Why President Aquino is right to push back against the Supreme Court

Posted by JoeAm on August 20, 2014 · 55 Comments 

Context is everything. When we want to judge something accurately, we need to get the context right or we are likely to end up with the wrong judgment. I think that is broadly what has happened regarding President Aquino’s “push-back” against the Supreme Court on the Court’s DAP ruling. And his comments about a second … Continue reading →

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

Of second terms and judicial overreach

Posted by JoeAm on August 14, 2014 · 66 Comments 

One would think that a constitution ought to be a stabilizing document, a force for clarity and reason and good behavior. But the Philippine Constitution is not. It is a tool vested interests manipulate to get their way. You see, that is the problem with adopting American style democratic constitutional processes in a nation has … Continue reading →

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

Filipino ethics: inside out

Posted by JoeAm on August 12, 2014 · 38 Comments 

It struck me that I am a ship out of water when I argue for ethics in journalism, here, in the Philippines. Like other cultural constructs, the matter of “ethics” has a different shading in the Philippines. It is not comprehended in the same way that westerners grasp it. The definition is more along the … Continue reading →

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

Rappler journalistic ethics: modern or just plain bad?

Posted by JoeAm on August 3, 2014 · 83 Comments 

I will be doing several articles about Philippine media. Philippine media play a huge role in shaping the Philippines. I believe their output too often works against the well-being of the nation. So I figure it is time to push back against the press for contributing to strife and instability. The Rappler story I will dissect … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics

Impressions of a Senate hearing

Posted by JoeAm on July 24, 2014 · 36 Comments 

Fine television drama. Government is a complex set of interrelationships, and Executive has huge responsibilities. The cabinet people who appeared are capable and forthright, and they have great respect for the President, and for other members of the cabinet. Do you realize how rare and precious that quality is? Senator Ejercito asked a few questions … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government