Archive - Bullit's Eye

After seven long years in detention for what she insists as trumped -up drug charges, former Sen. Leila de Lima walked out of her detention cell at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame at about 7 p.m. Nov. 13.

In a country ranked as the eighth most dangerous country in the world for journalists, the murder of broadcaster Juan Jumalon, early Sunday morning while he was on a Facebook live-stream, still raised shock and fear.

On Nov. 1, Filipinos trooped to cemeteries and columbaria with candles and flowers to remember their departed loved ones.

Monday’s polls, the result of which, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is “crucial” to national politicians, was the first since 2018 — Photos and videos by Bullit Marquez for VERA Files.

Supporters of former senator Leila de Lima’s freedom are hoping to see her out of detention soon after two more witnesses recanted Oct 16 saying they are “bothered by their conscience.”

Members of several organizations concerned about China’s aggressive activities in West Philippine Sea are organizing a trip Christmas time to Ayungin Shoal where the rusting BRP Sierra Madre manned by Marine soldiers stands, asserting Philippine sovereignty in the waters also claimed by China.

The protesters demanded that the confidential funds be channeled to social services instead.

Filipinos who went out to the streets to mark the 51st anniversary of the darkest period in the history of Philippine democracy last Sept. 21 were mostly in their 20s and 30s, and some in their 50s. They were either not yet born or too young when then president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law on Sept. 21, 1972.

The rallyists dramatized their protest by wearing dolphin costumes and mock anti-radiation gear.

‘No to Fukushima nuclear waste water’- protesters

Aquino’s daughter, Ballsy, thanked those who remember their father and those who continue to support them even when they are no longer “in fashion.”

‘China out’ shouts were once again heard in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati City Aug. 11 as activists condemn the “water-cannoning” by Chinese ships of a Philippine Navy -chartered civilian boats

It’s the sad story repeated all over again: A super typhoon, overloaded boat, and alleged negligence of government authorities. Result: tragedy. — Photos and videos by Bullit Marquez for VERA Files.

Sabi ni Pangulong Marcos, ang kalagayan ng bansa ay “sound and improving.” Dumating na raw ang Bagong Pilipinas. Pero sa Commonwealth Avenue, iba ang sigaw ng libu-libong nagra-rally.

Members of militant groups marked the first year of the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presidency with a rally denouncing what they described as his indifference to the plight of ordinary Filipinos.

Muslim Filipinos attend an outdoor prayer on Wednesday, June 28, at the Blue Mosque in Taguig City to celebrate Eid'l Adha. - Photos and video by Bullit Marquez for VERA Files

Qi Jiguang, the largest and most advanced naval training vessel by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy arrived June 14 for a four-day goodwill port call, the first since 2019.

To commemorate the 125th year of Philippine independence, a group of Filipinos staged a rally to stress their desire not to be caught in the competition between China and the United States.

Environment advocates brought their demand to stop the reclamation in Manila Bay, Bulacan and other parts of the country to Mendiola, near Malacañang. They also want to hold accountable government agencies and officials allowing the destruction of the environment.

That’s what lawyer Boni Tacardon told supporters of detained former senator Leila De Lima who were expecting the court’s decision on Monday, June 5, on her petition for bail.

The first ever trilateral maritime exercise among the coast guard personnel of the Philippines, the United States and Japan kicked off on Thursday, June 1, ushering in cooperation for a peaceful and stable Asia Pacific.

Feeling left out, some sectoral activists vented in protest in front of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Quezon City on Wednesday afternoon, May 31. Their placards say it all.

Many Filipinos were shocked to see images of the historic Manila Central Post Office building in flames when they woke up on Monday, May 22. The fire started shortly before midnight on Sunday but the highest fire alarm level was raised six hours later. Photojournalist Bullit Marquez took photos of the charred iconic structure for VERA Files.

There was no decision on her petition for bail. But former Sen. Leila de Lima, who has been in detention for six years for what her supporters insist are trumped-up drug charges, was a picture of optimism when she appeared at the RTC Branch 256 Muntinlupa City Monday, May 8. Photo for VERA Files by Bullit Marquez.