Huawei: friend or foe of the Philippines?

By JoeAm Due credit to regular contributor NHerrera for raising this issue and providing graphic exhibits and some references used herein. To set the scene for this discussion, we have to recognize that hard battle lines are shaping up globally with democracies facing off against autocratic states China and Russia. Several of those democracies have … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Technology/Internet, USA/Americans

Poor distribution of wealth is the root of all hardship

By JoeAm Regular contributor Micha ardently believes that the poor distribution of wealth in both the United States and Philippines is at the heart of the problems both nations are facing: rise of the populists, autocratic leaders, discontent of the middle class, breakdown of business ethics, and failure of capitalism and democracy. Although Micha and … Continue reading →

Filed under Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Technology/Internet

Developing new disciplines to deal with modern ways

By JoeAm Our way of living is very different than the way people lived just 20 years ago. Regular contributor Edgar Lores recently provided a nice snapshot of what is going on: Increasing complexity. E.g. not only computers but also newfangled gadgets and ideas. The speed of change. E.g. Moore’s Law. The increased dimensions of … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics, Technology/Internet

Bank stability in the Philippines

By JoeAm I was surprised at the shock wave that rolled through banking and economic news reports on the announced bankruptcy of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines. Hanjin is a Korean shipbuilding company that operates in the Subic shipyard. The bankruptcy left Philippine banks holding the bag for a reported $412 million in loans, and … Continue reading →

Filed under Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

A certain lack of character in the Philippine legislature

By JoeAm I started thinking about how to characterize a legislature that would have 9 year-old children taken from their parents and placed in confinement with other so-called “kids in disregard for the law” until they are as old as 25, and then expect them to emerge into the greater world as constructive members of … Continue reading →

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