NEWS Features Culture Editorial

REALITY AND
SONA MOTHER AND CHILD IN
MONSTRISITY PAGTANAW AT
UPM DORM PERIL PAGHAMON
EXCELLENCE IN
SSWC RENOVATION TIPPING OFF THE SCALE EVOLUTION
Pages 2 to 7 Pages 8 to 11 Pages 12 to 15 Page 20

The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila | Volume 24 Numbers 4-5 FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010
 NEWS Volume 24, Numbers 4-5

“Aquino’s SONA Evades RP

Pressing Issues,” Says SR, FR DEONAH ABIGAIL LUGO MIOLE

D espite positive feedbacks raked by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s first State of the Nation
Address (SONA) on July 26, the University of the Philippines (UP) Student and Faculty Regents –
alongside progressive groups and students – expressed dissatisfaction over the recent SONA, saying that
Aquino fell short in addressing the country’s pressing issues.

Remnants of the Arroyo been covered by the fund, despite shall investigate further on the
Regime having the fund increased to 480 anomalies from the previous
million pesos. Further, the said administration and punish the
Aquino started his speech by projects were not included in the corrupt officials.
reiterating his former campaign original plan.
slogan concept, “Matuwid na Moreover, Aquino brought up the
daan,” and further explaining its “Tapos na po ang panahon Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
premises. He also said that the para dito. Sa administrasyon po in his SONA. With the PPP, the
true state of the nation has been natin, walang kota-kota, walang government shall partner up with
kept secret from the people. tongpats, ang pera ng taumbayan one or more private institutions
ay gagastusin para sa taumbayan to financially support the needs of
For the most part of his speech, lamang.” Aquino remarked. the country.
Aquino addressed the problems
his administration inherited from Aquino included the NAPOCOR Aquino said, “Ang sagot naman sa
the Arroyo administration. He debt in his address. He disclosed kakulangan natin sa pondo ay mga
also mentioned the discovered that the government had been makabago at malikhaing paraan
anomalies from Arroyo’s term. paying the corporation’s debt para tugunan ang mga pagkatagal-
since 2004, since it persuaded tagal nang problema.”
Aquino exposed the irregularities NAPOCOR to sell power at very
in the budget of the government, low costs in early 2000s. According to him, once the
such as the 196.7 billion peso implementation of the PPP
deficit, the remaining 6% or 100 He said, “Kung naging matino ang OF RELEVANCE. Thousands of people from different sectors rallied at the
billion pesos left from the 1.54 pag-utang, sana’y nadagdagan CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 People’s SONA to raise the issues that should be addressed by President
trillion peso budget for 2010, and ang ating kasiguruhan sa supply Aquino in his SONA on July 26. Photo courtesy of Joanna Udarbe
the already–spent 70% or 1.4 ng kuryente. Pero ang desisyon
ay ibinatay sa maling pulitika,
otohP PA / zeuqraM tilluB fo ysetruoc otohP 13 yluJ no dnatsdnarG

billion pesos of the 2 billion peso

at hindi sa pangangailangan ng

Activists Killed Under

calamity fund.
taumbayan. Ang taumbayan,
His SONA, which lasted for matapos pinagsakripisyo ay lalo
almost 40 minutes, also included pang pinahirapan.”
the controversies involving the

New Administration
Metropolitan Waterworks and Aquino revealed that the Land
Sewerage System (MWSS) officials, Bank and Development of the Bank
National Power Corporation of the Philippines, were ordered to
(NAPOCOR) debt, Mass Rail buy the MRT .
Transit (MRT) purchase, National ALYSSA NICOLE CACHO GRATIL
Furthermore, Aquino discussed

M
Food Authority (NFA) debt, and
unplanned infrastructure projects the controversial funds of the erely days after President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino’s inauguration as the 15th president of the
of the Department of Public Works NFA. He also discussed that the Republic of the Philippines, unidentified hit men gunned down four activists in four different
and Highways (DPWH). agency had imported too much incidents – rendering extra judicial killings the highlight of his initial weeks in office.
rice annually which they have kept
Aquino articulated that the for years until the rice becomes killings prior to Baldomero, of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima
rotten. “Firsts” Under the Aquino
MWSS officials had been giving Administration Guevarra, Francisco and Estacio. even issued a memorandum,
themselves ‘rewards,’ despite the Among the victims were Radyo creating a super body composed
fact that the pension for retired Solutions to the Problems of Natin commentator Jose Daguio of the Philippine National Police,
employees has not yet been fully the State Fernando Baldomero, a 61-year-
and public school teacher Edgar the Department of Justice, the
old second-term councilor, Bayan
paid and people had been putting Muna coordinator for Aklan, and Fernandez. Commission on Human Rights
up with water scarcity. To make amends in the government,
a Makabayan coalition official, was and the Armed Forces of the
Aquino disclosed the immediate
steps his administration would shot to death in front of his house Administration in a State of Philippines (AFP) that will
Recalling that the said officials
take to ‘build a better nation’. in Kalibo, early morning, July 5. Refute specifically attend to the killings,
were midnight appointees from and will proactively go beyond the
the previous administration, Following suit after four days
In his speech, he tackled the issue were Pascual Guevarra, a 78-year- Above all the claims of extrajudicial collation of data and supervision
Aquino said, “Kung mayroon pa killings, the administration still of investigation.
silang kahit kaunting hiya na on tax evasion, declaring that every old leader of the Alyansa ng
week, there shall be cases filed mga Magbubukid na Nagkakaisa insists that the military has
natitira – sana kusa na lang silang nothing to do with the deaths of Extrajudicial Killings
magbitiw sa puwesto.” against tax evaders and smugglers. 3100 (Almana 3100), and Mark
Aquino also announced that 50% Francisco, a 27-year-old teacher the activists. Militant legislators, Condemned
of the extralegal killing incidents in Masbate and member of the on support, agreed that Aquino
Aquino also mentioned in his is no different from Arroyo about Bayan Muna President Satur
speech the road works and since his inauguration have been Alliance of Concerned Teachers
resolved. Partylist. Last and most recently, this matter. Ocampo and party-list Rep.
infrastructures controversies Teddy Casiño strongly rebuked
of the DPWH. He said, that the Josephine Estacio, a 46-year-old
Aquino pronounced in his address, co-member of Francisco was shot Recently interviewed by the the murders of activists. Other
DPWH proposed 240 priority
that in the coming days after his dead in Balanga City, Bataan, July Philippine Online Chronicles, advocates demanded strict
safety projects which would have
SONA, an executive order shall 12. Malacanang insisted that they analysis on the possible meddling
been funded by the Motor Vehicles
be signed to formally finalize do not have a policy regarding of military and military-backed
Users Charge with 425 million
pesos. the Truth Commission, to be The number of victims is the extrajudicial killings, and death squads.
headed by former Chief Justice continuously swelling, with an even vowed to address the issues
Only 28 projects, however, have Hilario Davide. The commission additional five attested media boldly. In this regard, Department CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

2 • 13 AUGUST 2010 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 4-5 NEWS
YS Holds Nat’l Day of Kakulangang Dulot ng mga

Action for Education Depektibong Batas

BEANCA JHANINE MULATO SAMIANO

Thousands of Studes Walk out from Classes K asabay nang pag-alis sa trono ng administrasyong Arroyo
matapos ang siyam na taong pagpapasasa sa kapangyarihan ay
ang pag-apruba ng napakaraming panukalang batas ng ika-14 na
MARK JASON SANTOS FLORES Kongreso. Ang mga naturang batas ay tumalakay sa iba’t ibang isyu
na naglayong mas dagdagan pa ang karapatan at higit na matugunan

D emanding for prompt and genuine resolution of the country’s educational crises, thousands of ang pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino. Katakatakang sa kabila ng
students from different schools and universities nationwide walked out from their respective classes mga batas na nagawa ng mga nagdaang administrasyon ay hindi pa
on July 16 to partake in the National Day of Action for Education (NDAE). rin napigilan ang lumalalang kalagayan ng bansa.

Nationwide Unity Eastern University, Lyceum of the sa text book, gayundin din dun Hindi naresolba ng mga mapanlinlang at ng mga nagyayabang na
Philippines, Adamson University, sa kakulangan ng mga guro dun numero ang bawat hinaing ng bawat mamamayan. Makikita ito sa 528
University of the East, Jose Rizal sa ating eskwelahan,” said UP na naipasang panukalang batas at tatlong resolusyon na nagawa ng ika-
The walkout was organized by
University, and the Technological Student Regent (SR) Cori Alessa 14 na Kongreso sa panahon ng kanilang panunungkulan na sumaklaw sa
progressive, nationalist youth
Institute of the Philippines. In UP Co. Moreover, the youth sector iba’t ibang usapin sa bansa. Ang ika-11 Kongreso ay nakagawa ng 415 na
organizations such as Kabataan
Baguio, roughly 75% of the whole (YS) demanded for the release batas habang ang ika-12 ay may 172, at ang ika-13 ay may 86. Marami
Partylist, League of Filipino nga ang naipasang batas ng ika-14 na Kongreso kumpara sa mga nagdaan
Students, National Union of student population took part in of an emergency fund to address
the walkout. the crisis in education as soon as ngunit hindi ito naging epektibo upang pigilan ang dumaraming suliranin
Students in the Philippines (NUSP), lalong lalo na kung ang pag-uusapan ay edukasyon, karapatang pantao,
College Editors Guild of the possible.
Simultaneously, students and at kalusugan.
Philippines (CEGP), Anakbayan,
Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay youths from Central Luzon and The new administration was also
Vizayas also participated in the dared to reassert the power of Narito ang isang grap na nagpapakita ng pagkakahatihati ng mga naturang
na Kalayaan (KARATULA), and batas.
Student Christian Movement, NDAE by holding protests in their CHED so as to give it authority
among others. respective Commission on Higher over private school owners who
Education’s regional office. regularly increase tuition fees. SR
Youths from the NCR marched Co pointed “pagdating naman dun
towards Mendiola to voice out Movement’s Agenda sa higher education… di syempre,
their protests regarding the poor yung pagreregulate dun sa taon
education system in the country. The newly-seated president taon na tuition and other fee
Benigno Simeon Aquino III was increase sa iba’t ibat mga higher
Majority of the participants challenged to fulfill his promise education institution at kung
came from private institutions of increasing state subsidy for partikular satin sa state universities
and state universities such as education. “Ang tinuturol natin ay nandyan na at lantad na lantad
the University of the Philippines dito ay ung pagdagdag o ung na ung tahasang pagtahak nya
(UP) Manila, UP Diliman, UP Los pagallocate ng 6% ng gross ng iba’t ibang administrasyon sa
Baños, Polytechnic University domestic product ng ating bansa privatization at commercialization
of the Philippines, Pamantasan dun sa sektor ng edukasyon schemes.”
ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Far upang mapondohan nya talaga Source: Komisyon ng Karapatang Pantao ng Pilipinas
ang kakulangan sa class room,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
Kung susuriin ang naturang grap sa itaas, nahati ito sa karapatang
pantao, edukasyon, kalusugan, hustisya, imprastraktura, at iba pa.
Kung mapapansin, mahigit sa kalahati ng kabuuang batas ay natuon sa
edukasyon na siyang may pinakamalaking bahagdan samantalang ang
may pinakamaliit na bahagdan naman ay ang kalusugan.

Paglabag sa Karapatang Pantao

Mayroong 33 panukalang-batas ang naipasa ng kongreso na naglalayong
mas maproteksyunan pa ang buhay ng nakararami subalit makikita pa rin
na hindi ito naging epektibo. Sa halip na mabawasan ay mas nadagdagan
pa ang kaso ng extra judicial killings, enforced disappearances, at paglabag
sa karapatang pantao sa nagdaan na siyam na taon.

Ayon sa tala ng Karapatan, isang grupo ng karapatang pantao,

nadadagdagan ang bilang ng mga kasong ito sa bansa kada taon sa ilalim
ng pamumuno ni Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Karamihan sa mga naging
biktima ay miyembro ng mga partylist, mamamahayag, at manggagawang
pansimbahan.

Narito ang isang talangguhit na nagpapakita ng naging bilang ng extra

judicial killings at enforced o involuntary disappearances sa bansa mula
2001-2010.

Bilang ng Kaso ng Extra Judicial Killings 1,206

Bilang ng Kaso ng Enforced Disappearances 204
Kabuuang Bilang ng Paglabag sa Karapatang Pantao 1,410

Kung susuriing mabuti ang talangguhit, mapapatunayan na marami ang

naging kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao na hanggang sa ngayon ay
hindi pa rin nabibigyang hustisya. Hindi naging sapat ang bilang ng mga
naipasang batas na sumasaklaw sa karapatang pantao upang pigilin ang
pagdami nito.
ROLLBACK THE TUITION. UPM students walked out from their classes as a form of protest to the tuition
increase as well as a form of demand for higher state subsidy on July 16. Photo courtesy of Joanna Udarbe
CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

FRIDAY • 13 AUGUST 2010 • 3

 NEWS Volume 24, Numbers 4-5

Selection for New UP Pres Commences

JOANNA MARIE ICASAS UDARBE AND YODHIM GUDEL GEPTY DELA ROSA

W ith University of the Philippines (UP) President Emerlinda

Ramos Roman’s term ending on February 9, 2011, the UP
Board of Regents (BOR) called for nominations for the 20th UP
President on July 15.

