What’s Inside? NEWS
Presidential Elections declared a Failure p.3
Faculty searches new OSA Dir p.4
Studentsprotest CHED orders p.3
Feature
The Monster that is HSA p.6
Gone by 9, the newest music sensation of AdDU p.5
OPINION
Harebrainedideas found in Davao unLIMITED sEDITION p.9
Where is your Magis now?
Problems? HerSONA
TOMO 52 Vol.1
August 2007
The Official Student Publication of Ateneo de Davao University
“End the Silence of the Gagged”
EDITORIAL
Hanggang ngayon, wala pa ring pangulo ang Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Ateneo (SAMAHAN), ang student government ng Ateneo. Noong Hulyo 9-13, ginanap ang SAMAHAN Presidential Election kasabay ang eleksyon para sa mga First Year Representatives. Dapat sana, ang presidential election ay kasabay sa pangkalahatang eleksyon para sa iba’t ibang opisyal ng SAMAHAN na ginanap sa huling buwan ng nagdaang pasukan 2006-2007. Ngunit ito ay kinansila dahil sa hindi pa nareresolbang kaso laban sa isang kandidato. Gayunpaman, nagsagawa ng presidential election ang COMELEC kasabay sa First Year Representatives Election sa unang buwan ng bagong pasukan. Iisa lamang ang kandidato, si Karlos Juan Cejar Manlupig ng Pukaw Atenista Party, sapagkat napagdesisyunan ng COMELEC na idiskwalipika si Kiara Fe Calumba ng Piglasapat Party sa salang paglabag sa iilang gabay ng SAMAHAN Election. Ngunit, hindi umabot sa 50%+1 ang turn-out sa boto ng naturang Presidential Election. Nakasaad sa konstitusyon ng SAMAHAN on Election na sa eleksyong iisa lamang ang kandidato, kinakailangang umabot ng 50%+1 ang pangkalahatang boto mula sa tiyak na bilang ng mga estudyanteng kwalipikadong bumoto. Sa ikatlong araw ng eleksyon ay hindi pa umaabot ng 19.5% ang bilang ng mga boto. Kung kaya’y minabuti ng COMELEC na humingi ng pahintulot sa Dean ng School of Business and Governance (SBG), sa Dean ng School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), sa Dean ng Nursing at sa Director ng Office of Student Affairs (OSA) na magsagawa ng room-to-room election. Ang room-room-election ay gaganapin sa loob ng sampung minuto sa bawat klase. Ang proposal na ito ay inaprobahan ng FYCF Coordinator, Admissions Coordinator at ng tatlong Deans maliban sa OSA Director. Samakatuwid, hindi naipagpatuloy ng COMELEC ang pagsasagawa ng room-to-room election dahil sa pagdis-aproba ng OSA Director. Sa interbyu ng Atenews sa OSA Director, sinabi niya na ang room-to-room election ay makakadistorbo lamang sa klase. Ayon sa mga administrador na unang pumayag sa hiling ng mga estudyante, binawi nila ang kanilang desisyong pumirma at ipinaubaya ang huling desisyon sa OSA na namamahala sa student activity. Ayon sa COMELEC, iminungkahi nila ang room-to-room election upang lutasin ang problema ng kawalan ng presidente ng SAMAHAN. Ano ba naman ang sampung minuto para magkaroon ng presidente? Sino ba ang may awtoridad sa classroom, ang mga Deans o ang OSA? Sa naudlot na presidential election at hindi naipagpatuloy na room-to-room election, maraming umalma. Mapaguro man o mapaestudyante. Nang dahil sa sitwasong ito, nakapagplano ang COMELEC na magsagawa ng isang Special Presidential Election sa darating na Setyembre matapos ang maraming beses na pagpupulong-pulong.
ANG KRISIS ATENISTA Hanggang ngayon nga ay wala pa ring presidente ang SAMAHAN. Walang lider ang mga estudyante na magrerepresenta sa kanilang mga isyu at hinaing. Kung magpapatuloy ang ganitong kalagayan, papaano pa maitataguyod ang layuning pagsilbihan ang mga Tinyo at Tinya? THE ATENEWS / The Official Student Publication of Ateneo de Davao University Editor-in-chief: Nisa Opalla Associate Editor: Santigo Paulo Pascual Managing Editor: Hyangelo Hao News Editor: JB Tomas Busque Feature Editor: Marjorie Lamboso Staff Writers: Hope Charmaine D. Mangabang, Carmel Jade T. Bual, Keithneer Corrales, Karlo James Bringas,Sonito Mole, Farrah Samonadi, Blossom Madulin, Sheena Suazo,Kheycee Matarlo, Samuel Salisipan, Hannah Lesley Taotjo, Jell Vie Gualberto, Jobelle Obguia, Ma. Elaine Dy Lay-out Editors: Alfredo C. Compra Jr, Karla Degrano Contributors: Samuel John Salisipan Photographers: Marvin Reyes, Mick Basa Cartoonists: Shem Bajenting, Carl Garey Marañon, Ghamar Kanda Abdul, Noli Jane Pacunla, Ruki Trumata Moderators: Dr. Macariu Tiu and Dr. Victoria Tatad-Pre Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines The Atenews is the official student publication of the Ateneo de Davao University. Our office is located at the Covered Court Building, Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto St., Davao City. We accept articles, letters, poems, pictutres comics and other contributions for publication.
03
News
ATENEWS / August 2007
Presidential Elections Students protest Declared a Failure CHED Orders by Hyangelo Hao
The recent presidential election was declared a failure by the Committee on Elections on the grounds that the total number of votes did not reach the required amount of 50%+1 of the total student population. When asked about it, COMELEC chairperson Franilyn Sendiong attributed it to many complex interrelated factors. Commissioner Sendiong cites the postponement of the presidential elections back in February as the primary reason for the failure of elections. It is important to note that back in February, there was a general spark of interest among the students because of the hullabaloo caused by the controversies that surrounded the election. She says that the interest of the students was dragged for far too long by the delay that was caused when the Academic Committee overruled COMELEC’s decision on presidentiable Kiare Fe Calumba’s case.
The COMELEC also relates the disapproval of the room to room election by the OSA as a major contributing factor to the failure of election. The room to room election was an effective way of reaching out to students in the past elections. Commissioner Sendiong relates that they had no problem getting the approval of OSA Director Ricardo Enriquez during the past elections. His only conditions before were that the teachers be given the discretionary power on whether the COMELEC be allowed to conduct their room to room election and to limit the election to five minutes. This time around however, Mr. Enriquez rejected the COMELEC’s first attempt to get approval flatly on the grounds that the COMELEC was forcing the students to vote. In an interview with ATENEWS, he added that he never really changed his mind about the room to room election because such activities disturb classes and it is not
by Nisa Opalla part of the Comelec guidelines. Ms. Sendiong was dismayed by the decision of Mr. Enriquez. She explained to ATENEWS that the suggestion to conduct room to room election was not a way of forcing the students to vote. It was to counter the students’ lack of interest by facilitating their votes. “Bal-an naman nato nga halos magkandaugaga na mi nga manghangyo sa ilaha nga magboto sila pero it doesn’t mean na ginaforce namo nga magboto sila. It is up to the voter kung I blank nila or butangan nila og [pangalan sa kanditato],” says Ms. Sendiong. The COMELEC’s second attempt at getting the approval of the OSA Director was also rejected despite the fact that they were able to get the approval of all of the Deans of college, the Admissions Director and the FYCF coordinator. However, in ATENEWS’ interview with Mr. Enriquez, he said
CONT. / P. 11
Student leaders and campus journalists, together with progressive youth organizations for the protection of students’ rights and welfare, protested in front of the CHED Office, Juna Subdivision last July 18 against the memorandum orders released by CHED dated March 1, 2007. Two memorandum orders from the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) which subjects ‘CHED partnership with the National Council of Campus Journalists of the Philippines (NCCJP) and National Council of Student Governments of the Philippines (NCSGP) and encouragement for the different Higher Education Institutions’ Campus Journalists and Student Governments to affiliate as members of the NCCJP and NCSGP’ have been addressed to
All CHEDRO Directors, Presidents/ Heads of Public and Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The two orders are in pursuant to the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994” where all concerned are informed of the official partnership of CHED – Office of Student Services, NCSGP and NCCJP in the conduct of continuing capability building among the officers of different student councils and editorial staff of different campus papers in the different HEIs of the country. The two orders stipulates that CHEDROs may recognize the regional coordinators of the NCCJP and NCSGP to serve as partners in the formulation of plans and pro-
CONT. / P. 11
New batch of GACP officers elected by Marjorie Lamboso
Presidential candidate Karlos Manlupig campaigning during the elections. The COMELEC reported 45.93% voter’s turnout which resulted to a failure of election.(Hyangelo Hao)
Internet Fee: To Pay or Not To Pay?
In a general assembly on July 13, 2007, a new batch of officers for the General Assembly of Class Presidents was elected into office. 104 out of 144 class presidents attended the assembly. Before voting procedures took place, AdDU COMELEC chairperson Franilyn Sendiong discussed pertinent issues regarding the election conduct as well as addressed rumors of campaigning and vote fencing. Elected president by an overwhelming majority was Joseph Go III (BSBA-PA 4), affirming his interim posting for the same position. Lani Shiong Shu (BSChem 4) was also elected as Interim Vice-President for Internal Affairs. Kiara Fe Calumba (BSC-MA 4), whose SAMAHAN presidential bid was nullified by election protests, was elected to the position of Vice President for External Affairs. Liezl Salera (BSC-MA 3) defeated Elaine Cedeño for the aforemen-
tioned position in a close-run vote. Meanwhile, Raphael Cacayan won the position for Finance Officer, over four other nominees. The top three posts of the GACP are held by Piglasapat members. The election of Joseph Go III to the top slot also makes him SAMAHAN Vice President for Internal affairs, to complement CCO President and fellow Piglasapat member Bernardine Elizaga as Vice President for External Affairs. In a short interview with the GACP president, Go stated that the GACP is in full support of a special elections for the SAMAHAN presidency. The incoming set of officers has their hands full in their plans for the school year. Go calls on the class presidents to attend the meetings of the GACP, and stressed that the GACP can mobilize and act on issues only if a quorum is achieved.
CONT. / P. 11
by Hannah Taotjo
In January 1999, the Atenews featured an article that dealt with the excessive internet fees. Questions were raised about the possibility of a refund for unused internet fees, or making it an optional payment. There was also an apology and a confession from Mr. Edwin Maranon, ACSC head, that the internet fees were indeed excessive (however, he later said— in the same article—that the fees were not excessive). Back then, there were only 50 computers available in the Internet Lab to cater to 5,972 students. Now, there are about 100 computers available at the fourth floor of the Gisbert Building to serve 7,691 Ateneans. Plus, a wireless connec-
tion network has already been set up, ready to be availed by those with laptops. Are the students contented now? After more than seven years, what has happened to the issue? Is it still an issue? Or the administration and the student body accepted the idea that there can be no refund or option to pay? When asked if a student could just have the option to pay for (and therefore avail of) the computer facilities, Mr. Rolex Ratilla of the Finance Department says that it cannot be done. It is a fixed cost, and whether or not students avail of it, the expense would still be there. It is up to the students, therefore, to use what they are paying for. Why don’t they?
“Wow, fourth floor” says Peewee, a Management Accounting student. “Malayo kasi. Marami pang ek-ek before I can actually do my research or type or whatever.” The Internet Reservation area is located near the Claveria gate. “Joke yan?” asked Nikko, a freshman, when told where to make a reservation. After successfully making a reservation, the student would have to leave her/his bag in the depository outside the library. Then, s/he would scan her/his ID at the library entrance, and climb several flights of stairs before getting to the Internet Lab,
CONT. / P. 11
Student’s protest against CHED Memo Orders.(KP)
04 News
ATENEWS / August 2007
Faculty Searches for New OSA Dir by Nisa Opalla
In March 2007, the Faculty Club proposed to Fr. Samson the formation of a ‘Search Committee’ to choose a new Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Director. This was in view of the fact that Mr. Rikki Enriquez has been occupying the post as OSA Director for 9 years. The faculty club cited the faculty manual which stipulates that an OSA Director’s term is only limited to six years. Re-appointment cases will depend upon the discretion of the University President. However,
according to Mr. Neil Ryan Pancho, the former Faculty Club President, “Nine years is enough!” The Faculty Club ran a signature campaign gaining 103 signatures from the teachers who urged Fr. Samson to form a ‘search committee’ for a new OSA Director. The proposal listed three issues against Mr. Enriquez. First was the issue on Mr. Enriquez’s overstaying in the office. Second was his overbearing attitude towards students. Third was his being nonconsensual when it comes to meetings. Mr. Pancho said that
a meeting for Rikki is equated to ‘a meeting to agree’. However, the Faculty Club’s sentiments have been put to dismay. Last summer, Mr. Enriquez was re-appointed by the University President. “We respect the decision of the president. We just hope that this time, Rikki would be consensual and would consider the opinions of the students and the teachers. The Faculty is really watching him.” When asked about his side, Mr. Enriquez didn’t give any comment. He said he has nothing to say about it.
ADDU confers Doctorate of Laws on Dr. Adel Omar Sherif by JB Tomas Busque
The University conferred on Dr. Adel Omar Sherif, Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt, an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, last July 19 at the Finster Auditorium. The degree was conferred by University President Fr. Antonio Samson, SJ, and assisted by Chief Justice Reynato Puno and Egyptian Ambassador Salwa Moufeed Kamel. Dr. Sherif delivered as his response the 2nd Distinguished Lecture, Series of 2007, of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. His lecture was entitled “INTERPRETING ISLAMIC SHARI’A IN MODERN AGE – THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE SUPREME CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF EGYPT.”
The convocation was graced by most of the justices of the Supreme Court including Justices Antonio Carpio, Angelina Sandoval, Antonio Nachura, the Master of Ceremonies and, Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera (ret.), among others. Shari’a experts from the Court of Appeals were also in attendance. ADDU’s Board of Trustees, Deans, Division Heads were also present in their robes of colors, along with lawyers and selected students of the University. The special academic convocation of the ADDU was held in cooperation with the Supreme Court of the Philippines, the Philippine Judicial Academy, and the Philippine Association of Law Schools.
COMELEC Sets SAMAHAN Presidential Special Election by Nisa Opalla
The COMELEC gave the SAMAHAN Central Board two options after the Samahan Dr. Omar Sharif is conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws from Fr. Samson, who is assisted by presidential election was deSupreme Court Justice Reynato Puno. Egyptian Ambassador Salwa Moufeed Kamel looks on. clared a failure. First was the Photo by: JB BUSQUE special election. This option is believed to be the most valid way after a failure of election. Second was for the SAMAHAN Central Board to allow the by Mick Basa COMELEC to decide how to reUniversity President Fr. drawn different reactions from books for one semester.” This is solve the issue based on six opthe other reason for increasing the tions. Samson S.J. issued a memoran- students. “Nganong mahal man fines. dum on June 5, 2007 increasing As a result of the memo, 1st option: The COMlibrary fines. The increase took kaayo?”, 3rd year Mass Comthe list of borrowers with overdue ELEC may endorse the SAMAeffect on June 12 this school munication student Terence Ruyear. elan said. “Mahal na ang tu- books has decreased. “Books are HAN Central Board to form an Director of Libraries ition, miscellaneous, mahal pa returned on due date”, Sales says. Adhoc Committee to take charge The fines are plowed back for all Samahan presidential reLeonisa Sales said “the uni- jud ang fines sa library.” to the library and used to purchase sponsibilities and obligations. versity found out that we had According to Sales, “the more materials. lowered our fines.” She recalled fines did not increase for the last 2nd option: The COMFor those who complain that the library, before the auto- 12 years.” She did a comparative ELEC may appoint the Intermation, charged 1 peso for the study of library fines of other about the said increase, Sales ad- nal-Vice President, who is the first five days and 2 pesos for the Ateneo schools. The study con- vised “you can avoid the fines by General Assembly of Class following days. In 2003, when cluded that the University had returning books on time.” FurtherPresidents (GACP), as Presithe automation started, borrow- lower fines compared to other more she added that students are lucky here. “You should just go to dent. Article XIII, Section 1 of ers were charged a flat rate of 1 schools in Davao. the SAMAHAN Constitution peso for overdue books. However, it was just other libraries to be able to appre- states that any permanent vacanThe memo states that okay for, 3rd year Philosophy ciate what you have. No libraries the Jacinto libraries will now major Ilsea Salvador. She said in Davao City could compare to cies in the office of the President charge a fine of 5 pesos for “It is for the advantage for the our library. You really have a lot.” shall be filled by the Internal Vice-president. overdue books. The increase has library since students borrow
New Library Fines
3rd option: The COMELEC may appoint the External Vice President, who is the Campus Clubs Organization (CCO), as President. 4th option: The COMELEC Office, in any case, may assume the presidential seat. 5th option: The COMELEC may opt for a special election. 6th option: The COMELEC may declare Karlos Juan C. Manlupig, the sole presidential candidate, as the SAMAHAN President Out of the two options, the SAMAHAN Central Board decided to go for a Special Election, with seven votes for yes-to-special election against four votes for a no-to-special election. The COMELEC set the campaign period on September 10-21 and the election period on October 1-5, 2007. “We are urging the students to please participate in the special election. It is our right that is at stake here. Please do vote. “, said COMELEC Chairperson Franilyn Sendiong.
Feature
ATENEWS / August 2007
Fiesta
Fever Preview by JB Busque
It’s that time of the year when excitement, fun, and team spirit smell so good it’s intoxicating. I’m not talking about anything illegal. On the contrary, the description falls in capturing the total effect that this annual event can bring out on blue blooded Ateneans. The Ateneo Fiesta is not just a dancing and singing event, but an explosion of the many talents and skills by true blue Ateneans in all their passions.. There are big events every night for four whole days, installation art and painting contests, debate and extemporaneous speaking, film showing, fashion
events, Pinoy games, photo contests, sports competition, individual booths with all their merry offers, and a lot more. This is the 59th fiesta the Ateneo de Davao University is celebrating. Fifty-nine years is a long span of time by any definition. And through so many years of bringing together students, faculty, and all those who call themselves part of Ateneo, the Ateneo Fiesta has become an Ateneo Institution. And this institution believes so much in the maxim, “Life is Fiesta.” And I see no reason why it should not be. Here’s a preview of what’s coming. Bright times lie ahead. Cheers!
59th ATENEO FIESTA August 15-18, 2007 THEME: Mother Mary perfect inspiration of Every Christian in Following Jesus
Aug. 15 (Wed)
Morning 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:30 Afternoon 1:00 2:00 Evening 6:00
Aug. 16 (Tues)
Assembly Time @ RIZAL PARK PARADE MASS ATENEO DANCE SHOWDOWN PALARONG ATENISTA OPENING OF GIMIKAN “BLUENITE” SHINDIG (Ateneo Dance party @ the Covered Court)
Morning 8:00 9:00 Afternoon 1:00 2:00
PALARONG ATENISTA PICTURE PERFECT PALARONGATENISTA IGNATIAN DEBATE FINALS and EXTEMPO DIALOGUE (F-213)
Gone by 9, newest music sensation of ADDU by JB Busque
E
veryday in Ateneo gets jazzed up by this band of pop music virtuosos that make the spot of the University chapel as refreshing as homemade lemonade on a dog day afternoon. This band makes the chapel grounds cool areas for every student looking for a note to cuddle the eardrums. The breezy blend of bass, percussions, rhythm and lead guitars and honeyed voices of the singers of Gone by 9 makes such a stay in the campus wonderfully melodic. Gone by 9 is the newest band to hit the campus music scene. They were originally called M tree, after Magic Tree, referring to the tree that gives the blessed and uplifting shade near the chapel where they play their tunes. They got their new name after the Ateneo official end of classes by 9pm; at this time the band calls it a day. Gone by 9 is a fusion of two bands namely, Lara’s band and Jam @ 7, which Jairus Rosello, the band’s lead male vocalist, tells me, “fate led our passion for music together under that magic tree beside the benches.” The band’s lead vocalists are Christine Joy “Tin” Lugo, a 2nd yr ABISST Major in American Studies, and 3rd yr. Civil Engineering student Jairus “Jai” Rosello, a senior member of the Carillon, a singing organization. The band’s guitar authorities include Marte “Martz” Saravia, who handles the bass, a 1st yr architecture student, rhythm guitarist and one of the band’s composer is Jean Claude “Jay” Ruano, a 2nd yr BSED major in Bio Science student, and Paulo Miguel “Migz” Orquina, the lead guitarist and other composer who studies English as an Education student. The beat and drum masters of the band include Webster “Webby” Abraham, a 1st yr MassComm student, and Earnest “Mico” Roldan, taking up Nursing. The band’s composition only proves true talents should be diverse. The band ingeniously mixes different genres of pop music and creates a new flare of bossa nova, jazz, acoustics, and other various genres. For as they say, “variety is key.” They start-
Siesta tunes: Gone by 9 practices beneath the magic tree near the chapel.(JB Busque)
ed singing in debuts, anniversaries, concert for causes, with a little help from friends and the growing admiration evoked by the band’s expanding audience. The band’s composers, Migz and Jay, put new delicate and interesting twists on classic compositions such as Sergio Mendes’s Mas Que Nada, Frank Sinatra’s Fly me to the moon, and MYMP’s Tattooed on my mind. Gone by 9 also has its original composition entitled You Amaze Me. These are only a few of Gone by 9’s spiced up songs. The band is already gaining recognition as they practice for their grand participation in the coming 59th Ateneo Fiesta, and the nationwide Student Advertising Congress to be held at the Finster Auditorium. Gone by 9 is a true product of Ignatian orientation with the right amount of individuality and style. This band’s future is really bright. The dynamics of Gone by 9 brings the definition of glued, supportive, and innovative to new heights. Mas que nada (read: more than anything) they look forward to more events where they can show that an Atenista musician can bring panache and pizzazz to any stage. Gone by 9 is the new face of the Ateneo music vista where the modern and the classic take the designs of youthful innovation that tell of the mind of the age and the spirit of the times. Gone by 9 is the band to watch out this year, and they promise to brighten up your days if you take the route to the magic tree.
