The Edge That Matters

THE EDGE THAT MATTERS A REPORTAGE Dennis Espada

Copyright © 2016 by Dennis Espada

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the author and publisher. However, permission is granted to reprint or redistribute articles from Bulatlat.com, provided its author and Bulatlat are properly credited and notified.

Published and distributed by: PINOY PEN AND SWORD PUBLISHING For comments, suggestions and requests, please contact pinoypenandswordpublishing@gmail.com

Book cover photo: “Roll-on/roll-off” (2010) by Dennis Espada Book cover design through Canva.com

Deepest gratitude to the editors and staff of the following publications and books where the articles originally appeared: Ang Caviteño, Balikas, Bulatlat.com, Insurance World, Insurance Manila, Mga Talumpati ng Ating Kasaysayan, Northern Dispatch Weekly, Pinoy Weekly, People’s Media Center, Philippine Daily Inquirer, QC Indymedia, Southern Tagalog Exposure, The Daily Tribune, The Manila Times, Tinig.com, Unibersodad: Literaturang Perpetualista and Water Privatization: Corporate Control versus People’s Control

This book is dedicated to the memory of a friend and colleague, Alexander Martin Remollino (1977-2010), Filipino poet and journalist

Designed and printed in the Philippines

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 2

Contents EDITOR’S NOTE / Page 8 PART ONE: NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT / Page 9 Polusyon sa Filinvest, pinatitigil Ecologists, scientists assail U.S. for environmental terrorism IRRI nais panagutin sa pagkalason Interbensyong militar ng U.S., mapanganib sa kapaligiran Pagpuputol ng puno, ipagbabawal sa Santa Rosa Malinis na hangin, ‘di katumbas ng pagtataas ng presyo ng langis Pagawaan ng pataba sa Pakil, tinutulan DAO 17 binawi ng DENR Pestisidyo at kemikal, iniuugnay sa SARS 100 bata, nag-protesta laban sa digmaan sa Iraq Nawawalang paraiso Konsiyerto laban sa digmaan para sa kalikasan Kagyat na paglilinis ng Marinduque, iginiit Nakahawlang protesta laban sa KFC ‘Bagong pag-asa’ para sa biktima ng lasong mina sa Marinduque A Tragedy That Refuses to Die Seven years after a catastrophic spillage, two mining TNCs refuse to pay BF ng MMDA: “Hindi ako masama” Batas sa malinis na hangin, “walang patutunguhan” Pagpuna sa sarili Dumagats: a people’s struggle to be free Protesta kontra “pagmamadali” ni GMA Suporta sa halalan kapalit ng Mineral Policy Mining TNCs’ ‘gold rush’ Independent probe shows Bt-corn has human costs Philippines has enough water supply, NGO says Water war: Ayalas pit themselves against Calamba villagers Environmentalists junk Gloria UP study finds toxic metals in Rapu-Rapu mine spill Factors behind Guinsaugon disaster Marinduque declared as mining free As Marinduque folks commemorate a decade of mining debacles LGU pursues case vs. Marcopper’s new owners Stewarding the future Urgently wanted: earth savers Environmental crises will make heat harder to beat Dam project threatens Sierra Madre – Laguna folk Bishops, groups say no to reclamation Dumagats, advocates urge public to be mindful of protecting Sierra Madre PART TWO: PEOPLE’S ISSUES / Page 55 Health insurance not adequate for medical expenses SSS service normalizes

