While some of us here in the Philippines have been anxiously watching the US election campaign, the campaign for the midterm elections here (which will take place in May) has begun with the filing of candidacies. This story from our paper this morning gives a good idea of what an inbred mess the political system here is:

Seriously, these people make the Hapsburgs look diverse, and it’s a big reason why I do not deal with politics in my work, at least not Philippine politics. I think many of my readers have the impression that I’m just politely respecting boundaries, being an obvious alien here and all, but honestly, it’s mostly because Philippine politics give me the ick.