Evening
Aug. 17 (Fri)
7:00
CHEERDANCE & DANCESPORT COMPETITION
8:00 9:00
PALARONG ATENISTA (SEMI-FINALS) INSTALLATION ART (GAZEBO Grounds) PAINTING CONTEST (Mini-Auditorium)
Morning
Afternoon 1:00
PALARONG ATENISTA (SEMI-FINALS) JAZZ UP YOUR JEANS (F-201) FILM SHOWING (F-213) “Maria Full of Grace” (Colombia) “The Chorus” (France)
Evening
Aug. 18 (Sat)
7:00
ATENEO “STAR” SEARCH
8:00 9:30
PALARONG ATENISTA (FINALS) BASKETBALL EXHIBITION GAME (Addu Varsity Players vs. Xavier Varsity Players)
Morning
Afternoon 1:00 3:00 Evening 7:00
PALARONG ATENISTA (FINALS) PALARONG PINOY “SAYAWTENISTA”/JAZZ UP YOUR JEANS SHOWCASE AND AWARDING
05
1st Row(from Left): Jay, Migz, Martz, Miko 2nd Row(from Left): Jairus, Tin, Webby
06 Feature The Hydra, in Greek mythology, is a monster with multiple serpents attached to its body. It lived in one of the foul ponds in a remote village and was feared everywhere due to its strength, cunning, and its almost immortal body. When one of its head was cut, two heads will grow in its place making it much more dangerous to the one who wishes to slay it. To destroy the Hydra, as the myth tells, you have to cut off its middle head. Hercules, himself had a hard time in killing the monster. On March 6, 2007, the HSA (Human Security Act of 2007 or the Anti-Terror Bill) was signed by Arroyo into a law. Like a hydra loosed upon the helpless masses, the HSA is poised to strike, with its many provisions and multiple sanctions, to terrorize and maim human rights in the name of its master. The HSA is prepared to devour what little freedom the Filipino nation has. Slaying the bill is an intimidating task, as it could retaliate with many other weapons against its wouldbe slayer. And now, our freedom and our rights are threatened. Where is Hercules when you need one? The Hydra is spawned On February 8, 2007, the HSA (Human Security Act of 2007 or the Anti-Terror Bill) was passed onto final reading in the Senate. Amidst controversies and much protest from concerned sectors, the bicameral conference of both Houses of the Congress and the Senate approved the bill in full the following day. Eventually, both houses ratified the bicameral report and on March 6, 2007, Arroyo signed the bill into law. The bill was prioritized over urgent bills such as the cheaper medicines bill, wage increase and various human rights compensation bills of the Marcos victims. Prior to its approval, the senators who approved the bill are greeted with much protest and anger, particularly from the church, human rights supporters and other concerned sectors. Indeed, the vocal participation of the church put some of our opposition senators, who approved the bill into thinking. Ominous The definition of “terrorism” is vague, ambiguous, and open to various abuses. It could mean a lot of things, as interpreted by Malacanang thru the Justice Department and its “just” secretary Raul Gonzales, and the newly formed Anti-Terrorism council. Section 3 of the bill states that terrorism is an act of “sowing and creating a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace in order to coerce the government to give in to an unlawful demand.” The statement “condition of widespread… fear and panic” is again very vague. What could be considered fearful to a person might not be to another one. A situation’s “fear level” is subjective, since it will be determined by the government. (And the government lately is notorious for political murders, corruption, and trampling of human rights). With no coherent and objective guidelines for our law enforcers to observe, the HSA gives them the discretion to determine whether a
ATENEWS / August 2007
person is a terrorist or not. In plain language: you are at the mercy of the enforcer’s gun. With the unabated killings of our fellow human, the HSA provides the “legal teeth” long awaited by military and police forces in committing various violations of human rights. Any suspected terrorist may be placed under house arrest where any form of communication is prohibited, including cellphones (which according to the proponents of the HSA could be used to detonate bombs.) and computers, even if he/she is granted bail on the grounds that the evidence is weak. So, once our government decided one sunny day to label you as a destabilizing terrorist, the best you can hope for is to get out alive. The HSA also allows preventive detention, an expanded power of warrantless arrests, and unchecked invasion of privacy, liberty and other basic human rights. It is basically poised to rattle many of the provisions in the Bill of Rights, enabling the state to exercise terror among the people. The Hydra against Labeled Groups Section 4 of the HSA defines the conspiracy to commit terrorism as “when two or more persons come to an agreement concerning the commission of the crime of terrorism as defined in Section 3 hereof and decide to commit the same.” In short, perpetrators of a terrorist activity is first agreed upon by “two or more persons” who decide to commit the crime. The fundamental in conspiracy is that the act of one is the act of all. What makes this section deadly is that modern-day crime organizations are designed in such a way that the people with the least to benefit from the criminal enterprise is put to greatest risk. Oftentimes, these “small fishes” are exposed to too much risk, and yet they do not know the greater scheme of things because the “big fish” of a crime syndicate is using its many connections to do its schemes. If Section 4 is implemented in full, it will likely capture the “small fish” not the boss himself Section 17 prohibits the formation and workings of a “terrorist organization” and yet the concept of “terrorist organization” is vague. Outlawing organizations that are branded by the government as engaging in terrorist activities is not only dangerous, but a good opportunity for the government to suppress groups voicing out grievances and, groups of assembly which the government could classify as subversive. Multiple Deadly Heads Once again, like the Hydra, the HSA has lots of deadly provisions and laws which could be used against those branded as terrorists. The penalty for the crime of terrorism and conspiracy to terrorism is 40 years of imprisonment without the benefit of parole. (A parole is “a conditional release from imprisonment that entitles the person to serve the remainder of the sentence outside the prison as long as
by Santigo Paulo Pascual
Feature
ATENEWS / August 2007 the terms of release are complied with.”) For accomplices, it’s “17 years, 4 months and 1 day to 20 years of imprisonment”; and for accessories “10 years and 1 day to 12 years of imprisonment” For people guilty of the above crimes, they can be, according to the bill: (a) Detained under house arrest (b) Restricted from traveling and/or (c) Prohibited in using cellphones, computers or other means of communication with people outside their house. Section 19 provides that in a terrorist attack, suspected persons may be arrested or detained as long as it is approved by “by a judge of the municipal or regional trial court, the Sandiganbayan or a justice of the Court of Appeals nearest the place of the arrest or by “a municipal, city, provincial or regional office of a Human Rights Commission”. The above provisions violates basic human rights such as one’s innocence until proven guilty, the right to due process, an impartial trial and the right to travel and privacy of communication. Wiretapping and surveillance operations can also be used against suspected terrorists. These operations can be done upon the approval of the “authorizing division” in the Court of Appeals. If you have taken PS211, you would know that wiretapping is unconstitutional, and any evidence obtained by such manner is void; and yet the HSA employs such methods. This infringes our rights to privacy. With the technological advances of our time, the mediums used in these surveillance operations can be tampered with, modified or manipulated. Clearly, the scope for abuse is so vast that one can wonder if the HSA was really reviewed and scrutinized by our “honorable” congressmen and senators. Financial inspection and manipulation can be issued upon the people who are suspected of terrorists. It begins with, again, at the Court of Appeals and its special court designated to handle antiterrorism cases. The justices authorize the government to and gather information and examine the “deposits, placements, trust accounts, assets records in a bank or financial institution”. This violates the usual due process and certain property rights that enable a person to shield his financial records from prying eyes. Clearly, the HSA monster is in such position to play with its food before deciding to eat. Among with many other things, the HSA has more provisions that will eventually gobble up the Bill of Rights. Willing Victims? Although the government states that people don’t have to worry about anything if they are not terrorists, the controversial HSA is smirched
07
with vagueness. Critical parts of the HSA are so flexible that they can be manipulated to pinpoint anyone, including YOU, and be marked as the Hydra’s next victim. Even before the monster’s birth, there have been multiple human rights violations such as the extrajudicial killings, unaccounted abductions, and disappearances. If you think the HSA is nothing to be worry about, you are sadly mistaken. The multiheaded HSA is slithering everywhere. Given with its vantage position to victimize the masses, it will only be a matter of time before the government commands its monster to devour us all. Unfortunately, people seem to be unaffected by the HSA and its deadly effects; The only way for the monster to be slain, is to find, Hercules in each and every one of us, and make a stand. Are we going to fight the master and the monsters when the damages and the victims are almost too much to bear? As they say, the ultimate price of freedom, and I might add, justice, is eternal vigilance.
