The courage of President Aquino

Posted by JoeAm on July 15, 2020 · 55 Comments 

Opinion By Joe America President Aquino was a stubborn man in some respects. He knew what was right even if the rest of the Philippines disagreed with him. So he did right. He chose not to bankrupt Social Security, gave the okay to kill a terrorist bomber at Mamasapano, relied on people he trusted even if … Continue reading →

Category China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Is President Duterte turning away from China?

Posted by JoeAm on June 30, 2020 · 109 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Three remarkable events have occurred during recent weeks. First, President Duterte spoke up during an ASEAN teleconference in favor of UNCLOS and against sea-claim tensions, a clear stance opposing China’s expansion. Second, it was reported in the news that Chinese on-line gambling businesses (Pogos) are leaving the Philippines. These … Continue reading →

Category China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

There’s no such thing as “crony capitalism”; it’s “crony corruption”

Posted by JoeAm on June 19, 2020 · 205 Comments 

Opinion By Joe America The term “crony capitalism” pastes an unfortunate, calming label, on a very bad economic situation. A crony is a powerful person who has an advantage by being known to other cronies. They collect as a gang and pass favors and advantages to one another, thereby locking out competent people not having … Continue reading →

Category China, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Understanding how the Philippines sees the US and China. They’re different.

Posted by JoeAm on June 4, 2020 · 11 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America It is common to broadly paint Philippine alliances with China and the United States as competitive or similar. They are not, and my goal here is to explain the difference. You can add your views in the discussion section of the blog. The Philippines has three strong associations with … Continue reading →

Category China, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

The myth that 16 million DDS are in charge of the Philippine agenda

Posted by JoeAm on May 10, 2020 · 40 Comments 

OPINION By Joe America We often look at leaders like Presidents Trump and Duterte and say they are ‘populists”, as if they are in power for and by the people. But that is a myth. Popularity does not drive either president. Vested interests do. The appeal to popular themes is merely a device, a marketing … Continue reading →

Category China, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics