Day 4 of the Senate Mapasapano hearings

The 4th day of public hearings focused on the responsibility of the President in the Mamasapano fighting, the engagement of the cease fire team, the role of the US, the commitment of the MILF to Philippine law and order, and, pushed back to private hearing, the operating failures and lack of coordination between PNP and AFP. … Continue reading →

Filed under Blogging/Journalism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

How the Daily Inquirer makes the Philippines an angry nation

I’ve argued that Philippine media contribute in a major way to the dysfunction, strife and negative attitudes many Filipinos have toward their nation, their government, specific people (such as President Aquino), and even Filipinos as a whole. I’d like to pursue this by looking at some specifics. There are several points to bear in mind as … Continue reading →

Filed under Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, USA/Americans

Coup d’evil

I have to confess, I have not watched any coups from the front row before. They are not an American tradition as the people there seem to prefer elections over shenanigans. I also have to confess that the coup that has washed across the Philippine tabloids threw me into one of those unending gales of mirth, wave after wave … Continue reading →

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

The Mathematics of Effective Governance

by Ben Diskurso Hindsight is always clearer. I was in Grade 5 reviewing for a quarterly exam when Ninoy Aquino was assassinated at what is now known as NAIA 1.  What was to happen after that all culminated in the eventual overthrow of Ferdinand Marcos 3 years later. And then as one people, we ratified … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Mamasapano: who was at fault, and why

We have seen a frenzied hunt for culprits for the death of 44 SAF troops at the Battle of Mamasapano being carried out in the Senate, the House, and the Philippine tabloid media. As if finding someone to paste the guilt on would somehow make the pain go away. Some of the hunting has taken a … Continue reading →

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