The nominees for the next UP autonomy, commitment to

President shall be given until August academic excellence, and a clear
25 to compose their curriculum vision of what UP’s role would be.
vitae, vision statement, a statement
on the nominee’s willingness to The third criterion delves into
serve, and a brief justification the managerial capabilities,
for his/her nomination, to be emphasizing on the ability of a
submitted to a search committee. nominee to raise fund without
On August 27, the BOR will evaluate compromising the ideals of the
and finalize the nominations. academe. This entails the ability
to manage resources in order to
The Search Committee, composed sustain the UP modernization
of all the regents in the board, will program and as well as the ability
submit a final list of nominees to deal with all the constituents
from which the BOR will choose with fairness.
the next UP President. Thereafter,
the nominees shall present The last criterion states that a
their visions before the BOR on nominee must be able to maintain
November 8. intellectual diversity, as well as WHAT MAKES A UP PRESIDENT. SR Cori Co discusses the criteria on selecting the new UP President
preserve UP’s secular, public, and at the Sectoral Regents’ forum on July 29. Photo courtesy of Joanna Udarbe
The BOR shall elect the next UP non-sectarian character.
President at its 1262nd meeting on
November 26. In an interview with the Manila
Collegian, SR Co emphasized on

UPM Residential Halls

As of press time, the only official what values a UP President must
nominees are former Vice possess in terms of student welfare.
Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Professor Maria Serena Diokno, “Dapat, ang UP President,

To Be Erected
Filipino journalist, sociologist pinapahalagahan ang pinaka-
Professor Randy David, and Alumni malaking sector doon sa loob ng
Regent Alfredo Pascual. pamantasan… Mahalaga ang
magkaroon siya ng kongkretong
The Selection Process plano at paraan upang mas ilapit ANGELA MARIZ ULEP CAUDAL
ang kanyang sarili[…] at talagang
To educate the constituents of
the UP system on the nomination
process, a Sectoral Regents’s forum
tignan yung aspeto na ang lahat
ng polisiya na ipinatutupad ng
pamantasang ito ay estudyante ang
T wo residential halls for the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) students are to
be constructed within the vicinity of the campus starting January next year, to be ready for
accommodation on July of academic year 2011-2012.
entitled “The Search for the Next laging natatamaan,” said Co.
UP President: Criteria, Process,
and Experience” was held at UP A s s e r t in g t h e S t u d e n t s’ According to Dr. Zorayda hall’s budget will be covered by
Manila on July 23 and 29. Present Inv o l v e m e n t Leopando, Vice Chancellor for One residence hall will the funds accumulated from the
in the forum were Faculty Regent Planning and Development, apart be located near the newly system-wide tuition fee increase
Judy Taguiwalo, Student Regent The preservation of the public from the fact that UPM is the constructed College of Allied which started implementation
(SR) Cori Alessa Co, Staff Regent character of UP is a new addition only University of the Philippines Medical Profession on Pedro on 2004.
Clodualdo Cabrera, and former SR to the criteria. In line with this, (UP) unit that does not offer Gil Street. As decided by the
Marco de los Reyes. Co said “Sinusuportahan natin dormitory accommodation majority of the alumni and the Negotiable Arrangements
ang pagrereinterate ng pagiging to its students, Chancellor UP administration, 50 percent
Moreover, the possibility of UP public character ng Unibersidad ng Ramon L. Arcadio felt that it is of the appropriation will be Decisions regarding the
President Roman to be nominated Pilipinas lalo na ngayong paunti of paramount importance for donated by the Phi International, residents’ type from among
for another academic term was also ng paunti na ang pagka-public students primarily because most an organization of alumni from an all-girls’, all-boys’ or even
discussed in the forum. However, character ng UP… Marapat na ang of UPM students come from far the College of Medicine. The a combination of both (co-
former SR de los Reyes asserted pipiliing UP President ay maging provinces. other half of the total budget ed) are yet to be finalized. In
that it will still depend upon the assertive sa pag-clinch sa fight for allotted for the construction will addition, the dorm payment per
nomination process. higher state subsidy at gayundin On Dorm Funding and Spec come from the UPM budget. semester is still in the process
ang pag-review ng mga hindi of canvassing. The arrangement,
It was explained during the forum makatarungang bayarin dito sa Leopando mentioned that the Estimated to cost P27 million added by Dr. Leopando, would
that in the selection process, there loob ng ating pamantasan.” need for a UPM dormitory the first dorm will have four be dependent upon the progress
would be four criteria. Primarily, a was first opened up on 2006. floors that can estimatedly of the construction, as well as
nominee can be nominated by any In addition, Co stressed on the Because of the various issues accommodate more than a the students’ preference and
person, group, or organization from importance of student participation that surfaced within the span of a hundred students. standard of living.
or outside UP. A nominee must be in the UP President selection. couple of two years, however, the
a Filipino citizen who possesses “Mahalaga ang partisipasyon ng project was not further pursued Meanwhile, the other dormitory Moreover, Leopando said that
integrity, an excellent standing in mga student councils, organizations,
until UP’s Centennial Celebration will be constructed near the if both dormitories will be
the academe, a known reputation and publications, upang maipakalat
on 2008. These issues include basketball court beside the finished simultaneously¸ the
as a scholar, and administrative ang ating UP agenda, at inaasahan
problems in decision making, Pediatrics Ward of the UPM- arrangement would definitely
capabilities –recognized both nating sa pagtitipon-tipon ng mga
locally and internationally. estudyante lalo na sa Luzon-wide
appriopriations allotment, and Philippine General Hospital. be a separate dormitory for boys
Student Congress sa August 14-15 bidding process. This dormitory will be a six- and girls. If only one building
The second criterion focuses on sa UP Diliman, upang sa gayon ay storey building that can provide manages to meet the deadline,
values and perspectives, which maitambol natin at maiparating As commissioned by the UPM accommodation for roughly two however, the students will be
states that a nominee must possess ang UP agenda sa magiging UP administration, Arch. Allen hundred students. subjected to a co-ed type of
political will and skills to protect President,” Co said. Rivera Buenaventura was the residence.
academic freedom, the university’s one assigned to work on the two Amounting to a total of P35
dormitories. million, the second residence

4 • 13 AUGUST 2010 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 4-5 NEWS
UP Admin Plans PE Fee College Briefs
Implementation, Athletic Fee Increase
UPM-DPE Rejects Proposal COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
The College of Pharmacy (CP) will be having its
ACE VINCENT PONSECA MOLO Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges,
and Universities (PAASCU) Reorientation on August 16,

T o address the problem of funding Physical Education (PE) courses, the University of the 8:30 – 10:00 am at the CP auditorium. This will be the
Philippines (UP) administration proposes the implementation of PE laboratory fees on second time that CP conducts orientation on PAASCU.
selected PE courses and imposition of an increase in the existing athletic fees. UP Manila The said event shall serve to elucidate matters, questions,
(UPM)’s Department of Physical Education (DPE), however, rejects the proposal. and legalities regarding PAASCU and its possible
implementation on the aforementioned college.
According to the proposal, PE according to Roman. disapproval on the proposal.
laboratory fees with rates of Though deemed beneficial for
P100, P250 or P400, depending The athletic fee remains the the improvement of UPM’s PE
on course requirements, shall same and the proposed PE program, Dioquino said that it
be imposed effective First laboratory fees have not been is not timely to implement such
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Semester of Academic Year implemented, in contrast to fees in UPM. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) celebrated its
2010-2011. The fee shall apply the schedule stated in the 59th Foundation Week Celebration on July 27 – 31, with
only to incoming first year proposal. The DPE heeds for the the theme “Moving Towards Excellence in Research and
students. prioritization of improving Extension.”
Studes React on Lack of their facilities and equipment,
Also, the proposal suggests Proper Consultation considering the need for An opening program attended by University of the
an increase in athletic fees, safety and convenience of PE Philippines Manila (UPM) Vice Chancellor for Planning
the sources of funds of the Through a statement, the students. Dioquino explained and Development Dr. Zorayda Leopando was held on
university’s PE courses and Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang that she and the rest of the July 27 at the Little Theater Walkway, CAS.
athletic activities. Athletic fees Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa department has turned down
in the UP System range from UP), the broadest and most the proposal because it would Foundation Week Activities
P75 to P100 per semester, comprehensive alliance of be unfair for UPM students
and are paid as part of the UP Student Councils, has to pay PE laboratory fees and Included in the line-up of activities prepared for
miscellaneous fees. expressed its strong opposition a higher athletic fee with the the foundation week were “Sigla-CAS-an,” a sports
to the proposal, as “there present state of DPE’s facilities organized by the Department of Physical Education,
PE Funding Dealt in Proposal was no substantial, genuine and equipment. and an independent film screening of “Dinig Sana
and democratic consultation Kita” organized by the Department of Arts and
The proposal was preceeded regarding the proposal” At present, PE classes in UPM Communication. Students and administrative staff of the
by a study directed by UP and that “the proposal is are held in the Sports Science college participated in the said activities.
President Emerlinda C. Roman, a clear manifestation of and Wellness Center (SSWC),
which took to recommending state abandonment and the which will be undergoing A symposium, “Med Talk,” by the Department of
the charging of tuition and worsening commercialization renovation, possibly during Biology was also held at the Little Theater. Moreover,
laboratory fees for service and scheme of the UP the semestral break (See the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics
elective PE courses to students Administration.” related story on page __). organized a computer science exhibit in the afternoon
taking up these courses. The Although majority of the PE at the Rizal Hall Lobby.
proposal was then drafted in “The PE Laboratory Fees course offerings of the DPE
2009 and was then handed and Increase in Athletic are held in the SSWC, several The Department of Social Sciences, in cooperation with
to chancellors of the UP Fee Proposal is a form of PE courses, such as swimming the Political Science 196 MHD class also held a mural
constituents for consultation commercialization in the and badminton, are conducted painting contest, “Pinta Mo, Freedom Ko.” Various
and evaluation. University… Like the tuition in venues outside the campus. student organizations, institutions, fraternities, and
sororities of UPM joined the competition.
and other fees increase (TOFI) Separate rental fees paid to
By January 2010, as stated in which was passed by the UP these venues are collected from
Further, the Department of Behavioral Sciences (DBS)
the proposal, the final output Administration on 2006, the PE students of these PE courses. stageda photo exhibit of the indigenous people at the
must be ready for submission Lab Fees proposal and increase DBS Corridor
to the Board of Regents (BOR), in athletic fee transforms UP When asked about
the highest policy-making body education into a commodity the possibility of the An awarding ceremony which recognized the College’s
of the university. – a product which should implementation of the PE fee outstanding constituents was the culminating activity of
be bought by the students in UPM, Dioquino answered, the said week.
Proposal Denied, Discussions instead of a right that should “’Yan ang nakakatakot, kapag
Delayed be for everyone, especially the [UP] System na ang nagsabi,
poor,” says Cesarie Ann Santos, sumusunod lang tayo kung
On March 24, 2010, students chairperson of the UPM USC. ano ‘yung order, kahit na
from various UP campuses autonomous tayo, kapag nag-go UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL
held protests at UP Diliman’s In addition, Santos emphasized na sila, go na rin tayo, kahit nag-
Quezon Hall, to prevent the BOR that the increase will further ‘no’ tayo.” Since the proposal is The University Student Council (USC) together with the
from approving the increase burden the students who are a system-wide directive, there participation of various organizations in the University
of fees in the university, already experiencing TOFI. is probability that UPM would of the Philippines Manila (UPM) held their first frog week
including the proposed PE fee. Furthermore, Santos stated not be an exemption from its which staged an organizational fair, amazing race, quiz
Consequently, the students that the UP Administration implementation. bee and educational discussions for freshmen on July 27
were able to prevent two should assert for higher state – 30 at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
regents from entering Quezon subsidy from the government, According to Dioquino, if the
Hall, causing lack of quorum in instead of resorting to fee proposal takes effect, UPM The following organizations were present in the event:
the meeting that was supposed increases. students would have no other Christ Youth in Action (CYA), Youth For Christ (YFC),
to take place. choice but to pay a higher State Varsity Christian Fellowship, Every Nation Campus
DPE Says ‘No’ to Proposal athletic fee and pay additional Ministry, UP Political Science Society, Association of
Meanwhile, discussions PE laboratory fees on their PE Muslim Students, League of the Filipino Students, ASAP-
regarding the PE fee were In an interview with The subjects. She added, however, Katipunan, Bigkis, Anakbayan, UP One Earth, Bread
deferred by the BOR to give Manila Collegian, Professor that the DPE is firm with their Society, Students of Destiny, KARATULA, UPerture, UP
the new SR more time to Aurea D. Dioquino, DPE stand on the proposal. Adhere, USC, University Service League (USC Volcorps)
review the proposals and to chair, pointed out that their and Organization of Area Studies Majors.
conduct further consultations, department has expressed its

FRIDAY • 13 AUGUST 2010 • 5

 News Volume 24, Numbers 4-5

SSWC Renovation
Underway
Studes, Faculty Call for Faster
Project Initiation
MON GABRIEL POSADAS DISTOR

D ue to the increasing demands of the Department of Physical

Education (DPE) and the students of the University of the
Philippines Manila (UPM), the Sports Science and Wellness Center
(SSWC) will finally undergo a renovation to address the apparent
hazards and current deformities of the building.

The renovation will be a first

for the SSWC ever since it was Student and Faculty
awarded to the DPE in the 1980s.
Grievances
Project Bidding Meanwhile, sentiments from the
UPM community revealed the
Considering the hefty amount inadequacies in SSWC.
involved in the renovation project,
bidding shall be conducted Gian Louis Coronel, a sophomore
to determine the private FIRST TIME RENOVATION. SSWC will undergo its first renovation in order to provide a safer place for
student of the Bachelor of
construction firm that will handle P.E. students to conduct their P.E. classes. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Guiang
Science in Biochemistry program
the said renovation. As of press enumerated the evident problems

ROAR! Urges FOI Ratification;

time, no quotations have yet been of the building. “Masyado ng
submitted. luma, yung banyo, minsan hindi
nalilinis or bumabaha…Hindi rin
The DPE, assisted by the College

Slams Revived ROR

lahat ng aircon nagfu-function ng
Planning Development and mabuti, and yung floor sa dance
Maintenance Office (CPDMO), studio nababakbak na,” he said.
proposed an estimated 4 million The SSWC remains to be a risky
peso costing for renovation. The JILLIANE MARAI FUERTE LAGUS
and inefficient facility for the P.E.

I
CPDMO is the unit that oversees classes of the students.
all construction and maintenance n a press conference on July 7, 2010, the Rise as One Against Right of Reply Bill (ROAR!) Alliance ex-
projects in UPM. pressed their plans to intensify the campaign for the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill over the re-
In an interview with The Manila cently resurrected Right of Reply (ROR) Bill.
Collegian, Professor Aurea
The proposed renovation of SSWC Dioquino, DPE Chairperson, Founded on August 17, 2009 campaigners, the alliance in- the FOI bill alone.” Further, she
will include thermal and moisture expressed frustration over the by the College Editor's Guild of cluded, the said bill came very says that the ROR Bill would
protection treatments for the current condition of SSWC. the Philippines and the Univer- close to passing on May 24. make the reply mechanism in
wooden parts of the building, sity of the Philippines Diliman publications cumbersome and
upgrading of plumbing lines and “Yung mga glass windows, minsan College of Mass Communica- However, hope that the FOI Bill repressive sanction tolerated
sanitary facilities, repairing of kusa na lang silang bumabagsak tion Student Council, the alli- would be passed before were and the FOI would lawfully se-
electrical and telephone lines, as Pinapalitan na lang namin yung ance sought for and victoriously scotched on June 2, 2010 due cure the already constitutionally-
well as aesthetic rehabilitation. In nahulog na glass windows ng struck in junking the ROR Bill. to lack of quorum in the Lower assured freedom to information.
addition to these, processing of wooden planks… The wooden House, concluding in the bill's
clearances and permits from the walls are infested by termites and The resurrection of the ROR Bill complete need for re-processing The ROR Bill provides that, replies
government falls under the said the cubicles of the washroom are in June 2010 prompted the alli- by the 15th Congress. The docu- to accusations published in publi-
budget. either inaccessible or unclean…,” ance and pro-FOI campaigners to ment needed only ratification cations shall be aired in the same
Dioquino implied. forward the need to pass the FOI by the House of the Bicameral space or airtime where the criti-
Renovation Timeframe Bill alone. The previous Arroyo ad- Conference Committee report cism or accusation was originally
When asked about the processing ministration pursued passing the and approval by the Office of the placed. Further, the bill states that
The duration of the renovation is of the project, Dioquino noted, ROR and FOI concurrently before President for it to be a full law. within three days of the publisher
predicted to last for 60 days. “Ipinaparating na lamang namin the closing of the 14th Congress. or network receiving notice of the
sa kanila (UPM administration) The alliance's renewed efforts are Implementing the FOI Bill is said reply, these must be published
During the continuance of the kung ano ang sitwasyon namin dito based on the dangers they see to give the media easier access free of charge of the replier. In the
project, the DPE will have a [pero] hindi nila maiintindihan kasi posed by the possibility of passing to otherwise inaccessible docu- case of failing to do so, resulting
temporary makeshift office hindi naman sila nagpupunta dito.” the ROR and FOI simultaneously. ments. FOI Bill advocates claim penalties will be legally charged
outside the SSWC. Classes, on that the said bill would provide an against the publisher or network
the other hand, will still be As of press time, the renovation Federis asserts, “The Reply bill enabling law to the already consti- in the case that the reply is not
conducted within the premises project, although it may already may be dead, but repression is not.” tutional guarantee transparency in published or broadcast. These
of the building. Classes such as have a proposed budget, remains the public sector, through its claus- provisions are believed by crit-
badminton and swimming will not to be abstract. The date by which Failed Ratification es which provides that a person ics to limit the decisions of mass
be affected as they are conducted the project should launch is still shall be permitted to gain access media entities in weighing broad-
outside the campus. undetermined. The FOI bill, which guarantees the to pertinent information regarding cast and published works against
public’s right to information and clear and present external or inter- the said replies as well as conse-
nal threats, foreign affairs, law en- quently aid government agents in

Stay informed.
promotes disclosure of govern-
ment transactions, grants legal forcement, administration, budget, evading criticisms hurled at them.
access to documents pertaining and management, among others.
to foreign relations, law enforce- “There have been talks with leg-
http://www.facebook.com/themanilacollegian ment, budget, administration
and management, and legal pro-
Alliance stands for FOI islators regarding [passing] the
FOI bill,” states Federis, refer-
ring to the 15th Congress, “but
http://scribd.com/TheManilaCollegian ceedings in courts, among others. Federis states, referring to the
mass media, “[We] challenge the as to President Aquino him-
Resulting from action of pro-FOI Aquino administration to pass self, there are no indicators.”

6 • 13 AUGUST 2010 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 4-5 News
MGA FULUNG-VULUNGAN NG NAGJIJISANG...
Itanong Kay

Lola Patola
nalang na i-make-stopping kech ang fagfafakalat ng
mga tsismaks tungkol sa kafanisan niyow! Vesides,
wiz naman ako mag-julat ng chismaks na waley basis
Isko’t Iska
noh! At kung me frovlemo keyo, havey fwedeng-
fwede kaayech magwritelaloo samin. Nevah titigil
sa fagvavantay sa mga afows ko si Lowla P. I am hiir Ano ang masasabi mo sa mga bagong halal na
to stay no matter what. You can threaten me but you kongresisita?
Akow na…Waley kowkowntra…Akow na ang can never beat me. Evah! Chos!
bidang kontrabida… Generally, karamihan ng mga naelect ngayon, celebrities. I’m a bit
R u b i l ic i o u s C h e o r va Effekk skeptical sa capacities nila to perform their occupation well. Hindi

K
naman lahat sila graduate ng course na related sa pinasok nilang
ontravida na kung kontravida. Falavan na N u m va h T w o : D e m e n t o r s D i s a p p e a r career which is Politics. Although they may have good intentions
kung falavan. Vasta forla sa mga dearest A g a i n a nd A g a i n . . . a nd A g a i n for the country and the people, these are not enough to change or
afows kech ay wiz na wiz aatras si Lowla P improve the existing conditions in the Philippines. Being in politics,
sa kahit sinech itechwaley madlang utaws one must also be knowledgeable in the ABCs of the career. –smiley
Narerememvah nyo fa va ang vanat ko sa mga
na meyk demands akech faalisin sa trono. Ezpesyali deMENTORS na namvavalewaley sa mga afows ko
pa ngayon na dehins lang si Lowlow Upo niyo ang Magaganda’t gwapo sila. Hahaha :)) –MahiyaingBiba, BS PH, 09-
noong start ng sem? Well well well, itech jisang frop ***67
kering-keribells akechiwa ifaglavan kahit fatayan fa!
ang fatuloy pa rin sa wiz fag-funta sa kanyech mga
Keriloo rin akech ifagtanggol ng akech Fafa Hector
klase. Gravacious at sovrang naaka-voil ng dugo Masasabi ko lang ay sana gawin nila ng maayos ang trabaho nila...
at Fafa Alejandro, dahiley sing-veautyful ko ang nag-
davah!!! Dagdag fa ng jisa kowng afow na sangkatutak –Anonymous K-pop lover
jijisang vidang-kontravida. Char!
to the maximum levelacious na ang finapapanood
sa kanilang movies na wiz naman konekted Goodluck na lang sa kanila. Marami kasi sa kanila ay walang back-
Anyweyz, so much foh the angas. Gora naman ground sa politika kaya dapat magsikap sila na patunayan na dapat
sa lesson of the day! At may iva fah na uber
tayo sa mas falaban na mga chismaks na silang manatili sa pwesto. –Code.geek();
sa readings at wala namey discussions!
nasagaf ko sa sangka-YuFiEm-han. Awoo
At wiz rin knows magvaleek ng
awoo awoo!!! Patay kung patay. Nararapat na ilaan nila ang buong buhay, oras at
examinayshuns at eksersaysez! Supah kakayahan nila upang maglingkod sila sa publiko. –Hapontukin
vaklush at taray nyo frops!!! Kahit
R u b i l i c i o u s C h e o r va fa savihing nag-eenjoy ang akech Base sa mga dispersions na ginawa sa mga kampuhan ng magsa-
E f f e k k N u m va h O n e : mga afows sa mala-free cut nilang saka, masasabing hindi magandang simula sa kasalukuyang rehimen
B i t t e r O ca m p o a n g savjek ay dehins tama ang ganitech lalo pa’t isang malaking issue na kadikit ng kasalukuyang presidente
ArBiZi na happenings. My afows need ang usaping agraryo. –Angelo Rosal, BS CS
quality edukasyones at hindi for
free muvees at kung ano fa ang mxaxbe ko lng, eh pagbutihin nila ang kanilang trabaho. mdme
Vakit ba dehins akech xa mga nhalal ngaun ay mga kilalang personalidad (artista, etc.).
fatahimikin ng mga itechwaley man! Supah laking frovlema
kasikatan man o hinde ang nging batayan, sila pa din ang hinalal ng
sa rukrukan ng kafanisang talaga ang mga deMENTORS
madla. dpat lng na gmitin nila xa tama ang kapangyarihang ipinag-
Arbizi!?! Viruin nyow ba na itechiwa. I thought pa kaloob xa kanila. – bNTxngKO, CAS, 09-10295
namang i-suggest na tanggalin naman ay tagos sa vuto at
daw ang akech part sa The Manila laman ang faalala kow. Waley To cite one: Manny Pacquiao as congressman? Natatawa pa rin ako
Kulengot. Homigad. Trulala at mangyayari sa mga afows ko kapag naaalala ko na nanalo pala siya. Once, I was just imaging how
walang halong eklaborba itechiwa! sa mga ginagawey niyo kaya he would deliver his privilege speech, tapos nung news nung gabi,
stop this nonsense already. un nag-speech na cya sa TV. Ako: <deep sigh>. Babantayan ko siya. I
To the maximum levelacious na
Herkkkaaaayyyy? will be one of his critics. -2009-01333, CAS
itech! Dehins na sila nakuntentow
na fahirapan ang akech mga afows at Hindi porket nagcrash course ang ilan sa kanila sa UP Diliman ay
now akech naman ang tripipay nilang karapat dapat na sila sa position. – Tambay sa Lobby
jomvagin, sifain at faalisin. At wiz lang That’s it mga afows. Natafos
iyan, gravacious daw sa fagpaparinig na naman ang izang izzue ng Yung mga kongresista ngayon parang walang binatbat. Yung mga ar-
ang mga fifol sa Arbizi sa mga istaff ng chismakan at faguututang-dila. tista naman kasi parang ginagawang 2nd career ang pulitika. – YOU
Mkulengot. Ava ava ava, kahit nga si At jisang faalala, wiz suvukan si
Maribel bilbil ay waley lakas ng loob Lowla Patola. Hanggang sa muli, Some of them are not supposed to be there. – Kahit Ano
na kavugin and beauty ng Lowla vavooshka dahling beybes!
I think parang circus na ang congress! with a former president
niyo, kayo fa kaya? Wishing nyo
turned congresswoman kasama pa yung anak niya na feeling related
sa mga tricycle driver at sekyu! masasabi ko lang, UMAYOS KAYO.
we’re not morons to believe your foolish acts. –Ina Nacario, 1st Year-
BA Political science

ORGANEWSATION Many of them are tremendously hypocritical. –UPM A

hindi na siya kongreso kundi isang tv show. andameng artista, pati si

pacquiao nandun. ibang klase. –achieve na achieve!
The Manila Collegian reserves a space for announcements, gigs, and rendezvous tidbits of
organizations in UP Manila. Submit your announcements via email to themanilacollegian@gmail.
Halal sila ng mamayan, kaya wala tayong magagawa kung gusto
com. Max of 100 words
nilang mag-shooting ng pelikula sa Congress.Pero pwede tayong
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
makialam.-- Beach.
I nihahandog ng Komite sa Kultura ng USC ngayong Agosto “PADAYON: Ang Wika at Kultura sa Nababagong
Panahon. Abangan ang mga anunsyo para sa karagdagang detalye.
•••
Different first names, same surnames. Walang pagbabago sa compo-
sition ng Congress. Landed elites, business elites at kung ano-ano
T he UPM Streetdance Corps brings you “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE? CHOREOGRAPHERS’ WEEK2”,
August 16-20, at the SSWC Multipurpose Hall and Dance Studio, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Tickets are sold at P50.
•••
pang elites. House of Elites and Senate of the Artists na nga ata ang
Congress! Disappointing much. :| -- Cleve Arguelles, 2008-00596,
CAS
C inemata UPM shall hold a film screening of Magkakapatid, a film by Kim Homer Garcia, on August 6 at
the Little Theater. The movie shall be shown twice on that day, at 10 am and at 3 pm. Tickets can be
brought from its members at 100Php each. The event is sponsored by the CASSC.
Nagmukhang circus ang congress and senate. Biruin ba namang
magsama-sama ang mga athletes, showbiz personalities, at pangu-
•••
long naging congresswoman! Hanep! Baka mapakanta niyo pa si
Y ou are invited to a big celebration! August is Behavioral Sciences Month. We will be celebrating this
year’s BehSci month with the theme: Moving Beyond Excellence in Service of Humanity through various
activities and events which we have prepared for everyone- especially for you! Forums, filmshowings, and
Britney Spears ng “Circus” niyan sa kongreso. :D --2010-14725, BA
PolSci
exhibits will be held the whole month. See posters or simply approach any BESTSOC member for more
details.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

FRIDAY • 13 AUGUST 2010 • 7

Features Volume 24, Numbers 4-5

Inhumane is the torture of the forty-three illegally detained

health workers; more so, of the two who are carrying in
their womb their life’s offspring.

They were handcuffed, blindfolded and forcibly delivered

to a military camp. As 300 soldiers from the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were deployed to their
health training site in Morong, Rizal, all they could do is
follow the commands of the fully-armed. Sleep was denied
from them as they were mentally and physically tortured
night and day unceasingly. They were harassed as military
officers would pull down their underwear if they need to
answer nature’s call. These people being subjected to the
cruel interrogation procedures of the military were tagged
as the “Morong 43”— 43 volunteer health workers who
were brutally arrested and tortured despite their only aim
of serving the deprived rural communities.

The unlawful detention of the Morong 43 provided one

of the most concrete evidences of unjustifiable human
rights violations (HRV) committed during Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo’s term. The verge of this arrest
lies not on the conducts of the military towards the
political prisoners but on the new jeopardized tactic
of the authorities: an eye for the innocence of the
guiltless, in this case, the innocence of the women. Held
as captives, two pregnant detainees endured physical
and mental tortures despite their sensitive conditions. But
the real victims of the unlawful detention of the pregnant
health workers are the innocent infants who are caught in
the middle of the military’s deception.

nobody can guarantee that these the military in order to prove that they
generous acts will continue giving are indeed insurgents. The police’s dictum
the children’s needs while their “to serve and protect” the people seems
mothers are still held in captivity. to be fallacious as they spearheaded the
Despite the continuous oppression arrest of the health workers who present
being encountered by Judilyn and themselves as one of the very few servants
Mercy, they received not even a single of the underprivileged masses.
consideration from the authorities, a clear
indication that the human rights violations They were detained in Camp Capinpin
they encounter are among the least of the where they were inhumanely tortured
past and present governments’ priorities. despite the precarious conditions of some
of them. Five of the forty-three were
Women Under Torture siya, pero kapag What Went Wrong coerced to profess that they are members
bumalik na ko sa selda, of the CPP-NPA for the pains of torture
Judylin Carina Oliveros was three months tumitigal naman siya. Damang-dama niya On February 6, just as 43 health workers is unbearable for them anymore. These
pregnant when she was detained by the lahat ng mga nararamdaman ko habang were attending a “First Responders five remained to the said camp where
AFP in Camp Capinpin; on the other hand, nandito ako,” said Judilyn in an exclusive Training” sponsored by the health NGOs interrogations were furthered while the
Mercy Castro only learned her pregnancy interview, explaining how her baby, during Community Medicine Foundation and remaining thirty-eight were transferred to
in the said camp days after their arrest. her time of pregnancy, seems to feel about Council for Health and Development in Camp Bagong Diwa. The inhumanity that
Judilyn and Mercy are two living proofs her unwarranted calvary as if knowing the rest house of a renowned infectious is the torture is carried not only by the
of how the AFP is willing to defy universal that it is his future that is at stake in her disease specialist, Dr. Melecia Velmonte, pregnant women, more so, of the infant on
ethics just to coerce their brainwashing situation. three hundred members of the 202nd their womb in spite of their criticality.
ploy among the common taos. Evenmore, Infantry Brigade of the AFP including the
they are glaring victims of the so-called Since Judilyn and Mercy are among those Rizal Philippine National Police forayed Since then, the situation of the 43 health
intersectionality of repression as multiple who are living below poverty line, they the said rest house which is a regular workers has not progressed at all: months
violations were inflicted unto them in need to work in order to maintain the venue for health trainings. have passed and the case against them
spite their being victims of unlawful high cost of pregnancy, let alone make remains unresolved. As mirrored in their
imprisonment, their critical conditions ends meet, but since the prison does not The AFP declared the health workers conditions, the country’s existing laws and
as female pregnant detainees and their provide them an avenue for full-time as members of the so-called “health provisions become the key breeders of
inclusion among the urban poor of the work to support their needs, they are bureau” of the Communist Party of the social injustice, inequality and impunity.
Philippine society. However, despite their merely being deprived of the things that Philippines (CPP) - National People’s These laws and provisions cause the
very delicate situations, the government are most essential to their condition. Army (NPA) guerrillas as a caliber .45 failure of institution of due process in their
seemed to have turned its ears deaf to These basic needs of the pregnant women pistol, a caliber .38 revolvers, three hand case which further causes their protracted
them for their emancipation is not yet that the prison fails to provide such as grenades and bomb-making materials imprisonment.
granted upon them. vitamin supplements among others are were found within the vicinity of the rest
being voluntarily sponsored by their house. This allegation, however, is being Mothers’ Calvary
“Noong pinagbubuntis ko pa lang si support groups instead. Nevertheless, consistently denied by the detainees,
Morong, kapag may bisita kami, gumugulo this merely offers a band-aid solution as claiming that those were just planted by On July 22, Judilyn gave birth to a baby

