PhilHealth and OFWs

NO to forcing Overseas Filipino Workers, immigrant Filipinos, and dual citizens to pay PhilHealth contributions when we can't even use it!

Most of us are not living in the country or not staying there for most of the year. Even if we can use it when we visit and have a vacation, it is not enough reason to require us to pay premium payments/contributions. You can make it voluntary and just let those who want it pay for it.

It is injustice to get from us the fund you need when we can't even use PhilHealth because we are already paying health insurance in the country where we live/work!

Postponing this new law/policy is not enough! Please cancel, revoke it!

Suggested Readings:

An open letter to PhilHealth from a middle class ‘OFW’

PhilHealth to collect OFW premiums after the pandemic — Morales

PhilHealth says collections suspended as rate hike for OFWs draws ire

Suspension not enough, scrap mandatory Philhealth for OFWs – group

Up in arms! OFWs goes ballistic on mandatory 3% PhilHealth cuts from their salaries

OFWs to pay up to 21,600 pesos PhilHealth contribution in 2020

PHILHEALTH MET WITH STRONG OPPOSITION BY OFW GROUPS AGAINST ITS MANDATORY PHILHEALTH AND PREMIUM RATE HIKE

Voluntary payment of OFWs to PhilHealth risks health insurance program if made permanent (NOT OUR PROBLEM BUT YOURS TO SOLVE, MANAGE YOUR FUND WELL!)

Please sign! Remove Philhealth Mandatory 3% Premium Payment from OFW's salary.

From an Immigrant's Perspective: Ways Americans can appreciate (more) what they have here in the U.S.A

1. Know and understand your own history, the American history.

Understand what it was like before and how much things changed and so much better now.

To newly naturalized Americans, who are English as Second Language (ESL) speakers like me, the DK's Children's Encyclopedia of American History is easy to read and understand, the pictures and illustrations help a lot too. I imagine myself enjoying reading it again with my children in the near future. The American Reader: Words that  Moved a Nation Edited by Diane Ravitch is another must read. Learning more about American History since I arrived here makes me appreciate of what you have here more and more everyday. Learning our country's history helps us to appreciate what we currently enjoy and those who made sure we are enjoying and still enjoying it now. Knowing history, as they say, helps us not to repeat the same mistakes of the past.

I can't help but to compare and connect the American and Philippine history, the Philippines being colonized by the U.S.A after Spain, and realizing how much influence you have on us too. Comparison is good when it helps to improve things. Comparison is better when it makes you appreciate the differences and improvements of the 'before and after'. Comparison is the best when it gives you contentment cause you know you have more than what others are still wishing for.

2. Read and watch global news and documentaries about other countries, especially third world countries and war-torn countries.

To some sympathetic and empathetic people, reading and watching can be more than enough but to some it may not. Most countries in the world still look up to the U.S.A because of the individual rights you have here. There is no perfect society in the world, but some citizens from other countries are still fighting and working on to have and enjoy the same rights you already have here. The rights you are taking for granted and sadly even abusing at times. Most countries are still on their way trying to copy what you have here and experimenting what will work in their own country. Wanting more and discontentment are human nature but so does gratitude and appreciation.

3. Befriend an immigrant and ask them, listen to their own experiences from their country.

Take an interest to their observations on what you have here, the similarities and differences. Sometimes, listening in real life to a person in front of you can have a better impact. Try to look through their eyes. Most immigrants who are thankful to be here are appreciative and will actually tell you what you have here that they wish they have too back in their home country. Legal immigrants who went through the process and did everything the right way to come and live here have substantial reasons why they left their own countries.

The opportunities you have here, you might not realize how lucky you are that job qualifications don't include your age, gender, height etc. Anyone who can still work and still wants to work have the same opportunities here, we are just starting to see that back at the Philippines where it is not a normal sight to see flight attendants and waiters past on their 40s, 50s and even 60s. Jobs that may be considered physically challenging and put aesthetic on the top employable factor still prefer employees on their 20s and 30s. Here in the U.S.A, I learned that is illegal, you cannot discriminate someone based on age, appearance, gender, race etc.

For me, you are also very accommodating here, respecting and recognizing the languages and cultures the immigrants brought with them. Almost everything and everywhere have available translations of other leading languages. Indeed, the U.S.A. is the melting pot of the world. I believe though that as you respect ours, we should also respect yours, learn your language, history, and culture, adopt and assimilate.

4. Visit another country, better if it is a country who have less but more people are happy and contented (like Bhutan).

As a Filipino, we are known to be one of the happiest and resilient people despite the economic and political challenges, uncontrollable disasters like storms and earthquakes we always experience in our country. We don't have a confrontational culture and are also known for our hospitality. Most Filipinos are very family orientated. However, these traits can be both our strength and weakness. We don't have the Second Amendment and owning a gun is not a norm, most people who get and have them are in the professions that are considered dangerous and get death threats like being a politician or a lawyer.

In the not so distant future, when we have kids already, I want our kids to have a first hand experience of a life in another country, like the Philippines, by visiting once a year or every two years or whenever possible (plane fare is not cheap LOL). They will always be part Filipino because of me and it is always important to know our parent's heritage which is also a part of our own identity. I hope, pray, and wish with all my heart that having that kind of experience will open up their eyes and minds to be more appreciative of what they have here in the U.S.A and also appreciate what the Philippines have. I wish people here can have the same opportunity, I hope when they visit another country it gives them more understanding and appreciation of life in general.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Independence Day!

I am not an expert, I am not yet an American citizen but I appreciate everything you have here. I am amazed by how the United States of America was founded. American History is fascinating and inspiring. I wrote this article as a way of saying Thank You. As a new immigrant here, as a spouse of an American citizen,  this is my way of saying I love and appreciate this country, this country that I also now call HOME. 

God bless America!

The Anti-Terrorism Bill of the Philippines (ironically called as the Terror Bill)

In the Philippines, a new Anti-Terrorism Act endangers rights, a special Council would usurp court powers. I agree that the Philippines' anti-terror bill is poised to cause more terror, given the abuse of power we are already witnessing.

Now let this be clear, I am even considered pretty conservative on my political views here in the U.S.A. and I am 100% against terrorism and communist insurgencies. I want it to end too in all ways possible, but the fear is that this Philippine bill can also be used to anyone who is critical of the Philippine government (especially the Duterte administration now) is a legitimate concern. Given that the administration is already consolidating so much power from all three branches of the government. Duterte's minions are holding the majority in Congress and Senate (Legislative) and Supreme Court (Judiciary). They tried to bully anyone who is against them, especially those on the oppositions like the removal of previous Chief Justice Sereno, jailing Senator de Lima, belittling Vice President Robredo who works harder during this COVID pandemic than him, making fun/chilidsh personal attack to Diokno  and more. Even ordinary citizens, inside and outside the country. Like the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Taiwan, our own government tried to deport her for sharing in social media her critical opinions toward the Duterte administration. How ironic and disappointing, Taiwan protected our own citizen from the bullying of our own government. Taiwan refuses to deport caregiver who ‘insulted’ Philippine president on Facebook.

People in our country who posted satirical jokes, disappointments, and frustrations about Duterte and his administration were also arrested without a warrant. A teacher, son arrested without warrant in GenSan over Facebook post. The reason behind their post? Hunger (or fear of hunger) during the enforced COVID quarantine. Also, the warrantless arrest of a teacher over tweet threatening Duterte was considered invalid and the court junks case vs teacher who offered bounty to kill Duterte. All these teachers are charged for citing sedition. I do not condone what they did but even Duterte himself always joke about killing (or seriously, to be honest we don't know anymore, it depends on his mood).

Living in a country where a MAN CAN BE SHOT FOR NOT WEARNING A FACE MASK OR NOT FOLLOWING SIMPLE QUARANTINE RULES, even if he is a retired soldier suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is something to really WORRY about, what more when they passed a law where someone who bought a knife or anything that can be used as a weapon can already be a suspected terrorist (or anyone decided by their chosen Council). It is more ridiculous now for me cause I live in a country where the right of the people to own a gun is even protected by their Constitution, called the Second Amendment. It is not even a gun you need to own in the Philippines to be a suspected terrorist, a knife will do. LOL.

I support the good intentions behind this Anti-Terrorism Bill, everyone who care about their country and is against terrorism will support this bill, as long as it is modified to make sure that it won't be abused. It is a given that any law can be abuse, but with the Executive branch already abusing its power now and them executing this new law later on. We need an assurance that the final form of this law is clear and the best form it can be to avoid or to be sure that it has the tiniest possibility of being abuse. And that is their job as lawmakers to make sure of that. To find the holes and fix it.

So given these circumstances and what is happening now in the country, these are 5 Things to know about the Philippines' Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (these are not my words, from Nikkei Asian Review) :

1. What exactly does this bill say and do?

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 amends the Human Security Act of 2007. It expands the definition of terrorism to include acts intended to cause "death or serious bodily injury to any person," "extensive damage and destruction" to a government facility, private property or critical infrastructure and when the purpose of those acts is to "intimidate [the] general public," "create an atmosphere or message of fear," or "seriously destabilize or destroy the fundamental political, economic and social structures of the country." Those found guilty face life sentences without the chance of parole.

The act also criminalizes the "threat, planning, training, facilitating of" and "proposal" and "inciting" to terrorist activities by means of speeches, proclamations, writings, banners and emblems. It also subjects suspects to surveillance, warrantless arrest and detention for up to 24 days. In addition, it removes compensation for the suspect in the event of acquittal and boosts the Anti-Terrorism Council, the implementer of the law, whose members are appointed by the president.

2. Why is the government pushing it?

Backers of the bill say the legislation seeks to end terrorism in the country, which is still battling decadeslong communist and Islamic insurgencies. In 2017, Islamic State-aligned militants laid siege to the southern city of Marawi; last year the southern region was rocked by suicide bombings.

Even the lockdown did not stop terror, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who cited the communist rebels' attacks on soldiers securing the distribution of financial aid and attacks by Islamic militants in late May that led to an evacuation in the country's south that uprooted over 6,000 people.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a former police chief and proponent of the bill, said the Human Security Act of 2007 "has proved to fail in terms of its efficacy as an anti-terrorism measure," partly because it's lenient for offenders and restrictive for enforcers.

"Under the current Human Security Act, there are only four instances for terrorists to be prosecuted under the law," Lacson said last year. "On the other hand, there are a total of 20 instances where law enforcers can be charged and penalized for violations of the Human Security Act."

3. Why is it being opposed?

The Philippines' Commission on Human Rights said the broad definition of "terrorism" in the bill "paves the road for possible abuse."

"By this broad definition, starting a fight in a bar could technically be classified as an act of terrorism," said Human Rights Watch, which called the act "a human rights disaster in the making."

The overreach, according to CHR, could also be used "to limit substantial freedoms, including expression of dissent, while [with] the vague and overly broad definition, authorities could wantonly tag [the] exercise of rights as terrorist expressions."

Fears are also on the rise due to the Duterte's administration's history of cracking down on political opposition and the recent arrest of government critics during the lockdown. "It's not about going after terrorists," human rights lawyer Jose Manuel Diokno said, "but critics of this administration."

4. What do businesses and the international community have to say about the bill?

At least 16 Philippine business groups have jointly voiced strong opposition, calling the bill "highly divisive because it poses clear and present danger to human rights enshrined in our Constitution at a time [of pandemic] when our nation needs to come together as one."

Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the bill "dilutes human rights safeguards, broadens the definition of terrorism and expands the period of detention without a warrant from three to 14 days, extendible by another 10 days. The vague definitions in the Anti-Terrorism Act may violate the principle of legality."

5. What are the chances that it will become law?

Duterte's office received the bill on June 9, giving him 30 days to act on it.

Amid crumbling support for the act -- some lawmakers have withdrawn their backing -- and mounting opposition from businesses, universities and the Catholic Church, the Department of Justice said it will review the bill regarding its potential to violate constitutional rights.

With the bill now on his desk, Duterte can sign or veto it anytime to reflect the executive branch's amendments. If no action is taken on it, the bill automatically becomes law in 30 days.

But given the growing opposition to the proposed law, a legal challenge in the Supreme Court is a possibility.

