Opisyal na lingguhang pahayagan ng mga mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas - Dilman Tomo 90, Blg. 27 Marso 7, 2013
OPINYON
Lathalain
Huwebes 7 Marso 2013
FOR HOLDING KEY GOVERNMENT POSITIONS, WOMEN HAVE SEEMINGLY TRANSGRESSED THE DOUBLE STANDARDS AND SOCIAL NORMS THAT HAVE ENSLAVED THEM FOR THE LONGEST TIME. YET TRUE EMPOWERMENT GOES BEYOND HOLDING SEATS OF POWER, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE DISMAL CONDITION OF WOMEN CONTINUE OUTSIDE TTHE HALLOWED HALLS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
DAHAS SA DAHAS Punong Patnugot Kapatnugot Patnugot sa Balita Patnugot sa Lathalain Patnugot sa Grapix
Mga Kawani OPINYON Huwebes 7 Marso 2013
(on leave)
Pinansya Tagapamahala ng Sirkulasyon Sirkulasyon
Mga Katuwang na Kawani
Rosette Abogado NAGLULUWAL NG DAHAS ANG PANDARAHAS. Kamakailan lang, napabalita ang pagsugod ng mahigit 3,000 biktima ng bagyong Pablo sa himpilan ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region XI upang kumpiskahin ang libo-libong sako ng bigas at relief goods na matagal nang nakaimbak sa nasabing tanggapan. Sa kabila ng organisadong pagkumpiska ng mga biktima ng bagyong Pablo sa relief goods na matagal nang ipinagkait sa kanila ng DSWD, pinatampok pa rin ng midya ang karahasan umano ng mga biktimang nagmula pa sa Compostela Valley at Davao Oriental. Sinusugan pa ito ng mga pasaring ni DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman na “nasulsulan” lamang umano ng mga pwersang makakaliwa ang mga biktima. Ngunit anumang pasaring ang ipukol ng DSWD sa mahigit 3,000 biktima ng bagyong Pablo, hindi nito maikukubli ang kabagalan at pagkukulang ng nasabing ahensya ng gobyerno sa pagtugon sa mga pangangailan ng mga biktima. Sa katotohanan, ang barikadang isinagawa ng mahigit 3,000 biktima ng bagyong Pablo kamakailan na humantong sa pagkumpiska ng relief goods ay ikalawa nang malakihang pagkilos ng mga biktima upang hilingin sa DSWD na agad na ipamahagi ang bigas at laang pagkain para sa kanila. Kalakhan sa mga biktima ay nawalan ng
kabuhayan at tirahan at umaasa na lamang sa relief goods upang maitawid ang bawat araw. Sa unang pagbabarikada ng grupo noong Enero, mismong si Soliman ang nangako na maglalabas ang kanyang ahensya ng 10,000 sakong bigas para sa mga biktima. Ngunit halos isang buwan ang lumipas at napako ang pangakong bigas. Sa halip na agad na tugunan ang batayang pangangailangan ng mga nasalanta, dahas at panlilinlang ang itinugon ng pamahalaan. Matapos ang unang barikada noong Enero, agad kinasuhan ang mga lider ng nasabing pagkilos dahil umano sa panggugulo at pag-abala sa trapiko. Madaling sabihin na marapat lamang na maghintay ang mga biktima, at hindi katanggap-tanggap ang ginawa nilang panggugulo sa isang pampublikong opisina. Madali ring gawing palusot ang dahilang naghihintay ang DSWD ng pormal na listahan ng mga biktima bago mamahagi ng relief goods. Ngunit wala na sa lohika kung ang pagkaantala sa pamamahagi ay abot na ng tatlong buwan. May sukdulan ang pagkamagalang ng mamamayang humihingi ng saklolo. Kung dahas ang pilit isinusubo ng pamahalaan sa mga biktimang gutom at walang tirahan, dahas rin ang isusuka at ipupukol nila pabalik sa pamahalaan. Dahil sa katotohanan, higit pa ang pandarambong at pandarahas na pinaiiral ng estado kung ihahambing sa panandaliang pagkabalahaw ng
trapiko at opisinang idinulot ng barikadang bayan. Taon-taon mang sinasalakay ng bagyo ang bansa, hindi pa rin naisasaayos ng pamahalaan ang sistema ng pagtugon sa mga biktima ng mga kalamidad. Bagaman laging nariyan ang banta ng bagyo, patuloy pa ring pinahihintulutan ng administrasyon ang mga palisiyang sumisira sa kalikasan, na kalauna’y nagdudulot ng labis-labis na pasakit sa taumbayan. Talamak ang pagtotroso at pagmimina sa maraming bahagi ng bansa. Sa katunayan, hindi kabilang ang may 83,000 ektaryang trosohan sa Davao Oriental, isa sa mga probinsyang nasalanta ng bagyong Pablo, sa log ban ng administrasyong Aquino. Libo-libong ektarya ng lupa din sa Campostela Valley ang hinayaan ng gobyerno na linangin bilang plantasyong pang-eksport ng mga dayuhang kumpanya. Batbat din ng alegasyon ng korupsyon ang mga proyekto ng DSWD na dapat ay tutugon sa pangangailangan ng mga nasalanta. Batay sa mga tala, overpriced umano ang bunkhouses na ipinagagawa ng ahensya para sa mga biktima. Dalawang trabahador din ng nasabing proyekto ang lumantad at nagsabing hindi umano nila natanggap ang sinasabi ng DSWD na ibinayad nito sa kanila. May mga ulat din ukol sa presensya ng mga sundalong Amerikano, kasama ang mga opisyal ng mga banyagang non-government office,
sa mga lugar na naapektuhan ng bagyo. Sa postura ng pagtulong sa mga nasalantang Pilipino, patuloy nilang iginiit ang kakayahan nilang labagin at yurakan ang soberanya ng Pilipinas, na siya namang hinahayaan ng gobyernong Aquino. Malayo sa Maynila ang mga biktima ng bagyong Pablo, ngunit hindi nalalayo ang kanilang karanasan sa sanlaksang mahihirap na hindi agad makabangon tuwing may dumarating na sakuna. At sa halip na tulungan silang makaahon, ipinupukol pa sa kanila ang sisi sa dahilan ng kanilang pagkasadlak sa kahirapan. May sakuna man o wala, humupa man ang baha at bumuti ang lagay ng panahon, nananatili pa rin ang batayang mga problema ng mamamayan na hindi tinutugunan ng pamahalaan. Higit pa sa mga donasyong bigas ang hiling ng mamamayan. Nananawagan sila para sa nakabubuhay na trabaho, sa sariling lupang masasaka, sa proteksyon sa kanilang karapatang pantao. Hindi habambuhay magtitiis ang mga Pilipino. Hangga’t hindi nila tinatamasa ang kanilang karapatan sa batayang serbisyo, hahantong at hahantong sila sa tugatog ng pananahimik—at darating ang panahon kung kailan sisingilin at babawiin nila ang matagal nang dapat ay sa kanila.
Pamuhatan Silid 401 Bulwagang Vinzons, Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman, Lungsod Quezon Telefax 981-8500 lokal 4522 Email kule1213@gmail.com Website philippinecollegian.org Kasapi Solidaridad: UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations, College Editors Guild of the Philippines Ukol sa Pabalat Dibuho ni Ysa Calinawan
Editor’s Notes As a harbringer of change, the youth in no way assumes a strange role. Rather, it becomes one with history in providing the enthusiasm, if not the leadership, for change The University Student in the Contemporary Scene: Definitions and Directions Jaime J. Yambao 1 March 1967 As the Philippine Collegian celebrates its 90th year, we revisit lines from prized editorials that helped define the publication’s tradition of critical and fearless journalism.
KAISA to lead next year’s USC KAISA-NAGKAKAISANG ISKOLAR para sa Pamantasan at Sambayanan (KAISA) will head next year’s UP Diliman (UPD) University Student Council (USC), clinching 14 out of 34 seats in the February 28 UPD USC polls, including the top posts of chair, vice chair, and the number one councilor. KAISA’s chair candidate Ana Alexandra Castro garnered 4944 votes, winning over Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in UP (STAND-UP)’s Jose Miguel Solis with 2804 votes and Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (ALYANSA)’s candidate Raphael Carlo Brolagda with 2713 votes. KAISA also won eight out of 20 college representative posts. ALYANSA clinched nine slots in the USC, with three councilors and six college representatives, while STAND-UP won eight seats, with five councilors and three college representatives. The number one councilor for this year’s elections is KAISA’s Carla Monica Gonzalez with 3379 votes, followed by STAND-UP’s Christian Lemuel Magaling with 3307 votes and ALYANSA’s Raphael Aaron Letaba with 3081 votes. “Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga bumoto sa amin, sa mga naniwala sa aming mga prinsipyo at plataporma,” said Castro. Winning this election is a challenge to the leadership of the USC, which nears its centennial anniversary, said incoming USC Vice Chair Julliano Fernando Guiang, who got 3365 votes over rivals Hanna Keila Garcia of STAND-UP, who got 3302 votes and Alexandra Maria Francia Santos of ALYANSA, who got 3174 votes. The main goal for this USC is to consolidate the student body, said Castro. ”Ang goal natin ay stronger relationship of the USC with different sectors [of UP], college councils, organizations, the Student Regent, and even student councils of other universities,” added Castro. Meanwhile, ALYANSA said it plans to continue the programs it highlighted during the campaign through its successful candidates, said ALYANSA Chairperson Ace Ligsay. These include its call for transparency and accountability and the zero tolerance against fraternity violence campaign, explained Ligsay. Winning candidates from STAND-UP will focus on basic student rights and the welfare of other sectors of the UP community, uch as the assailed reforms to the university’s Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program, tuition and other fee increases, and the regularization of UP employees, said Solis. Guiang, meanwhile, also acknowledged the need for the next USC to promptly present unified stances on university and national issues. “Meron namang discussions [ang current USC.] Nakakapaglabas naman [ng statements]. Kulang
lang sa follow-through [ng mga committees] kaya napapatagal yung paglalabas,” said Guiang. The USC should be able to engage its committees, said Guiang. “If committees are tapped to be more proactive in different issues, committee-level debates, where deliberations are longest, would be faster and more efficient,” added Guiang. To formulate unified stances, the USC must strengthen the League of Representatives under the League of College Councils, said Castro. “Students have to realize that [the] victory [of] the USC lies on the hands of the students. What we need to focus on is [the involvement of] the students.”
