Philippines Discussion Thread

[Vulkata II]

But anger for drugs is the very engine that pushed this regime in power. If it were to abandon it, Duterte's administration will fall like a house of cards. The same goes with Iran whose revolution and current regime was founded on the basis of anti Americanism. Regimes founded upon hate or scapegoating are often very hard to persuade from deviating from the very actions and styles that brought them to power. It is another reason why China refuses to abandon the communist symbols despite it being purely capitalist, it doesn't want to be viewed as traitors to the revolution.

Well true. He has painted himself into a corner. His policy is failing, even he admitted it did not achieve the results he claimed, but he cannot abandon it and lose face. So the body count will just continue to rise. Without the drug problem being properly addressed.

Again it is a medical issue for doctors, not blind populism to solve.

I remember reading yesterday in a newspaper(*gasp* Newspaper?)that we haven't even achieved 100 days how could we achieved 6 years?

Also in another unrelated note Du30 said he would resign in politics in 6 years.

[Ashkera]

But anger for drugs is the very engine that pushed this regime in power. If it were to abandon it, Duterte's administration will fall like a house of cards. The same goes with Iran whose revolution and current regime was founded on the basis of anti Americanism. Regimes founded upon hate or scapegoating are often very hard to persuade from deviating from the very actions and styles that brought them to power. It is another reason why China refuses to abandon the communist symbols despite it being purely capitalist, it doesn't want to be viewed as traitors to the revolution.

aka. populism is trash and fragile, neXT!

I can be on a plane to the Philippines tomorrow. All you guys have to do is agree to put me in charge.

What could possibly go wrong?

[Seylland]

aka. populism is trash and fragile, neXT!

We need to fill our ranks with vigilant educated guardians who will be there to safeguard the people from the lies of populism with truth, philosopy and reason. This is one of the things that is preventing and will prevent populists like Trump to trump over America. Unfortunately in our nation, we fight the irrationalities of Duterte with another sensational irrationality, rather than ridicule the man and his friends with the clarity of their hypocrisy, the elite ridicule it with blatant lies. Hence the failure of the opposition will be imminent. The old elite has to be replaced immediately, the ranks of the media have to be replaced with the best and the brightest amongst the youth because only they have the better vision for the nation unlike the old elite who only fought Duterte because they represented a danger to the pockets of the oligarchy in which they serve. Only then could an effective engine of reason could thrive in the nation to combat the corruptions of democracy such as populism and irrational mob rule.

Or maybe improve scientific literacy since this drug war is as a result of scientific illiteracy.

[Vulkata II]

aka. populism is trash and fragile, neXT!

I can be on a plane to the Philippines tomorrow. All you guys have to do is agree to put me in charge.

What could possibly go wrong?

The princess of Belgium is re-thinking of visiting us.

[Asigna]

We need to fill our ranks with vigilant educated guardians who will be there to safeguard the people from the lies of populism with truth, philosopy and reason. This is one of the things that is preventing and will prevent populists like Trump to trump over America. Unfortunately in our nation, we fight the irrationalities of Duterte with another sensational irrationality, rather than ridicule the man and his friends with the clarity of their hypocrisy, the elite ridicule it with blatant lies. Hence the failure of the opposition will be imminent. The old elite has to be replaced immediately, the ranks of the media have to be replaced with the best and the brightest amongst the youth because only they have the better vision for the nation unlike the old elite who only fought Duterte because they represented a danger to the pockets of the oligarchy in which they serve. Only then could an effective engine of reason could thrive in the nation to combat the corruptions of democracy such as populism and irrational mob rule.

Or maybe improve scientific literacy since this drug war is as a result of scientific illiteracy.

You just summarized my statement. But even if just 5-10% of the population us educated optimumly (they turned into experts and professionals of achievement that we could look up to), that would be enough. But our scientist, bright intellectuals (not just opiniated intellecuals you see in the editorials of inquirer and rappler, i mean bright intellectuals with vision, originality, contribution and promise) head count is only at the mere thousands, a mere 4 digit number. We have to increase this. We don't need to educated EVERYONE, but rather secure a population of leaders. Once the influential leaders are secured, the rest of the masses simply follow in time.

