Mindanao . . . An Opinion

Posted by JoeAm on February 2, 2015 · 255 Comments 

  by Taga Bundok This is the opinion of one person who has spent some time in Mindanao, and has been paying attention for a while. It is not meant to be presented as “truth” or as the only possible valid opinion. There is a great deal that could be said and most perspectives deserve … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Way too many Filipinos are looking for culprits; grief is personal

Posted by JoeAm on January 30, 2015 · 159 Comments 

I got into a twitter argument with popular columnist Boo Chanco over President Aquino’s decision to welcome Japanese investors to the Philippines rather than welcome war casualties for burial. Boo was livid about it. I like Boo. He did a story about one of my blogs long ago. He thinks earnestly. Blogger Cocoy Dayao explained that this … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

BBL, MILF, BIFF, PNP, AFP, CIA and ISIS

Posted by JoeAm on January 28, 2015 · 103 Comments 

As with many topics, I don’t have full knowledge or complete conviction in my opinions. I put one version out here, as close as I can get to what I think is right, and leave it to the discussion to correct or re-aim the matter. This one I will break into two components: (1) the … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

American military culture, or why Pemberton is in US custody

Posted by JoeAm on January 1, 2015 · 124 Comments 

The following blog is my personal view, not the official position of the United States. JoeAm * * * * * This blog will turn the tables. Normally it is I, the American, who is trying to grasp Filipino customs that I don’t understand, like fighting chickens and a major religion that does not study … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, USA/Americans

Does Senator Santiago figure the Philippines for a beggar-me nation?

Posted by JoeAm on December 18, 2014 · 94 Comments 

It seems to me that Senator Santiago is one of the most negative people around. She is always hammering at someone, often in an indignant rant with five or six juicy quotes for the Inquirer’s crack reporters to wrap their keyboards around. Her quips are legend. She’s a veritable Aesop unchained, lecturing the rest of us … Continue reading →

Category China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government