We will lose all of the West Philippine Sea

By Andrew Lim President Duterte does not understand leverage Don’t blink, the entire West Philippine Sea and its resources will soon be gone. China’s nine-dash line map will be applied, and the fruit of Duterte’s pivot will be economic concessions that may appear substantial on surface but are actually a miniscule percentage of the value … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Ecology/Global Warming, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government

“Every Filipino for himself!!!”

By Joltin’ Joe America I had to toss a blog the other day. The title was something like “Why the Philippines is the stupidest nation in the world.” It was too angry. It was like kicking the dog or putting a fist into the wall, expressing the dismay I personally feel about the direction the … Continue reading →

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

How does the President stop his slide? Propaganda, intimidation or good works?

By Joe America A recent public survey gave President Duterte a 75% satisfaction rating. The result is typically characterized by the President’s spokesmen and much of the press as “very good”. Strong in relation to other presidents. That is one way to look at it, for sure. That’s the political spin, that’s the propaganda. Another … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Elitism and dreams

  By Joe America One of the problems I’ve been having of late is the accusation by Duterte supporters that we critics are “elitists”, trying to impose our moral authority on a people who don’t want it. I’m sensitive to the issue because we foreigners easily fall into the trap of judging people by our experience … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Education, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government

Democracy on the brink in the Philippines

By Joe America Democratic principles and institutions have always been an awkward fit in the Philippines. The nation remains tribal in the sense that people are fulfilled by being a part of a power bloc rather than a part of a system of freedoms and responsibilities. Loyalty to personalities trumps loyalty to principles because people … Continue reading →

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