JoeAm’s findings: Day 2 of the Senate hearing on the Battle of Mamasapano

Posted by JoeAm on February 10, 2015 · 169 Comments 

If you ever doubt the quality and capability of the Philippine leadership, and the potential for good executive leadership, just pull up a tape of this senate hearing and watch the new cadre of (mostly) young, passionate, intelligent senators in action. There were no politics today, just a sharp focus on the issue at hand, understanding … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

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

JoeAm’s findings, Senate hearing on the Battle of Mamasapano, Day 1

Posted by JoeAm on February 9, 2015 · 35 Comments 

Let me just highlight the key points I extracted from today’s 5 hour meeting of the joint Senate committee hearing on the Battle of Mamasapano in which 44 SAF forces, 18 (or more) MILF/BIFF forces, and four civilians were killed. I will go for the meaning without the background. I presume you know all the … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

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

The Philippines: promise on the brink

Posted by JoeAm on February 6, 2015 · 204 Comments 

History is scattered with incidents that explode to change the world. An assassination here, a boat sunk there, a sneak attack in the brilliant Hawaiian sun. The incidents themselves are not always huge. People die all the time. Boats sink all the time. It is what they inspire that changes the world, the rising up of a people. The … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Philippine Government