By Farah Decano   ON September 21, I watched as Filipinos rallied across the country to protest government corruption — the kind of corruption that steals billions meant for something as critical as flood control. The rallies in EDSA and Luneta were supposed to be massive, a reflection of our…

By Farah G. Decano    AN elected public official’s duty is a sacred trust. It is a commitment to serve the people and protect the public purse. At the very heart of this immense responsibility is the power of oversight — a power that ensures that every peso of public…

By Farah G. Decano   PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has a historic opportunity to reshape public perception and restore trust in the government through the newly formed commission investigating fraudulent flood control projects. To make a lasting impact, his administration must pursue a strategy of swift and decisive action…

By Farah G. Decano   THE internet whispers about Filipino actress Ellen Adarna’s separation from Derek Ramsey, suggesting she was mistreated during her postpartum period, with hints of verbal or even physical abuse. While we cannot know the truth of this private matter, this narrative throws a glaring spotlight on…

By Farah G. Decano   THE Philippines’ long-standing struggle with flooding raises a critical question: are our flood control projects truly effective, or are they merely haphazard, politically-motivated undertakings? Many current projects seem to be chosen from a standard menu of schemes, implemented without a comprehensive, science-backed plan. This reactive…

By Farah G. Decano   ​PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recently took a firm public stance against allegedly anomalous flood control projects – a move interpreted as a calculated maneuver.  This action has raised questions about whether it is a strategic attempt to divert public attention from the failed impeachment…

By Farah G. Decano   ​THE collision between a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel—while they were busy chasing a “puny” Philippine skipper—was a global spectacle. Unfortunately for China, the impact was more than a fender-bender at sea; it was a full-blown face-plant heard ’round…

By Farah G. Decano ​ THE popularity of shows like Encantadia Chronicles and the classic  Maria Clara at Ibarra on GMA TV is good for our culture. It is not just entertainment but education for younger Filipinos on the rich, traditional form of our language. The old Filipino, with its archaic…

By Farah G. Decano ​ THE man I knew as Tito Ermin was a paradox. Despite the tough, hard-hitting image he projected, he possessed a surprising and rare sensitivity in his interactions with others, myself included. While many mature men, the  “feeling men” and the “pamintas” — found my stubborn…

By Farah G. Decano   IN times of calamities, Dagupan City councilors must shed their comfort zones, truly empathize with their constituents’ struggles, and offer tangible support. “Mikikikasey tan mililitna kami ed sikayo!” — “We empathize and are with you!” Wasn’t this their rallying cry during the campaign period? Yes,…