Randy David is a sociologist, a University of the Philippines professor and a well respected public commentator. He writes a weekly column at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Public Lives. Read his scholarly take on the Philippines current political and social climate here.

His article comparing Ferdinand Marcos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is too accurate for comfort as his systematic detailing of how Arroyo manipulates the law to deal with principled critics. These are dangerous times for courageous men who oppose tyranny.