Tag: united states

Do the Philippines and the ASEAN community have what it takes to deal with China?

August 7, 2013 benign0 39 Comments

For all the feel-good news snippets we are receiving about the arrival of the Philippines’ newest warship, the 3,200-tonne BRP Ramon Alcaraz which joins the 3,400-tonne frigate BRP Gregorio del Pilar also acquired from the United States last year in patrolling disputed waters off Palawan, one cannot help ask a simple question: Can anyone really…

Culture, Development, Government, Society

President Nelson Mandela’s Legacy (Happy birthday, comrade Madiba), Mr. Obama’s Hypocrisy and the Courage of the Whistle Blowers

July 21, 2013 Jose Mario de Vega 5 Comments

I refer to Amy Goodman’s “Fighting for justice a fitting tribute to Mandela”, ABQ Journal/Syndicated Columnist, July 20, 2013. I concur with the author that: “As the world celebrates Nelson Mandela’s 95th birthday, it is timely to reflect on his life, spent fighting for equality for people of color who long suffered under South Africa’s…

Society

The Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Noynoy Aquino – July 22, 2013

July 21, 2013July 22, 2013 Ilda 200 Comments

President Benigno Simeon “BS” Aquino will be delivering his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, 2013. It has been three years since majority of Filipino voters elected the son of so-called “heroes” into the highest office in the land. Little did those voters know that after he banished the use…

Crime, Government, Politics, Society

Detroit bankruptcy under the weight of urban sprawl and poor transport: Metro Manila has a bit to learn

July 19, 2013 benign0 54 Comments

Sad milestone for a once glorious city and a former citadel of American industrial power. Detroit, Michigan — the city itself and its surrounding metropolitan area home to the United States’ “Big Three” car manufacturers, General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler — yesterday filed for bankruptcy following a decades-long decline the sharpest of which was felt…

Development, Economy, Government, Society

The permanence of consequences

July 18, 2013 benign0 14 Comments

Looking back at the debate over the monstrous squatting plague that is ravaging the Philippines’ major cities that has raged across social media like a wildfire, it is difficult not to be a nostalgic of a time when squatters where a relatively small problem. Perhaps back in a time when squatter colonies were more an…

Society

A mockery of justice: The Trayvon Martin case (An Open Letter to President Obama)

July 16, 2013 Jose Mario de Vega 158 Comments

Below is the statement issued by President Obama: “The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we…

Civics, Crime, Culture, Society

Fil-Am cling-ons descend upon ‘Fil-Am’ judge Lorna Schofield

June 30, 2013June 30, 2013 benign0 117 Comments

Funny how Filipino-Americans celebrated the “first Filipino American federal judge in U.S. history.” This is a woman who, by all intents and purposes, had grown up an American. As she had emphasized in her reportedly “unambiguous narrative”, Schofield insists that she “was an American Baby.” Schofield conceded being raised an all-American girl. No speaking Tagalog…

Culture, Society

China’s threat of ‘counterstrike’ in West Philippine Sea: What’s next move for Ph Government?

June 30, 2013June 5, 2019 benign0 32 Comments

After taking naval control over Scarborough Shoal, China is now ratcheting up its efforts to secure other disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea. According to China’s state media, a “counterstrike” will be launched against Philippine forces if the Philippine government does not stand down on its provocative activities in the area. The overseas edition…

Government, Politics