The concept of an Ombudsman in the 1986 Philippine Consititution was a novel idea and grew out of the concerns against the cronyism, graft, and corruption of the Marcos era. The Ombudsman was intended to be the cintizenry’s champion against graft and corruption. The first Ombudsmen appointed were elderly lawyers with unblemished records in government [...]

57 people dead, including women, lawyers, and journalists just because a group of people wanted to file a certificate of candidacy. Elections hasn’t started yet. Naturally, the international community is appalled. It is reminiscent of Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge, only this time it is not a matter of clashing ideologies but unmitigated greed—for power, [...]

Two Filipino success stories filled the news in the last couple of weeks. There of course was the sensational humiliation handed down by boxer Manny Pacquiao on Miguel Cotto, in the process winning an unprecedented 7 titles in different weight categories. President Macapagal Arroyo immediately rewarded this with the highest civilian honor that the Philippine [...]

Lately, a survey of international businessmen again voted the Philippines as one of the more corrupt and graft-ridden countries in the world. I have often wondered why that is so. Historically, they say that the padrino system of Philippine politics has something to do with it. In fact, when the Americans started their occupation of [...]