Michael Apacible Bulletin

Nang sumiklab ang novel coronavirus (COVID-19) sa Wuhan, China, at mabilis na kumalat sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo noong simula ng 2020, maraming bansa ang agad na nagpatupad ng matitinding paghihigpit sa pagpasok ng mga dayuhan, partikular ang mga galing sa Tsina. Subalit sa Pilipinas, isang naiibang panimulang tugon ang namayani, na umani ng batikos at debate. Sa kabila ng lumalaking banta at pagkumpirma ng mga kaso sa ibang bansa, naging kontrobersyal ang naging pahayag ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na hindi agad magpapatupad ng travel ban sa mga Chinese national, na aniya'y baka makasakit sa relasyon ng Pilipinas at Tsina. Ang ganitong panimulang kilos, kasama ang ilang pahayag na tila minamaliit ang banta ng virus, ay nagdulot ng kritisismo mula sa mga eksperto at publiko na kung sana'y mas maaga at mas mahigpit ang naging aksyon ng pamahalaan, maaaring nabawasan ang lawak ng pagkalat ng virus at ang bilang ng mga namatay. Ang COVID-19 pandemic ay nag-iwan ng malalim n...

  Manila, Philippines - November 3, 2025 (2am update) - Typhoon "Tino" made landfall in Siargao, Southern Leyte around noon today, Tuesday, bringing torrential rains and powerful winds to a large swathe of the country. Current Situation: As of 2:00 AM, the eye of the typhoon was located near Taglipa, with sustained winds of 205 km/h. While the typhoon has weakened slightly after landfall, it remains a powerful storm. Affected Areas: Visayas:  The Visayas region is experiencing the brunt of the typhoon, with strong winds and heavy rainfall expected to continue throughout the day. Mindanao:  The northern part of Mindanao and the southern portion of Luzon are also experiencing the effects of "Tino". Typhoon Track: The typhoon is moving westward and is expected to traverse Cebu, Negros Island Region, and parts of Panay Island in the coming hours. Warnings and Precautions: PAGASA, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, is urgin...

October 27, 2018 – Senator Leila M. de Lima has released a commentary addressing the complexities surrounding President Rodrigo Duterte's withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC). De Lima argues that the discussion should not center solely on Duterte's authority but rather on the rights and protection of the Filipino people. She emphasizes that the Philippines' membership in the ICC was a sovereign act meant to safeguard citizens against potential abuses of power when domestic systems fail. The senator criticizes the notion that the withdrawal is about sovereignty or colonialism, highlighting the Philippines' active role in the Rome Statute's creation and its historical contributions to international law. She contends that the move is driven by a fear of accountability, suggesting Duterte seeks to evade potential prosecution for alleged crimes against humanity related to his "War on Drugs." De Li...

Manila's Commute Conundrum: Dalian Trains and the Political Gridlock For years, the sight of idle train cars has haunted Metro Manila commuters, a stark symbol of a transportation system plagued by delays and political infighting. The Dalian trains, purchased during the administration of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, became a flashpoint in a debate over infrastructure, accountability, and the very future of urban mobility. Now, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a renewed effort is being made to untangle the complexities surrounding these trains and, finally, get them on the rails. Aquino Era Ambitions: In 2014, the Aquino administration inked a P3.76 billion deal with Chinese firm Dalian Locomotive to acquire 48 train cars, a move intended to alleviate crippling congestion on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). The purchase was part of a broader push to modernize Philippine infrastructure during a period when the country's economy was gaining ...

  Duterte at ang kanyang Karma: Pagtanggi ng Australia sa Kaniyang Interim Release Nitong mga nakaraan, naging sentro ng talakayan hindi lamang sa Pilipinas kundi pati sa pandaigdigang komunidad ang usapin ng posibilidad na pagkakalooban ang dating Presidente na si Rodrigo Duterte ng pansamantalang kalayaan sa pagitan ng mga kaso laban sa kanya, kabilang ang mga isyu ng pag abuso sa karapatang pantao. Isa sa mga itinuturong bansa ng kanyang kampo na maaaring mag-host ng kanyang interim release ay ang Australia isang ideya na agad ding ipinagtatwa ng naturang bansa. Kung titingnan ang kasaysayan ng ugnayan ni Duterte sa Australia, hindi nakapagtataka ang naging resulta. Maaaring Pinagmulan ng Alingasngas: Ang Rape Joke at Pagtrato sa mga Madre Maalala natin ang insidente noong kampanya pa ni Duterte noong 2016, nang biruin niya ang tungkol sa panggagahasa sa isang Australian missionary isang biro na agad tinuligsa ng maraming sektor, lalo na ng gobyernong Australia. Umani ito ng ...