Yolanda victims and Mr. Aquino’s ‘Two Philippines’

Oca Orbos has the classic definition of the role of government - parens patriae. The government is both father and mother to its citizens. The state is responsible for their well-being, with the duty of caring more pronounced for the vulnerable. The English doctrine has worked well in most developed societies, just look at the Scandinavian and Nordic models that practice this lofty governing theory to the full.

These progressive, welfare states have built the best societies of the 21st century by simply fulfilling the requirements of parens patriae.