Category Archives: Reflections

Reflections are commentaries on the current issues and events of the day. They are analyzed from the vantage point of history, management, and socio-political science.

Like anything else that is published at IngmingAberia.com, they are by no means the last word to any issue. Instead, they are meant to provoke further discussion and hopefully facilitate consensus.

Reflections are like a smorgasbord of ideas. They can be many things to many people. They can be either affirmation of best practices, a critique of a perceived dysfunction, an invitation for discussions of an issue to continue, or a turn-key proposals for change.

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 »