8 • 13 AUGUST 2010 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 4-5 Features
boy she named after the place of their health trainings and seminars couldn’t 43, including Judilyn and Mercy, would still no legitimacy. The task of accomplishing
arrestment, Morong. But even Judilyn’s sustain them as the inhospitable want to pursue being volunteers, a glaring uncalled human rights defiance is what
pains of caesarian labor will not come atmosphere induced by the prison cell proof that they are but mere health workers sculpts the conviction of the general
close to the pain of not being with her to its detainees seriously eradicated who aims at doing nothing but to serve the public. There would be no justice if
newborn baby as she is bound to return to their state of well-being. Although their underprivileged communities. As Judilyn puts unwarranted transgressions still sweep
prison days after. “Pagtapos nito, kailangan situation improved as tortures are not it, “Wag kayong maawa samin, mas maawa the nation.
na naming umalis dito sa ospital. Ako, being executed anymore, their basic needs tayo sa mga tao sa labas na nangangailangan
babalik na dun [in prison]. Siya [Baby as pregnant women are not being provided ng tulong natin.” If due process is needed
Morong], baka nanay ko muna ang mag- by the Department of Jail Management
alaga. Magiging mahirap para sa’min,” and Penology (DJMP). The basic needs The current Philippine system where for these Judilyn and
explained Judilyn in an exclusive interview. of the pregnant women are not being violence through the usage of arms of those Mercy to be released
She was only allowed by Judge Gina Cenat subsidized by the camp due primarily to in power and impunity prevails must be
in order to attend to
Escoto of the Morong Regional Trial Court budget constraints of the DJMP. Despite revolutionized in order to put an end to the
Branch 78 to give birth at the Philippine their situation, they receive no special unsolved human rights violation cases and to their matriarchal roles
General Hospital due to the accessibility of treatments for they are considered like give justice to those who are proved innocent uninterruptedly, trial
better and sufficient medical facilities and common convicted prisoners. over time. It is ephemeral for the government
equipment. to just pursue the Morong 43 case primarily
procedures must be done
The 43’s inclusion in the income- because it attracts the condemnation of the as soon as possible. In
The issue of Judilyn’s condition after generating activities led by the jail officers public, but accordingly, the course of the the face of these all, only
giving birth is also being insistently alone confirms that the camp indeed has legal process is what the masses are waiting
brought up by her family and the Morong financial drawbacks and could not sustain for. It is traced from the history of one option remains: Free
43’s support groups as Camp Bagong Diwa the basic needs and the medical care of political deliquency that baffling the 43!
does not provide the essentials she needs the all the detainees it houses, more so, of circumstances achieved
for full recovery. For one, the prison does the pregnant ones. Hence, the prison fails
not have post-natal care facilities and the to provide Judilyn and Mercy immediate
necessary medicines needed for Judilyn’s medical attention for it does not only have
immediate recuperation. In spite of this, a disproportionate ratio of the detainees
she is compelled by the court’s decision that is in dire need for medical
to return to prison after three days to supervision, but also a substandard
one week’s time. What makes this matter system for humane health
critical not only for Judilyn and her child services that were proved to
is the fact that their condition emphasizes be flawed and inefficient.
the grave unconstitutionality imposed by The need for immediate
the civil government. medical attention is
hindered by a closely
The future of Morong estranged from controlled military policy,
Judilyn offers another distinct focus of implementing court orders
concern since it would be highly improper as a prerequisite even
for both of them to live separately. An to the most urgently-
infant has optimal needs that only his needed health
own mother could give. In this case, what services. In the first
hinders the totality of the mother and child place, these tragic
relationship is the lack of due process of situations are
Judilyn’s detention; her motherhood will not supposed to
be taken away from her and her baby’s be experienced
state of wellbeing will be jeopardized due by the detainees
to the military’s baseless allegations. In the as they were
end, Morong, despite his innocence, will be robbed of their
the ultimate victim: he will be denied of his lives due to an
basic needs as an infant while due process unproven claim.
is also kept denied from his mother.
Despite these critical
The exceptional instance of Judilyn’s issues being raised
recovery is even decelerated by an inapt concerning Judilyn and
prison condition and apprehension her newborn baby, and
of her estrangement with her baby. the rest of the Morong
To address the concerns, Morong 43 43, the ordered review
supporters plan to petition for Judilyn’s of the case by the Aquino
transfer to a detention with a home-like administration still proves
environment until Morong is much ready to be an unkept promise of
to be separated from her. This motion, change. This command lacks
however, is far from materializing for even enthusiasm and also, a sense
if emergency situations like these needs of judicial responsibility which
immediate rulings, the DJMP still requires further exhibits either Noynoy’s
the petitioners to follow the protracted lack of interest in the case or his bias
and inefficient system of petition. The towards the imprisonment of the
provision of a conducive environment innocent health workers.
for both the mother and the child should
likewise be given an utmost consideration If concerns regarding Judilyn and Morong’s
for the reason that it presents a matter situation will not be addressed today,
between life and death. another mother and child will suffer the
same predicaments as Mercy Castro is due
Even amidst various groups’ clamor for the to give birth to a baby girl she would call
release of the Morong 43, the detainees’ “Selda” on October. Nevertheless, despite
standpoint still remains resolute. Their these unfortunate events, the Morong

FRIDAY • 13 AUGUST 2010 • 9

Features Volume 24, Numbers 4-5

TIPPING TH
How Aquino’s SONA encum
ARIES JOSEPH ARMENDI HEGINA AND JESSE NICOLE RUBIO SANTOS

I t was one big irony. From the inspirational catch-phrases and buzzwords to
the desperate and relentless sabotage of the past administration—Aquino’s To Change is to be Conformist
first State of the Nation Address (SONA) failed to discuss genuine reform. The “Sa unang tatlong linggo ng aming
new president ran short of presenting a clear picture of society’s ills and a sign panunungkulan, marami po kaming
of concrete and tangible societal change that is highly expected of his rule. natuklasan. Nais ko pong ipahayag sa
inyo ang iilan lamang sa mga namana
nating suliranin at ang ginagawa naming
While he boasted of creating a new and revolutionized Philippine nation, what hakbang para lutasin ang mga ito.”
came out of his SONA was an atrocious pattern vulgarly resembling that regime
A SONA is supposed to be an honest
which he vehemently condemns. report of the nation’s status quo. Through
it, the president conveys the concrete
To Create is to Destroy devil himself. steps that the president will follow to
solve the crises that plague society. But
“Matagal pong naligaw ang pamahalaan sa daang baluktot. Despite the glorious uproar of the public concerning the then history serves as a reminder that
Araw-araw po, lalong lumilinaw sa akin ang lawak ng revelation of these facts, some government officials are this description has not yet transcended
problemang ating namana. Damang-dama ko ang bigat ng questioning their validity. The likes of Representative Danilo the theoretical realm. In reality, the past
aking responsibilidad.” Suarez, House Deputy Speaker Jesus Crispin Remulla and SONAs have displayed a stark contrast to
then Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap stated that the figures this definition.
It is unbelievable that President Benigno S. Aquino III, in all that Aquino said are incorrect.
his bald and stark yellow glory, could conceive an effective History has taught the Filipino people
and clever ruse to sweeten the already sugary image of his For instance, the Aquino claim that only P100 billion of time and again that the SONA is the venue
administration and presidency. He vindictively revealed the P1.5 trillion 2010 national budget is available for the for giving people the prospects of change
some of the vilest examples of corruption supposedly remainder of the year, is questionable, as Suarez stated. He by reforms and implementation of new laws.
hidden from the public eye and inside the closet of the said that around 750 Billion Pesos are still there to be spent. Yet, these prospects, as proved by the
former Philippine President and current Pampanga 2nd Also, Yap claims that there was even an under-importation of mass movements of the people
District Representative, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. 600,000 metric tons of rice; contradicting Aquino’s statement for change in every
that there happened an over-importation of rice by three president’s term
Aquino hit the GMA administration blow by blow. Without folds of the normal rice deficit. were not justifiable
any reservations, he showed all the controversies lurking enough to address
in the darkest corners of the then President’s closet. Indeed, Aquino felt it was necessary to exaggerate certain the pressing issues
facts about the Arroyo administration. This embellishment during these times.
The revelations concerning the Arroyo administration of details presents a certain sense of insecurity or it may And now, even the 15th
could be classified into three types: the misappropriation be a safeguard in perpetuating the people’s trust in him. president’s SONA is an unceasing tradition
of the national budget, the unjustifiable spending of public Presenting inaccurate facts to the people is dangerous for of deception.
funds for self interests, and the erroneous allotment of Aquino because “the people will believe hook, line, and sinker
the government’s money for superfluous expenses and everything he said”, as Suarez puts it. The SONA of Aquino could have been far
projects. none better than his predecessors’ past
Aquino feasted on the ills of the Arroyo administration that discourses. It is rendered to be
The problems were thought to be “shocking”, as what the his first SONA became a mud-slinging bout. He utilized the the conventional type: hurling
president is envisioning it to be. 100 billion, or equal to scandals of the previous regime to further boost up his criticisms at his predecessor’s
1% for each remaining month of the year, misuse of the administration’s “matuwid” image. Using this tactic proved to rule yet not offering concrete
calamity fund, government agencies like DPWH and NFA be effective though, as he gained high trust ratings and even actions of his own, rallying
which are dogged with graft and corruption, MWSS Board commendations from the international community. But when change by using stirring
of Trustees’ siphoning of budget, and the purchasing of the the time comes that all the stench of the GMA government words and being able to
government of companies, like NAPOCOR and MRT that are has been wafted, he must think of other strategies to keep identify himself with the
verging into insolvency. his fragrant name from turning stale and not just relying on masses, and distancing
destroying his predecessor’s already shattered governance to himself to address social
From thrashing the devil’s advocate he turned into the reinforce the foundations of his still rickety yellow rule. issues that are mostly

10 • 13 AUGUST 2010 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 4-5 Features

HE SCALE:
mbered Arroyo in his favor
ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTOS BY EJ JALLORINA, KATHLEEN GUIANG, AND MARION BIOLENA

needed to be solved. when she first stood on that platform. Nothing was new. In mentioning one “new and creative” proposal designed
for infrastructural development which is the Public-Private
Another evidence of Aquino’s conformity to the reality-based To Resolve Perennial Predicaments is to Scrap Partnerships (PPP), Aquino managed to contradict his
definition of a SONA would be how his first SONA bore a close thirty-minute rant against Arroyo.
resemblance to that of Arroyo. Corruption
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), as viewed by the
Both presidents ascended to the throne with “Nagsimula nang mabuo ang ating Truth Commission, sa International Monetary Fund-World Bank (IMF-WB), is
predecessors that were largely unpopular with the pangunguna ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide. Hahanapin a financing scheme preferred by world governments to
masses. Arroyo was the product of People Power II natin ang katotohanan sa mga nangyari diumanong answer their lack of funds for infrastructure projects.
which ousted former president Estrada on grounds katiwalian noong nakaraang siyam na taon. Sa loob ng Furthermore, PPP promises that it can grant better and
of massive corruption, plunder and jueteng, among linggong ito, pipirmahan ko ang kauna-unahang Executive improved services which are same with those allotted in
many others. On the other hand, Aquino was hailed Order na nagtatalaga sa pagbuo nitong Truth Commission.” the national budget. Also, it can maximize the number of
as a triumphant replacement for a largely unpopular infrastructure projects which are limited in the country’s
regime. They inherited the same societal plagues: In vividly describing a handful of the anomalies of the past budget.
widespread poverty, empty treasuries, low food administration, it seems as though Aquino has the invisible
supply, and budget deficits, among others. mandate to distinguish right from wrong. The Aquino Ratified by the President’s mother, the late president
administration constantly and desperately identifies itself Corazon Aquino through Executive Order No. 215, PPP
Both tried to ensure the public of a better nation for with the so-called straight path. To be worthy of such a along with the Build-Operate-Transfer and other related
all–an attempt at a differentiation from what their label, he is determined to probe the anomalies of the Arroyo economic accords were introduced as a solution for the then
predecessors accomplished. Motivational linguistics administration by forming the Truth Commission that will dismal post-Marcos economy of the country. It is probable
became a must as vague platforms laced their speeches. dig through the bloody carcass of the last nine years. that Aquino further utilized another of the legacies of his
Both assured the masses that they would investigate the mother. This measure has been one of the reasons of the
crimes their predecessors committed–Arroyo asserted To head the Truth Commission, Aquino appointed former growth of privatization and the ballooning of budgetary
that investigations of the corruption allegations Chief Justice Hilario Davide. Aquino’s appointments border deficits in the country, the true legacy of the Cory Aquino
against Estrada would be undertaken while on the “familiar” officials: his own relatives, and different administration.
Aquino prompted the establishment of a names from the private sector but nevertheless present an
Truth Commission to evaluate the Arroyo uncanny similarity to Arroyo’s appointees. Davide clearly is And this same inheritance from his mother is the curse that
administration. Arroyo eventually no exception to the given categories. But if Aquino were to is continually inflicting colossal economic damages to the
granted Estrada a presidential fulfill his promise of change, then reusing former officials already devastated Philippines.
pardon in 2007, contradicting who proved to be identified with the forces that he condemns
her predisposed promise would prove such view of change to be futile. Projects under the PPP include infrastructure and
and toppling all the hard development measures. Investment in supposedly public-
work of filing and trying With the absence of much needed clarification concerning funded infrastructure projects usually fall on the hands of
cases. The people should the seemingly blacklisted topics and substantial reform big multinational and local “partners”.
remain critical and be proposals, came the presence of anti-corruption bills in the
wakeful of what will become new president’s SONA. Since the beginning of his campaign, It is ironic that Aquino is heralding the PPP as the savior of
of Aquino’s Truth Commission. Aquino banked on his famous slogan “Kung walang corrupt, the present economy when he himself stated the losses of
walang mahirap”. He seemingly deluded himself including the NAPOCOR, MRT, and MWSS, which are all products of the
The country is well aware of how Arroyo’s first the people with the notion that the prevention of corruption said scheme in the country. He is seeing the PPP as a myopic
SONA turned out to be for the nine years is the answer to all the country’s problems. There is a lot to concept that really offers no solution. It is being groomed as
that followed it. Though the same be corrected, reformed and revolutionized in the Philippine model that is framed on a perspective of lending a hand to
cannot entirely hold true for Aquino, system. Anti-corruption campaigns alone cannot transcend the government by private investors but in reality, pulling
the possibility cannot be ruled out. the boundaries of other significant issues in society. the country into the abyss of possible unceasing debt and
dependence to economic exploiters.
The orator and his speech looked To Revolutionize is to be Retrospective
different but underneath all the His SONA also reflected that PPP is for the benefit of the
inspiring words, spirit-lifting “Kahit gaano po kalaki ang kakulangan para mapunuan ang business sector, not for the resolution of the people’s long-
messages and ground-breaking mga listahan ng ating pangangailangan… ito ang magiging standing problems. These private “partners” are the ones
promises lies an almost exact solusyon: mga Public-Private Partnerships.” who construct and control different infrastructure projects
clone of what Arroyo said CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

FRIDAY • 13 AUGUST 2010 • 11

culture Volume 24, Numbers 4-5

Reality
and
Monstrosit y
AUBREY NICOLE LEONES ARBOLEDA AND JETHRO CIMANES PEREZ
ILLUSTRATIONS BY KATRINA JOY CAPULONG

“Darkness falls across the land. The midnight hour is close at hand. Creatures crawl
in search of blood to terrorize your neighborhood…” –Thriller

M
onsters have either been told as bedtime stories or passed on
accounts from generation to generation. Each has its own horrifying
facet that haunts us in our sleep. Yet they all share a certain welfare. Motives guised by brotherhood,
weakness—daylight. Perhaps because of the ‘enlightenment’ that we let ourselves believe their outrageous
Manananggal: The Youth Buster the rays of the sun entail, the emergence of well-aware citizens threatens their acts of greed unknown to some.
fantastical existence. A pandemonium of greater terror is brought upon us when

T
he Filipino mass, now set under the roads of corrupt societal monsters become parallel with the monsters of As early as now, our farmers should
cultivate garlic to repel these foreign
new leadership, thrives in the folklore, when reality and monstrosity become one at 12 midnight.
sparks of a newfound hope. Benigno personifications of the Danag. We need
“Noynoy” Aquino’s recent acquisition of the to drive them from our lands and wake
presidential seat has not only led to the rise by the manananggal’s settlement on the up from the hazy landscape that we have
but also magnified the expectations of the roof of houses, to terminate those who dare Blinded by the sweetness of so-called created. If only the Filipino people realize,
Filipino people. Essentially, we expect the obstruct their plans. This was best portrayed economic partnerships, Filipinos fail to see utilize and nourish the agricultural
Philippine archipelago to be touched by the in the case of Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen the true foreign interest in the consumption riches akin to our nation by investing
yellow sun – that the greenery of economy Empeno who were abducted during their of our products and their use of our natural on our own resources, we can impede
be lush, that the seas of political harmony struggle against the vile intentions and resources. the unnecessary imperial influence that
be unexploited and that the skies of Filipino actions of those in power. shatters our identity as an agricultural
welfare be clearer. In the history of the country, we had country.
While the upper torso preys, the lower continually enslaved ourselves to the
It must never be disregarded, however, that torso is left hidden in the woods. When will of the foreign will by succumbing to
even politicians with the purest of hearts, salt is sprinkled or garlic is smeared on the their desires. Their gifts of economic aids
may turn evil when tempted by power and severed waist of the lower torso, the two and investments actually mask their ugly
wealth. By acts of greed like siphoning public halves are disabled to reconnect until the intentions of maintain the Philippines as
funds, they strip the youth of their chances manananggal finally dies at daybreak. It their colony, forever catering to their needs Kapre: The Obstinate Landlord

A
to achieve a supposedly bright future and might be more difficult than just smearing alone. Since then, the Philippine economy
nurturing present. But with the growing garlic or sprinkling salt, however, to kill the has suffered tremendously, reflected by the s one of the largest island-groups
number of youth, a greater challenge is faced manananggal of our society when they have palpable poverty in the slums and streets in the world, the Philippines boasts
by these oppressive officials. even adapted and upgraded this unique of Manila. While our country is suffering, of its wealth in its prime source of
strategy. As we try to kill their unjust ways, foreign nations enjoy the riches offered by life: agriculture. Our country is blessed
The intense desire for blood and power of we are invariably challenged since the our lands just like the suffering of a victim with fertile plains where rice, the staple
those who are corrupt is also possessed by perfect time to kill them is also the moment during the agonizing bite of a vampire as it food of the Filipino people is cultivated. In
the manananggal that craves for children’s that they are at their paramount stealth. sucks its blood dry. fact, records show that new and innovative
blood. From generation to generation, stories methods of planting have paved the way for
about the manananggal have been passed on We then are led back to the sparks of hope Let us always consider whether or not the growth in agricultural output in the recent
especially in the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo that the yellow sun be the light that turns enticing promises of foreign investors are decades.
and Antique. Derived from the Filipino word the manananggal into ashes rather than be a only a guise of a silhouette in the darkness
‘tanggal’, the manananggal severs its waist bloody concealment of a power hungry and of exploitation. A very old Visayan word However, those who suffer hard for the food
to separate its upper torso from its lower wealth seeking monstrosity. Nevertheless, and its mythological history, Danag, attest we eat remain poor. Composing seventy-
torso. It subsequently grows bat-like wings let us be vigilant for the yellow sun might to the blinding poison of blood in its literal percent of our society, they are forced to
in order to roam towns in search for victims. only be a transient light. When the doom of sense. The Danag is the Filipino version of
In its quest for a sumptuous dinner, the the night begins, there will be no light that the vampire, a bloodsucking demon.
manananggal flies off and roams over will illuminate this monster; we may never
houses. When it smells the appetizing aroma know if a manananggal once again flaps its The story of the Danag starts with the
of youth in the belly of a pregnant woman, wings above us. partnership that the Danag established
especially that of a fetus in its developing with the humans. Helping the humans
stages, it settles on the victim’s roof and plant taro on our islands, the Danag has
punctures it thereafter to create a small hole. maintained an unscathed relationship with
It slithers its long and sharp tubular tongue the humans until its morbid end one fateful
into the hole to reach the sleeping victim Danag: The Con Artist day when a woman cut her finger. The

T
below while its tongue pierces through the Danag sucked her blood and enjoyed the
victim’s skin and sucks the blood from the he Philippines is comprised of 7,100 taste. Unable to resist, the Danag killed the
heart of the unborn baby. islands of virgin forests, land rich woman by draining her blood.
in various elements, seas that carry
The manifestations of the manananggal a wondrous array of aquatic species and As we can see, the Danag and these foreign
may not be overtly evident but its presence hospitable citizens most of all. Our country investors are very much the same. At first
is strongly parallel to the actions of some possesses natural resources that make glance, we see a rainbow of promises yet
of our governmental officials. Those who industrialized countries such as the United beyond this; these promises turn out to be
grip in power use their position and power States of America and China green with envy. promises for themselves and turmoil for our
over the state and the military, symbolized

12 • 13 AUGUST 2010 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 4-5 culture
carry on the feudalistic approach wherein developed a culture of impunity that those
horse) is very much like them. It has a
the system almost legalizes the abusive who commit crime no longer fear the law
Tikbalang: The Illusionist head of a horse and the body of a human
power of the landlord over his laborers. and the wrath of the people.
but with the feet of a horse. The image of
Stuck in the ways of our ancestors, we
the Tikbalang was started by the Spanish
continue to implement the system wherein Take the Maguindanao massacre as an
conquistadors to make sure the natives do
the land owner only reaps what the farmers example, where seventy-seven died with
not go out at night. The fact that the horses
have sown. multiple witnesses’ statements’ leading
only arrived in the Philippines during the
to a particular family. Those victims have
Spanish invasion actually proves their
In spite of the implementation of the not yet given appropriate course of justice.
claim.
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law which The overwhelming evidences against the
is supposed to protect agricultural workers Ampatuans were not enough to put them
A nauseating stench of burning hair alerts
and provide them land accessibility and behind bars. Despite the brutal nature of the
their victims of their impending doom. They
other inputs, a number of landless farmers crime and the world wide condemnation it
are said to scare travelers and lead them
have still been fighting for their rights to received, the courts still let them go since
astray such that they keep on returning at
the land they cultivate. they were given unsuitable charges. They
an arbitrary path no matter where he goes.
were able to run free and participate in the
Other legends say that when rain falls while
What is even more disturbing is that those recent elections while the families of all the
the sun is shining means a pair of Demon
who are in power like the Arroyos and victims are left in despair.
Horses is being wed.
the Aquinos who swore to be to serve the
country, are the most controversial land Everyday, ordinary citizens wait until they
Weddings of the Demon Horses are
owners who deprive the farmers of their can see the criminal behind bars. Some
usually disturbing. People are forced to
rights. The prominent families refused waited for months, years and even decades
stay indoors for the time being instead
to relinquish their properties, Hacienda till they can finally find justice. Others died
of being able to enjoy a sunny day. Illegal
Bacan, Hacienda Grande and Hacienda even before that. Still no matter how long
and secret deals by corrupt government
Luisita, respectively, thereby provoking the they wait, justice is yet to be served. The
officials similar to the weddings of this
farmers to fight for their rights by going on criminals roam free while victims have
creature. Those who are in charge enjoy

P
hunger strikes, camping in various agencies no choice but to hide and fear what could
resident Benigno Aquino III their gains while the masses are forced to
and walking for days in hopes their pleas happen next. They had to avoid doing
inherited more than his parents’ suffer the consequences of their greed and
will be heard. Surely, the political integrity certain things, always being cautious when
legacy. He also inherited the lies. Even though we may not suffer directly
of the Philippines will suffer even more they go out. Be it a politician who thinks he
problems of the previous administration. in the actions of these corrupt officials, we
with its own leaders thwarting the Agrarian is better than everyone else or a common
The drawback of corruption is one of them. are still left with no choice but to stay in
Reform Law. These hacienderos, the Kapre crook, we can never be too sure if he is after
the wreckage while others gloat of their
of agricultural land ownership, just sit us next.
Improving the system of communication apparent success. Instead of being able to
back and relax with their lit tobaccos at
in our country is one of the goals of do something else, they are left to take care
hand instead of creating a solution to the Similar to those who had to live in fear until
the previous administration. It was of the mess that they did not create.
problems that caused the plight of the their case is closed, people also avoid being
oppressed farmers. conceptualized in the NBN-ZTE deal that the vicinity of a Nuno. A Nuno is a small old
was meant to turn the dream into a reality. Like everyone else, the Tikbalang has a
man with a long beard who is easily angered
However, allegations of corruption are weakness. Legend says that one can tame
Said to be a territorial creature, the Kapre and will do harm to those who damage or
evident in the making of the deal. It seems a Tikbalang by obtaining the three thickest
dwells in hefty trees such as acacias, disturbs his mound called punso. It is said
like a great achievement though in actuality spines from its mane. It can be used as an
mangoes bamboos and banyan or balete. that when passing an ant hole or a punso,
it was all false promises. It involves giving anting-anting (talisman) in order to have
It is a creature with a towering height excuses usually like “tabi-tabi po” is usually
the Chinese telecommunications firm ZTE this creature follow is will. This can be
ranging from 7 to 9 feet, brown and hairy said first so the Nuno will do you no harm.
for the proposed government-managed paralleled to uncovering the underhand
skin and a long beard. The Kapre would The respect given to a Nuno is similar to the
National Broadband Network (NBN) a acts and tactics of corrupt officials through
usually smoke tobacco pipes to attract respect we show those who are in power.
US$329 million construction contract. obtaining evidences that will be used
human attention. It loves playing pranks on Out of fear, we begin to see them above us
It has also taken an interesting turn of against them. We must make ourselves
people, disorienting travelers to lose their and fear the damage that they may inflict.
events that includes the resignation of aware of the truth about the actions that
way in the mountains and forests. It also Regardless of the fact that you are right or
Benjamin Abalos as COMELEC chairman, may seem right are actually wrong.
has the ability of confusing people even in a wrong, those who are in power are still the
familiar environment, hence the metaphor the suspected bribery of congressmen and ones who are right.
of land deprivation for farmers. Henceforth, provincial governors called as “Bribery in
the line between total ownership and mere the Palace”, removing of Jose de Venecia, For a Nuno to be able to curse the person, the
occupation is hazy. As the Kapre sits atop Jr. as House Speaker, and the alleged person must be in close range. It will then
a tree, a sense of authority is established. kidnapping of Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr. who spit on the trespasser’s body. The trespasser
Those who were sworn into office are is the designated National Economic and would then experience aches or soreness
only after their own interests. By voting Development Authority (NEDA) consultant on the affected part of the body. There is a
for them, we give them the power and the who became a NBN-ZTE witness. common belief that if modern medicine is
capacity to do so. unable to cure a particular disease, it may
Beneath this seemingly harmless and be because of the curse of the Nuno. People
Yet, while there is a sense of authority helpful deal, is a web of lies meant to at that time believed that the curse will only
established, we still hesitate to do what manipulate the masses. At some point, go away once the victim is brought to an
we know is right. Like a Kapre gripping they may seem like real sympathetic albularyo. The victims of the Nuno will then
its position, the people would hesitate to and helpful though they only want to provide an offering for the Nuno such as
pick the trees’ fruit in fear of its presence. benefit themselves. The seemingly helpful fruits and other food or any material object.
The greenery trees that are necessary for façade that they possess just masks their Giving an offering to the Nuno just so that the
life are not taken advantage by its rightful underhand tactics. The people’s trust victim will survive its wrath is very similar
owners. will then waver, the reputation of our to the way Filipinos are giving certain gifts
government will go downhill and country’s to avoid the malicious and selfish politicians
Many mischievous youth, as stories have financial crisis will go worse. who manipulate people in order to gain
told, creep up to a Kapre at night and tie a profit or favors. Living in fear, people had
rope to its neck and around the tree. The However, the government official’s tactics to give in to the demands of those who have
next day, the rope is still tied to the tree of shadowing deals with promises of power. Yet, we should not be intimidated
but the Kapre is nowhere to be seen. The industrialization and modernization is by their hostile personalities. In a bigger
embers of these hacienderos’ tobacco still parallel to a creature said to manipulate picture, they are a cripple who needs our
haunt our Filipino farmers. Even with the what you see. This particular creature is Nuno sa Punso : The Malicious Cripple help in winning elections or defending them
said to lurk in the mountains and forests

J
towering height in governmental position in their time of need. However, beneath the
in the Philippines is the Tikbalang (Demon ustice delayed is justice denied. For a
that these landlords carry, our farmers can façade of fame and glamour is a malicious
country that you can actually s ee the
still acquire their land, with a sturdy rope
obvious slow pace of justice that we CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
and a strong and secure knot perhaps.

FRIDAY • 13 AUGUST 2010 • 13

“UP naming mahal, pamantasang hirang. Ang tinig namin, sana’y inyong dinggin…” operations. It was the will of have preferred to continue their
serving the people that motivated studies in the university for they
University of the Philippines—an institution that was established to offer tertiary education for them to face the constant threats believe in its pledge for quality
deserving scholarly youth of the country; a community that has a social obligation of giving of war. The country would undergo education and social service. In this
back its students’ knowledge through unwavering service for their motherland’s benefit. As it rehabilitation after the war, and that time, the students were given more
celebrates its 102nd year of foundation this year, the University continues to strive to achieve its UP knew that this was the right time significance in their stand in the
aim which is to still serve as a pillar of “honor and excellence”. UP still struggles to be the face to test its capacity and capability university with their contribution in
of the oppressed society; yet there are still hindrances that are inevitably rising. These problems in producing graduates who will UPM’s rebuilding state.
alter depending on the actions taken by liable people. They are the ones who will handle the situ- utilize their knowledge to help the
country in its depressing phase. A big shift of the student’s outlook
ations and will mark such consequences. In these cases, too, time is an essential determinant on
Likewise, they wanted to show that in the society emerged as the 1970’s
how decisions will affect the situations occurring. It serves as an element on how things will be
the university’s sense of obligation came in the Philippines. It was
dealt and a critical view on how the effects will be applied for the betterment of the university.
for its students was never devalued known as the “First Quarter Storm”
in spite of the immense danger that or FQS. This event was born due to
History is an essential factor for building and strengthening an institution. The university, for in- the dissatisfaction of the people,
was surrounding the atmosphere
stance, faced certain chapters throughout its existence that brought out UP’s distinction among particularly the students, towards
back then.
other universities. This distinction molded to what the university’s faculty and students turned the Marcos regime. In this chapter of
out. Again, time became an important aspect in instilling the importance of UP’s history espe- And after almost 5 years of UP’s history, the concept of activism
cially to its students. panic and trepidations, the war started to evolve in its students.
had subsided. Its aftermaths is Their growing consciousness
Time had been a significant factor for the developments of UP. Time also marks proof that we disheartening for the country’s regarding the issues in the society
must look upon the past to see how we would able to reestablish our present and prepare for whole persona, as well for UP itself. led them to initiate several protests
our future as well. Time along with enduring goals contributes to the successes and failures of But this trial became a testament of and demonstrations, which the
“UP Nating Mahal”. how UPM dwelt with the worst case military forces answered back
scenario. It proved that nothing can with violent dispersals through
hinder in helping the students to be forced arrest and teargas. These
UP marked a new concept of education is a right of every youth constant actions, together with the
The Students: The Base “quality education for all”, that every and also a key to achieving their
responsible citizens. In that time
where hope was frail, they were the minor participation of the people,
legitimate Filipino can study, less goals. ones who wanted to show that the eventually made the student
Under the First Philippine
the high cost factor. It was evident country could be rebuilt only if they activists to isolate in the mountains
Legislative Act No. 1870, also
that before UP was established; This vision of UP eventually work as one. The students applied and establish a firmer alliance to
known as the “University Act”, UP
entering a university would mean materialized, seen with the their knowledge to solve some, if oppose the prevailing system of the
Manila was established to offer a
a lot of money, a factor that most expanding student population not all, problems that are within or government that time.
high standard of tertiary education
Filipino families would not buy. with the majority coming from the maybe even beyond their capacity.
for Filipino youth. It was first named
First is because parents do not earn deprived sector of the society. Yet, Though young they may seem, they These protests against the
as the “American University of the
that much to sustain their children’s with a demand for a bigger space had served the community they live government led by students, mostly
Philippines” which is incorporated
education; second, reputable to occupy more students, a plan with and drew a clearer image of known from UP, motivated other
with the settlement of the American
universities by that time were very was made to transfer the campus hope to Filipinos. That is how a UP sectors of the society to speak
colonial era in the country. With
expensive to enroll at and that only from Manila to Diliman. As the student started to become a solid out for change. Together with
its mission that is “to provide
wealthy students can afford to preparation for the transference of resemblance of academic excellence, other state universities and active
advanced instruction in liberation,
study then; and lastly, they prefer the flagship campus took progress, social sensitivity, and a character of organizations, they acted as one to
philosophy, science and arts and
their children to be with them to the Second World War emerged to strength and willpower. show the reigning power that they
give professional and technical
till their land or help do the chores test the university as well as the are looking for a better system in
training to every qualified student,”
for they think that their children Philippines. Even if the war brought Manila became the second most the government and in the country,
it stresses out that UP was created
will be more productive with that destruction to every aspects of devastated city in the world after the too. With the state universities, UP
to bring quality education for all
way. But the university wanted to life, UPM became one of the firm war. UP Manila, on the other hand, Diliman students were noticed to be
deserving students, regardless of
break that concept that education testaments on how the country along with its constituent campuses, very active with these protests. On
their social status.
is only for the privileged. It wanted remained strong despite the perils of began its rehabilitation process. what the people do not see, students
to prove that even back then there war. Though it became dangerous to During this process, the students from UP Manila also participate
is an institution that can house deal with the outside world by that became a vital element in rebuilding with these movements, only that
intellectual students time, the students felt a greater urge the university. If the faculty became it is barely noticed and rare, so to
regardless of their to pursue their studies. Money was important to the university’s speak.
social status, for not the main goal instilled in them, existence before the war, with the
for by that time, the economy had students, on the other hand, relied The First Quarter
been badly affected, and that the continuity of its operations S t o r m ,
almost all businesses during UP’s restoration. Though
stopped their it may seem that UPM was not a
conducive place for learning,
the students must
along with other substantial factors, by the indoctrination of the subsuming to these standards, we their entrance in UPM. With this outcomes of previous actions. Since
headed the proclamation of the government that these students- are already embarking on realms agreement, graduates, particularly UP also determines the sense of
Martial Law. The government saw turned-activists were the “enemies which repelled and sickened the that of the health science majors, independence with its students,
a more disciplined Philippines of the state”, as to what is still in the Iskolars of previous generations: would be entitled to serve at the it wanted to imply its value and
with this action taken; on the people’s minds until today. What the profitability. These occurring Philippine General Hospital for essence to build the students as a
contrary, the sense of activism grew people only do not know is that they situations in the university merely a matter of years. And after that, whole. If they succeed in achieving
higher with the UP students. The are still blind-folded with the aims prove that UP is somewhat gradually they are free to choose whether to this goal, it will serve as a basis
Diliman campus was then called and the true intentions of those who showcasing the exclusivity of the stay in the country or to pursue to for better decision making. These
the “Diliman Republic”, for it had have dedicated their selves to larger education system for the elites. Yet go abroad. It is saddening that the decisions, in time, would play a
an autonomous way of governing causes. as seen in the past, UP was mainly students that are the byproducts bigger role in helping our country
and did not seek the assistance of established for students where the of the university’s education which to achieve progress. This will help
the government towards them. Yet, Over the years and changing majority comes from the neglected advocates the concept of being one decrease, if not stop, the continuing
there was a big difference of UPM times, there has been a flux in the class in the society and not from the of with the masses have to be bound problems in the society.
among its sister campuses. That demography of the university, privileged ones. with this shackle of an agreement
time, the university’s students were mainly caused by the increased for them to return what they owe This is what a true Isko has got in
attending evening classes for they tuition fee in the university that was Also, due to the high rate of to the people. This may reflect that mind.
were working in the morning. With said to “aim” to improve the quality unemployment in the country the university is mellowing down in
that case, they cannot hold such of education in the whole UP system. and the promise of high salary, instilling to its students the values The Faculty: The Pillars
rallies unlike the Diliman students Some of the deserving yet financially- more Filipinos, even professionals, that it has long preserved, and that
who can manage to throw up their deprived students are unable to choose to work abroad. They maybe another era is dawning in the The academe intended to propose
anger against the administration. pursue their higher education in the saw no progress in the economy university. With these new cultures, a broader approach in teaching
But still, UPM was aware of the university due to the steep increase of the country, which took them new values are emerging—all which requires the effectiveness
constant chaos in the society, only in tuition—something improper for to seek their fortune outside the shaping and molding a new face of of the mentors. The influence and
that they were not the ones to a state university. Fact is, the ever Philippines. This concept gave way Isko. the capabilities of the teaching
initiate such protests for they also decreasing share of state universities to the marketable perspective of body depend on their teaching
considered their own situations. and colleges (SUCs) in the the students regarding the courses There may be these big methodologies and viewpoint
government’s budget appropriation they are taking. Since they see a transformations in the students of with the concerns in the society.
It can be said that this remarkable is a part of a larger schemes— “better” life when they go abroad UP over the years. But what is clear As they formulate the university’s
period in the university became privitization. If pursued, SUCs will after they have graduated, they is that the “Iskolar ng Bayan” today reputation, their efforts and
an eye-opener for the Iskolar ng eventually fall in the hands of profit- would pursue these courses though must remain critical, having one foot proficiency became big factors in
Bayan with regards with the social driven corporations. Consequently, it is not what they truly wanted. on the ground, monitoring what is shaping UP’s fate. Their imagery
and national issues concerning the commercialization of what This choice, based on marketability, going on around him or her, and one
CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
not only them but the country as was supposedly a right inherent though opposing the spirit by which foot in the air, visioning and looking
well. The sadistic approach of the to every Filipino: education. UP goes along, is already a palpable at the big picture. Students now
government, personified by the Tuition and other fees increase reality in the university. These gave and then take the responsibility of
joint forces of the military and the is only one of the manifestion of way for the university to make their decisions and make future
constabulary ignited the hearts of the trend that education in the the “Return Service Agreement”. plans based on
many Iskos and Iskas to fight for Philippines has undertaken. In UP In this agreement, the students
their ruined countrymen. Their Manila for instance, there is the would be pledging upon
nationalistic mindset was a great impending accreditation in different
leap toward a more free-minded institutions for private academic
UP student, yet the consequence institutions only. By
for some of them was to be an exile
on their own land. The things that
they fight for were stained
Freestyle Volume 24, Numbers 4-5

NEWS SONA ...from page 2

happens, the fund for education the expansion of the PhilHealth ng SONA na hindi niya P INT UP AGENDA: Our Call for Change
Ipaglaban ang UP bilang pamantasan
in the country would be increased
and PhilHealth would be improved
to further cater to the health-
related needs of many Filipino
coverage, suggesting that Aquino
should follow the Universal
Health Insurance proposal health
practitioners and concerned
talaga ‘genuinely’ kaya, o
walang siyang political will
para i-address ‘yung mga
pressing issues ng ating mga
BLANK ng bayan!

families. organizations. mamamayan.”said Co. 12-point Agenda. 10,000 pledge signatures.

Aquino also called for peace talks

with Mindanao. “Kung kapayapaan
din ang hangad ninyo, handa po
In addition, the Faculty Regent
noted that there were essential
omissions from Aquino’s
Co mentioned that Aquino
failed to tackle agrarian
reforms and the status of
U P Agenda is the 12-point consolidated compilation of demands of the
University of the Philippines System. To the new administration of
President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, we present this challenge: fulfill the
kami sa malawakang tigil-putukan. SONA. According to her, Aquino laborers in his SONA. As promises of your campaign and respond to the worsening condition of the
Mag-usap tayo,” said the President. mentioned nothing about land stated by Co, she would youth and education in the country, We demand that the new administration
distribution and that there are have wanted to hear
will turn back on the flawed policies of the past administration and hold
Disappointment Towards SONA still no updates on extrajudicial Aquino’s stand on the
Arroyo accountable for all injustices committed by her administration for
killing incidents and forced almost-permanent stay and
Expecting that Aquino would disappearances, the Morong 43, continuous intervention the past 9 years. To the next UP President, reverse all anti-student and anti-
give an overview on how his and human rights violations. of the United States of people policies in UP and reaffirm UP’s public character as a university of the
administration would run the America to the Philippine people: accessible to the people and serves the people.
country, UP Faculty Regent Dr. Judy Taguiwalo also noted that Aquino government.

1
Taguiwalo stated that the policy did not say anything on the
Allocate higher budget for UP Commission on Accreditation).
pronouncements Aquino had in Reproductive Health Bill and the When asked about the PPP,
his SONA do not really address the Freedom of Information Bill. Co said, “Doon sa pagtanggal and the rest of the education Promote transparency and review
change that our country needs. ng kontrol ng gobyerno o sector. Increase state spending on existing policies and institutions
On the other hand, UP Student sa mga serbisyo na dapat education to 6% of the GDP. Realign of education. Sanction corruption
Taguiwalo found the assertions in Regent Cori Alessa Co said in an na ginagampanan niya, o a significant portion of debt servicing cases in education programs and
the address alarming. As said by interview that Aquino’s SONA privatization ng ating mga and Malacañang intelligence funds to contracts.
her, the PPP would essentially mean proves that he cannot genuinely basic social services, makikita education services.

8
privatization of the government as run the country. natin talaga na tatalikuran Protect the rights and improve

2
a whole. Moreover, the proposed na ng gobyerno yung kanyang Rollback the tuition. Scrap the the welfare of the faculty,
ceasefire and peace talks meant “Pinatunayan lamang niya doon responsibilidad sa kanyang
Socialized Tuition and Financial employees and REPS in UP and the
the ‘continuation of military sa ilang mga araw na nakapwesto mamamayan.”
solutions to a political problem.’ siya bilang presidente ng Pilipinas Assistance (STFAP). Forward democratic entire education sector.
Taguiwalo is also concerned with at noong pumatak ang araw access to UP.

NEWS Activists Killed ...from page 2

3 Remove various imposed laboratory
and other exorbitant fees including
9 Recognize the important roles
of the entire UP community.
Protect the rights and improve
“The President should issue a this, according to human rights Laya or any similar counter PE fee and deposit fee of freshmen the welfare of the people settling
blanket order to the Armed Forces activists, because of its incorrect insurgency measures and among others. and operating within the UP land
of the Philippines (AFP) for all policy of classifying leftist activists should prosecute Arroyo including drivers, vendors and

4
troops not to engage in killings as “enemies of the state”. and her henchmen involved Uphold democratic rights of the residents.
and abduction of activists. Former in the massive human
students. This incorporates the
“Oplan Bantay Laya III” is a
10
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo rights violations. Without
following: junking of the repressive and Condemn militarization on
refused to do this but the new program to eliminate enemies of such strong actions, the list
president should send a strong the state during the Arroyo regime. of victims of extrajudicial illegitimate 2009 Draft Code of Student campuses including UP Los
message against these killings In 2007, UN’s special rapporteur killings will grow longer.” Conduct; implementation of simple Baños, UP Iloilo and UP Mindanao.
right at the start of his term of on extra-judicial killings, organization recognition process; and Repeal various policies that repress
office,” Casiño said. Philip Alston, and a Philippine Steadfast Fight For removal of all anti-student policies. UP and other campuses.
government fact-finding mission Justice Establish student councils and campus
Consequently, this incident
also raised the issue of the
counterinsurgency program of the
stated that under “Oplan Bantay
Laya III”, non-combatants are
not differentiated among the
Impunity reigns mainly
because of lack of action.
publications in all schools nationwide
and ensure student participation in
decision-making and policy-making
11 Justice to all the victims
of political repression,
enforced disappearances and extra-
AFP. The Arroyo administration combatants, thus marking them as The Aquino administration processes. judicial killings committed by the
had a counterinsurgency targets, as well. is starting slow, and is Arroyo administration, including

5
program under its belt called the described by critics as ‘tame’ Recuperate students’ services and our fellow Iskolars ng Bayan Karen
“Oplan Bantay Laya III.” Aquino “The killings of members of about the matter.
welfare. These include P.E. facilities, Empeno, Sherlyn Cadapan, James
should immediately suspend Anakpawis, Bayan Muna and
dormitories, food service and health Balao, Jaqueline Gonzales and
ACT Teachers party lists within This incident strung the
the first 10 days of the new attention not only of the service, among others. Maria Elena Serato. Free all political
Aquino administration is proof national activists, but of prisoners.
that extrajudicial killings which
claimed over 1000 lives during
the nine years of the Arroyo
the student body as well.
“Nakalulungkot
na ilang araw pa lamang
isipin 6 Uphold the Philippine General
Hospital (PGH) as a public hospital
accessible to all. Counter privatization 12 Promote a nationalist,
scientific and mass-
regime continue.” Faculty Regent nakaupo si Aquino ay of health services in the Philippines. oriented education. Promote a
Judy Taguiwalo stated. She mayroon na namang Increase budget to health. nationalist curriculum. Improve
added, “The Aquino presidency pinapaslang na mga aktibista. science, research and technology

7
should repudiate Oplan Bantay Kung daang tuwid ang Reverse Arroyo administration’s development that will serve the
sinusulong niya, nararapat push to privatize educational interest of the country.
lang na maaga pa lamang institutions. Oppose commercial
Walkout ...from page 3 ay nagpapahayag na siya ng
use of UP and other public lands.
mahigpit na pagkukundena
Furthermore, NUSP and CEGP Oppose procurement of accreditation *12 Point UP Agenda was prepared
sa mga pagpatay. Hindi sagot
also demanded for the autonomy from private accrediting bodies such by the Office of the Student Regent
ang pagkikibit-balikat lang
and independence of student as PAASCU (Philippine Accrediting and KASAMA sa UP, the broadest
niya. Patunayan niyang sa
institutions such as student Association of Schools, Colleges and alliance of student councils in the
kanyang pamamalakad ay
councils and school papers. Universities) and PACUCOA (Philippine whole UP system based on the UP
aandar ang hustisya dito sa
They included proposals to give System-wide demands.
bansa. Panagutin ang mga Association of Colleges and Universities
students representation in the
DO NOT FORGET decision-making bodies of their
berdugo at bigyan hustisya
ang mga aktibista!“ Mary
campuses and to junk anti-student The Manila Collegian calls upon you to drive straight to the
MAGUINDANAO policies, such as the Campus
Rose Toledo, Anakbayan-
center of the issue, mark your aim, and deliver the blow at point
UPM Chairperson, said in an
11/23/09 Journalism Act of 1991 and the
interview. blank range.
Education Act of 1982.

16 • 13 AUGUST 2010 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 4-5 Freestyle
CULT Excellence in Evolution... from page 15 NEWS Iskotistics ...from page 3
reflects that of the institution, ang problemang ito at hindi pa rin
whether good or bad. The challenge The professors had served a great
Problema sa Edukasyon Usaping Pangkalusugan napipigilan ang pagpapahirap sa
of UP’s credibility, then, was up to contribution for the UP community milyun-milyong Pilipino. Marami
them to fulfill. over the years. They handle a Kung naging kalunos-lunos na pa rin ang may sakit, walang
Sa kabilang dako, ang kalunos-
big duty to mold their students’ ang kalagayan sa edukasyon ay makain, at walang matirhan.
lunos na kalagayan ng edukasyon
One of the first demonstrations led character. They are one of the main mas naging matindi pa ang sa Hindi natugunan ng maliit na
sa Pilipinas ay hindi pa rin
by the faculty of UPM as one with pillars of a sound and progressive kalusugan dahil sa kapabayaan ng porsiyentong ito ang tumitinding
nabago sa kabila ng 359 na
the students in 1977 was in front society. They bear the weight and gobyerno. Kapansin-pansin ang krisis pangkalusugan.
naipasang batas na na siyang may
of US Embassy. This attests that responsibility of teaching. Being the napakaliit na bahagdan ng batas sa
pinakamaraming bilang. Hindi
professors in the university were heritage of knowledge and values kalusugan. Ito marahil ang dahilan Sa madaling sabi, hindi
napigil ng napakaraming batas
the source of social consciousness for students now and then, they ng kahindik-hindik na kalagayan maipagmamalaki ng nagdaang
na ito ang pagtaas ng matrikula,
for the students. Jessica Sales was influenced them to be a better and pagdating sa pangangailangang administrasyon ang dami ng bilang
paglawak ng komersiyalisasyon, at
a Social Sciences graduate and later aware people of a society. UPM will medikal dahil sa kapabayaan ng mga naipasang panukalang
pagbaba ng literacy rate ng bansa.
became a member of the faculty. She not limit the students to explore ng gobyerno. Hanggang ngayon, batas ng ika-14 na Kongreso dahil
became one of those courageous the world around them. Hence, it marami pa rin sa mga kababayan hindi pa rin nito nabigayang-
Isa lang sa mga nakaranas
nating Pilipino ang nagugutom, sagot ang bawat problema ng
who lived by the dictum that encourages them to see the world ng pagtaas ng matrikula at
nakakaranas ng malnutrisyon, at marami nating kababayan. Hindi
activism is a life-long learning, and in a wider perspective. During the pagkakaroon ng komersiyalisasyon
hindi makabili ng gamot. Patuloy pa rin tuluyang natugunan ang
who went out and did what needed Martial Law, the UP administrators ay ang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas
na bumababa ang kalidad ng iba’t bawat hinaing at kakulangan sa
be. However, her valor was she was tried to sustain the university’s na nagtaas ng 300 porsiyento
ibang pampublikong ospital, at pangangailangan lalong lalo na
forcedly disappeared and missing educational priorities and tatlong taon na ang nakararaan
nababawasan ang mga medikal sa usapin ng karapatang pantao,
up to now. Generally, the students institutional autonomy which led dahil sa mababang budyet na
na propesyonal. Ayon sa Council edukasyon, at kalusugan. Hindi
of UPM at Martial Law period used to the unwavering force of activism. ibinibigay ng gobyerno. Maging
for Health and Development naging sapat na katibayan ang
to work at daytime and studied at Professors of the university basically ang ibang unibersidad ay unti-unti
(CHD), isang non-government dami o bilang para pigilin ang
night. Therefore, the strength of contributed on the heightening na ring nagtataas ng matrikula
health organization, libo-libong lumalalang krisis ng bansa.
activism in UPM was demonstrated of the force of activism. But with kaya marami na ang humihinto
doktor, nars, kumadrona, at iba Walang halaga ang bawat batas
in limited ways but significant ways. this aspect, it expects that there sa pag-aaral. Marami sana ang
pang medical na propesyonal ang kung ang layon at tugon nito
Examples of which are Dr. Bobby would be a good outcome with the nakakatapos sa kani-kaniyang
umaalis ng bansa taun-taon dahil ay nakakulong lamang sa papel
dela Paz and Dr. Johnny Escandor, students. The university, as a whole, larangan ngunit hindi na muling
sa mababang sahod. at hindi naiimplementa nang
professors from the health science expects that they would learn from nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na
maayos. Ang tunay mahalaga pa
colleges, who sought to cure not only that exploration. makapag-aral.
Sa Philippine General Hospital rin ay ang aksyon na siyang kulang
the illness of their countrymen but (PGH) na lamang, 500 na mga na kulang. Wala tayong maaasahan
Dahil sa kawalan ng suporta ng
also of their country; they fought the The professors would play a nars ang umaalis kada taon upang sa gobyerno kung patuloy tayong
gobyerno, marami na sa mga
Marcos dictatorship fearlessly head- vital part of that journey. But one mangibang-bansa. Sa katunayan, maghihintay. Nararapat lamang
kabataan ngayon ang kulang sa
on. With this actions and beliefs of thing is for sure - that along with ang Pilipinas ang tinaguriang na magsimula tayong kumilos
kaalaman at hindi nakakapasok sa
the two doctors, the government the students, they are the once “Biggest exporter of nurses in the upang ipaglaban ang mga
paaralan. Makikita natin sa ating
recognized them as rebels and accountable of sustaining the world.” karapatan na hindi naman natin
paligid ang napakaraming batang
worse, as the “enemies if the states”, tradition of honor and excellence natatamasa at bigyang-diin ang
palaboy. Ito ang nagiging sanhi ng
too. They were brutally killed by in the university, more so, they also Napipinto rin ang pagsasapribado bawat kakulangan na hindi naman
patuloy na pagbaba literacy rate
the military, and in the least of their imply their student’s awareness and ng naturang ospital. Sa natutugunan.
ng Pilipinas.
contentment, their bodies treated sensitivity in their society. kasalukuyan, hindi pa rin natitigil
inhumanely.

NEWS Itanong...from page 7

Yung iba naman sa kanila pu- like guilty convicts trying to stop a Ibigay na lang siya sa panganga- batas. Pero sana wag namang ma- ready kasi pagdating sa parenting.
masok lang sa politics because search! -2009-52908 laga ng DSWD. -Isabella Vincent, haggard yung bata, masyado na -- 2008-88007, BS Pharmacy
malapit na mag-fade ang showbiz BA BS siyang nagiging showbiz. – Tam-
stardom nila. Sana nga lang maga- Hanga ako kay CongPac at sa bay sa Lobby If I am baby James, I would go
wa nila ng maayos ang trabaho kanyang staff dahil masipag Kay Boy Abunda. Siya na lang kasi with Kris. She appears to be the
nila. And, GMA, congresswoman? silang magtrabaho sa kongreso, ang naisip ko eh. Si Kris selfish. Syempre kay Kris dapat sumama more responsible parent. -2009-
Mi gahd! Wala ba tayong natutu- at impressive ang English nya! at Si James mukhang ewan. At least si Baby James. – YOU 52666
nan nung naging presidente siya? nakakapangkulo ng dugo ang di ba kay Boy laging may titingin
-Isabella Vincent, BA BS pagupo ni Mikey Arroyo, na isang s bata (weh? di nga?) Ahihihi. Papansin talaga yang si Kris. I’d leave both of them and stay
napakalaking pangbabalahura sa Okay na din yun kaysa mapunta sa - 2009-01333, CAS with Pres. Noynoy. Mas masaya
In my opinion, i think that the partylist system. - geekbox, 09- DSWD. –Code.geek(); doon at mas maramu akong pwe-
congress has a plan against our 11676, CAS Kay Kris, syempre. – Kahit Ano deng gulatin :) -2009-52908
President because almost all of Kay Noynoy. Para may pusong-
the members in the congress I’m quite impressed sa iba sa bata sa Malacanang. –Hapontukin I firmly believe na dapat kay papa Kay mommy Kris syempre...para
are [allies] of former President kanila. Pero iilan lang silang james. haha. magulo kase yung “win na win” parin ako -2nd year
Arroyo. Even though Arroyo talagang sa tingin ko, deserve ang Ayon sa batas, ang mga sanggol buhay ni kris lalo na she is the BSPH student
is not anymore our president, posisyon nila. Yung iba, nakakai- na 7 gulang pababa ay dapat nasa sister of the president! bata pa si
but still they can start a “rage” nis e. - Corn Cobb, 09-*****, CAS pangangalaga ng ina. –Angelo baby james hindi suitable para sa Para sa akin, kay James Yap na
against the administration which Rosal, BS CS kanya yung magulong environ- lang si Baby James para matu-
will eventually put down Pres. Kanino dapat sumama si ment.- Ina Nacario, 1st Year- B.A. tong magbasketbol. Malay nyo
Aquino and will be replaced kung tutuusin, parehong busy Political Science maging national player pa yan at
by someone under Arroyo. [It’s] Baby James? ang mga magulang ni Baby James makapasok sa NBA. Tsaka para
Scary, but let’s hope it does not - artista ang ina at basketbolista kay villar, haha. –UPM A hindi na rin siya mabiktima ng
happen. -2nd year ComSci student I think kay James Yap. Kawawa na- nman ang ama. pero sa tingin mga mapanirang tao mula sa
man si Baby James if he will grow ko nman ay mas mpagtutuu- kay kris. sa tingin niyo ba kayang itago na lamang natin sa katagang
I believe Edcel Lagman is just up in a family who is and will be nan ni Kris ang pngangailngan buhayin ni james si baby james? “showbiz tsismisan”. -boyngits 09
being a plain “douchebag” in facing controversies for basically ni Baby James kaysa kai Big –achieve na achieve! - 15266 CAS
congress. not only did he become the rest of their lives. –smiley James. mukhang siya ang mas
the leader of the minority(aka responsable sa knilang dlawa. :P - Kay James. Para sa basketball Sumama na sya kay Daddy James
the GMA posse), he also had to Sa ngayon, kay Kris muna. Iba pag bNTxngKO, CAS, 09-10295 mahilig ang bata. Enough of Aqui- para hindi maging machine gun
announce that they will stop the sa ina lumaki. Feeling ko, iba yung nos in the limelight, please. Hehe. ang bunganga! at matuto na mag-
formation of the Truth Commis- ‘love’ of a mother. Kahit ganun Papansin talaga yan si Kris. Naku, --Beach. ing matinik sa chicks! hahaha
sion. why would they want to ka---Kakaiba si Kris. haha :)) –Ma- mag-jack en poy na lang sila, kung -geekbox, 09-11676, CAS
stop it? Because it’s a waste of hiyaingBiba, BS PH, 09-***67 cno matalo syang unggoy. O kaya Si Baby James? Kay James. :)) --
time? come on, don’t trample on kay Villar na lng. -2009-01333, Cleve Arguelles, 2008-00596, CAS Kay Papa James. Pareho silang
the people’s hope. There is some Kay James Yap na lang. Masyadong CAS ‘James’ eh. Hehehehe -Corn Cobb,
sense in this thing [Truth commis- ‘showbiz’ si Kris eh... –Anonymous Sa mother. Feeling ko hindi 09-*****, CAS
sion] don’t make yourselves look K-pop lover Kay Kris na lang, yun ang sabi ng nurturing yung tatay. He’s not yet

FRIDAY • 13 AUGUST 2010 • 17

Freestyle Volume 24, Numbers 4-5

CULT Reality and Monstrosity ...from page 12 FEATS Tipping off the Scale ...from page 10
personality only waiting for you to at a young age never having the such as hospitals and roads and “Pwede na muling mangarap. Tayo was devoted to finger-pointing.
come near. chance to experience what is it like given the power to impose to the nang tumungo sa katuparan ng He diverted the focus of the SONA
to learn, to play, and to live carefree. people user fees like tolls, among ating mga pinangarap.” from his plans for the future
They are bounded by the depriving others. For one, PPP gives these and the discussion of important
Tiyanak: The Shape Shifter walls they did not build, forcing
investors the right to manipulate What is missing in Aquino’s SONA issues, to the wrongdoings of the
the people for their own advantage is how to address what the society administration of the Philippines’
such as the impending 233% is lacking–concrete, visible and most unpopular president.
increase of toll fees in the South
Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and transparent measures by which
345% increase of water bills in the nation’s problems are to Aquino was not only playing safe.
Metro manila due to the 1997 be solved. Mere inspiration is Not only are his economic policies
MWSS Privatization. insufficient to relieve the society of largely similar to Arroyo’s, but his
its setbacks and troubles. Aquino’s methods are the same as well. The
This so called partnership action-empty platforms of anti- occurrence of extrajudicial killings
provides the perennially bankrupt corruption and the application of early in his administration is deeply
Philippines the means of solving moral principles to the notorious and hauntingly familiar.
infrastructure problems in nature of Philippine politics are
immediacy; but endangers us to the
possibility of passing to the people the contents of the spoon he keeps The Filipinos are caught in
the foreign debt that made these feeding to the people during his a tide of euphoria because
projects possible. Ergo, Aquino’s SONA. Everything about the past of the end of a repressive
statement of saying that we will not administration is highlighted in tyrant’s regime. Blinded by the
spend even a single cent on the PPP blood while everything that is prospect of a total overhaul of
is actually an illusion of that is too about to emerge from his rule, even the present system, the people
futile and too distant to be real. if they are shapeless blobs, are trust the new president to be
yellow and sunny. If the picture of their hero. Yet, this will act as a
There is also the angle that Aquino extremely bad governance is the
has adopted the same economic hindrance to the formation of
idea of GMA. Such fact is ironic for past administration, and if Aquino’s
genuine change in society.
he is promoting PPP that was done government falls short of this
t h e m by his predecessor, that one he is description, then his administration
Blind faith can ravage a society