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 3

GSIS officials receive exorbitant salaries & benefits—COA Another unjustifiable SLEX toll hike False hope Plebisito sa paghahati ng barangay sa San Pedro, sinuspindi ng Comelec Poverty, terror and globalization hurt most families House bill vs. sex trafficking awaits Senate OK New Act protects women, minors from human trafficking 88% of Filipinos today are poor – IBON “Lumalagong” ekonomiya, tumitinding kahirapan—IBON Development projects bulldozing urban poor communities Demolisyon sa Santa Rosa Pamamaslang ng taga-media, dumami sa panahon ni GMA Toll sa SLEX tumaas ng 29% Relocated slum dwellers bare problems in Santa Rosa site Laguna eye doctor murder probe faces blank wall Sta. Rosa residents question barangay spending Plunder, land suits haunt Cavite governor Water privatization may spurt torrents of protest Bala at busal sa bibig ‘U.S. troops out, now!’ – Southern Tagalog groups Military behind mayor’s killing – NPA ‘Cavite gov not just corrupt, but also anti-farmer’ – rural groups Maria Teresa Pangilinan: the latest ‘youth idol’ is GMA’s ‘heckler’ GMA’s ‘heckler’ charged with public disturbance Residents spur resistance to road dike, reclamation plans Gabriela solons push for more protection from abusive spouses PART THREE: INSURANCE AND PRE-NEED / Page 88 Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc.: 50 years and still counting 52nd year: what they say of the IC Perils on crops Change is permanent Pre-need industry grows by five percent Government to tap insurance industry for development programs Corporate Guarantee and Insurance Company @ 4: enriching business value in the countryside Coming out of the Big Apple Pre-need firms air concern over SEC rules A F.A.I.R. to remember Insular Life’s 91 years of dependable service A history of strength and commitment “We have served Filipinos in good and bad times” Q and A with Vicente R. Ayllón, Chairman and President, Insular Life Assurance Company Ltd. TPG Corporation at 25: growing by leaps and bounds TPG’s Pro Zinergy Cooperative Marketing System: empowering the planholders Philippine Insurers Club at 50: a legacy of camaraderie and ethical conduct B-sure to take advantage of this rare opportunity How to be a net-repreneur Signature as commitment On car insurance and driving hazards Innovation is the name of the game

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 4

AsianLife vows to rise as synergy of financial expertise Standard Insurance acquires Zurich Gen Shifting gear New York Life on bancassurance: keeping a good lead Heritage Park to erect Buddhist-type pavilion D-tech enhances system for COC verification Philam Plans leads in sales, boosts trust fund CTPL insurance: kissing the loopholes goodbye? ʻCompetition will still be there’ PART FOUR: PEACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS / Page 129 Kabite, lungsod-kanlungan ng mga Mangyan Lider magsasaka sa Katagalugan, pinaslang Peace prospects still dim under President Arroyo Sidebar: Negotiating a surrender Terrorizing the talks Panukalang kontra-terorismo, pinangangambahan ng mga NGO Remembering the Mendiola Massacre: ‘amid the assault, we were undaunted’ Marcellana killing remembered Soldiers maul journalist, 7 others in Batangas Brutal slaying of Gabriela leader enrages Laguna townsfolk ‘My brother is not a criminal’ Even in prison, Mindoro’s alleged top NPA cadre serves others Jensen Cristobal: workers’ advocate killed Hooded ‘witness’ a military asset, says rights group ‘Destabilizing’ artists Tagaytay 5: adjusting to ‘unimaginable’ life Farewell to ‘God and people’s servant’ Victims’ kin see no hope in Melo Commission Breaking peace, wrecking lives in San Pablo ʻTagaytay 5’ seek immediate release Slain guerrillas’ remains held by soldiers; kin stopped from claiming bodies ʻTagaytay 5’ fast for freedom Anakpawis bet escapes slay try Despite police claims to the contrary: pastor abducted, not arrested Southern Tagalog groups demand justice for missing, slain colleagues PART FIVE: LAND AND AGRICULTURE / Page 165 Pandaigdigang pulong sa pagsasaka, tinuligsa ng mga samahan Plant Variety Protection Act: farm law to safeguard TNCs – but not planters Bagong teknolohiya sa agrikultura, inilunsad sa Laguna Mamamayan sa Canlubang Estate, pinalalayas Coffee talk: Cavite farmers denounce Nestle and Gatt-WTO, clamor for P700 per bucket hike in coffee prices Kinabukasan ng industriya ng kape, pinangangambahan Pangangalaga sa mga hayop-bukid, hihilingin sa DA Mga magsasaka, nag-ayuno laban sa mais-Bt Iligal na pamumutol ng niyog sa Alaminos, inireklamo ng mga magsasaka Unmasking Monsanto: Australian researcher unearths Monsanto’s global atrocities