Once passed, this New Anti-Terrorism Law Would Enhance Duterte’s Power. Here is also an explainer comparing dangers in old law and anti-terror bill. 

To those who will say that anyone against this bill is afraid because they are terrorists, this article answer it: 

[OPINION] Who’s afraid of the new anti-terrorism law? The author was suspected as a rebel at  3 years old. LOL right? But not really. It is not funny anymore when you are the one or someone you love experience it. And with the new law saying you can't complain or sue them (the council and the government) if they commit a mistake of suspecting or identifying you as a terrorist, ruining your reputation, putting you in torture without enough evidence and no need for a warrant. You can't do that here in the U.S.A., I wish the same for the Philippines where individual rights are put on top, protected the most by their Constitution, the government fearing its people and not the people fearing their government (I wish they appreciate it as much as I do as an immigrant, but that would be another topic and post to discuss about 😅 ).

To those who need more and can't analyze enough by themselves (oops sorry! but not really sorry), these are interesting reads:

[ANALYSIS] The Anti-Terrorism Act: Duterte will have all dissenters’ necks

[ANALYSIS] On the Anti-Terror Bill: Beyond constitutionality

What can we do once Duterte signed it into a law or either way it becomes a law? Support the petition that Carpio and the others will file against it! Watch the Supreme Court and pray they will do their jobs and interpret it the way it is, unconstitutional! Let our representatives hear us and let them revised it to the best form it can be, once proven that this law is really needed and the old law is not enough after smart deliberation that we all know. Unlike what happened that they passed it during the COVID pandemic when all of us are busy focusing on COVID issues and more (like China's bullying and militarization in our islands and thanks to Duterte's support and selling us off which again is another topic and post to discuss about 😅).

References:
House Bill No. 3413
Senate No. 1083

Lockdown/Stay-at-Home Order/Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) Diary

*Based on my personal experience and knowledge as an individual, a married couple, with our family and friends in our very own communities.

Yesterday, my closed friend married at their home in Pennsylvania (PA), we wanted to be there but due to the travel advisories and other factors related to COVID-19, we weren't able to go. She understood too, PA is one of the top states with most number of cases, they were told it is better to keep the number of their guests to 10 including them and the minister that will officiate their wedding.

An aunt's family visit here in Florida (on my husband side) is move to later this year, before or around Thanksgiving.

The family of our Pastor in Mississippi also planned a Florida (FL) trip this May and he and his wife are planning to visit us but it was also cancelled. Hopefully, after everything gets back to normal (or what others call the 'new normal') they can still visit us.

I'm sure people all around the world have similar experiences, cancelled plans, much awaited vacations etc. Of course, these are small things compared to a death of a person because of COVID-19, unemployment, hunger, inadequate assistance, and abused of power by the government and its officials during this trying times.

My husband's work is part of the essential workers category, he still go to work everyday. In our neighborhood, we are the only young couple our age, all of our neighbors (who are very sweet and kind to us) are retired and senior citizens. Because of this reason, we know that we have the responsibility to be extra careful and not interact with them if we are feeling any symptoms at all. Even without symptoms, I continuously remind my husband to take care of his health and keep his distance at work (if there is a co worker who is showing symptoms). Thank God, we are all in good health.

My family in the Philippines are in total lockdown, they can only go out if they need to buy food and medicine, only one person per household can go out. My mom's store in Cavite is closed for more than a month now. She and her family in Oriental Mindoro are in good condition but we are all worried because the lockdown was extended until May 15.

We understand the reason for this extension but sadly after the lockdown, people will be overwhelmed by the bills lined up, with no income for those who are no work, no pay and those who were required to close their small businesses like my mom.

We are more blessed than others. We try to help in our own little ways. Our heart ache to those who both fear dying either from the virus or hunger.

I support herd immunity especially in poor countries with more young population like India and the Philippines. I think the government can focus protecting the vulnerable: senior citizens, children, sick, disable, and anyone with weak immune system. They should allow people who want and need to get back to work, reminding them to be extra careful if they have someone at home who is part of the vulnerable population. Individual responsibility is very important and it is said to be flattening the COVID-19 curve in Sweden.

