Of second terms and judicial overreach

Posted by JoeAm on August 14, 2014 · 66 Comments 

One would think that a constitution ought to be a stabilizing document, a force for clarity and reason and good behavior. But the Philippine Constitution is not. It is a tool vested interests manipulate to get their way. You see, that is the problem with adopting American style democratic constitutional processes in a nation has … Continue reading →

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

Filipino ethics: inside out

Posted by JoeAm on August 12, 2014 · 38 Comments 

It struck me that I am a ship out of water when I argue for ethics in journalism, here, in the Philippines. Like other cultural constructs, the matter of “ethics” has a different shading in the Philippines. It is not comprehended in the same way that westerners grasp it. The definition is more along the … Continue reading →

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

Enemies of the Philippine State: China, Leftists and the Corrupt

Posted by JoeAm on July 27, 2014 · 45 Comments 

I actively roam the discussion threads attached to blogs and news articles, popping in and popping off now and then as the mood strikes. It is easy to get agitated there, and I often have to punch the little red X on the browser tab when I find myself getting overly worked up. You see, my … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Impressions of a Senate hearing

Posted by JoeAm on July 24, 2014 · 36 Comments 

Fine television drama. Government is a complex set of interrelationships, and Executive has huge responsibilities. The cabinet people who appeared are capable and forthright, and they have great respect for the President, and for other members of the cabinet. Do you realize how rare and precious that quality is? Senator Ejercito asked a few questions … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

A New Philippine Economic Plan: “Get out of the way!”

Posted by JoeAm on July 23, 2014 · 21 Comments 

Let me offer up a negative characterization of the Philippines because it helps make some sense of the proposed economic solution that follows. Outsiders observe that Filipinos are always fighting among themselves. The battles are merciless, from bickering over national artists to bitter personal arguments on the Senate floor to coups and impeachments galore. The fighting has a … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Economy, Education, Philippine Government, Uncategorized