A New Philippine Economic Plan: “Get out of the way!”

Posted by JoeAm on July 23, 2014 · 21 Comments 

Let me offer up a negative characterization of the Philippines because it helps make some sense of the proposed economic solution that follows. Outsiders observe that Filipinos are always fighting among themselves. The battles are merciless, from bickering over national artists to bitter personal arguments on the Senate floor to coups and impeachments galore. The fighting has a … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Economy, Education, Philippine Government, Uncategorized

The working class: breaking out, moving up, or stuck?

Posted by JoeAm on July 15, 2014 · 35 Comments 

A few blogs ago, I said that there are two voting classes in the Philippines, (1) those with opportunity to educate and enrich themselves and (2) those without. In the former are rich people and the middle class. People with the means to get educated, get a decent job and grow. Or people with connections, usually family … Continue reading →

Category Economy, Education, Philippine Government

A matter of trust: the rest of the Abad story

Posted by JoeAm on July 13, 2014 · 69 Comments 

A Society reader kindly sent me a report, recently made public. I read it and was suddenly struck with a new awareness. What if the shrill cry for Secretary Abad’s  resignation has been wrong all along, built on an emotional bubble provoked by enemies of the straight path, fueled by sensationalist headlines and leftist rants? … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

The Philippines, a land of Mafia dons and dead journalists

Posted by JoeAm on July 4, 2014 · 45 Comments 

We read a lot about the shooting of journalists in the Philippines and the inability of the government to stop this assault on one of our most prized democratic values, freedom of the press. The killings are an affront to a nation that prides itself on being among the most expressively free in the world . . . … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

China’s plan to take Pagasa Island (Titiu), inhabited by about 200 Filipinos

Posted by JoeAm on July 2, 2014 · 18 Comments 

China’s enduring march to expand in the South China Sea is not flexible or fluid. It was set in action 10 years ago and is proceeding as scheduled. Every objection is met with a rebuff that paints the party objecting as an intruder into sovereign Chinese territory, as defined by the now-famous nine-dash line. Nothing the … Continue reading →

Category China, Economy, Philippine Government