The Binay defense team: Philippine media

Posted by JoeAm on September 7, 2014 · 92 Comments 

Have you noticed the subtle difference in media reporting about allegations of corruption regarding the Makati parking garage, versus what we witnessed regarding allegations of abuse of presidential discretionary spending (DAP)? The difference is to be found in the headlines and volume of stories favoring either the defendant or the accusers. The trial is being held in … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics

In defense of PNoy

Posted by JoeAm on September 4, 2014 · 127 Comments 

Guest article by Dolly Gonzales Let’s consider first the Supreme Court, and in particular Chief Justice Sereno. Then we can look at PNoy’s performance as President.   SUPREME COURT “I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt In 2012, PNoy spent valuable political capital to impeach a midnight-appointed Chief … Continue reading →

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

A battle of the gods in Manila: the Rizal statue

Posted by JoeAm on August 31, 2014 · 38 Comments 

I love the invigorating panoramas of nature, of seascapes and rugged rocky mountains, of sunsets and rainbows and rice terraces rising from sea to heaven, of glacial ice fields and storm-swept coasts and lighthouses in the mist. I just don’t expect to find them in the middle of cities. That separates me from Carlos Celdran on … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Economy, Laws and Ethics

What is the Inquirer’s game?

Posted by JoeAm on August 24, 2014 · 28 Comments 

My general impression for some years has been that, of all the nation’s newspaper publications, the Daily Inquirer is the best, the most respected and popular. It offers broad news coverage and appears to have no discernible axes to grind. The newspaper does work the sensationalist angle to boost circulation by emphasizing scandal or  conflict in big bold headlines, as … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Laws and Ethics

Have Filipinos sold their souls to family bloodlines? And Mr. Aquino?

Posted by JoeAm on August 22, 2014 · 46 Comments 

“The world is in a constant conspiracy against the brave. It’s the age-old struggle: the roar of the crowd on the one side, and the voice of your conscience on the other.” [General Douglas MacArthur] An Aquino family endorsement of Jejomar Binay for president, along with the Aquino sisters’ recent off hand remark that they could … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Family/Parenting/Children, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics