen heroes a token medal. The […]
Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III has planted a kiss of death on the presidential candidacy of Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas and his vice-presidential teammate Camarines Sur 3rd district representative Leni Robredo. This is the message that reverberates on the social media by concerned netizens after the president […]
These are the New year tweets of national candidates for the New Year 2016. Senator Grace Poe, still her thougths about her candidacy: Happy New Year! Thank you for helping us reach 1M likes on FB https://t.co/ToED0jpLfn RT #POE2016 pic.twitter.com/E4xm1HeUyl — GRACE POE (@SenGracePOE) December 31, 2015 At last, vice-president […]
We checked the tweets of Pinoy politicians for their thought(s) and wish(es) during the Christmas 2015 season. Here are some of them: President Beningo S. Aquino, III: Isang maligayang Pasko po sa ating lahat. https://t.co/r5Rwg7q0eY — Noynoy Aquino (@noynoyaquino) December 24, 2015 Senator Gregorio Honasan: Ang tanging hangad ko para […]
After his presidency, P-Noy wants to be remembered as ‘bringer of hope,’ not of the difficulties brought about by natural and man-caused calamities as Typhoons Pablo and Sendong, Supertyphoon Yolanda, Zamboanga siege, Bohol earthquake, Manila hostage incident and the SAF44 Mamasapano massacre. Less than a year before he steps off […]
The three-state (France, Italy and Vatican) European trip of President Benigno S. Aquino is over, with his arrival Saturday at the terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Official Malacanang news report considered the presidential junket a successful trip. While in Paris, Aquino met with business leaders. He also […]
Video: PH need to institutionalize climate change struggle — Ambassador Lazaro PARIS, France, Nov. 30 — President Aquino was able to put in place the principles and regulations addressing climate change in the country and the next leader should strengthen those guidelines, the country’s ambassador to France said during an […]
Departure ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for President Benigno S.Aquino, III. The President’s first stop will be Paris, where he will attend the 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21) for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) scheduled on November 30 to December 11 in Le […]
Palace release more new appointments for various government posts. President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed new officials to various government positions that included new administrators of the National Food Authority (NFA) and National Tobacco Administration (NTA). New appointees include Zenen Renan Dalisay as NFA Council member and administrator, and […]
Malacanang appoints new Associate Justices for Court of Appeals Malacanang on Friday released several appointment papers for various positions in the Judiciary. President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Gabriel Robeniol and Geraldine Fiel-Macaraig as Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals. Robeniol took over Isaias Dicdican while Fiel-Macaraig replaced […]
Malacanang on Thursday said President Benigno S. Aquino III will attend the 21st Conference of the Parties for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on Nov. 30. The working visit will enable Aquino to further expand Philippine bilateral ties and cooperation with the Holy See, France, and […]
Watch here as President Benigno S. Aquino delivers arrival speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport relate activities during the 2-day summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and related summits with dialogue partners. On this second part, President Aquino conducts an informal coffee briefing […]
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 22 (PNA/Kyodo/Xinhua) — Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced here Sunday at the 27th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) the establishment of ASEAN Community on Dec. 31, 2015. Leaders from 10 Southeast Asian countries on Sunday formally declared the establishment of a single […]
P-Noy extend sympathy to families of Malaysian beheaded in Sulu President Benigno Aquino III expressed his deepest regret and sympathy over the beheading of a Malaysian national in Jolo, Sulu last November 17. In reaction to the opening address of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak during the 27th Association of […]
After the APEC summit, President Benigno S. Aquino, III is off to Malaysia for the 27th ASEAN leaders meeting which begins Saturday in Kuala Lumpur. In his departure speech Friday, Aquino said he will bid farewell to his fellow leaders in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as […]
Watch President Aquino mumble words, jumble names of APEC leaders. Need no words to spin the story in here. Just watch the video and check it out. I was wondering how President Aquino mis-pronounced names of his APEC co-leaders for all to hear and see. He has more than enough […]
The Philippines and Japan on Thursday night signed bilateral agreements on social security and rail project while increasing defense partnership following the Paris attacks that killed 129 people. The agreements were signed after the bilateral meetings between Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the […]
P-Noy sees greater prosperity in Philippine-Mexican ties Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III said a broader cooperation between the country and Mexico could lead to greater prosperity. “It is about time for us to expand our ties beyond the realm of history,” Aquino said of recognizing the enduring friendship of […]
Pres. Aquino shows pomp and extravagance in APEC welcome dinner What was once an indoor arena typically used in sporting events was transformed into a lush green wonderland on Wednesday night for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Welcome Dinner hosted by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III. The welcome dinner, […]
President Benigno Aquino III convened the Cabinet security cluster, in the wake of terror attacks in Paris, to ensure that all preparations and contingencies are in place for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit slated Nov. 17-20 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). ”Yes, the President convened the […]
On Monday the ‘formal’ state visit of Chile President Michelle Bachelet begins even as she arrived and was met at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Vice-President Jejomar Binay on Sunday afternoon. Also part of the official welcoming party were Philippine Ambassador to Chile Consuelo Puyat Reyes, Social Welfare and […]
President Aquino is a skipper, really! Now we can say it again. President Benigno S. Aquino, III is a skipper, really! The latest event the Philippine head of state snubbed and skipped was the second year commemoration of the super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ anniversary of survivors, more particularly in Tacloban City. […]
Malacañang on Saturday said it is upset over the so-called ‘tanim-bala’ or bullet-planting scam happening inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals recently and this concern has already reached President Benigno S. Aquino III. Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said both President Aquino and Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph […]
In a small gathering, my home buddies were discussing the frenzy in politics hereabout. And one of the topic was Camarines Sur 3rd district representative Atty. Leni Robredo. It is common knowledge that the good congresswoman has no plan to run for a higher elective post, for the moment, other […]
President Benigno S. Aquino III issued a directive for all heads of national government agencies and government-owned or controlled corporations to extend full assistance in the transition of Negros Island Region (NIR). The Memorandum Circular No. 81, was signed by Executive Paquito Ochoa Jr. on August 6. Earlier on May […]
Sharing here the sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City. The sixth time President Aquino will report to the people his achievements and some more plans, if any, will be the heart of his speech […]
MANILA, June 4 — The Philippines is cautiously studying whether or not to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) amid the country’s huge need for more infrastructure, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday. “The Philippines, like any other country, has tremendous infrastructure needs,” the President said during […]
Which of the two groups can’t have enough of former Presidentt Cory Aquino nostalgia? The Filipino people in general, or the present government officials simply sucking it through the current Aquino administration? Just as it was noted that a boulevard in Camarines Norte will get its name after the Cory, […]
How long can one hold off the urge of checking the cellphone? The gadget has emerged from being a luxury just to own one during its first appearance in the 1990’s to a complete necessity in daily living in the wired world now. No doubt there is no reversal of […]
MANILA, May 1 — President Aquino tasks De Lima to fast tract proof of Mary Jane Veloso’s innocence. Yes, President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to fast-track the legal process that may prove overseas worker Mary Jane Veloso is innocent of drug trafficking and […]
MANILA, April 29 — OFW Mary Jane Veloso was spared from execution following last minute phone conversation between President Benigno S. Aquino III and Indonesian leader Jokowi Widodo, reports said. The Indonesian government has granted reprieve to Filipino drug convict, who was among the nine prisoners earlier scheduled for execution […]
MANILA, April 26 — President Benigno S. Aquino III will be busy together with other leaders in the gathering in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday for the 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit. Along with the official Philippine delegation, the president is due to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday […]
MANILA, April 9 — The first quarter of 2015 was over, or three months have passed, and President Benigno S. Aquino III has to issue a directive for all heads of departments and agencies to undertake measures and ensure prompt execution of their budgets for fiscal year 2015 so programs […]
MANILA, April 2 — Typhoon Chedeng (international name Mayzak) has already entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the third tropical cyclone to affect the country this year, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). PAGASA weather forecaster Jori Loiz Ignacio said as of 6 a.m. the […]
MANILA, April 2 — A case of government and its agencies singing out of tune. This as President Benigno S. Aquino III vows to implement the law on the use of license plates, advising car dealers and owners to release and attach the plates to vehicles to avoid being apprehended. […]
For the past 100 years, the virtually untouched gravel and muddy Siruma-Tinambac secondary national road on rainy season here, now get the full attention of the national government after a strong representation by 4rth district Congressman Felix William “Wimpy’ Fuentebella, backed by Gov. Miguel Luiz ” Migz” Villafuerte, for concreting.
MANILA, March 27 — Some 5,000 women from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces availed of the sari-sari store training and access to resources program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. The event was held at the SM Mall of Asia, which coincided with the end of the celebration […]
TIAONG, Quezon, March 24 — The briefing on the P13.1-billion Southern Luzon Expressway-Toll Road 4 (SLEX-TR4) extension project was held here with President Benigno S. Aquino, III in attendance. The 58-kilometer project will link Sto. Tomas, Batangas all the way to Lucena, Quezon. The four-lane project, which was mandated under […]
NAGA CITY, March 21 — Seen lately on nationwide television was the diminutive superstar Nora Aunor herself marching hand in hand with a crowd of like minded people. Later the Bicolana who used to be from Iriga city, delivered her address. She calls for President Benigno S. Aquino III to […]
MANILA, March 18 – There is strong prospect that no additional power for President Benigno S.Aquino is in the offing to address the expected power shortage during the summer. The panel chairman of the House of Representatives committee on energy and Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali expressed he had done […]
Executive Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations in the PNP-BOI Report on the Mamasapano incident MANILA, March 15 — Following are the complete texts of the Executive Summary, Conclusions, and Recomendations contained in the Philippine National Police – Board of Inquiry report on the Jan. 25 2015 Mamasapano incident: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On […]
MANILA, March 4 – Senator Grace Poe is still waiting for Smart Communications to contact her office regarding the Senate’s subpoena to produce records of short message services (SMS) between PNP chief Alan Purisima and other key persons involved in the Mamasapano debacle of the PNP SAF. ”We want to […]
MANILA, Feb. 23 – Resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima disclosed on Monday the exchange of text messages between him and President Benigno S. Aquino III during the Mamasapano incident on Jan. 25. At the resumption of the Senate inquiry into the bloody Mamasapano encounter that left 44 […]
MANILA, Feb. 22 – The Senate might compel resigned Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima to disclose his conversation with President Benigno Aquino III and other officials regarding ‘Oplan Exodus’ when he appears in the Senate hearing on Monday. This was disclosed by Senator Grace Poe on Sunday during a […]
MANILA, Feb. 22 – President Aquino will spearhead the 28th anniversary celebration of the EDSA People’s Power Revolution on Wednesday. But Malacanang has clarified that February 25 is a regular working day. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said February 25 has been declared working holiday based on the Proclamation No. […]
MANILA, Feb. 20 – Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday said the disclosures of resigned Philippine National Police chief Allan Purisima during the Senate executive session on the Mamasapano incident may even favor President Benigno S. Aquino III. The view came in the heels with Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. saying […]
MANILA, Feb. 19 — Manila-Sorsogon multi-billion peso mega commuter rail system up and running by 2019. Sounds promising this “new” project if pursued by the government to completion. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board, chaired by President S. Aquino III, approved late Monday several mega-projects which include the […]
More song, slides tribute to the Fallen44 of Mamasapano killing fields Can’t get enough tributes? Here’s more gathered more tributes for the Fallen44, here highlighting one made for the PNP and by a private individual. Good enough the Fallen44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force that saw action in the […]
Best tribute ever to the Fallen44 of Mamasapano killing fields Perhaps, this is one of the best tribute ever for the Fallen44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force that saw action in the cornfields of Mamasapano, Maguindanao province. On the fateful day of January 25th, operating on “Oplan Wolvrine” hundreds […]
In so many words, this is what Malacanang can say after the heinous beheading of hostage, a Canadian natonal, selected from among many others, by the Abu Sayyaf. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Canadian national John Ridsdel who had been held captive and confirmed killed […]
These are the New year tweets of national candidates for the New Year 2016. Senator Grace Poe, still her thougths about her candidacy: Happy New Year! Thank you for helping us reach 1M likes on FB https://t.co/ToED0jpLfn RT #POE2016 pic.twitter.com/E4xm1HeUyl — GRACE POE (@SenGracePOE) December 31, 2015 At last, vice-president […]
MANILA, Dec. 23 — President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to sign on Tuesday the P2.606-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2015, Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said. On Tuesday “….. the President will sign the General Appropriations Act for 2015, which stands as a testament to the lengthy reviews […]
Sharing here the sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City. The sixth time President Aquino will report to the people his achievements and some more plans, if any, will be the heart of his speech […]
The advocacy organization Social Watch Philippines alleges that the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which President Benigno S. Aquino III will sign before the end of the year, is very much loaded with pork barrel funds. The budget watchdog said in a report that vulnerabilities in the 2015 national budget […]
P-Noy extend sympathy to families of Malaysian beheaded in Sulu President Benigno Aquino III expressed his deepest regret and sympathy over the beheading of a Malaysian national in Jolo, Sulu last November 17. In reaction to the opening address of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak during the 27th Association of […]
How can the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines claim that it respects human rights when human rights defenders themselves are being the target of attack? How can there be claims of “change” when the lives of the majority remain the same, and even getting worse, and those who defend the rights of the poor and the oppressed are still being treated as “enemies of the state”?