UNIVERSITY TURNOUT 11187/24819 (45.07%)
LAW (CH) Mijo Solis - 181 (VC) Kei Garcia - 325 (Turnout) 527/736
ECON (CH) Carlo Brolagda - 219 (VC) Alex Santos - 241 (Turnout) 531/817
ENGG (CH) Alex Castro - 1349 (VC) Alex Santos - 1086 (Turnout) 2955/5931 STAT (CH) Alex Castro - 140 (VC) Kei Garcia - 120 (Turnout) 336/566
CBA (CH) Alex Castro - 426 (VC) Alex Santos - 278 (Turnout) 833/909
BALITA
AIT (CH) Alex Castro - 172 (VC) Jules Guiang - 143 (Turnout) 244/353
SLIS (CH) Mijo Solis - 40 (VC) Kei Garcia - 40 (Turnout) 89/353
CHK (CH) Alex Castro - 157 (VC) Jules Guiang - 118 (Turnout) 209/657
Huwebes 7 Marso 2013
EDUK (CH) Alex Castro - 131 (VC) Jules Guiang - 103 (Turnout) 273/1749
CSWCD (CH) Mijo Solis - 78 (VC) Kei Garcia - 85 (Turnout) 136/442
CHE (CH) Alex Castro - 265 (VC) Jules Guiang - 220 (Turnout) 469/1189
CS (CH) Alex Castro - 555 (VC) Jules Guiang - 436 (Turnout) 1172/2665
NCPAG (CH) Alex Castro - 92 (VC) Jules Guiang - 115 (Turnout) 214/603
SOLAIR / SURP / ASIAN CENTER / INSTITUTE OF ISLAMIC STUDIES (CH) Alex Castro - 45 (VC) Kei Garcia - 40 (Turnout) 105/1398
CSSP (CH) Carlo Brolagda - 395 (VC) Alex Santos - 394 (Turnout) 1123/2167
CFA (CH) Alex Castro - 125 (VC) Kei Garcia - 111 (Turnout) 277/701
CMC (CH) Alex Castro - 221 (VC) Kei Garcia - 262 (Turnout) 585/1071
MUSIC (CH) Carlo Brolagda - 72 (VC) Alex Santos - 80 (Turnout) 188/428
CAL (CH) Mijo Solis - 235 (VC) Kei Garcia - 281 (Turnout) 589/1397
ARKI (CH) Alex Castro - 208 (VC) Jules Guiang - 119 (Turnout) 332/687
WHO WON IN WHICH COLLEGE? #votewatchUPD
Students raise issues in STFAP reform consultations
BALITA Huwebes 7 Marso 2013
STUDENTS FROM DIFFERENT UP units raised several issues against the proposed reforms to the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP) during the ongoing round of student consultations. The respective Offices of Student Affairs (OSAs) and University Student Councils (USCs) of each college unit (CU) conducted the consultations, after the UP administration presented the proposed reforms during a forum at the College of Education Theatre on February 5. In a 51-page paper drafted by former Office of Scholarship and Student Services officer-in-charge Richard Gonzalo, the UP administration proposed to revise the current bracketing criteria of the STFAP, provide additional benefits to students, and streamline the application process. The proposal aims to enforce a new bracketing criteria based on family expenditures rather than income, offer additional stipends and housing benefits, and decentralize STFAP applications and appeals process to local units.
Fewer STFAP beneficiaries with free tuition Held on February 12, around 86 UP Baguio (UPB) students attended the UPB leg of the STFAP consultations, according to reports from UPB student publication Outcrop. Dominant during the discussions was the increasing number of Bracket A students, or those UP students who pay P1,500 per unit under the STFAP’s bracketing criteria, said Outcrop correspondent Pamela Peralta. From 2007 to 2012, only 10 percent of students enjoyed free tuition, according to data obtained by the Collegian from the OSSS. Meanwhile, since the implementation of the Bracket B certification requirement in 2009, the number of Bracket A students increased by more than 8,000 percent, from 29 students in 2010 to 2,413 students in 2011. The administration however replied that such trends do not imply an inherent “problem” with STFAP but only the fact that more “well-off” students are qualifying to enter the country’s premier state university. UPB students also said the proposed electronic method of STFAP application may disadvantage UP students from far-flung areas where access to a computer or the internet is limited. The administration noted the issue and said they will discuss a resolution to the matter, said Peralta.
State subsidy vs tuition revenue
Student representation in
In UP Cebu (UPC), around 150 students participated in the local consultation held on February 20, according to incumbent UP Cebu Student Council third year representative Jun Marr Denila. UPC students raised questions on how the administration plans to fund the new allowances and benefits under the proposed STFAP reforms, especially since government subsidy has historically been far lower than the annual budget proposed by UP, said Denila. In an interview with the Collegian, Gonzalo said the administration will continue to lobby for greater state subsidy. Should the government fail again to approve UP’s proposed budget in full, the UP administration may be forced to prioritize the funding of STFAP over other line items in its budget, such as new infrastructure projects, said Gonzalo. The STFAP, however, fits into the policy of past and present governments to privatize higher education, with the state abandoning its responsibility to finance higher education and pushing SUCs to support their own operations, Student Regent Cleve Arguelles said. “[STFAP] removes the government from the equation of who should pay for [public] education. Now, we have to rely on the goodness of big corporations and excess income of millionaire families,” added Arguelles.
appeals committees Meanwhile, during the February 26 consultation in UP Los Baños (UPLB), UPLB students requested representation in the ad hoc committees which decide on STFAP bracket appeals, said incoming UPLB USC Chair Arthur Kent Holt. The UPLB OSA said the administration will consider the suggestion once the STFAP reforms are implemented, said UPLB OSA Director Leticia Afuang.
In the UP Diliman (UPD) student consultations, only around five to six UPD students attended the public forum held on February 27, said Student Regent Cleve Arguelles. “My fear is that [these proposed] revisions to the STFAP [are approved], kahit konti lang yung nakadalo sa consultations. Baka sabihin nila na na-consult na ang mga estudyante [even if only a few were present],” said Arguelles.
In the long run, reforming the STFAP does not resolve the increasingly limited access to higher education because of the high cost of tuition brought about by low state funding, Arguelles said. “STFAP reinforces state abandonment. In the long run, the real solution [is] for UP to [roll-back] its tuition cost and dismantle its STFAP policy in the context of demanding greater state subsidy from the government.”
OVERJOYED. KAISA’s Alex Castro, Jules Guiang and Carla Gonzalez exclaim in disbelief after learning that they won as chairperson, vice chairperson and councilor, respectively, in the University Student Council elections on February 28. This year’s turnout, 48.4 percent, is slightly lower than last year’s 48.91 percent.
POLICE BRIEFS
Eng’g student, naholdap Isang 3rd year Engineering student ang naholdap ng dalawang hindi pa nakikilalang lalaki bandang ika-7 hanggang ika-8 ng gabi noong Pebrero 22. Ayon sa tala ng pulisya, naglalakad pauwi galing sa UP campus patungong UP Village si Joshua Solomon, estudyante ng College of Engineering, nang may nakita siyang dalawang lalaking nakaupo sa Krus na Ligas Park. Pagdaan niya umano sa tapat ng dalawang lalaki, bigla na lamang siyang tinutukan ng patalim at kinapkapan ng mga ito. Nakuha kay Solomon ang isang cellphone na nagkakahalaga
ng P6000 at isang brown leather wallet. Hindi agad na nakaresponde ang UPD Police (UPDP) sa naturang pagnanakaw, sapagkat noong Pebrero 28 lamang personal na nagsadya sa kanilang himpilan si Solomon upang ipatala ang pangyayari. Ipinaalala naman ni Glocke Security Systems Detachment Commander Marcelo Llante na mag-ingat ang mga estudyante at hangga’t maaari ay sumakay na lamang ng jeep kaysa maglakad sa kampus tuwing gabi, o kaya naman ay maghanap ng kasama kung hindi maiiwasang maglakad.
