A professor of psychology from the University of Virginia, Dr. Jonathan Haidt, called it “elevation” – that warm glow that spreads through our chest and brings tears to our eyes when we witness an act of selflessness, compassion, or kindness. Our breathing slows down, and gladness quickly fills our hearts. We not only feel good, … Read more
In the aftermath of the July 27th mutiny led by young officers, among them the top graduates and the most be-medalled in their batch at the Philippine Military Academy, not a few opinion makers have advanced the proposition that the PMA should be abolished. The suggestion is that, in producing highly politicized officers who will … Read more
It could have been just an ordinary interview with a couple of young officers who wanted to talk about corruption in the armed forces. The interview led to a broad exchange on theories of corruption – its origins, the forms it takes, its consequences, and solutions. The young officers, among them Navy Lt. Sonny Trillanes, … Read more
The People Power Revolution of 1986 was in many ways a political emancipation. It not only freed us from a dictator; it also freed us from the notion that the only road to political power is by election. For all the moral meanings that shrouded it, people power was an extraconstitutional route to power. Its … Read more
In a constitutional order led by civilians, the military is expected to stay out of politics. Soldiers can vote and have opinions on public issues, but they cannot join political parties or act on their political convictions. This is the price they pay for being entrusted with the state’s coercive apparatus. The government has to … Read more