Re-inventing the Senate in 2016 and 2019

Posted by JoeAm on June 30, 2015 · 67 Comments 

Let’s look at the senators who are up for re-election in 2016 and 2019 and see if there is a strategy that can be articulated that points to achievement-oriented law-writing in support of a fast-rising Philippines. It seems to this observer that a part of the drag on Philippine success is weak law-making. The Senate … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

How to break the Binay lock on the CDE class: “speak at an angle”

Posted by JoeAm on June 28, 2015 · 204 Comments 

One of the subjects that comes up often, usually with no small amount of frustration, is how rigidly members of the CDE laboring class and poor are unbending on their political views: “Binay can do for the Philippines what he has done for Makati.” “Binay is one of us.” “All politicians are corrupt.” “President Aquino is … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Philippine Politics

Is the Condonation Doctrine unconstitutional?

Posted by JoeAm on June 25, 2015 · 98 Comments 

Is the Condonation Doctrine unconstitutional? And should the Supreme Court revisit its decision in G.R. L-11959? By Yvonne Much has been said about the condonation doctrine. This subject has come into public awareness and intense scrutiny when Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Jr. invoked the condonation doctrine to stop his suspension as ordered by the Ombudsman in connection with … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Missing in action: Philippine youth against Binay

Posted by JoeAm on June 23, 2015 · 156 Comments 

We often find that democratic nations see their university students providing a kind of forward looking idealism that drives change toward better values. Universities teach good values. Students understand that their own futures are being defined by what the “olds” are doing with their nation. Student organizations are already in place, making communication and rallies easy. And so they protest for change or against wrongs. … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Philippine Politics

Starring Grace Poe as Truman Burbank, and the Philippines as Seahaven

Posted by JoeAm on June 21, 2015 · 122 Comments 

“The Truman Show” was produced in 1998. It stands as a classic mockery of our peculiar enjoyment of reality shows. Reality shows are popular because they put excitement into our own troubled, mundane little lives. Truman Burbank, played brilliantly by Jim Carrey, is the star of the show. He’s been on live television since his birth. He does not know … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Politics