The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 - Friday
fatal deceit
06 features
son of a whore 10 opinion
sa hirap at ginhawa 12 culture
VARIOUS PROGRESSIVE GROUPS DECRY DAVAO TERROR ATTACK
02 NEWS
02 NEWS COLLEGE BRIEFS Physician Licensure Examination is fast approaching and the UP Medicine Student Council, together with the UP Manila University Student Council, is looking for volunteers for the Board OPS 2016 be conducted on September 10, 11, 17, and 18. Venues are to be announced. For inquiries, contact Councilor Anna Cruz (09175647400) or Lester Magabo (09151181782). If interested, fill up the form at http://tinyurl.com/BoardOps2016. On the other hand, the UP Board of Regents (BOR) is now inviting nominations for the new UP President succeeding incumbent UP Pres. Alfredo E. Pascual upon the end of his term on February 9, 2017. The Secretary of the Board started accepting nominations last August 18 and will continue to accept until September 23, 5:00 pm.
Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 | Friday
Various progressive groups decry Davao terror attack NIÑA KEITH MUSICO FERRANCOL
Students from ASAP-KATIPUNAN and Anakbayan-UPM staged a protest at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Oblation Plaza last September 6, 2016 to condemn the Davao night market bombing that killed 14 people and injured 67 on September 2. Demand for Justice The students called on President Rodrigo “Digong” Roa Duterte to conduct an in-depth investigation on the terror attack to bring the real perpetrators into justice. According to Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), the attack was a sabotage to government’s peace efforts with revolutionary groups. Meanwhile, the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) initially took responsibility for the Davao bombing. However, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) stated the imperialist US government and the military to be the behind the attack. They claimed the Abu Sayyaf Group as US "terrorist bogey" used to inflict havoc and fear in the country in order to justify US intervention. “It is no secret that the ASG has been created, funded, trained and operated by the US’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to justify US intervention and violations of our sovereignty under the guise of the war on terror,” KMU Chairperson Elmer Labog asserted.
Accordingly, several incidents of Davao bombing showed involvement of the CIA and military, such as the twin bombings in Davao Airport and Sasa Wharf back in 2003 and the case of Michael Meiring, a suspected CIA agent who blew a bomb inside Davao Hotel in May 2002. As such, Labog advised Duterte to revoke lopsided agreements with the US, such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Mutual Logistics and Support Agreement (MLSA), which only give means for the US to interfere in our political and economic affairs and commit such atrocious crimes against the Filipinos.
Abide by the rules Subsequently, students expressed their wariness on Duterte's declaration of “state of lawlessness" hours after the bombing. They challenged the President to comply with the legal parameters of the said declaration so it will not be used as a premise for the declaration of “war on terror” in Mindanao and Martial Law.
Incidentally, a similar event occured during 1971, when former President Ferdinand Marcos used the Plaza Miranda bombing as basis for declaring Martial Law in 1972.
Ineffective justice system On the other hand, Suara Bangsamoro National spokesperson Amira Lidasan denounced the quelling on our Muslim countrymen as a result of false justice. Similarly, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s proclamation of “state of lawlessness” in Basilan which arrested hundreds of Moro civilians in 2001. “This is not Islamic. We are not murderers, and we do not waste life, as only Allah can decide when to end a life,” according to Lidasan. “The attack on Davao is an attack not just on innocent lives, but on our nation’s common aspiration for healing and change. We will not fall victim to those who want to sow fear and disunity. As one nation, we grieve, we pray, we soldier on,” Kabataan Partylist stated.
Pagpaslang sa tatlong Lumad ng Lianga, ginunita ORGANEWS CAMP Synergy is conducting their “STEP UP” this September. Learn some fun choreography at the CAMP OPST Room from 5:00-7:00 pm. These dance workshops are open to everyone. Meanwhile, Kabataang Artista Para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (KARATULA) - UPM will be selling their Baybayin Stickers and Stickto-One Advocacy Stickers at the All Orgs' Fair on September 13, 15, and 16. In addition, Mga Kwentong Ibinulong by Maralitang Innamorato, a fictional one-act play that tells the unusual and unheard stories of the victims of a nation under a brutal dictatorship, will be held at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), RH 303 on September 22 and 23.
Kalagayan ng mga Lumad, unti-unti nang umaayos ARIES RAPHAEL REYES PASCUA
Inalala ng mga mag-aaral ng University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) ang unang taon ng kamatayan ng tatlong Lumad mula Lianga, Surigao Del Sur na sina Emerito Samarca, Dionel Campos, at Aurelio Sinzo.
Paggunita sa pamamaslang Kaugnay nito, pinangunahan ng Alternative Students’ Alliance for Progress - Katipunan ng mga Progresibong Mag-aaral ng Bayan (ASAP-Katipunan) at Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino UP Manila (KATRIBUUPM) ang isang candle-lighting activity noong Setyembre 1 sa Rizal Hall lobby, Kolehiyo ng Agham at Sining. Kasama ang mga mag-aaral ng UP Manila, nagbigay ng mensahe ng pakikiisa ang iba’t ibang grupo tulad ng Anakbayan, Gabriela Youth, at Saribuhay, upang alalahanin ang pang-aabuso ng mga grupong paramilitar sa komunidad ng mga Lumad. Nilahukan din ito ng mga magaaral mula sa St. Scholastica’s College at De La Salle University. Kinondena ng mga mag-aaral ang nangyaring pagpatay sa tatlo at ang patuloy na panggigipit ng militar sa kanayunan.
Pagbabalik-tanaw sa insidente Magugunita na noong Setyembre 1, 2015, pinaslang ng grupong paramilitar ng Mahamat-Bagani si Emerito Samarca na executive director ng Alternative Learning
Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV). Pinatay din ng armadong grupo si Dionel Campos at kanyang pinsan na si Aurelio Sinzo, na kapuwa pinuno ng mga Lumad. Nasaksihan ang pagpatay na ito ng mga residente, guro, at estudyante sa ALCADEV na pinaalis ng armadong gruposakani-kanilangmgasilid-aralan. Ayon sa IBON International, patuloy na nagigipit at naaabuso ang komunidad dahil sa patuloy na militarisasyon sa kanayunan at sa paglawak ng iligal na pagmimina at pagtotroso.
Pagbangon mula sa pangyayari Sa isang press conference na ginanap sa UP Diliman noong Hunyo 6, inulat ng Save Our Schools Network (SOS Network) na may higit 5000 nang mag-aaral at higit 300 nang mga guro ang handa na muling pumasok sa paaralan. Ayon sa grupo, may ilan na ring bagong paaralan na handang magbigay serbisyo sa mga Lumad. “There is nothing more inspiring than the resolve of these Lumad children, their families and communities. Despite having experienced multitude of violations wreaked by military
personnel – encampments in their schools and communities, threat and harassment, and even the killing of their school’s administrators and leaders – here they are pursuing their humble but noble aspiration to learn and work towards the betterment of their communities”, wika ni Reina Requioma, tagapagsaita ng SOS Network. Sa kabila nito, nananatiling mapagmatiyag ang SOS Network dahil may mga ulat na nananatili ang presensiya ng militar sa ilang paaralan kaya’t hindi nila mapagana ang mga ito. Noong nagsimula ang mga klase nitong Hunyo, nanawagan ang SOS Network sa pamahalaan na tiyakin ang ligtas na pagbabalikeskuwela ng mga guro at estudyante. “Indeed, change should come for our distressed indigenous peoples! We are urging President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to order the pull-out of all AFP personnel in communities and schools and facilitate the safe return of all displaced Lumad. Needless to say, we will remain steadfast in our goal to ensure that these Lumad children enjoy their right to education, together with their families residing in communities free from AFP atrocities”, dagdag ni Requioma.
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Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 | Friday
Four farmers in Fort Magsaysay, killed
Peasant groups call for justice PATRICIA ANNE LACTAO GUERRERO
Student advocates for genuine agrarian reform led by the National Network of Agrarian Reform Advocates – Youth (NNARA-Youth) with other peasant supporters Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid ng Gitnang Luzon (AMGL), Kabataan Partylist and humanrights organization Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights (KARAPATAN) condemned the massacre of four farmers that happened midday of September 3, 2016 inside the Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation (FMMR) in Barangay San Isidro, Laur, Nueva Ecija.
in a land cultivation activity inside the FMMR the morning of the same day of the massacre. Accordingly, KMP chairperson Joseph Canlas demanded Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to instigate the investigation on the role of the local police in the massacre as well as local government officials led by Palayan City Mayor Arianne Cuevas, whose goons had allegedly been harassing the farmers prior to the massacre.
president Corazon CojuangcoAquino, where 3,100 hectares of land was given to a number of landless peasants, as well as to families affected by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991.
Furthermore, farmers claimed that the massacre stemmed from the land dispute between the farmers and big landlords.
Sabotage to peace talks
The victims named Elejo Barbado, Emerencia dela Rosa, Violeta “Baby” Mercado and Gaudencio Bagalay were found dead while Angelita Milan and an unidentified boy received injuries and were brought to the Dr. Paulino J. Garcia (PJG) Memorial Hospital.
“Our call for justice will continue. We will also bring this up in Congress by way of a resolution in order that such violence against farmers is investigated. It is not just in Fort Magsaysay that peasant killings happen but in the entire country where violence and terror are caused by goons, the military and the police who are being ordered by the big landlords,” Canlas said.
Disputed Lands After further investigation, KMP reported that a helicopter landed and delivered rifles near the military camp while the victims were taking part
Moreover, the FMMR was awarded to the farmers under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) of then-
APPROVED NATIONAL BUDGET FOR 2017 Diokno refuted the fact that prospective lump sum funds were inclusive in the proposed amount. "We're putting our money where our mouth is. This budget is consistent with President Duterte's 10-point agenda...it is a transparent budget," he affirmed. Amounting to about P1.34 trillion, the programmed special purpose funds (SPF) present in the new allotted budget covered the subsidization of government managed corporations and local government units (LGUs), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM), and miscellaneous funds for personnel beneficiaries and pensioners. Comprising the remaining sum are customs duties, tax expenditures and payments for incrementing debts.
Concerns in National Development As reported by IBON Foundation, there has been an higher record in the rate of unemployment from 2011 to 2015 compared to the years 2001 to 2010. Over
FROM P.05
160,000 people have additionally been registered as underemployed, failed job-seekers and working overseas. For the following year, LBRMO predicts that Philippine foreign debt will reach about 33 percent of the total outstanding debts or 21 percent of the GDP, estimating to about P2.144 trillion. The biggest component of the national external debt is constituted by the debt securities apportioned from the national government for budgetary support amounting to 27.564 billion US dollars. This accounts for more than 61 percent of the total foreign debt. The National Government’s outstanding debt for the year 2017 amounts to P4.382 trillion in domestic debts and P2.143 trillion in foreign debts. Domestic debts may be in a form of treasury bonds or treasury bills, these only differ in yields. By the end of 2017, domestic debt is projected to total P4.3 trillion while foreign debt to P2.1 trillion. Presently, the administration aims to lower the debt-to-GDP ratio to 40.95 percent from 42.59 percent.
However, since 2008, the military and private armies have been instrumental in denying Fort Magsaysay farmers of their rights to own the lands by asking the cancellation of the certificate of land ownership awards (CLOAs).
Subsequently, survivor Helen Madayag recounted the shooting and how brutally the farmers were killed to remind us of the massacre of peasants in Mendiola that paved way to the collapse of peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Furthermore, NNARA-Youth explained that FMMR is the biggest military base in the Philippines and is among the five base locations offered to the United States (US) military under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a clear indication that the US and SA HIRAP AT GINHAWA
the local big landlord-compradors are hellbent to stop agrarian reform, national industrialization and independent foreign policy in the Philippines. On the other hand, Kabataan Party-list called the attention of President Duterte to address this massacre with open eyes and immediately bring the perpetrators behind bars. “We urge President Rodrigo Duterte to do everything in his power to investigate the Fort Magsaysay killings and bring the perpetrators behind bars. Beyond that, we also urge the president to take immediate measures to protect the lives of our poor farmers throughout the country, many of whom are tilling farmlands targeted by landgrabbers. The government needs to clearly step up its campaign for the protection of our farmers and their rights,” stated Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Elago. Following this, the International League of People's Struggle (ILPS)-affiliate KMP staged a condemnation rally in Quezon City last September 6, 2016 at the DILG office.
MULA SA P.12
maaanghang na salita ay galing rin sa mga taong nais magbigay-tulong sa paghahanap kay baby Arjan. Ipinupukol nila ang sisi sa mga taong wala namang kakayahang makalapit sa mga serbisyong madaling nakakamtan ng mga nagtuturong-daliri. Sinasadya man o hindi, napaiigting nito ang pagturing sa sarili bilang bukal ng pagasa sa mga walang-wala na.
upang tugunan ang kalam ng sikmurang ilang araw nang hangin ang laman, na kung tutuusin ay mas malubha pa sa pagtusok ng ilang patalim. May mali sa sistema kaya marami ang naghihirap, at hangga’t hindi ito tinutumbok, gagawa at gagawa lamang tayo ng mga kondisyon na patuloy na magpapalala at magpapakulong sa siklo ng paghihirap.
Ang problema ng kahirapan ay masosolusyonan lamang kung handa kang lumubog kasama ang mahihirap. Ang pagtulong sa mga partikular, kawanggawa man o bigay-puso, ay pabalat lamang at mananatili pa rin ang malawak na pagkakahati sa pagitan ng mayaman at mahirap. Kung nais nating matulungan ang mahihirap, dapat nating buwagin ang pagkakahating ito at mag-asam ng isang lipunang pantay-pantay ang lahat.
Hindi tadhana ang nagtatakda kung ikaw ay isisilang sa mundo ng mahirap o mayaman. Ang magpapasya ng magiging kalagayan mo ay ang kasalukuyang umiiral na sistema na pinapaandar ng naghaharing-uri. Hanggat ‘di nabubuwag ang mapaniil na sistemang ito, magpapatuloy lamang ang siklo ng kahirapan.
Ang pagkakaroon ng isang pamilya ay hindi dapat maging isang pribilehiyo na nakalaan lamang sa nakaaangat at pabigat naman para sa nagdarahop. Sistema ang nagtulak sa mag-asawang Ordinaryo, at iba pang ordinaryong mamamayan, na kumapit sa patalim
Sa susunod na beses na ika’y may makikitang balita tungkol sa mga mahihirap na kriminal, tanungin ang sarili: sino nga ba ang tunay na kriminal—ang mahirap na nagnakaw mula sa mayaman para sa ikabubuhay niya sa araw na iyon, o ang naghaharing-uri na ninakaw ang karapatan ng mga mahihirap sa magandang kinabukasan?
04 NEWS An Overview of the Socialized Tuition System Distribution in UP
Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 | Friday
EUNICE BIÑAS HECHANOVA AND LEAH ROSE FIGUEROA PARAS ILLUSTRATION BY JAZMINE CLAIRE MARTINEZ MABANSAG Prior to the Socialized Tuition System (STS), socialized tuition in the University of the Philippines (UP) first took the form of the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP). STFAP was implemented in 1989 as a way for UP to extend accessibility and offer admission to more students while upholding equality and social impartiality within the institution. However, in its 27 years of implementation, socialized tuition garnered numerous criticisms from student groups and activists alike. Initially, numeric STFAP served as the University’s response to the increase in undergraduate tuition in 1989. The rate at that time was P300/unit in UP Diliman, P250/unit in UP Los Banos, and P200/unit in other UP CUs. In 2007, alphabetic STFAP was introduced when undergraduate tuition increased the second time around in less than 20 years. The rates skyrocketed to P1500/unit in UP Diliman, UP Los Banos, and UP Manila; while P1000/ unit in UP Pampanga and other CUs. Following the issues regarding the long and tedious process and bracket mismatch in STFAP, UP strived to replace it with the Socialized Tuition System (STS) in 2013. Instead of “bracket” classes, STS gave emphasis on tuition discounts using the student’s household as a unit of analysis. For Bracket A, there is no granted discount. Partial discounts were given to Bracket B (33% or 40%), Bracket C (60%), and Bracket D (80%). Brackets E1 and E2 were given full discounts with Bracket E2 students receiving tuition stipend. The widespread employment of STS commenced during the first
semester of the school year (SY) 2014 to 2015, along when UP shifted the beginning of its academic calendar from June to August.
