Community-based progress: the barangay rules

Posted by karlgarcia on May 26, 2016 · 163 Comments 

w By Karl Garcia “The Philippines is a collection of tribes, of barangays  and municipalities ruled by families. This is where the government meets the people. There may be presidents and there may be oligarchs and there may be stuffed-shirt senators, but at the most basic level, the barangays rule the Philippines, and the families … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Benchmarking the Duterte presidency

Posted by JoeAm on May 24, 2016 · 189 Comments 

The incoming Duterte Administration is being formed now. Early indications are that the Cabinet will not have a lot of technocrats. They are political appointments. We can debate the qualifications of the specific people, and maybe will as the line-up becomes more definite. But right now, let’s just circle some important wagons. Let’s set some tangible … Continue reading →

Category China, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Time and circumstance, and how the office makes the man

Posted by JoeAm on May 19, 2016 · 214 Comments 

We see the lingering dust of battle as a few straggling Duterte fans ride the social nets to mock the losers. Meanwhile, the dedicated straight-pathers, who poured their hearts into a loss, wield the heavy club of righteous values and watchful eye. Those who parried the arrows of the past six years aimed at President Aquino are now … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

The people we will hold accountable for a Duterte disaster

Posted by JoeAm on May 6, 2016 · 584 Comments 

By Andrew Lim A Manifesto of the 70% If you belong to the 70% who will not vote for Duterte, read this closely and if you agree, share it as widely as you can. Paraphrasing Makati Business Club chair Ramon del Rosario, there has never been a time when you wished fervently that the campaign … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Politics

Duterte won’t be able to govern at all

Posted by JoeAm on May 1, 2016 · 606 Comments 

w By Andrew Lim If you are a diehard Duterte supporter, save your breath and ammo because this article deals with a post- election scenario where Duterte has won. It does not aim to sway your vote. This article is for the 70% + electorate split among different candidates and the uninvolved, who will need … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Politics, USA/Americans