The Mathematics of Effective Governance

Posted by JoeAm on February 17, 2015 · 184 Comments 

by Ben Diskurso Hindsight is always clearer. I was in Grade 5 reviewing for a quarterly exam when Ninoy Aquino was assassinated at what is now known as NAIA 1.  What was to happen after that all culminated in the eventual overthrow of Ferdinand Marcos 3 years later. And then as one people, we ratified … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Mamasapano: who was at fault, and why

Posted by JoeAm on February 15, 2015 · 290 Comments 

We have seen a frenzied hunt for culprits for the death of 44 SAF troops at the Battle of Mamasapano being carried out in the Senate, the House, and the Philippine tabloid media. As if finding someone to paste the guilt on would somehow make the pain go away. Some of the hunting has taken a … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics, USA/Americans

JoeAm’s findings: Day 3 of the Senate hearings on the Battle of Mamasapano

Posted by JoeAm on February 12, 2015 · 132 Comments 

In the Day 2 blog, I cited what I felt was the outstanding work done by five senators in pursuit of understandings on the confrontation between Moro rebels and SAF troops at Mamasapano. Day 3 showed the opposite, senators pursuing political aims rather than neutral fact-finding (Marcos, Binay), Senator Santiago stirring up the tabloid media … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Revisiting the Sandiganbayan and Binay’s Graft Case

Posted by JoeAm on February 12, 2015 · 83 Comments 

  By Yvonne  Sometime ago the news media reported the pronouncement of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno that she does not serve the President. Presumably she does not serve the Vice-president also. The subtext of her statement is that her loyalty belongs to the Filipino people and our Republic. I admire Chief Justice … Continue reading →

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

JoeAm’s findings: Day 2 of the Senate hearing on the Battle of Mamasapano

Posted by JoeAm on February 10, 2015 · 169 Comments 

If you ever doubt the quality and capability of the Philippine leadership, and the potential for good executive leadership, just pull up a tape of this senate hearing and watch the new cadre of (mostly) young, passionate, intelligent senators in action. There were no politics today, just a sharp focus on the issue at hand, understanding … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans