One of the most enduring ideas associated with free speech is often attributed to Voltaire: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Whether Voltaire actually wrote those exact words is contested. But this quote continues to resonate because it
June 22, 2026
How do we find the truth? We rely on institutions whose purpose is to establish facts. For instance, when a crime occurs, the police investigate. When questions remain unresolved, the courts weigh evidence, hear witnesses, and arrive at findings. None of these institutions are perfect, but they provide society with
June 15, 2026
The latest WR Numero survey reflects the “quiet contradiction” of everyday media life for millions of Filipinos. We have successfully diagnosed the existential threat of networked disinformation, but we also learned that the problem at hand is “built into the platforms people cannot afford to leave, and the habits that
May 18, 2026
In the 1987 Constitution the right to information is designed to be a potent instrument for journalism and academic inquiry. Indeed, this fundamental right is meant to enable citizens to verify, contest, and ultimately trust the exercise of political power. That constitutional intent was given doctrinal clarity in Chavez vs
May 4, 2026
For Filipinos, “online toxicity” is normal. Interactions on social media remove the cues that regulate behavior in face-to-face conversations. There is no eye contact, no immediate social feedback, and often no real sense of accountability. Add perceived anonymity and physical distance, and people begin to act differently. The ugly, nasty
April 20, 2026
When President Bongbong Marcos thundered “Mahiya naman kayo!” in his fourth State of the Nation Address, he stirred a simmering rage against corruption that cuts across class and political affiliation. The creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) soon after was meant to signal that his outburst was not
March 30, 2026
The early declaration by the Vice President could well be a precursor to resignation, timed carefully in anticipation of the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the Hague. A resignation at that moment could be framed not as retreat, but as a step to redemption. It would also conveniently
March 3, 2026
Duterte vs. House of Representatives exhibited both judicial supremacy and judicial arrogance. The former represents the Supreme Court’s (SC) constitutional duty, whereas the latter is arguably a breach of the separation powers principle. The SC is the court of last resort for justice-seeking citizens, but it cannot appoint itself as
February 3, 2026
Of course, the answer is a big fat No. But our defence of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was never confined to coast guard vessels, resupply missions, or diplomatic notes. It is fought just as fiercely on social media. Unfortunately, Facebook posts shape political consciousness more than policy briefings. And
January 27, 2026
Filipinos must bear in mind that corruption is a crime. Therefore, its perpetuators are criminals. The phrase, “dapat humihimas sila ng rehas”, comes to mind. They must suffer the indignity of being in handcuffs and having their mugshots taken. Many politicians have gone through these very legal rituals before and
January 21, 2026
Who are the political factions that will decide the fate of our country? There is the pro-Marcos camp, often described as the Solid North and Loyalists. There is the pro-Duterte collective, or the Solid South, which now functions as the opposition by default. There are the Pinks and Yellows, with
January 13, 2026
It is very difficult not to characterize social media today as a cesspool of hate and vitriol. Politicians and their rabid followers are usually the ones that flood the space with garbage. But lately, respectable influencers and serious pundits have joined the game with gusto. An epidemic of Main Character
January 6, 2026