Teka Teka

What if the system designed to support our most vulnerable is being exploited? Who truly pays the price? In this episode, we explore the complexities of Republic Act No. 10754, which mandates a 20% discount and VAT exemption for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Journalist Justine Dizon shares his firsthand experience of defending his right to these benefits, while tax expert Mon Abrea unpacks the challenges businesses face in verifying PWD IDs. We also discuss the broader implications for both PWDs and establishments, shedding light on the urgent need for a clearer, more reliable system.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you need support, resources and helplines are listed below.

For years, violence against women has persisted in various forms: physical, sexual, psychological, and economic. Despite existing laws, many survivors struggle to seek justice.

Recent high-profile cases, such as those of socialite Tessa Prieto and vlogger and DJ Jellie Aw, have reignited public discussions on the barriers victims face, the gaps in legal protections, and what must change to ensure their safety and empowerment.

In this episode, Atty. Alex Castro, a lawyer, women’s rights advocate, and founder of Youth Against Sexual Harassment (YASH), explains how the law addresses violence against women and where it still falls short.

Where to Seek Help:

Barangay VAW Desk (Barangay Hall)

Social Welfare & Development Office (LGUs)

DSWD CBSS – Tel. 733-0014 to 18 local 116 / 488-2861

PNP Women and Children Protection Center (Camp Crame) – Tel. 410-3213 / 532-6690

Aleng Pulis Hotline – Tel. 0919-777-7377 | Emergency: 911

Women & Children Protection Desk (Nearest Police Precinct)

NBI Anti-VAWCD – Tel. (02) 8523-8231 to 38 / (02) 8525-6028

PNP WCPC – Tel. (02) 8532-6690 / 7410-3213 / 7723-0401 local 5260, 5360, 5361

Visayas: 0917-708-5157 / (032) 410-8483

Mindanao: 0917-180-6037

DOJ-PAO Legal Aid – Tel. (02) 8929-9436 local 106, 107, 159

UP-PGH Women’s Desk – Tel. (02) 8353-0667 / 8542-1512 / 8554-8400 local 2536

DOH Hospitals, Women and Children Protection Unit

Women’s Crisis Center (WCC) – Tel. (02) 8514-4104 | Mobile: 0920-967-7852 / 0917-825-0320

For more information, visit pcw.gov.ph.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of violence, extrajudicial killings, and detailed accounts of brutality that may be distressing to some listeners.

Acting on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, Philippine authorities swiftly arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte on the morning of March 11, 2025. It was a long-awaited answer to calls for drug war accountability. 

Duterte denies committing any crime. But before these dizzying developments, one man had already stepped forward with a chilling confession.

In this episode, we dive into the testimony of Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed member of the Davao Death Squad. Matobato's revelations provide a firsthand account of the extrajudicial killings that defined Duterte's anti-drug campaign. 

Investigative journalist Sheila Coronel and an advocate for whistleblowers, Father Alabert Alejo, join us to discuss the challenges of verifying Matobato's account, the clandestine networks that offered him protection, and the broader implications for justice and accountability in the Philippines.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of violence, extrajudicial killings, and detailed accounts of brutality that may be distressing to some listeners.

The Making of Edgar Matobato is an investigative piece by award-winning journalist Sheila Coronel, published by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) on January 17, 2025.

This gripping article uncovers the story of Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed assassin for the Davao Death Squad, who became the first insider to expose the extrajudicial killings allegedly ordered by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Now adapted into audio by Jaemark Tordecilla, with the help of AI, this episode brings Matobato’s journey to life—from his time as a hitman to his shocking testimony before the Senate and the dangerous life he led as a fugitive.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nearly nine years after the Philippines' legal victory over China in the West Philippine Sea, tensions remain high. Chinese ships are shadowing our coast guard, lasers are targeting our aircraft, and Filipino fishermen face constant harassment.

But this time, the Philippines isn't just protesting—it's bringing in reinforcements. Enter the Typhon missile system, a powerful U.S. weapon that has China on edge. Why? Because it's mobile, long-range, and stationed in Northern Luzon—right next to Taiwan.

In this episode, we break down what the Typhon system can do, why China sees it as a threat, and what this means for the Philippines, the U.S., and the region

Listen now to understand why this missile deployment could change the game in the West Philippine Sea.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer is around the corner and class cancellations due to the extreme heat have begun. In this episode, we run back Bella Perez-Rubio's report from last year's heat wave to refresh our minds on the rising concern of dangerously high heat index levels in the Philippines, a pressing issue due to the increasing intensity of climate change. We discuss the differences between heat index and temperature, the classifications of hazardous heat, and the severe health risks posed by extreme heat.

We also look into the solutions offered for mitigating these impacts in critical sectors like labor and education. From workplace safety measures to distance learning in schools, we explore some measures that can help protect people from the dangers of extreme heat.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Juan Luna to AI-generated masterpieces—where is Filipino art headed in 2025? In this episode of Thought Bubbles, we sit down with Joseph "JT" Gonzales, owner of gallery.sort, to talk about the shifting trends in Philippine art, how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are engaging with the scene, and whether AI art is a threat or an opportunity for artists today.

Are young Filipinos investing in art?

How are artists breaking free from the traditional gallery system?

What protections exist for artists in the age of AI?

If you’ve ever thought about starting your own art collection, this episode is for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada is cutting back on its immigration quotas. What does this mean for Filipinos who hope to move to the country, just like Kathryn Bernado’s Joy and Alden Richards’  Ethan in Hello, Love, Again?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.