ATENEWS June-August 2009 Tabloid Release

END THE SILENCE OF THE GAGGED! VOL. 55, NO. 1 JUNE-AUGUST 2009 Covered Court Building, Ateneo de Davao University, E. Jacinto St., Davao City THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY

Tel. No.: (082) 221-2411 loc. 8332 E-mail: atenews@gmail.com

Blue Knight FM Reopens NEWS-03

Arroyo finally meets Obama

NEWS-03

ATENEWS

bags 2nd best magazine

NEWS-04

Whose right is the Right of Reply Bill?

FEATURES-05

Good Grades

or Go for the Gold

FEATURES-05

SONA 2009, SAYONARA BY 2010?

OPINION-13

Regarding Banaag Diwa 2009

Gloria’s plot:

Charter Change

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EDITOR-14

HE ARROYO ADMINISTRATION IS CLEARLY DESPERATE. With the House Resolution 1109 on the run thanks to Arroyo’s allies in Congress, changing the 1987 Constitution would guarantee the extension of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s term in office either as a Prime Minister or House Speaker.

Features 08-09.

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Opinion

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

Editorial Editorial

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ith the recent death of Cory Aquino, we can’t help but notice the stark difference between her and GMA, and how GMA could learn a thing or two from the savior of Philippine democracy.

How far we have come since the restoration of our democracy is the essence of this comparison. On one hand we have the sincere and pious Cory Aquino, whose unassuming demeanor and simplicity rallied the nation in overthrowing the Marcos dictatorship. On the other side of the scale, we have GMA, whose amorality and corruption has divided the nation and sent it back to an ugly state, like the dictatorship wasn’t toppled at all.

Evidence of corruption, lies and deceit are abundant and are against the Arroyo regime. Scandals such as the NBN-ZTE deal, fertilizer fund scam and the numerous violations of press freedom and human rights should have been enough to unseat her, if it were not for her death-grip cling to power. Her “purse politics”,

Polar Opposites buying the Congress and key elements in the government to prolong her stay in the office, is losing momentum, and the people have now grown tired enough to protest her wrongdoings. As her term nears its end, there is the danger that she will extend her term, as the Cha-Cha train looms ominously, ready to run its course.

In fact, in her recent SONA, she did not even give a clear message that this would be her last term, as opposed to the tradition of the past presidents who in their last SONA would assure the nation that he or she is prepared to relinquish power.

Cory’s regime is yet again completely opposite of GMA’s. Cory may not have been a perfect president, with some of her polices on anti-re-

productive health and the retention of US bases sending arguments flying all over the country in her time.

But her respect to the freedom of the people and her doing everything she can to distribute power and revive democracy is something that only heroes like her could do. As her term neared its end, she declined to run for president despite the call of the people for her to run. She even insured that the transfer of power happened; she was excited to be back to life as a private citizen. She even clarified in her last SONA that she will insure the smooth transfer of power to the Ramos administration.

Majority of today’s politicians must learn a thing or two from Cory.

She was everything the modern day

Cory ensured the transfer of power to the next administration in her last SONA; GMA didn’t.

politician, exemplified by GMA, is not: deceitful, corrupt and powerhungry. In all her virtues she is loved by the Filipino people, and her legacy will live on, even if her physical body now lies in the Manila Memorial Park. GMA, whose very position is even questioned, is loathingly reviled by the Filipino people, and her only legacy is a blotch and an embarrassment to the very pages of Filipino history. Cory has the power to unite the Filipinos, even after her death. GMA has the power to destroy that unity, even while she breathes.

A chapter in our Philippine history has ended with Cory’s death. It is time for us, who still live and whose apathy has been drilled in our very cores, to rise and rescue our democracy which is under assault by the Arroyo regime through tyranny, corruption and moral bankruptcy.

For Cory is, and always will be, the leader that best exemplifies the power and possibility to bring the darkest midnight of Filipino condition to high noon one individual can have.

Atenews The Official Student Publication of Ateneo de Davao University EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ma. Cristina E. Ramos • ASSOCIATE EDITOR Paul Anthony Crooks • MANAGING EDITORS Jobelle Obguia, Janina Patrice Dominique Surposa • NEWS EDITOR Maryam Ross Embalsado • FEATURES EDITOR Gabriel Farofaldane • HONORARY EDITOR Santigo Paulo Pascual • SENIOR WRITERS Kathleen Dominique Aliño, Maria Katherina Galope, Mherill Jem Llerena, Sonito Mole • WRITER-RESEARCHERS

Angelica Aquino, Paul Randy Gumanao, Tom Louis Herrera, Jan Patrik Laroya, Joeffreyle Marie Opiano, Reymond Pepito, Rea Kristina Romero, Clyde Samson, Revelen Solis, Kathleen Anne Veloso • PHOTOJOURNALISTS JM Mercado, April Kriszle Muit, Adrian Leuterio, Maritoni Nanini, Paolo Villanueva • GRAPHICS TEAM Karlo James Bringas, Sanju Chugani • LAYOUT TEAM Al Pascual, Jan Mikko Canarias • ILLUSTRATORS Adrian Ablazo, Joselito Lagon, Jr. • WEB TEAM Rodrigo Po, Jr., Cindy Mae Paulo • MODERATOR Dr. Victoria Tatad-Pre

COVERED COURT BUILDING, ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY, E. JACINTO ST., DAVAO CITY. MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES Telephone: (082) 221-2411 local 8332 • E-mail: atenews@gmail.com. We accept articles, letters, pictures, comics and other contributions for publication.

News

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

Blue Knight FM Reopens

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Article: Angelica May Aquino and Revelen Solis

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lue Knight FM once again conquers the airwaves of the city after being inactive for months. The radio station, located at the 5th floor of the Finster building, reopened at 10 a.m. last July 29 through the efforts of the Humanities Division and the Engineering and Architecture Division of the Ateneo de Davao University.

The event was well-attended by distinguished guests. Assistant to the University President Mr. Jeremy Eliab graced the relaunch along with his wife, Ma’am Theresa Eliab, attending the event in behalf of SICO Director Mr. Ian Clark Parcon.

Also present were Humanities division chairperson Mr. Godofredo Rojo, Engineering and Architecture chairperson Engr. Jenith Banluta, Fr. Daniel McNamara, S.J., AB Mass Communication coordinator Ma’am Mayme Olegario, and Humanities faculty. Members of the press,

headed by Toto Lozano of Sunstar Davao and Jade Zaldivar, covered the occasion.

Mr. Eliab and Mr. Jerico Paul Fernandez, station manager of Blue Knight FM partner station, 94.7 Mellow Touch FM, signed the Memorandum of Agreement during the program.

The 2-hour airtime will be acquired from the said station. Six different programs will play distinct music genres from Mondays to Saturdays: Hiphop on Mondays, Love Songs on Tuesdays, Alternative Rock on Wednesdays, OPM during Thursdays, Disco Music on Fridays and Retro on Saturdays.

Organizing the affair were the 4th year Mass Communication students of the university. The opening signaled the start of their 60-hour practicum in the Blue Knight FM.

After the long wait...

Arroyo meets Obama

Article: Karlo James Bringas

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RESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo finally came faceto-face in a meeting with US President Barack Obama in the White House on July 31.

Ms. Arroyo is reported to have made three failed attempts to meet Obama since June of last year. She was also among the first heads of state to offer their congratulations on Obama's victory in the US presidential elections. The White House returned her call two weeks later.

The 30-minute meeting tackled issues on terrorism and climate change, as well as furthering relationships between the Philippines and the US. The said meeting also delegates the Philippines as chief coordinator for US relations with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and chair for Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in May 2010. This conference will deal specifically with North Korea's purported nuclear weapons program which made headlines in May this year.

Malacañang called the meeting “a hit [...] not just a triumph for the President, but a triumph for the entire Filipino nation”, according to Gabriel Claudio, the officer in charge of the Office of the Executive Secretary in a press briefing.

The meeting attracted much criticism from GMA's critics and US institutions alike before and after it took place. Washington Post slammed Obama for inviting GMA in an editorial released on July 26, citing the charges of corruption, human-rights violations and term extension via amendment of the Constitution hounding the Arroyo regime and saying that “[he] is being used to give political cover for [GMA's] troubles back home”. Bayan SecretaryGeneral Renato Reyes, Jr. said in a statement on August 1 that the appointment as coordinating country makes the Philippines “America's glorified errand boy” and that the meeting “did not result in any clear benefits to the Filipino people”.

Mrs. Arroyo was scheduled to stay in the US until August 5 to meet with businessmen and Filipino-American organizations in Chicago and Guam, but her visit was cut short by the passing of former president Cory Aquino.

Mr. Jericho Paul Fernandez(right) and Mr. Jeremy Eliab(left) shake hands after signing the Blue Knight FM’s Memorandum of Agreement / April Manaloto

AdDU tops PICPA Quizbowl

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Article: Tom Louis Herrera

TENEO de Davao University (ADDU) was declared champion by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Davao Chapter in two events of the PICPA Davao Inter-school Accounting Quizbowl during the Accountancy Week Celebration held last July 23, 2009 at the UM Auditorium, Matina.

Participating Accountancy schools were AdDU, University of Mindanao (UM), University of Immaculate Concepcion (UIC), and Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC).

The four schools competed in two categories: Level 1- Basic Accounting, and Accounting for Partnership and Corporation; and Level 2Financial Accounting and Advanced Accounting.

Level 1 is a team event while Level 2 is an individual and team event, consisting of 3 rounds with time allotment and scoring system.