HSA’s definition of a crime: The Source of Controversy: In summary, the definition of crime under the HSA is as follows: “Sec. 3. Terrorism—Any person who commits an act punishable under any of the following provisions of the Revised Penal Code: A. Art. 122 (Piracy in General and Mutiny); B. Art. 134 (Rebellion or Insurrection); C. Art. 134-A (Coup d’Etat), including acts committed by private persons; D. Art. 248 (Murder); E. Art. 267 (Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention); F. Art. 324 (Crimes Involving Destruction); or under (1) P.D. 1613 (Law on Arson); (2) R.A. 6969 (Toxic Substance and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act); (3) R.A. 5207 (Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability Act); (4) R.A. 6235 (Anti-Hijacking Law); (5) P.D. 532 (Anti-Piracy and Anti-Highway Robbery Law); and (6) P.D. 1866, as amended (Decree Codifying the Laws on Illegal and Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing in, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives) Thereby sowing and creating a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace, in order to coerce the government to give in to an unlawful demand shall be guilty of terrorism and shall suffer the penalty of 40 years of imprisonment, without the benefit of parole...” For the crime of terrorism to be committed, therefore, four elements are essential: 1. The commission of one or more of the crimes specified in Section 3 above, 2. That sows and creates a condition of “widespread and extraordinary fear and panic” among the populace, 3. For the purpose of coercing the government, 4. To give in to an “unlawful” demand.
08 Opinion
ATENEWS / August 2007
Street View
For comments, suggestions violent reactions. Email us at:
and
Nisa Opalla
atenews@gmail.com “State of Her Own Address” Uulitin ko: Hindi ako sagabal sa ambisyon ninuman. (I repeat: I am not a hindrance to anyone’s ambition.) That was her majesty’s line of assertion. As what I’ve been expecting, her SONA would always dwell best with economic features and promotion that would best project the image of a country in such a way that economy is well-off. But her claims will not hold up to even the most casual scrutiny. According to statistical figures by IBON Foundation, more than 3,000 Filipinos who leave the country for work abroad belie the government’s claim that it has generated more than 800,000 jobs a year since Macapagal-Arroyo assumed office in
2001. People living on the streets and sidewalks of Manila are an objective manifestation that poverty continues to thrive despite the claim of the Arroyo administration that the economy is doing good. She also claimed that she succeeded in arresting the country’s
How can canthe the govHow governernment ment collectcollect more more taxes when taxes when majority majority of the Filiof the Filipino peopino people are not ple are not earning earning enough inenough come? income?
Inihahandog n g A t e n e w s … Marami ka bang iniisip? “Pag ang lason na-expire, nakakalason parin kaya ito ?”
Where is your “magis” now?
Marami ka bang reklamo? “… grabe pud si Mam oi, kadaghan assignments gihatag sa atoa…”
What can be said of the recent failure of the presidential elections is that we have failed to avail of our right and fulfill our duty. Yes – the right to sufMarami ka bang lihim? “I have 3 boyfriends… at the same frage is also intrinsically a duty if you time… and they have no idea ask me. how I…”
How hard is it to write a name on a piece of paper? It literally took me only a few seconds to finish voting. How Marami bang tumatakbo sa isip come other students can’t even spare this mo? Bakit hindi mo ilagay sa palittle amount of their precious time to pel? participate in the election when in truth Nais naming malaman kung ano they spend so much of it doing nothing?
Blueblood
ang nasa saluobin ni tinyo at tinya sa ating makabagong panahon. Kung meron ka mang sanaysay na nais mong ibahagi sa ating unibersidad, ay magpasa lamang sa Atenews office sa covered court building. Ilagay ang iyong pangalan, edad at ilang personal na detalye kasama ang iyong sanaysay. Kung ito ay mapipili, ilalagay namin ito sa bagong kolumn ng Atenews; ang Blueblood.
The Committee on Elections did their job with flying colors. They took great efforts in informing the student body that there was an election. They even put out infomercial videos since the average Atenean don’t even read bulletin board announcement unless there’s “holiday” written all over it. Some people attribute the failure to a lack of information dissemination by the COMELEC but this is actually an overused alibi. Maybe, Kahit anong topic at wika pwede, it’s just that nobody is listening to them basta gawa ni tinyo at tinya! nowadays. Student apathy strikes again. Ano pa hinihintay mo? Write your way to fame!
fiscal crisis through “reforms” such as the implementation of the reformed value-added tax (RVAT). The RVAT is supposed to give people better livelihood. But instead it has caused the skyrocketing of price of basic goods. The question is, how can the government collect more taxes when majority of the Filipino people are not earning enough income? It’s good that she mentioned something about education but she never talked about the new Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Orders on the formation of National Council of Student Governments of the Philippines (NCSGP) and the National Council of Campus Journalists of the Philippines (NCCJP) in coordi-
nation with CHED officials and school administrators. This is a clear violation to the autonomy of student organizations. She also forgot to mention the controversial issue of the Human Security Act whose promises contradict the constitution’s claim on democracy. Any noise can be even considered as an act of terror. She was silent on the growing number of political killings in the Philippines. Where real lives are at risk, Madam President chose not to talk in her State of the Nation Address. Reality Check! Who now becomes the hindrance to an ambition?
Rocks from Heaven Hyangelo Hao
is the apparent inability of the students to participate on their own accord, the COMELEC decided to reach out to the students. They devised a way (an ingenious one in my opinion) to curb the ill and degenerative effects of the lack of student initiative - to conduct a room to room election. If students aren’t willing to go to the election venue then why not bring the venue to the students?
Student Studentapathy apathy strikes strikesagain. again. Then the unimaginable happened, the COMELEC was barred from conducting a room to room election by none other than the Office of Student Affairs even when every other person of authority already approved it.
Upon realizing that their greatest When you think about it, obstacle towards a successful election shouldn’t that office be at the forefront
in promoting proactive student participation? The OSA and the student population in general only support entertaining events like the Sayawtenista and Awitenista only but why not Votenista? Perhaps the COMELEC should hire the services of singers and dancers during the elections to provide entertainment and thus attract the students to vote? )Sarcasm intended.) I see students spending commendable efforts in preparing for and participating in the annual Ateneo Fiesta year after year after year. People endure insanely long lines to get inside a very uncomfortable venue. This is solid proof that we can move out of our comfort zones from time to time but only for what reasons? For entertainment perhaps? Are we Ateneans only capable of merrymaking? I prefer to think not but these present situations prod me to think otherwise. We just can’t seem to get past our usual indifference. Fellow Atenean, where is your magis now?
