(December 8-14)

One cardinal rule in negotiation is that nothing is agreed until it is agreed and signed. Many a negotiator is duped to presume that when the opponent says “yes” to a proposal, the deal is sealed. No, it is far from over.

(December 1-7)

There is an earnest move by some quarters to effect the change of venue of the current peace negotiation between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from its present foreign location to a domestic one. This effort appears to be well-intentioned, but we’re sure they are not fully aware of the bad lessons learned by the MILF in direct talks with the GPH --- and we do not want to run through them again. After all, it was the GPH which invited Malaysia as the third country facilitator in 2001, which even the United States had categorically stated it “will not supplant”.

(November 22-30)

Miracle is act or event that appears to be contrary to the laws of nature; it is an amazing event or action that is extraordinary, or unexpected. It is regarded as an act of God.

(November 15-21)

The choking power gridlock among and between the three branches of government, executive, legislative, and judiciary, in this country has shown its very ugly face anew when former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was prevented from leaving abroad for medical treatment.  While this system of check-and-balance has its merits, especially in preventing bad men to become despotic, but in the main, it does more harm than good. Extreme legalism results in delays, enmity, and progress in society, especially in a society addicted to politicking. Good leaders, especially benevolent ones, need control in order to move the nation forward. Some political thinkers even went as far as saying that the rule of strong men (we do not want to call it dictatorship) as the best form of government.