Con-Con Conniving

With the evolving circus in the government, it can be stated that the emergence of numerous proponents for charter change (chacha) was a forthcoming reality in the country. Alteration can be providential as long as its implications will be favorable to the society; however, if it is a plain scheme to serve the will of the ruling system, then it is only just to regard it with outright renouncement.

On March 6, the House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) No. 7352 which implements the Resolution for Both Houses No.6 or the call for the hybrid constitutional convention owing to the proposal of amendments to the constitution. Senator Robinhood Padilla has been pronouncing his steadfast advocacy for charter change, and has been convincing the senate and his political party to support this political endeavor of his. Nevertheless, I could not help but feel a sense of repugnance knowing that this is a course of action designed to pacify their arbitrary acts.

In addition to that, the proponents of con-con altercate that the central aim of amending the constitution is for the enhancement of the economy.

Yet, it is not improbable for the delegates to assert the necessity to also change some political provisions. If we are going to derive some hypothesis through retrospect, the previous administrations: Rodrigo Duterte and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, adamantly endorse the change in term limit or eradicating it. Unfortunately, rhyming with the two preceding regimes’ plans might be possible considering how the two aligned themselves with the current administration.

Moreover, another reason to reject con-con is that its orchestration is costly. As per the HB. 7352, the 300 con-con delegates will get P10000 PHP every day for seven months, and according to the National Economic and Development Authority, the government might spend P28 Billion for this. It is a complete absurdity to utilize this money in a project like this when it can fund a plethora of social development programs that can benefit the populace. There are many unresolved conundrums in the country that require immediate attention, hence, they must direct the legislative branch to restructure its priorities.

Furthermore, the advocates of the con-con contest the need to amend the constitution because of the seemingly unimproved state of our country. In my opinion, it is just another way of justifying their detrimental actions for them to shift the playing field to their are deserving of the people’s money as compensation when they are the same individuals who stole it away from us for their gain in the first place? We have more pressing issues that require government help and financing, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, education, and transportation, which continue to be a daily burden for everyone. Furthermore, considering their backgrounds and businesses, these people are more than capable of fending for themselves. desired side. The constitution, just like the type of government, is integral in fostering an outstanding political society. However, the responsibility of implementing the constitution falls under the responsibility of those in positions. If they really want to provide enhancements to the country, they will do it even with the limitations imposed by our constitution.

While it may benefit future leaders who have genuine intentions to serve, given the status quo of our country, we need to serve the Filipinos first and foremost by passing bills that will benefit them in these trying times when inflation persists and continues to beset us while we are still struggling to recuperate from the pandemic.

To surmise, charter change through constitutional convention can be effective with the right intentions. However, in this political climate, it can be perceived as something insignificant considering the numerous conflicts we are currently facing. The constitution is the supreme law of the land. It defines and limits the power of the government in order to guarantee the safety of the citizenry. Hence, it is important to undergird it, and protect it from the draconian intentions.

“[B]efore (SC) transferred it (sa S.E.R.V.E.), na-check na nila lahat ng packages… [A]fter (the transfer), S.E.R.V.E…instantly (did the) final inventorying and… repacking of the goods…para maensure talaga na every package given (is still) good (for the) 30 plus families,”

Nevertheless, Gopez mentioned that the event was able to fulfill its purpose of creating a movement of students that is willing to take action in serving the needs of others.

“[S]obrang fulfilling nga talaga kapag nakita mo or nakausap mo ‘ yung mga families…(kasi nakikita) mo ‘ yung smiles nila…(tapos) lagi silang nagsasabi ng ‘thank you’,” Gopez said.

Students’ Feedback

In correspondence to the twomonth delay, Glenda Abada (STM13) stated that the organizations should have immediately announced JUMP’s deferral.

“[N]agtataka ako bakit ‘di nila in-announce no’ng December na na-delay pala… [K]ung mag-aannounce sila, like a few weeks prior or at least two weeks prior sa kung kailan siya (gaganapin) kasi nga namamadalian kami,” Abada stressed.

Furthermore, Kyle Aeson Rosell (STM112) expressed disappointment upon learning that the delivery of the noche buena packages were delayed.

“I (was) worried how the families who were due to receive (the noche buena packages) would celebrate Christmas,” Rosell said.

On the other hand, Jamilla Aguilar (HMS14) saw the delay as an opportunity for SC and S.E.R.V.E. to prepare more for the event.

“I believe that (JUMP) was prepared thoroughly because we didn’t have any problems during the event and the time management was excellent,” Aguilar remarked.

DLSU-D SHS implements onsite GA

Aidan Española

With the increase of onsite class hours, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) has disclosed the return of onsite Gateway Assessments (GA) in the school’s curriculum.

According to HUMSS, ABM, and TVL-HE (HAT) Academic Coordinator Robbie Ann Jesser Eullo, the purpose of conducting onsite gateway assessments is to recalibrate the students to traditional assessments.

“[W]e noticed, especially for subjects like Math, Science, (and) Physics…mababa ‘yung (nakukuha ng mga estudyante) during…written exam dahil hindi na (sila) sanay na magtake ng pen and paper onsite exam na one take lang,” she emphasized.

In addition, DLSU-D SHS Principal Marlon Pareja stressed that the teacher decides whether to record the students’ best or latest score in online GAs as it is different on how it assesses the students’ skills.

“‘[P]ag best score kasi binibigyan

(pa ang mga) [students] ng pagkakataon to…try…(until they) get the best score…(while) ‘[y]ung latest naman is (kailangan muna nilang) pagisipan…(nang) mabuti kung ano ‘yung (kanilang isasagot),” he explained.

Students’ Feedback

In accordance with the implementation of onsite GAs, Jan Aura Denise Dulce (ABM14) favors the implementation of onsite GAs as she finds them more effective in the students’ learning than their online counterpart.

Kapag online…maraming possibility na mag-cheat ‘yung (mga) students…(kaysa sa mga onsite) (GAs na)…talagang nag-aaral ‘ yung (mga) students (beforehand),” she said.