JoeAm’s findings: Day 3 of the Senate hearings on the Battle of Mamasapano

In the Day 2 blog, I cited what I felt was the outstanding work done by five senators in pursuit of understandings on the confrontation between Moro rebels and SAF troops at Mamasapano. Day 3 showed the opposite, senators pursuing political aims rather than neutral fact-finding (Marcos, Binay), Senator Santiago stirring up the tabloid media … Continue reading →

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

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