The working class: breaking out, moving up, or stuck?

Posted by JoeAm on July 15, 2014 · 35 Comments 

A few blogs ago, I said that there are two voting classes in the Philippines, (1) those with opportunity to educate and enrich themselves and (2) those without. In the former are rich people and the middle class. People with the means to get educated, get a decent job and grow. Or people with connections, usually family … Continue reading →

Category Economy, Education, Philippine Government

China’s plan to take Pagasa Island (Titiu), inhabited by about 200 Filipinos

Posted by JoeAm on July 2, 2014 · 18 Comments 

China’s enduring march to expand in the South China Sea is not flexible or fluid. It was set in action 10 years ago and is proceeding as scheduled. Every objection is met with a rebuff that paints the party objecting as an intruder into sovereign Chinese territory, as defined by the now-famous nine-dash line. Nothing the … Continue reading →

Category China, Economy, Philippine Government

The Philippines is now an English speaking nation; deal with it

Posted by JoeAm on June 27, 2014 · 60 Comments 

The term “deal with it” is an American idiomatic expression. It is normally used in a confrontational manner, as a final exclamation point. A translation would be, “tough luck, nothing’s going to change, so you have to accept it. Nyaah nyaah nyaah!” But I don’t mean it as confrontational. I mean it as polite advice. I … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Economy, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government

Questions that ought to be asked of Presidential contender Binay

Posted by JoeAm on June 18, 2014 · 30 Comments 

I’ve been disturbed by some of Vice President Jejomar Binay’s activities the past year or two. His cabinet duty is head of the National Housing Authority, so he has important things to do. But he seems to want to insert himself in other activities, almost as a “counter-balancing” president. It seems that he is working as … Continue reading →

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

Regulatory Incest in the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on June 11, 2014 · 16 Comments 

This blog develops one of JoeAm’s new principles aimed at figuring out how to invigorate the Philippine economy and enhance the well-being of the nation’s peoples. Principle 7: Regulations must be for the nation, not for the good old boys. The term “good old boy” is an American idiomatic expression. As google tells it: good old boy (noun): a … Continue reading →

Category Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government