Accidents happen, true. But many “accidents” should not have happened if only rules and regulations were followed. The recent incident at the Tikling Junction in Taytay, Rizal drives home the point. A dump truck crossed the busy intersection — in full speed — killing at least 5. Imagine passing that place when the bus rammed [...]

A warrant of arrest has been issued against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in connection with the electoral sabotage filed against her and other respondents, including former COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos.

The existence of red tape is known to almost every Filipino that transacts with government offices, yet only a small percentage of them probably knows that a law exists to eliminate red tape and punish the culprits in perpetuating it. Congress enacted Republic Act No. 9485, also known as the “Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007“. [...]

There are a number of issues and statements that stand out in the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno Aquino III [see full transcript of original Filipino speech or the full text of English translation]. We’ll pick up an issue or two during our down time, maybe during the rare 4-day [...]

A vigilante is a private individual who legally or illegally punishes an alleged lawbreaker, or participates in a group which metes out extralegal punishment to an alleged lawbreaker. This is a fairly representative definition of a vigilante. What characterizes a vigilante is the act of taking the law in their own hands under an impression, [...]

With the controversy surrounding the arrest of Antonio Leviste after he left the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City without a pass and the resulting investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the next issue, among others, is determining the liability of the jail officers involved.

Today’s news include a reminder that the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9211) shall be strictly enforced by the Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) starting Monday, 30 May 2011. There are a number of important points to remember. One, smoking refers to the act of carrying a lighted cigarette or other tobacco products, [...]

“BBC NEWSFLASH: Japan govt confirms explosion, radiation leak at fukushima nuclear power plants. Asian countries should take necessary precautions. Remain indoors first 24hrs. Close doors n windows. Swab neck skin with betadine where thyroid area is, radiation hits thyroid first. Take extra precaution, radiation may hit Phil. at (sic) starting 4 pm today. Pls send [...]

You’ve probably heard about stories of nude photos posted, to the subject’s horror, in facebook and other social networking sites. There’s a recent report on a student’s facebook scandal and how it’s a test case under “Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009“ (Republic Act No. 9995).

There are a number of proposals in Congress to decriminalize libel. We’ve previously noted a similar bill in 2004. The explanation remains the same — the removal of imprisonment is more in keeping with the protection of the right of individuals to freedom of speech and expression.