The main fear is that hospitals won't be able to handle the situation, even though 80% of cases are  mild and most of them can stay at home until they get well.

I should be working now as a teaching aide/assistant in a nearby technical college if not for the COVID-19 pandemic.

This lockdown/stay-at-home/ECQ is no one's fault but China (Chinese Communist Party/Communist Party of China) and their lies.

China should pay a financial cost for its Coronavirus lies. China committed a crime against the world that resulted in economic hardships all over the world. China should be legally liable for the pandemic damage it has done. But how? How to make China pay?

As we pray that we remain safe and all our loved ones, we also pray for all the COVID-19 patients, medical workers, frontliners, and essential workers all over the world.

I hope all leaders all over the world can effectively handle their own local situations, copying other proven and effective strategies they can from other countries.

I wish that a vaccine will be available soon but if not, may the government find a way that everyone can survive too financially even if it means ending these different versions of lockdown/stay-at-home order/ECQ soon.

May all the government officials/leaders/public servants listen to the people they serve and not abuse the emergency powers given to them according to the law during these trying times.

May they execute the law fairly and not bend it to their own will.

My reaction to Duterte's comment likening Constitution to ‘toilet paper’

Sa mga nag iisip bakit ba importante ang Konstitusyon ng Pilipinas?

Dahil sa konstitusyon po natin nakalahad ang ating mga karapatan at tungkulin ng ating gobyerno.

Ito ang pangunahin at pinaka importanteng batas sa ating bansa na marapat lamang sundin at respituhin nating lahat bilang sibilisadong mamamayan na naninirahan dito.

Dapat lamang tayong mainsultong lahat sa paghahambing dito bilang 'toilet paper' o pamunas sa pwet. Para na ring sinabi na ang ating karapatan, ang tungkulin sa atin ng ating gobyerno at sa ating bansa ay basura lamang, ay lokohan lamang, ay kasingbaba lamang nang isang pamunas sa pwet. Dahil kahit san mo man ginagamit ang toilet paper, tinawag yan na toilet paper kasi nga pang toilet, pang iwang, sa basurahan ang bagsak, o sa inodoro kung finlush mo, sa septik tank. At kung toilet paper ang batas na nag proprotekta sa atin, so ano tayo, ano ang bansa natin? TAE?

Sa mga nagsasabi na O.A. ang reaksyon ko, namin, na mga pumipiyok sa issue na ito, bilib ako sa inyong sikmura at konsensya bilang Pilipino.

At dahil mahilig ang ating presidente sa metaphor, gusto ko lang sabihin na hindi sya nag iisa. Pwede nya rin yang gamitin sa pagsusulat ng kwento o poetry, gamitin nya dun lahat ng figure of speech na gusto nya. Pero sana hindi sa pangbabastos sa atin, sa batas natin, sa bansa natin.

Hanggang kaylan natin matitiis at ipag wawalang bahala na lang ang mga ganitong bagay? Manhid man tayo pero kaylangan nating harapin ang katotohanan na kung hindi tayo SASATSAT, MAGSASALITA, AALMA, lalong walang mangyayari. Sa sunod na may makakausap tayo, pag usapan natin to kasi lahat tayo later on (if may hindi pa naaapektuhan sa ngayon) DAMAY DAMAY din tayo, kahit tayong mga wala sa Pinas, ang mga mahal natin sa buhay andyan.

Matagal ko nang gustong magsalita, magsulat, sabihin ang mga nararamdaman ko at iniisip tungkol sa ating bansa at sa mga nangyayari dito. Tulad ng nakakarami, natatakot, nanlulumo, nanglulupaypay, nauumay, nawawalan ng pag asa, tinatamad, naiinis, nagagalit, nasusura at minsan parang wala na akong maramdaman o mas accurate siguro sabihing hindi ko na alam kung ano ba ang dapat kong maramdaman.

