tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post521978850849368644..comments2023-06-10T20:22:01.348+08:00Comments on The Society of Honor by Joe America: Philippine Ethics: A Mirror to Values The Society of Honorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02536906267332687130noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-61875738330187932542012-08-25T09:13:27.113+08:002012-08-25T09:13:27.113+08:00“I like voting for people with a platform not plat...“I like voting for people with a platform not platforms with people.”<br /><br />This is as succinct a summary as ever on the current alternatives in Philippine politics.<br /><br />I think the Angara bill is an attempt to graft a parliamentary system solution to the excesses of the presidential system. Some of these excesses have been identified as:<br /><br />• Turncoatism<br />• Personality-oriented politics<br />• Election overspending<br />• Corruption due to need to recover election expenses<br />• Prioritization of vested interests (usually those of the wealthy backers) over national interests<br />• Promotion of oligarchy and political dynasties<br /><br />With all due respect, MB, for me, apart from the above, the one major defect of the presidential system is the absence of a comprehensive platform. There is no need for it and the candidate does not have to produce one. All a candidate needs is popularity, money and a catchy slogan. I believe at the local level, the old politics of gold, guns and goons still holds true (Ampatuans). It may no longer be true at the national level, but indubitably gold still reigns. Indeed, the last four excesses listed above relate to gold.<br /><br />I think that without a comprehensive platform, a country is playing a game of reverse Russian roulette. There is only one chance in six of being lucky. Philippine history has proved that. From the time of martial law, we have had six presidents. For one (potentially) great President, you get three bad ones – Marcos, Arroyo and Estrada - and two middling ones. For the previous presidents from the time of independence down to martial law, there are no stand-outs. (Or am I being too harsh?) That is, with the possible exception of Quezon who one may credit for Philippines independence, but also for the outcome of successive governments “run like Hell”.<br /><br />With a comprehensive platform, you are not pinning your future on luck, but on alternative blueprints. You get to pick what you like. Therefore, I tend to disagree that ideologies, or agenda-based politics, are a bad thing.<br /><br />On the other hand, I totally agree that loyalty to the party may override loyalty to the country, and that the services of good men may be lost to the country. Two other major dangers of the Angara Bill would be:<br /><br />• Domination of the political system by a majority of two parties<br />• Stagnation due to the domination of one party for a period of time<br /><br />Additionally, I am not sure that the Angara bill will resolve all the problems it purports to address, in particular, oligarchy and political dynasties. The former will take time to disappear, if ever, and the latter requires legislation.<br /><br />Is there an alternative to the dichotomy-based solutions expressed in the first quoted sentence? I believe there is, but I haven’t worked it out totally. The glimmer in my mind arises from the question: If you train judges for the Judiciary, why not train people for the Executive and Legislative branches? The waste, the corruption, the excesses of party-based politics is folly.<br />Edgar Loreshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13363554010485644899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-60802425072561535412012-08-25T05:58:20.152+08:002012-08-25T05:58:20.152+08:00I think the blogger Pope should thank the good sen...I think the blogger Pope should thank the good senator for upping her readership.<br /><br />Money is the path to votes, for sure, both in the Philippines and the U.S.The Society of Honorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02536906267332687130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-15997527558365120552012-08-25T05:54:37.361+08:002012-08-25T05:54:37.361+08:00You understand these things better than most, so I...You understand these things better than most, so I shall dial a little skepticism into my readings on this. Thanks for the elaboration.The Society of Honorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02536906267332687130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-28263896156834005372012-08-24T23:50:36.285+08:002012-08-24T23:50:36.285+08:00I once joined the campaign of a candidate for cong...I once joined the campaign of a candidate for congressman in the province. All three bets were fighting to get the endorsement of then-President Cory,all looking forward to having a photo-op with Cory raising their hand, and making a poster of that endorsement. My bet got the endorsement all right but lost in the count where big money changed hands. This was before the age of Internet, photoshop, blogs, and Senator Sotto plagiarizing the blogger Pope. <br /><br />DocBAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-54835495344185239262012-08-24T23:50:19.937+08:002012-08-24T23:50:19.937+08:00Joe,
