Dear President Duterte: “Ummmm, any chance you could up your game?”

Posted by JoeAm on November 13, 2016 · 124 Comments 

By Joe America Decisions have consequences, Mr. President. For example, if others see Filipinos as rude, OFWs have a harder time getting jobs. If the nation is considered a dangerous bastion of killer cops with no respect for international conventions, then investors don’t want to bring their money here. I think you would agree that Filipinos … Continue reading →

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

The Philippine Legislature: Heathens at the Pulpit

Posted by JoeAm on November 6, 2016 · 147 Comments 

By Joe America A few articles ago, I did a story about faith. The gist was that idolatry and faith, not facts and acts, are propping up President Duterte. A reader was sharp enough to point out that democracy is also a faith. My first reaction was, “huh?”, but as I thought about it, I … Continue reading →

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

We will lose all of the West Philippine Sea

Posted by JoeAm on October 13, 2016 · 330 Comments 

By Andrew Lim President Duterte does not understand leverage Don’t blink, the entire West Philippine Sea and its resources will soon be gone. China’s nine-dash line map will be applied, and the fruit of Duterte’s pivot will be economic concessions that may appear substantial on surface but are actually a miniscule percentage of the value … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Ecology/Global Warming, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government

“Every Filipino for himself!!!”

Posted by JoeAm on October 12, 2016 · 235 Comments 

By Joltin’ Joe America I had to toss a blog the other day. The title was something like “Why the Philippines is the stupidest nation in the world.” It was too angry. It was like kicking the dog or putting a fist into the wall, expressing the dismay I personally feel about the direction the … Continue reading →

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

Elitism and dreams

Posted by JoeAm on October 7, 2016 · 130 Comments 

  By Joe America One of the problems I’ve been having of late is the accusation by Duterte supporters that we critics are “elitists”, trying to impose our moral authority on a people who don’t want it. I’m sensitive to the issue because we foreigners easily fall into the trap of judging people by our experience … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Education, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government