Distribution of Applicants Meanwhile, based on the data from UPM Office of Student Affairs (OSA), about 41.5 percent of the STS applicants in UP Manila have been assigned to Bracket B in 2016, being the bracket gaining the highest number of the student population. On the other hand, students under Brackets E1 and E2 consisted of the least number of applicants. Moreover, compared to the previous school year 2015-2016, students granted full tuition discount dropped 2.7% to 2.3% while those with additional stipend increased from 1.5% to 2.25% for the current school year, 2016-2017. Taking the whole UP system into account, each campus had a deviating percentage of students for each Bracket. All constituent universities (CUs) except UP Manila had the most grantees in Bracket C. Additionally, the least number of applicants assigned to Bracket A were garnered in UP Baguio and Cebu while those for Bracket E2 were accumulated in UP CUs in Mindanao, Visayas, Los Baños and Manila. Only UP Diliman had the lowest percentage of grantees for Bracket E1.
Resolved Appeals As of 5:05 PM of September 5, 2016, findings from the OSFA showed that 72.2 percent of the appeals filed under the UP Manila campus were settled. Out of 2,573 applicants in UP Manila, around 20.52 percent completed their appeal forms. 147
students who filed for a change in bracketing are yet to be reevaluated. Aside from this, from the 11, 827 applicants from UP Diliman, 38.4 percent filed for appeal while from the 9,500 applicants in UP Los Baños, 29.5 percent did likewise. As of the most recent update, 95.6 percent of the appeals under UP Diliman were worked out. Consequently, none of the STS grantees in UP Visayas requested for rebracketing while all 190 students who applied for appeal in UP Cebu did not file again.
Development on System With regards to this, OSFA Director Richard Gonzalo stated that the most compatible in household and income characteristics were observed in campuses within the same geographical region. Further related studies are yet to be conducted on the satellite campuses such as those in Palo and Leyte under UP Manila, and the UP Open University (UP OU) under UP Diliman. According to Director Gonzalo, a new approach to the STS application will be introduced. During the recent meeting of STS committees throughout the whole UP system last July, they decided that aside from examining the household and income of each student’s families, the psychosocial well-being of the student will be taken into consideration. Updates on this proposal will be discussed on the next consultation in October.
Anti-Student Program
Amid tuition hikes and increase in other school fees (OSFs), various youth organizations and progressive
groups slam STS as an incomegenerating scheme. Following the loss of the lives of students from different state universities and colleges (SUCs), they exemplified the failure of socialized tuition. Student groups from UP protested against STS and other policies that commercialize education, such as the “No Late Payment” policy. Along with the inconvenience brought about by the breakdown of the Student Academic Information System (SAIS) in both UP Manila and UP Los Baños, repressive policies such as STS hinder students from their right to accessible education. “Nakikita natin na itong pagpapabaya ng UP admin, ang kanilang pagprioritize sa kita ay nag-ta-translate sa maraming problema para sa mga estudyante,” affirmed UP Student Regent (SR) Raoul Manuel. Furthermore, SR Manuel criticised the misallocation of budget caused by the fulfillment of these systems. “Paraan ito ng pag-privatize ng mga basic student services at isang paraan ng korapsyon sa administrasyon”, he elaborated. “Parang wala nang pinagkaiba ang UP na dating nanawagan laban sa pork barrel ng national government dahil sa ganito ka-grande na proyekto na hindi naman para sa interes ng mga estudyante at mga sektor ng UP community,” Along with SAIS, STS is part of the eUP Project unveiled by UP President Alfredo E. Pascual. STS is under the Financial Management Information System (FMIS), one of the core components of eUP.
Table 1. Tuition Discount granted to Undergraduate Students for AY 2016-2017. Source: Office of Student Financial Assistance as of Sept 5, 2016, 5:05 PM
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Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 | Friday
ISKOTISTIKS: APPROVED NATIONAL BUDGET FOR 2017 SOFIA MONIQUE KINGKING SIBULO AND SHAILA ELIJAH PEREZ FORTAJADA Following the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo “Digong” Roa Duterte last July 25, 2016, he directed the planned national budget of P3.350 trillion for 2017 to the 10-point socioeconomic development proposition declared for his administration. The stated disbursement, also-called “A Budget of Real Change, By the People and For the People”, pertains to 21 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The budget for fiscal year (FY) 2017 will be 11.6 percent higher than that approved during the former administration. According to the Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office (LBRMO), the agenda includes preserving macroeconomic policies, implementing progressive tax amendment and collection, improving commerce and trade, increasing competition in business and centralizing PublicPrivate Partnerships by increasing yearly budget for infrastructures to cover 5 percent of the GDP. Moreover, the budget will encompass the development of agriculture and tourism of rural regions and social protection programs, secure land tenure, boost human capital development and innovation in science, technology and arts, and sustain the Reproductive Health (RH) Law and family planning.
Prospect for Education Based on information from LBRMO, the Department of Education (DepEd) will receive most of the budget, amounting to P 67.6 billion. In compliance with Section 5 of Article XIV, the government should allot the highest bulk of national funds to education. Following this, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) will focus on the expansion of financial aid programs for students with its improved budget of P13.4 billion. Moreover, CHEd will also smoothen the shift of the education system to fully acclimatize to the K-12 program. The carrying out of the additional years in highschool brought about by K-12 calls for the adjustment of salary, LBRMO said, explaining the increase in budget. In addition to this, Kabataan Party-list (KPL) listed the School Building Program as a recipient of P1.6 billion amortization. Having received a 31 percent increase in budget from last year, DepEd will forward the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund of P2.8 billion for teachers. To boot, the maintenance of the K-12 program will see the construction of about 37,500 classrooms and the opening of jobs for over 58,000 teachers. Under the Government Assistance for Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE), expenditures to
further the K-12 system will reach to P34.6 billion. From this, P23.9 billion will be spent on the senior high school (SHS) voucher program for private schools and P1.3 billion on “nonDepEd”public schools. To cover the Education Service Contracting (ESC) Program, P9.5 billion will be provided for aiding public school graduates enrolling to private high schools financially. In line with the preparation for senior high school, state universities and colleges (SUCs) are expected to get P58.8 billion, having a notable increase of 18.3 percent from the P47.4 billion budget in 2016. Despite this, 57 SUCs will experience budget cuts in their maintenance and operating expenses (MOOE) and capital outlay budget (CO). Likewise, the projected budget of TESDA of P6.9 billion will allow the agency’s Training-for-Work Scholarship Program to accommodate approximately 300,000 enrollees.
Insufficient Hospital Funds Subsequently, the Department of Health (DOH) will receive P144.2 billion, including the subsidy for Philhealth to cover the insurance premiums of indigents and senior citizens. Although the health facilities enhancement program was reduced, this will be offset by the allocation for the construction of treatment and rehabilitation centers and additional spending for medical assistance, immunization, family health and responsible parenting and disease prevention. From this, P21.9 billion will fund the construction and rehabilitation of 58 DOH hospitals and 16 Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers while P7 billion will be allocated for doctors, nurses, midwives and dentists to be deployed in rural communities. Moreover, P4.3 billion would be spent for the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law implementation while P94 billion for the Universal Health Care Program. In relation with this, party-lists from the Makabayang Kowalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan) coalition cited the gap between the allocation of funds for public hospital and PhilHealth, the latter which will climb from P43.9 billion to P50.1 billion in 2017. Compared to this, other hospitals will only receive P25.3 billion. “We believe that there is an inherent flaw in a system that prioritizes a businessoriented insurance scheme over the direct funding of public hospitals”, affirmed Makabayan representatives. “By annually allocating more funds to PhilHealth and fewer funds to public hospitals, the government is actually
corporatizing public spending for health. PhilHealth is an insurance scheme, a business at its core, yet it receives the lion’s share of the health sector budget”, they pointed. Concurrently, Makabayan called on the legislation to halt the reduction of maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) funds for public hospitals. “We believe that what our nation needs is an expansive, affordable, and accessible public health service that will ensure that all Filipinos will benefit from. It is, therefore, imperative for us to collectively advance our demands to strengthen public health through greater budgetary support to our public hospitals”, Makabayan furthered.
Major allocation for Agencies Additionally, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will reap P458.6 billion, mainly for planned construction projects. Being the premier infrastructure sector of the government, most of the increase in infrastructure outlay for 2017 appropriate to P56.11 billion, along with other building projects. The Department of National Defense will gain P134.5 billion, covering additional allowance for military personnel under Executive Order (EO) 201, including a monthly subsidy of 20 kilos of rice. Likewise, a bigger allotment for ammunition and Intelligence fund is provided. Accordingly, the engineering brigade of the Philippine Army will be activated and will get P1.3 billion. Following this, the increase of 24.6 percent to the P110.4B of the Philippine National Police (PNP) budget will focus on capability enhancement programs to achieve its goal to create 10,000 police positions. Additionally, the 15 percent increase to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) budget of P130.6B will enhance counter-terrorism attacks and land protection. With an apportionment of P129.9 billion, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will continue to implement the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program. The number of beneficiaries for CCT remained at P4.6 million of which 3 million regular beneficiaries will receive a monthly premium of 20 kilos of rice. Similarly, indigent senior citizens will be receive subsidy. Formerly Department of Transport and Communication, the Department of Transportation will receive an increased budget of P55.5 billion and will cover additional funding for railways, roads, and the Road Transport Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure Project.
Maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) will include allocation for Stradcom Corporation payable in the amount of P1.829 billion. In lieu of the shifting of budget from the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPPAP) and the elimination of Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) projects, there will be a decrease in budget for the Department of Agriculture to P45.3 billion. Despite this, the budget for Extension Support, Education and Training will be incremented. Furthermore, the agriculture sector will put into effect the Rice Productivity Enhancement Program (RiPE), which aims to reach self-sufficiency in rice in 2019 and farm-to-market road projects. Over P36.4 billion will be provided to the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) for the improvement of irrigation and cover some fees for poor farmers. Meanwhile, the allotted budget for the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) will amount to P29.4 billion, mostly supporting the increase in personnel service and the implementation of the forest protection plan. Other inclusive programs are the Ecotourism Development Program, Philippine Islands Inventory Project and the National Greening Program. Focusing on programs to expand livelihood and employment, the Department of Labor and Employment will incur an increase from P11.74 billion to approximately P13.3 billion in 2017. Lastly, the funds for the Department of Finance (DOF) amounting to P23 billion will encompass the construction of new buildings of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the purchase of speedboats for the anti-smuggling campaign.
Emergence of Lump Sum Funds Initially, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) submitted the budget proposal for 2017 to the House of Representatives last August 15, 2016. Following the 4 percent increase for the programmed SPF in 2017, Kabataan Party-list Representative Sarah Elago prehended the lack of transparency and discretionary character of the funds. “Legal loopholes, such as those present in the general provisions, that allow postenactment modifications in the budget should also be reviewed and eventually dropped, as these loopholes open the floodgates of abuse akin to the DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program) issue”, Representative Elago stated. However, DBM Secretary Benjamin CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
06 FEATURES
case in a nation where political power is greater than knowing the truth and being critical about it. The face of revisionism is used by groups for deceit and History is a body composed in order to rewrite history for of the woven events of the their party’s own gain. past, not altered by any other tailor. However, with the rise Historical revisionism largely of self-indulgent intellects and becomes a fraud. This includes individuals of power, history misleading usage of history rebecomes infected and is at risk examination and the denial of being wholly corrupted. of historic crimes. It to revise the past with people in the Historical revisionism in academe as instruments. general is highly pandemic. It Using the prestige of being specifically targets a nation's academically and politically weak immunity—the people who dominant, intellects are are easily influenced by what capable of distorting patches they read and hear regardless of history to create a whole of its veracity. This therefore new version convenient for allows historical revisionism to them and believable enough spread like a malignant disease, for people to accept. This distorting history as it is makes the process of historical maneuvered by those who aim revisionism questionable to create their own version of and generally defective. history for the people to believe. With the intention to intoxicate With the abuse of the citizens' history, the agents of vulnerability and the clever revisionism have gone beyond strain of history falsifiers, the their ways to condition things tendency of revisionism to be an the way they want it to be. outbreak is at height and people These include falsification of are bound to be its casualties. official documents, records, and statistics to be able to justify their claims. Revisionism also comes with zooming in certain segments of authentic and using these out of Historical revisionism, with files, context to make opinions its scholarly front, is able to credible. Considering that the penetrate every part of the past perpetrators of revisionism and is therefore being used come largely from the skilled for political gain and control. and educated class, distortion history becomes easily played The essence of revisionism is of with their hands. Along with to reexamine history and to the fact who commit consider other analysis from historicalthat those revisionism are different perspectives and good hunters of victims who ideologies, in able to create a would link up with their aims, more critical and substantial they are also influential and narrative. However, it is not the knowledgeable to whom their Being one of the foundations of the present, history holds the crucial role to the current make up of a country.
Infective Deception
Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 | Friday
targets are to be indoctrinated. The victims of revisionism are seen largely to have noticeable groups. The gainers, fooled with the benefits of the wrongdoings in the past, become the most effective puppets of revisionism. They have the concrete evidences to justify the misdemeanors in the past and become its justification. On the other hand, the millennials stand vulnerable to be reached by revisionism. The new generation having no idea of what took place and who really the protagonists and the antagonists are. They are caught between the surge of misleading groups relaying misinformation and the groups trying to carry out the truth. With the poor foundation of nationalist history, people become less immune to revisionism, and eventually become easily swayed, side with the denials, and even defend them out of context and of knowledge.
eventually left murdered and abused by others' version of falsified history.
Viral Amnesia Cases of selective amnesia blurred the lines between fiction and reality—with inconsistencies and ambiguity in the very history of its constituents.
Symptoms of this disease are rooted in the very origins of the nation. During the Collective memory, being a A m e r i c a n dynamic in the development occupation, of opinions and criticisms, historical now paves way for the people who resort in altering history for their personal agenda and benefit. From this, they gain the effrontery from the phony beliefs they have established to the masses – a corruptive as well as a tricky move. Historical revisionism becomes a disease that is contagious and easily acquired by those who don’t have strong immunity against it. With the collaboration of the motive to falsify history, the techniques of revisionism, and the vulnerability of its targets, victims of revisionism are on high risk of getting infected,
FEATURES 07
Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 | Friday
revisionism was used as a means to divide and pacify the then, independencethirsty nation, through the distortion of Jose Rizal’s character. Utilizing Rizal’s well-known initial vie for bloodless independence, the Americans downplayed his importance and contributions to the Philippine revolution despite his prominence and reverence by revolutiona r y group, Katipunan. Using selective q u o t e s attributed to Rizal such as him stating that the r e v olu t ion w a s “a bsu rd ”, t h e y distorted h i s image in an
JUSTIN DANIELLE TUMENEZ FRANCIA, MARILOU HANAPIN CELESTINO, AND PAOLO MIKHAIL PASCUA BUTED ILLUSTRATION BY JAZMINE CLAIRE MARTINEZ MABANSAG
attempt to sway the Filipinos to their cause though later findings concluded that Rizal was merely trying to save himself in court. Through historical extraction, they used his very words out of context in order to craft a false image. To this very day, Jose Rizal’s true nature and beliefs are masked in a web of lies, as American attempts in the past to control the country’s citizens have resulted in the destruction of his ideals; the independence of the Philippines with or without revolution. The manifestations of this virus are still rampant in every day events as the people continue to glorify the very man who brought both economic destruction and grotesque violations of human rights, Ferdinand Marcos. Despite the horrors and tragedies of the martial law era, many Filipinos still believe that it was an age of peace and prosperity; this notion is contradicted by evidence from the University of the Philippines’ History Department. Contrary to Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s claims that the Philippines rivaled Singapore’s economic growth during the martial law era, the nation underwent its worst economic regression. The nation scored the lowest in terms of GDP among South East Asian countries, within 1970 to 1980. These statements are further backed by economists who stated that foreign debt increased in increments of 25% within 1970 until 1981. Because of the deep-rooted effects of historical manipulation, to this day, a good number of the nation’s constituents continue to believe him to be a champion of the people, despite having to
continuously carry the burden of paying off his debts. As heroes are exalted and put on a pedestal, people can’t help but idolize them and in turn, also aspire to be like them – even at the cost of ignoring historical faults or making up and twisting stories. Thus, it is evident in the aforementioned incidents, historical revisionism has caused divides in the Filipino people through the passing on of historical fiction as truth. In the case of Jose Rizal, the propagation of his distorted character further weakened and fragmented the already divided country, giving the Americans an advantage over our disjointed military. Even the nation’s recent history is not safe from this infection as people continue to place Marcos on a pedestal, with revisionism conveniently erasing the economic blunders and his brutality towards the Filipino people. Anyone who has the power over the revisionism of the past will unquestionably have the sense of entitlement to dilute what is true. Historical revisionism is also an insult to the credible minds who have contributed their knowledge, talents, and skills to the creation of Philippine History. Most especially, it is an absolute disgrace to our dearest martyrs who have put their lives at risk only to have this kind of acknowledgement. Unfortunate, indeed, because aside from the truth being hidden from the country’s own people, this will just cater and favor those who have the power to modify the past. Instead of history being an opportunity for greater futures with lessons from obstacles
and mistakes overcome, it now becomes a misleading path dreaded by everyone.
Contagious Ailment As the deception continues and authenticity becomes contemptibly unimportant to those who alter history for their own sake, it is the masses who suffer from the effects of the stories they are told – full of lies, swindled, and far from what is true. The deteriorations and mutations acquired from bogus stories of the past are diseases bound to harm the present. It is a coercive propaganda apparatus for socially structured forgetting that is done in order to take no notice of injustices and atrocities. Hence, those who have the power to interweave history has the capability to credit themselves as the “good” and purposely discredit those who have truly done much and invested their lives for the country. It is vital that accuracy and genuineness must be observed at all times, as these are the important factors in studying and analyzing the past for the present. More so, historical records that are truthful and correct play a huge and significant role in the proper dissemination of analyses about the past that hones the people’s mindset in the standard issues of the day. Critical thinking and social and political awareness is one’s key in better understanding what transpired in the past. CONTINUED ON PAGE 09
08 NEWS
Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 | Friday
Mga Fulung-Vulungan ng Nagjijisang
ITANONG KAY ISKO’T ISKA
S
ang-ayon ka ba sa pagdeklara ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ng "State of Lawlessness" sa Davao? Bakit?
POKEMON GO EDITION HALLLUUUUUDEERR!!! Aking mga Pokefriendzz!!! Your legendary Lola P is now bvacccckkk!! Genki desu ka naman ang akez mga afoes? Pagodabluuuezzz na va sa kakalakad hir in faura and pedrow gil sa kakacatch ng fokemon? Ermergerd, your lowla is like that din! Fero alam niyo vah, your lolas HP ay vumavava becoz of the chikas na chinenes sa akez ng aking mga fainted na afowz! Agit na nemern me sa mga sumvhong! Ang saruuhhpp ilagay ang mga annoying fifol sa mga fokevallzz and wag na sila palabasin! PAK beh! Let’s start the chika!
Ifasok
numvah
na one:
sa fokeball Prof splukie
Sovrang bumava ang HP ng Lola P mo dahil sa ishunngg sumvhong from Kanto Avandoned Sheep! Savi ng aking afow, meron daw ilang froppie na iniispluk sa mga afows ko ang criticisms nila sa other froppies from the same defartment! Yung ivang froppies daw ay nag naname drop pa! OMG! Naging chika session na ang class ng aking afows! Ang say fa ng aking afow ay nafafangitan daw siya sa haffenings coz divided daw ang defartment na itey! My afow even suggested na mag ofen forum daw dis defartment para daw maayos ang differences nila! Ermergerd, dis defartment nemern! Kakaztress coz Imvis na united siluh sa fag guide sa iskolar ng vayan, they just olweys ancha on each other! Sfread the wuv namern!
Pero witiwit mga afows, wag tayels maagit dun sa defartment coz if yer look at it on a vigger, vongga perspective, da society forcey forced that defartment to ve desferate sa faghahanap ng froppies coz umaalis ang froppies nila to search for greener fastures! Also, Lola P still luves u qeri mo fan namern kasi mag evolve! GO GO GO!
Ifasok
na sa fokeball numvah three: Prof waley course outliney
Sinetch itey froffie from again, Kanto Avandoned Sheep na waley daw course outline! Sovrang hassle din daw sa kanyang students coz waley din siyang vinigay na contact numvah o consultation hours! Fero, savi nitong aking afow, sov ra ng
Ifasok
na sa fokeball numvah two: Prof Siri
Malafet na magfaint ang Lola P mo! Anechiwa sumvhong from a whitey white college! Chika sa akin ng akez na afows, meron daw na new froppie in this college na vinavasa lang yung fowerpoint to my afows during the lectures! ICYMI dear froppie, marunong magvasa ang aking mga afows noh! Savi pa ng aking afow, this froppie daw was offered to teachbellz coz nagshushung away na yung ibang froppies nila! Waley namern froblem dun fero kase sana ay umayos dis froppie and this college shoullld have cloze watch sa kanyang new froppies! Waley namern tayong froblemalu kung qeribum si new proffie divuh? Kawawa tuloy ang aking afows, edi sana nagsend na lang ng PPT thru email itechiwang froppie divuh?
i n for m at i v e daw ni froppie fero hindi niya na catch ang attenshun ng mga students coz hindi siya engaging! Hay nako froppie, waley kang course outline? 2too ka vah? Sovrang galing mo fa naman, even Lola P wuvs you coz naging student mo din me. Pero flease, I push mo nemern na mag send ng course outline to my afows. Wuv u! Pak! Pak! Pak! Magfafaint na ang lola P mo coz daming sumvhong! Alam niyo vah mga afows, sovrang dami fang nakafilang sumvhong but your Lola kennot put it coz limited sface! O siya my dear afows, Lola is gonna catch some fokemon here in yuffieem! Are you gonna join your lola P? Lets catch some froppies din and seal them to our fokeballs hanggang hindi sila nag eevolve! Sa shushunod ulit mga afows bubye! <3 <3
S
ino ang gigising mo pagkatapos ng Setyembre?
Sa tingin ko ay kahit papaano ay makakatulong ito sa pag-enforce ng batas, so yes. - cookiesNcream, CAS, 2012
Alarm nalang ako, hindi naman ako gigisingin ng roommate ko eh. October pa yun magigising. - cookiesNcream, CAS, 2012
Yes, tama lang na ma-implement ito. This will give him more power to implement corrective action. - malaCAS, 2015
Si Jose Mari Chan, para kumanta na siya ng Christmas songs. Fave ko ang "Christmas in Our Hearts" by the way. - malaCAS, 2015
Pwede na rin siyang pampuksa ng mga wanna-be criminals. Knowing Duterte in his war against crime, especially drugs, siguro carry niya ang pagpapatakbo nito. - ineedhelp, CD, 2014-xxxxx Hindi natin sure if this will pave way to the declaration of Martial Law. I don't know what to say. - Paminta, 2013-345xx As long as it does not lead to state repression, and it does fulfill its purpose of strengthening security, then yes, I agree with it. - 4celaine, 2013 I know someone who was able to avoid the terror attack in Davao. I can only imagine what would have happened if she got caught in it. Yes, I agree with the declaration of the president because it can help prevent terrible incidents like this and save lives. - makeDavaosafeagain, 2014 As of now, yes kasi nakita naman natin yung bombing sa Davao and may threats pa na may mga susunod pa doon kaya I think it's for our good naman. Although syempre di pa rin nawawala yung takot na baka may hidden agenda yung declaration. Sana wala. - Anghelsalupa, CAS So far, yes :) Para mas matrack yung mga bandits/criminals, mas maging malaya ang pangulo na isulong ang laban niya sa kriminalidad, at mas maging disiplinado ang ordinaryong mamamayan. Pero wag sana ito pumunta sa Martial Law kung saan sinususpinde at nilalabag na ang ilang karapatang pantao. - Walamemaisip, 2013 Given the chaotic state of the country, I'm inclined to say yes, as long as he doesn't impede on the democratic rights of our nation. - MomSaysImCool, 2013, CAS Sa tingin ko, oo dahil ang gusto lang naman ng presidente ay ligtas ang mga constituents niya mula sa akto ng terorismo. - 2014-55889, Baklava Yes, basta't mananatili mapagmatiyak tungkol dito. -cutie, 2014, CAS
tayong
Oo dahil nakikita naman natin na crucial sya lalo mayroong mga following bomb threats. Pero di ako okay sa pagsuspend ng writ of habeas corpus!!!!! - Silangan
Ang mga naghihibernate kong groupmates. Sana magtrabaho na kayo mga putek. Wala pang bakasyon at nagsisiwalaan na kayo! Kakantahan ko nalang ang crush ko nun. - Paminta, 2013-345xx Ang tatay kong OFW. Magpadala ka naman ditooooooo - 4celaine, 2013 Green Day. Make more music. I miss you guys <3 - makeDavaosafeagain, 2014 Gigisingin ko ang mga natutulog nyong puso hihi - anghelsalupa, CAS Sarili ko. Sobrang lost ko eh. - Walamemaisip, 2013 Anyone but be. I wanna sleep through life. - MomSaysImCool, 2013, CAS Pakigising 'yung motivation ko to live thx. - 2014-55889, Baklava Yung kasipagan ko. Pls. - Meh, 2014 Sarili ko nang tumino-tino naman ako dahil midsem na. HAHAHA - Harley Drag Quinn, CAS, 2012-xxxxx Gisingin ko yung will ko to live. LOL. - pakganern, CAS, 2014 Yung forever ko!!! Huhu - cutie, 2014, CAS diwa ng kasipagan ko - Silangan Ang natutulog niyang puso. Hihihi hahahaha. - Hopiamanipopcorn, CPH Gigisingin ko ang sarili kong nagtutulug-tulugan sa katotohanang hindi muna magiging okay ang lahat. - okay and not okay Yung kaibigan kong tinurukan ng di ko alam kung gano karaming anesthesia. - cas,2014-0****
GRAPHICS 09
Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 | Friday
COLLECTIVISM
KYLA DOMINIQUE LACAMBACAL PASICOLAN MICHAEL LORENZ DUMALAOG RAYMUNDO
FATAL DECEIT
