Michael Apacible Bulletin

  Sara Duterte's Convenient "Gratitude": A Calculated Performance for an Obviously Rigged Fight It's no longer surprising to see Sara Duterte suddenly embrace impeachment proceedings—not when everyone already knows that the pro-Duterte senators hold a formidable, almost unbreakable majority in the Senate . This convenient shift is a stark contrast to her past, where in Congress, she would have practically twisted herself into a pretzel to avoid any whiff of an investigation against her. Back then, the very idea of accountability sent her into a defensive frenzy. But now, as impeachment discussions swirl, the Vice President has unveiled a remarkably open, even "thankful" perspective on facing allegations. This dramatic pivot comes as no shock, especially when an SWS survey conveniently shows that a whopping 88% of respondents believe she should confront impeachment proceedings head-on to address accusations and "clear her name"—a narrative she...

  Public Trust on Trial: Calls for Transparency Mount Amidst OVP Confidential Funds Controversy MANILA, Philippines – The clamor for greater transparency and accountability in government spending has reached a fever pitch as new allegations emerge regarding the recipients of confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP). The latest names to surface, those of prominent human rights lawyer Chel Diokno and actress Marian Rivera, have further fueled public demand for a thorough investigation, with many asserting that the Filipino people deserve to see the evidence to unearth potential abuses of public coffers. The controversy stems from an ongoing narrative surrounding the alleged misuse of confidential funds, initially characterized by seemingly innocuous code names, even "chichirya" (snack food) names, in official receipts. However, the recent revelation of seemingly legitimate public figures linked to these funds has intensified calls for concrete verification...

  The Plate and the Presidency: How a Fabricated Image Shaped the Philippines' Fate In the lead-up to the pivotal 2016 national presidential elections in the Philippines, a seemingly trivial incident involving then-presidential candidate Mar Roxas became a lightning rod for a narrative that ultimately altered the course of the nation. A photograph surfaced, purportedly showing Roxas drinking water from a plate. This seemingly bizarre act was instantly amplified across social media, painted as evidence of his supposed disconnect from the common Filipino, his elitism, and even his mental instability. However, as fact-checking organizations later confirmed, the image was manipulated. It was a fabrication, a carefully crafted piece of disinformation designed to undermine Roxas's candidacy. Yet, the damage was done. The doctored photo resonated with a segment of the population already susceptible to narratives that painted traditional politicians as out of touch. This incident, seem...