A
to go beyond their capacity. condemning for leading a regime may automatically be considered
ccording to the United that lurked on the “baluktot na an image of good governance. and trick it into thinking that
Whereas a Tiyanak is stuck in the
Nations’ Universal daan”. all is well when it is not.
form of a defenseless baby, a child
Declaration of Human Though Aquino exposed the
deprived of education is stuck It only reflects that by recycling
Rights (UDHR) adopted in 1948 corruption acts in the previous As this is the case, people
with its seemingly vulnerable form an old and ineffective policy and may overlook the future
and the 1987 Constitution of the regime, no part in his SONA explicitly
when in truth they had already promoting privatization as solutions mistakes and setbacks of
Philippines, every individual has to the country’s predicaments, tells of jailing GMA for these acts.
experienced much more than they Also, he failed to say anything about his administration. What this
the right to education. Education the Aquino administration lacks
can handle. tackling the dilemmas providing society needs now more
provides a means through which the capacity to come up with new
all people can become aware of policies that promote the interests basic social services, human rights than ever is a vigilant and
We can no longer allow the of the masses- the true investors and other socially significant critical eye to everything
their rights and responsibilities,
deprivation of the rights of of the republic. Thus, it shows that topics. The obvious absence of the that is happening and about
which is an essential tool for this incapability will result for the
children to education. We must issues concerning Hacienda Luisita, to happen. The idea is to be
achieving the goals of equality and new administration’s tendency of
act to somehow turn back the the farmers’ situation and even critical yet open. The current
peace. However, despite the fact not being able to eradicate the old education is downright inexcusable.
privilege of education to the right pro-business, pro-market policies government claims to be the
that it is a right, not everyone has
of every Filipino. of other administrations, including purveyor of change. But as
the means to exercise it. A lot of burning hot topics regarding
Traditionally, people create his predecessor’s. the disappointing SONA make
mythology to explain the world his presidency and even candidacy it seem to be, it may just be
We are witness to the increasing around them. Before the existence remain as haunting questions
a shameless copy of the past
exclusivity of education to those of science, myths and legends To Inspire is to Hide Empty atop people’s heads as they are
regime, subtle in externality
who are rich and privileged. With Promises unspoken of since he assumed the
served as the ‘truth’. These tales but true to form.
the obtrusive nature of poverty in position. A large portion of his SONA
make up a significant slice of the
our society, most parents would Filipino culture, colored by events,
prefer to have their children scout issues and periods throughout
for coins instead from passerby the Philippine history. However,
than have them go to school. the existence of science did not
erase all traces of these monsters
A child denied of his/her rights to known only in mythological
education is like a blood-sucking stories. They exist as people that
vampire disguised as a newborn we see and know. Unexplained
baby. It is supposedly a baby and unaccounted atrocities that
that was aborted or died before we encounter in our society need
receiving baptism rights. After not be blamed to mythological
death, evil spirits use the infant creatures as they manage to exist
bodies to kill, eating the inner among us. We know better than
organs and drinking the victim’s to believe that something else
blood. This vampire masquerading caused a crime when we can see
as a baby is called a Tiyanak the truth with our eyes. Those who
(Demon child) or impakto. From are creating fear and terror are no
slashing victims, the Tiyanak also longer those who only appear at
delights in leading travelers astray night. They are everywhere: in the
or in kidnapping children. The alleys, in institutions and in the
Tiyanak is also said to come to life government. And so it is crucial for
to take revenge on its mother. us to take action and end this night
of monstrous reality. We need to
Like the Tiyanak disguised as a stand up and fight them head on.
baby, these children take on bigger We need to reveal who they really
roles becoming someone else in are before they manage to consume
the process. The drive to change us.
their lifestyle and help their “…It’s close to midnight and
parents changes them for better or

U N
something evil’s lurking in the

ga Freshies: Fresh Pa Nga Ba?

for worse. They are forced to work dark.”
PM
18 • 13 AUGUST 2010 • FRIDAY
N N G i eil abayeron
 Volume 24, Numbers 4-5 Opinion

NARNIAN Confessions of a GC
Marion Carla Quinto Biolena

I spend most of my time in the library, I obediently read our assigned

readings, I come to class everyday unless I have good reasons not to
come, I take down notes during class, I pass my papers on time, and I
You don’t exactly have to be KJ to be GC; you only have to take life a little more
serious. Besides, I think that though we need to enjoy life while we are young, we
also need to be responsible of our present actions; therefore we need to strive for
study hard for an exam. As you can see, it is obvious that I am one of balance. Though I say that I am grade-conscious, I am not being too hard on myself.
those GC or grade-conscious students you would see walking around
with readings on one hand and a highlighter on the other.

“...IT WASN’T EXACTLY THE GRADES THAT MADE

But the story of my life has not always been with GCness. Once upon a time when
I was in first year, I thought, “Ok na sakin ang pumasa lang, nasa UP naman ako. ME FEEL BETTER; I THINK IT WAS THE FEELING
“ But two semesters passed and I discovered that it doesn’t feel good to receive OF GETTING WHAT I HAVE WORKED FOR THAT
only satisfactory grades. After all, I am not the kind of person who would settle for MADE ME FEEL GOOD”
“pwede na”. I figured that moping around and ranting about my low grades would
not make me feel much better. So I thought, why not aim for high grades? Surely, if I
would have faith and work hard to get the things that I want, I could rule the world.
From there, I began to be more serious in studying and upon receiving my hard-
earned grades, I felt much better. But it wasn’t exactly the grades that made me feel I do spend most of my time in the library but sometimes I find myself taking a
better; I think it was the feeling of getting what I have worked for that made me feel nap there. Sometimes I daydream during class, sometimes I don’t exactly read my
good. readings but only color it with highlighters, and I do have a lot of moments of talking
and having fun with my friends. But there are also times that I have no choice but to
Sometimes when we say “ang GC mo naman!,” what we really meant to say is, “aral be really mean to myself just to finish what I have to, there are times that I have to
ka na lang ng aral” or “ ang KJ naman nito”. We so often hear the term GC to mean resist sleep to finish my papers and there are times that I force myself to get up in
negative things, that we forget the essence of the term and start to have negative the morning so that I would not miss my class. Well, that’s life. We should not take
connotations for it. As for me, there is nothing wrong with being grade-conscious the things in the present for granted; we have no idea what we are missing.
as long as you are not being destructive to other people just to get high grades.
Besides, aren’t we all supposed to be grade-conscious because we are students and “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” That is about as old a cliché could ever get, yet
we are studying? We have to face it, our grades could not measure how much we most of us would often go against its wisdom. I know that I am running the risk of
have learned in class, but only grades can quantify our performance in class. And the being branded as a GC for life upon writing this. But it really doesn’t matter much
grades that we earned could be very useful in the future to me, as long as I know that I am doing my best and am happy about its results.

CHATTERBOX
Criselli Lagonoy Endaya
Sana
N agising ako ng sobrang aga sa tunog ng alarm clock noong Hulyo
26. Wala nga pala si Mama kaya ako ang mag-aasikaso sa mga
kapatid ko na papasok ng alas-syete. Habang nagluluto ng agahan
opinyon ko tungkol kay Noynoy at hindi iyon nagbago kahit marinig ko man ang
SoNA niya o hindi.

namin ay naalala kong may pagsusulit nga rin pala ako sa klase ko
mamayang alas-diyes. Lalo pa akong nabanas dahil baka tapos ng
iwasto ni sir ang dep ex namin sa Chem 27 at ibalik ang resulta mamaya. AYAW KONG MASANAY SA KULAY DILAW
Tapos naalala kong mamayang hapon din pala ang unang State of the NA SIMBOLISMO NG PAGBABAGONG
Nation Address (SoNA) ni Noynoy. Malalaman na nga ba ng mga Pilipino
PINAPANGARAP NI NOYNOY...
kung matutugunan ng Presidenteng ipinalit natin kay Gloria Arroyo ang
mga hamong ibinabato sa kanyang administrasyon. Noong isang araw
nabalitaan ko na idineklara ni Noynoy na working holiday ang araw ng
una niyang SoNA. Naisip ko tuloy kung natatakot ba siya sa magiging Ang totoo, hindi naman talaga si Noynoy ang dahilan kung bakit nawalan ako
reaksyon ng masang Pilipino o kung ayaw niyang mahadlangan ng SoNA ng gana sa naganap na rally o sa makasaysayang pagtatagumpay ng SoNA ng
ang trabaho at pag-aaral ng nakararami. bagong pangulo. Nakakasawa na lang talaga ang umasa na matutupad ang mga
Pagpatak ng alas dos ng hapon, ako at ang mga kasamahan ko sa The Manila mabubulaklak na pangako ng mga pangulo na sa huli ay pipiliin din ang baluktot na
Collegian (MKule) ay tumungo sa ginaganap na malawakang SoNA rally sa may daan. Lalong nakakabanas isipin na isang Aquino na naman ang uupo sa tuktok ng
Commonwealth. Marami kaagad akong napansing kaibahan nito mula sa rally noong kapangyarihan. Ayaw kong masanay sa kulay dilaw na simbolismo ng pagbabagong
huling SoNA ni Gloria. Hindi gaanong siksikan ang mga tao na nakilahok. Hindi pinapangarap ni Noynoy.
ganoon katindi ang damdaming nangingibabaw sa paligid. Mas konti ang mga tao
malapit sa stage kaysa sa mga taong paikot-ikot at naghahanap ng makakain o mga Sana sa halip na maupo at magpakasarap sa kapangyarihan si Noynoy Aquino ay
kakilala. Marami ang payapang naghihintay, kaunti ang aksyon at parang walang pagtuunan niya ng pansin ang tunay na mahahalagang isyu ng bansa. Sana imbes na
inaabangan ang mga tao sa pagsisimula ni Noynoy ng kanyang SoNA. mangako siya sa salita ay patunayan niya sa pamamagitan ng pagkilos at pagtatalaga
ng tunay na karapat-dapat na gabinete upang tulungan siya na maisakatuparan ang
Manunulat ako para sa MKule pero hindi ko tinapos ang speech ni Noynoy dahil mas mga binigkas niyang kataga noong SoNA. Sana sa halip na magsilbi siyang pag-asa
pinili kong samahan ang isang kasamahan pauwi. Ang nakakatawa ay sa pagsakay na pilit pinanghahawakan ng mga Pilipinong lubog pa rin sa kahirapan ay maging
namin ng bus ay mukha ni Noynoy sa telebisyon ang tumambad sa amin. Tila lahat sagisag siya ng isang hinaharap na malaking kabalintunaan ng ating pinagdaanang
ng tao ay nakasubaybay sa bawat sinasabi niya. Hindi tumatak sa isip ko ang mga nakaraan.
panunuya niya sa nakaraang administrasyon, sa mga pangako niyang pag-unlad o
maging sa panawagan niyang magkaisa para magkaroon ng pagbabago. Buo na ang

FRIDAY • 13 AUGUST 2010 • 19

Editorial Volume 24, Numbers 4-5

THE M ANIL A COLLEGIAN

Magna est veritas et prevaelebit

ALLANA RUTH GARCIA DELA PEÑA

Editor-in-Chief

ANGELO LUNA MURILLO

Associate Editor for Internal Affairs;
News Editor; Features Editor

MARIE KRISTEL ANTONIO GABAWA

Associate Editor for External Affairs;
Culture Editor

JOANNA MARIE ICASAS UDARBE

Managing Editor

MARION CARLA QUINTO BIOLENA

By Ehcel Hurna Art Director

Pagtanaw at Paghamon OFFICE AND CIRCULATIONS MANAGER

JILLIANE MARAI FUERTE LAGUS

NEWS CORRESPONDENTS
YODHIM GUDEL GEPTY DELA ROSA

S
a nalalapit na pagtatapos ng kanyang termino, ang sentenaryo at kauna-unahang DEONAH ABIGAIL LUGO MIOLE
babaeng pangulo ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ay haharap sa mabangis na pa-
ghuhusga ng kasaysayan. Kasabay nito ang pagkilala sa hahalili na siyang papas-
FEATURES CORRESPONDENT
an sa mga napabayaa’t nagsusumigaw na mga hinaing sa loob at labas ng unibersidad.
JEO ANGELO CHICO ELAMPARO

Ang naging termino ni Emerlin- ng Philippine General Hospital ng UP, mahalagang maisa-alang-
da Roman ay isang napaka-epe- para maisakatuparan ang mga alang sa pagpili ng bagong pan- CULTURE CORRESPONDENT
ktibong batayan upang masiya- madilim na balakin ng adminis- gulo ang mga tunay at kagyat na CRISELLI LAGONOY ENDAYA
sat ng buong unibersidad kung trasyon. mga tugon upang maisalba ang
anu-ano ba ang mga katangiang unibersidad sa makasaysayang
hindi dapat taglayin ng susunod Ang pagtanaw sa nagdaang ter- kabuktutan na pinairal ni Roman ILLUSTRATOR
na uupo bilang pangulo. Hindi mino ay pag-alala sa maraming sa kanyang termino. EHCEL SAÑGA HURNA
maikakaila na ang naging pan- kahindik-hindik na pamamal- MAY ANGELIQUE JUSI MAGBOO
unungkulan ni Roman ay suma- akad ng Board of Regents sa Ngayon pa lang, hinahamon na
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sa mahahalagang prinsipyong sa mga mapanlinlang na kasun- mga bakas ng di-demokratiko, VAN DENN DOMINGO CRUZ
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karapat-dapat na mga estudy- kal na tradisyon ng unibersidad
ante. ay isang malinaw na indikasyon Tinatawag ng mga Iskolar ng MEMBER
ng kaniyang kawalang-galang at Bayan ang taong tutugon sa mga College editors guild of the philippines (CEGP)
Ang pagtanaw sa nagdaang ter- pang-uuyam sa mismong insti- ito sa katauhan ng magiging UP SOLIDARIDAD
mino ay pag-alala sa mga kwesti- tusyong naghirang sa kanya sa bagong Pangulo ng Pamantasan.
yonableng pagtanggal sa ilang pwesto. At nasa atin, bilang mga Iskolar,
mga kinatawan ng konstityuw- nakaatang ang pagkilatis at pag-
ensya sa UP tulad ng rehente ng Ngayong papalapit na ang pag- giit para taong gaganap nito.
mga estudyante at ng direktor papalit-pwesto sa pagkapangulo

20 • 13 AUGUST 2010 • FRIDAY