I was in Korea these last few days to attend a policy forum on Northeast Asia. Focus was on the "reunification" of a divided Korea: north and south. War divided them years ago. We can learn lessons from them. DMZ---About 40 kilometers from Seoul, capital city...
We are now engulfed in various investigations in all levels due to Mamasapano. We would have been spared the agony and the excruciating "self flagellation" if from the start, there was factual disclosure of what actually happened. What we have been seeing so far is...
The fate of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress now hangs in the balance. We do not know yet what fate will befall it. But I squirm every time someone says: "the alternative to BBL is war!" Excuse me! Not true. While BBL is the best case...
I am sad to see that as a result of the Mamasapano raid, the mutual trust and social cohesion that had been nurtured between Christians and Muslims, in some sectors, had been greatly eroded. The exchanges in the social media have even turned nasty and starting to go...
The killing of more than 40 elite policemen of the Special Action Force (SAF) must again give us lessons. Under existing rules, there must be "prior coordination" with the MILF before the AFP or the PNP shall enter MILF territories to flush out terrorists and plain...
Someone asked: "until when will Pope Francis be a Pinoy "rock star." My answer: "For always!" He captured our hearts and minds in his 4-day journey that almost felt like forever. ****** NOT RABBITS --- While the Pope reiterated that church teachings of the sanctity of life,...
VIOLENCE -- Pope Francis said that equating Islam with violence is WRONG. But to help dispel this stereotype, he called on Muslims to issue a global condemnation of terrorism. Locally, this call can be directed at some Islamists who tend to remain quiet --or even...
A few days ago, Davaoenos did an impromptu but fitting tribute to the late Sen. Vicente “Ting” Paterno whose cremated ashes were flown to the city. He served distinctively Mindanao while both in the public and private sectors. What is interesting to note is that...
MILLIONS -- We expect millions will flock to the Luneta park to join Pope Francis in the celebration of the Holy Mass during his February Philippine visit. It will be a traffic nightmare in Manila if not properly handled. MANNY --- Today, Pinoys’ pride Manny Pacquiao will...
SURVEY---A recent survey result released by EON, a leading public affairs advocacy firm, showed that the CHURCH as a whole (without specifics as to denominations) is the MOST trusted, followed by the ACADEME, second; and the MEDIA, third. CONGRESS (both Senate and the House) had...
