Corruption Worldwide Inc.

When living in the Philippines you always hear about rampant corruption in all corners of the government. Well, despair not, it seems its really the norm all over the globe. In a nice article from Matt Taibbi (of the Vampire Squid fame - highly recommended!) it seems that the US has its fair share of grafters too. Be sure to check out his article The Real Housewives of Wall Street in the Rolling Stone.

Jeepney Howto

As mentioned before, I have the intention to get my very own jeepney one day. To help me on my way, a friend of mine sent me this nice video HOWTO.

Automated Elections Accomplished?

Reports of various PCOS glitches during the elections show that Murphy was still able to do some damage, but by the end of the day, Comelec was still able to overcome the majority of problems. As international congratulations came in, perhaps we can already say it wrapped up this automation thriller with a success?

After all, pulling off an automated election would be a major accomplishment in any developed nation. Considering this is the Philippines with its less then stellar infrastructure, getting all 50 million people (or 75% thereof) to cast their vote electronically is surely something to be proud of.

The Apples Of The Comelec

Watching the ANC Comelec update, I was presently surprised that they are staunch Apple fans too. They were even sporting an iPad! Funny that only last Sunday President Obama criticized the era of iPad because it had turned information into a diversion that was imposing new strains on democracy.

Election Holiday Madness

Not only is there free fiesta during election time, there might even be extra holidays as well! Besides the election day holiday on Monday May 10, rumours are now going around that May 11 will also be declared a public holiday.

Alibi is the Weakest Defense After All

In my last post titled Business As Usual I linked to an article in the Inquirer where former justice secretary Franklin Drilon was quoted as saying “Alibi is the weakest defense”, referring to Justice Secretary Alberto Agra's April 16 decision to clear two members of the Ampatuan clan in the Maguindanao massacre. Today, after assessing new evidence, it looks like Agra agrees.

Good Morning Sir!

On my daily commutes I frequently pass by two guards who sometimes, without shame or indignation afterwards, loudly say "Good morning Sir!" while its 8pm or something. I'm not sure if it's an honest mistake, or they simply don't care. Mistake or not, I suppose standing there whole day long and greeting thousands of passers-by can make you loose track of time. Still, it always made me laugh hearing it.

Justice For The Environment

A friend of mine forwarded some good news. The new and highly anticipated Supreme Court Rules of Procedures for Environmental Cases was launched today. These rules aim to facilitate and expedite the resolution of cases concerning the environment, and is the first of its kind in the world.

Holiday Surprise!

Yesterday Malacanang announced that May 3 will be a non-working holiday. After many years in the country, the concept of holidays in this country perplexes me. To this very day I still cannot explain the difference between "a non working holiday" and a regular holiday.

Going Nuclear

On April 26, 1986 at 01:23:43, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine suffered a cataclysmic melt down. To this day, it is considered the worst nuclear power plant disaster to have ever occurred, and it is the only registered level 7 event on the International Nuclear Event Scale.

On the eve of the Chernobyl remembrance day, I came across an article in the BusinessMirror where Acting Energy Secretary Jose Ibazeta was quoted as saying:

"There’s nothing wrong with nuke [plants] except claims that it may be in an earthquake [fault line]. And so far, after all the tremors we have had in the past 20 years, the pavement of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant did not even crack,” said Ibazeta, adding there should be no fear of having nuclear energy.

Spot the Driverless Car

When I first came to this country, I bought an old beat up Pajero to help me get around the city. Having more important matters to do than clean my car, I always postponed a trip to the car wash as much as I could. I probably went once every three months. Come to think of it, I can distinctly remember being quite embarrassed about the muck and grime on my car. When you get stuck in traffic next to gleaming Ford Expeditions, Nissan Patrols, BMW's, and the likes, your lack of car hygiene becomes painfully apparent.

My Very Own Jeepney

Nothing is more unique to the Philippines than a jeepney. With few public transportation options, countless people depend on them everyday. Although they fulfill an important public function, they are also regarded as a serious nuisance by other road users. They are incredibly noisy, infuriatingly slow when you are caught behind them, belch enormous amounts of smoke from their exhausts, and are generally a serious health hazard to any pedestrian.

A necessity for some, and a nuisance for others, the jeepney is such a quintessential component of Philippine daily life, I felt it was important as a visitor to find out more about them.

So I asked myself: what does it actually take to start up a jeepney service? What are the in's and out's, the do's and don'ts of the jeepney enterprise?

As a clueless foreigner I have been trying to find out, and this is what I have learned so far.

Business as Usual

A good friend of mine lamented today that her countrymen have such short term memories. Major issues like the Maguindanao massacre hit front page news one day, only to be relegated to the horoscope section the very next. I was wondering what she was on about, until I saw an article about Justice Secretary Alberto Agra having cleared two members of the Ampatuan clan of all charges. These are direct family members to Andal Ampatuan Jr. who himself is charged with the massacre of 57 people, including 32 media workers.