I read Edgar's comment but I still have ...Joe,<br /><br />I read Edgar's comment but I still have reservations about a system where voters elect parties rather than individuals. I like voting for people with a platform not platforms with people. <br /><br />Take a good look at the party-list system here. That's what you are going to get if the political party development bill becomes law. However I am not throwing out the entire bill. I like some of its elements like campaign finance.<br /><br />But why legislate the promotion of party loyalty and discipline? That's something political leaders should take care of by themselves. If they can't hold their people together then that's their problem, not mine or the nation's. Why should public funds be used to help political parties become stronger and more united?<br /><br />The structure of our politics, especially of our political party system, will evolve as we mature politically. Let it be. We are not making a bonsai tree. Let it unfold by itself.manuelbuencaminonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-83292288883860215502012-08-24T19:24:05.478+08:002012-08-24T19:24:05.478+08:00MB, I appreciate the perspective. This is all new ...MB, I appreciate the perspective. This is all new to me and I will follow the debate carefully. I trust you read Edgar's comment above. If not, please do. Certainly one can look at the behavior of U.S. political parties and not be very impressed. But that may be a function of two developments: (1) intense polarization brought on by religious extremism, and (2) a stupid Supreme Court decision that allows unlimited corporate donations to political action groups. Also, the Philippine Congress does not seem to be the most rational, productive institution today, with its fluid personal allegiances looking to get close to money.The Society of Honorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02536906267332687130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-26538840872294629912012-08-24T18:31:22.911+08:002012-08-24T18:31:22.911+08:00John Jay Chapman : “A political organization is a ...John Jay Chapman : “A political organization is a transferable commodity. You could not find a better way of killing virtue than by packing it into one of these contraptions which some gang of thieves is sure to find useful.” manuelbuencaminonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-46653535863097460462012-08-24T18:05:33.566+08:002012-08-24T18:05:33.566+08:00Joe,
I think one of your founding fathers said tha...Joe,<br />I think one of your founding fathers said that once elected a president's party should be the people. I lean towards that view. I do recognize the positive aspects of political parties but at the same time I can also see the negatives. For example party loyalty could take priority over loyalty to the country. Parties are based on ideologies while individuals on personal attributes and principles. Look at England, it's the party not the individual that is up for election. So a good man could wash out if his party screws up and a scoundrel can continue in office if his party remains in power. I'm not sure I like that.<br /><br /> I'm for campaign finance reform but not for funding political parties. It does not encourage multi-party systems because the dominant parties will eat up all the funding. I'm for gov't financing of campaigns and having media allot free airtime and print space for candidates so as to lessen the cost of running for office and consequently the need for a quick return on investment. But the details would be daunting.<br /><br />All in all I'm old fashioned. I want to hold individuals accountable. I don't want individuals hiding behind parties. I don't want group-think either.manuelbuencaminonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-18622763119412502462012-08-24T16:19:47.361+08:002012-08-24T16:19:47.361+08:00A humanist willing to work hard to study things. P...A humanist willing to work hard to study things. Pretty impressive. You ought to work this up into a blog for headline value. This is very good information.The Society of Honorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02536906267332687130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-78071356949401511432012-08-24T15:11:39.682+08:002012-08-24T15:11:39.682+08:00When, not if, Senator Angara’s bill is passed, it ...When, not if, Senator Angara’s bill is passed, it would be interesting to (re)view the platforms of the registered political parties.