I wish the Catholic Church would focus on accountability rather than forgiveness

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America The Catholic Church is a great humanitarian institution. It gives the Philippines conscience, and comfort. But it needs to help more, socially, and politically. The Church is forgiving. Great. But forgiveness undermines accountability if it is exercised as the dominant moral foundation. It is the opposite of accountability, which … Continue reading

Are Pinks a personality cult?

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America I don’t think pinks are a personality cult. But it’s not up to me to decide. It’s up to pinks to decide and they can go either direction, personality or principle. Or they can dissolve and waste the tremendous amount of effort put into the “brand” by Leni and … Continue reading

The Philippines and the world

My mixed perspective when it comes to the Philippines and the world does show me that the relationship between the two can be strange. This is also visible in Philippine politics. Marcos Sr. was very eager to show a positive image of the Philippines to the world. Some Filipinos loved Duterte for thumbing his nose … Continue reading

You don’t need an anti-dynasty law to break the dynasties. Here’s how to do it.

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Power is like water, it flows downhill. The dynasties exercise it within their realms. The Dutertes run the Davao realm. The Espiñas run my Biliran realm. The Marcos clan is joined with the Romualdez clan. Even the Aquinos are dynastic. Barangay captains know where their bread is buttered. And … Continue reading

Revisiting the Institutionalization of People Power: Onwards to Direct Democracy

A Cantonal Assembly. Photo Credit: Wikipedia  Introduction The Philippines, known globally for its vibrant democratic movements, has a unique political landscape that has evolved through significant events like the 1986 People Power Revolution. This historical moment not only marked the overthrow of a dictatorship but also solidified the concept of “people power” in the national … Continue reading