Day 4 of the Senate Mapasapano hearings

Posted by JoeAm on February 23, 2015 · 101 Comments 

The 4th day of public hearings focused on the responsibility of the President in the Mamasapano fighting, the engagement of the cease fire team, the role of the US, the commitment of the MILF to Philippine law and order, and, pushed back to private hearing, the operating failures and lack of coordination between PNP and AFP. … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Coup d’evil

Posted by JoeAm on February 19, 2015 · 206 Comments 

I have to confess, I have not watched any coups from the front row before. They are not an American tradition as the people there seem to prefer elections over shenanigans. I also have to confess that the coup that has washed across the Philippine tabloids threw me into one of those unending gales of mirth, wave after wave … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Politics, Religion

Revisiting the Sandiganbayan and Binay’s Graft Case

Posted by JoeAm on February 12, 2015 · 83 Comments 

  By Yvonne  Sometime ago the news media reported the pronouncement of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno that she does not serve the President. Presumably she does not serve the Vice-president also. The subtext of her statement is that her loyalty belongs to the Filipino people and our Republic. I admire Chief Justice … Continue reading →

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

Where is the Senate probe into the destructive influence of tabloid media on the Philippines?

Posted by JoeAm on February 10, 2015 · 40 Comments 

Why is freedom of the press so important? Why is it touted as being right next to freedom of speech and freedom of protest as essential protections that make for a better democracy? Two reasons, mainly: It is important because it allows democracy to flourish as an intelligent, interactive form of government. The media are the caretakers of … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

The BBL on defense and policing: changes are needed

Posted by JoeAm on February 8, 2015 · 60 Comments 

This is the second in a series of blogs aimed at understanding key issues in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The first established the general framework of the law (“Our own intellectual Truth Commission, starting with the BBL”). This one takes up the matter of defense and policing. In the BBL, Defense is focused on … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government