The ADDU team was declared champion in both categories. The Level 1 team was composed

of BSA 2-A students Summerson Macasarte, Christine Jipos, Kevin Sy, Tom Louis Herrera and Alona Suzell Ruyeras. Level 2 was participated

by BSA 4-A students Ariane Kay S. Jacob, Fierce Louie C. Catoc, Alyssa Blaise T. Oropesa, Chrystelle Mae B. Quioyo, and James Roy C. Pascual.

Two participants of AdDU Level 2 team were also victorious in the individual category: Ariane Kay Jacob was declared Champion, and Fierce Louie Catoc was declared 2nd Runner-up.

Mr. Ryan Morales (head coach) and Mr. Paul Medina of the Accountancy Division assisted the participants during the contest. Also present during the event were the officers and members of the ADDU chapter of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants.

Other contending schools were ranked as follows: UM- 1st Runner-up and UIC- 2nd Runnerup.

Freshmen Population Booms, Nursing Halved

Article: Janina Patrice Dominique R. Surposa

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HIS year marks the highest number of student enrollees here in the university, according to the First Year Development Program (FYDP).

The first year level makes up the largest portion of the studentry this semester, with 2461 members: an increase of 151 first year students compared to the first semester of last school year, and 370 first year students compared to that of second semester of the previous school year. Most divisions have significant increases in population, especially that of the Humanities Division, with a 58.43% increase that is nearly matched by a 47.5% increase for the Business and Management Division.

Still, the Accountancy Division is untapped with 611 students, followed by 465 students to the

Engineering and Architecture Division. However, a whopping drop in population this year comes from the formerly jam-packed Nursing Division.

The department that used to house 15 sections is now trimmed down to three, according to the division representative Norman Inofre: a drop of 55.07% compared to the previous semester. The already tiny populace of the Philosophy Division is also cut in half.

Interviews with first year students from different divisions confirm their willingness to study in the university, despite the 6% increase in tuition fee implemented this year. Quality and Jesuit education was stressed as the foremost reason why they chose to study at the Ateneo, aside from other key factors such as course offerings, kin alumni, and alma mater.

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News

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

In the recent CEGP National Convention,

ATENEWS Bags Second Best Magazine Ma. Cristina E. Ramos

VICTORY

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HE February 2009 ATENEWS magazine release was hailed as the Second Best Magazine in the recently concluded 69th College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) National Student Press Convention held last May 16-20 at Ouan’s Worth Farm & Resort, Lucena City, Quezon Province.

The Gawad Ernesto Rodriguez Jr., which was one of the highlights of the event, gave the said award to the publication in recognition of its excellence and informativeness.

ATENEWS 2008-2009 Managing Editor Jobelle Obguia; staff writers Maryam Ross Embalsado, Ma. Cristina Ramos and Janina Patrice Dominique Surposa; photojournalists Jan Michael Mercado and April Kriszle Muit; together with moderator Dr. Victoria Tatad-Pre took pride as they receive another award from the guild this year. The February 2008 ATENEWS magazine issue bested all the other entries and won First Place in last year’s convention.

The convention, with the theme “We are change”, was a five-day program with forums on relevant issues such as the Plight of the Filipino People with resource speaker Cong. Raymond Palatino, Role of the Campus Press in the 2010 Elections given by Mr. Bobby Tuazon and on the Senate-proposed Right of Reply Bill with Rowena Paraan from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

The approximately 150 student journalists attending the event enrolled in different classroom discussions on basic journalistic skills such as news and features writing as well as photojournalism, graphics and layout.

There were also classroom discussions on advanced

Proud ATENEWS staff smile as they show off their 2nd Best Magazine Award. (L-R Mercado, Obguia, Muit, Ramos, Embasado, Surposa) journalistic skills like online publishing and lampoon writing. Moreover, there were classroom discussion topics that dig deeper into Philippine social realities, cultural change and the like.

The student journalists also embarked on a Basic Masses Integration (BMI), wherein the students were assigned to different areas in Lucena City to mingle with and probe on the situation of different groups such as the women and children, fisher folks, peasants,

CEGP launches its 1st General Assembly Reymond L. Pepito

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OLLEGE Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) held its first city-wide General Assembly last July 11 at the Social Hall of the University of Southeastern Philippines, in the continuing effort to gather student journalists from different colleges and universities in the exercise of press freedom.

With a theme of “Campus Journalists: Wield your Pens for Change“, the assembly of this school year accommodated 301 writers coming from 22 high school and college publications, as well as guilders from Tagum and Digos City.

The first speaker was Mr. Jeffrey Tupas of Philippine Daily Inquirer and working NUJP General Secretary, discussing the matters on “Cha-Cha and the Philippine Press and Campus Press”. Ms. Myrna Imperial, chairperson of the youth alliance Lihok Estudyante ug Kabataan Batok Krisis ug Komersyalisasyon (LEKSYON), went next on the “Effects of Charter Change and the Youth”. Elaborating on the “People’s Response Against Constitutional Change” was Mr. John Birondo of

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN). First District Councilor Honorable Angging Librado from the Local Government of Davao City was represented by Atty.

Fatima Irene Adin, who delivered the “Response of the LGU’s (Local Government Units) towards Cha-Cha”.

A workshop was held with the participants in the latter part of the assembly, in the field of news writing, feature writing, and the like which touches on journalism. The program ended successfully, bringing to the participants a fresher perspective on what journalism is.

PSST!

WAG KA NG MAG-EMO. E-MAIL MO NA LANG KAMI, PARA MASAYA KA, KAMI, TAYONG LAHAT:

atenews@gmail.com

workers and indigenous people.

In the final night of the convention, participants were grouped by island to perform on the Cultural Night with song and dance numbers and skits. The Gawad Beng Hernandez, which recognizes publications advocating human rights, was also given that night. The Lampoon Awards, which concluded the whole event, followed the morning after.

Torch Lit, Palarong Atenista 2009 Commences Janina Patrice Dominique Surposa TUDENTS from every division assembled at covered court Saturday, July 4, to parade their colors, cheer for their teams, and commemorate the lighting of the torch, which marks the beginning of this year’s Intramural games.

With big grins, division representatives proudly waved their flags while each division’s muse, along with their escorts, bore their respective division banner.

Hosted by SAMAHAN President Ria Lumapas and Secretary-General Christine Reyes, the event was a mix of bliss and exhilaration. Along with the showcase of the Ateneo’s first-ever Ladies’ Showdown, which wooed the crowd with their crazy, funky and sexy dance steps, was a replay of last year’s Star Search, Cheerdance and Dance Sport champions.

Then, amidst the scream of the crowd, the rush of adrenaline and the heat, Conrad Fernando of the Business and Management Division circled the court and lit the torch, signaling the start of the 2009 Palarong Atenista. Following this was the oath-taking ceremony by each division’s participants and student referees.

By the end of the night, winners were announced.

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TORCH, PAGE 14

Feature

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ONSIDER the following scenario: Journalist A writes an article about a pressing issue involving Politician X, which is then published in publication C. People reading this article are satisfied that of the intent of Journalist A in exercising fair and balanced reporting. The audience will be informed, will be up to date and will think critically about issues published on different media outfits. All is well, everyone has done their share. But what if a bill suddenly creates a ripple disrupting that free flow of ideas and opinions? What will happen to the two most cherished freedoms of press and expression?

What is RORB? The Right of Reply Bill (RORB) was unanimously passed by the Senate on July 2008 despite the protests of different media outfits and organizations.

Now on its second reading in Congress, it is due to be passed anytime by the House of Representatives.

Also known as House Bill 3306 and Senate Bill 2150, RORB mandates media outfits to publish or broadcast replies of individuals or parties subjected to critical reporting or commentary. The reply, as the bill mandates, should be published in the same space of the newspaper, magazine or publication or aired over the same program on television or radio, and with the same length and airtime with free publication.

In the Senate version, any malicious or libelous content will be removed, provided that the gist of the reply is still intact. In that same version, the reply shall be published within three (3) days after the reply has been delivered.

In the House version, it only allows a day for the reply to be published.

Effects With the bill reaching the House plenary for its second reading, it is now two steps away from a possible approval in the House of Representatives. If in the future this bill will be passed into law, devastating consequences will result that could possibly threaten our democracy. To force the media to publish every reply is unconstitutional, as it indirectly censors its contents, by dictating what or what the media cannot publish. It contradicts the role of the media as an independent and selfregulated unit.

Instead of delivering important news and issues, the tendency once RORB goes into full effect would be that papers will be full of replies from individuals or groups that feel charged of issues tackled in articles. This would limit the spaces allotted for more important news or commercial advertisements in a paper, violating press freedom. With

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

Whose right is the

Right of Reply Bill?

Article: Maryam Ross Embalsado|Art: Joselito Lagon Jr.

regards to financing, a media organization may be cut short with its expenses as the replies are free of any form of payment for publication.

The bill will not only affect journalists and media outfits, but will also compel nonjournalists like bloggers to publish and allot a space in their sites for the replies.

In this c o n t e x t , five million or more bloggers and internet users, who are not necessarily media practitioners, will be affected.

In the article, “RORB to ‘stifle’ bloggers, texters toosolon”, Kabataan Rep. Raymond ‘Mong’ Palatino questioned the inclusion of “any electronic device” in the bill.

“Again, this would affect more than 60 million phone users and iPod owners in the country, he said. “This is totally out of bounds and not to mention virtually impossible to apply. Kung may ka-text ako at nagreklamo siya sa text ko, will I be compelled to publish his reply in my mobile phone? I simply find it incredible and idiotic.”

Penalties In Section 7 of Senate Bill 2150, hefty fines amounting to not more than ten thousand pesos (P10,000) will be fined to the editorin-chief, publisher or station manager, and owner of a broadcast medium who fails or refuses to publish or broadcast the reply.

Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) and thirty thousand pesos (P30,000) will be fined for the second and third offense, respectively.

Repeated failure or refusal to adhere to Section 7 would sanction a fine of fifty thousand pesos (P50,000). In any case, the court may also recommend appropriate sanctions for erring media organizations.

In House Bill 3306, violators may also be imprisoned for a number of days. Limiting the press’ Closure or suspension of freedom of speech media outlets may also and dictating ensue for the fifth and ideas for their own succeeding offenses. benefit is the least

Necessary?

Even before this bill was drafted, editors or publishers of of what this state newspapers already Censorship of the needs. acknowledge any form of internet (blogging, grievances in the form of texting…) letters published in the Not only is the freedom of press Letter to the Editor or some such section suppressed, but the internet could also in the paper. There are also laws such as possibly be censored. The freedom of the libel law one in place to deal with speech and expression of bloggers, innuendos. With these options already texters, and even iPod users will be present, is it really necessary to come restrained. up with a bill that requires agencies According to an article on ABS-CBN of finding truth and transparency to NEWS Online Beta, Manila 6th District publish replies of concerned individuals Rep. Bienvenido Abante, sponsor of or groups?

House Bill 3306, admitted that the Even more, RORB violates Article bill would also cover websites, emails, III Sec. 4 of the 1987 Constitution internet, social networking sites and (“No law shall be passed abridging even electronic devices. the freedom of speech, of expression,

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or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”)

A greater scheme Given the pressing issues currently facing our country, it is only necessary to focus on more important bills. The bill came when the 2010 elections is just months away. This period is when political issues should be freely expressed, when political candidates can be thoroughly deciphered, and for opinions to be critical and organized.

With the possible approval of this bill, the onset of limiting the free flow of ideas would greatly affect the content of publications.

A possible scenario of this would be a deluge of replies, giving politicians running for office free publicity as the replies are free of any payment.

This takes away the function of being able to verify the truth. Newspapers will be bombarded with replies that aren’t necessarily truthful.

Section 10 of the Senate bill contains the Sunset Clause which states that the effectivity of the bill will only be within seven (7) years. After which, it will be null, otherwise if continued by the Congress.

The inclusion of this section is questionable, as its possible approval coincides with the term of office of the soon to be elected public officials this 2010. Government officials such as local executives usually have tenure of three years while the likes of the President, Vice-President and the top 12 Senators have six years. The next set of officials may avail of the different provisions of this bill and some may even abuse it.

Once approved by the House on its third and final reading, the two chambers of Congress will meet in a bicameral conference committee to consolidate the two versions. With the different bills waiting in queue, this should not be the one to be up front.

With all the turmoil our country seems to be always facing, what we need are solutions that would prove advantageous for the people. Limiting the press’ freedom of speech and dictating ideas for their own benefit is the least of what this state needs. Setting aside one’s personal interest is essential especially if one is committed to public service.

Let us not forget that the power of legislation is to be exercised for the benefit of all. It is the media’s job to air out news and current affairs, to express opinions, to constantly safeguard and check the transparency of any agency, to take that from them is like taking the people’s voice. We have a right to reply to this bill.

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Feature

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

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ELLOW has once symbolized the nation’s radiant desire for democracy and liberty from a dictatorial and fascist Marcos regime. Yellow was not just Cory’s favorite color. More than twenty years ago, it was also the country’s emblem of the struggle against the oppressive Marcos administration.

Now, the nation is once again “wearing yellow” as the people grieve for the demise of former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, more popularly called “Tita Cory.” Many take this opportunity to recollect Cory’s role in ending the dark years of the inhumane martial rule, and in helping restore the democracy of the Filipinos. The people knew how Cory hated tyranny, not just during martial law, but also even in the last 18 months of her battle against advanced colon cancer.

She died of cardio-respiratory attack last August 1 at the age of 76. Cory knew that the country has also been very ill with a more depressing societal cancer — an ailment manifested by injustices, extreme corruption, and greed for wealth and power, which further break down into more concretely burdening conditions like unprecedented hikes in prices of prime commodities (except galunggong), unequal distribution of wealth, acts of fascism and repression, and suffering in general.

Cory’s rule, though, was not as successful as the EDSA People Power uprising that she led. During her term, she rarely seemed to be on top of ruling the country. Seven coup attempts, twenty typhoons, and eruption of Mount Pinatubo, economic instability and problems of insurgency threatened her government.

Being raised to a wealthy and landholder Cojuangco clan in Tarlac, Aquino had to protect their family properties, including the 6400-hectare Hacienda Luisita, the country’s second largest single piece of contiguous land. Because of that, she failed to genuinely implement essential reforms like the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, which has not been fully beneficial until now, and millions of peasants all over Philippines have to shed blood just to fight for their claim of a little parcel of the land that they till.

Also, in her term, she passed the Automatic Appropriation law, which “cuts” a large fraction of the annual national budget in favor of foreign debt servicing; thus, the country has less for basic social

The People’s Power Has Not Died With Article: Paul Randy Gumanao|Photo: Jan Mikko Canarias

services.

“I have not always won but ... I never shirked a fight,” Cory said before handing over the presidency to Fidel Ramos in 1992.

She may have been just a “housewife-turned president” and a neophyte in the political arena. But, unlike her successors, Cory was more humanitarian and democratic. It was in her term when political prisoners, including the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, were released, and the endeavor for peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front was kindled. It was during Cory’s term when the 1987 Constitution was crafted and first implemented. That constitution is a product of people’s victory and democracy, the constitution made after the people’s struggle, and the very constitution that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tries to devalue through charter change to favor her minions, her foreign boss and her selfish and anti-Filipino interests.

Despite Cory’s shortcomings as a President, she never abandoned what she believed to be the essence of a leader and a mother. She has always been consistent in calling the people to act and

Cory

protest whenever necessary. If she were to be graded according to presence, Cory had a perfect attendance in major mobilizations against the abuses done by her successors. When Ramos attempted to extend his term in 1990, Cory brought almost half a million people to the streets to express their strong disapproval of Ramos’ plan. In 2001, during the uprising against Erap, Cory’s support to the struggling masses was undoubted. And just recently, when GMA was caught unguarded with her dirty political agenda, Cory remarked that GMA’s deed is a “shameful abuse of power.”

While many know about Cory and the Martial Law, most of this generation’s Ateneans may not have experienced the true spirit of the People Power. Well, it is more than just tying yellow ribbons on ID straps!

It is more than just an uprising against a ruling tyrant.

People Power is action beyond words. It is a people’s protracted struggle to change the whole rotten system of the society.

Cory may have died, but her legacy of democracy will always be treasured. Cory knew that there is still a great battle for the people to fight for. Each one is reminded, “the Filipino is worth living and dying for.”

“She’s a charismatic leader.” -Rikki Enriquez (OSA Director) “Cory is like Gabriela Silang who fought up the fight after her husband’s death.” –Dr. Mac Tiu (Atenews Moderator) “Para sa ako usa siya ka hero ug inahan sa demokrasya.” –Alona Siacor (AdDU Security Guard) “Pres. Cory is the Mother of our country.” –Angelie Olalo (BSN4) “Cory is an ideal Filipina who knows how to love. to forgive, and to serve whole heartedly.” –John Paul Eleria (Mass Comm. 2A) “Si former Pres. Cory Aquino ang usa sa nakipagbisog laban sa diktador na si Marcos para sa kataohan.” – Sec. Gen. John Birundo, Bagong alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) “Si Cory ang lumaban against facism and dictatorship before. And she continued it... hanggang noong nabubuhay pa siya.” –Cong. Joel Verador IKAW, SINO SI CORY PARA SA IYO?

Feature

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

A Closer Look at JPEPA Article: Karlo James Bringas | Art: Adrian Ablazo

Marlon (not his real name) has yet to decide what to do next after college.

Marlon is 19, an avid manga fan, a Nursing graduate from one of the better-regarded nursing schools in the city, and has been training as a call center agent ever since he graduated March of this year. He intends to work there until he gets a working visa and an employer, when he passes the nursing board exam and when he finally decides what country to work in, he says. His sister, also a nurse, is working in a San Francisco nursing home ever since 2003, and has been urging him to apply for the US. But with announcements that the demand for Filipino nurses in the US is declining, Marlon is considering employment in other countries. He is toying with the idea of working in Japan, mainly for the sake of immersing in Japanese culture and also because Japan is nearer than the US, ever since the second wave of nurses were sent there for training under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) this May. He may have to look someplace else for employment opportunities, because under JPEPA Marlon and the rest of the Philippines will end up as big losers.

JPEPA is an “economic partnership agreement”, or a free-trade agreement between the Philippines and Japan which focuses primarily on the easing of trade and investment transactions between the two countries. Specifically, it aims to “liberalize and facilitate trade in goods and services between the parties” and to “increase investment opportunities and strengthen protection for investments and investment activities in the Parties”, among other things as specified in Article 1 of the General Provisions chapter of the agreement. The provisions set on the agreement include: (1) the elimination of customs duties “or charges of any kind imposed on or in connection with the importation of originating goods of the other party”, which would affect industries like the automobile industry; (2) mostfavored-nation treatment, which means that each party shall treat the services, service suppliers, investments, and investors no less favorably than the way it treats other nations, like the US, not participating in the agreement; (3) treatment of investors and investments belonging to the other party that is no less favorable to that enjoyed by its own investors and investments with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, operation, maintenance, use, possession, liquidation, sale, or other disposition of investments; and others, which is given the name “national treatment“ in the agreement.

