FOI, Right of Reply, Impunity and Discretion

Posted by JoeAm on January 7, 2015 · 22 Comments 

The Freedom of Information Bill being crafted in the Legislature is a very revealing document because it illustrates how the Philippine feudal democracy works. A feudal democracy exists when the framework of laws and governance is democratic but the rules for governing are adjusted to preserve the authority and advantages (the rent-seeking ability, for readers of economic bent) of the … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

A little change of plans

Posted by JoeAm on January 5, 2015 · 63 Comments 

You know, I probably write smack better than most in the Philippines. “Smack: a disrespectful comment made to or about someone.” (One of 42 definitions cited in the Urban Dictionary. Don’t check out the others unless you have great tolerance for American street language.) But I have become increasingly uncomfortable doing smack. I’ve reached the … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Binay does not have to be declared guilty to get thrown from the presidential race

Posted by JoeAm on November 30, 2014 · 70 Comments 

One of the great differences between America and the Philippines is the existence in America of what I will call the “community’s force of conscience”. It is a very important difference. Before getting to that, however, let’s start by observing  a similarity: both America and the Philippines have well evolved laws. These are the rules the community … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics

On the blacklisting of 9 Hong Kong protesters

Posted by JoeAm on November 27, 2014 · 18 Comments 

The Aquino Administration has dropped its ban on visits to the Philippines by nine Hong Kong protesters due to complaints from journalism groups and Hong Kong. Well, I’m writing this blog anyway because, from where I sit, those critics seem to be missing great chunks from the entire picture. The topic is most interesting because it … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics

The left: why its political parties fail

Posted by JoeAm on November 23, 2014 · 66 Comments 

Thanks to reader Pinoyputi who directed me down this track when he wrote: “I wish that the leftists would grow up, use their brains and start a real Social Democratic Party of importance here.” A LITTLE MATTER OF PRESENTATION The first thing you notice about leftist parties is that they like exclamation points. It is … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics, Uncategorized