Madami pa ring magagandang bagay tungkol sa Pilipinas, tungkol sa mga Pilipino. Pero bakit ganun? Bakit ganito pa rin tayo? Bakit parang hindi talaga tayo matuto tuto? Bakit gusto nating ulitin yung mga bagay na natakasan na natin? Piliin ulit ang isang diktator at sabihing yun ang kaylangan natin? Masokista ba ang mga Pilipino? Bakit natin hinahayaan at sinusuportahan ang mga ganitong klase ng leader? Dahil ba umaasa tayo na baka nuon hindi umubra pero ngayon uubra na? o SAWA na tayong umasa? Bahala na kung sinoman ang andyan pare parehas lang naman sila. Walang tunay na gustong maglingkod sa taong bayan, kung tayo ba ang mga leader natin gugustuhin ba nating paglingkuran TAYO? Baka kaya ganyan ang ginagawa nila kasi nasanay na rin lang sila na "Ay ok na yan sa Pilipino, konting tulong lang, kahit mas madami ang nakaw natin, wala na silang ibang choice, hindi naman sikat yung iba tayo lang kilala nila, sanay na sila sa atin."

Kahit yung mga hindi alam kung ano ba ang konstitusyon at kung anu anu pang mga komplikadong bagay, lahat tayo ngayon may access na kay Google, kahit anung lengwahe mo itype ang tanung mo, meron at meron kang makukuha kahit panong sagot, at maiintindihan ito ng kahit sino na handang intindihin ang dapat at gusto nilang intindihin.

Sabi siguro nung iba, basta ok ang pamilya ko, basta nabubuhay kami ng maayos, wala akong pakialam, bahala sila sa buhay nila. Wala na rin namang pag asa ang Pilipinas. Ramdam kita pero....naniniwala ako, lahat tayo naiinggit tayo sa ibang mauunlad na bansa, gusto din nating maging tulad nila. Napakayaman ng Pilipinas sa likas na yaman at yamang tao, ang Singapore at iba pang maliit na bansa na wala masyado nito pero nakaya nila, matuto tayo sa kanila, kunin at gayahin natin yung mga pwede nating gayahin, maniwala tayo na makakahanap, makakakilatis at makakapili din tayo ng sarili nating Lee Kuan Yew.

Sabi ng isang Pinoy sa isang artikulo sa Rappler nung tinanong kung ano mensahe nya sa Presidente ng Amerika nung bumisita sa Pilipinas: “Please Girahin mo na mga corrupt dito sa pinas... pa slave nalang kami basta maayos pamumuhay namin at walang pasakit sa bawat araw, may nakakain, may nabibili at may mga makukuhang magandang trabaho, at mura ang pagaaral. `Di na namin matiis pasakit at pahirap sa sariling bayan.”

Ramdam mo ba? Ang pait, ang hapdi, pagod na pagod na sya.

Tulad mo, tulad ko, tulad nating lahat.

Pero sa palagay ko hindi nakarating yang mensahe nya at kung nakarating man, alam natin na hindi pa din natin pwedeng iasa sa ibang bansa ang sarili nating problema.

Salamat kung matutulungan nila tayo pero kung hindi balik tayo sa "TAYO", tayo ulit, paulit ulit, ang mag dedesisyon anu nga ba talaga ang gusto natin para sa bansang ito?

Sana hindi naman para gamitin as 'toilet paper' lang.

Differences between Trump and Duterte*

*These are based on my own personal observations and conclusions from reading news and other information I can from local and international point of view. They may be similar in some ways, but I think Donald Trump is still so much better in so many ways than Rodrigo Duterte.

1. Trump prioritizes Americans, Duterte don't prioritize Filipinos. This can be seen especially on Trump's policies against illegal immigrants and his focus on giving jobs to Americans, trying his best to bring back jobs to America from other countries especially China. On the other hand, Duterte allowed illegal Chinese workers in the Philippines when in fact there are many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who seek jobs overseas because they can't find and get good paying jobs in their own country. The salaries of these Chinese workers are even way higher than the average Filipino worker even if they are doing the same job. A total of 3.12 million Chinese citizens entered the Philippines from January 2016 to May 2018, according to the Bureau of Immigration.