Annex 8, titled “Specific Commitments for the Movement of Natural Persons”, of the agreement regulates the movement of natural persons of the two parties in those countries. The term “natural person” is defined as a “person who resides in the other Party or elsewhere and who under the law of the other Party is a national of the other Party”. According to Annex 8, “both countries will allow the movement of natural persons for short-term business and visits of 90 days, extendable; intracorporate transferees, investors, natural persons who engage in Professional Services, and specialized/skilled workers one or three years extendable, depending on the classification;

and, nurses one year, extendable and caregivers up to three years, extendable.” Nurses and caregivers intending to go to Japan under JPEPA have to be 21-30 years old, a graduate of any four year health related program, and capable of supporting financially his/her study and stay in Japan. Prospective Filipino nurses and caregivers for Japanese institutions under the agreement are required to take a six-month course on Nihongo, which is free of charge (board and lodging included) , as well as two years of study under a Kaigofukushishi course under a Japanese nurse, the cost of which, along with living expenditures, is to be shouldered by the nurse. They are then required to take the Japanese Licensure Exam, which they must pass within three years of their stay in Japan. They are not allowed to work in the duration of the Japanese language training course. For the duration of their study and training, they can expect to receive an allowance equivalent to that for a nursing aide in Japan. Department of Labor and Employment Assistant Secretary Reydeluz Conferido gave the allowance rate at 150,000 to 180,000 yen per month, equivalent to $1545.75 to $1854.90 as of August 11. The average cost of living for the whole of Japan is $851, while the cost of living in the Tokyo area is pegged at $1000.

These conditions for prospective Filipino nurses sparked the outrage of various nursing and OFW organizations. In a statement, the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) condemns JPEPA, saying that it “shortchanges the professional qualifications of Filipino nurses and exposes to potential abuse and discrimination those who may be unwittingly enticed to seek Japanese employment”. The Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) sent a letter airing their concerns to Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago in 2007. The extra training on the “Japanese way of nursing“ required of the nurses under JPEPA, the CMA said, serves as a convenient excuse for their employers to give them lower wages and status than that accorded to their counterparts. Furthermore, The stipulations of the agreement means that the Filipino nurses apply themselves, hard, to the work required of them for three years and get at most only $694.75 to send to their families back home, a pitiful amount compared to the $3664.15 to $4396.98 earned by registered Japanese nurses cited by Conferido, when they could have been working someplace else. Furthermore, the Filipino nurses are subject to working conditions far worse than that experienced by Japanese nurses, which drove them away from their jobs in the first place. Stories about Japanese nurses getting infected with their victims’ illnesses can be easily found in the Internet; given the low status of Filipino nurses there, they are very prone to even worse treatment by their employers. Lastly, Japan does not even really need foreign nurses and caregivers. The gap between the number of working nurses and the number of nurses needed in Japanese institutions dropped from 41,600 nurses in 2006 to 15,900 nurses projected for 2010. Thus a cap is put on the number of Filipino nurses that Japan will admit, and given that it is accepting nurses from other countries it is highly unlikely that this cap will be lifted.

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In terms of how foreign nurses to Japan will fare there, JPEPA is a loser deal. JPEPA started its existence in December of 2002, when President Arroyo and then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi proposed to forge economic partnership between the two countries. It has met with considerable resistance from 2006 until late 2008, when Senate ratified JPEPA after the two parties signed separate agreements that purport to solve some of the flaws noted in the agreement. JPEPA is actually one of a number of economic partnership agreements Japan had forged with other Asian countries, like Singapore and Indonesia. The Japan-Indonesia Economic Partnership Agreement, or JIEPA, compares well with JPEPA, especially in regards to the relative ease with which Indonesian nurses can enter Japan compared to Filipino nurses.

More ominous than the fate of Filipino nurses is the effect of the provisions set forth in JPEPA on the Philippines as a whole. One of the flaws pointed out in the agreement is the possibility that Japan will dump toxic wastes in Philippine territory, as is strongly hinted at Article 29 of the agreement on the list of tradeable original goods, which are produced by one party using materials that may or may not be obtained or produced in the party.

This possibility is corrected with one of the side agreements described previously. Another matter involves the constitutionality of JPEPA, the point of contention being the provision in Articles 17, 89, 96 and 98, stating to the effect that the other party shall enjoy national treatment that could allow Japanese investors to own more than the 40 percent of public utility enterprises set forth in the Constitution, and should a civil distrubance in one party result in losses and damages to their investments of the other party, the first party shall give the other party treatment “that is no less favorable than the most favorable treatment which it accords to any investors”. In an article printed in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Philippines is then made to serve as protector of the Japanese investors’ interests from civil disturbances, stripping the Philippines of its sovereignty. “This would make the Philippines liable for acts of private individuals,” said former University of the Philippines College of Law dean Merlin Magallona.

“This is a remarkable abdication of our sovereign prerogative. We should be responsible only by reasons of our own sovereign acts, not those by private persons.” This was again remedied by another side contract, and so JPEPA is effective today, ridden of these errors to some extent but still placing Filipino nurses in a precarious situation.

As of the moment, Marlon is focused on his call center career. He is earning a comfortable sum of money, as he still lives with his parents, and he is finding his job and his life at present satisfying enough. But asked whether he will really proceed to Japan, Marlon couldn’t really answer. “I’m still researching on the prospects in different countries,“ he responds in Bisaya. “I want to know what is waiting for me out there, and I intend to get the best deal I can get.“ I can only hope that he won’t fall for the nice promises and hidden daggers of JPEPA. ___________________ For further reading, visit the following sites: 1. http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/philippine/epa0609/index.html 2. http://www.pilipino.org.ph/downloads/jpepa_highlights.pdf 3. http://services.inquirer.net/search/search. php?cx=partner-pub-1605567560733750%3As v9uao60u5g&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=ISO-88591&q=jpepa&sa=Search

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Feature

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

GLORIA'S PLOT :

The Arroyo Administration is clearly desperate. With the House Resolution 1109 on the run thanks to Arroyo’s allies in Congress, changing the 1987 Constitution would guarantee the extension of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s term in office either as a Prime Minister or House Speaker. Charter Change, simply put, is a move to shut down all options of making sure that Mrs. Arroyo would not be punished after her “term”. Additional perks to this Cha-cha are the interests of Gloria’s allies in pursuing their personal motives such as the Nograles Bill or House Resolution 737, which allows 100% foreign control over the economy, national sovereignty and patrimony. In short, not only is Mrs. Arroyo so desperate to be in position but also get means to sell the whole country as well. It’s like having our national pimp ready to put up our nation for sale in the midst of a political and global fiscal crisis.

Charter Change, more popularly known as “Cha-Cha”, refers to the political and other related processes involved in amending or revising the current 1987 Constitution. Under the current constitution there are three modes of which it could be amended: people’s initiative (PI), constituent assembly and constitutional convention. All three would lead to a referendum wherein the proposed amendment/s or revision/s has to be approved by the majority of Filipinos in order to be adopted.

The Filipino people, particularly the youth, will not benefit from a change in the fundamental law of the land. The push for Charter Change is untimely since it does not respond to the majority burdened by the worsening economic crisis.

As for the youth, one of the marginalized sectors in the society, education remains to be the primary concern which has been last in the priority list of the government. It remains to be expensive despite the current regime’s brag for free and quality education. Many youths who cannot afford to go to school force and prefer themselves to work for survival.

Even though the government offers a free basic education, the quality stays low. The shortage of teachers, classrooms, textbooks, school facilities is a manifestation that Philippine education has been, somehow, neglected by the present administration.

While the government is busy wasting time and money in pushing for Charter Change, the worst situation of the youth awaits to be attended.

Charter Change of the US-Arroyo Regime PHILIPPINES: For Sale!

Through GMA’s amended constitution the state can enter into joint ventures for the exploration and exploitation of natural resources with 100% foreign owned corporations (which are already being done). While alienable lands of public domain will be limited to agricultural and reclaimed land. 100% foreign-owned corporations can own industrial, commercial and residential land, subject to limitations by Congress. 100% foreign-owned corporations can lease alienable land of public domain. Imagine 100%!

Citizenship restrictions on franchises will take effect, and thus ownership of public utilities is removed.

100% foreign ownership of power and water companies will be allowed and 100% foreign ownership of advertising and mass media too.

Filipinos would lose their inherent right to demand for what is right and what is due for them.

This would mean that educational establishments especially those of which are state owned would be become easy prey for money hungry foreign capitalist. Considering that the current government has already lowered state subsidy on education causing majority of SUC’s (State Colleges and Universities) to increase their tuition and other fees in the last 2 years.

The economic provisions would provide the regime a reason to abandon its responsibility to provide free if not accessible and quality education. This does exclude private owned universities and colleges considering that most of these establishments are already semi-owned by foreign businessmen.

This would result in an increase of drop-outs and out of school youths not because of their lazy to go to class, as what popular myths would suggest, but rather due to the high cost of education in the country. We should also expect an explosion in the popularity in practical courses mostly demanded in industrialized foreign countries such as the United States.

Every provision liberalizing extent of foreign ownership of corporations in certain lines of business, and of industrial, commercial, and residential lands shall take effect three years after ratification of this Constitution or upon earlier passage of legislation implementing the provision.

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

CHARTER CHANGE Quick notes:

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The Philippine Constitution of 1987 limits the operation of certain utilities to firms with at least 60 percent ownership by Philippine citizens.

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The Philippine Constitution limits foreign ownership of advertising agencies to 30 percent. All executive and managing officers of advertising agencies must be Philippine citizens.

