How can we so organize political institutions that bad or incompetent rulers can be prevented from doing so much damage? Karl Popper, The Open Society and its Enemies Vol. 1 (New York: Harper and Row, 1962) One of the things why we Filipinos feel uncertain about the future is our lack of a clear political succession plan. Because [...]

Just an hour ago, I talked with Ding Gagelonia. He reminded me that it was only a month ago when Vic Montero, formerly of ABC 5 died. I went to his wake. There, Ding and Manong Jules gave their eulogies. It was there when Manong told me that “una una lang yan.” I remember telling him [...]

Cross posted over at http://newphilrevolution.blogspot.com Last night, despite heavy rains and strong winds, I was able to visit Manong Jules. His last text to me was on June 15, when he told me that he’s arriving from Romblon. We’re supposed to have coffee, a regular thing for us and an opportunity for me to hear what he [...]

  Most distressing news—my friend and comrade, Julius Fortuna, columnist of Manila Times, died at 9 in the morning today. This is most distressing to me since I consider Julius one of my closest friends. My friend, Nick Ferrer, formerly of Philippine Star, texted me at 10:30 this morning. Reportedly, he died due to a heart [...]