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

Our own intellectual Truth Commission, starting with the BBL

Posted by JoeAm on February 5, 2015 · 25 Comments 

As the Philippine National government, or “Central government” as it is termed in the Bangsmoro Basic Law (BBL), wrestles with the aftermath of a horrid battle in the cornfields of Mindanao, let us take a different approach. The official government investigations will center on the battlefield and from that consider the BBL. We will start … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Religion

The Pope brought love. It lasted two weeks.

Posted by JoeAm on February 1, 2015 · 112 Comments 

I am ignorant in my ways, of that I am convinced. People here and elsewhere have told me so. I agree, because my emotional and intellectual capacities do not comprehend. The topic today is grief and compassion. grief, ɡrēf/, noun, deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death. Synonyms: sorrow, misery, sadness, anguish, pain, distress, heartache, heartbreak,agony, torment, affliction, … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government, Religion

Judges, priests and laws: making a bed for crime in the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on January 20, 2015 · 115 Comments 

I’m talking about honest judges and priests as well as corrupt judges and priests. And laws that coddle criminals. And a society that talks a good game now and then but is lacking in compassion for ordinary people. Why are there so many governmental crooks in the Philippines? Why is it an accepted way of life? Why … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Religion

The Pope and the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on January 19, 2015 · 64 Comments 

A few reflections on Pope Francis and the Philippines. Summation: A triumph! The big question: Will it have legs? That is, was it a showtime event, or an event with lasting significance? The Pope is controversial in Rome on theological grounds (“Italian writer stirs a hornet’s nest . . .“). Theology means little in the Philippines. … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Politics, Religion