2 magkasunod na banggaan ng sasakyan, naitala Dalawang magkasunod na banggaan ng sasakyan ang naitala noong Pebrero 23. Aksidenteng nabangga ng isang puting Isuzu Crosswind, na minamaneho ni UP Visayas Professor Annabelle Campos, 50, ang traysikel na sinasakyan ni Manuel Galoy, 40, isang tindero ng prutas sa
Katipunan Avenue, bandang 6:45 ng umaga. Ayon sa tala ng pulisya, papunta sa Aurora Avenue ang naturang traysikel nang mabangga ito ng Crosswind ni Campos na lumiliko naman patungong Magsaysay Avenue sa UP Diliman. Agad na isinugod sa UP Health Service si Manuel Galoy, 40, na nagtamo ng sugat sa kaliwang binti. Nagkasundo ang dalawang panig na sasagutin na lamang ni Campos ang lahat ng gastusin sa ospital hanggang sa gumaling ang biktima. Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto, bandang 7:30 ng umaga, nagbanggaan naman ang isang itim na Toyota Fortuner na minamaneho ni Jose Anton Teodoro, 3rd year Engineering student, at ang isang UP Pantranco jeep na minamaneho naman ni Domingo Zamudio. Ayon sa tala ng pulisya, nag-u-turn si Teodoro sa Magsaysay Avenue cor. Apacible Atreet nang aksidenteng mabangga ito ni Zamudio na binabagtas naman ang kahabaan ng Magsaysay Avenue. Walang
nasaktan sa nasabing insidente, ngunit nagtamo ng mga galos at yupi ang harapang pintuan at gulong ng Fortuner at ang harapang bumper ng nasabing jeep. Nagkasundo naman ang dalawang sangkot sa insidente matapos bayaran ni Zamudio ang P6000 halaga ng sira na hindi sakop ng insurance sa Fortuner ni Teodoro.
MA student, ninakawan Bandang 7:00 ng gabi noong Pebrero 26, ninakawan naman si Lloyd Aducul, 26, estudyante ng International Studies sa UPD, ng backpack na naglalaman ng mga kagamitang tinatayang P56,000 ang kabuuang halaga. Ayon sa salaysay ng biktima, iniwan ni Aducul at ng isang kaibigan ang kanilang mga gamit sa grandstand ng Track Oval bago magjogging. Pagkabalik ng dalawa, hindi na matagpuan ang bag ni Aducul, na naglalaman ng isang Toshiba laptop na nagkakahalagang P28,000, isang Apple Ipad 32Gb na nagkakahalagang Continued to page 5
‘Downgraded’ charges vs suspects in Leonard Co slay THE FAMILY AND SUPPORTERS of slain botanist Leonard Co were dismayed with the “downgraded” charges recommended by Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors against military men involved in the former UP professor’s killing more than two years ago. In a 19-page resolution released March 1, the DOJ endorsed charges
of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and attempted homicide against nine soldiers of the 19th Infantry “Commando” Battalion of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division. The DOJ also recommended obstruction of justice charges against 27 other soldiers for impeding, frustrating, or
delaying the prosecution of their fellow soldiers. According to the resolution, the suspects would have been liable to murder charges if it were not for “other circumstances” which led the prosecutors to decide that the “respondents would not have any malicious intent to injure [or] kill the victims had they known
them to be civilians and not communist rebels.” Co’s family and friends however intended to file murder charges against the suspects, saying the DOJ charges are “lesser offenses” and are inconsistent with the results of investigations on the case. “Malungkot ako at ganoon ang resulta na kanilang inilabas after two years,” said wife Glenda Co, adding they have 15 days to file a formal appeal upon receipt of a copy of the resolution. Friends and supporters from the campaign group Justice for Leonard Co Movement (JLCM) also expressed disappointment with the DOJ ruling. “Ang problema kasi kapag homicide [ang na-file] sa arraignment, hindi mo na pwedeng iakyat to murder,” explained JLCM coordinator Niel Caidic. TINUBUANG LUPA. Nagtanghal ng isang sayaw pandigma ang mga katutubong Aeta noong Marso 4 sa Mendiola, bilang pagtutol sa ika-18 taong pagpapatupad sa RA 9752, o Philippine Mining Act. Kasama ang iba’t ibang sektor, nanawagan sila upang ibasura ang naturang batas na nagpapahintulot sa mga operasyon ng malawakang pagmimina, na siya namang nagdudulot ng pagkasira ng lupa ng mga katutubo, at mga likas na yaman sa bansa.
While conducting an inventory of native tree species in the forests of Kananga, Leyte in November 2010, Co and his two research assistants were killed by soldiers who mistook them for insurgents, according to investigations by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). The CHR also refuted claims by the Armed Forces of the Philippines that Co and his assistants were caught in a cross-fire between the military and suspected “communist rebels.” In 2010, an independent factfinding mission by AGHAM – Advocates of Science and Technology (AGHAM) also found out that bullet marks left on the trees imply that the trajectory came from only one direction and that the soldiers aimed directly at the victims. The delay in the issuance of DOJ’s resolution is a manifestation of the culture of impunity in the country, said Caidic. “We have waited this long, only to suffer another injustice. By ignoring the need for justice, they have also ignored the life of service that Leonard and his companions had done to their last breath,” Mrs. Co said in a press release to the media.
UHS doctors challenge admin over promotion rules A GROUP OF DOCTORS FROM THE UP Diliman (UPD) University Health Service (UHS) are contesting the promotion of a UHS pathologist as a Medical Specialist (MS) II in May 2012, due to alleged irregularities committed by the UHS Personnel Board (PB) and the UPD administration. UHS physicians Julie Therese Davide, Olivia Basuel, and Maria Dolores Teneza, Hector Dionisio, Aliza Pangaibat, Ricardo Garcia, and Mysisa Alip questioned the promotion of pathologist Flodalyn Bautista as a full-time MS II employee, saying the decision did not comply with the requirements of the position and the staffing needs of the UHS. On February 17, 2012, the UPD Human Resources Development Office (HRDO) announced a vacant MS II post for applicants with a doctoral degree in medicine and “3 years [of] supervisory experience or 9 years clinical experience in [emergency room (ER), out-patient (OPD), and in-patient (IP) services].” UHS PB received applications from Bautista, Davide, Teneza, and Basuel on March 2, the deadline of applications. UHS PB recommended Davide, who then submitted her papers on March 22.
UPD Vice Chancellor for Administration Virginia Yap, however, sent back Davide’s papers, saying the UHS PB did not follow the UP Merit Selection Plan (MSP), a set of rules and guidelines which all units and committees must follow in screening and selecting applicants for administrative positions. After applying the MSP, the PB revised its initial decision and instead recommended Bautista on April 22. Based on points awarded through the MSP, Bautista garnered 276.32 while Davide came second with 272.9 points. Two days later, the Administration Personnel and Fellowship Committee of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration (OVCA) endorsed Bautista for promotion. Saloma signed his approval on May 2 and HRDO awarded the appointment to Bautista on June 1.
UHS needs physician, not pathologist In a letter to Saloma on May 11, Davide, Basuel, and Teneza requested an explanation for the appointment, saying the UHS needs a full-time MS II who is a physician, not a pathologist.
On May 22, the group further explained to Saloma that the post required specialization in ER, OPD, and IP services, which is different from the training and experience of a pathologist like Bautista. “The decision [to approve Bautista] will [impact the service of UHS],” the physicians explained in a jointly signed letter. The UHS lacks three physicians, currently employing only ten out of the 13 full-time physicians it needs to operate efficiently. “[Bautista] is [unfit] for the position, since she has no patient interaction [and her work is laboratory based]. [Still,] we’re not questioning [Bautista’s] capability as a pathologist but what the posting asked for and what the UHS needs is a physician,” Davide explained in an interview. In a letter to Saloma on May 14, Yap wrote that the needs of the UHS is a concern separate from the appointment of Bautista, Davide said.
‘Irregularities, ambiguities’ The group also noted that it was “statistically improbable” that all four members of the UHS PB unanimously gave 69.08 and 68.235 MSP points to Bautista and Davide, respectively, while
giving differing “scores” to Basuel and Teneza. On June 1, Davide wrote to Civil Service Commission (CSC) Field Office Director Cardito Callangan, requesting their intervention in the issue. In a letter to Callangan dated January 8, Saloma however maintained that Bautista satisfied the requirement for her promotion as a full-time MS II. The “experience” requirement has two alternatives and Bautista, who was chief pathologist in Novaliches District Hospital for nine years, fulfilled the minimum three-year supervisory experience requirement, Saloma said. Currently, Davide’s complaint is at the CSC National Capitol Region office awaiting further action. Meanwhile, All-UP Workers Union (AUPWU) National Vice President Clodualdo Cabrera said the ambiguity in the requirements disadvantaged Davide, Basuel, and Teneza from the start of the process. The UHS should have stated clearly that they were not necessarily looking for a physician, but someone who satisfies the qualifications, explained the union leader. “The [AUPWU] believes [revisions] are needed to remove
ambiguity to ensure the MSP is transparent and democratic,” Cabrera added. The UPD administration, through the OVCA, said it will release a statement to the Collegian regarding the issue, but the publication has yet to receive the said statement as of press time.
POLICE BRIEFS Continued from page 4
P26,000, perang aabot sa P2,000, dalawang USB flash drive, at mga gamit pang-eskwela. Agad namang nag-imbestiga ang UPDP, ngunit wala pa ring matukoy na salarin hanggang sa kasalukuyan sapagkat walang ibang taong nakasaksi sa insidente. Ayon kay UPDP Corporal Cesar Oliquino, dapat umanong tandaan ng mga estudyante na bukas ang pamantasan sa publiko, kaya dapat laging ingatan ang anumang dalang mga gamit. Ipinayo din niya na kung mag-iiwan ng gamit sa mga pampublikong lugar, mag-iwan ng isang bantay o di kaya’y ibilin na lamang ito sa ibang tao upang makaiwas sa mga insidente ng pagnanakaw.