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The Philippine Constitution limits investment in certain sectors deemed to be utilities (including water and sewage treatment, electricity transmission and distribution, telecommunications, and transport) to firms with at least 60 percent ownership by Philippine citizens. All executive and managing officers of such enterprises must be Philippine citizens.

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The Philippine Constitution generally reserves the practice of licensed professions (e.g., law, medicine, nursing, accountancy, and engineering, architecture, and customs brokerage services) to Philippine citizens.

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The 1991 Foreign Investment Act contains two “negative lists” (List A and List B) enumerating the areas in which foreign investment is restricted. List A reflects foreign investment restrictions mandated by the Constitution or specific laws. The list includes sectors in which investment is reserved for Philippine nationals (e.g., mass media, small-scale mining) and sectors in which foreign equity participation is limited to a certain maximum share (e.g., natural resource extraction, where foreign equity is limited to 40 percent).

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The 1987 Philippine Constitution bans foreigners from owning land in the Philippines.

Article: Paul Anthony Crooks Photo: JM Mercado Lay-out: Al Pascual and Jan Mikko Canarias

The domination of such classes in government has little to do with the form of government and has everything to do with the social structures and inequalities faced by the majority of Filipinos. Historically, political crisis is the result of class conflicts between the ruling elite and the toiling masses.

“Binihisan lang ng ibang damit ang buwaya, at pinatira sa ibang bahay, pero buwaya pa rin.”

QUICK response: 5 reasons why we should say NO to Charter Change!

1. Charter Change is a ploy to perpetuate Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in power by setting aside serious questions about her legitimacy and legalizing her term until 2010 and perhaps beyond.

2. Charter Change may be used to resurrect martial law. a. The 60-day limit to martial law and suspension of writ is removed. b. Congress may not revoke the proclamation of martial law or writ suspension. c. The Supreme Court can no longer review the factual basis for the declaration of martial law. d. There will be a new ground for declaring martial law which is vague and open to abuse. e. Under transitory provisions, Mrs. Arroyo will have additional power to dissolve Parliament.

3. Charter Change will sell out national patrimony and economy. a. Foreign entities will be granted the right to own residential, commercial and industrial land b. Foreign entities will be allowed to exploit natural resources. c. Foreign entities will be allowed to control and/or operate public utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications.

Form of government is secondary issue:

4. Charter Change can further undermine our national identity and culture as it will also allow foreign ownership of mass media, schools and advertising firms.

Cha-cha misses the point on why the government is perpetually in crisis. It’s not the form but the majority of the people in position and the system they have been breeding for the past hundred years. The Government is still dominated by big compradors and landlords, and never will it be in their interest to serve the masses and give up their interest. Puppet regimes are always subservient to foreign interests.

5. Charter Change will degrade national sovereignty and territorial integrity. a. It will pave the way for the return of foreign military bases b. There will be no limit to the entry of foreign troops and facilities. c. Ratification of treaties and other international agreements favouring foreign interests will be made easier.

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Feature FACE-STER-PLY, TWIRK-SPACE:

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

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ACEBOOK. Friendster. Multiply. Twitter. PlurkMySpace. You name it, Filipinos created their accounts on it.

Filipinos, famous for being ardent trend followers, have proved to the world that social networking sites are part of the fashion we tag along so as not to be left out in the fast-evolving planet we tread on. In fact, we have already made a record on a recent global survey by being one of the countries which ranks high in using the Internet for social networking purposes.

Released by New York-based media agency Universal McCann, the study noted 15 percent Internet penetration and estimates 37 million “active” Internet users(aged between 16 to 54), or those who go online daily or every other day. In this country, social networking sites are the next big thing to staying connected with people across the globe.

In a technologically advanced institution as what Ateneo de Davao University prides itself to be, you will find no ordinary Atenean having an account on one or two, or maybe on all aforementioned social networking sites. Each account is expected to have a lot of contacts in it so as not to defeat its purpose of connecting us to the vast world. It doesn’t matter if we personally know our contacts; what is more essential is that they add up to our friends’ list. In some instances, we find ourselves standing next to our social networking friend and feel hesitant to say “Hi!” because you only know each other online and not personally. The rule in social networking is to have a large number of contacts to feel connected. As a trend, almost everyone in the campus has an account and if you try asking some random Atenean for their Facebook or Friendster account, you’ll see that it’s rare to receive an “I don’t have one” reply.

Filipinos on top of the Game!

Social networking sites have really taken its toll on the hearts of everyone who has an access to the Internet. It’s even the first thing people do whenever they go online and it’s already becoming a priority, leaving those school assignments and research behind. Students and professionals alike are hooked up with the wonderful world of social networking. No exemptions.

One who is not technologically-inclined might won-

der why such a phenomenon happens. Probably the best explanation for this could summarize the myriad of possible answers with two crucial words: self-expression and communication.

Social networking sites allow the typical Pinoy to customize his profile, edit information about him, upload his pictures and videos, send messages, post entries to update his blog, post important announcements or shout outs and even publish his mood of the moment. All of these are actually visible to the whole

world so when his contacts get notified, they are free to drop comments and in some sites, rate such posts.

And with Facebook, the most dominant social networking site these days, people who are online can chat with each other, allowing real-time communication to take place.

So this is how self-expression and communication with the whole world go. With just a few strokes on the keyboard, we can have the real world at our fingertips. Filipinos give so much importance to having their selves expressed and get their thoughts sent across so it’s no surprise if we ranked high in the said survey. It’s quite evident that we sit behind our computer monitors not only to do our typical research and to make our piled up assignments but most ultimately, we avail of the Internet to update our accounts and stay connected with our friends or make new friends, even virtual ones. We also want to let the whole world know who we really are that’s why we’re so keen on this.

It’s always a good thing to know that the typical Pinoy goes with the technological current and keep afloat with what’s in and hot these days. It’s even heartwarming to realize how much we value friendship that’s why we go online to check on them. We just have to use these social networking sites to its optimum potential for our benefit and not become distractions which could possibly push us to detriments.

P.S. And yes, you guess it right. This writer is actually multitasking, logging in to her Facebook and Plurk accounts while coming up with this article. Talk about walking the talk.

Article: Ma. Cristina E. Ramos Art: Adrian Ablazo

Good Grades Or Go for the Gold?

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LOT of college students love cramming. Usually if we are loaded with assignments, projects, quizzes, exams and the like, our only solution is…CRAMMING. But the main reason why we are given these workloads is for us to learn and grow intellectually. However, because of cramming, answer snipping, and luck dependence, students no longer perform to the best they should academically. This may be the cause of the rising number of issues from students with regards to these orthodox methods of inculcating and measuring individual’s knowledge.

A digested and unified argument reveals that grades are no longer reliable measurement and basis for an individual’s intellect, effort and aptitude. In other words, grades do not necessarily reflect knowledge, determination and abilities.

Educational institutions believe that grades are standardized measurements of varying levels of comprehension within a subject area. Like other schools, we have the highest and lowest possible grades of 100% and 60%, respectively. If we are to think at the margin of passing a certain subject, the goal is of course reach at least the average and this may require effort and proficiency. Thus, better grades are often correlated with greater student effort. However, psychological reasoning suggests that there is no monotonically non-decreasing function relating student effort to class grades. It may be a factor, but effort alone does not determine one’s grade.

The theory goes like this: student A who studied for X hours got 100% grade while student B who studied for Y hours got only 75%. If student B will study for X hours, is it an assurance that he’ll receive a 100% grade? We probably know the answer because we are actual witnesses of such cases – studying for long hours yet given a grade not compensating enough for our effort. (and this really hurts!)

Another striking argument says that grades do not necessarily reflect aptitude. In a given situation, it is possible to get a 100% grade in a class while the genius sitting next to you gets only 75%, even though you know that he has a far greater aptitude for the subject than you do, simply because he didn’t pay attention to the current lesson and requirements of the course.

Moreover, because of these recorded grades, our future comes to be at stake especially when employers will base hiring solely on records. This is why for most reasons, evaluating performance is far better than scrutinizing grades in dealing with career assessment.

The change in the worldly perspective of individuals in the present generation made this case a multifaceted issue. There are a lot of other factors, aspects, and issues related to the argument against the reliability of imposing grades. Some points are 1.) Current emotional and personal problems vs. quiz or exam grades, 2.) Time management vs. projects, research papers, and the like, 3.) Psychological intricacies vs. class attentiveness and participation, etc.

So, if grades do not necessarily reflect effort or ap-

Article: Tom Louis Herrera

titude, then what do they reflect? They simply reflect how well a student has performed of what is required for a class. Specifically, the class syllabus is the core of the grading system. The guidelines are set on the paper, and if you satisfy them to a certain level of excellence, then you will earn a certain grade.

Educational sociologist James S. Coleman once said, “Grades are almost completely relative, in effect ranking students relative to others in their class. Thus extra achievement by one student not only raises his position, but in effect lowers the position of others.”

Perhaps others may know how to study better, others avoid procrastinating, and others are better test takers. A high grade by itself means nothing if you completely forget what you have learned from the class after a few months. There is nothing wrong with cramming just to get high grades that will boost your WPA. If this will be the case, the consequence would be your shallow understanding of the class material. But if you ever need to demonstrate to others that you have grown intellectually in class, you better be prepared to actually learn it. Thus, there is a trade-off between one’s short-term goal and long-term achievement.

If the school really aims for academically excellent students, it must readily support them in developing intellectual abilities in ways that will help students avoid cramming and instead value learning. On one hand, as students we must renew our mindset and stop being grade-oriented. Classes than structured entities designed GOOD, PAGE 14

Feature

When Pigs I

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

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the drugs and masks by the millions much to the delight of drug companies, and distributors of medical supplies around the world.

