Is Senator Poe a trapo or just a friend to VP Binay?

Posted by JoeAm on April 17, 2015 · 298 Comments 

What is a trapo, and is Senator Grace Poe one? Here’s the best explanation of the term that I’ve read: trapo, n, a traditional politician believed to be corrupt. Trapo is also a blend word or fusion, combining the first syllables of TRA-ditional PO-litician. In the beginning, Philippine journalists and “street parliamentarians” (that is, activists) … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Philippine Politics

“Free the Philippines! Join the Liberation Party!”

Posted by JoeAm on April 16, 2015 · 138 Comments 

That’s the rallying cry I imagine would attach to a group of middle class and enlightened upper class Filipino citizens who believe the nation is not yet free in the fullest, richest sense. How is the Philippines not free? Enrichment opportunities are bound in ways that favor the entitled. The poor are bound by lack of … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Education, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Senator Trillanes to the rescue!

Posted by JoeAm on April 14, 2015 · 92 Comments 

My first reaction to Senator Trillanes at yesterdays Blue Ribbon Subcommittee was, “oh oh, you are pushing too hard”. I thought pulling out a man classified as “scoundrel” in most books, a certain Delfin Lee, and putting his P200 million extortion charge against Vice President Binay in the headlines, was a little risky. And I … Continue reading →

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

The ethics of impunity

Posted by JoeAm on April 7, 2015 · 273 Comments 

Often I overlay my observations about the Philippines with personal history, that being American, corporate, and socially liberal, touched with military, sports, travels and family. Often, I am met with the pointed point that “we do it differently here, Joe”, or its obverse, “the US is the same way.” Well, if I am here to learn … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics

When military is undisciplined, failure follows

Posted by JoeAm on April 2, 2015 · 258 Comments 

There is always some risk when I overlay American ways on Filipino ways. For one thing, it is often okay for there to be two different ways. No problem. But I think in the matter of military discipline, the codes are universal. So I will overlay my own American experiences on what I observed during … Continue reading →

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