Category: Politics

It is time to reform the way ‘reform movements’ are run in the Philippines

Posted on By benign0 131 Comments on It is time to reform the way ‘reform movements’ are run in the Philippines
It is time to reform the way ‘reform movements’ are run in the Philippines

There are reform movements and there are people critical of said reform movements. Perhaps it is time that certain “reform” movements learn from their critics. That assumes of course that there is such a culture of learning within said movement. Indeed, the template had long ago been set for “movements” that behaved more like cults…

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Charter Change, Culture, Politics, Society

Now that Senator Enrile has resigned, should the ‘Christmas bonus’ controversy die?

Posted on By Ilda 8 Comments on Now that Senator Enrile has resigned, should the ‘Christmas bonus’ controversy die?
Now that Senator Enrile has resigned, should the ‘Christmas bonus’ controversy die?

After months of speculating on a supposed “plot” to oust him, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile has finally resigned as Senate President. We can only hope that the drama in the senate halls will go along with his resignation or at least simmer down a little bit. As Senator Antonio Trillanes correctly pointed out, Senator Enrile…

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Politics

The Impractical Elitism of an Incorrect Perspective on Reform

Posted on By BenK 74 Comments on The Impractical Elitism of an Incorrect Perspective on Reform
The Impractical Elitism of an Incorrect Perspective on Reform

This article is substantially based on an article I originally wrote in November, 2010 entitled “Applying the Right Fix: Charter Change and the Philippine Condition.” While the essential points made in the original article are still valid today, the Philippines is not exactly the same country it was two-and-a-half years ago, for better or worse;…

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Charter Change, Culture, Politics

Pinoy Pride Is Never There Where It Really Counts Elections 2013

Posted on By Gogs 8 Comments on Pinoy Pride Is Never There Where It Really Counts Elections 2013
Pinoy Pride Is Never There Where It Really Counts Elections 2013

May 13 2013. I want you all to forever remember that date whenever you get the temptation to beat your chest like King Kong over whatever superficiality captures your nationalistic imagination until the end of time. One reason why 2013 may be an improvement over 2012 is a year ago the nation was “captivated ”…

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Culture, Development, Government, Politics

Dear Philippines: Hope is not a strategy

Posted on By benign0 5 Comments on Dear Philippines: Hope is not a strategy
Dear Philippines: Hope is not a strategy

Hope springs eternal indeed as that other cliché goes. But then, we might ask: Hope in what exactly? Now that the Philippine Fiesta Elections of 2013 have come and gone, the hard questions must be asked, the vacuous campaign rhetoric ditched, and the motherhood statements junked. Perhaps the usual halfwits will continue to squabble and…

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Development, Politics

Taiwan and Philippine strained relationship is partly the result of electing incompetent public servants

Posted on By Ilda 66 Comments on Taiwan and Philippine strained relationship is partly the result of electing incompetent public servants
Taiwan and Philippine strained relationship is partly the result of electing incompetent public servants

The race for the highest position in the land just got tougher with popular surnames Poe, Binay and Aquino all winning Senate seats and all said to be vying for a push to the Presidency in 2016. Yes, the election is just a popularity contest particularly in the Philippines where most voters don’t even ask…

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Crime, Government, Politics

Democracy Ain’t Easy But You Shouldn’t Buy Political Reform Snake Oil

Posted on By P. Farol 21 Comments on Democracy Ain’t Easy But You Shouldn’t Buy Political Reform Snake Oil
Democracy Ain’t Easy But You Shouldn’t Buy Political Reform Snake Oil

You didn’t like the results of the 2013 Philippine National and Local Elections?  Well, tough! For those still scratching their heads and wondering why people voted the way they did, it’s probably time to go to the barber shop, ride a cab, or walkover to some random street corner for the latest political analysis.  Just…

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Charter Change, Politics