When Lawyers Cross the Line
The involvement of lawyers in criminal schemes raises a broader and uncomfortable question about the legal profession in the Philippines: have we reached a point where there is an oversupply…
Why Philippine Elections Moved from November to May
Before the declaration of Martial Law in 1972, national and local elections in the Philippines were traditionally held in November. This was no coincidence. Having been an American colony from…
Ceasefire
We have reached a chapter in our history where political dynasties—or political tribes—rule the roost in their respective political dominions. In many places, elections have become little more than ceremonial…
El Presidente Robin
Has Robin Padilla reached his political ceiling? Given his constituency, I sometimes feel politically marginalized. I no longer believe I can help elect the kind of leaders we once had…
Duterte Legacy Part 2
Another significant aspect of Rodrigo Duterte’s legacy concerns the judiciary, particularly the appointments he made to the Supreme Court and the lower courts during his presidency. When Duterte assumed office…
Erap’s Story About Manuel Quezon’s Morning Wood
When Joseph “Erap” Estrada was running for President in 1998, we gathered one evening of April 1998 at the residence of the late Danding Cojuangco in Balete Drive, New Manila,…
Golden Age of Copra
In the early decades of the 20th century, Quezon Province experienced what may aptly be called its Golden Age of Copra. Vast coconut plantations stretched across the fertile lands of…
Atong Ang Is Hiding in Plain Sight
The life and rise of Atong Ang, to many observers, has long been intertwined with the shadowy world of gambling, political patronage, and allegations of corruption. He reportedly began as…