Opinion 09
ATENEWS / August 2007
Breaking Point Santigo Paulo Pascual
Enrollment in the Ateneo de Davao University is a feat, not to mention a silent torment experienced by Ateneans. I still have a burning dislike for the enrollment process here in AdDU. As many of you have noticed, the same old harrowing enrollment process dominates this year (although the priority number system in the Finance office is a welcome change). The kilometric line in the finance office is just the surface of a chronic problem this college has been suffering for semesters and as many of the enrollees would attest; the whole affair is a living hell. With the higher-than-average tuition fees (and still going higher!), I am quite puzzled why we have to endure the excruciating process of enrollment. Is it high time that the school administration solve the enrollment problem? Why don’t we have an online enrollment for the convenience of students? Other schools have this kind of system. Isn’t it odd to see that a private institution, that often preaches about their up-to-date facilities, resorting to stone-age enrollment methods? The enrollment problem has persisted through the years, and students have been complaining for a lot of time already. When will the administration lift a finger to answer the student’s pleas? *** Speaking of persistent problems, the month of August signals the Fiesta Week, where there will be fun and games for all and (hopefully) religious celebrations. I don’t mean to be pessimistic, but there are disturbing rumors circulating around that the problems of the last Fiesta making a comeback this year. A SAMAHAN Officer said that the Cheerdance will be held (again) at the covered court, and this time around, TICKETS will be sold. The admin says, the money generated by the tickets will go to the Daily Bread. Of course the ticket scheme is done to monitor the number of people going in the covered court to witness the Cheerdance, which is fine; but I guess some of us would have to be content with viewing it outside. Ang lungkot ano? Practices will again be held. There are possibilities that students (and that doesn’t necessarily mean that the authorities have
to know) might resort to professional choreographers which could lead to questionable performances. However, I wonder why the emphasis on the dancing and singing talents of the Ateneo community is so prevalent during the fiesta time? Events such as debates and sports seem to attract an inferior a lesser number of people in comparison with the Cheerdance. Sometimes I have the feeling that the whole essence of the Fiesta is slowly but surely disappearing. I am no pious devotee preaching the Bible, but I do hope that people would stop once in a while to commemorate Our Lady of Assumption. *** Not only does the sing-and-dance routine rampant in the Fiesta. Last year, for example, the Student Summit was almost deserted but people took notice when there was a special dance number. Whatever happened to the important issues around the school? Maybe, there is a reason for the widespread sing-and-dance culture that is currently gripping the Ateneo community. Club participation in this school is almost dead. Even our very own COMELEC is currently suffering a failure of elections. The Atenews has been quite vocal about the lack of club participation in this school. There are numerous difficulties that hinder the club to function properly. Money is a primary problem for clubs and organizations to be able to materialize their agendas; and the administration is not helping in this situation. The cumbersome process in trying to put up a fund-raising scheme couple with a heavy academic load, contributes to a double dead situation in club and organization’s role in contributing progress to the Ateneo. But it seems that a dance group which is backed up by a powerful officer in the school is enjoying immense freedom and benefits. According to a source, this dance group was sent to Cagayan last year in order to swing their stuff for a contest. Financial support was easily given to this dance group.
*** There seems to be injustice for other clubs without powerful connections. It’s not that I dislike this particular dance group; in fact I am a huge fan of their skills and grace. What I find odd, is the lack of attention given to some clubs and organizations. Some technical clubs in the Engineering and Architecture division has potential in coming up with ingenious designs and inventions; if given proper funds. The organizations in the Nursing division, which has a lot of students, could come up with something deserving of their title as a caring profession. The powerful connections are not necessary. Making it easy for these organizations to gather funds is. This is a good step in promoting their worthy goal; and when these clubs are up and running, there is a good possibility that more and more students will apply their courses thru these clubs. Imagine a patented invention or first place in a national tournament. But the problem is: the admin preaches the importance of these clubs and organizations according to the student handbook, but it refuses to help it prosper and grow in the Ateneo. Shame. *** And yet with all these problems festering in our own backyard, there is a notable lack of student participation. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but the truth is; majority of us are still apathetic. Just look in the gazebo and some students ignore the rule on seating on the table. Around the chairs and tables near the stairs on every floor (the one connecting W, T and F buildings), you can find garbage scattered around despite the signs to keep the place clean. Then one day our office decided to post spoilers of the last book of Harry Potter, and students actually barged inside our office expressing their distaste and anger. Some of them actually demanded to have the spoilers removed. And yet they are silent on the issues present in the school. No offense meant to the Potter fans, but I do hope their fervor regarding the spoilers could be someday displaced to more pressing issues faced by students on campus.
STUDENT ADVERTSING CONGRESS 2007 Campus Invasion 2nd Leg
Pr 4 d ep BA are Tt LE ...
v
“Problems”
Ateneo de Davao University Finster Auditorium August 24,2007 4:00pm-8:00PM
Did you vote last school election? Why?
“Yup, a school needs a student government, one that has a proper working hierarchy to be of benefit for the school…Sad… both the student populace and the student government forgot the importance of voting and the need of a president/head.” -Mac Mac Manabat, AB Polsci 3 “Yes, because I want to exercise my right to vote.I think we need to put up a government for the students’ benefit because hanging hanging na lang man gud ang SAMAHAN.” -Sparkle, IE 3 “Yes, because I was asked to vote. Nakita man pud nako na naa sila’y good agenda ug good platform, then, (sa tan-aw lang nako ha) responsible sila ug nawong. -Kenneth Uy “Yes, because I have a friend at the COMELEC and he asked me to vote. Makita man gud sa mga estudyante nga walay difference kung magboto sila o dili kay dili man makabenefit sa ila.” -Angeli Lacierda, CE 3 “(I was asked to vote…) Naglakaw lang man ko ato tapos gipaboto man ko nila…Expected na ang failure of elections kay walay cooperation from the students.” -Bem, CE 2 “Never… wala ko’y nakit-an na meaning or significance as to why I should vote.” -Raph Catoto, 4th Yr. M.A. “Yah, I voted but the honestly, it’s not because I wanted to, it just so happened that COMELEC volunteers went to our room and asked us to vote. One reason maybe why there is failure of election kasi the COMELEC didn’t let anyone run against another and it took a long time for the COMELEC to decide regarding the CAlumba issue… yan gud parang nawalan na sila ng interest… And it might be that the majority of the students don’t want to vote for the candidates and so they didn’t want to vote at all. In the first place they have the right not to vote. Hmmm; I cant’ totally say that students here are walang paki-alam, maybe some, pero some just don’t want to exercise their vote as a sign or protest or disagreement sa palakad ng mga people and they think that there’s no difference anyway if they opt to vote or not. And one more thing, it might be na hindi sila bilib sa credibility of those who run. Yah, I’m an active voter, pero kung di pumunta ang COMELEC volunteers sa room naming, hindi me nagvote.” I think useless ang student body, wala akong napansin na may ginawa sila; parang its mere politics lang.” -Yorika Robles, 3rd Year
(opinion)
10
unLIMITED sEDITION
by The Laughing Knight
when these ideas were conceived.
“YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!” – Jack Nicholson in ‘A Few Good Men’ It’s nice to know that even in a city as bustling as Davao, and even in a school as highly-regarded as AdDU, one still can find stuff that make people scratch their heads. Some provide mild comic relief, some annoy to the point of them being blatantly irritating. Right off the bat I can name ten that really have These ones are more comedic than absurd. Frankly, caught my attention and have made me wonder what in the world was going on their creators’ minds
10) The Atenews & Mindanews
when I first heard of the Atenews, I said to myself that this must be the funniest name for a publication that officially exists. Then, to my chagrin, I heard about the Mindanews. Not only do these two names have a commonly weird ring to them, but they more often than not create a first impression that these papers might not be ones to be taken seriously. Imagine the litany of amusing names that could be created after them: Davaoeños will have the Davaoenews, Caviteños the Cavitenews, Zamboangeños the Zamboangenews, Batangueños the Batanguenews, Manileñios the Manilenews, and so on. I shudder thinking about the time these names would sprout out all across the Philippines. Tell me, have we run out of names for newspapers? Then again, the Atenews is just one of the many monikers that were born in AdDU to incorporate the beloved Ateneo in them, oftentimes with iffy results. We have the Sayawtenista, the Awitenista, the 2004-2005 First Year publication Aten-yan. Oh, where have you gone Blue Roast, Guidon, Matanglawin? Enlighten us down south, please. Save us before we name ourselves the AteNation.
9) The Bankerohan Bridge repairs Trust the Davao City government to screw with a critical junction in the city. Not only has the shutting down of half the bridge caused a big headache to many students rushing to school from the Bangkal area and beyond, the traffic buildup in the area has been a frustration for students doing practicum sessions in the Ateneo High School, Grade School, and other parts south of there as well. And I just hate it when I have to loop my taxi ride around Ecoland and pay extra as a result when I’m hurrying to watch the last full show at the NCCC Mall Cinema. It’s just one-half of a bridge, so why does it have to take a whole year to repair? High-rise condominiums get built in much less time. It is instances like this that make me really hate corruption in the government.
