Does mercy and compassion extend to the corrupt?

by Andrew Lim The 2015 Philippine Papal visit is themed “mercy and compassion.” On its official website the rationale is very explicit: “Pope Francis will visit the Philippines primarily to comfort Filipinos devastated by the typhoon and the earthquake that hit the Visayas.” “In his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis proclaims that the Church … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Religion

Vice President Binay and the rage of the Middle Class

The Philippines is a democracy in transition and it is moving faster than some people think. The transition is from economic poverty to economic wealth, and from a feudal democracy that favors the few to a forthright democracy that works for common good. The catalyst may be President Aquino, but the transition is out of … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

FOI, Right of Reply, Impunity and Discretion

The Freedom of Information Bill being crafted in the Legislature is a very revealing document because it illustrates how the Philippine feudal democracy works. A feudal democracy exists when the framework of laws and governance is democratic but the rules for governing are adjusted to preserve the authority and advantages (the rent-seeking ability, for readers of economic bent) of the … Continue reading →

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

A little change of plans

You know, I probably write smack better than most in the Philippines. “Smack: a disrespectful comment made to or about someone.” (One of 42 definitions cited in the Urban Dictionary. Don’t check out the others unless you have great tolerance for American street language.) But I have become increasingly uncomfortable doing smack. I’ve reached the … Continue reading →

Filed under Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

American military culture, or why Pemberton is in US custody

The following blog is my personal view, not the official position of the United States. JoeAm * * * * * This blog will turn the tables. Normally it is I, the American, who is trying to grasp Filipino customs that I don’t understand, like fighting chickens and a major religion that does not study … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense, USA/Americans