Conversations
CONVERSATIONS is a special space for PCID staff to express their opinions on pressing issues through writing. THE AUTHOR’S OPINION DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT PCID’S POSITION ON THE SUBJECT MATTER.
ALL FOR GAS, GAS FOR ALL: BAYANIHAN SA GAS STATION
March 11, 2026 – Many might say that the rise in petrol prices is only a car-owner’s problem. Little did many know that many aspects of our daily lives depend on petrol. From commuting to and from work to deliveries of goods, everyone is affected by it. It’s funny how we think petrol only matters […]
Undermining Women: When Respect Gets Lost in the System
Recent reports continue to expose powerful men behaving in outrageous ways. What is truly shocking is the sheer number of respected figures who have perpetrated decades of abuse and sexual violence against women and girls. Worse still, the entitlement fueling these acts is often overlooked or minimized to the point that such behavior becomes disturbingly […]
Ramadan: Fasting and Spiritual Renewal for Intrapersonal Peace
Ramadan is one of the holiest and most transformative months for Muslims. This practice begins with a fasting period and ends with the sighting of the new moon. But beyond the religious prescription, the holy month provides a period for deep reflection and personal growth for those who truly embrace its message.
Remembering an Architect of Peace: The Legacy of Hadji Butu
February 22, 2026 – Long before the modern borders of the Philippines were etched in stone, a young man named Abd ul-Bagui Butu Rasul walked the shores of Jolo, carrying a lineage that stretched back to the 14th-century ministers of Raja Baginda. Born in 1865, the man who would become known as Hadji Butu was […]
Filipina Icons
On March 8, enlightened Filipinas celebrated International Women’s Day with seminars, lectures and workshops to empower themselves. I wonder what they thought about President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s (PRRD) admiration of Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo-Puyat’s legs… President Digong said: “Berna, nadis-distract ako, you close your legs. National TV ’no. Nakikinig pa ba ang papa mo?” causing Berna to blush. I guess our President is a legs’ man: last year, he had also commented on Vice-President Leni Robredo’s legs.
Peace and Federalism
Last Tuesday, the Friends of Peace (FoP) — led by Cardinal Orlando Quevedo of Mindanao — met with House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III. Both meetings were sought by the Cardinal and the FoP to discuss concerns on securing the gains of the peace process with the Moro liberation fronts (both MNLF and the MILF) as President Rodrigo R. Duterte moves to transform the present unitary system of governance to federalism. President Duterte has said that amending the Constitution to usher in federalism is the solution to ensure genuine autonomy and peace for the South.