[Seylland]

Or maybe improve scientific literacy since this drug war is as a result of scientific illiteracy.

You just summarized my statement. But even if just 5-10% of the population us educated optimumly (they turned into experts and professionals of achievement that we could look up to), that would be enough. But our scientist, bright intellectuals (not just opiniated intellecuals you see in the editorials of inquirer and rappler, i mean bright intellectuals with vision, originality, contribution and promise) head count is only at the mere thousands, a mere 4 digit number. We have to increase this. We don't need to educated EVERYONE, but rather secure a population of leaders. Once the influential leaders are secured, the rest of the masses simply follow in time.

Well said. Is there a case of brain drain in the Philippines by any chance? Like experts and specialists leaving for better opportunities abroad (most going to USA, Canada, or Europe)?

[Vulkata II]

You just summarized my statement. But even if just 5-10% of the population us educated optimumly (they turned into experts and professionals of achievement that we could look up to), that would be enough. But our scientist, bright intellectuals (not just opiniated intellecuals you see in the editorials of inquirer and rappler, i mean bright intellectuals with vision, originality, contribution and promise) head count is only at the mere thousands, a mere 4 digit number. We have to increase this. We don't need to educated EVERYONE, but rather secure a population of leaders. Once the influential leaders are secured, the rest of the masses simply follow in time.

Well said. Is there a case of brain drain in the Philippines by any chance? Like experts and specialists leaving for better opportunities abroad (most going to USA, Canada, or Europe)?

Sometimes i feel like I'm getting brain drained when listening to my classmates at school.

[Novus America]

You just summarized my statement. But even if just 5-10% of the population us educated optimumly (they turned into experts and professionals of achievement that we could look up to), that would be enough. But our scientist, bright intellectuals (not just opiniated intellecuals you see in the editorials of inquirer and rappler, i mean bright intellectuals with vision, originality, contribution and promise) head count is only at the mere thousands, a mere 4 digit number. We have to increase this. We don't need to educated EVERYONE, but rather secure a population of leaders. Once the influential leaders are secured, the rest of the masses simply follow in time.

Well said. Is there a case of brain drain in the Philippines by any chance? Like experts and specialists leaving for better opportunities abroad (most going to USA, Canada, or Europe)?

The Philippines has a severe brain drain. The best and brightest usually making the US their first choice, with Canada and Europe after. (the Filipino American community is very educated and successful).

[Seylland]

Well said. Is there a case of brain drain in the Philippines by any chance? Like experts and specialists leaving for better opportunities abroad (most going to USA, Canada, or Europe)?

Sometimes i feel like I'm getting brain drained when listening to my classmates at school.

that isn't what brain drain is buddy

also arrogance is a vice

[Vulkata II]

Sometimes i feel like I'm getting brain drained when listening to my classmates at school.

that isn't what brain drain is buddy

also arrogance is a vice

Yeah that is true.

[Seylland]

Well said. Is there a case of brain drain in the Philippines by any chance? Like experts and specialists leaving for better opportunities abroad (most going to USA, Canada, or Europe)?

The Philippines has a severe brain drain. The best and brightest usually making the US their first choice, with Canada and Europe after. (the Filipino American community is very educated and successful).

I expected as such. I'm not sure why I asked.

[Asigna]

Well said. Is there a case of brain drain in the Philippines by any chance? Like experts and specialists leaving for better opportunities abroad (most going to USA, Canada, or Europe)?

The Philippines has a severe brain drain. The best and brightest usually making the US their first choice, with Canada and Europe after. (the Filipino American community is very educated and successful).

Perhaps they won't return to the country out of patriotic duty. That's an unreliable incentive nowadays. BUT, they can be persuaded to return on the basis of starting a business venture (since its more lucrative to start bisinesses in low cost countries specifically in the developing world and since whatever bright idea they might bring back here may possibly not find any competition here since its a sector not tackled so much by our local businesses, for example, telecom or gadgets) here such as a steel company or some other high technology company (given they also have the access to the needed capital so as not to have their skills simply go to waste). So the best choice is to smoothen the business environment here snd strengthen property rights. I think the Duterte administration is making headwinds in that sector.

