Tag: political debate

The plight of Manny Pacquiao proves that Philippine political chatter lacks integrity

July 3, 2017 benign0 2 Comments

Philippine political discourse is too noisy. This seems to be the reason why confusion and lack of perspective reigns amongst the Philippines’ chattering classes. Hardly anything gets clarified, no problems get framed properly and, as a result, all the wrong arguments win. There is a concept in communications engineering called signal-to-noise ratio. In the age…

Culture, Politics, Society

Filipinos again left with a none-of-the-above vote

October 13, 2015 benign0 23 Comments

With Rodrigo Duterte dropping out of the presidential race (again), it’s back to a choice between the three early-announcers: current Vice President Jejomar Binay, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, and Senator Grace Poe. Again a void is left where a differentiated candidate is desperately needed. An increasing number of Filipinos can no…

Politics

The only intelligent challenge to politicians: Show us your PLATFORM. #PlatformPlez!

July 21, 2015 benign0 9 Comments

Former President Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada may not be the most credible politician in the Philippines, but at least he had this one right saying his decision to support politicians vying for the presidency in 2016 will depend on their platforms… “Kung sino ang nakikita kong maganda ang plataporma, ‘yun ang susuportahan ko sa huli. I…

Politics

It is time for Filipinos to start REFUSING to be victims

November 24, 2014 benign0 41 Comments

Perhaps at the root of all the factors that contribute to the Philippines’ continued and foreseeable failure to prosper is a deeply-entrenched cultural artefact: victimhood. Filipinos like playing the victim card. It is the heart of its politics — a “victimised” people to whom populist appeals to hero rhetoric resonate. As such, Filipino politicians win…

Culture, Development, Education, Politics, Society