Where is the Senate probe into the destructive influence of tabloid media on the Philippines?

Posted by JoeAm on February 10, 2015 · 40 Comments 

Why is freedom of the press so important? Why is it touted as being right next to freedom of speech and freedom of protest as essential protections that make for a better democracy? Two reasons, mainly: It is important because it allows democracy to flourish as an intelligent, interactive form of government. The media are the caretakers of … Continue reading →

Filed under Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

JoeAm’s findings, Senate hearing on the Battle of Mamasapano, Day 1

Posted by JoeAm on February 9, 2015 · 35 Comments 

Let me just highlight the key points I extracted from today’s 5 hour meeting of the joint Senate committee hearing on the Battle of Mamasapano in which 44 SAF forces, 18 (or more) MILF/BIFF forces, and four civilians were killed. I will go for the meaning without the background. I presume you know all the … Continue reading →

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

The BBL on defense and policing: changes are needed

Posted by JoeAm on February 8, 2015 · 60 Comments 

This is the second in a series of blogs aimed at understanding key issues in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The first established the general framework of the law (“Our own intellectual Truth Commission, starting with the BBL”). This one takes up the matter of defense and policing. In the BBL, Defense is focused on … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

The Philippines: promise on the brink

Posted by JoeAm on February 6, 2015 · 204 Comments 

History is scattered with incidents that explode to change the world. An assassination here, a boat sunk there, a sneak attack in the brilliant Hawaiian sun. The incidents themselves are not always huge. People die all the time. Boats sink all the time. It is what they inspire that changes the world, the rising up of a people. The … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Philippine Government

Our own intellectual Truth Commission, starting with the BBL

Posted by JoeAm on February 5, 2015 · 25 Comments 

As the Philippine National government, or “Central government” as it is termed in the Bangsmoro Basic Law (BBL), wrestles with the aftermath of a horrid battle in the cornfields of Mindanao, let us take a different approach. The official government investigations will center on the battlefield and from that consider the BBL. We will start … Continue reading →

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