The Barangay: solution or problem

By JoeAm We’ve had numerous discussions here at the blog about the barangay system and whether it works to good advantage or not. The general consensus is that it is ‘troubled’, to be kind, but that there are some aspects that are valuable. Although I don’t want to get tedious about all the rules, because … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

The Filipino Diplomat in the Time of Duterte

By Cha Coronel Datu In October 1943, the people of Denmark , with the assistance of a German diplomat,  undertook the evacuation of over 7000 Danish Jews by boat to Sweden. There, for the rest of the war,  the evacuees remained protected and cared for by the government and people of Sweden. The German diplomat, … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Uncategorized

In a world of liars, let the honest people shine!

By Joe Am How do you measure the value of integrity, of dignity, of rising above our mundane little lot in life to give yourself to humanity? The Ramon Magsaysay Awards are granted to people of Asia who do just that. Bharat Vatwani from India was one of six people so honored this year. “Vatwani … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

The Philippines as an Upper Middle Income Country: hoax or doable?

By JoeAm I was shocked to hear Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Earnesto Pernia make the claim recently that the Philippines will be an upper-middle-income country by 2019. It clashed with my knowledge of the rampant poverty in the nation and how my neighbors struggle with food, transportation, and health. When I think of upper-middle income, I … Continue reading →

Filed under Economy, Philippine Government

Wretched

by Wilfredo G. Villanueva (This article was written before Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 25 by a team led by Makati police chief Senior Superintendent Rogelio Simon for the charge of rebellion, based on an arrest warrant issued by Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 Executive Judge Elmo Alameda.) This … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government