On the other hand, these important factors are dissolved by proliferation of false facts that happens in historical revisionism. It results to the deliberate alteration of stories – the lock that hinders better perspective on historical contexts that shape the current circumstances of Philippine society in abundant ways. It chains the notion of knowledge being a liberator and propagates false awareness and ignorance. Thus, it only inculcates sham beliefs rather than giving a comprehensive and deeper understanding of what our history and its implications truly are. The problem certainly does not lie solely on how society forgets history; with the education system that we have, more often than not, it is not learned, and even worse, never taught correctly. In that way, history can be used as a manipulative device to deceive and form faulty principles based on distorted truths. As foreign interventions and imperialist dominance—such as the US-instigated neoliberal economic policies like the K-12 program— take place, the quality of education in the country simply worsens. In the K-12 system, the last two years spent in high school will focus on specialized and technical skills that the global labor market
seeks. In addition the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) for Grades 7-10, and Tracks/ Specialization for Grades 11-12, include such learning modules as housekeeping, plumbing, welding, tailoring, caregiving, carpentry, beauty and nail care, bread and pastry production, and the like. With this, it can be observed that majority of the Filipino youth are now learning skills for drastic low-income jobs, rather than having a scientific, nationalist, and mass-oriented education. What’s even more severe is that these neoliberal school reforms deemphasize patriotic education, consciousness, and culture. Filipino language and literature are now trimmed down as class hours devoted to Philippine social studies are reduced in the curriculum structured based on foreign foundation. The Filipino youth suffer the consequences of these wrongly oriented, poorly planned, and underfunded foreign curriculums which don’t support the learning of our own history and culture as they helplessly lose their sense of belongingness in the country. They become victims of madeup stories, tormented with the conflict of what is real and what is not. The Philippines and its people, with the lack of proper enlightenment, now
FROM P.8
A ROUGH START
FROM P.10
abruptly turn into a place of mind, I have to ask myself: why do misinformation and ignorance. this? It’s as if I’m asking for more The worsening sociallystructured forgetting we experience today is a huge and severe damage not just merely in the history of the Filipino people but to the legacy of the heroes who have put their lives at stake just to uphold and defend our nation and its democratic interests. As the people who get the most damage done by historical revisionism, we must strive in collective action for the hell-bent struggle for genuine history our motherland and its people deserve. It is us, the masses, who suffer the most harm that alteration of history does; history shapes our land and the modification of these stories are our false identity. Remaining with the belief that the truth shall prevail, we must be vigilant in viewing and analyzing history critically so that in return, we can devote our knowledge to the cause of liberation of the minds of our fellow Filipino people. Genuine history that is learned with a truly patriotic, mass-oriented, and scientific educational system alone will be able to help empower the people and build their nation through heightened social consciousness and history awareness.
problems to be thrown my way.
Well, the thing is, my older brother taught me that there are some problems you can’t resolve quickly or easily. You can’t avoid them, force your way through them, or outright ignore them - unless you want them to get even worse. Alas, there are some problems that appear as though they have become part of your journey, a constant of sorts. However, one day, you will get over them. And once that happens, it should become clear why you had to endure it for so long. Or not. I don’t know, really. To be honest, I’m just another young soul trying to figure out as much as I can about this cold, confusing, and cruel world we live in. I guess the reason I signed up for this stint is because I’m looking for an escape. I guess, for me, this can be a place where I can let the world fade away as I write. And for you, dear reader, I’m hoping this will be an escape as well, albeit a brief and temporary one. Then again, isn’t that how escapes should be? I’ll catch you next time.
10 OPINION Truth Be Told Mico Cortez
A ROUGH START I glance at my watch. 11:30 AM, it reads. Here they go. A sea of people flows down the stairs of Rizal Hall. As I sit in the lobby, my back resting against the wall and my laptop balancing precariously on my knees, I brace myself until they pass. It’s made up of an infinitely diverse set of people, most headed out for lunch. I can easily pick out the freshies - walking in groups, large backpacks weighing them down, and almost always upbeat. There are also the upperclassmen, most probably seniors. They walk in smaller groups or in pairs, sometimes even alone. The bags under their eyes are getting bigger and the words that fill their conversations include “thesis”, “LAE”, and “NMAT”. Their voices fill the air. I normally don’t like such noise, but this is an exception. It’s a good, familiar noise - comforting, almost. Of course, when it’s a bit too much, I can always put on my headphones and indulge in my favorite music. Or I can go to some coffee shop like the petite bourgeoisie I am. As I silently watch them pass, mostly oblivious to my and other people’s existence, a thought crosses my mind. Every single one of them has deadlines to meet, classes to attend, and schedules to mind. Every person has their own story to tell and challenges to face. I wonder what that girl wearing a floral dress and a bright smile is planning for the weekend. I wonder what that boy, sporting a fuckboy-esque outfit, comes home to every day. A professor I once had a class under walks slowly, typing furiously on his smartphone. Perhaps an unexpected problem has arisen with one of his classes. I stop myself. I probably shouldn’t waste any more time wondering about what other people are going through. God knows, I have many problems of my own. With that in CONTINUED ON PAGE 09
Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 | Friday
MANILA OBSERVATION
SON OF A WHORE
JOSEF BERNARD SORIANO DE MESA
President Duterte badmouthing President Obama finally puts the Philippines in international spotlight! LOL #PinoyPride Duterte says he wasn’t calling Obama a “son of a whore” (the same way he did with Pope Francis back when he was still a presidentiable – swearing effects better in Filipino) back at the press conference prior to leaving for the ASEAN Summit in Laos. Obama, who initially cancelled a meeting with him, managed to push the schedule through, claiming to have not been fazed at all. The context: when asked about extrajudicial killings and human rights violations regarding his campaign against drugs, Duterte reminded the media of the Bud Dajo Massacre to which hundreds of Moros were killed by American soldiers in Sulu 100 years ago. The media was left shocked. Duterte was both publicly criticized and praised, by both reactionaries and progressives. Besides being stereotyped of producing domestic helpers abroad (without depth over the Filipino migrants’ plight) and being struck by disasters (without the government addressing the lack for emergency response), the Philippines may once again be in a bad light for having a head of state that’s known for neglecting diplomacy, or
rather for being ‘colorful’. It would take us a long time before fully understanding our own president’s psyche, but tolerating it could lead to bad behaviors gone unchecked as the masses might eventually tire out of his inconsistencies. Discussion on President Duterte’s erratic attitude prompts reactionaries to say that he has no right to dishonor a ‘global
Duterte may be all
about threats and curse words, but disregarding his bravado reveals huffs and puffs — big, scary words amounting to nothing but air. superpower’, claiming that bringing the military of the United States in is the only way to ward off the impending occupation of Chinese properties over the disputed West Philippine Sea. They do not realize that giving the United States an opportunity to start a war feeds off into their supply of selling weapons. Not only do we lose money or get submerged in debt in the long run, security will be threatened in exchange of imperialist demands. Once USA intervenes, the Philippines can lose grasp of
DEAD INSIDE
Ngayong ubos ko na ang ice cream, ikekwento ko sa inyo mula umpisa. First year ako, second sem noon, nakita kong naghahanap ng applicants ang MKule. Hindi ako interesado noong una, pero nauwi ko ang diyaryo at nabasa ng tatay ko. Sabi niya, sumali raw ako. Naisip kong hindi ko kaya, hindi ko tuloy siya sinunod. Ewan ko lang kung bakit pero hindi mawala sa isip ko, kaya humingi ako ng sign. Sabi ko kapag nagextend sila ng deadline ng pagpasa ng app form, sasali ako. Wala rin naming mawawala, ‘di ba? “EXTENDED AND APPLICATION HANGGANG FEBRUARY 6. EH ‘DI WOW.” Sumali na ako.
One immediate case would be that of selective justice. Reminding the US of their war crimes is a nice touch and history lays down the path for future decisions. But integrating history is something incongruent with what Duterte proposed regarding Ferdinand Marcos’ transfer to Libingan ng mga Bayani. Duterte may be all about threats and curse words, but disregarding his bravado reveals huffs and puffs — big, scary words amounting to nothing but air. It is not enough to see Duterte hating on America. We’ve had enough entertainment. To truly believe that President Duterte is anti-imperialism is to see him implement policies that directly removes US intervention from national lands, hence the withdrawal of military bases and the annulment of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
PAGBABALIK
SHAILA ELIJAH PEREZ FORTAJADA
Pinili kong isulat ito sa kwarto ko, tanging keyboard lang ang maririnig. Isusulat ko ang pagbabalik ko sa MKule pero lalabas muna ako, magmamaneho, at bibili ng ice cream.
participating and get relegated into merely a pawn as the war no longer has to do with fighting for Philippine territory but with oneupping between economic rivals China and America. Thus, it is said to be righteous of Duterte to speak out against America that “we have long ceased to be a colony”. Such statements ascertain our sovereignty. Again, praising his stance may lead to blind obedience if done without analysis.
Parang nagising na lang ako, news writer na pala ako sa MKule. Hindi ko talaga akalain. Tuwang-tuwa rin ang tatay ko, sabi niya alam naman daw niyang makakapasok ako. Pero may isang problema, gusto ko umalis sa UP Manila.
Bakit pa ako umalis
kung babalik pa rin naman pala ako rito? Natanong ko lang ‘yan matapos lahat ng nangyari.
Pakiramdam ko kasi hindi ako para sa campus na ito. Ang nararamdaman ko noon, parang sumakay ako ng maling jeep. Nag-apply ako for cross-reg sa ibang campus, sa Diliman. Nahiya akong sabihin sa MKule, malingmali (alam ko) pero nangyari na.
Parang bula akong nawala, hindi ko man lang binubuksan kahit iyong chat namin. Dahil hindi ko binubuksan ang chat, hindi ako nakakatanggap ng gawain. Lalo akong nahiya. Sorry MKule. Bakit pa ako umalis kung babalik pa rin naman pala ako rito? Natanong ko lang ‘yan matapos lahat ng nangyari. Hindi ko naman siguro malalaman na para rito talaga ako, sa Kule at sa UP Manila, kung hindi ako nagbalak umalis. Ngayon, masaya na ako, mababasa ko pa itong sinusulat ko sa diyaryo na ilalabas namin. Ganito pala talaga eh, kung para sa’yo, makukuha mo talaga. Ngayon, sa tamang jeep na ako nakasakay at bababa ako sa tamang destinasyon. Kasama ko pala ang MKule sa sasakyang ‘yon at sa ngayon, wala pa kami sa babaan.
EDITORIAL 11
Volume 30 Number 1 September 23, 2016 | Friday
W
ALKING OUT OF classes to fight for education seems to be an irony but is not really.
N E W S C OR R E S P ON DE N T S
Elizabeth Danielle Quiñones Fodulla Patricia Anne Lactao Guerrero Eunice Biñas Hechanova Anton Gabriel Abueva Leron Sofia Monique Kingking Sibulo Arthur Gerald Bantilan Quirante
F E AT U R E S C OR R E S P ON DE N T S Justin Danielle Tumenez Francia Chloe Pauline Reyes Gelera Liezl Ann Dimabuyu Lansang Jennah Yelle Manato Mallari Katrina Maria Limpiada Perolino Thalia Real Villela
C U LT U R E C OR R E S P ON DE N T S Josef Bernard Soriano De Mesa Jose Lorenzo Querol Lanuza Agatha Hazel Andres Rabino
R E S I DE N T I L LUS T R AT OR S
Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag Michael Lorenz Dumalaog Raymundo Jose Paolo Bermudez Reyes Danielle Montealegre Rodriguez
R E S I DE N T P H O T OJOU R NA L I S T Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan
OF F IC E 4th Floor Student Center Building, University of the Philippines Manila, Padre Faura St. corner Ma. Orosa St., Ermita, Manila 1000 EMAIL themanilacollegian@gmail.com WEBSITES issuu.com/manilacollegian www.facebook.com/themanilacollegian www.twitter.com/mkule MEMBER
College Editors Guild of the Philippines
Solidaridad - UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations
The Cover
Illustration Danielle Montealegre Rodriguez
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Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan
Attending classes appears to be the be-all and end-all of students--that our sole role is to study and nothing else follows; thus, joining protests that sometimes call for skipping of classes is already tantamount to wasting peoples’ taxes. What the majority, including even most of us, fails to see is that the real irony-and real disservice to the Filipino citizens who subsidize our tuition-is when we do not fight for their rights and advance their interests. It is ironic too that we highly value education yet we don’t seem to know its very essence. We view it on its monetary value rather than as an experience and a powerful tool to effect change in the society. The true measure of learning is when from our classrooms, we realize there the need to go out to apply and transform into practice the things we learn inside the four corners. Time and time again, we have been bearing the effects of the repressive policies implemented on our education. The incremental tuition increase, budget cuts, exorbitant fees, and repression on our democratic rights seem to be the norm and the burden that we must face and carry. Yet the status quo influenced us not to question the dubious policies, and to instead turn our heads to our books. Critical thinking is only acceptable within the university premises. Theories can only be practiced during debates, papers, and presentations. The current educational system serves as a barrier for us to practice our theories and inferences in real life. What we must realize is that the theories we learn are dead if we cannot put them into practice. Critical thinking is useless if we can only see the effects of the current situation of our education and not actuate what needs to be done to address it. Walkouts may look like an irresponsible thing to do, but in essence, it is actually the actuation of our critical thinking. They are not only testaments of students standing up for their rights; they are also effective avenues for the administration to listen, and they will only do so once they see the strength of the masses in paralyzing the system. Most will tell us to finish school and see it as an investment for the future. Wasting time means throwing away hard-earned money. Every failing grade could be a job lost and salary denied. This mechanical view with regards to education has been imbibed to us by the current education system. It reminds us to treat education as a privilege even when it is clearly our right to attain so. With this view, walkouts are seen as refusing education and wasting privilege; however, if we need to attend our
JOSE PAOLO BERMUDEZ REYES
BREAKAWAY classes because we should value our ‘privilege’, then who will fight for those who were denied of such ‘privilege’? Recently, the National Day of Walkout for Education, Human Rights, and Peace was conducted in order to expose and condemn the neoliberal attacks on our education and to commemorate the 44th anniversary of Martial Law wherein severe human rights violations were committed. Whereas, even after 44 years, the violations still continue today in different forms. It
The institution sees that there is no sense in returning to study different slides of specimen when studying them entails redundant laboratory fees that UP is forced to collect because the government failed to sufficiently subsidize its premier state university. There is no sense in staying inside the classroom when thousands of youth cannot afford to enroll in the University without being dependent on the socialized scheme that well-todo students are unknowingly funding.
walkouts are seen as refusing education and wasting privilege; however, if we need to attend our classes because we should value our ‘privilege’, then who will fight for those who were denied of such ‘privilege’? needs to be seen that these walkouts are vital parts of mass mobilizations that aim to demonstrate the strength of collective action in placing public pressure on the administration in addressing the needs of the majority and exact justice and accountability on behalf of the masses. The Manila Collegian, mandated to advance the welfare of the masses and students it serves, participated in the walkout in order to fight along with the students against the repressive and neoliberal attacks on our education. The institution believes that these attacks only heighten the current state of the education that is colonial, commercialized, and fascist.
