The weight of a presidential endorsement

An incumbent president’s endorsement or—to use a religious term—anointment of a candidate in a presidential election can work in either of two ways. It can be a blessing or a curse, an asset or a liability, a badge of honor or a burden. Most of the time, it is a mix of both. Surprisingly enough, … Read more

The weight of a presidential endorsement

An incumbent president’s endorsement or—to use a religious term—anointment of a candidate in a presidential election can work in either of two ways. It can be a blessing or a curse, an asset or a liability, a badge of honor or a burden. Most of the time, it is a mix of both. Surprisingly enough, … Read more

Revisiting ‘daang matuwid’

In the opening paragraph of his sixth and final State of the Nation Address last July 27, President Aquino reminded his listeners of how, in the five years he has been in office, his administration put a stop to the culture of privilege (“wang-wang”) not just in the streets but everywhere in society, how he … Read more

Revisiting ‘daang matuwid’

In the opening paragraph of his sixth and final State of the Nation Address last July 27, President Aquino reminded his listeners of how, in the five years he has been in office, his administration put a stop to the culture of privilege (“wang-wang”) not just in the streets but everywhere in society, how he … Read more

‘A religion, not a family corporation’

“All should know that the Iglesia is not a family corporation. It is a religion that follows the teachings of God found in the Bible.” As unexpected as it came, this declaration, issued by the top leadership of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) a few days ago, is perhaps the most modern statement ever to … Read more

‘A religion, not a family corporation’

“All should know that the Iglesia is not a family corporation. It is a religion that follows the teachings of God found in the Bible.” As unexpected as it came, this declaration, issued by the top leadership of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) a few days ago, is perhaps the most modern statement ever to … Read more

Where to, Grace?

Sen. Grace Poe’s rise in politics has been, by any measure, meteoric. Not even the opinion surveys—those modern instruments that cultures like ours piously consult as oracles of what the gods favor—gave any hint of its phenomenal trajectory. In 2010, when she first thought of running for the Senate, no political coalition could give her … Read more

Where to, Grace?

Sen. Grace Poe’s rise in politics has been, by any measure, meteoric. Not even the opinion surveys—those modern instruments that cultures like ours piously consult as oracles of what the gods favor—gave any hint of its phenomenal trajectory. In 2010, when she first thought of running for the Senate, no political coalition could give her … Read more

The audit function

The Senate blue ribbon and health committees, both headed by Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, are conducting an inquiry into “highly suspicious” payments made by PhilHealth to private healthcare providers who have extended medical services to its members. The investigation has been prompted by PhilHealth’s own finding of a sudden increase in government health insurance claims. … Read more

The audit function

The Senate blue ribbon and health committees, both headed by Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, are conducting an inquiry into “highly suspicious” payments made by PhilHealth to private healthcare providers who have extended medical services to its members. The investigation has been prompted by PhilHealth’s own finding of a sudden increase in government health insurance claims. … Read more