MataNgMasa

Every year on September 21st, the streets of major Philippine cities, especially Metro Manila, transform. They become a living tapestry of banners, impassioned speeches, and marching feet. This is not just another protest; it is a solemn and powerful act of national remembrance. For Filipinos, September 21 is a date etched in history—a day that serves as both a grim reminder of a dark past and a fervent call to protect the future. To understand the rallies, one must first understand the history. The Historical Shadow: Why September 21? On September 21, 1972, then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. signed Proclamation No. 1081, placing the entire Philippines under Martial Law. While the official announcement was made two days later, September 21 has since been recognized as the anniversary of this turning point in the nation's history. The Martial Law era, which officially lasted until 1981 but saw Marcos retain authoritarian powers until he was ousted in 1986, was a period of profound ...

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been in the eye of a political storm, and today, we're seeing some significant shifts that could send ripples across the entire bureaucratic landscape. In a move that's grabbing headlines, Engr. Brice Hernandez and Engr. Jaypee Mendoza have reportedly been dismissed from their posts. This isn't just another personnel change; it's a development loaded with implications, especially given the ongoing "flood control scandal" that has gripped the nation. Let's dig into why this matters and what could be next. 1. The Catalyst: Brice Hernandez and the "Whispers of the Walls" Brice Hernandez's name first entered the public consciousness as a key figure in the alleged multi-billion-peso flood control scam. He wasn't just another name on a list; he was the former DPWH engineer whose "tell-all" testimony opened a Pandora's Box of alleged irregularities. His statements, claiming dee...

The Philippines, a nation beautifully sprawled across an archipelago, is no stranger to the wrath of nature. Typhoons, monsoons, and the resulting floods are a recurring nightmare for millions. But beyond the natural forces, a more insidious current drags the nation down: corruption in flood control projects. This isn't just about money disappearing; it's about lives lost, homes destroyed, and a future constantly under threat. Imagine this: a family huddles on their rooftop as murky waters rise, their pleas for help lost in the storm. This isn't just a scene from a disaster movie; it's the heartbreaking reality for many Filipinos. And while we often point to climate change, a significant, often overlooked culprit is the systemic corruption that weakens our defenses. The Broken Barges of Budget: Where Does the Money Go? Year after year, substantial budgets are allocated for flood control – billions of pesos intended for vital infrastructure like dikes, dams, drainage ...