BALITA Huwebes 7 Marso 2013
WALANG IISANG BERSYON ang kasaysayan. Ang ambush attempt kay Juan Ponce Enrile noong 1972, halimbawa, ay may tatlong bersyon mula mismo kay Enrile. Ilang taon pagkalipas ng tangkang pag-ambush sa kanya, na naging dahilan sa pagdedeklara ng Martial Law, ay inamin niyang gawa-gawa lamang ang kuwento—roleplaying kumbaga, at planado ang lahat ng naganap. Ngunit ngayon, sa inilathala niyang biography, ay muling nag-iba ang kanyang salaysay: totoo umano at hindi huwad ang tangkang pagkitil sa kanyang buhay. Ano ba talaga?
NAGBABAGONG NARATIBO Madalas malalagim na imahen ang iniuugnay sa Martial Law. Noon, maaaring OPINYON KULTURA BALITA hulihin ng pulis at militar ang Miyerkules kahit na sinong mapagkakamalan 27 Hunyo Huwebes Miyerkules 2012nilang basag-ulo o rebelde. Makanti Marso 277 Hunyo 2013 2012 mo lang sa kahit pinakapayak na paraan si Marcos, mawawalang katiyakan ang pananatili mo sa mundo—libo-libo ang ipinapatay at sapilitang dinukot noong panahong iyon. Gayunman, hindi lahat ay magsasabing tunay ngang malagim ang paghahari ng diktador. Sa isang panayam kay Roberto Ongpin, dating Trade Secretary ni Marcos, sinabi niyang si Marcos talaga ang nagwagi noong 1986 presidential elections kahit na hindi rito naniniwala ang mga Pilipinong nakibahagi sa unang People Power. Kung tatanungin naman ang mga taga-Ilocos Norte, ang bayang kinalakhan ni Marcos, sasabihin nilang maunlad ang buhay noong kapanahunan ng dating presidente. Ani nga ni Senador Bongbong Marcos, kung hindi napatalsik ang kanyang ama’y baka sing-unlad na ng Singapore ang Pilipinas ngayon. Dahil dito, may mga nagpapanukala na magsulat ng iisang depinitibong tala ng Martial Law, na siyang ituturo sa mga paaralan. Isa si Pangulong Benigno Aquino III sa mga naniniwalang sa dami ng posibleng bersyon, marapat umanong may iisang naratibong maglilinaw sa mga karahasang naganap sa bahaging ito ng kasaysayan. Bagaman hindi maaaring isama ang lahat ng panig sa iisang tala, mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng iisang naratibo na ipalalaganap sa mga Pilipino. Sapagkat ang kasaysayan ay isang paraan ng pagtatakda ng pagkakakilanlan ng isang bayan, at instrumento ito upang hubugin ang kaisipan ng mga mamamayan. Ngunit hindi isang neutral na proseso ang pagsulat ng kasaysayan. Sa pagsulat nito at sa pagbibigay identidad sa isang bayan, isang mahalaga’t
mapagpasyang salik kung sino at anong lente ang gagamitin sa pagtala ng mga kaganapan.
SAYSAY NG SALAYSAY Naniniwala ang pilosopong si Plato na kung sino ang nagsulat ng kasaysayan ay siya ring may hawak ng kapangyarihan. Sa konteksto ng Pilipinas, mamamalas ito kung paanong ikubli sa atin ng mga banyagang historyador ang mayaman nating kasaysayan, at ang mga karahasang inihasik nila sa ating bayan. Sadyang ipinasunog ng mga Kastila noon ang lahat ng tala ukol sa mitolohikal nating mga paniniwala. Ipinabago nila ang pangalan at hitsura ng ating mga diyos at diyosa, at ipinostura sila bilang kahindik-hindik na mga nilalangan, gaya ng kapre at bakulaw. Samantala, sa pagtatakda ng mga Amerikanong historyador sa kung sino ang ituturing nating mga bayani noong panahon ng pananakop ng Kastila at Amerikano, ay pailalim nilang kinundisyon ang kaisipan ng mga Pilipino. Sadyang ginawa nilang pambansang bayani si Jose Rizal, halimbawa, dahil mas pasibo ang ginawa nitong paglaban kumpara sa agresibo’t armadong pakikibakang pinamunuan ni Andres Bonifacio. Tuwing tinatalakay naman ang Martial Law, lagi itong nakakulong sa iilang mga tauhan: ang mga Marcos, ang kanyang mga crony, si Ninoy Aquino, at ang asawa niyang si Cory. Hindi nabibigyang-diin sa mga textbook ng elementarya at hayskul ang iba pang mga lider na nanguna sa paglaban sa diktadurya. At higit sa lahat, hindi rin nabibigyang-pugay ang libo-libong ordinaryong Pilipinong lumaban para dito. Hindi rin naitatampok ang ilang mga tauhan na instrumental sa pagsibol, paghari, at pagbagsak ng rehimeng Marcos. Bibihirang nababanggit ang impluwensiya ng Estados Unidos (US) sa lahat ng naganap, at hindi naililinaw ang konteksto kung bakit marami ang nagbansag kay Marcos bilang “papet” at “tuta.” Kasabay ng paglakas ng kampanya kontra-Marcos noong 1986 ang pag-atras ng suporta ng US sa pangulo. Ang kawalan ng malinaw at malalim sa konteksto sa ating kasaysayan ang siya ring nagiging dahilan sa kawalan natin ng malalimang pagsusuri at pagkaunawa sa kasalukuyan nating kalagayan.
TIYAK NA TALA Mistula mang laganap ang nosyon na kurakot ang mga Marcos, at naging taksil sila sa bayan noong dekada 70 hanggang 80, kapansinpansin kung paano sila muling tinanggap at iniluklok sa mga
posisyon sa gobyerno. Kasalukuyang kongresista ngayon si Imelda Marcos, samantalang senador si Bongbong at gubernador si Imee. Kung aaralin ang mga pagbabago’t pagunlad ng maraming salik—impluwensiya ng mga Marcos, depiksyon ng media, estado ng pulitikal na espasyo sa bansa— mauugat at higit na maipaliliwanag kung paano nauunawaan ng mga Pilipino sa kasalukuyan ang mga naganap sa nakaraan. At kung may kailangan mang piliing lente ang mga historyador— dahil selektibo ang proseso ng pagsulat ng kasaysayan—marapat lamang na suriin nito ang mga kaganapan mula sa perspektibo ng pinakamaraming Pilipino. Dahil kung may tunay man na sasalamin sa kalagayan ng bansa, noon hanggang ngayon, ay ang mga karanasan hindi ng mga nasa tuktok ng kapangyarihan kundi ng mga payak mamamayan. Sa pagsuri sa nakaraan, lagi’t laging may pangangailangang suriin kung paano umusad ang kolektibong kamalayan ng mga Pilipino sa anumang bahagi ng kasaysayan. Sa pagbabaliktanaw sa Martial Law, halimbawa, mahalagang umigpaw sa mga kilalang pulitikal na personalidad at ituon ang pansin sa kung paano namulat at nagpasyang kumilos ang malaking bahagi ng populasyon na nagpasyang itigil ang diktadurya. Marapat ding balikan kung sa paanong paraan nakundisyon ang mga mamamayan sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Corazon Aquino at ng mga sumunod pang mga pinuno. Sa huli, nananatili ang kahingian na salaminin ng mga historical na tala ang danas at pag-unawa ng nakararami, dahil sila, at hindi ang iilang makapangyarihan, ang tunay na mapagpasya sa paghubog ng kasaysayan.
t s t s E Em
m u t u a t a m m m m u s u s n n o C Co ON FEBRUARY 28, the world witnessed a historic event as Pope Benedict XVI left the Renaissance grandeur of the Vatican, renouncing all his powers as pontiff. After meeting with the cardinals, Benedict XVI, who kept his papal name even after resignation, rode a helicopter to the great halls of Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer house where he would temporarily spend his time in prayer and seclusion. The announcement of Benedict XVI’s abdication two weeks ago shocked not only the 1.2 billion Catholic population, but also the rest of the world. And now that his seat has been vacated, all eyes are set on who is going to be next leader of one of the few remaining vestiges of a bygone era.
Sede vacante Citing his weakness “due to an advanced age,” Benedict XVI was the first pope to resign in 600 years. Though generally welcomed by the Catholic community, his resignation was still met with criticisms, even among his cardinals. “People who, for example, might disagree with a future pope [might] mount a campaign to get him to resign,” Australian cardinal George Pell said in a media interview. Unlike any other position of power, papacy is equated to being God’s personification on earth—and no one abdicates the post until one’s death. After all, Catholic doctrine states that the founder of the Church is Jesus Christ himself. He appointed Saint Peter as the head of
theChurch, and started the pontifical system where all elected popes become the saint’s successor. Electing the pope, then, follows a meticulous process, molded by centuries of practice. A conclave is held at the Sistine Chapel, attended by cardinals below 80 years old. Certain regulations may be altered, but small details such as how to fold the ballots remain the same—a clear manifestation of the Church’s obedience to traditions. Criteria for the election of the next pope include one’s ability to govern, and having “a universal heart [for] the poor,” says Chicago Cardinal Francis George. There is no systemic method, however, in investigating the background of prospective popes. And while campaigning for the position is prohibited, an opposing party can easily leak to the media information that may weaken a prospect’s bid for papacy. Such scenarios prove how, despite claims of being an event guided by the Holy Spirit, papal elections largely rely on subjective decisions of the electing cardinals. As Benedict XVI’s resignation seemingly paralleled the papacy to any bureaucratic position one may willingly resign from, electing the next pope also exposes the politics behind the Church’s supposedly apolitical façade.
