News

OPINION: A word on freedom

Manolo Quezon -- the Explainer
Posted at Jan 31 03:44 PM

Much as so much hate is expressed online in the name of freedom, however we define it, when actually forced to face each other like human beings there seems to be a chance we end up being more humane--more human--to each other. Read more »

OPINION: Sovereignty's last gasp

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Posted at Jan 22 04:33 PM

We're looking at the end of an era. Some media might die, today, because of rules written yesterday, even as these rules will soon no longer apply tomorrow. What a brave new world. Read more »

OPINION: The worm within

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Updated as of Jan 16 07:51 PM

The Constitution has ended up written in a way that practically makes it impossible to improve it, at least in a way our leaders are comfortable with. A generation of being frozen in time is unhealthy for any institution.  Read more »

OPINION: Machine to win

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Posted at Jan 08 06:06 PM

Timing a constitutional plebiscite is less about what that plebiscite is about—the details of a potential new form of government, which up to now are not quite solid, or widely discussed, much less understood—and more about getting the result you want. Read more »

OPINION: The great escape

Manolo Quezon - The Explainer
Posted at Jan 02 10:26 PM

It was a rare success story. The S.S. Mactan left Manila as 1941 turned into 1942. The next day, the Japanese arrived in Manila. The story of this ship is one of the great stories of World War II. Read more »

OPINION: Next year in Jerusalem

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Posted at Dec 11 03:10 PM

Recently, Donald Trump caused outrage in the Muslim world, when he announced that the United States was going to establish its embassy in Jerusalem, the first country to do so. Read more »

OPINION: It's Mueller Time

Manolo Quezon - The Explainer
Posted at Dec 05 12:03 AM

In the United States, pundits and politicians and the public are all wondering if both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence could end up impeached.  Read more »

OPINION: Law of unintended consequences

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Posted at Nov 27 06:54 PM

In the 30 years we've had the present Constitution, Chief Justices have faced impeachment efforts thrice. The first was against Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. The second was against Chief Justice Renato Corona. And the present, third, attempt is against Chief Justice Maylou Sereno. Read more »

OPINION: Party pooper

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Posted at Nov 20 04:42 PM

The party in power needs to do well in the Senate in 2019, because every mid-term election is a referendum on the sitting president. Read more »

OPINION: The costs of competition

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Posted at Nov 13 01:18 PM

ASEAN is moving in bold directions but aside from economists and radical critics, most seem unaware of the implications of these moves.  Read more »

OPINION: The Philippine Connection

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Posted at Oct 30 06:58 PM

Here are some dots. Opium, Morphine, Fentanyl, China, America, the Philippines, Germany, Hitler, Narcos, Rizal, Teddy Roosevelt Trump, and our very own President Duterte. We’re going to connect them in a quick exercise in surprising connections in the War on Drugs. Read more »

OPINION: Winner take all

Manolo Quezon - The Explainer
Posted at Oct 23 03:01 PM

The one thing you have to know about a revolution is that by its nature, it is illegal unless and until it wins. Then the revolution dictates what is legal or not.  Read more »

OPINION: A new sun rising

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Posted at Oct 17 03:31 PM

China's leader Xi Jinping is due to embark on the expected: a second five-year term, after which normally he would be expected to bow out. But something is happening that is making China watchers unsure if this will actually be the case. Read more »

OPINION: The dangling of Damocles’ sword

Manolo Quezon - The Explainer
Updated as of Oct 09 09:45 PM

President Duterte's popularity, still very high, reveals that he is now a victim of his past success: more normal numbers means he is not, at this point, a political superman anymore. Read more »

OPINION: Bamboozled by the barangay

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Posted at Oct 02 05:35 PM

Presidents, Congresses, even constitutions, come and go—but the datus remain the same. Just call them Mr. Chairman.  Read more »

OPINION: Manna from Marcos

Manolo Quezon - The Explainer
Posted at Sep 26 05:03 PM

Without even touching the kooky topic of gold, enough has been researched to suggest a far more logical source for the Marcos billions. He made his fortune the old-fashioned way. Read more »

OPINION: The big lie

Manolo Quezon — The Explainer
Posted at Sep 18 09:07 PM

Remember September 21 by all means. Not as the fake news date Marcos wanted you to remember, but for the things he wanted you to forget: a still-independent Senate, freedom of assembly, and a free press. Read more »

OPINION: Look ye mighty and despair

Manolo Quezon - The Explainer
Updated as of Sep 11 08:16 PM

By these rituals on the Marcos centennial, the once and perhaps future first family wanted to communicate that the restoration of their political fortunes and standing in society is nearly complete, 31 years after their fall from power. Read more »

OPINION: Let's make a deal

Manolo Quezon - The Explainer
Posted at Sep 05 02:50 AM

Ferdinand Marcos mentioned a big oopsie in his grand plan. Read more »

OPINION: Dead man walking

Manolo Quezon - The Explainer
Posted at Aug 28 08:01 PM

As the Marcoses kept vigil over the tomb of the late dictator, the President who buried Marcos in the heroes’ cemetery gave the impression he had pronounced a death sentence on Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog.  Read more »