Wilfredo G. Villanueva
Cha Coronel Datu
Juana Pilipinas
Karl Garcia
giancarloangulo
Irineo B. R. Salazar
JPilipinas
karlgarcia
JoeAmDoes mercy and compassion extend to the corrupt?
by Andrew Lim The 2015 Philippine Papal visit is themed “mercy and compassion.” On its official website the rationale is very explicit: “Pope Francis will visit the Philippines primarily to comfort Filipinos devastated by the typhoon and the earthquake that hit the Visayas.” “In his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis proclaims that the Church … Continue reading
FOI, Right of Reply, Impunity and Discretion
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
A little change of plans
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
Binay does not have to be declared guilty to get thrown from the presidential race
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
On the blacklisting of 9 Hong Kong protesters
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
