If you’re a long time reader, you’d know I watch very little TV. But Speedy likes watching TV. While switching channels, he came upon some public service affairs program where the host was reading messages sent in by televiewers via SMS. The topic was the slogans of the 2010 presidential candidates. Here is the observation ... (more)
The Fockers and the Basterds
Posted on January 5, 2010 · 23 Comments
Except for those required grade-school essays, I don’t remember jotting down New Year’s resolutions. This year though, I will. I have three in my mind right now, the list is likely grow longer as the year progresses, but three is a good number to start with. 1. Stop trying to make sense of Philippine politics. ... (more)
The ‘deemed-resigned’ issue
Posted on December 11, 2009 · 21 Comments
After thousands of voter’s IDs were recovered from the mansion of Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. in Shariff Aguak, Col. Leo Ferrer, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, was asked whether the IDs were authentic. He said he couldn’t tell — how could he when he didn’t even have a voter’s ID? Well, that makes two of ... (more)
Federalism, political dynasties and private armies
Posted on December 3, 2009 · 18 Comments
I was aboard the cruise ship Legend of the Seas on a much-needed vacation when I heard about the incident at Ampatuan. I was in my state room watching the news on CNN when the familiar voice of Maria Ressa went on the air and what I heard so shocked me that my coffee had ... (more)
Her ever changing civil status
Posted on November 24, 2009 · 28 Comments
I used to admire Loren Legarda back when she was a young newscaster and TV host. She was refreshing and articulate with a personality that commanded attention. Several years later, she became different. She would newscast in a staccato voice and I couldn’t quite understand if it was the effect of a newfound self-confidence or ... (more)
A benighted and repressive Comelec
Posted on November 17, 2009 · 28 Comments
Just last week, in the column “Sometimes, TV doesn’t suck”, I asked whether religious persons make fair and objective leaders who will think, decide and act in favor of the common good rather than in compliance with their own religious biases. Today, I have to ask that question again in reaction to the Comelec’s resolution ... (more)
Electoral campaign
Posted on July 6, 2009 · Leave a Comment
It has often been said that the Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration in the entire world. When the first “ber” month begins, Filipinos can already taste Christmas. But it isn’t just Christmas that we celebrate the longest — we have the longest electoral campaign period too. Not too long ago, when political aspirants blatantly ... (more)
No People Power without military support
Posted on March 9, 2008 ·
From A twist to the usual tale of street protests in The Economist, an article that analyzes why the Senate with its 2010 “presidentiables” is lukewarm over another People Power. ON FEBRUARY 29th several thousand anti-government demonstrators gathered in Manila to demand the resignation of President Gloria Arroyo. So far, so usual… But this was ... (more)
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