Re-inventing the Senate in 2016 and 2019

Posted by JoeAm on June 30, 2015 · 67 Comments 

Let’s look at the senators who are up for re-election in 2016 and 2019 and see if there is a strategy that can be articulated that points to achievement-oriented law-writing in support of a fast-rising Philippines. It seems to this observer that a part of the drag on Philippine success is weak law-making. The Senate … Continue reading →

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

Is the Condonation Doctrine unconstitutional?

Posted by JoeAm on June 25, 2015 · 98 Comments 

Is the Condonation Doctrine unconstitutional? And should the Supreme Court revisit its decision in G.R. L-11959? By Yvonne Much has been said about the condonation doctrine. This subject has come into public awareness and intense scrutiny when Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Jr. invoked the condonation doctrine to stop his suspension as ordered by the Ombudsman in connection with … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Philippine global leadership: re-defining sovereignty

Posted by JoeAm on June 18, 2015 · 124 Comments 

Without question, one of the most provocative thinkers among the Society’s well-stocked shelves of bright people is josephivo. And he does it in peace. He challenges us to be better . . . to think better . . . without calling us idiots for thinking in . . . well, our normal provincial terms. His last … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Ecology/Global Warming, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

“Managing America” to assure Philippine sovereignty

Posted by JoeAm on June 14, 2015 · 95 Comments 

It appears, subject to all the normal court challenges and few more whacko leftist marches down Roxas Boulevard, that the United States will operate on eight bases in the Philippines. The bases will house or anchor US military equipment, including warships at Subic and aircraft at Clark and elsewhere. They will also house intelligence assets … Continue reading →

Category China, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Would the Senate kindly stop interfering with Executive and write some needed laws?

Posted by JoeAm on June 13, 2015 · 54 Comments 

The Senate reminds me of a nagging mother-in-law, always feeling a need to insert herself into other people’s affairs. She justifies this nosy interference by citing the phrase “in aid of legislation” or various inane legalisms, and then proceeds to interfere. Here’s the deal. Executive leads by providing government services and defending the nation. Legislative writes the laws and … Continue reading →

Category Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government