Slicing and dicing the Nation’s investments in itself

Posted by JoeAm on January 18, 2015 · 40 Comments 

From time to time, I explore the mundane workings of Philippine government to improve my grasp of what exactly is going on in the real world where tabloid journalists rarely tread. I know the Aquino government has given infrastructure development its rightful high priority. Where is the money going? Is the overall program reasonable? Will it … Continue reading →

Filed under Economy, Philippine Government

A touch of compassion for Philippine atheists . . .

Posted by JoeAm on January 16, 2015 · 140 Comments 

It struck me that atheists must be going nuts right now. And maybe Muslims, too. Or how about INC members whose new arena can’t come close to matching the grab power of Pope Francis on wheels? Face it, this is a celebration by the super-majority of 83 percent, and it is totally of the Philippine … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts, Humor/Satire, Religion

Does mercy and compassion extend to the corrupt?

Posted by JoeAm on January 11, 2015 · 154 Comments 

by Andrew Lim The 2015 Philippine Papal visit is themed “mercy and compassion.” On its official website the rationale is very explicit: “Pope Francis will visit the Philippines primarily to comfort Filipinos devastated by the typhoon and the earthquake that hit the Visayas.” “In his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis proclaims that the Church … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Religion

Vice President Binay and the rage of the Middle Class

Posted by JoeAm on January 8, 2015 · 203 Comments 

The Philippines is a democracy in transition and it is moving faster than some people think. The transition is from economic poverty to economic wealth, and from a feudal democracy that favors the few to a forthright democracy that works for common good. The catalyst may be President Aquino, but the transition is out of … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

FOI, Right of Reply, Impunity and Discretion

Posted by JoeAm on January 7, 2015 · 22 Comments 

The Freedom of Information Bill being crafted in the Legislature is a very revealing document because it illustrates how the Philippine feudal democracy works. A feudal democracy exists when the framework of laws and governance is democratic but the rules for governing are adjusted to preserve the authority and advantages (the rent-seeking ability, for readers of economic bent) of the … Continue reading →

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