[Vulkata II]

The Philippines has a severe brain drain. The best and brightest usually making the US their first choice, with Canada and Europe after. (the Filipino American community is very educated and successful).

Perhaps they won't return to the country out of patriotic duty. That's an unreliable incentive nowadays. BUT, they can be persuaded to return on the basis of starting a business venture (since its more lucrative to start bisinesses in low cost countries specifically in the developing world and since whatever bright idea they might bring back here may possibly not find any competition here since its a sector not tackled so much by our local businesses, for example, telecom or gadgets) here such as a steel company or some other high technology company (given they also have the access to the needed capital so as not to have their skills simply go to waste). So the best choice is to smoothen the business environment here snd strengthen property rights. I think the Duterte administration is making headwinds in that sector.

Or at least a better paycheck and more jobs would do.

[Seylland]

The Philippines has a severe brain drain. The best and brightest usually making the US their first choice, with Canada and Europe after. (the Filipino American community is very educated and successful).

Perhaps they won't return to the country out of patriotic duty. That's an unreliable incentive nowadays. BUT, they can be persuaded to return on the basis of starting a business venture (since its more lucrative to start bisinesses in low cost countries specifically in the developing world and since whatever bright idea they might bring back here may possibly not find any competition here since its a sector not tackled so much by our local businesses, for example, telecom or gadgets) here such as a steel company or some other high technology company (given they also have the access to the needed capital so as not to have their skills simply go to waste). So the best choice is to smoothen the business environment here snd strengthen property rights. I think the Duterte administration is making headwinds in that sector.

This would be pretty good for the Philippine economy in the long run if such a plan were to run smoothly. As well as help curb the blind populism.

[Asigna]

Perhaps they won't return to the country out of patriotic duty. That's an unreliable incentive nowadays. BUT, they can be persuaded to return on the basis of starting a business venture (since its more lucrative to start bisinesses in low cost countries specifically in the developing world and since whatever bright idea they might bring back here may possibly not find any competition here since its a sector not tackled so much by our local businesses, for example, telecom or gadgets) here such as a steel company or some other high technology company (given they also have the access to the needed capital so as not to have their skills simply go to waste). So the best choice is to smoothen the business environment here snd strengthen property rights. I think the Duterte administration is making headwinds in that sector.

Or at least a better paycheck and more jobs would do.

Eh. This country needs less laborers and more managers, schemers, planners. If living standards were dependent solely on the wages of laborers then the economy would be very unsustainable.

[Kubra]

Or at least a better paycheck and more jobs would do.

Eh. This country needs less laborers and more managers, schemers, planners. If living standards were dependent solely on the wages of laborers then the economy would be very unsustainable.

most consumer spending is by people in the "lower classes", including low level supervisors/managers and skilled tradesmen. Y'know, theyre the most numerous and spend a greater portion of their income on consumer goods. At least, ideally. It's more a problem if this is not the case.

[Asigna]

I tell you, verily, the Filipino people can only take in so much until it will vomit the brutality of this war. We are nkt monsters. There will come a time that the Filipino has evolved to the time concurrent wig economic progress that we will no longer rely on these rudimentary methods to unite us and so together we will denounce these actions as contradictory to an inclusive society for all which we are trying hard to attain.

[Kubra]

Let's talk real policy. Duterte did talk on land reform during the election, and the NPA will probably want some provisions on the matter in any negotiated peace deal. How do you folks want land reform to go, and how do you actually see it going?

[Connori Pilgrims]

Let's talk real policy. Duterte did talk on land reform during the election, and the NPA will probably want some provisions on the matter in any negotiated peace deal. How do you folks want land reform to go, and how do you actually see it going?

I suspect it will go the same way it has always gone: nowhere.

The NPA is truly deluded if they think that they can push the most extreme visions of land reform via the peace deal. For one the NPA is in a far worse shape than say, FARC, in terms of relative bargaining power or popularity (4K active NPAs and ~4M supporters as can be extrapolated from the performance of their party-lists in past elections is woefully insufficient). Secondly, their ideas for land reform have not really changed in the last 30+ years, while the landscape and the outlook for farming both inside and outside the Philippines have.

Well, DAR ordered the distribution of land from Hacidenda Luisita two months back. Whoopdie-fucking-doo. Lets see if that actually happens. Even then, I believe Duterte's Land Reform is not top in his priorities, compared to say the drug war or kissing up to China (who BTW will probably end up buying huge tracts of Philippine land for large-scale agribusiness and mining).

Any land reform program is doomed without addressing the fundamental fact that the Philippines' agriculture has, on the whole, become thoroughly uncompetitive due to among other things a lack of technological and logistical support for the farmers, many of whom are too poor, unmotivated and disorganized to become competitive on their own. Farming as a sector has also become passe, old hat and even downright pitiable in the minds of many youth, with less and less people desiring to become farmers. Why do land reform when they will just sell their land to become something else because they don't see a future in it?

If land reform is to be successful, the farmers need technology and equipment. Not handouts, but an honest to goodness sector strategy where the government (ideally with peoples' concurrence) has a clear idea of what they want to happen with agriculture. Otherwise you may as well let the oligarchs sell their lands to China (who'd give a better price than gov't in any case).

[Asigna]

Let's talk real policy. Duterte did talk on land reform during the election, and the NPA will probably want some provisions on the matter in any negotiated peace deal. How do you folks want land reform to go, and how do you actually see it going?

I suspect it will go the same way it has always gone: nowhere.

The NPA is truly deluded if they think that they can push the most extreme visions of land reform via the peace deal. For one the NPA is in a far worse shape than say, FARC, in terms of relative bargaining power or popularity (4K active NPAs and ~4M supporters as can be extrapolated from the performance of their party-lists in past elections is woefully insufficient). Secondly, their ideas for land reform have not really changed in the last 30+ years, while the landscape and the outlook for farming both inside and outside the Philippines have.

Well, DAR ordered the distribution of land from Hacidenda Luisita two months back. Whoopdie-fucking-doo. Lets see if that actually happens. Even then, I believe Duterte's Land Reform is not top in his priorities, compared to say the drug war or kissing up to China (who BTW will probably end up buying huge tracts of Philippine land for large-scale agribusiness and mining).

Any land reform program is doomed without addressing the fundamental fact that the Philippines' agriculture has, on the whole, become thoroughly uncompetitive due to among other things a lack of technological and logistical support for the farmers, many of whom are too poor, unmotivated and disorganized to become competitive on their own. Farming as a sector has also become passe, old hat and even downright pitiable in the minds of many youth, with less and less people desiring to become farmers. Why do land reform when they will just sell their land to become something else because they don't see a future in it?

If land reform is to be successful, the farmers need technology and equipment. Not handouts, but an honest to goodness sector strategy where the government (ideally with peoples' concurrence) has a clear idea of what they want to happen with agriculture. Otherwise you may as well let the oligarchs sell their lands to China (who'd give a better price than gov't in any case).

This is support of my postulation that the Philippines as a whole is not fit for agriculture for one more practical reason aside from the anomalies of labor, we don't have enough land for that sort of thing. Plus, being heavily influenced by the raging climates and being one of the main countries at the mercy lf climate change, we are not a viable location for the production of food stuffs hence eliminating significant digits from our agricultural competitiveness index. Manufacturing is our best way to go if we want inclusive national development.

[The Republic of Pantalleria]

Well said. Is there a case of brain drain in the Philippines by any chance? Like experts and specialists leaving for better opportunities abroad (most going to USA, Canada, or Europe)?

The Philippines has a severe brain drain. The best and brightest usually making the US their first choice, with Canada and Europe after. (the Filipino American community is very educated and successful).

Actually under the Aquino administration, the trend reversed, but that seems to be ending now, what with the devaluation of the peso and capital investment flight.

[The Republic of Pantalleria]

I suspect it will go the same way it has always gone: nowhere.