Article: Gabriel Farofaldane Even in ‘lil ole Davao’, A(H1N1) has arrived, with now Art: Adrian Ablazo 37 confirmed cases in the city (all recovered). San Pedro College and Holy Cross of Davao High School both susand HN or viral neur- pended school to disinfect the campuses and isolate the aminidase. Hemagglu- students after one student from each school were found tinin is the process by to have the virus. which red blood cells In Ateneo de Davao however, only two classes susagglutinate or “glue to- pended after cases were confirmed in the student popugether” and in the influ- lation. Though the idea that there should be no panic is enza type it is responsi- commendable, the fact that the student population and ble for binding the virus parents of these students were not duly informed is the to the host cell. While problem. Rumors were allowed to run wild as students viral neuraminidase is didn’t know what to believe. an enzyme on the surThis was Ateneo’s big mistake. In an effort to stem face of a flu virus that allows the virus to be released from panic and paranoia, they didn’t duly inform the population the host cell. of the school as to what was going on in their very school.

Now, what is A(H1N1) in 2009 pandemic terms. Basi- This policy should be reviewed and administrators must cally, it is the common flu. But what makes it different reflect as to where it is lacking in effectivity. is that it has all four distinct strains of A(H1N1): North While policies differ from country to country, city to American Mexican Influenza, North American Avian In- city, and school to school on how to handle this virus, it fluenza, human influenza and swine influenza. This new still holds true that everybody must remain strain of A(H1N1) caused a massive constantly vigilant and never let panic wave of panic as apparently healthy, and paranoia take hold of rationality. young adults in Mexico City started dying because of this new strain. As time went on and panic and paranoia spread globally, it was discovered that it was a relatively mild strain and affects mainly the extremely young, the old and those with previous medical complications. Though the fact of the matter is, it is present in nearly every country worldwide. And what is even more disturbing is that considering it is a completely new strain, there is no vaccine for it and no known treatment to combat the illness.

Sales of Tamiflu, the flu medication has reached epic proportions with nations buying

Fly

T has crossed borders, t rave l l e d thousands of miles, breached national security defenses and spread fear, panic and paranoia throughout the world. No, this isn’t World War III, it’s simply swine flu.

What started as a few severe cases of a new type of flu in the Mexican countryside has erupted to become a full scale pandemic in less than a few months. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been sent into a panic as a highly contagious, mutated version of the A(H1N1) virus traversed the globe, spreading fear and panic in nations and populations around the world. On June 11, 2009, WHO declared a pandemic of A(H1N1), the first pandemic since the 1968 Hong Kong flu or A(H3N2) which killed an estimated 1 million people. The last pandemic, a virulent and deadly avian flu strain of A(H1N1) happened in 1918 which we now commonly know as the Spanish flu which killed an estimated 50-100 million people worldwide and infected an estimated 500 million people.

Let’s first start off with an explanation as to what A(H1N1) is. In the beginning, this new type of flu was called “Swine flu” by the population of the world but was quickly changed to A(H1N1) by WHO as they discovered that it was simply a “mongrelised” version of the North American Influenza A virus. Basically, the Influenza A virus is one species with various strains. Strains are separated based on the type of HA or Influenza Hemagglutinin

Who's your Beadle?!

Kathleen Dominique T. Aliño

Every school year, we enroll in every class we can in our prospectus and as we walk inside school in the first day of classes we are eager to meet the professors that we are going to spend the whole semester with in a classroom. As we meet these teachers, they orient us with rules of the class or should we say the “HOUSE RULES”. And every semester for every class that we students have, we always have an infamous BEADLE. What is a beadle? Well, it is basically a person in the same school uniform, beadle slips and class list in hand, checking attendance and seeing if who in class is next to the Failure Debarred list. Being a beadle for roughly 3 years, I’ve had the ups and downs there is to being a beadle. I’ve always promised myself, every semester that I won’t be volunteering for the Beadle position. But because of popular demand (mostly by request of friends), I always end up raising my hand to be in the same position every single year. But being beadle isn’t just about checking attendances. It is about being responsible enough to know who is not following the rules of the school, and most importantly to be the one the teachers/professors are relying on. Heard about photocopies and hand-outs in class? For the newbies, let me give you a run-through--- the beadle is the one who does all that. The teacher gives you the hand-out for you to photocopy for the class (usually they just leave it in the photocopy centers). Yes, it may be harsh that you get all that responsibility, but who can your classmates count on? The beadle is not the class’ “Personal Alalay”, but when we think about it, the class depends on the beadle to warn them how many absences they have made, if they are already FD (Failure Debarred), and etc.. Just

kay Gosto Jod Nimo MagReact!? Ha??

Pwes! i-email mi aron makabalo mi:

atenews@gmail.com

so everybody knows, the BEADLE is very important, and every class needs one.

This semester, Student Affairs Director Mr. Rikki Enriquez and the Office of Student Affairs had conducted a meeting for the new beadles of this semester. They were given a little overview of the rules of being a beadle, their responsibilities and were welcomed as part of the recently launched Ateneo Beadle Society. Now that it is a new semester, the OSA has come up with plans to make the school year more up to the rules of University. And the BEADLES are up to the challenge.

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Opinion

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

BlueBlood

Onstage Deception

Got significant life experiences? Epiphanies? We would liike to know what you are thinking! Submit your BLUEBLOOD essays at our office near the Covered Court or email us at atenews@gmail.com.

HACKING THE SYSTEM | Ma. Cristina E. Ramos

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n an era when almost everything can appear as genuine, thanks to the state-of-the-art, modern and high-speed technology coupled with the creative ideas people have in mind, it would really entail a gigantic effort on one’s part to distinguish what’s for real and what’s for a show only.

Our naked senses can deceive us.

We can look at a photo, see an almostperfect face and be amazed not knowing it’s only manipulated by some sophisticated photo editing software.

We can stare at that hot chick with almost-perfect womanly curves and be dumbstruck when we finally realize that she underwent some surgery to achieve such body, making her a bona fide product of “Salamat po, Doktor”.

We can feel so overwhelmed by the affection manifested by an almost-perfect paramour who would eventually turn out to be an undeserving lover.

If truth be heard, human beings are really subject to deception, no matter how wise we are. Or how wise we think we are.

In the face of the worsening economic crisis and vanishing moral standards, everyone is struggling to survive and there are some who do it by any means. By hook or by crook.

True, life is hard; living it decently is even harder. So as to maintain a lifestyle, some don’t consider ethics; they just go on and mind their own business, at the expense of innocent

people.

Sadly, such scenario is a very familiar one in this country. Countless of times, Filipinos have always been the unconscious audience of a theatrical performance set on stage by some dominating sectors in the society. Everything was well planned, of course. The plot was well written, lines were well rehearsed, and props were all prepared. The actors could have been given awards which would immortalize their expertise in the field of acting, but what they get is more than any award there is. They acquire power, they enjoy fame, and they have

Those people maneuvering the show don’t mind shedding off a fortune for their publicity. money which can afford them all luxuries in life while they strip off basic rights from the masses they should have served well in the first place.

Those people maneuvering the show don’t mind shedding off a fortune for their publicity. It is in the hope that they will leave a mark in the minds of the people once they get hold of the pen and ballot paper come election day. They don’t even mind doling out tons and tons of sardines, rice and instant noodles to create an impression that they are angels here on Earth. They reach out to the

masses and disguise as the benevolent and kindhearted persons that would give hope to this ailing country.

With so much conviction, they lavish people with sugarcoated promises and the spark of dreaming again for a better situation would fly.

In the end, when they win and get what they want, all of those hope would just burn away. Those promises, just like any other, get broken. The dreams for a brighter future would be gone to oblivion.

Months from now, the country would once again have the national elections. As early as now, it has been observed that a lot of politicians are expressing their intentions to run for office. Most Ateneans are first time voters and it would be safe to assume that most of us can be easily swayed with the ‘show’, if we are not careful enough to weigh things out. We are so much eager to get this chance to help the country with the choice we are going to make. But first, we have to evaluate the candidates we are rooting for. It’s not enough to hear them speak their seemingly noble intentions, we also have to assess their perceptions and view on the pressing issues faced by the country today.

Let us not be another set of prey that would just be enticed and fall for the trap those experts have carefully set for us. It’s not wrong to leave room for doubt, if that would stir up our critical minds.

Hindi ako si Totoy Bato CONtrASSt | Maryam Ross Embalsado

B

akit ba tayo nakakaramdam?

Minsan kasi, nakakapagod.

Alam mo yung lagi ka nalang kinukulit ng tinatawag nating “conscience”, ung may mala mini microphone naka ukit sa utak mo. Naku!

Nakakabaliw. Pero, para naman sa mabuti ang pagkakaroon nito. We humans are complex beings nga naman.

Tanging ang ating kakayahang makaramdam at mag-isip ang pinagkaiba natin sa mga hayop.

Pero bakit may tinatawag parin tayong hayop at sinisigawan ng “Hayop ka!!”? Eh yun na nga ang mga taong hindi pinapansin si conscience. At siguro, bato na ang mga puso nito at walang paki-alam sa iba basta’t matugunan ang kanilang pansariling interes.

Di hamak, ang mga taong nasa mataas na posisyon ay nagkakaroon ng ganitong sakit. Kung tutuusin, ang pagsilbi sa publiko ay isang trabahong kailangang kalimutan ang pangangailangan ng sarili para lang makamit ang tanging nararapat para sa masa.

Yun nga lang, tila nasisirain na ata sila ng bait. Tao pa ba sila?

