Category: Politics

Is President Noynoy Aquino to blame for the diplomatic and military row with China?

July 20, 2012June 9, 2013 Ilda 63 Comments

How did the Philippines manage to enter into a diplomatic row with China? Well aside from China’s insatiable need to find alternate sources of energy, part of the reason why China seems very aggressive in laying claim over the disputed Spratly group of islands and the Scarborough Shoal apparently has a lot to do with…

Government, Politics

A little reminder: don’t rely on PNoy’s SONA

July 20, 2012 a 8 Comments

So itâ€™s that time of the year again. That time when the good president steps into the pedestal to address every single Filipino all over the world, regarding the current state of our country in terms of politics, economics and society. That time when all eyes and cameras are focused on the most powerful man…

Government, Politics, Society

A pre-analysis of the likely BS in PNoy’s 2012 State of the Nation Address (SONA)

July 19, 2012 benign0 9 Comments

The next presidential State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be delivered to joint sessions of Philippine Congress next week is likely to have ‘BS’ written all over it. That’s because the 2012 SONA is, in fact, a speech that will be delivered by Philippine President Benigno Simeon “BS” Aquino III. Like any speech that…

Development, Economy, Government, Politics

Senator Miriam Santiago will have more fun in the Philippines than at the International Criminal Court

July 13, 2012October 13, 2015 Ilda 124 Comments

There comes a time when one starts getting bored with one’s job and starts to think about going for another one just because it looks like the grass is much greener on the other side. But when the time comes to say goodbye to the old job, realization suddenly hits and then one starts having…

Development, Government, Politics

The late Dolphy: the Filipino Filipinos were meant to be

July 12, 2012 benign0 13 Comments

He was humble, simple, and funny — three things that endeared him to the Filipino and made him the cultural icon that, specially in death, secured his place in Philippine history. In a country of celebrities-turned-politicians and divinely-anointed officials Dolphy was most famous for his seminal response to calls for him to run for office:…

Culture, Glitz and Glamour, Politics, Religion

Scattered thoughts on the Scarborough scene: Chinese lessons, discretion, and showiness

July 11, 2012July 25, 2013 FallenAngel 39 Comments

小心一点 (Xiao xin yi dian) – Be a little bit careful, about what you’re saying. These words were reportedly presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda’s response to a commentary in a Chinese newspaper that the Philippines is orchestrating a plot to stir up tensions in the dispute over the West Philippine Sea, or South China Sea. Of…

Culture, Government, Politics

Noynoy Aquino Vampire Hunter

July 6, 2012May 15, 2014 Gogs 41 Comments

“We’ll have a kid Or maybe we’ll rent one He’s got to be straight We don’t want a bent one He’ll drink his baby brew From a big brass cup Someday he may be president If things loosen up” Love Story by Randy Newman With the release this blockbuster season of…

Culture, Media, Politics

Maria Ressa says ‘talk the walk’ yet fails to act on possible violations of bank secrecy laws by Rappler reporters

July 6, 2012May 31, 2013 benign0 29 Comments

In a speech delivered at the Integrity Initiative Forum co-organized by the Makati Business Club (MBC), the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (Amcham), Maria Ressa, CEO and “thought leader” of self-described ‘social news network’ Rappler.com emphasized the…

Crime, Media, Politics