Cable News Clips

I arrived here toward the tail end of the Duterte administration. I live just outside the City of Iloilo. It just so happens that the Island of Panay, the City of Iloilo and the: Province of Iloilo voted two thirds for Marcos Jr.'s progressive opponent, even though Marcos Jr. won overwhelmingly nationwide. I was fearful of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., having been historically familiar with his father. I have been pleasantly surprised by his administration and by him.

I have found the Philippines to be relatively free and Democratic, with a relatively free press. I've seen in the Manla Times criticism of Marcos and his positions as well as praise. The courts have reversed many of the political cases brought by Duterte, including every case so far against Maria Ressa that was brought under the Duterte regime. I do not follow social media, and DU is the only place I give my political opinion.

Culturally, the Filipino's frown upon foreigners (Kanos) voicing their opinions of Philippine politics. I was warned before I got here by my wife, "do not, under any circumstance, give your opinion about the Philippine government, pro or con". And Filipinos are not very interested in American politics.

So, the only place I can give my opinion is here at DU because I always follow my wife's advice, especially here in the Philippines.