By Artchil B. Fernandez “Panalo na tayo, we beat UP projection po. We beat it, so congratulations Philippines, let’s do it again in July.” A jubilant and gleeful Harry Roque, the presidential spokesperson made the declaration this week. Roque’s ecstatic announcement made it appear the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has been won or
July 4, 2020
hot & spicBy Artchil B. Fernandez The multi-verse theory or the existence of multiple universes is a controversial theory in physics. It advances the view of the existence of numerous universes and it seems Du30 has provided evidence for this contentious theory. This week, in his late-night show, pre-taped to avoid hilarious lapses, Du30
June 27, 2020
By Artchil B. Fernandez The judiciary once again proves it is inutile in dispensing justice and affirms its complete subservience to the executive. The court’s decision convicting Rappler CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa and journalist Reynaldo Santos, Jr. of cyber libel this week reveals the judiciary today is just a mere appendage of the
June 20, 2020
By Artchil B. Fernandez The political landscape of the country was re-shaped last week by two apparently related events. Out of the blue, Du30 wrote Speaker Alan Peter Cayestano certifying as urgent the passage of Anti-Terrorism bill. Simultaneously, Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. sent a letter to the US Embassy informing the American government that
June 13, 2020
By Artchil B. Fernandez Filipinos face a dark reality in the post-lockdown scenario. A glimpse of this dark life was shown to the nation when Metro Manila’s quarantine status was downgraded to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) beginning this week. Based on what unfolded, Filipinos have reason to be scared and fearful of the future. Under
June 6, 2020
By Artchil B. Fernandez “Mga bata ‘wag muna. ‘Yang opening ng classes, that’s a, I will not allow na magdikit-dikit ‘yang mga bata. Bahala na hindi maka tapos. (Children, not yet – the opening of classes. I will not allow the opening of classes if children will be crowded together in the classroom).” “For this
May 30, 2020
By Artchil B. Fernandez One week to go before hell breaks loose. The modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in NCR, Laguna, and Cebu will end on May 31, 2020 while areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) will no longer be in quarantine (unless extended by the government). What awaits the nation under the new
May 23, 2020
By Artchil B. Fernandez Ang Huling El Bimbo, the hit musical streamed for free in Youtube and ABS-CBN Facebook pages for 48 hours last May 8-9 to provide the much-needed break to Filipinos struggling against the COVID-19 pandemic especially those living under lockdown. This is a fund-raising project of ABS-CBN Entertainment to raise money for
May 16, 2020
By Artchil B. Fernandez Administration of fakes, this is the most enduring hallmark of the Du30 administration. This dark time of COVID-19 pandemic highlighted one of the fakes the Du30 administration has been promoting – fake justice. Fake justice is manifested in the double-standard of the current administration as shown by how it handles the
May 2, 2020
By Artchil B. Fernandez Let us talk about something pleasant in this dark time of COVID-19 pandemic. The past weeks were shrouded with gloom and dreariness as uncertainty envelops the nation. To cope with the stress and anxiety, I did online research for my papers and while doing this accidentally stumbled upon a site that
April 25, 2020
By Artchil B. Fernandez Social capital, specifically lack or less of it is one reason that explains the difficulty of Du30 and the nation in general in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Had there been an abundance of social capital in the country, it would have been a lot easier for Du30 and Filipinos to
April 18, 2020
By Artchil B. Fernandez Something unusual happened in the past weeks while a large chunk of the country is under enhanced community quarantine. An engaged citizenry suddenly sprung to life, forcing people in power to back down and on the defensive. Filipinos, especially the middle class are reclaiming the public sphere and it is producing
April 9, 2020