Woke Up PH

Last 2016, Rodrigo Roa Duterte's administration aimed for a bullish economy at 7-8 points of growth. Efforts have been targeted at continuity, tax reform, competitiveness, infraspending, tourism, security, training, science & arts, social protection, and health. Today, we check these with JC Punongbayan - Rappler Columnist and Usapang Econ Founder/Host.

Last July 29, we reached our earliest Earth Overshoot Day in the history of mankind. This is the day in the year when earth officially consumes all the resources it is meant to consume for the entire year. Today, we sit down with Atty. Niner Guiao and Atty. Aya de Leon. They are the founders of Parabukas, an environmental consulting firm. We'll talk all about Climate Change, the role of the Philippines on it, and we'll also be tackling the green trend. 

The aftershocks of the implementation of the Rice Tarrification Law erupted a few weeks ago when media outlets everywhere had farmers clamoring for help - saying that the influx of foreign supply has left local rice prices at an all time low, putting their livelihoods and the future of their families at risk. Today, we talk to Harold Lu, chief strategist of the Rice Pinas group - an adhoc movement that created a channel to enable local rice farmers to directly sell to consumers and maximize their profits. Currently, within a month of operations, Rice Pinas has garnered over a thousand volunteers, and just in the first drop, they were able to raise over 1.2 million pesos for the farmers to process the palay on their own. Today, he talks about what led to the current administration’s implementation of the Rice Tarrification Law, the consistently present rice crisis in the country, and what we can do as citizens to help.

This week on Woke Up PH we have a special episode on the wake of the 47th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. This was a time known to many as the Marcos dictatorship - where special powers were put in place, which led to numerous human rights violations. Today, during a time when the late dictator was buried like a hero and his family continues to stay in power, we speak to Atty. Manuel "Chel" Diokno.

Last week, Albay’s 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman spoke out about PCSO’s 2020 budget hearing that would funnel large amounts of its budget into the Malasakit Centers, which he called a “partisan tool.” Bong Go then responded in a privileged speech with insults on Representative Lagman’s physical appearance as well as calling him anti-poor. 

Today, we sit down with Joel Aba, the Overall Coordinator of the Malasakit Centers Nationwide. We’re going to talk all about the Malasakit Centers, the work they’ve done, and the criticisms they've faced.

Over the past few weeks, much has been said by lawmakers, public figures, and even private citizens about the SOGIE Equality Bill. 

Today, we sit down with Pat Bringas, a former Punong Babaylan of UP Babaylan, a current member of Babaylanes, and a long time advocate of LGBTQ+ rights. We will discuss the SOGIE Equality Bill or Anti-Discrimination Bill, the longest-running bill under the Senate interpellation period in Philippine history now at almost 20 years. We clear up what the contents of the bill are and debunk some myths about it.

Last July, at least 21 civilians were killed in Negros Oriental, but human rights groups say that since January 2017, a total of 87 people have been gunned down for the same motives.

Today, we sit down with Nadja De Vera from the Defend Negros #StopTheAttacks Network and Nanay Delia, the mother of one of the victims. We'll be discussing the situation in Negros, as well as the events and motives that led to these killings.

Last week, news broke out about Gretchen Diez, a transwoman who was asked to leave the women's restroom and use the men's restroom at Farmer's Plaza, Cubao. She was then handcuffed and arrested by the QCPD for recording the experience through a Facebook live. This all happened in Quezon City, one of the less than 20 cities or provinces that have passed an anti-dscrimination ordinance in the Philippines.

Today, we sit down with an influential member of the trans community, KaladKaren Davila. We'll talk all about what it means to be trans in the Philippines, what are the struggles they face, and how we can be better allies.

This week, we speak with a social enterprise that has successfully found the balance between tourism and conservationism, between revenue and social impact.

Today, we speak with Billie Dumaliang from Masungi Georeserve. The organization she represents has been awarded for its efforts in building a sustainable tourist destination, but the road to its success has been anything but easy.

This week, a few months away from the 2nd anniversary of the end of the Marawi Crisis, our Maranao brothers and sisters continue to face a humanitarian crisis as thousands are still left displaced. While the Marawi Siege has made headlines in recent history, we look deeper into the root cause of the never-ending war in Mindanao.

Today, we speak with former senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc. She is a resident of Marawi, a former member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, a former assemblywoman of the ARMM legislative assembly, and a longtime community leader.