Ito rin ay paalala sa ating lahat, hindi tayo aliens.

Di na ba sila nakakadama? Di na ba sila nakaka pag-isip ng maayos? Sa tuwing may nagkakaroon ng lakas ng loob para magsalita at iparating ang mga hinaing, baril ang ginagawang panlaban. Salita laban sa armas at dahas? Di naman ata patas yun. Sa

administrasyon lamang na ito, umabot na ng 1,032 ang extrajudical killings.

Ang bilang na ito ay mas mataas sa pinagsama-samang pagpagslang ng mga organisadong tao sa mga panahon nina Erap, ang yumaong Cory Aquino at Fidel Ramos.

Sa kabilang dako, nakita rin natin na ang paghingi ng tawad ay naging entertainment news, walang emosyon.

Minsan, napapa-isip ako. Mas gugustuhin ko bang mabuhay na manhid, o mabuhay ng nasasaktan, marunong humingi ng dispensa, maging masaya para sa sarili at sa iba?

Mas pipiliin ko ang ikalawa sa paniniwalang hindi tayo robot. Ang pagiging manhid ng ating administrasyon ay mas lalong nagpapahirap sa atin.

Walang pusong sinisilbihan ang taong bayan. Mala-robot ang pagpapatakbo, HINDI, PAGE 14

Kabataan, Tayo ang Pagbabago!

by Holden Caulfield

F

riday, July 24, found me drenched to the bone in the howling rain by Jones Circle (that area between the Phoenix gas refilling station and the City Tri building complex), holding a big cardboard sign with the letter “A” on it and dodging the line of sight of cameras from the professional newspapers and the local afternoon TV news programs. I participated in a demonstration of various groups protesting the realization of HR 1109, which will convene the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate into a single body, called the constituent assembly, which can tinker with the 1987 Philippine Constitution in achievement of nefarious goals.

I would like to shamelessly state here and now that that morning I half-seriously pondered whiling the day away on Facebook and on reading ghost stories. But I didn’t, responsible and virtuous person as I am.

That rally wasn’t the reason I gave up a reason for being lazy. I was invited to the first General Assembly of Lihok Estudyante ug Kabataan batok Krisis ug Komersalisasyon (LEKSYON), an alliance of students, out-of-school youth and young professionals pushing for improved services to the youth specifically and a better Filipino society generally, and as I committed on behalf of ATENEWS to participate in the alliance I agreed to go. So it was to this assembly that I went to. The program, as it says in my invitation letter, consists of three parts: a meetand-greet socialization part, a forum on charter change, and of course the rally. Of the first part I have nothing much to say. I suppose I could describe the place and the people present (the event was held on the rooftop of Sangguniang Panglunsod and it was attended by about twelve people, myself included, representing five out of twenty-two groups making up the alliance), but that is of little consequence to this essay, so I’ll go on. The forum was the highlight of the event in my opinion. The speaker was Atty. Eduardo Estores, a practicing lawyer and a former faculty of the ADDU Law School. The forum was simply a repeat of things anyone can find out in the Internet, in public records and from self-analysis, but Sir Ding carried the event with charm and ease. And he is well-informed and opinionated: he believes that the governments of recent history up to the present are hindering the industrialization of the country by entering in lopsided deals with the imperialist US and other countries that turns a pretty penny for them and our politicians but KABATAAN, PAGE 14

Feature

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

• SONA 2009, SAYONARA BY 2010?

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by Maryam Ross Embalsado and Jan Patrik Laroya | Art: Jan Mikko Canarias

On July 27, 2009, the Batasan Complex was filled with the president’s loyal constituents all dressed up for what seemed like the party of the year. The 4-layered complex security system was all set up and ready for one of the most important political events of any year. At 4 p.m., President Gloria Arroyo, on her ninth year as president of the Philippines came out wearing the “reddish-pink French fries” gown that caught the attention of many and even elicited numerous comments especially in cyberspace.

The SONA or state of the nation address is an annual event delivered before a joint session of both chambers of Congress. The president covers the projects of her administration that were launched in the preceding year of her term, it also includes her plans for the years ahead. President Arroyo was able to deliver her speeches that way with the past SONAs. However, her 9th and ostensibly, last SONA was way different compared to her past SONAs, and even more different compared to the SONAs of the past Philippine presidents. Hers was different, in a way that the “toget-back-to-her-critics” feeling was dominant all over her speech.

She opened up with the crippled effects of the global financial crises, and moving on to the issue of being coined as the most unpopular president since Marcos.

“I did not become President to be popular. To work, to lead, to protect and preserve our country, our people, that is why I became President.”

The speech was inspiring indeed, but not for the Filipino people. it was inspiring for those who support her and who will continue to support her. Sounding like somebody who got up on the wrong side of the bed, she excessively backlashed her critics. This gave the impression of the SONA 2009 as a front for her to get back at them, contradicting all critics’ claims, actions, and accusations. She even gave a friendly advice to those wanting to be the next president.

“To those who want to be President, this advice: If you really want something done, just do it. Do it hard, do it well. Don’t pussyfoot. Don’t pander. And don’t say bad words in public.”

She sounded just like a pre-school bully delivering a speech for mini-bullies who bask in her so called glory. And honestly, we couldn’t really blame her for it was her last chance to contradict every issue thrown at her. Individuals from different walks of life and the usual politicians and even Manny Pacquiao were mentioned. Their achievements and presence were acknowledged. Every word, sentence, paragraph uttered elicited thunderous claps which filled the hollowed walls of the Batasan. Stretched out smiles and smirks accompanied those who obviously enjoyed the show for about an hour.

Education as her supposedly primary concerns received remarks such as this, “Ang magandang edukasyon ay susi sa mas magandang buhay, the great equalizer that allows every young Filipino a chance to realize their dreams.”

Ironically, UP had their 300% increase in tuition.

SCUs (State College and Universities) recently experienced the 50% budget cut and are slowly becoming privatized, rearing to a more commercialized education. Private institutions can also be 100% foreign owned. How could this paint a bright picture for the majority that are below poverty line? The great equalizer is THE great dream. The number of out- of -school youth (OSY) are increasing, resulting to more job seekers.

Employment is scarce. 500,000 additional jobs were provided from 2001-2009, which were mostly low quality jobs. Her exaggeration of facts and definition of terms does not coincide with the real situation of this country. She boasts of our OFWs and the rising BPO industry in our country.

They have become such an epitome of success for her, suggesting that Filipinos are much better off as workers in other countries other than our own. The call center business is even below 1% of our economy.

According to Winnie Monsod, poverty rose by almost 50%.

Furthermore, a number of issues remain unanswered as not one word was uttered regarding those issues. The increasing dilemma of corruption and the different anomalies the first family was involved in, the never ending extrajudicial killings and human rights violations and the increase in bureaucracy were not addressed.

The Hello Garci scandal, the NBN-ZTE Broadband deal, and the Fertilizer Fund Scam are just some of the issues left hanging in thin air. The legacy of her administration will just leave a sour taste in the mouth, just like the type of sour candy one chews, which leaves a distor ted face with twisted contours.

The sourness eventually dissipates into nothing, leaving a bland taste.

Moving on with her angsty speech, the peace process and the conflict in Mindanao, automation of the upcoming elections, wonders of the world, and the seat of the presidency being a 24/7 job were mentioned. Non-stop praising and thanking the congress reverberated the halls of the Batasan.

As a bid to a presidency, the last SONA should be a clear enunciation of what has transpired in her term, the different achievements, drawbacks, and everything that the people need to know. It created an air of firing back to her critics, and sniping back to negative comments and surveys. The address is a time to showcase transparency and honesty. Opposite to that, stepping down and passing on the president’s crown was not luminous enough to guarantee her critics that she indeed will be gone by 2010.

In the long hour of her speech, Filipinos and other critics were listening to every word that she uttered, waiting for a hint about her future plans that she could possibly drop.

In the end, whether or not GMA will step down from her position at the end of her term, obviously wasn’t addressed clearly.

That leaves us Filipinos still pondering on the future of GMA’s political career and plans.

As always, it was her SONA, not the people’s SONA.

We accept short advertisements for publishing. Visit our office or e-mail us at atenews@gmail.com for details.

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Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

Hindi FROM PAGE 13

Kabataan FROM PAGE 13

mala-puppet na ang tanging ginagawa ay ang sumunod sa puppetmaster.

Kamakailan lang ay nagkatagpo na sa wakas si Presidente Arroyo at Presidente ng Estados Unidos na si Barack Obama. Working visit daw ang layunin, pero ang patuloy na hangarin ng Pilipinas sa pagkakaugnay sa Estados Unidos ang naging isa sa mga paksa. Ginawa na rin itong pagkakataon para pag-usapan ang natitira niyang panunungkulan at ang kanyang iiwan na bakas sa Pilipinas. Bakas? Wala ata akong maisip na kaaya-aya.

Kaya karapat-dapat lang na mahanap na nila ang diwa ng pagiging tao. Hindi lang kasi sila ang Pilipinas, may ilang milyong Pilipino pa ang kumakayod para sa ikakabuti ng ating bayan. Ito rin ay paalala sa ating lahat, hindi tayo aliens. Huwag natin kalimutan na nabubuhay tayo hindi lamang para sa sarili kundi para rin sa iba. No man is an island ika nga.

Ito ang sanhi ng patuloy nating pagbago sa ating mga sarili at pagmulat sa mga taong tila ay tulog pa. Kahit masaktan man tayo, mapagod, madismaya, at kung ano-ano pa, dapat matuwa tayo na hindi pa tayo nagiging bato. Sa bawat pakiramdam, negatibo man o positibo, gawin natin itong daan sa pagbabago. Pinapahiwatig natin ang pagiging ganap na tao na patuloy na lumalaban. Nakakapagod man, pero masaya. Eh ikaw, tao ka ba o robot?

gives little or no benefit to the Filipino on the street.