Vicarius Christi The next pope will perform duties ranging from conducting liturgies, appointing bishops, to spreading the divine truth stipulated in the Catholic doctrine. As head of the world’s largest religious denomination, his words will reflect the Church’s stances on matters concerning faith and morality.
The Church used to strongly condemn the ideas of religious freedom and progress. Such conservative views have justified tyrannical rule in Spain and Latin American countries, and have also fuelled antiSemitism sentiments. Leaders like Pope John XXIII, however, recognized the need for reforms in the Church’s teachings. He called for the second Vatican Council in 1962, paving the way for progressive philosophies, including tolerance of other religions. Such deviations illustrate that despite adhering to a single doctrine, popes are entitled to their own interpretations of the canon. The standards of morality, then, depend on how one man understands the Lord’s teachings. Yet the Church is not immune to issues that challenge their moral ascendancy. Groups like Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests have been vocal against sins committed by clergymen, like paedophilia. Allegations of corruption also marred Benedict XVI’s term. These so-called scandals in the Vatican prove that the Catholic empire is not only run by humans prone to commiting errors; the Church is also not exempt from political contradictions. The Vatican, for instance, conducts its own income-generating activities, such as investing in banking, insurance, and real state among others. In the Philippines, the Church is one of the top shareholders of large mining firms. Previous popes have also taken positions on political issues, sometimes acting as diplomats to settle disputes. There are practices, however, which no pope has ever dared to openly support, such as the ordination of homosexuals, legalization of same-sex marriage, and the use of contraceptives. After the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill in the predominantly-Catholic Philippines, coupled with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual advocacies getting mainstream attention, one may
KULTURA Huwebes 7 Marso 2013
wond e r wheth er the Church still holds strong influence over its followers.
Habemus papam With the growing influence of other religious denominations, various analysts have posited that the Church’s power has indeed started to wane. Electing the right pope, therefore, would be a huge step—now, more than ever—in securing its popularity and influence worldwide. Popular candidates for papacy include African American Cardinal Peter Turkson, and FilipinoLuisAntonioTagle.Oneofthem getting elected would be relativelyradical,asitwouldshatterthe supposed Eurocentrism of the papacy. Having a non-Caucasian pope may also work in favor of the Church, especially in gaining back the support of critics of Catholic conservatism. In 2012, Europe was the only continent that had a 0.01 percent decrease in Catholic members, according to Vatican data. Meanwhile, Africa registered a 0.21 percent increase in members, while Asia has 0.06 percent. Apparently, Catholicism is strongest in less developed nations. Religion, in general, provides a beacon of hope to people who have nothing else but labor power and faith. It is an ideology in itself, a belief system that is unscientific yet structured. When the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines and started spreading Christianity’s wisdom, they marketed religion as a means of escape, a creed that promises a better life after death, in exchange for the suffering one experiences while living. Symbols glamorizing suffering are very much apparent in Catholicism—the crucifix, the offering of Christ’s blood, etc. These symbols have
easi l y penetrated the psyche of the people, and have been instrumental in maintaining the Church’s d o m i n a n c e , and the people’s resilience to social injustices such as poverty. However, based on the words of Pope John XIII in his encyclical “Christianity and Social Progress,” the Church will always be willing to work with other religions to pursuethecommongoodforhumanity. “[Catholics must be] ready to cooperate loyally in achieving objects which are good in themselves, or can be turned to good,” wrote the former pope. Indeed, regardless of who clinches the top Vatican post, setting religious differences aside would always work best for the development of a better world—for there are evils in society that nothing but a united collective struggle can cure.
POWER PLAY IN THEIR BID FOR POWER, OLD-TIMERS BEARING FAMILIAR NAMES ASSERT THEIR PRESENCE BY DISPOSING HUGE SUMS OF MONEY. NEW CONTENDERS, MEANWHILE, TRY TO WORK THEIR WAY WITH WHATEVER ARSENAL THEY HAVE. THE ONLY KEY TO VICTORY IS TO OUTSHINE AND OUTLAST RIVALS—AT ALL COSTS. Jan Andrei Cobey
LATHALAIN Huwebes 7 Marso 2013
THE COMPETITION FOR political dominance has once again captivated the country’s attention. As usual, promises of change and genuine service, delivered via celebrity endorsements and catchy gimmicks, continue to grace the grand tournament that is national elections. For 90 days, radio and TV airwaves, print media and even cyberspace become battlefields for a single cause—to win the heart of the Filipino voter. Never mind that slogans are all hollow rhetoric, or that platforms are just reinventions of a variety of motherhood statements. Such is the state of Philippine elections where financing plays a significant role in the polls’ outcomes; a practice that has not only barred the marginalized from participating in a seemingly democratic process, but has also institutionalized the continued supremacy of the rich few over the country’s economic and political affairs.
Rules of engagement While candidates launch their offensives to secure key government posts, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) sets and guards the battlefields for the conduct of the elections. Armed with the Omnibus Election Code of 1985 and COMELEC Resolution No. 9476, the COMELEC enforces limits on campaign financing (see sidebar), in an attempt to provide a “level playing field” to all candidates. “Hindi porke mayaman ka, ikaw na ‘yung mas may kakayahan mangampanya,” says COMELEC Education and Information Department Acting Director Victoria Dulcero.
The Fair Elections Act of 2001 requires candidates to submit a Statement of Elections Contributions and Expenditures (SECE) to the COMELEC. In the 2010 presidential race, top spender Manny Villar declared a P431.56 million over-all expenditures, according to his SECE. This means that Villar spent an average P8.41 for every voter, which falls within the P10-cap for presidential candidates. Spending per voter is determined by dividing a candidate’s declared total campaign cost over the 51.29 million registered voters in 2010. Poll guards like Kontra Daya and the Center for People Empowerment and Governance (CenPeg) however, raise suspicions on Villar’s compliance with election laws. Contenders like Villar manage to evade the law through a technicality, wherein costs incurred for campaigns released before the official start of the campaign period, are excluded from total campaign expenses, according to election watchdogs. Villar have already spent P475.43 million before official campaigns began in 2010, reports media monitoring agency Nielsen. If such costs were included, Villar’s per voter expense would bloat to P17.68. Kontra Daya legal counsel Joven Evangelista also assailed the Omnibus Election Code‘s accounting mechanism for campaign expenditures since “pwedeng hindi i-declare ng mga kandidato ang ilang natatanggap nilang contributions at hindi rin magdeclare ang contributor.” “We are confined talaga since our constitutional mandate is only
to implement laws. Congress [who has legislative power] ang dapat mag-initiate ng move para ayusin ang batas,” says Dulcero. Yet, the elite-dominated Congress has never shown any interest to confront and address the flaws of the Election Code aside from resolutions that interpreted several provisions. Congress members are foremost politicians that benefit in the current setup, raising the impossibility of introducing reforms to election laws, notes Evangelista. Despite existing rules, seasoned politicians have clearly developed their own tactics to counter the underlying principles behind election regulations. As the battle for dominance continues, even the COMELEC tasked to regulate the game, are trapped in the systemic mechanisms devised by politicians to solidify their hold on power. The elections, therefore, still favor the warriors who have strong financial backing.
Superior grounds Under the country’s supposedly democratic electoral system, hopefuls who gain the most number of votes emerge as victors. And in this scheme, intensive campaigns are necessary to capture the voter’s trust. Mindful of the weak spots of election laws, COMELEC’s plans to partner with major media networks that will reserve timeslots solely dedicated for campaigning, and to utilize online social media. “Para naman pati mahirap na kandidato ay mabigyan ng exposure,” Dulcero says.
Despite these opportunities however, wealthy candidates still hold an advantage, for they can engage in further campaigns that will keep them ahead of other candidates, Evangelista argues. “Sa level [ng pangangampanya] sa Pilipinas, gagastos talaga sa advetisements dahil malakas din naman ang effect…para maalala ng mga tao,” says Cristina Yambot, Bayan Muna Partylist election lawyer. The costs of producing a 30-second commercial ranges from P250,000 to millions. Meanwhile, the average cost of a 30-second primetime slot on television and radio amounts to P100,000 and P8,000, respectively. Candidates have this mindset that spending more for their campaigns directly increases their chances of winning, asserts Evangelista. Pres. Benigno Aquino III who prevailed in the 2010 elections, came next to Villar in terms of campaign expenditures, declaring a P403.12 million total cost. Evidently, money has become a necessity to contend for public office in the Philippines, an imposed requisite that has remained unquestioned for the longest time. Even before the campaigns begin, the COMELEC already eliminates candidates with no proven financial capacity to mobilize a nationwide campaign. Such reality banishes any guarantee that every Filipino has equal chances in holding public office. Like any war, elections are a costly, yet lucrative endeavor— especially for the victors.
Game for thrones In the coming days, Filipinos will be bombarded with propaganda that transmits a single message for the voters: vote me, and the people’s suffering will end. Yet, decades of submitting to such logic have not ushered substantial changes in the lives of the majority of the people. Candidates are also willing to spend large sums of money for a position with a salary that hardly compensates for the costs they incurred during the campaign (see sidebar). “Election is a fight for long term gains. [They are not after the salary,] what they are looking for is the power that the position gives and the power to amass more wealth with it,” CenPEG Policy Studies Director Bobby Tuazon says. With the government’s continued tolerance of such a system, where money and political clout subverts any notion of critical thinking and concretely-grounded platforms, the elections will continue to be a clashing ground among the elite. “This is why most qualified candidates seeking genuine reforms do not run, because they will certainly lose [due to financial disadvantages],” adds Tuazon. Contrary to popular middleclass notions, the elections offer little chances for genuine change. Educating voters of the implications of their individual votes becomes a viable option. Ultimately however, there is no other alternative but to shape the people’s collective will into a potent force that could seize the electoral dominance from the few, and make it truly democratic.
