By MARY ANN “MANJA” BAYANG

I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it. (Voltaire)

It was after a grueling, exhausting and backbreaking debate that I am finally coming up with a column which, I hope, will be as regular as the release of this paper.

After I and some friends clashed on ideas, wrestled on opinions, disputed even on indisputable issues, it was unanimously agreed over silenced vehement objections that this column will be referred to as the “Brutally Frank” column. I owe tribute to Atty. Reyna Tan for this phrase. Read the rest of this entry →

By KATHLEEN T. OKUBO

It is some three months to filing candidacy for the 2007 local elections and from the speculations and so-called political analysts in the bangketa of Baguio-Benguet we gather: That if mayor Nestor Fongwan will run for the representative of the lone congressional district of Benguet. Kapangan, not Ronnie Cosalan, will have a problem of choosing between the tried and tested elder and the younger (forget the balding) and energetic mestizo. On the other hand, a band in the provincial board is trying to convince Fongwan to wrest the governorship. Benguet Gob, just smiles and chuckles at the spreading gossip. If that is his way of expressing his confidence in an ace under his sleeve or a way to hide he is worried, I couldn’t tell. Read the rest of this entry →

By REV. LUNA L. DINGAYAN

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both body and soul.” — Matthew 10:20

All Saints’ Day

All Saints’ Day celebration is a significant occasion for us to reflect on the meaning of death. As Christians, we view death not as defeat but as victory. We have to learn to live as if we would die tonight, and to work as if we would live forever. For not until we look at death as victory can we learn to live victoriously; and not until we live victoriously can we face death victoriously. Read the rest of this entry →

By INNABUYOG-GABRIELA

Alyce, a 42-year old mother of three, was the supportive wife of the Bayan Muna provincial chairperson of Kalinga. She ended up dead, killed by a death squad of suspected military agents in an ambush that also critically wounded her husband, Dr. Constancio “Chandu” Claver. Now, justice for Alyce is still elusive as those accountable for her death go free and unpunished.

Nicole, a 22-year old college graduate, was on a night out with her cousin when she came across some American soldiers looking for fun in a bar in Subic. She ended up drunk and raped inside a van, left by her rapists on the roadside to find her own way back to the hotel. Nicole’s hopes for justice are still uncertain, as state prosecutors of the Department of Justice seem more sympathetic to the American servicemen that to their victim Nicole. Read the rest of this entry →