<br /><br />Just to see where we are at, I have done a bit of googling on political parties and am sorely disappointed:<br /><br />• The Commission on Elections website lists 130 parties in the 2010 elections.<br /><br />• The major ones, listed by seats in the House and the Senate, are:<br /><br />o Liberal (PNoy – 73/4)<br />o Lakas - CMD(Arroyo – 61/4)<br />o NPC - Nationalist People’s Coalition (Cojuangco – 30/2)<br />o Nacionalista (Villar – 22/4)<br />o PMP - Pwersa - PMP (Estrada – 5/2)<br />o PDP-Laban (Pimentel – 2/1)<br />o LDP Pilipino (Angara – 1/1) website – no platform<br />o KBL - Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (Marcos – 1/0)<br /><br />• I cannot find a website for UNO, the new alliance Vice President Binay has set up for the next national elections in 2016. A case of the cart before the horse?<br /><br />• I have looked at each of the party websites but am not impressed.<br /><br />• All except the KBL have websites.<br /><br />• Those with websites have platforms except the Nationalista Party which has lots of photos.<br /><br />• All the platforms are one-pagers with general statements on various topics.<br /><br />• The Liberal Party platform seems to have the "longest" platform with sparse statements on such topics such as leadership, economy, government service, gender equality, peace and order, and environment.<br /><br />• There is no real identification of what the parties think the issues are, nor any specific proposals on how to tackle them.<br /><br />• I really would like to see specific party positions on cabinet ethics, political dynasties, mining, education and training, budget allocation, infrastructure and planning, Muslim reconciliation, agriculture, fisheries industry, forestry and many more. None of these are mentioned in any of the platforms.<br /><br />For comparison purposes, the platform of the Australian Labour Party has 268 pages.<br /><br />We have a long, long, long way to go.<br /><br />I have read the Angara bill, which has been rotting in Congress for 3 years, and note the following. These omissions may be left with the Commission on Elections:<br /><br />• No prohibited party name test.<br />• No minimum member threshold.<br />• No registration fee for parties.<br />• No CPI-indexation of voluntary contributions.<br />• No deregistration protocol.<br /><br />I find the reaction to the bill so depressing. Fear instead of glee. Not: "Now we can let the people know what stand for and what we plan to do!" But: "OMG, what do we do? What do we do?"<br />Edgar Loreshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13363554010485644899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-69386657613471322232012-08-24T14:21:54.784+08:002012-08-24T14:21:54.784+08:00Well, Jim-e, your typewriter is on turbo today, I ...Well, Jim-e, your typewriter is on turbo today, I see. I can't answer your questions two and three on education. I believe, from the result, that if they are taught, they are having little impact . . . perhaps because of parental negligence.<br /><br />Indeed, codes of conduct are important. I'm going to see if there is one for the House and Senate, publicly available.<br /><br />I share your distaste for the crass self-marketing that small minded politicians do, attaching their names and faces to public works. That ought to be banned in any code of conduct.<br /><br />Senator Sotto has become the poster child of the negligence, self-centeredness and intransigence of old-school legislators.<br /><br />Mark Twain was a smart dude. He was also outspokenly opposed to American involvement in the Philippine war and occupation.<br /><br />Surf's up, ozone layer is down, ice is melting. That is Sunday's blog, possibly.<br /><br />Burp (ahahahahaha)The Society of Honorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02536906267332687130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-42275050346703944352012-08-24T13:55:58.443+08:002012-08-24T13:55:58.443+08:00From: island jim-e
