The Day the Music Died in Manila: Part 2

Discussion of the various aspects of the  hostage-taking situation illustrated a number of problems emanating from the scenario. These includes some of the most critical errors that made a relatively manageable hostage-taking incident  turn from being under control into a raging drama that caught many, even non-Chinese  and non-Filipino, in a time lapse. Philippine Political Situationer observed that these grave errors were committed:

The House of Representatives’ Version of Constitutional Adventurism

On September 28, on a meeting initiated to define the future actions of the House of Representatives was called to order. The meeting was held to discuss the house consideration of the Status Quo Ante Order of the Supreme Court (dated September 14, 2009) and other issues that pertain to SC Order, which includes the reply to the SC order, representation of HoR in the Courts, and the possible action of the Committee with the pending status quo ante order. By lunch time, the Committee decided (with vote of 33 representatives) to set aside the status quo ante order and move on with the impeachment complaint. This article would delve into the implications of such move by the Philippine Legislative Body.

Security Governance: Democratizing the Security Sector

The world’s demand to more responsive, transparent accountable and participative government led to the development of the idea of ‘good governance’. Some countries, particularly in Western Europe, have been successful in integrating them into various facets of government, like security administration. Despite the moves to inculcate governance principles into the Philippine government, there are little or no moves to do such in its security sector. The Philippine security sector remains restricted and reactive which is mirrored by the manner by which security administration is handled by the Philippine government. With too many sociopolitical, economic and environmental vulnerabilities and security considerations, maybe the Philippines should start integrating governance principles in the security sector to make it more responsive to the calls of changing times.

An Open Letter to President-Elect Aquino

Mr. President-elect:

I have been critical of your candidacy because I don’t believe that you can deliver your promise. I have my reservation, and my moments of self-outrage over what you and your cohorts are doing in front of the television. But the people have spoken, and they want you in Malacañan: a decision that I whole-heartedly accept. But before you start your business as the 15^th Philippine President, let me have some words of advice for you.

Opening Malacañang’s Pandora’s Box

The recent news of GMA filing Certificate of Candidacy to run as Representative of Pampanga in 2010 Election has catalyzed so much uproar from anti-administration Filipinos. The move has been seen as an attempt of the sitting President to hold on to power, finding her way through the legislative loophole provided by the 1987 Constitution.  While it is true that doing so gives Arroyo a chance to put the Putin Formula at work, this explanation is too obvious. Given the way the Malacañang work, this issue looks more like a smokescreen to hide vulnerability and to hype impunity. This paper presents an alternative theory on why the Chief Executive decided to leave all pretenses and filed her certificate of candidacy to run as a legislative representative in Pampanga.