Revisiting the Sandiganbayan and Binay’s Graft Case

  By Yvonne  Sometime ago the news media reported the pronouncement of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno that she does not serve the President. Presumably she does not serve the Vice-president also. The subtext of her statement is that her loyalty belongs to the Filipino people and our Republic. I admire Chief Justice … Continue reading →

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

JoeAm’s findings: Day 2 of the Senate hearing on the Battle of Mamasapano

If you ever doubt the quality and capability of the Philippine leadership, and the potential for good executive leadership, just pull up a tape of this senate hearing and watch the new cadre of (mostly) young, passionate, intelligent senators in action. There were no politics today, just a sharp focus on the issue at hand, understanding … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Where is the Senate probe into the destructive influence of tabloid media on the Philippines?

Why is freedom of the press so important? Why is it touted as being right next to freedom of speech and freedom of protest as essential protections that make for a better democracy? Two reasons, mainly: It is important because it allows democracy to flourish as an intelligent, interactive form of government. The media are the caretakers of … Continue reading →

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

JoeAm’s findings, Senate hearing on the Battle of Mamasapano, Day 1

Let me just highlight the key points I extracted from today’s 5 hour meeting of the joint Senate committee hearing on the Battle of Mamasapano in which 44 SAF forces, 18 (or more) MILF/BIFF forces, and four civilians were killed. I will go for the meaning without the background. I presume you know all the … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

The BBL on defense and policing: changes are needed

This is the second in a series of blogs aimed at understanding key issues in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The first established the general framework of the law (“Our own intellectual Truth Commission, starting with the BBL”). This one takes up the matter of defense and policing. In the BBL, Defense is focused on … Continue reading →

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