The emergence of principled political parties in the Philippines

The Philippines during 2016 is seeing the emergence of two “principle based” political parties. Whether or not the leaders of existing “personality based” parties recognize this is questionable. And whether or not they can collectively unite behind one party or another to make the Philippines a sophisticated, modern nation anchored by legitimate democratic principles is hugely questionable. For this article, … Continue reading →

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

The Filipino files: trolls and diplomats

It seems to me the Philippines is a nation of trolls. I don’t mean this in a disparaging way, but in a way that characterizes how people conduct their arguments. I’m thinking much more broadly than the internet and apply the term to any debate or argument undertaken by anybody at any time, any where, for … Continue reading →

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

Federalism – what they don’t tell you

w By Chempo Other than the external security threat imposed by the Chinese island grab, I would generalize the endemic problems of the Philippines to 3 areas – poverty, ineptitude in governance and never-ending political crises. It is a vicious cycle, each a cause and effect of the other. In Joeam style, if I were … Continue reading →

Filed under Economy, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

“We, the disenfranchised . . .”

Preface Many will likely read this blog wrong. They will read that I am against the Durerte Administration. Wrong, wrong, wrong. I dearly want the Administration to succeed. But I don’t want it to be on the backs of the poor and the weak and the sick and the innocent. I want it to be in … Continue reading →

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

Judgmental Disability

w By Edgar Lores I made a throwaway comment on the judgmental disability of Filipinos, and JoeAm suggested why don’t I write about it? And so I have . . . My comment was prompted by @Juana Pilipinas’ statement that she was a “tad skeptical about Filipinos’ decision-making ability.” The entirety of my response was: “Tad? … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts, Education