2.
Since 2010, the “national”
political situation (or at least
as reflected in the currency
and status national capital) is
one of seeming stability and
hope for potential change.
The ascent of Benigno
“Noynoy” Aquino III was
hoped to have heralded the
possibility of recapturing in
formal governance the
promise of the 1986 EDSA
Revolution.
3.
Government experienced
highest satisfaction
ratings over the past 3
years – due no less to its
relative competence in
key directions.
Perceived key “public
good bills” have been
passed or are now being
placed in the formal
legislative agenda (RH,
FOI, Sin Tax, etc.)
4.
Economic development
seems to be on an
unprecedented high.
The visible overturn of
status-quo arrangements
compared to previous
administrations seems to
have kindled hope in
multiple sectors.
5. 1.
2.
3.
4.
How palatable and applicable is the real quality
of governance that the Aquino administration
is practicing?
What kinds of policies is this administration
pursuing? Why these policies? What are the
implications of such policies?
How effective are these policies and directions
in achieving their desires, more or less?
Why is the general socio-economic status of
many Filipinos still unimproved despite these
supposed “gains”?
6.
Prosecution of GMA and cohorts
The Sabah standoff
2013 Midterm Elections
The multifaceted PDAF/Pork Barrel scandals
Beleaguered Peace Processes
Crisis and tensions in Zamboanga
The continued presence of insurgencies/civil conflicts
– and their relevance
Contradictions in Government Policies
7.
Economic Rights Violations Cases
Specific Examples: PALEA & DEU
Contractualization and Absence of Decent Work
Dismantling of Informal Settler Communities
Land Appropriation
APECO, Boracay & “enclave development”
Transformations of the urban landscape
Continued vulnerabilities to financial shocks
8.
Public discourse remains a monopoly of
“institutions”, “personalities,” personalized
institutions” and “institutionalized
personalities”; the “market of ideas” is pretty
much in dearth of new developments.
Public life remains a function of following
socially-sanctioned and institutionally-imposed
consumption patterns.
The result: the absence of public interest – or
simple-minded, pseudo-intellectualized
arrogance masquerading as such.
9.
Integration into the ASEAN Economic
Community by 2015
Decline of U.S., Rise of China?
Personal Appraisal:
Our position in the regional, international and
global bargaining table is actually very dire.
We seem to have simply (and continuously)
played spectator in the existing socio-political
conflicts/upheavals in Asia and Europe over the
past few decade.