A quick look at what the Boy Scouts lost on the Alphaland joint venture

Thanks to commenter parengtony at Raissa Robles’ top blog for the suggestion that we look at the Alphaland-Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) joint venture in Makati from a financial standpoint to put some order to things. I’d like to do a quick and rough sizing of the deal. Let’s look at: The history of … Continue reading →

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

Silence, the dark shadow of impunity in the Philippines

I so very much appreciate the comments people make in the discussion threads to the articles posted here. They inspire my thinking. The points made in different comments at different times often come together to spark an idea. It is a form of mental combustion. Alas, I can’t always recall where the ideas came from and can’t … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Economy, Philippine Government

Judges, priests and laws: making a bed for crime in the Philippines

I’m talking about honest judges and priests as well as corrupt judges and priests. And laws that coddle criminals. And a society that talks a good game now and then but is lacking in compassion for ordinary people. Why are there so many governmental crooks in the Philippines? Why is it an accepted way of life? Why … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Religion

The Pope and the Philippines

A few reflections on Pope Francis and the Philippines. Summation: A triumph! The big question: Will it have legs? That is, was it a showtime event, or an event with lasting significance? The Pope is controversial in Rome on theological grounds (“Italian writer stirs a hornet’s nest . . .“). Theology means little in the Philippines. … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Politics, Religion

Slicing and dicing the Nation’s investments in itself

From time to time, I explore the mundane workings of Philippine government to improve my grasp of what exactly is going on in the real world where tabloid journalists rarely tread. I know the Aquino government has given infrastructure development its rightful high priority. Where is the money going? Is the overall program reasonable? Will it … Continue reading →

Filed under Economy, Philippine Government