PAREX, the monster of Manila

Posted by JoeAm on October 1, 2021 · 289 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By JoeAm PAREX is the Pasig River Expressway, a Build Build Build project granted to San Miguel Corporation (SMC) under a Toll Operations Agreement with the Duterte Government. Critics abound, mostly environmentalists, some disliking privileged car drivers, and some objecting to the rushed administrative process. I took up a pro-SMC position on … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Economy, Philippine Government

When we stop being opposed, can we build something for a change?

Posted by JoeAm on September 26, 2021 · 96 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By JoeAm Opposition to President Duterte is creating some strange happenings. For one thing, people who helped him for five years suddenly grew integrity, or a conscience, and started pointing fingers at him. Or a different way to express their opportunism, more likely. Then, amusingly enough, we have Trillanes and Colmenares on … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Economy, Education, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

China’s Viral Belt and Road Initiative

Posted by JoeAm on July 27, 2021 · 221 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Dean de la Paz Hegemony takes many forms.From conquests, and colonization, the menu now includes terraforming watery shoals, foreign debt-compromised infrastructure with sovereign guarantees that hock patrimonial assets, the invasion of online gambling armies and battle-ready battalions of foreign construction and factory workers. The most farfetched form of domination is inflicting … Continue reading →

Category China, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government

“Biggest Scam” Awards, Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on July 8, 2021 · 173 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Excellence is driven by constant self-assessment. Transparency. Objectivity. Rigorous study. But the Duterte Administration does little of this. Energy is spent blaming people, making excuses, hiding data (the price of Sinovac; how intelligence funds are spent), and snowing citizens with propaganda. The Government takes credit where blame is due. … Continue reading →

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

Is Democracy Dead?

Posted by JoeAm on June 9, 2021 · 105 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Democracy in the American tradition was the genius of a few dozen bright European transplants trying to avoid the arrogance, classism, and taxes of British ways. They developed a set of ideals and laws that worked for a while. But democracy requires two things the common man has not … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Economy, Philippine Government