5) School uniforms
I know a lot of people like these. I never will, especially the male uniforms. The undershirt soaks up heat, sweat, and the stink that goes with it. And if you wear no undershirt, you’ll have to pray that you don’t sweat throughout the day, else you’ll have horrible dark blotches all over the cloth. Worse, if you have a stinky, sweaty male seatmate in the afternoon and it’s a non air-conditioned room, it would be better if you had a gas mask on. It’s a tropical country, so why should we be barred from going to school in comfortable wear everyday? And if women can go to work in classy sleeveless outfits that show a little skin, why hinder them in class? I bet more male students would be interested in going to class as a result. College is supposed to prepare people for life in the working world. Aside from some courses like nursing or primary and secondary education wherein uniforms are a staple, most other professions no longer require uniforms, but dress codes instead. You can go to work in a call center wearing a sleeveless top. You can work in advertising firms like McCann Erickson & J. Walter Thompson wearing baggy shorts. You can work in a bank sporting a buttoned up polo without an undershirt. You can work in engineering firms dressed up like a grunge rocker. People are encouraged to dress comfortably, albeit responsibly, in the real world. This way, people don’t have to change outfits when they decide to hang out and relax somewhere after work, another hassle that the uniforms bring. The uniforms are not even an effective deterrent to vice. Isn’t it more disgraceful seeing students out drinking in bars or in side stores around the campus in their uniforms after dark? If we didn’t have the uniform policy, these people would not have been so recognized as Atenean alcoholics. And don’t get me started about the economics of having uniforms. The hassle of having to wash them everyday (if you happen to have only two sets) is just not worth it. And besides, if I wanted to invest in clothing, I’d rather buy clothes I can use long after I have graduated from this university rather than buy some garb that I won’t be using after I’m done with college. Besides, these uniforms aren’t that cheap anymore (a conservative estimate is Php500 per set, both for males and females). I can go to the ukay-ukay or look at sales in the mall and get me a classy set for less. And then, the administration thinks of an even more stupid policy wherein you cannot get in school in your P.E. uniform on, even if you’re running late or if it’s your first class in the morning. They implemented this without prior consultation with the students. With all these uniform policies, we now have to argue about things like “how short is short?” or “how leathery is this leather shoe?” These are arguments for kids in elementary, not for young adults. I’m in college, and I want to be free in wearing what I want to wear in school just as I’m free to select my class schedules. It’s high time we brought back the uniform referendum, just like before.
4) Ban on first year students joining clubs
If there’s a year in which you are least pressured academically in college, it’s your freshman year. This makes it the best year for a student to explore the campus club waters and have a feel for what he/she likes. On that ground alone, this policy becomes absurd. What was the rationale for this policy in the first place? A weak argument stating that freshmen have to adjust to college life and that clubs will unduly burden them even more. Well, tell that to a haggard senior club officer who wishes more people were available for delegation and distribution of duties, only to find out that sophomores, juniors, fellow seniors, and even super seniors were a pressed as he/she was. If you want someone to adjust to college life, let him/her do it in his first year, and If the administration was really keen on its auster- throw everything at that student, even club membership. That way he or she will have an extra year of experience under his/her belt, ity measures, these guys should have been the first to go. making the adjustment less of hassle in the higher years. In the end, it’ll make his/her college experience even more rewarding. Not only do they take up extra space in the elevators, but their presence just insults the intelligence of Ateneo college The student who said, “Ngano sige man kag students. It’s as if operating an elevator is such a hard thing This is such a quirky policy from the English?” to do. My 7-year-old cousin can go from the ground floor Office of Student Affairs. I hope the PAASCU Believe it or not, this was said in class. Tell me, is not English to the 15th floor of a hotel all by himself using an elevator, accreditors get to see these when they come the medium for instruction in this university? Theology is taught in Engso what makes the administration think that a bunch of 16to the campus next time. These have been on lish. So is Philosophy. So is Math, Humanities, the sciences, business year-olds need assistance going from the Finster’s ground display for more than two months now, and classes, accountancy classes, nursing subjects, even P.E. So if a student floor to the 7th? Furthermore, logically, if the administration they only highlight how bad Ateneo students decides to recite in English, or ask questions in English during class, cannot trust us with the simple pressing of buttons, it necare in writing English. And these people pass why rebuke him/her? It’s not because one wants to show off, it’s because essarily follows that they would not trust us with running their English subjects? What does this say of it’s right. That’s how things are done. Doubtless, most students here are bigger things, like say, the student government. Hmm... our English program? Even their attempt at beexperts in Bisaya, or even Tagalog, so it’s ok if you try to speak in a difing cono falls short, it’s just laughable. Surprisferent tongue for the meantime. The Gaisano Mall Card Vending Ma- ingly, all three were written in equally bad EngThink. What if you had a foreigner for a classmate, would you chine lish. Now, if you extrapolate this as a sample still push for speaking in Bisaya, maybe because you’re uncomfortable You see this contraption when you go down the stairs for the whole student body, what does this say? saying things in English? Wouldn’t that be rude? What if you had a Filifrom the National Bookstore area to the grocery section. It sells That the majority of Ateneans are that dumb? It pino classmate who does not understand Bisaya? We have a lot of stucell phone cards of various denominations, among others. It’s an does say one thing, though: you can never trust dents coming from Zamboanga. Many of them, by the way, are Chavacaautomated vending machine, which a user is supposed to oper- the editors at the OSA. This is, after all, an ofno, and aren’t conversant in Bisaya. We have students from Manila, the ate on his/her own. But wait! There’s a personal assistant sitting fice that posts flyers with the word “Inspiraion” Muslim areas, other parts of Luzon. Yes, they are a minority, but still, next to it who will gladly take your peso bills and insert them into in them. Truly, they are inspirations, er, inspiwe should be considerate on their behalf. When in school, especially in the machine for you. Wow! Now, aside from paying for the space raions for us all to be better Ateneans. After all, class, it’s always safe to converse in the universal medium – and in this rented, the owner has to pay for an additional salary, when the we can’t always try to “ilad” the guard. case, it’s English. To be ignorant of this basic etiquette is just bad, espevending machine could have worked on its own. People are not cially for an Atenean. that dumb, and if they were, of course they won’t use the vending machine. The assistant’s just another useless expense, much like The Admissions Director approved it. So did the FYCF Coordinator. The Deans of the 3 colleges likethe elevator operators. wise signed. That’s five people right there, all of high standing in the academic and administrative ladder. All are respected intellectuals. So what if room-to-room hawking for votes disrupts classes? So what if only a few The food court beverage selection classes are reached by the COMELEC in the process while the others get neglected? Five administrators, all These are any health buff’s worst nightmare. The seof whom students and faculty look up to, already said it is acceptable, therefore someone who is considered a lection basically consists of these unhealthy options: carbonated “co-equal” (although this can be disputed both ways) should have had the sense, the grace and the delicadeza to drinks, sports drinks, some instant coffee, and a range of frosted concur. And now his veto was enough to nullify the whole measure? What message does this send? That the OSA sweetened juices. No natural juices (pineapple, orange, or even Director is well above the Admissions Director and FYCF Coordinator? That the OSA Director is better than the just calamansi), with the exception of some pre-packed buko 3 Deans? Like it or not, it was a big slap in the faces of the five administrators who approved, and the COMELEC juice cups, and those are heavily diluted to boot. No tea or milk, as well. How can a single official get to be so powerful, and have all this power unchecked and unbalanced to even. If you’re going to class sick with a slight fever or a cold and boot? It seriously destabilizes the way things are run in this university. And whichever way you try to look at it, need some fluids, the food court will definitely offer no help. it never is right for an institution to depend on an auxiliary too much.
