The US and Philippines are kissing cousins

Posted by JoeAm on July 24, 2025 · 53 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America The term “ironclad relationship” drives me nuts. So trite, so lacking in specifics. It is used to keep China guessing, a subtle threat I suppose. Well, no worries. The US is clearly building on EDCA, the proverbial foot in the door, to expand its military foundation in the Philippines. … Continue reading →

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

President Marcos has the Philippines on the way up

Posted by JoeAm on June 12, 2025 · 114 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Democracy is an engine, a force, a living organism. It is not tin soldiers following orders, it is millions of people energized by hope, opportunity, and a system of organized chaos. Leaders are chosen by citizens but their term is shaped by accidents, the strange behavior of history, and … Continue reading →

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

Secretary Teodoro takes aim at China

Posted by JoeAm on June 5, 2025 · 115 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Secretary Teodoro took the Philippine transparency strategy in dealing with China’s aggressions to a whole new level when he called out Chinas military as propagandists and labeled China as untrustworthy at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Most Filipinos have seen the video or know of his statements. Here’s … Continue reading →

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

The Philippines is healthy, not hopeless and not helpless

Posted by JoeAm on April 7, 2025 · 16 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America The Philippines is a power-based democracy, by which I mean it is fundamentally democratic but with a strong layer of entitlement and impunity the higher one gets in its various dynastic bubbles. The top dynasts these days are the Marcos and Duterte dynasties. Interestingly, Duterte used his presidency to … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Economy, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

When white men rule the world, what can Filipinos expect?

Posted by JoeAm on March 13, 2025 · 69 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America The Joint Chiefs of Staff run the American military under the civilian Secretary of Defense and civilian President. The first two high level firings by the Trump Administration were the black man and the woman who sat on that panel. By their acts, so they are known. “Be quiet, … Continue reading →

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