Is President Duterte turning away from China?

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America Three remarkable events have occurred during recent weeks. First, President Duterte spoke up during an ASEAN teleconference in favor of UNCLOS and against sea-claim tensions, a clear stance opposing China’s expansion. Second, it was reported in the news that Chinese on-line gambling businesses (Pogos) are leaving the Philippines. These … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

There’s no such thing as “crony capitalism”; it’s “crony corruption”

Opinion By Joe America The term “crony capitalism” pastes an unfortunate, calming label, on a very bad economic situation. A crony is a powerful person who has an advantage by being known to other cronies. They collect as a gang and pass favors and advantages to one another, thereby locking out competent people not having … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

The Philippines kills itself by being dishonest

Opinion By Joe America What is honesty, really? Honesty is more than truth-telling. It is a kind of glue, a personal ethical commitment, that says we can solve problems better if we deal straight. Interpersonal problems, governmental problems, business problems. They all become corrosive and divisive if they are not approached honestly. Honesty removes the … Continue reading →

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

The Philippines needs a “New Leftist Party”

Opinion By Joe America The Philippine leftist agenda is bogged down in stubborn adherence to ideals sprouted in the 1950’s. They’ve calcified around mottoes and policies that just don’t work. Lenin played guitar for the Beatles, we all know. Except they don’t. The US is not imperialist anymore, we all know. They don’t. Overthrow of … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Politics, USA/Americans

The people who wanted the terror bill did not protect it during the legislative process

Analysis and Opinion By Joe America I think the Anti-Terror Bill is an example of a good intent gone bad under the oversight of a committee. The committee of which I speak is the Legislature. The strongest proponents of the Bill are the generals . . .  the AFP . . . who wanted to … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government