Internal Revenue collection for October 2014 hits P101.8 billion. The Bureau of Internal Revenue has collected P101.8 billion for the month of October 2014. The tax revenue collected is 6.5% or P6.2 billion more than in October of 2013. Government spends P11.6-M for P-Noy’s Singapore trip. The government is set […]
For the past 100 years, the virtually untouched gravel and muddy Siruma-Tinambac secondary national road on rainy season here, now get the full attention of the national government after a strong representation by 4rth district Congressman Felix William “Wimpy’ Fuentebella, backed by Gov. Miguel Luiz ” Migz” Villafuerte, for concreting.
Malacanang on Thursday said President Benigno S. Aquino III will attend the 21st Conference of the Parties for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on Nov. 30. The working visit will enable Aquino to further expand Philippine bilateral ties and cooperation with the Holy See, France, and […]
MANILA, March 4 – Senator Grace Poe is still waiting for Smart Communications to contact her office regarding the Senate’s subpoena to produce records of short message services (SMS) between PNP chief Alan Purisima and other key persons involved in the Mamasapano debacle of the PNP SAF. ”We want to […]
President Benigno S. Aquino III signed EO No. 203 on March 22 directing the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) to conduct compensation studies, develop and recommend to the President of the Philippines (POTP) a competitive compensation and remuneration system. which shall attract and retain talent at […]
MANILA, April 26 — President Benigno S. Aquino III will be busy together with other leaders in the gathering in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday for the 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit. Along with the official Philippine delegation, the president is due to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday […]
Malacanang has formed a task force to advance the country’s national interests in the disputed West Philippine Sea which will be under the chairmanship of National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia Jr. The task force will handle planning and synchronizing the employment of the different national government agencies’ capabilities to achieve […]
Malacanang appoints new Associate Justices for Court of Appeals Malacanang on Friday released several appointment papers for various positions in the Judiciary. President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Gabriel Robeniol and Geraldine Fiel-Macaraig as Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals. Robeniol took over Isaias Dicdican while Fiel-Macaraig replaced […]
MANILA, March 4 – Senator Grace Poe is still waiting for Smart Communications to contact her office regarding the Senate’s subpoena to produce records of short message services (SMS) between PNP chief Alan Purisima and other key persons involved in the Mamasapano debacle of the PNP SAF. ”We want to […]
Malacanang appoints new Associate Justices for Court of Appeals Malacanang on Friday released several appointment papers for various positions in the Judiciary. President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Gabriel Robeniol and Geraldine Fiel-Macaraig as Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals. Robeniol took over Isaias Dicdican while Fiel-Macaraig replaced […]
MANILA, Nov. 30 — The Philippine government is in the midst of preparations for the hosting of the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. On Monday, the kick-off ceremnoy will be held in Makati City with President Benigno S. Aquino III leading the event. It will be hosted by […]
How long can one hold off the urge of checking the cellphone? The gadget has emerged from being a luxury just to own one during its first appearance in the 1990’s to a complete necessity in daily living in the wired world now. No doubt there is no reversal of […]
President Aquino leaves for US-ASEAN summit in California. President Benigno S. Aquino III has vowed to further solidify the Philippines’ stand for the peace process during his attendance in the two-day ASEAN-US Leaders’ Summit in the United States this week. The Summit, to be held in Sunnylands, California, aims to […]
Day 2: Pope Francis Papal Visit in the Philippines. Sharing here the official continuous live stream coverage of team RTVM on Pope Francis Papal visit to the Philippines. Coverage starts Jan. 16, 2015, Friday, 6:00 AM. Sharing here Day 2 of the official continuous live stream coverage of team RTVM […]
President Benigno Aquino III convened the Cabinet security cluster, in the wake of terror attacks in Paris, to ensure that all preparations and contingencies are in place for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit slated Nov. 17-20 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). ”Yes, the President convened the […]
The call of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez’s to review all permits and operations of coal-fired power plants in the country gets a loud support from the environmental advocacy group Greenpeace Philippines. The organization’s energy campaigner Reuben Muni also challenged DENR to take the initiative further […]
How can the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines claim that it respects human rights when human rights defenders themselves are being the target of attack? How can there be claims of “change” when the lives of the majority remain the same, and even getting worse, and those who defend the rights of the poor and the oppressed are still being treated as “enemies of the state”?