SIDEBAR 1: AT STAKE Position President
Term salary P8.64 million
Total expenditure of all candidates
Spending cap per constituent
P1.1 billion
P10
Vice President
~P7.42 million
P653 million
P5* or P3**
Senator
~P6.43 million
P1.5 billion
P5* or P3**
Partylist Representative
~P6.43 million
P597 million
P5
Congressman
~P6.43 million
P5* or P3**
Source: Salary Standardization Law – 2012 tranche, 2010 Statement Elections Contributions and Expenditures, Fair Elections Act of 2001 * with political party / ** without political party
ONE IN EVERY FIVE ELECTED public officials in the country is a woman. Filipinas have clearly permeated the traditionally male-dominated public domain, holding 3,601 of the 17,385 elected posts, according to government research body Philippine Commission on Women. Filipinas are generally considered as among the most empowered women in Asia, much as the country is known for catapulting two women to the presidency through massive demonstrations. Last year supposedly marked another milestone for the Filipina, with the appointment of Maria Lourdes Sereno as the High Court’s first woman chief justice. Indeed, the ascension of women to seats of power has become a redeeming value for the country’s political system that supposedly fosters equal opportunities. As the elections loom, increased women’s participation in politics as sharply defined by their right to vote and to be voted seems to strengthen the notion of women empowerment. In reality however, the impacts of such democratic exercises in effecting genuine change for women, remain limited.
Seats of power
The country’s pre-colonial narrative depicts a society that values women, most notably with the stature of the babaylan or priestess who assume key roles in early communities as healers or advisors. History illustrates how the Spanish colonizers forcedly confined Filipino women to the traditional Marian standards of women conduct like being
meek, domesticated and submissive. For centuries, the Filipina’s worth would depend on how she conforms to such expectations— not until women freedom fighters like Gabriela Silang and Melchora Aquino broke these stereotypes, and made substantial contributions to liberate the country from oppression. Clearly, women have always struggled to assert their valued position in the country’s political and economic affairs despite systemic efforts to curtail their participation. In contemporary times however, electing women into positions does not necessarily translate to advancing women’s cause. Not even the passage of “pro-women” laws could ease the burdens experienced by majority of women. For instance, while Gloria Arroyo’s administration saw the legislation of the Magna Carta of Women, the condition of women worsened during her term. Research institution Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) cites 1,010 cases of state-perpetrated violations of women’s rights during Arroyo’s term. For 2011 and 2012, seven cases of sexual harassment perpetrated by military members to women under the counterinsurgency plan Oplan Bayanihan have been reported by national women’s alliance GABRIELA. Moreover, women candidates who participate in the elections hardly invoke women empowerment as central to their intentions for running. The study Participation of Women in Politics and Society reveals that most women seeking elections merely serve as
an “alternate” to a family relative whose term is either unfulfilled or nears expiration. Such is the case of senatorial aspirant Cynthia Villar and gubernatorial candidate Imee Marcos, whose family relatives currently hold key positions. Majority of known women politicians also hail from influential families with established political mileage, like Arroyo and Corazon Aquino. The social class interests of most women leaders clearly prevail over her membership to a marginalized sector like women, notes GABRIELA Secretary General Joms Salvador. With a largely elitist system of elections, the chances of women being elected is restricted by her socio-economic status. Contrary to claims of providing equal opportunities to everyone, the elections remain an exclusive game for the rich; a limited arena to advance the interests of the majority of women from underrepresented sectors.
Counting votes
The right of women to vote is considered as one of the concrete gains achieved by women’s movements across the world. While the idea of women voting now passes as conventional wisdom, such rights were painstakingly advanced by women advocates. Not even American colonizers, with their much-celebrated d e m o c r a c y,
have extended women the right to have their votes counted. The first general elections in the country were for the educated and propertied elite men, to the dismay of their female counterparts like Concepcion Felix de Calderon and Josefa Llanes-Escoda, who eventually lead the crusade for women’s suffrage rights in the Philippines. After organized efforts lead by groups like Asociacion Feminista Filipina, over 440,000 Filipina voters were able to vote for the first time in April 1937. Such suffrage rights however, were initially reserved to rich and educated women. Evidently, the elite have a clear history of dominating the supposedly democratic process of elections. In 2010, around 18.8 million or 75.2 percent of registered women voters cast their votes. Participation in the elections is a positive indicator of women’s increasing level of political consciousness, says CWR’s Cielito Perez. Despite this however, a women’s vote does not exist, asserts UP Prof. Judy Taguiwalo. She explains that the lack of sensible and
Advancing the cause
Filipinas have yet to realize true emancipation. Despite much hype, the presence of women candidates in the elections does not signify hope for women. At most, such kinds of political participation have mostly concerned middle class and elite women than those who toil in vast farmlands or factories. Women can only be empowered if they live free from violence, hunger, poverty and other forms of oppression, says Salvador. GABRIELA was among the first women’s groups in the Philippines who have linked gender issues faced by women to the greater context of structural inequalities and social injustices. LATHALAIN
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functional women laws and policies indicate the absence of a women’s vote. Truly, the existence of a united women’s vote would have the capacity to compel candidates to address legitimate women concerns. While more women engage in the elections either as voters or candidates, women’s representation remains very limited and constrained by the domination of men in government who have different views, says Perez. As such, as long as individual women vote without a definite consciousness of the collective plight they share as women, then the exercise of voting will remain to be impotent, isolated tools in advancing their rights and welfare. Ultimately, the elections alone could never liberate women from all forms of oppression.
After all, aside from issues of gender violence, women are still confronted by the daily challenges mounted by high prices of commodities and basic utilities, massive unemployment, and lack of adequate social services. For instance, women who often take charge of the family’s finances, are perennially burdened by high prices of food, transportation, electricity and making ends meet, explains Perez. As the proud history of the women’s movement shows, organized and collective efforts that banded women together against prevailing social orders still wields the most potential in effecting genuine change. Women should organize among their ranks, and learn to transcend the narrow boundaries of gender issues to the greater plight of all oppressed sectors, says Salvador. In the end, grassroots women’s organizations who clearly understand how women’s issues are integrated in the broader scheme of things could enjoin the empowerment of women regardless of socioeconomic origins. With the elections looming, women may utilize this single grand event to maximize their gains and promote their legitimate interests. For the rest of the years however, women can rely in their collective strength that has decisively challenged and changed the course of their continuing story.
Huwebes 7 Marso 2013
WAKAS
OPINYON BALITA Huwebes Miyerkules Marso 277 Hunyo 2013 2012
NAKAKATAKOT SUMABLAY. Hindi ko pa rin matanggap na Marso na. Bawat araw kong nilalagyan ng ekis ang kalendaryo ko para maramdaman ang papalapit na thesis deliberations. Sa tuwing mapapatambay ako kung saan, biglang sisigaw ‘yung emergency mechanism ng utak ko ng “Thesis! Thesis!” Sa tuwing may magtatanong kung gagradweyt na ba ako, ang lagi kong sagot ay, “Dapat.” Bakit naman kasi ang gawain na para sa isang buong sem ay kailangan kong tapusin sa loob ng dalawang linggo? Kung may award lang na Prodigal Thesis Advisee, ako na siguro ang papatos noon. Ang mga salitang, “Magpapa-consult ako mamaya” ay nagiging “bukas na lang,” o “sa loob ng dalawang araw,” o “next week na.” Sa halip na dumaan sa opisina ng aking adviser ay napapadpad ako sa kung saan-saan. Maaaring ako’y nasa studio ng isang iniidolo kong artist, o nasa ilalim ng ulan habang pinagmamasdan ang kumukupas na ganda ng Maynila. Maaaring nagbabaklas ako ng mga lumang telebisyon sa garahe o kaya’y nagbubuhat ng mga aparador sa Acad Oval. Maaaring nasa isang NGO ako, nagtatanong tungkol sa proseso ng pagbisita sa mga bilanggong pulitikal, at sa susunod na araw, nagpapakuha na ako ng
litrato katabi ng isang nakalayang bilanggo. Maaari ding nagpapalipas lang ako ng lungkot sa isang kubo, o kaya’y nagsasakripisyo ng tulog para sa mga pahina ng dyaryo. “Pinili mo yan” ang nakaprogramang sagot ng utak ko sa tuwing magrereklamo ako sa dami ng gagawin, inuulit-ulit lang hanggang sa mapaniwala ang sarili sa mga kalokohang pinasok
Ang mga desisyon natin ay hindi nagmumula sa kawalan, ngunit nasa sa atin kung paano natin ito paninindigan.
ko. Wala namang nagsabi sa akin na pagsabayin ang pagbuo ng anibersaryo ng org sa lingguhang paglalapat ng dyaryo. Sa huli, ako pa rin naman ang nagpasya at lahat ng ginagawa natin ay pagpili. Pinili ko ‘to. Pinili mo ‘yan. Ang mga desisyon natin ay hindi nagmumula sa kawalan, ngunit nasa sa atin kung paano natin ito paninindigan.
