The power of @ was also published by The Manila Times on 23 August 2023. Part One: The power of @ THE opening scene of the 2004 movie “Troy” recalls decades of bloody conflicts among the Greeks. Thousands of men, led by Triopas of Thessaly, stand guard on one side of the battlefield. On the… Read More »
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 »
Let the Magalong buzz begin was also published by The Manila Times on 19 July 2023. I saw Ping Lacson’s tweet: “We may have found a probable future leader our country needs. Yet, for what he stands and fights for versus the ‘new normal’ in Philippine politics, will he be electable as one?” Former Senator… Read More »
Gadon and Frasco: Has the Palace dropped the sensitivity meter? was also published by The Manila Times on 12 July 2023 The fitness of two cabinet officials came into question recently for what is shaping up to be their lack of capacity to meet the high standards of professionalism and integrity. Presidential Adviser on Poverty… Read More »
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 »
Maharlika – the ego trip is back was also published by The Manila Times on 7 June 2023. It’s been a while since I heard the word “Maharlika.” Back in the day, when Ferdinand Marcos Sr, father of Bongbong Marcos, the incumbent president, was rocking as a one-man, three-persona (executive, legislative, and judiciary) rule, I… Read More »
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 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? 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 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 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 »