Business people in government
By A. R. Samson
Proven track records can usually be found in business and the military. Government then appoints people from these groups, and maybe also from academe...
Slowing down TRAIN
By Madeleine Joy Aloria
The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) is envisioned as a long-term reform program. It aims to generate revenues to finance AmBisyon Natin...
Inclusion and delusion in TRAIN
By Raul V. Fabella
What is the meaning of inclusion in TRAIN?
If we understand acceleration to be sustained rapid increase in per capita income, what is the definition...
A Spoliarium in Marawi
By Amelia H. C. Ylagan
Why did the great Filipino painter, Juan Luna, choose to paint the Spoliarium with its “bloody carcasses of slave gladiators being dragged away from...
The sin of smuggling and corruption in the sin tax law
By Bienvenido S. Oplas, Jr.
The intent or purpose of higher taxation is to further penalize an act, work, or consumption, hoping to discourage them by making their prices...
The role of judges in resolving national debates
By Jemy Gatdula
It best starts with the oath: “ilalapat ko ang katarungan nang walang pagkiling sa sino mang tao at ipatatamasa ang pantay na karapatan sa...
A coup by any other name
By Luis V. Teodoro
The Marcos terror regime may have been overthrown 31 years ago, the institutions of liberal democracy restored, and a new Constitution drafted. But the...
Snarls and soot
By Maria Victoria Rufino
A stroll on the street is a walk though the fumigation machine. One turns gray and inhales the dust and dirt in the atmosphere....
Menu for dine-in service
By A. R. Samson
Just beside the phone at a hotel room is a menu card for dining in. In five-star hotels, the offerings can be fancy, with...
The Philippines’ Ill-Advised P1 Trillion New Coal Gamble
By Sara Jane Ahmed
THE Philippines quest for affordable and reliable electricity is not working so far; it pays among the highest prices in ASEAN...
Time to move up
By Marvin A. Tort
Militants in the jeepney industry won, while the public lost, during the two-day transportation strike early this week. Their “win,” however, was at the...
Finding our purpose in faith, service, and communion
By Zedrick F. Laqui
Younger people are often told to find their life’s purpose. We’re encouraged to uphold purpose over profit, or to combine purpose with profit. We’re...