Impulses

By Herman M. Lagon  Over time, smart-shaming has infiltrated our educational system, transforming classrooms that ought to foster intellectual curiosity into places that stifle it. Making fun of students’ intelligence or sarcastically calling them “too smart” has become a common form of bullying in classrooms, hallways and even faculty lounges. It’s not merely a fad …

By Herman M. Lagon Philippine elections are a spectacle of catchy jingles, celebrity endorsements and grand campaign rallies. But beyond the confetti and slogans lies a complex voter behavior that shapes the country’s future. If democracy is to work, voters must think critically, weigh their choices beyond popularity, and see elections as a long-term investment …

By Herman M. Lagon Imagine a day when no one’s talking about Rodrigo Duterte. No Sara Duterte headlines. No drama, no soundbites. No big personalities hogging the political limelight. The cameras turn off; the noise dies down. What is left in the silence should have been front and center — how this country is quietly …

By Herman M. Lagon Few sights are as fascinating and baffling as watching people defend their political idols with the zeal of a devout follower. Whether on social media, at rallies or even during tense family gatherings, these loyalists or “tards” present a curious case of almost religious fervor. To them, their leader is not …

Yano’s “Trapo” is not just a song, it is a scathing indictment of Philippine politics, and as the 2025 midterm elections draw near, its message stings even more. The title alone is a double punch — “trapo” as in traditional politicians and “trapo” as in a dirty, worn-out rag. The song remains disturbingly relevant over …

By Herman M. Lagon In educational institutions, titles are worn as badges of honor, signaling expertise, dedication and — at least ideally — rigor in pursuing knowledge. But what happens when these titles begin to overshadow the genuine quest for learning? In some cases, the heavy emphasis on academic credentials has created a system where …

By Herman M. Lagon Freely given is often barely appreciated. It is a hard truth to swallow, but it is one we see repeatedly, especially in a society grappling with the long-term effects of unearned benefits. Take the government’s ayuda program, which, though necessary during the height of the pandemic, continues in some forms today. …

By Herman M. Lagon We often view education as a panacea that answers society’s most profound problems. Education advocates are quick to assert that schooling and knowledge are keys to personal and national success, and they are not entirely wrong. Yet, this single-minded focus ignores a critical question: Could education itself be a part of …

By Herman M. Lagon The long arm of justice has finally caught up with former President Rodrigo Duterte. On March 11, 2025, Duterte was arrested upon his arrival from Hong Kong and was subsequently placed on a flight to The Hague to face the International Criminal Court (ICC). His arrest follows years of calls for …

By Herman M. Lagon Choosing the right political candidate is more than shading a name on a ballot. For many of us, it carries hope, responsibility and moral duty. Every vote reflects the collective desire for leaders who can steer the nation toward fairness, progress and real service. But with all the campaign jingles, bold …