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 →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

A little change of plans

Posted by JoeAm on January 5, 2015 · 63 Comments 

You know, I probably write smack better than most in the Philippines. “Smack: a disrespectful comment made to or about someone.” (One of 42 definitions cited in the Urban Dictionary. Don’t check out the others unless you have great tolerance for American street language.) But I have become increasingly uncomfortable doing smack. I’ve reached the … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

American military culture, or why Pemberton is in US custody

Posted by JoeAm on January 1, 2015 · 124 Comments 

The following blog is my personal view, not the official position of the United States. JoeAm * * * * * This blog will turn the tables. Normally it is I, the American, who is trying to grasp Filipino customs that I don’t understand, like fighting chickens and a major religion that does not study … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, USA/Americans

The Korina stone

Posted by JoeAm on December 20, 2014 · 232 Comments 

ABS-CBN news anchor Korina Sanchez is regularly mocked or criticized on social media. I’ve mocked the shallow, sensationalist “talking head” method of news reporting employed by ABS-CBN. She is one of three news anchors there. Her husband, prospective presidential candidate Mar Roxas, gets criticized for being married to her. They were married in 2009. The … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Politics

“Flipping Manila”: exposing the rot in the walls

Posted by JoeAm on December 16, 2014 · 51 Comments 

Every once in a while when the kid is in school and the wife is downtown buying her way through the wet market, I grab the television remote and check out my favorite shows: (1) various senate hearings, (2) “Flipping Vegas”, and (3) some Discovery Channel survival show with two goofs trying to make their … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Philippine Government