Today’s Views

Nothing to celebrate for 100 years of a colonial, rubberstamp Congress

Commentary | That the House leadership traces its roots to the US-created Philippine Assembly of 1907 and not to the first Malolos Congress of 1898 is a testament to the colonial mindset that has characterized the institution for the last century. From 1907 till this day, Congress's role has been to protect the narrow foreign and elite interests. Thus, it is one of the biggest hindrances to social reform and political modernization.

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In the Philippines: May 14th elections ? ?Too soon to tell?

By Steven Rood The Asia Foundation While waiting for clarity in these races, it is useful to reflect on past elections for the light they shed on the present. One lesson is how all Philippine governments rely on elections for their legitimacy, and care a great deal about foreign opinion about those elections.

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A sickness called Garci

Commentary | The reports of massive fraud are staring the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the face and Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and Commissioner Rene Sarmiento still refuse to conduct a thorough investigation and act swiftly to prevent further damage. And they refuse to do so only because there are no witnesses. Perhaps the Comelec is afflicted with a serious illness called Garci.

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Two Institutions to Watch in Philippines Elections

Two institutions to watch, if one wants to ensure a clean and honest May 2007 elections, are the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Ironically, these are the very institutions supposedly tasked with ensuring the conduct of clean and honest elections. But these institutions are again in the thick of controversy — a portent of things to come?

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