P.S., With all due respect t...From: island jim-e<br /><br />P.S., With all due respect to the subject/topic,<br />I offer the following quotes for evaluation:<br /><br />Question: Has Senator Sotto become the poster <br />boy/artwork for this congress? Who will be<br />next?<br /><br />Note: A. Einstein-"Relativity applies to physics,<br />not ethics.<br /><br />W. Rogers-Ancient Rome declinedd because it had a <br />senate! Now what is going to happern to us with<br />both a senate and a house? ("be thankful that we<br />are not getting all of the government we are<br />paying for!"<br /><br />Mark Twain-"Have the courage to say no, to face the<br />truth. Do the right thing because it is right!"<br />These are the majic keys to living your life with<br />integrity!" (My take-COURAGE- BRAVERY- HEROIC BEHAVIOR-<br />to stand and fight at Concord/EDSA-not to be confused<br />with nationalism and and patriotism which seem to me <br />are the fruits of courage, ethics, morals, high ideals,<br />etc.).<br /><br />Hornberger-"The True Patriot scrutnizes the actions of<br />his own government with unceasing vigilance. And <br />when his government violates the (ethics) morality<br />and rightness associated with principals of individual<br />freedom and private property, he IMMEDIATELY RISES<br />in opposition to his government...."!<br /><br />Chirp! <br /><br />Illustration and example address needs-i.e., <br /><br />The surfs up--fact- high-water is a comin to drown<br />the islands-what to do-ethics, morals, patriotism,<br />nationalsim --actions and results tell the<br />tale! Remember, talk is cheep but has value if<br />used as a motivator to productive action!<br /><br />chirp, Chirp, CHIRP!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-81332278869038235952012-08-24T13:03:23.670+08:002012-08-24T13:03:23.670+08:00From: Island jim-e (aka: The Cricket)
1. I hop...From: Island jim-e (aka: The Cricket)<br /><br />1. I hope the bill passes without it being torn apart<br />amended, and have the congress waste another15 years <br />debating the issue!<br /><br />2. Question please: Are any type of philosophy or<br />political science courses ethics, morals, civics<br />and related classes available in high school thru university in the PH? If not, why not?<br /><br />3. Question: Are any pre-requesits or mandatory<br />requirements for governmental service that require<br />qualified, experienced, educated-public admin/bus<br />subjects? If not, why not?<br /><br />4. Actions-results always speak louder than words-<br />written or spoken and consequences will tell the<br />tale of good vs. evil. Note: I witness more <br />hedionism, egotism, self-service, selfish, self-<br />at expense of the public good, safety, service<br />and protection.<br /><br />5. Without a healthy constructive BASIC CODE<br />OF CONDUTCT- yardstick, ethics are worthless!<br />(ie., code of conduct for boy-girl scouts sets<br />a high-water markz)!<br /><br />SIDEBAR: I would be most pleased if I never,<br />never see another smiling politicans face <br />(except at election time) posted on any bill-<br />board, banner, door hanger, calander, vehicle,<br />welcome sign, postcards, senior citizens ID,<br />plastic/paper bag, door matt, rice-bags,<br />or other type of endorsements--documents--<br />especially those paid for by the tax payers!<br /><br />chirp!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-30207592566031309292012-08-24T08:16:12.393+08:002012-08-24T08:16:12.393+08:00I think (1) you'd make a very powerful point, ...I think (1) you'd make a very powerful point, and (2) you are a braver person than I am.The Society of Honorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02536906267332687130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-276039630110065922012-08-24T08:00:56.556+08:002012-08-24T08:00:56.556+08:00Great exposition as always, Joe. Which makes me th...Great exposition as always, Joe. Which makes me think again why ethical standards and personal responsibility are so low in a Catholic dominated society.<br /><br />By the way,I am thinking of doing this:<br /><br />Come out with a statement condemining Sotto and Villacorta’s excuses for plagiarism and then put all the cusswords, eptithets and insults known to man into it.<br /> <br />Then if they cry foul and threaten me with libel, I will ask them to prove if those were indeed my words. I will tell them it came from the “public domain”. Dont we hear insults and curses from the street? <br /><br />So no one has a copyright on insults and curses.<br /> <br />What do you think? :) <br />andrew limhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01930606943449452056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-39798152865257907612012-08-24T07:45:01.694+08:002012-08-24T07:45:01.694+08:00Ha, "Sweet Music, Violent Hammer". Nice ...Ha, "Sweet Music, Violent Hammer". Nice imagery.The Society of Honorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02536906267332687130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855856123871700301.post-82294759401403585292012-08-24T07:34:58.250+08:002012-08-24T07:34:58.250+08:00Hi Mr. Joe, while reading your nice article, I tur... Hi Mr. Joe, while reading your nice article, I turn on my music, the instrumental violin by Brahms. Hope the nail go through to the toughest skull of the "trapos"chohalilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00765326961017585090noreply@blogger.com