A Business Graduate's Reviewing History Blog

It's something when people keep saying, "It's not the constitution that's the problem! It's the people!" The rise of Victor "Vico" Ma. Regis Nubla Sotto can be something. It's a breath of fresh air. People might use Vico (aside from every other candidate they blindly adore like some god or goddess) to resist the need for constitutional reform. Previously, I wrote about whether or not the late Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III should be a reason not to pursue economic charter change . Now, I'd like to write a post on whether or not Vico should be a reason to reject constitutional reform.  I read through The Philippine Star  and found an interesting article on Vico. As I read through it, here's something Vico said, and hopefully, he's for constitutional reform: “ Good governance isn’t flashy, but it is the bedrock of progres s. If you build the right systems and lead with integrity, everything else – whether scholarships, ...

Inquirer There's always the obsession with political dynasties. There's also the obsession with term limits . Back in the 1990s, I remembered fearing charter change . I was afraid that the late Fidel V. Ramos might become a dictator. The talks that if a president would rule for more than six years--would be considered "frightening" or "nakakatakot" in Tagalog. I wrote an article where I wrote one staggering truth-- a  long reign isn't necessarily tyrannical and that a short reign isn't necessarily benevolent . In my discussion, I highlighted both Pol Pot and Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.--both deceased dictators. Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge dictatorship murdered millions in contrast to Marcos' regime. Of course, some people will say Pol Pot would've caused Cambodia to go extinct if he rhad eigned longer. I remember the logic that I was told back in elementary school. I was told that the reason why term limits are imposed is to prevent another Marcos-...

Midterm elections are already around the corner. Driving or travelling during election seasons can be annoying. Honestly, why didn't the Philippines go parliamentary? I would ask people on Facebook (but again, I will not mention their names and if I do post their comments, I will block their names and pictures out) what their plan is. Obviously, it can go from "voters' education" to "campaigning for people to vote wisely".  Above is a parody of the presidential election last 2010. Yes, it was that time when the late Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III also ran for president. Noynoy's mother Maria Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino died of cancer. It would be necropolitics all over again. This video made me chuckle because it shows the problem of presidentialism. It's all about how dancing during campaigns. I could imagine if people who insist that "vote wisely is the solution for long term progress"--finally decide to dance to the jingle ...

Another 1990s tragedy that I remember hearing about was the Ozone Disco Tragedy . If I were teaching business ethics right now, I would use the Ozone Disco case as a case study. It deserves attention because of how tragic it was. I heard some bodies were never recovered. I watched this episode of the Ozone Disco Tragedy on Case Unclosed . Once again, I'll apologize if the videos I post don't have English subtitles. I may consider finding an application to provide a transcript soon, but that's no guarantee! Pretty much, if you're not a Filipino then just read through the blog entry without watching the video first!  I looked into an article from The   Flip Science called " Playing with fire: Understanding the Ozone Disco tragedy " which was written by Mikael Angelo Francisco, during the pandemic. The pandemic ceased several social gatherings, that included discos. Back then, I used the Ozone Disco tragedy as a reason to oppose dancing classes. However, dancing...

Liza Maza Facebook Page It's 30 years since Flor Contemplacion was executed in Singapore. My memories was how some people felt hatred for Singapore, how we were told that "Filipinos are always oppressed." in both values education and civics classes, and how Flor should be regarded as a heroine. The Buwan Ng Wika program came and Flor's execution was also highlighted in the song "Kuko Ng Agila" (Claws of the Eagle). Flor was always romanticized as innocent, a martyr, and even some decent Filipinos bought it once. However, I soon accepted Flor's execution to be what it is-- Singaporean justice .  Some people are still continuing to commemorate Flor--as if she was some kind of Catholic saint or martyr. I could remember rallies year after year, commemorating Flor's "martyrdom". What was also ironic was, at that time, the Vizconde Massacre (read here ) happened and the wrong people were arrested. The public demanded the blood of Hubert Jeffry P....

I was looking into the Facebook page of Butthurt Philippines . Honestly, it's easy to complain but what's the use of complaining if you reject the solutions? The art produced by its administrator shows some problems. However, if the administrator here believes that the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines is "perfect as it is" (and he seems to be throwing a "saving face" by saying it was just sarcasm, and I failed to detect it) then it's really something. It's one thing to keep complaining. Complaining can be good. However, what's the use of complaining if you reject the solutions. Even worse, complaining about the quality of candidates for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, while still saying, "It's not the system it's the people!" Please, that kind of thinking has been refuted even by basic psychology and political science! It's really good to point out the three problems. Distractions? Check. Keeping people hopeless? Ch...

  EDSA people's power should never be downplayed. It was the downfall of an illegitimate government. Both Benigno Simeon "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and Salvador "Doy" Laurel had their rare interviews in Japan (read here ), addressing the Marcos Years' lack of legitimacy. Doy even mentioned Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.'s 16-year rule as lacking legitimacy. In short, the claim that the Philippines already tried having a parliamentary system at that time is false. Ninoy highlighted the problems behind Marcos' "new constitution". In fact, it's still worth laughing at the details that reveal the crooked methods used, and why the Philippines never had a parliamentary system: And so my friends, we started with an American-type constitution, we move to a British-type constitution.  We had a parliamentary form of government without a parliament. Until 1978, we did not have a parliament. And yet, we were supposed to be a parliamentary form of government.  And...