The fight over charter change is moot, he says. The concept of changing constitutions and forms of government to serve the interests of the president and his or her allies is old news: Marcos changed the 1935 Constitution to justify his rule; Estrada’s CONCORD in the early 2000s aimed for similar “economic provisions” that HR 737 is proposing. It is the domination of the “elite”, of fat-cat politicians lining their pockets with millions of pesos in kickback that is the bigger problem. Charter change is merely their vehicle to doing their stuff.

His words compare well with that by Ronald Llamas, in another forum sponsored by the faculty and held in the school on July 21. He is in favor of ChaCha, after the 2010 elections are finished and the present Congress is dissolved. I didn’t manage to take down proper notes that day, but if I remember correctly he said something to the effect that GMA will be allowed to become Pampanga representative and ultimately Prime Minister if this Congress is to be left with changing the form of our government into a parliamentary one. It is for this reason, he says, that his friend, UP professor and Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Randy David, will run for the Pampanga seat should GMA declare her intentions of running, after her son announced that he will step aside for his mother; it will be a “David vs. Gloriath” fight, as Llamas puts it. But in itself, the amendment of charter change is good, in his view. It will allow for the different regions in the Philippines under the proposed federation to rule themselves as they see fit, and the central government can be made stronger than it has been.

This in turn reminded me of yet another forum I went to. I had a realization on charter change, which I copied almost verbatim from what one speaker in the first General Assembly of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines-Davao City Chapter for this school year said: Cha-cha will not just change the way foreign corporations will do business in the Philippines, as the administration touts when defending it; this

Torch FROM PAGE 4 For the banner raising competition, everyone’s favorite division, the Philosophy division took home the prize. As for the Ladies’ Showdown, Dani Angeles and Denise Guirgen of the Humanities Division’s took first place, followed by the College of Nursing and the Business and Management Division as first and second-runner up, respectively.

Good FROM PAGE 10 to instill a category of knowledge and develop certain skills in students, and grades are nothing more than some formulaic assessment of how well a student has satisfied the requirements of the class. In reality, we must learn that there are varying degrees of subjectivity in recording grades, but certain factors are out of our control as a student.

Opinion change affects the economy, which in turn will affect all other aspects (political, social and cultural) of our lives.

I remembered all this as the procession made out on its way to Jones Circle from the front of Sangguniang Panlunsod, beneath that ridiculous bronze monument perched on those green marble slabs. I also thought of something one of my companions for the day said as we sat there shooting the breeze and waiting for the demonstration to start. He said something that goes like this: It’s not enough that we take one view and stick to it, we should take all sides into account. He is 18, a political science student in the Ateneo who is also an activitist and who is quickly chopped at the knees in class discussions by his teachers for siding too much with the activist doctrine. Later on the leaders called us all to start.

He was given a flag and he immediately went to the front of the phalanx. I took a bamboo torch and went to my line.

It’s always so easy to be lazy. As is the case with homework and study, so it is for the effort of understanding the state of our society: it’s very easy to forget that we are part of it, affected tremendously by it. We cannot shake loose of society: where humans congregate, a society immediately forms, where laws and rules and constitutions are made to regulate us, where the actions of the influential few on who gets to sleep closest to the campfire or how the creation of infrastructure over improvement in education affects us. We need to know, and more importantly be involved in the issues besetting the country if we are to ensure that the higher-ups do not forget us. It is important to understand everything going on that needs be understood. It is only with understanding that we can make informed decisions. It is only with informed decisions that we can direct our destinies as an individual, a son or daughter, a father or mother, and as a Filipino among a community of Filipinos to a better state. But then again it’s always so easy to be lazy.

From the Editors’ Desk

We are gratified and honored that many Ateneans expressed interest and submitted their works for inclusion in Banaag Diwa 2009, which was released this August. Ever since Atenews started printing it, Banaag Diwa was never just an annual literary folio. It has and still aims to faithfully record the thoughts and feelings of the Atenean, for the entertainment and edification of other Ateneans and anybody who lays his or her hands on it.

In light of this, we would like to give our deepest apologies to the contributors whose works were cut in the middle, or not rendered as he or she wanted it, or the fonts of which seemed smaller compared to those of other works, or were in any way “butchered” in the final copy. We assure you that these errors were unintended.

Similarly, we had heard of rumors regarding a certain contribution that is allegedly based on real persons and events and written without the consent of those persons, in a manner that identifies and puts its subject to public embarassment. We are collecting facts and statements on the matter from all sides as of the moment. Meanwhile, we would like to state that the Atenews did not publish said contribution out of malice towards anybody. We believe that the Atenean is a person of ethics and tact, and so, though all stories, fiction or non-fiction, have their basis in everyday life, the contributor had altered names, descriptions and certain events in order to prevent identification with the persons involved. The contribution was chosen for inclusion solely because we think it was artistic and well-done, only that and for no other reason.

A PDF version of Banaag Diwa 2009 as well as older releases of Banaag Diwa and the Atenews are now available for download online, by logging in at http:// issuu.com/atenews. The file is guaranteed error-free and devoid of any offending material mentioned here. We would like to hear from you, and walk handin-hand with the Ateneo community as we continue on in the pursuit of learning and understanding.

Graphics

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

KOMIKS

TAXI by Ogs

Adventures of Super K “AHINI” by BETz

Adventures of Super K “BANGKANG PAPEL” by BETz

Inverbati

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Compiled by: Holden Caulfield

WELCOME TO THIS YEAR’S VERY FIRST INVERBATI SECTION OF THE ATENEWS! We posted a makeshift “freedom wall” on the window of our office from July 23 to 25, posing the question ”ATENISTA, ano say mo sa Charter Change? Ano na nga ba ang ‘state of the nation’ ni Tinyo?” to passersby, and the students responded to our invitation. Here are the responses we culled from the mixture of text, drawings and general graffiti on our “wall”. Spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation marks and other marks are copied where possible from the original post. The name of the poster is enclosed in square brackets. My comments are enclosed in parentheses. Swear words are deleted lest we get into unnecessary trouble. Our kudos to Unnamed for posting almost half of the total number of responses listed here, and for writing each one in a different handwriting. You’re one thoughtful and talented guy/girl, Unnamed. Watch out for the next Inverbati release. ‘Til next time, kids! Enjoy! :D _____________________ +Gloria Out Now, Cha-Cha Later… The Philippine Constitution must never be STAGNANT [Unnamed] +We don’t need Charter Change… We need character change [dRmR] +Ok lang basta dli na c Gloria [Stray Cat] +Ang wise ni Gloria, un lang masasabi ko!! [Unnamed] +Charter change sucks! [lady gaga] (I’ll follow you until you love me, lady gaga <3 – HC) +To hell with Cha Cha [Unnamed] +Preserve Democracy NO to Cha-Cha [Unnamed] +Itapon si Gloria kasama ng Con-Ass [Unnamed] +WALANG KWENTA! WE WANT FEDERAL PASS SA SONA!!! ANG DAVAO GUSTO KO MAGING STATE!!! NA SIYA!!! [?] (nagmamagaling na mag-Chinese script :-& –HC} +DUH!!! Wala talagang kwenta ang CHA CHA!! Ano naman ang silbi niyan?!?!?! [?} (isa pang nagmamagaling; kanji this time :-& – HC) +Charter Change is a mere dress change. You may undress the doll and give it a new wear, but the object remains unchanged. That is still Chucky Doll! =) If you want change in the system, haha, then we have to begin with scratch. But then again it is illusory. So why not just throw those trapos who enjoy the political pleasures instead of modifying what has long been established as a system? There isn’t widespread dissatisfaction with the system. It’s just mere pretense. It’s only for their personal gain from the bureaucracy. STOP their endless wailing for supremacy! [nikz] +Charter Change is a way for Gloria to continue her regime. She want to continue her laws and being an economist, but exactly she has his own way. Can we have change her way, as if we have our unity. Don’t just observe & comment. MOVE. [Honey Ko <3] +WHAT’S THE POINT? PARA IPAGMAYABANG NIYA ANG KANYANG PANLILINLANG AT PAGSIRA SA ATING BANSA? KUNG ITATAPON MAN ANG CHA, DAPAT UNAHIN SI GLORIA AT PAGKATAPOS AY SI NOGRALES!!

[KOYA BOLDOG] +YES OI! After 2010 elections [Unnamed] +Si Gloria ay dapat paalisin sa pwesto! HAHAHA! [Unnamed] +cha-cha their faces.. marunong sila.. (deleted) Ü [goldie] +They’re just the one who can benefit! [Unnamed] +Yatis na sila… Mga nawung ug GAhum ug kwarta!

CHA-CHA? It’s maybe a solution… – but it must be at the right time.. NOT now! => [e. bulilit Ü] +Gloria doesn’t give a (deleted) about anyone but Herself!! [TAGS!] +TO Hell w/ Sona! Your such a Looser GLORIA!! [sectionL] +it won’t resolve ANYTHING… we would never adhere to that. [Unnamed]

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Photography

Atenews Vol. 55 No. 1, | June - August 2009

Photo: Paolo Villanueva

Kuha

Paolo Villanueva

Photo: JM Mercado

Photo:Atenews Photojournalist

Photo: JM Mercado

Photo: Marvince Reyes

Photo: Paolo Villanueva

Photo: Paolo Villanueva

Photo: Maritoni Nanini

Photo: JM Mercado