Category Archives: Columns

THE PEOPLE’S confidence in the Arroyo government is deteriorating daily as the corruption scandals hounding it escalate in number and gravity. As President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s credibility continues to plunge, even well-meaning citizens who several months ago wanted to give her a last chance at good governance are now getting pessimistic about her redemption. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — During the past days, I have been asked questions on the Supreme Court decision nullifying the threat of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to close radio and television stations that air the “Hello Garci” tapes or disc (CD). Also struck down were the warnings of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez that “those who had copies of this CD and those broadcasting or publishing its contents could be held liable under the Anti-Wiretapping Act.” Continue reading →

HAIL TO THE PUNO COURT FOR CHAMPIONING press freedom. By stopping the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from canceling the operating permits of radio and television stations that air the so-called “Hello Garci tapes,” the Supreme Court has again lived up to its long-held reputation as the bastion of liberty. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — I was invited, through Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, to meet President Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang last Feb. 6. We discussed many non-partisan concerns of the nation, like the seismic tests for oil and other natural resources in the Spratlys, jointly undertaken by the Philippines, China and Vietnam; the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) that is still awaiting Senate concurrence; and the strengthening of the Commission on Elections, started auspiciously with the appointment of Chair Jose A. R. Melo. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines–HOPE. THAT IS WHAT RETIRED JUSTICE Jose A. R. Melo’s appointment to the Commission on Elections brought to those who want to strengthen the normal constitutional method of changing leaders. The Supreme Court may be the last bulwark of democracy but the Comelec is the first. Honest, orderly and peaceful elections are impossible without a trustworthy Comelec. And a trustworthy Comelec begins with a competent, courageous and credible chair. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines–I THINK THE SUPREME COURT ACTED prudently in requiring the government to comment on the petition of the 11 broadcast journalists, led by Ces Orena Drilon, who challenged their arrest and detention as an aftermath of the Peninsula Manila Hotel siege. That the Court did not issue a writ of amparo (but merely required a comment) indicates that the correct legal remedy is a petition for prohibition, not amparo. I agree. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines– “11-MONTH OFW REMITTANCES HIT $13.1B,” bellows the Inquirer (1/16/08). The irony is that I am still flooded with e-mail from OFWs detailing their travails. Some propose interesting, commonsense ideas. For instance, white-collar professionals in First World countries should be exempted from obtaining clearances. In exchange, they will waive travel tax and terminal fee exemptions. Many ask why the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) has not devised online registration and issuance of clearances. If the Department of Foreign Affairs can process passports online, why can’t the POEA do the same? Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines–MY COLUMN LAST SUNDAY ON THE “SHABBY treatment of OFWs” touched raw nerves. I was deluged with e-mail. From Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, India, Maldives, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the USA and everywhere, OFWs poured out kilometric gripes against the POEA, immigration, airlines, airports, embassies and consulates. Here are a few edited excerpts: Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines—My esteemed colleague, Conrado de Quiros, picked the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) as the Filipino of the Year 2007 (Inquirer, 1/2/08). I concur. Collectively, OFWs propelled the economy more than anyone else, made the peso respectable, and funded their relatives: appetite for homes, cars, motorcycles, TV sets, appliances and foodstuff. In turn, Manny Villar’s Vista Land, Henry Sy’s SM Malls, and Tony Tan Caktiong’s Jollibee sold more, employed more and multiplied the OFW largesse all over, to both the rich and the poor. Of course, these frenzies mean more VAT collections for the government. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines—Globalization, deregulation and privatization have altered not just the economy of nations, but also much of everything else in the world. Tariffs, quotas and trade preferences are being eroded. So are employment, travel, communications and investment barriers. Call centers, overseas employment, Internet access and cell phones have been globalized. Continue reading →