Freshie pa lang ako noong kinakabisado ko ang konstitusyon ng Asterisk tapos ngayon, kami na ang tanders na tagapayo at nagpapaalala na “isapuso at huwag isaulo.” Nasa amin na ang tungkulin na ipasa ang alab at pagmamahal sa sining. Pang-apat na taon ko na ito sa org at akala ko kabisado ko na lahat, pero sa bawat pagsubok na nagdaraan ay marami pa rin akong natututunan. Iba’t ibang gradiation ng sunrise ang nasaksihan ko kakalapat sa Kule. Unang presswork ko pa lang, naranasan ko na maglapat ng isang pahina sa loob ng 15 minuto para habulin ang deadline ng printer. Simula noon, naramdaman ko nang hindi ito magiging madali. Pumasok man ako dito para maglapat, sa tinagal ko rito, ako ay namulat. Nag-umpisa ang taon na natatakot akong magtapos. Natatakot akong iwan ang mundong kinagisnan at mga lugar na minahal. At higit sa lahat, natatakot akong mamanhid at makalimot. Kasabay ng pagsablay ang pagtindig. Maraming agam-agam sa isang kinabukasan na walang kasiguruhan. Ngunit sa gitna ng kawalan, ang mga alaalang ito ang aking pinanghahawakan.
SIMULA* CLICHÉ NA KUNG CLICHÉ, PERO babanggitin ko na ang sinabi na rin ng bandang Semisonic: “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” Utang na loob. Huwag mo kong tatanungin sa’n ko planong magtrabaho, o anong balak kong gawin pagkagradweyt ko, dahil malamang sa malamang, imbento lang naman ang sasabihin ko. Sa tingin ko naman, hindi ako nag-iisa sa ganitong moda sa buhay—alam kung ano ang gustong mangyari sa kasalukuyan, pero wala pang tiyak na plano sa hinaharap. Para sa taong may claim ng pagiging organisado, nakakatuwa ang malagay sa ganitong estado.
Bukas ang opisina sa lahat, pero iilan lang ang may sapat na kakayahan (at tigas ng mukha) para pangatawanan ang mga paninindigan ng pahayagan
Ika nga nila, kalma-kalma lang, maaabot rin natin ang tagumpay. Aaminin kong nakakakilig naman talaga ang ideya ng paggradweyt sa Peyups. ‘Yung tipong sa tuwing saglit na sasagi sa isip mo ‘yung glorious moment ng pagmamartsa matapos ng lahat ng pagdurusa’t
tagumpay, dugo, tawa at luha, e mapapangiti ka na lang. ‘Yung tipong matatawa ka na lang sa sarili mo dahil hindi mo maitago ‘yung tuwa sa mukha mo kaya pinipili mong takpan, kaysa mapagkamalan kang sinto-sinto ng mga nakapaligid sa ‘yo. Pero maliban sa pagtatapos sa akademya, may isa pang paglaya na sobrang nagpapasaya sa akin nitong mga nagdaang linggo: ang ganap at tunay na paglaya sa Collegian. Sa pagtatapos ng kolum na ‘to, jusko ‘day, dalawang isyu na lang at magtatapos na ang sinumpaan kong kontrata sa institusyong ito. Hindi man alam ng karamihan, kahit ng mga kasalukuyang taga-Kulê, tandang-tanda ko ang mga pangako ko noong una akong sumalang sa madla para magpakilala: “siguro, mga four years po ako tatagal.” At sa totoo niyan, wala na akong balak pang i-renew ‘yan sa ngayon. Noon pa man, nasabik na akong muling bumalik at maranasan ang mundo sa labas bilang tipikal na indibidwal na hindi bahagi ng mapagmatyag na institusyon. Ngayon pa lang, naghahanda na ako ng bucket list (i.e., rumaket, magbasa, manood ng pelikula’t series, maghanap ng love life), para matiyak na hindi ako mauubusan ng gagawin sa pagkarami-raming panahong mababakante ‘pag hindi na ako Kulê. O para mas light: “The time of the Elves is over” o kaya “move on-move on din,” ika nga ng isang USC candidate.
Mabigat at mas lalong ‘di biro ang pumaloob sa Kulê, dahil kakambal ng instant angas at anumang kakabit na prestihiyo ng pagiging kasapi, ang istriktong disiplina, determinasyon at pananagutang paulit-ulit na susubukin. Sabi nga ng isang kasama, bukas ang opisina sa lahat, pero iilan lang ang may sapat na kakayahan (at tigas ng mukha) para pangatawanan ang mga paninindigan ng pahayagan at tanganan ang kritikal nitong tradisyon. Nitong nakaraang linggo, may banyagang propesor na bumisita sa opisina ng Kulê para alamin ang kasaysayan nito. Nang tinanong niya ako paano ko pinapahalagahan ang apat na taong karanasan sa Kulê (syempre in English), medyo nagulat rin ako sa naging kadaldalan ko sa pagsagot (mind you, in straight English din). Totoo namang kapag “tunay” ka ng bahagi ng Kulê, magkakaroon ka ng paulit-ulit na love-hate relationship dito. Sa katunayan, hanggang sa puntong ito, hindi ko pa rin tiyak kung tama ba ang naging desisyon kong umakyat sa Room 401 Vinzons Hall isang hapon ng Hulyo 2009. Kaya’t nasasabik na talaga ako sa bagong buhay na naghihintay. At bakit hindi? Sabi sa countdown to freedom ko, dalawang isyu na lang at matatamasa ko na rin ang matamis na paggradweyt sa UP at Kulê. *Para sa lahat ng mga atat nang lumaya, pero wala pang kasadong plano pang-eskapo
THE PERKS OF STAYING SILENT* SABI MO, LIPAS NA ANG panahon ng pagiging aktibistang rah-rah. Laos na ang pagrarali, hindi na uso ang pagiging galit sa mundo. Ba’t nga naman ako sasama agad sa rali? Pwede ko namang aralin muna ang isyu, magbasabasa, magtanong-tanong sa mga kapwa ko tao (paki naman ng kalabaw) kung ano ang opinyon nila. Kahit may demolisyon mamaya, aalamin ko muna kung may karapatan ang mga “eyesore” na iskwater sa bahay vis a vis karapatan ng may-ari sa lote. Kahit pwede nang makulong ang magti-tweet ng, “Inutil ang panot na pangulo harhar,” titiyakin ko muna kung tutol nga sa Cybercrime Law ang mga apektado (which is, uh, most of us?). Saka na umaksyon, kapag napag-aralan at sigurado na sa hakbang. Pagkatapos ng pagbabasa at pag-iinterbyu, sana may TRO pa rin ang Cybercrime Law. Sana hindi pa na-demolish ang mga bahay, o na-purge sa klase ang mga walang pang-tuition. Sakali man, pwede pa ring humingi ng paumanhin: “Sorry po, inalam ko muna kung tama nga na ipaglaban kayo.” Isa pang bagay: bakit nga ba dapat magalit sa UP admin? Hindi naman nila ginustong maging kupal ang gobyerno. Humihingi naman sila ng tamang badyet pero sadyang kumag ang sistema. Kapag wala na ang STFAP, paano na ‘yung mga umaasa rito? Asa namang papatol ang gobyerno sa pagbigay ng, ugh, repeat after me: “greater state subsidy.” Tuition rollback? Kailangang magrali ng buong UP para makinig ang admin d’yan kaya ‘wag na—d’un na lang sa mas tahimik. Hindi talaga makuntento ang mga tao. At least ngayon, malaya na tayong magpahayag ng mga hinaing natin, kung gusto natin (ingat-ingat lang sa mga militar kasi, well, afraid). Ba’t ba kasi hindi na lang tayo masanay sa mga “at least” na ‘yan. “At least” nagbibigay ng subsidyo ang gobyerno. “At least” concerned ang pamahalaan sa safety ng bansa, kaya malaki ang ginagasta nito sa military spending. “At least” nagbabayad ako ng buwis, “at least” sinusundan ko ang traffic rules, “at least” bumuboto ako tuwing eleksyon. Ang daming paraan para magprotesta, bakit nga ba kailangang makulong sa pinaka-hassle na porma? Nakapagrali na ako. Tustado na nga sa init, nakakairita pang magtaas ng kamao habang basa ang kili-kili. Pero buti safe ako—safe tayo. Hindi naghihikahos ang pamilya natin, at kung malasin man, pareho tayong may pinag-aralan. Kawalan ng trabaho? Kebs. Pwedeng-pwede kong sundan ang nanay ko sa abroad. Kebs din sa mahihirap. Habang sinisikap nating makatapos sa UP, going forth and multiplying lang sila (buti may RH law). Keri na ‘yan, marami namang paraan para umunlad ang mga buhay nila— Artista Academy, Wowowillie, Super Lotto 6/49, at kung ano pa. Serve the people? Kapag yumaman, mag-donate sa charity. Kapag minalas, maging tapat sa pagbayad ng buwis. Magreklamo sila sa kalye kung gusto nila, problemahin nila ang kanser ng lipunan all they want. Gusto mo, dito tayo sa mas convenient dahil ito para sa ‘yo ang mas “productive.” Hintayin na lang natin na magtagumpay ang mga aktibistang rah-rah, kasi ‘pag nangyari ‘yun, damay-damay tayong lahat. *sa iyo na kasundo ko sa lahat, liban sa pananahimik
Eksenang Peyups
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STUFF UP 2013: STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL The UP Diliman BA Communication Research undergraduate students of Communication Research 180 class invite everyone to the advocacy of STUFF UP 2013. STUFF UP 2013 aims to promote an avenue for people, particularly UP Diliman students, to showcase their film productions, as well as to learn from and watch studentmade films. With that being said, the STUFF UP 2013 team encourages everyone to try out and support film making as an art, a form of self-expression or a hobby.
