by Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)
IT WAS April Fool’s Day when it was finally tabled for its first reading in Parliament, but the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill (POFMA) is no laughing matter.Described by the Asia Internet Coalition as “the most far-reaching legislation of its kind to date,” the Bill will allow any government minister to issue directives […]
by Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)
SHORTLY AFTER Malaysia’s historic 9 May 2018 elections, a new feeling of freedom had swept across the country, and even the most jaded of journalists were giddy with excitement. The poll results, after all, had brought the first change of government in the country since Independence in 1957. The previous administration had also increasingly tightened […]
by Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)
IN DECEMBER 2018, Myanmar’s Minister for Information Pe Myint gave lie to global reports that offered a grim prognosis of press freedom in the former pariah state.Speaking before an audience of journalists, dignitaries, and civil-society representatives, he said that press-freedom indexes are biased and that the freedom- and rights-ranking mechanisms of international organizations are not […]
by Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)
IT HAS just a little more than a year before its five-year term ends, but Myanmar’s ruling National League of Democracy (NLD) still has a lot of promises left unfulfilled. Among these are reforming the country’s media and ensuring freedom of the press and freedom of expression – but no one now believes NLD will […]
by Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)
WITH STILL no new government as of early May 2019, free speech in Thailand continues to be restricted by special laws imposed by the military junta, officially known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which seized power from an elected civilian government in May 2014.Specifically cited by the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) […]
by Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)
POLITICAL FREEDOM and civil liberties are in a downward spiral globally. Democracy is not only in retreat, but is under assault in Southeast Asia.State-sponsored threats and attacks, internet being weaponized with toxic discourse and false narratives, hate speech and identity politics have favored patrons, caused deep divisions, and targeted vulnerable sectors.In 2018, most of the […]
200 Pinoys, firms in 'Paradise Papers'
by Malou Mangahas and Karol Ilagan
WHAT DO some bankers and fund managers, a few senior government officials, a dozen top taxpayers, and a handful of companies located in the country have in common? They are among some 200 Filipinos, Philippine residents, and corporations that own or are linked to offshore accounts in tax havens across the world, according to the […]
Romancing China under DU30
by Malou Mangahas
Last of Two PartsTHEY CALL it “Dutertenomics.” Its tagline: “Build, build, build.” Its boast: “The golden age of Philippine infrastructure.” Its estimated bill: PhP8.4 trillion, to be sourced from taxes, foreign and local loans, and Official Development Assistance (ODA) from bilateral partners.By 2022, senior officials of the Duterte administration promise that roads, bridges, skyways, and […]
Data annex
By Kenneth Cardenas* Fellow, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————AVLB Asia Pacific Conglomerate, Inc.AVLB Asia Pacific is primarily engaged in coir, peat, and upholstery padding. As of end-2014, it had yet to operate commercially. Its registered address is JGD Plaza, at the corner of Lizada Street and Monteverde Avenue, Davao City. The same address is […]
EDITOR’S NOTE: In this analytical essay, PCIJ fellow Kenneth Cardenas takes a closer look at the multibillion-dollar deals signed during President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s state visit to China in October 2016 and raises questions about transparency, due diligence, and the role of money in the current administration. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- By Kenneth Cardenas* Fellow, Philippine Center for […]
