Using a threat of ‘lawless violence’ is persecution of Filipinos

By JoeAm President Duterte and his officials make frequent use of the term “lawless violence” as a reason to move Armed Forces troops here and there, and to justify an extension of martial law in Mindanao. We get the sense that the lawless violence is so bad the entire nation could be put under martial … Continue reading

“Importanteng Maisama sa Conversation”—Erin Tañada

(First of two parts) by Wilfredo G. Villanueva An activist who talks like he’s in the halls of academe. An oppositionist who still calls President Duterte “pangulo” without a hint of disdain or sarcasm. Took the bar exams doggedly three times to pass, simply because he wants to be a lawyer. He. Wants. To. Be. … Continue reading

The President of the Philippines hates Manila

By JoeAm The President of the Philippines hates Manila. That is my opinion. It is not a fact. It is a deduction. You can decide if it is within a range of acceptable probability. You can decide if it is meaningful or not. The President detests all that Manila stands for. He hates the place. … Continue reading

Filipinos will exchange their digital souls for a taste of heaven on earth

By Andrew Lim The following is a scenario-building exercise based on recent developments in the Philippine telecommunications industry, with geopolitics, national security and the West Philippine Sea conflict as backdrop. It may be fictional, but the institutions, personalities and their capabilities are based on real life. – For this exercise, we will make use of … Continue reading

No Justice, No Progress

Second Installment of a Two-Part Article on Dean Chel Diokno (link to Part 1) by Wilfredo G. Villanueva Elsa Tolentino: How can you restore the trust of the people in the justice system in our country? Chel: It’s easy to do that as long as there is a political determination to improve the justice system. Ang … Continue reading