2. USA economy gets better under Trump (even my husband like him so much because of that), while Duterte blames and find excuses on the inflation crisis in the Philippines. Prices of basic commodities were higher and peso purchasing power declines even as economy booms. Many are unemployed and even those who are employed can barely get by. It was even dubbed as 'Duterte's jobless economic boom'

3. Donald Trump don't kill American citizens while, Rodrigo Duterte is well known for his Extrajudicial Killings (EJK's) related to his supposedly War on Drugs (but drug lords are spared), mostly killing poor and young Filipino citizens. In addition, even if we also compare their 'tough talks', Duterte's rape jokes, personal insults, curses, and violence (especially to those people who don't deserve it even a bit) are worse. His words and actions towards women is worse too. Most of the time, he don't apologize or if he does (rarely) you can feel and see his insincerity because he will do these things again the next chance he gets.

4. The way they both handle Chinese issues (government and private companies). Trump takes on China, attacked China and its companies with tariffs and do in all his might to stop China taking advantage of America. Even though the Philippines is not a global power like USA, still, even when we compare how other small countries like Vietnam and Taiwan speak up against China's bullying is still way better than how Duterte's administration does. He always sided with China even when they sank the boats of Filipino fishermen. He did not push the arbitration case we won against China. He is even saying he is Chinese and that if China wants, they can make the Philippines their province. His spokesperson and loyalists always say he is just joking but even as a joke it is disappointing and treacherous. He is also leading the Philippines to a Chinese debt trap. He is selling the country's sovereignty for Chinese funding, when in fact Japan and EU offered less interest with reasonable conditions unlike China.

5. The way they handle their political enemies/oppositions. Trump defends himself (mostly through Twitter) without jailing or threatening to imprison or kill those who oppose him. Duterte on the other hand, enjoys jailing or trying to imprison anyone who oppose him like Senator Laila de lima (who is still in prison now for more than two years, considered by Amnesty International as arbitrary detention) and Senator Antonio Trillanes. Former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was also ousted after clashing with him. Recently, after saying that the Philippine constitution can be used as just a mere ‘toilet paper’, he gave a threat that he will jail anyone who tries to impeach him.


Suggested Readings:
Duterte does not favor deporting illegal Chinese worker
10 Best Things Trump has done in 2018
Never mind his critics, Trump is getting the job done
Shock: Even Trump critics admit he's been winning on Foreign Policy
Five things even Trump critics can give him credit for this Christmas
Trump defies doubters with surging economy
American's feel good about economy and give Trump credit-CBS News poll
How good is the Trump economy, really?
Duterte shaken by inflation storm
Inflation, GDP, and Duterte
Duterte's Luster Dulls as Rice Price Soar in the Philippines
Inflation in the Philippines a faultline for Duterte's 'Build, Build, Build' ambition
Philippine Politics under Duterte: A Midterm Assessment 
Labor group to Duterte: Hike wages amid shrinking purchasing power
Trump takes action on chinese imports
Trump's china policy is a triump
Trump's trade war targets Chinese students at elite U.S. schools
Trump: We can't let China take advantage of our country anymore 
Trump to CNBC: China is going to make a deal because 'they're going to have to'
China had no good option in retaliating against Trump's Huawei ban
Duterte and China
Duterte accused of 'FEAR MONGERING' over claims China could declare war
Rodrigo Duterte: "I am Chinese"
Duterte threatens to jail critic
Filipinos burn Chinese flags in protest against Duterte's 'weak' response to South China Sea sinking
The Philippines is beginning to pay the price for Duterte's South China Sea flip-flops
After snuggling up to China, Duterte talks about 'suicide missions' to protect island
Duterte defends China Infrastructure loans
Trump defends tweets, says he 'somewhat' prides himself on his writing
Duterte a 'puppet' of Beijing, says imprisoned Philippine lawmaker
Living in fear, Duterte's Chief critic speaks out from Philippine jail
The silencing of Leila de Lima-- Duterte's "first political prisoner"
Duterte orders arrest of Philippine senator, one of his top critics
Duterte orders Trillanes arrest
Duterte warns opponent Trillanes
In the Philippines, Duterte orders arrest of prominent critic
Lawyers alarmed by Duterte's move to jail Trillanes
This Philippine senator won't come out of his office for fear of arrest of Duterte's forces
Philippine court rejects Duterte bid to have critic arrested
Duterte critic arrested as 'darkness and evil' prevail in Philippines
Duterte revoked amnesty of chief critic, orders arrest of Trillanes
Duterte to Trillanes: I will have you jailed
Second Philippine senator who defied Duterte, arrested
Philippine President Duterte has ordered the arrest of a chief political opponent
Philippine chief justice ousted after criticizing Duterte 
The messy fight between Duterte and his chief justice
Philippine top judge, Duterte critic ousted by colleagues
She was the enemy of Philippine President Duterte, and her fellow judges just sacked her
Duterte to Sereno: I am now your enemy, I will see to it that you are removed from the Supreme Court
Philippines' ousted Supreme Court chief lambastes Duterte
Philippines' top judge ousted after clashing with President Duterte
Philippine's top judge took on Duterte. Now, she's out.
Philippine chief justice, Duterte's critic, removed
Impeach me, I'll jail you- Philippines' Duterte dares foes to test him
Philippines: Duterte threatens to lock up critics calling for his impeachment
Duterte on impeachment proponents: I'll jail them all
Duterte a 'dictator, coward' for threatening to jail impeachment petitioners- de Lima
'I dare you': Duterte dares critics to file impeachment, threatens to imprison them
Duterte comment likening Constitution to 'toilet paper' troubles Robredo
Diokno hits Duterte for likening Constitution to toilet paper
Constitution as 'toilet paper' is just another Duterte 'metaphor'- Palace

