By Herman M. Lagon Social media has been awash with calls for silence. “Do not speak if you are not fully informed,” they say. “Research first before you comment,” they insist. At first glance, staying silent seems wise, but beneath it lurks dangerous passivity. Silence is not always wisdom; sometimes, it is indifference. When major …
Impulses
Dynasties: Democracy’s double-edged sword
By Herman M. Lagon Some names never seem to leave the political stage. Political dynasties have clung to power for generations throughout the country, from Malacañang to the barangays. These familiar names on every ballot bring comfort to some and frustration to others. But is every political dynasty bad for democracy? Or does the reality …
Rifts that reshape politics
By Herman M. Lagon Alliances sometimes develop as quickly as they break apart. The adage, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” has never been more pertinent than in the widening divide separating the Marcos and Duterte groups. Once an apparently strong alliance, it has now collapsed into open conflict, exposing political unrest and …
Duterte’s reckoning?!
By Herman M. Lagon Nobody expected it to happen — until it did. Rodrigo Duterte, once untouchable, was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and is now on his way to The Hague. For years, families of drug war victims hoped for justice but never imagined he would stand trial. The man who mocked international …
Bonfire pledges
By Herman M. Lagon The fire flickered against the Barotac Nuevo sky as students and mentors gathered last week, their faces lit by the flames and quiet reflection. This was more than an ISUFST KampSama Day 2 campfire; it was a moment to face fears, embrace strengths and commit to something greater. Before stepping forward, …
Beyond the crown
By Herman M. Lagon The Tamasak Arena buzzed with life that morning, packed with students, coaches, sports coordinators, teachers, and government officials. They gathered not just for the RSCUAA 2024 event but to cheer for Alexie Mae Brooks, the Ilongga track and field phenom-turned-beauty queen who graced the stage to inspire athletes and sports officials. …
‘Sana all,’ always
By Herman M. Lagon “Sana all” is a little wish wrapped in three syllables. It is a fleeting moment of hope, admiration or even a tinge of envy — but always grounded in shared humanity. Whether said in jest or sincerity, this mix of Tagalog and English captures the Pinoy spirit of aspiration. It is …
Research done right
By Herman M. Lagon Research ethics are typically seen as strict rules that researchers must follow to avoid academic scrutiny. However, they are much more than that. Credible, meaningful and socially responsible research starts with ethics. Scientific inquiry — uncovering truth and advancing humanity — is undermined without it. At the most recent Iloilo State …
Trumping diplomacy
By Herman M. Lagon It takes a certain audacity to openly belittle an ally fighting for its survival while cozying up to an adversary bent on global destabilization. US President Donald Trump has never shied away from bullying, and his recent treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was more than just lousy diplomacy — it …
Ballots over bullets
By Herman M. Lagon We face a critical choice in a country where jeepneys roll through streets of joys and struggles. The midterm elections are not just about choosing leaders — they are about remembering those silenced by Duterte’s deadly drug war. These were not just numbers; they were children, parents and friends taken by a …