Category Archives: Manila Observer

Militants want Aquino’s head as trophy

Militants here are out to get President Aquino’s head. They want to stuff it and hang it on the wall as a trophy, so to speak.    The onslaught against the President has been intense lately. The political left has been hitting the President at every turn. They’re out to get him, judging from the intensity of the… Read More »

Ruben Cusipag, news pioneer

The name Cusipag is synonymous to Fil-Canadian journalism. Ruben Cusipag, founder and first publisher/editor of Balita, pioneered the news business about the Philippines in Canada. This was remarkable because starting a newspaper in the early days was a thankless and unprofitable enterprise. It was really for the love of the written word that pioneers like Ruben dared to… Read More »

Congress is a rampart of the elite

The Philippine Congress is composed of millionaires, according to recent news. They’re there either to make big bucks or to protect what they already have. And add to it. It’s no surprise to the people that many members of both houses of Congress here are rich beyond any ordinary man or woman’s wildest dreams. Even though the ethos… Read More »

When will economic growth reach the poor?

The international community continues to be impressed with how the Philippine economy has been standing its ground in the face of global economic malaise.     In May President Aquino and his economic managers were on center stage and had the chance to highlight the country’s continued growth. International big shots were in town for the World Economic Forum… Read More »

Who’s afraid of Uncle Sam?

The Americans are lucky because they enjoy extreme popularity here in the Philippines. They usually get what they want from our government.    Look at the recently signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. The usual critics say the document was rushed in time for US President Barack Obama’s visit last April. And… Read More »

Obama tiptoes over Philippine defense

It was a deft tiptoeing act US President Barack Obama put on when he visited here last April 28-29. He segued from being non-committal about defending the Philippines to pledging “ironclad” support. Before coming to Manila, Obama had gone to Japan as the first stop of his recent four-nation tour. In Tokyo, Mr. Obama was unequivocal, he pledged… Read More »

Too many malls

MANILA Question: Don’t we have too many shopping malls in the Philippines already?    Mall chains have gone berserk constructing massive marts of merchandise all over the country. Metro Manila (and I bet other urban centers) is suffocating from too many of these gigantic expos of clothing and an endless selection of material items.    The grapevine tells… Read More »

Reproductive health advocates rejoice

Now Filipino women have access to reproductive health services from the government. The Supreme Court has finally declared the Reproductive Health Law “not unconstitutional.”     Although the high court struck down some provisions of the law, it has finally cleared the law for implementation. Opponents have been given a couple of weeks to move for a reconsideration… Read More »

One down, four to go

Delfin Lee is in custody. One down, four more to go. Lee, until recently a fugitive from justice for estafa over an alleged large-scale financing scam involving housing projects developed by his company, Global Asiatique, had been on the lam for a couple of years. He’s one of five high-profile fugitives who have so far evaded the police… Read More »

Erap Estrada doesn’t like Alan Cayetano

Young senator Alan Cayetano wants to run for president in 2016 or 2022. But former President Joseph Estrada doesn’t think he’s qualified. Look who’s talking? Is Estrada, popularly called “Erap,” a college dropout, former movie star and politician, qualified to pronounce judgment on other potential candidates for the highest office? The one and only Erap once hoisted the… Read More »