The Philippine Caste System and the Myth of Elections
As published in The Manila Times February 18, 2013 In college, we learned about the caste system in India, which still continues in the modern age, despite its state’s herculean…
North Korea’s nuke-bomb test: A reality check
As published int the Manila Times February 15, 2013 North Korea’s successful underground nuclear-bomb test last Tuesday has suddenly made Asia a dangerous place in which an all-out war or…
Aquino has not much to show for P2-B intelligence fund
The Paocc was allocated P324 million in confidential/intelligence funds in 2011, P566 million in 2012 and P588 million for this year. The 2011 budget described this allocation as for “Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Proper, including P300 million for Confidential and Intelligence expenses to be released upon approval of the President.”
Obviously to downplay the jump in Paocc’s funds the succeeding year, the 2012 Appropriations Act described the funds allotted for it as for “National Security Monitoring, including requirements for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime and Transnational Crime Campaign, as well as P500 million for confidential and intelligence funds to be released upon approval of the President.” (more…)
PH left out in China’s global investment surge
FINE time for President Aquino to put our territorial disputes with China—which started fifty years ago and whose resolution will take probably a hundred years—at the forefront of our diplomatic relations with the newest economic superpower.
Great timing for our country to be the noisiest among five claimants, condemning China as the region’s bully, and practically calling the global bully—the US—to go to our neighborhood and beat up that troublemaker. The four other protagonist against China’s claims (Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei)—as well as Cambodia and Myanmar must be cheering us on to antagonize China—while laughing at us behind our backs. (more…)