DidGeogGetIt6 The Junior Philippine Geographical Society – UP Diliman (JPGS-UPD) will be holding its annual geography quiz show on March 8 (Friday), 5:30pm onwards at Palma Hall Room 120-122. Every contender must come with a partner; winners will receive 1,500 pesos cash! For inquiries, please contact the Assistant Project Head, Keith Catolico @ 0927875-0477.
UPD WOMEN’S MONTH 2013 CELEBRATION Celebrate this year’s Women’s Month with the
theme “Kababaihan ng UP: Isulong ang Laban para Wakasan ang Kahirapan at Karahasan Laban sa Kababaihan.” Be at the All UP Women Solidarity’s A Forum on RA9262 and know more about the AntiViolence Against Women and Their Children Act on March 8, 8AM-12NN, at the Kalayaan Residence Hall. Join the International Women’s Day: March to Mendiola organized by the One Billion Rising UP Community on March 8, 1PM-5PM in Mendiola. And also, the One Billion Rising UP Community invites you to the One Night Stand sa UP Lagoon: Isang Gabi ng Awit, Tula at Sayaw ng mga Kababaihan UP Beta Theatrum (Lagoon) on March 15, 6-9PM.
Nanalo ba ang manok mo sa eleksyon?
CONCERT FOR THE VICTIMS
Dear Kule, Good morning! Nais ko sanang sagutin ang tanong na: ‘Nanalo ba ang manok mo sa eleksyon?’. At ang sagot ko po ay: HINDEEEEEH! Bitterness, hindi nanalo si Papa Carlo Brolagda. Huhu T_T Pero sa nanalong si Madam Alex Castro, susuportahan ko pa rin sya pero sana pagbutihin nya ang trabaho nya at pantayan kung anuman ang nagawa ng Madam Chair nya ngayon! PS Nanalo pala ang bet na bet kong councilor na si JP delas Nieves!CONGRATS JP! NieBEST ka talaga! :> ~2010XOXO,Encarnacion Hall Mangilan-ngilan naman nanalo. Ang concern dapat ay papaano itataas yung turnout ng votes pag election. Anyway, Marso na naman kasi parating na ang hell day/week waves. 2011-30507
OF TYPHOON PABLO
Dugtungan ang
Join us in encouraging the youth to participate in calling for clean, peaceful, and responsive elections. Catch the performances of Soapdish, Eevee, Talahib, Karl Ramirez, 5YearPlan, Tao Aves, Bullet Dumas, Kjah, Plagpul, Lakbay Lahi and BLKD! Mark your calendars and see you at the Morayta Grounds on March 15, 6PM onwards! Admission is free.
pangungusap: Marso na
ROCK THE VOTE: A BENEFIT
Kailangan mo ba ng space? Marami kami dito no’n. Sali na sa Philippine Collegian. Akyat na sa Room 401 Vinzon’s Hall at magdala ng bluebook at ballpen. Magdala ng portfolio kung gustong sumali sa Grapix.
Congratulations ROSET TE ABOGADO OUR NEW GRAPIX ILLUSTRATOR
naman kasi ______. Marso na naman kasi birthday ko na! Kaya bigyan nyo na ako ng regalo please, kahit boyfriend lang. Charot! Summer break na kasi. :) 2011-18140 Masayang Taong Tambay Sa CSSP. Paki censor student # ko, kahit part lang. :p Marso nanaman kasi ang oily nanaman ng fez ko at umaalingasaw na naman ang mga powers ng mga nakakatabi ko sa jeep! Hi sa crush kong si Sev Domingo! :* 2012-1***1 BSGE Marso na naman kasi malapit na mag-summer! Konting kembot na lang at maaari na nating sambitin ang mga salitang.. “Party party!” Haha jk 2012-59798 Marso na naman kasi di na tayo magkikita. End na ng sem. Tapos sasabak na sa summer. Mags-summer ka rin kaya? Hay. Mami-miss kita! Kaso di ko lang masabi. :( Para sayo, Patricia Madrigal. Sana pansinin mo pa rin ako! 11-***** OC ENGG Marso na naman kasi nagaadvise na yung mga prof. ko na maghanda sa maggiging final exams, papers, presentations namin... waaahhh kabaliw.. 1178674 bea Marso na naman kasi tapos na ang Pebrero =P 201*1233* MARSO NA NAMAN KASI patapos na ang semester pero hndi ko hahayaang matapos ito nang hndi ko sinasabi sa classmate ko na may pagtingin ako sa kanya. Luigi, ano bang meron bakit lagi kang
numanakaw ng tingin sa akin? 2011-**622 Marso na naman kasi dumadami na ang gusto na may summer fling.. Landeeeee.. Ayaw kasi ma-friend zoned.. 2o077**o4 G/non-educ marso na naman kasi namumrublema na naman ako para sa summer subjects!GE. GE.GE. 2010-17214
Hello mga sisters and brethren (brethreeeen?)! Stressie Tomas ang nakaraang weekshilyn dahil sa elekshown. Pordat, isang shonggang shonggang congrashuleyshownz sa mga nagwaging fezes hanek. Shumatol kami sa mga flatformz ninyo, so hope to see you sherving the platter, este the fifol next year kei? Anyway Betaway, amabring to you these narratives Comments kung chess piece naman ako, (narratiiives?) of patola fifol gusto ko king. isipin mo, lagi na subra dubrang kalurks like akong threatened. ang pawn po ermingard ni princess saraaaah: Patola iz yum. Since katatapos kasi ambitious masyado kaya OPINYON laging nauuna umatake, pero lang ng elekshown, I bring to you yung king, humble. isipin niyo, dizz very juicy news about twoHuwebes kahit ndi evident ang paggalaw patola fifol from different farties.7 Marso ng hari, nanalo pa rin? 2012- Wit ko na pangalanan ang colors,2013 coz ampoint naman iz dey used 21271 BA Hist Para kay Jogs, MAGTAPAT to make sakal each other sa mga KA NA SA KANYA. Wag mong debates and all. Pero teh, ng pairalin ang ka-torpehan mo. latest chika ay living under ze Hihi. Good luck sa future love same roof na ang peg nila. As in nagpatolan na sila! Like you life mo. know, patolan like, uhm, eating 201032*** each other’s patolas? Hikhikhik. Panawagan Kuripot-ola. Umaariba ang Penge naman ng Kule dito sa atehng na itey na grabelicious MBB. Simula lumipat kami sa kung makatawad. For sure NSC, di na kami naaambunan ng naman nagtitipid lang si girlet for Kule dito. 2009-29247 gimmick sa summer sunshine, Pabati pero subra dubra naman ang Happy birthday badudut! Love kanyang keme to make tipid. Aba, you. Mwah 09-116** Badudut hingan ba naman ng jizzcount si BS FLCD manong surbetero! Ikaw naman Pabati po kay Jan Benedik na teh, hinders naman UK vendor hopefully ga-graduate na this itey si manong, sana nag-offer year. Wag mo kalimutan ang ka man lang ng libreng dila like libre mo ha? :D 201032*** hmmm lelsssp. Hikhik chororot lang. Kontra patola. Kalurks ang Next week’s questions: isang farti sa isang sorta faraway 1. Ano ang masasabi mo sa na colledge ha. Kermi, agenzt sila naging tindig ng pamahalaan sa proposed jincrease ng isang sa pagresolba ng isyu sa fab fublication. However chever, Sabah? ang shika ay subra dupra daw 2. Kung ikaw si Willie makapigil ang powerful memberz Revillame, sino ang sasabihan nila para makapag-conshult sa mo ng “You don’t do that to schudents ang fab fub. Like siney me!” at bakit? daw ng grand mameshka nila na “Witchikels natin i-let magKey in KULE <space> MESSAGE <space> COMPLETE STUDENT dizcuss ang fub! Witchikelz tayo NUMBER <required> NAME AND mag-listen! Witchikelz natin zila COURSE (optional) and send to shuportahan!” Owwwkey koya. I thought pa naman you love peaceful dialogz, pero why you Non-UP students must indicate any no let dem? Hmp. Kaya shiguro school, organizational or sectorial iniwan ka ni other half sa unang affiliation. item—oops! Urkeeey kalurkey. Hope Get free publicity! Send us your press our next schudent liderz will release, invitations, etc. DON’T TYPE IN ALL CAPS. And go easy on the…puncmake patol for the rights of tuations?! dOn’t uSe tXt LanGuage pLs. the shudents, and make kontra Provide a short title. 100 words max. patol agenzt fifol who make Email us at kule1213@gmail.com kontra patol agenzt our rights. CONTACT US! Write to us via snail mail Ermagehrd patol-ception! Shige or submit a soft copy to Rm. 401, Vinzons shige, time to go na at magpapaHall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Email us conclave pa akey ng mga kule1213@gmail.com. Save Word attachpapabols! Ohohoho see what I did ments in Rich Text Format, with INBOX, NEWSCAN or CONTRIB in the subject. there? Echuz babush! Always include your full name, address and contact details.
Konektado sa Sabah Marianne Rios Jano Gonzales
Si Sultan Salahuddin-Karamat, ay ang ikalabing-isa sa mga naging Sultan ng Sulu. Noong 1704, ipinagkaloob ng Sultan ng Brunei kay Sultan Salahuddin-Karamat ang Hilagang Borneo o Sabah, bilang pagtanaw ng utang na loob sa pagtulong sa pagsugpo ng isang rebelyon sa Brunei. Siya ay ninuno ni Sultan Jamalul Kiram III na kasalakuyang ipinaglalaban ang lupain ng Sabah.