No country becomes stronger by silencing half of its population. That statement should not be controversial. It should not be political. It should not even require debate. Yet in Afghanistan today, millions of women and girls are being systematically erased from public life, and the world is slowly becoming accustomed to it. I refuse to accept that this is normal. As I read the latest United Nations report on Afghanistan, I found myself less shocked by the statistics than by

The meme that took over the country this week may be entertaining for some, but what’s disappointing is how it reflects evasion of accountability and disregard for the rule of law. All of this unfolded alongside the so-called Senate coup, the sudden change in Senate leadership, and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s public outburst - all within the same day. While debates continue on whether the ICC has jurisdiction over his case, one fact remains: he has been out of public r

Technology cannot fix a system that lacks its most fundamental pillars. Artificial intelligence (AI) may help us move forward, but it cannot undo years of failure in the educational foundation. Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara recently introduced plans to integrate AI into the education system, with projects aimed at “building systems that will last, improve over time, and directly support our classrooms.” While this may sound like a significant step for

Excessive misbehavior of tourists deserves no hospitality from our Filipinos. Recently, Siargao Island's surfing grounds have been flooded not with water, but with reports of some Israeli tourists performing acts of hooliganism—an act of disruptive, unlawful actions done by young groups. Locals become concerned not only about overtourism but also about the growth of invasive tourism. Residents experience uncomfortable situations in their very own home while the other side rel

The Philippines is not failing at press freedom by accident. It is failing by design—or at the very least, by tolerance. In 2026, the country ranks 114th out of around 180 nations in the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders, scoring 46.79—classified under a “difficult” environment. In Southeast Asia, it sits at 5th place, behind Timor-Leste (30th globally), Thailand (92nd), Malaysia (95th), and Brunei (96th). This is not a region known for strong press prote

The Philippines’ most powerful seats are being left empty at vital moments where there should be leadership. Vice President Sara Duterte has not attended recent impeachment proceedings by the House Committee on Justice. Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa has likewise been absent in the Senate since November, making him the most absent senator. Several other government officials have filed for leave from duty during public scrutiny of their actions. This is not about showing up;

Sa gitna ng araw-araw na pakikipagsapalaran ng mga tsuper sa lansangan, isang simpleng mensahe ang nagbigay-liwanag sa tunay na diwa ng malasakit at bayanihan. “Maraming salamat sa mga naging pasahero ko ngayon… hindi na nila kinukuha ang sukli. Naiintindihan nila ang kalagayan naming mga driver.” Sa unang tingin, tila maliit na bagay lamang ang hindi pagkuha ng sukli. Ngunit para sa mga tsuper na araw-araw humaharap sa tumataas na presyo ng krudo, mabigat na boundary, at lim