It does not do to just point out the loopholes and cracks of the educational system’s façade and leave it in that way. For rights to be enjoyed and demands to be addressed, one needs to stand up and fight for their rights, even if doing so means walking out of class. As what Lean Alejandro has said, "If personal conviction, theoretical maturity, and practical circumstances result in student decision to opt for the higher level of confrontation, let us not be upset about his absence from the class or academe; it would be more tragic if he absent himself from making history."
JOSE LORENZO QUEROL LANUZA DIBUHO NI JOSE PAOLO BERMUDEZ REYES
Sa isang lipunan kung saan ipinagkait sa’yo ng sistema ang lahat—ang mga karapatan mo bilang tao, at kaparatan mong mamuhay nang maginhawa— ang tanging magiging sandigan mo ay ang iyong pamilya. Matitiis mo ang lahat ng kahayupang ibabato sa’yo ng mundo, ngunit hinding-hindi mo matitiis ang ni isang araw na mawalay sa’yo ang minamahal mong kapamilya. Gamit ang temang neorealismo, isinalarawan ng Pamilya Ordinaryo ang isang mapait na kwentong tungkol sa pamilya, kahirapan, at pagkakamag-anak, na iniwan ang mga manonood na nahabag at namulat sa tunay na kalagayan ng lipunan.
PRIBADONG BUHAY Hithit-buga sa nakasupot na solvent, panandaliang bubusugin ng imahinasyon ang kumakalam na sikmura. Hindi matanaw ang kinabukasan sapagkat ang mga mata’y napupuwing sa mga paghihirap na nararanasan sa kasalukuyan; paano kung hindi makapagnakaw at kumita, paano kung mahuli ng pulis, paano na ang gatas ng anak? Hahayaan na lamang ang sarili na mapadpad kung saanman dalhin ng ihip ng hangin, isusugal ang buhay para lang sa ikabubuhay ng pamilya. Ganito ang pang-araw-araw na eksena sa buhay ni Aries, asawa ni Jane Ordinaryo na abala naman sa pagpapasuso at pag-aalaga ng anak. Tagumpay ang pelikula na maiparamdam sa mga manonood na kung gaano kalamig ang sinehang kanilang pinapanooran, ganoon din kalamig ang sahig na hinihigaan ng pamilya Ordinaryo. Wala mang pera’t magandang tirahan, basta’t kumpleto ang pamilya ay ayos na. Para sa mga salat sa buhay, ang pamilya ang kanilang maituturing bilang
tanging yaman at mapagkukunan ng lakas para sa pang-araw-araw. Ngunit kung lalaliman ang pagsusuri, makikita na ang pamilya ay maaaring isang paktor sa siklo ng kahirapan. Sa konsepto ng social reproduction, ang pamilya ay itinuturing bilang isang mekanismo na nire-“reproduce” ang mga kultura, at kondisyon ng lipunan. Halimbawa, ang kalagayan nina Jane at Aries—ang kanilang kahirapan, walang humpay na pagmumura, at pagnanakaw upang mabuhay— ay ipinasa sa kanila ng nagdaang henerasyon—ng kanilang pamilya. Kinalaunan, ang mga ito ay ipapasa naman nila sa kanilang anak. Ibig sabihin, hangga’t hindi nabubuwag ang siklo ng kahirapan at ang sistemang nagdudulot nito, ang mahihirap ay mananatiling mahihirap, at wala silang magagawa kundi ipasa ang kanilang kahirapan sa susunod na henerasyon. Kaya nama’y noong mawala si baby Arjan, isa sa naging makabuluhang katanungan ay paano kung nasa mas mabuting kalagayan na ito ay kukunin pa ba nila? Umikot ang palabas sa paghahanap kay Arjan at ang pakikipagsapalaran ng pamilya Ordinaryo para lamang mahanap ang nawalay na supling. Imbis na kaawaan ang mahirap na kalagayan ng mag-asawa, nakita pa ito ng marami bilang isang daan o kaya nama’y dahilan upang sila’y dustahin at samantalahin. Tulad na lamang ng mapanlinlang na panunuyo ni Ertha, ang pananakot ng kapulisan, ang kasinungalingan ng programa sa radyo at telebisyon, kinakitaan ng marami ang pagtulong sa mga mahihirap bilang oportunidad upang makuha ang kanilang gusto. Para sa kanila, ang mga mahihirap ay pawang mga apakan o tungtungan lamang para sa ikauunlad ng pansariling interes.
Nagtapos ang palabas nang hindi nabuo ang pamilya Ordinaryo. Maaaring ang punto ng huling eksena’y hindi naman talaga mahalaga kung maibalik ang sanggol o hindi, dahil mananatili pa ring nakapiit sina Jane at Aries sa kanilang kahirapan. Pagbalik nila sa lansangan, yayakapin ulit sila ng marahas na realidad. Mapagtatanto nila na hindi lamang sila ang nag-iisang biktima ng mapaniil na sistema, kundi ang kanilang sitwasyon ay laganap at karaniwan sa lipunan--na ang sakit ng kahirapang nararanasan nila ay ordinaryo, ngunit pinipiling hindi gamutin ng mapang-aping lipunan.
palabas, maingat pa rin dapat nitong binabagtas ang linya sa pagitan ng pagiging pulitikal at pagiging kumersyalisado. Ibig sabihin, may tendensiya ito na bagamat ang layunin ay magmulat, maaari nitong maobjectify ang pamilya sa paraang inilalako niya ito sa masa upang ieksibit at pagkakitaan. Bagamat nakapukaw ng damdamin, ang maaaring kalalabasan nama’y hindi pagkakaroon ng kamulatan, kundi eksibisyon sa kung ano ang tipikal na hitsura ng isang mahirap na pamilya na siya namang huhusgahan at mamaliitin ng mga manonood.
PAMPUBLIKONG PAGSAMBULAT
Mula sa pagsingit ng CCTV footage kung saan ipinakita ang pagnakaw nina Jane at Aries, naglalaho ang pagiging personal ng kanilang buhay. Ganito naman ang madalas nating nasasaksihan sa midya kapag may ibinabalitang krimen sa kalye. Hindi natin nasasaisip ang takbo ng buhay ng mga kriminal dahil naoobserbahan lang natin sila bilang masamang tao. Hindi natin naitatanong kung paano sila natulak sa ilegal na gawain. Madalas naman ay pera ang rason. Mula sa usapin ng salapi, mahihinuha na lahat ay biktima sa sistemang nagdudulot ng kahirapan. Nagnanakaw sila dahil naghihirap sila. Ibinalik na nga ng mag-asawa ang sanggol na tinangka nilang nakawin ay gusto pa silang hulihin. Bagamat kapos, nanatili pa rin ang kanilang pagkatao. Tinuturol lang nito na hindi naman talaga kapwa ang dapat kalabanin.
“Na-miss kita.” “Ako rin, na-miss kitang kant*tin.” Kung paano tayo nasasabik at may pagka-voyeur na tumingin sa mukha’t hubog ng katawan ng napupusuan natin ay ganoon din tayo nasasabik nang ipasilip sa atin ng Pamilya Ordinaryo ang kwento ng isang tipikal na mahirap na pamilya, na para sa atin ay “kakaiba” at bago bagamat ito’y karaniwang nangyayari sa lipunan. Sa Pamilya Ordinaryo kung saan mahihirap ang siyang pangunahing tauhan, ang pagpapabango sa kanila (na isinahalimbawa ng paggawa ng teleplay halaw sa buhay ng magasawang Ordinaryo) ay ginawa para lang mamangha tayo sa kulturang malayo sa kaginhawaan. Animo’y ang buhay nila’y sinusuri sa pamamagitan ng mikroskopyo, interesante lang pag-aralan kapagka nagdadala ng panibagong perspektiba, pero sa huli’y may maiiwan pa ring pagbakbak dahil malayo ito sa kinagisnan. Ibang anggulo man ang ipinakita ng
Sa kabuuan ng kanilang paghahanap, hindi naiwasan nina Aries at Jane ang tirada ng ibang tao sa kanilang naging mga desisyon. Idinuduldol sa kanila ang pareho nilang pagiging batang magulang. Ikinukuwestiyon ang pagkakaroon ng anak gayong batid nilang mahirap lang sila. Itong IPAGPATULOY SA PAHINA 03