Category Archives: Politics and Government

Politics and Government — rephrases the dominant narratives on politics and government as it applies to contemporary Philippine and global society.

The aim is to clarify muddled issues, mock the naked agenda of partisan interests, and offer alternative worldviews. However, IngmingAberia.com wishes to offer the disclaimer that achieving this purpose is easier said than done.

Politics and Government is a tricky topic. It flirts confrontation with bullies. It encroaches upon turfs that are inhabited by the powerful, the rich, the mighty–all of whom are closely guarded by goons. It is therefore often necessary to use alternative language when poking royalty, such as with satire and metaphor. Any attempt of this kind, however, may not always be successful.

At any rate, IngmingAberia.com will always be committed to avoid the urge of criticizing the status quo just for the sake of exposing gaps. Stakes are higher than being analysts. We take pride in having earned the reputation of the one with the plan.

IngmingAberia.com shall find itself wanting if it fails to offer alternatives, or if it stops at complaining without offering solutions.

Don’t sell what you sell

Don’t sell what you sell was also published by the The Manila Times on 2 August 2023. Advertising oneself is fine. In a motivational talk, Arnold Schwarzenegger (“Terminator” in movieland and former California, USA Governor in politics) said: “Work like hell and advertise.” After having put in the work, it is fair to tell the… Read More »

Privatizing the state armed forces

Privatizing the state armed forces was also published by the Manila Times on 5 July 2023. The one-day Wagner mutiny that embarrassed Russia President Vladimir Putin and attracted kibitzers from around the world has brought to the open what used to be closed-door discussions on the potential risks and returns of privatizing state armed forces.… Read More »

Philippine Congress, Content Creator 

Philippine Congress, content creator  was also published by The Manila Times on 24 May 2023. The late Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr. once proposed the “three C’s”—short for Competence, Courage, Character—as criteria for electing people’s representatives in government. But that proposal hardly resonates. Voters, election results show, must have their own preferences. A look… Read More »

From Magellan to Hinatuan: How mining keeps Eastern Samar deeply wounded

From Magellan to Hinatuan: How mining keeps Eastern Samar deeply wounded was also published by The Manila Times on 3 and 10 May 2023. Five hundred years ago, on 16 March 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed on the shores of Homonhon Island in what is now part of the municipality of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines, after… Read More »

LBP-DBP merger: what’s in it for the owner–the taxpayers?

LBP-DBP merger: what’s in it for the owner–the taxpayers? was also published by The Manila Times on 26 April 2023. At no other time has recruitment of NPAs been as striking than the martial law years of Ferdinand Edralin Marcos–father of President Bongbong Marcos. And I refer not only to the new people’s army but… Read More »

People and the law

People and the law and also published by The Manila Times on 22 March 2023. When people own their issues, they also own the law that aims to address those issues. This ideal state arises when conditions for people participation have been developed. It promotes a political system that enables government to respond more effectively… Read More »

PPP Ideas for LGUs

PPP Ideas for LGUs was published by The Manila Times on 10 August 2022. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has advised local government units (LGUs) to engage the private sector for possible funding of their investments, such as for infrastructures, through public-private partnerships (PPPs). I wish to introduce here unsolicited ideas that can be developed further… Read More »