Poor distribution of wealth is the root of all hardship

By JoeAm Regular contributor Micha ardently believes that the poor distribution of wealth in both the United States and Philippines is at the heart of the problems both nations are facing: rise of the populists, autocratic leaders, discontent of the middle class, breakdown of business ethics, and failure of capitalism and democracy. Although Micha and … Continue reading

Bank stability in the Philippines

By JoeAm I was surprised at the shock wave that rolled through banking and economic news reports on the announced bankruptcy of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines. Hanjin is a Korean shipbuilding company that operates in the Subic shipyard. The bankruptcy left Philippine banks holding the bag for a reported $412 million in loans, and … Continue reading

Tragedy of the Commons in the Philippines

By Chemrock Juan has a few cows which graze daily in the small field outside the village, together with scores of other cows that belong to fellow villagers. He makes a decent living from milk production. An opportunity came for Juan to double his herd. He knows nothing about optimum herd size, but he has … Continue reading

Electricity, Part 3: Epira is a lame duck with a non-performing WESM

By Chemrock The continuing high cost of electricity fuels clamor for repealing EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act 2001) and revert the power sector to a public run service.  Has Epira delivered on its mandate to bring about affordable electricity in a more efficient and competitive market? This is a 3-part series on electricity. The first … Continue reading

China’s goals

By JoeAm My sources of information are spread around the globe, a giant spider web, each node a listening post. One source is a particularly intelligent student of the Philippine condition and he warns me that the Philippines is in bed with the wrong dragon. Given that he spells realise with an ‘s’ I think … Continue reading