Moving from analysis to advocacy

By JoeAm, Last week, I wrote an article that missed its mark. My headline did not correctly convey the point of the story. The headline talked about Leni Robredo. The point was how to build a strong, unified pro-democracy effort. Let me try again, because it is that important. The argument I am making has … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Politics

The incredible shrinking presidency

By JoeAm The Duterte presidency has assumed the look of a fast-draining balloon farting its way across the living room ceiling as it loses air fast. The blows have come fast and furious. Arroyo’s bold coup of the House right before the President’s SONA. It made him nothing but an old guy in the waiting … Continue reading →

Filed under Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

NOW and THEN you live through history

NOW THEN Both photos from the Daily Inquirer  

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics

The peculiar circumstance of being Chinoy

By JoeAm Filipinos of Chinese ancestry are everywhere in the Philippines, making up an estimated 20% of the population. Each has a story to tell, of how he or she became Filipino. And each has a saga that is entering a new phase as China aggressively occupies Philippine seas and appears to be making inroads … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts

Is Leni Robredo too ‘nice’ to be president?

By JoeAm Democracy and civility are under attack around the world, including in the Philippines where some 25,000 people have been killed and largely not accounted for. Opposition groups struggle to have a voice because the State controls most institutions and their members and the State weighs heavily on the media if they report unkindly. … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Politics