I see the whole of Filipino officialdom signing waivers allowing disclosures of their wealth. The snowball is just a small and sluggish one, but may yet turn into an avalanche of chest-beating about transparency. ‘Tis a nice and cozy thought. Nevertheless, I’m afraid it is all ritual with minimal substance, like a security guard doing the motions of frisking a mall-goer but without really intending to grope all the way to her innards to find a smuggled bomb. Continue reading “Much ado about waivers”
Truth, justice, and business as usual
It will take me some time to absorb the many political, moral and personal lessons one can derive from the Corona impeachment trial. But before the precious moment blinks off the radar screen, may I ask a few questions about the last few days of the trial: Continue reading “Truth, justice, and business as usual”
The fire god is consoled
Raising the still-pulsing heart for all to see, the Inca high priests declare the sacrificial rite over. They say the fire god atop the rumbling volcano is appeased. Everyone goes home with safe thoughts that the Inca nobles will now rule with honesty and with the public good in mind. But the temple orgies and carnal feasts of the nobility continue, secretly, relentlessly, brazenly. Continue reading “The fire god is consoled”