The NPA is truly deluded if they think that they can push the most extreme visions of land reform via the peace deal. For one the NPA is in a far worse shape than say, FARC, in terms of relative bargaining power or popularity (4K active NPAs and ~4M supporters as can be extrapolated from the performance of their party-lists in past elections is woefully insufficient). Secondly, their ideas for land reform have not really changed in the last 30+ years, while the landscape and the outlook for farming both inside and outside the Philippines have.

Well, DAR ordered the distribution of land from Hacidenda Luisita two months back. Whoopdie-fucking-doo. Lets see if that actually happens. Even then, I believe Duterte's Land Reform is not top in his priorities, compared to say the drug war or kissing up to China (who BTW will probably end up buying huge tracts of Philippine land for large-scale agribusiness and mining).

Any land reform program is doomed without addressing the fundamental fact that the Philippines' agriculture has, on the whole, become thoroughly uncompetitive due to among other things a lack of technological and logistical support for the farmers, many of whom are too poor, unmotivated and disorganized to become competitive on their own. Farming as a sector has also become passe, old hat and even downright pitiable in the minds of many youth, with less and less people desiring to become farmers. Why do land reform when they will just sell their land to become something else because they don't see a future in it?

If land reform is to be successful, the farmers need technology and equipment. Not handouts, but an honest to goodness sector strategy where the government (ideally with peoples' concurrence) has a clear idea of what they want to happen with agriculture. Otherwise you may as well let the oligarchs sell their lands to China (who'd give a better price than gov't in any case).

This is support of my postulation that the Philippines as a whole is not fit for agriculture for one more practical reason aside from the anomalies of labor, we don't have enough land for that sort of thing. Plus, being heavily influenced by the raging climates and being one of the main countries at the mercy lf climate change, we are not a viable location for the production of food stuffs hence eliminating significant digits from our agricultural competitiveness index. Manufacturing is our best way to go if we want inclusive national development.

I'm obviously all for making us into a manufacturing state, and in fact in many industries we already are, but the problem is though, that we're an archipelago, meaning that electricity and water infrastructure won't be equally developed on all the inhabited islands.

There's also the trouble of transport infrastructure, there's a reason why everything is in Manila, the highways, railways, seaports, and airports of other non-Manila towns and cities simply can't handle an industrial sized amount of activity. As such in order for there to even be any hope for major industrialisation, we need to connect the national power grid first and foremost.

[Novus America]

The Philippines has a severe brain drain. The best and brightest usually making the US their first choice, with Canada and Europe after. (the Filipino American community is very educated and successful).

Actually under the Aquino administration, the trend reversed, but that seems to be ending now, what with the devaluation of the peso and capital investment flight.

True, the Aquino administration saw massive economic improvement. Which is being thrown out in favor of violent anarchy and mass murder in the streets in the name of fighting drugs.

[Novus America]

This is support of my postulation that the Philippines as a whole is not fit for agriculture for one more practical reason aside from the anomalies of labor, we don't have enough land for that sort of thing. Plus, being heavily influenced by the raging climates and being one of the main countries at the mercy lf climate change, we are not a viable location for the production of food stuffs hence eliminating significant digits from our agricultural competitiveness index. Manufacturing is our best way to go if we want inclusive national development.

I'm obviously all for making us into a manufacturing state, and in fact in many industries we already are, but the problem is though, that we're an archipelago, meaning that electricity and water infrastructure won't be equally developed on all the inhabited islands.

There's also the trouble of transport infrastructure, there's a reason why everything is in Manila, the highways, railways, seaports, and airports of other non-Manila towns and cities simply can't handle an industrial sized amount of activity. As such in order for there to even be any hope for major industrialisation, we need to connect the national power grid first and foremost.

Lighter industry requiring less electricity, land and resources use is a possibility. Things like consumer electronics instead of things like steel and passenger jets.

But as you point out, unreliable electricity is a major problem for any industry.

[Valaran]

Actually under the Aquino administration, the trend reversed, but that seems to be ending now, what with the devaluation of the peso and capital investment flight.

True, the Aquino administration saw massive economic improvement. Which is being thrown out in favor of violent anarchy and mass murder in the streets in the name of fighting drugs.

Don't forget geo-political stupidity.