The Philippines’ myth of sovereignty

Posted by josephivo on March 1, 2015 · 272 Comments 

by josephivo I was so fortunate to have had a very motivating history teacher in the last years of high school. Sovereignty was one of his favorite subjects. Luckily there is Wikipedia and Peter Watson’s book “Ideas” to refresh some events and concepts. Sovereignty might have a precise definition in international legislation, but the meaning changed over … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

When will the Philippines reach a Tipping Point?

Posted by JoeAm on February 26, 2015 · 196 Comments 

  by PinoyInEurope A lot of things have been happening in the Philippines recently. Even more, a lot of Filipinos in the country abroad, as well as foreigners interested in the country, have been adding to a groundswell of discussion on the Internet. What is interesting is that in spite of a lot of negativity … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Economy, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government

Moving forward after Mamasapano

Posted by JoeAm on February 25, 2015 · 144 Comments 

 I have a hard time doing a comprehensive review of Day 5 of the Senate public hearings on the Mamasapano conflict due to periodic brownouts on Biliran.  I did catch the middle part of the hearing, and it was pretty heavy . . . emotional, tense, argumentative. Constructive. Here are the highlights of what I … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government

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

The Mathematics of Effective Governance

Posted by JoeAm on February 17, 2015 · 184 Comments 

by Ben Diskurso Hindsight is always clearer. I was in Grade 5 reviewing for a quarterly exam when Ninoy Aquino was assassinated at what is now known as NAIA 1.  What was to happen after that all culminated in the eventual overthrow of Ferdinand Marcos 3 years later. And then as one people, we ratified … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics