Senator Trillanes to the rescue!

My first reaction to Senator Trillanes at yesterdays Blue Ribbon Subcommittee was, “oh oh, you are pushing too hard”. I thought pulling out a man classified as “scoundrel” in most books, a certain Delfin Lee, and putting his P200 million extortion charge against Vice President Binay in the headlines, was a little risky. And I … Continue reading →

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

Three options for Philippine citizens

  by josephivo 1- INTRODUCTION Who to vote for? How to reduce the victim mentality and build confidence? Dynasties? A free and thriving Philippines? Important questions, but two higher questions should be answered first. Just as Lenin always asked ironically: “Freedom — yes, but for whom? To do what?”, we could ask “For what Filipinos? … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Economy, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

The elegance of China’s island strategy

It was reported by US intelligence services that China is actively building Coast Guard ships. It is likely that these ships will be deployed to the reclaimed “islands” that formalize China’s “sovereign domestic territory” in the South China Sea. That territory includes contested outposts within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. By using Coast Guard ships, China accomplishes … Continue reading →

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

In defense of knowledge: Philippine victimhood, the sequel

A recent blog by Pinoy in Europe gave me the opportunity to sit back and reflect for a change, rather than engage in the dialogue. PiE’s point was that it is time for Filipinos to set aside the notion of being victims, which is a powerless role, and aspire to take control of their lives, … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Religion

The ethics of impunity

Often I overlay my observations about the Philippines with personal history, that being American, corporate, and socially liberal, touched with military, sports, travels and family. Often, I am met with the pointed point that “we do it differently here, Joe”, or its obverse, “the US is the same way.” Well, if I am here to learn … Continue reading →

Filed under Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics