Activist and former two-term member of the Philippine House of Representatives. Blogging since 2004 at mongster's nest. Joined Global Voices in 2006.
Latest posts by Mong Palatino
Philippine media groups condemn China’s claim of ‘manipulated’ coverage of maritime tension
"The journalists who join these missions risk their lives in the face of unwanted aggression to bring the unvarnished truth to light."
A decade of digital repression and resistance in Southeast Asia
Global Voices Southeast Asia editor Mong Palatino highlights the major trends, challenges, and prospects of upholding freedom of expression in the region
Malaysian artists decry ‘Mentega Terbang’ film ban and blasphemy charge as ‘archaic form of content control’
"As a community that champions creative and artistic freedom, we must stand united in condemning any attempts to place undue restrictions on filmmakers or any artists."
Online attacks on presidential candidates in Venezuela have a distinct gendered angle, study shows
ProBox's analysis of the most used words in comments on social media posts by candidates showed that at least 71.4% of online gender attacks and disinformation were received by women candidates.
From silence to symbols: How Thais are employing language in new ways towards freedom of expression
"Thai netizens have turned to unique linguistic alternatives to continue freely expressing themselves online."
Indonesian candidates urged to address human rights concerns
"Indonesia continues to fail to guarantee people’s rights to express their opinions peacefully amidst a shrinking civic space."
Indonesian court acquits two activists over charges of defaming government minister
"The government must also end reprisals against human rights defenders and allow human rights defenders and civil society organisations to operate freely and safely."
A New Zealand Minister’s ‘war’ with the media
"They don’t particularly like being answerable to the media and they like even less the scrutiny that comes with public office."
After a year in power, Malaysia’s Madani government falters on reform agenda
"The current government still attempts to restrict alternate views and the independence of media through the use of law and arbitrary practices."
How Indonesia’s ‘illiberal cyberlaw’ undermines free speech and human rights
"We regret that the Indonesian Parliament has passed the amendment to the ITE Law, which contains problematic articles that undermine freedom of expression and freedom of the press."
From Hun Sen to Hun Manet: The worrying state of free speech in Cambodia
"Targeting journalists — particularly those who are reporting on human rights topics — undermines freedoms of expression and the press, which threatens the public’s access to information."
Australian journalist pushes back against anti-LGBTQ+ trolls
"I don't want people to feel like I'm not their broadcaster. But equally if I'm not my authentic self, I can't do my job well."
Filipino radio host killed during live broadcast
"This barbaric act reflects the broader peril of democratic discourse in the Philippines. It is a manifestation of an alarming, ongoing trend that casts a dark shadow over independent media.""This barbaric act reflects the broader peril of democratic discourse in the Philippines. It is a manifestation of an alarming, ongoing trend that casts a dark shadow over independent media."
‘Historic day for Fiji’ as it revives its media council
"It acts as a platform where people in the media world can talk, work together, and resolve any issues that come up."
Malaysian editor of banned book faces police probe for sedition
"Kean Wong’s arrest demonstrates the State’s concerted effort to suppress the public’s ability to both inform and to speak out without fear of censorship."
‘I can see the entirety of the sky now’: Australian journalist Cheng Lei is now free
"Tight hugs, teary screams, holding my kids in the spring sunshine. Trees shimmy from the breeze. I can see the entirety of the sky now! Thank you Aussies."
Despite change in government, another Thai activist is jailed for royal defamation
"Thailand appears to be on a path toward regression, undoing the progress hoped for by millions."
Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture threatens legal action against CamboJA news
"In this system, journalists are expected to conform to the contours of power rather than challenging them."
Why do ‘Bart Simpson’ and ‘Monkey D. Luffy’ have registered SIM cards in the Philippines?
"The SIM registration law cannot be “fixed” without having serious implications on our right to privacy and communication."
Malaysian government told to stop playing ‘Big Brother’ to media
"What is more worrying is the fact that much of the so-called 'offending' content is mere reports and opinion pieces deemed critical of the government."