Frissons And Amputations

by Maria Bratikova

The archipelago is on a tight watch. 

Some smart-asses  propose for the amputation of the Philippines:  separate Mindanao.  Cut it off the whole country,  redefine the archipelagic doctrine! 

And then came the temblors . . .measured at 7.6 to 7.9.  That magnitude means a great quake.  Still, Idon‘t hear anyone describing it as an absolute-worst-case, and i‘m glad it isn‘t,  although already categorised by the books as a great quake. A great quake can do much damage.

The after-quakes are a present danger though. (Keep safe,my fellowmen in Mindanao!)

Our separatists are having a field day, claiming that itis a go sign for amputation! What kind of sick minds do

these arses have?

A day later, central Luzon felt the frisson. A quiver, lesser

than the one that shook Mindanao, a quake nonetheless. 

So now, what? Do we also separate Manila from the

PH map?

Educated people do not notice the idiocy of their own advocacies and sentiments. The intelligent ones do.

And THAT is the difference.

Why Maria Ressa And Rappler Won’t Defend SMNI’s Free Speech

In the twisted realm of media drama, the silence of Maria Ressa and Rappler regarding the plight of SMNI News talents Lorraine T. Badoy and Ka Eric is both deafening and predictable. 

While one might expect the champions of free speech to rush to the aid of their fellow “journalists,” the reality is quite the opposite.

Rappler’s memory is remarkably quite vivid, conveniently remembering the past clashes with Badoy, who boldly accused the news portal of cozying up to the Communist Party of the Philippines.  And how can we forget that debate between Pia Ranada and Badoy over the fact that Rappler is the  least-trusted news brand in the Philippines?

The tables have turned, and Ressa seems to relish the karmic payback. It appears there’s only room for one purveyor of “half truths” in this media circus, and Rappler has chosen to watch from the sidelines, perhaps savoring the irony of Badoy’s predicament.

In this circus of conflicting narratives, may the last news outlet standing bring home the bacon, even if it means letting others roast in the flames of political theatrics. After all, principles and alliances in the world of media can be as fickle as yesterday’s headlines.