8) Finster elevator operators
3) Public apologies
2)
7)
1) The election veto
6)
10 Harebrained Ideas Found in Davao
Cont.
ATENEWS / August 2007
11
Students condemn... from P.3
Presidential.. from P.3 that the Deans have changed their minds and have asked him not to approve the room to room elections. Another factor that contributed to the failure of election is the lack of substantial support from the SAMAHAN Central Board. “Siguro kung I assess nako as [a member of] comelec morag dako pod ang part nga ginaplay ang Samahan. Ang elections kay sa hirap ug sa ginhawa man god na pero morag sa ginhawa lang sila. Ang quest para sa elections dili lang during election week. I mean it is [for the entire] year, it is every semester na challenge para magtabang sila,” adds Commissioner Sendiong. It is important to note that although COMELEC officers are titled as commissioners, the COMELEC itself is not a commission but, a committee according to the SAMAHAN
Constitution. Being a constitutional body of SAMAHAN means that the SCB is supposed to uphold the goals of COMELEC. There is, however, a noticeable lack of support from the SCB. COMELEC Chairman Sendiong suggests that this is because majority of the SCB officers do not like the prospect of Manlupig being the president. There is indeed a possibility of internal politicking since many of the officers are members of the PIGLASAPAT political party – a fierce rival of Manlupig and the Pukaw Atenista Coalition. The COMELEC resents the lack of support from the SCB especially because the Presidential Election was held simultaneously with the First Year Representatives Election. “Makasakit lang kay since sabay man god to sa FY elections, morag nanganib to siya. Imagine by Wednesday ang goal namo nga 10 percent increase every day kay kulelat kaayo, halos 2 % [a day] lang.” said Ms. Sendiong.
New batch... As a long time member of the GACP executive board, he is well aware of the potential that the GACP has, but is saddened that class presidents to not make full use of their representation in the GACP to air out student issues. Getting more class presidents to participate and work on issues is at the top of the agenda of this GACP Executive Board. Go admitted that several classes were unable to elect a president, and it has been a GACP ‘custom’ to base
from P.3
the quorum on the numbers of green forms submitted to the Exeboard for the election. Involving more classes to elect representatives to the GACP is also part of the Exeboard’s thrust. COMELEC chairperson Franilyn Sendiong disclosed that the number of classes registered totals 232, but only 144 have elected presidents and submitted green forms. A hundred and four class presidents were present during the elections, satisfying a quorum for the 144-based quorum. Sendiong urged the GACP to reach out more to the classes to involve more people.
grams and as volunteers in carrying out campus journalists’ and student governments’ development programs and projects that will redound to the furtherance of students’ interest and welfare in the regions. The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) and progressive groups said that the March 1 memorandum is an “impending threat on the student writers, student leaders and the whole student populace.” Davao City CEGP Chairperson Donald Jake Lopez said that CHED is now trying to manipulate the student governments and councils as well as the student publications by releasing three new memorandum orders. He said that the formation of the NCSGP and NCCJP are designed to control and manipulate the voices of the students. The youth groups stressed that both organizations formed by CHED are “puppet” organizations controlled by CHED and the administration of the various colleges and universities. “We warn the student councils and student publications to be conscious of these said organizations as it would lead to the crippling of the autonomy of the student councils and publications from the school adminis-
tration,” said Andrhea Carreon, the Davao City NUSP Chapter spokesperson. “Student Councils and Publications should be autonomous because these institutions are the vanguard of the students in upholding their rights and welfare. These institutions are the real voices and representation of the Students and therefore should be controlled by the students themselves”, Carreon further said. “We are building an alliance to combat these impending threats to our security and these anti-student policies which hinder the youth from criticizing the rotten educational system that we have. It will be composed of secondary and tertiary student councils and publications as well as the various student clubs, religious organizations, youth organizations, faculty and parents in Davao City,” Lopez said. The said alliance is named I-defy Alliance which will discuss the possible solutions of the students and youth problems regarding the CHED memorandum. This alliance also condemns the implementation of the Human Security Act (HSA) which they tagged as a threat to security. “Together with the Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI), these organizations formed by CHED are the various faces of terrorism that the Arroyo administra-
tion has foisted on Filipino youth. The HSA is a grand master plan of the government in silencing the struggling voices of the youth and students.” Carreon added. On July 25, 2007, the Idefy Alliance set a dialogue with the newly-appointed CHED Director, Leonida Caligue, concerning the unanswered call of students for refund of illegal tuition fee increase last academic year. Previously, NUSP and CEGP, together with other progressive organizations lambasted CHED for its memo, the CHED Memorandum 14, which allowed “tuition fee increases without due consultation with the students”. The youth groups asserted that TOFI is illegal for violating R.A. 6728 stating that “all fee increases should undergo consultation among the students”. In the dialogue, Caligue explained that she is still in the stage of adjustment as she is new to her position. She further said that CHED has to formally discuss things over in order for her office to formulate resolutions. “Instead of giving us new orders, CHED should have at least resolved cases that would most serve the interest of the students such as the tuition refund that we have been clamoring for”, said Carreon.
Atenews, as an official member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), unites with the I-defy Alliance in protesting CHED antistudent policies and the implementation of the Human Security Act.
where her/his ID would have to be surrendered. And when the student would finally be sitting in front of the computer, lo and behold! S/he has a blurry monitor or a faulty keyboard, or a slow computer. “It is easier for me to go into [an internet] café outside. I’d just go to a unit and tell the guy in charge to log me in.” relates Hamster, an Engineering senior. “Mas mabilis pa ang Net at LCD monitor pa,” It is not about laziness, it is simply about convenience and the placement of the facilities. Concerning the quality of the units at the Internet Lab, Mr. Ruben Estuart of the Technological Services Office says that there is proper maintenance of the computer equipment and that new ones are ordered when there is a need to replace a damaged unit. “This does not mean that we will only replace all the comput-
ers once nasira na lahat.” Once the equipment is fully depreciated, or when it is evident that most of the computers will have to be replaced, then a new batch will be ordered in. He also shares his sentiments about the issue, “When an unused internet fee is the topic, di maiiwasang mainclude sa issue ang iba pang mga unused fees tulad ng sa clinic, ganyan…” James Chew, SCB Secretary-General, says “The clinic and the guidance fees are all fees we pay for the public good, for the good of all the students. The internet fee is not.” He clarifies that it is not a necessity because there are other places where the student acquire the same thing, and at a cheaper rate. “If a student does not want to use it, then he should not be required to pay for it…Only when he has, say, a class that needs the use of a computer lab, should he be compelled to pay for the lab.” What the student body and the administration agree on is that it is also up to the students themselves.
“They should avail of it because they are paying for it. They are entitled to it,” say both Mr. Estuart and Mr. Ratilla. Ateneans, however, are still hopeful. “May way naman siguro yan. Kung gugustuhin lang talaga, para magkaroon tayo ng choice. Like, I have a choice where to spend my parents’ money di ba?” says Accountancy freshie Jason. James Chew also confesses that this has always been an issue, and that they—the SAMAHAN—will look into the matter. This has also been the statement of the SAMAHAN president seven years ago. To wrap this update up, let me leave the reader with a few simple pieces of advice: Know what you are paying for. Decide if you want to pay for it. If you can’t have a refund, then use what you are paying for. If you don’t want to, then question why you are even paying for it. If you don’t want to ask, then don’t bother wondering why this will still be an issue after seven more years.
Internet Laboratory Photos by: Mar Vince Reyes
I n t e r n e t F efromeP.3. . .
12
COMICS
ATENEWS / August 2007
em by Sh