The fight over sex education in the Philippines

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Filipinos are fighting over sex education. Teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted disease are problems in the Philippines. Conservative Catholics are horrified that anyone other than parents or priests might be talking about sex with kids. They are making up lies about a bill sponsored by Senator Hontiveros aimed at … Continue reading

Some Robredo fans are thinking small

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America This is Rappler’s headline April 25: “Dismay over Leni’s endorsements: yes to Pacquiao, Abalos; none for CamSur bets” This headline was generated by Pinks, Leni Robredo’s alleged support base. How do you think the masses read the headline? Do Pinks want to pick nits or win elections? Big thinking … Continue reading

Proposed: The Maria Ressa Social Media Ethics Board of the Philippines

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Bloggers and individuals on social media have no ethical standards by which to operate, and no monitoring agency other than the Legislature and a Cybercrime Law that was concocted by thin-skinned politicians to suppress criticism that demeaned them. The House has recently done fine work to reveal and rein … Continue reading

President Marcos is a peaceful man

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America It is easy to criticize presidents. They never do things 100% the way we would. That is a given. So in assessing a president’s performance, one must accept imperfections and calculate, using the well-being of all Filipinos, does the president build or destroy? And if he builds, does he … Continue reading

Democracy was too hard for Americans, how about you?

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America America’s democracy lasted from 1789 when its Constitution was adopted to 2025 when Donald Trump started dismantling it. That’s 236 years. Rome’s republic lasted 482 years. Greek democracy out of Athens made it just 185 years. Democracy is hard. It requires giving and sharing, not taking and bossing. Last … Continue reading