China's 3 Warfare Strategy

Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio criticized those who say China might wage war over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), as he downplayed this fear as part of a "false option."

One of those who have raised this possibility is President Rodrigo Duterte himself.

Carpio said: "The option for the Philippines is not either to talk to China or go to war with China. This is a false option, and shows a dismal lack of understanding of international law and international relations."

Carpio explained: "China itself does not want war because war will give the US an excuse to intervene in the South China Sea dispute, considering the existing Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty. China's strategy is to control the South China Sea without firing a single shot."

Carpio pointed out, too, that many people do not understand China's "3-warfare strategy." The 3-warfare strategy refers to China's use of "3 mutually reinforcing strategies" of psychological operations, media manipulation, and legal warfare, The Diplomat reported in 2015.

Carpio said, "Those who raise the issue of war with China either do not understand the 3-warfare strategy of China, or simply are scaring Filipino people to make them submit to China."

Excerpt from Talk to China or go to war ? 'False option' , Carpio says

Further Readings:

Enforce UN Ruling? Carpio lists ways

China and the 'Three Warfares'

Treat China like the bully it is

10 Facts that Prove that China is a Big Bully

China's 'Three Warfare' in Perspective

Searching for Filipino Patriotism

A study of Filipinos´ character, commissioned by the Senate (1988) finds that Filipinos are sensitive to others´ needs, good humored and love their families, but they lack a sense of patriotism and the common good.

The 41-page report by the office of Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani, also states: "Filipinos have a deep faith in God ... and live very intimately with religion -- it is part of everyday life."

The report, based on existing sociological studies and a poll of 2,000 individuals, says that Filipinos have personal ambitions and drives for power and status that are "completely insensitive to the common good. Personal and in-group interests reign supreme."

There is little cooperation and community spirit among Filipinos, it says, and they also lack discipline and tend to be superficial.

On the other hand, Filipinos are flexible, optimistic and creative. They are survivors capable of "eking out a living from a garbage dump," according to the report, prepared by Doctor Patricia Licuanan, academic vice-president of the Jesuit Ateneo de Manila University.

The study points out: "Our family orientation is both a strength and a weakness, giving us a sense of rootedness and security, both very essential to any form of reaching out to others. At the same time, it develops in us an in-group orientation that prevents us from reaching out beyond the family to the larger community and the nation."

Excerpt from Study shows Filipinos lack sense of patriotism, common good

Additional articles I found helpful:
Is patriotism passe?
Filipinos' misguided sense of patriotism is tearing the nation apart
The Insufficiency of Filipino Nationhood
Why Filipinos are not a patriotic people?
Be proud of being a Filipino (even if it's not easy)
Philippine Patriotism: The Absence of Humility
The Foundations of Patriotism
A Damaged Culture