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 5

Boykot sa Monsanto, inilunsad Kontrol sa binhi, banta sa buhay Farmers’ lakbayan vs. Bush-Arroyo: getting here from there Laguna lake reclamation plan criticized Farmers’ group cautions against Gloria hybrid rice Mindanao farmers oppose Bt corn ‘Nardong Putik’ pushes eviction of Cavite farmers Peasants caravan to Metro set ‘Senator’s Village’ render 172 peasants homeless Farmers’ homes bulldozed to pave way for Revilla-owned housing project Anti-insurgency war and plunder hinder rural progress – Tagaytay 5 Hacienda Reyes’ farmers oppressed, their rights violated PART SIX: PERSONALITY FOCUS / Page 199 Insurance of insurance “Continue the Struggle” an interview with George Amurao, former publication adviser of Gazette The passions of Bobby Madrid A day in the life of a general Wanna plan your future? Call Nelly Mary Ann: a victim’s tale Mothers of courage Joy Carlos: getting fit for PIC Expanding one’s consciousness on life insurance Melita Trinidad-Carvajal: a beacon of militant women’s movement Chuck and the pine stalks Remembering Fort Caring and involved The awakening of Maria Teresa Pangilinan Tata Pido: staying alive, struggling on Women flaunt their free mind & open heart Ghel Raagas: empowered by faith Memos and verses from the ʻtomb of the living’ Activists share brief recollections on Kabataang Makabayan PART SEVEN: LABOR / Page 232 Gov’t employees urge GMA to sack GSIS chief Warfare over health care: foreign doctors, health professionals decry globalization, war on terror Nestle workers condemn two years of injustice and violence Workers’ unrest in Laguna UPLB teachers decry union busting by chancellor Asia Brewery workers defy GMA’s strike freeze Lucio Tan’s beer, a matter of national interest?

Mayhem in labor chief’s power Workers say ‘assumption of jurisdiction’ is anti-labor ‘No union, no strike policy’ is tearing Cavite workers apart New trade secretary has blood in his hands, unions say ‘Strike-free’ Cavite an election ploy – labor groups Southern Tagalog workers treated like slaves It’s ‘bad food, bad life’ for Nestle’s workers

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 6

Southern Tagalog transport groups press for Arroyo’s ouster 3-day strike at Tommy Hilfiger shirt factory ends On Nissan strike: ‘determined action can break barriers’ At Cavite Export Processing Zone: wave of violent dispersals, food blockade vs. strikers After scoring killings, U.S. firms are dared to match words with action Nestle workers mark five-year strike with barricades Southern Tagalog workers score DoLE decisions on labor cases PART EIGHT: ARTS AND CULTURE / Page 262 Renewal and repentance Dekada ng pagkamulat at pakikibaka rebyu ng Dekada ʻ70 ni Laulhati Bautista Tales of the heart: ʻGayuma’ techniques that work effectively Women and artists at the anti-war front Informal credits: a desperate option?

100 taon ni Amado V. Hernandez Konsiyerto alay kay Gat Andres Maka-gulay na pagkain On the streets of Iraq: a review of Musikang Bayan’s Songs for Peace Hello graduates! What’s next?

Rustic fields and peasant flags in Red Saga A ʻcasa’ within the walls Giving the working class struggle a better tune Charting hopes On tour with caution Vegetarian Pinoy style: a book review of Nona Lema’s ʻGulay’ PART NINE: ELECTIONS / Page 282 Joaquin, Matibag duel for Laguna rep post Young NPC candidate campaigns to retain SK Calamba opposition bets back wage hike GMA hits back at Poe ‘Overpriced’ bikes, typewriters hound aspiring Laguna governor FPJ rallies supporters in Laguna Vice mayor fears massive fraud in Santa Rosa election Cabuyao laborers paid below minimum wage, says Cawal Black propaganda soars in San Pedro, Laguna Presence of US poll observers denounced Laguna town residents disfranchised PART TEN: LECTURES AND MESSAGES / Page 291 Pagtibayin ang tradisyong maka-mag-aaral ng Gazette Nagpapatuloy ang panunupil at karahasan sa ilalim ng “Strong Republic” Edukasyon, masmidya at mga alternatibong hamon Mensahe sa alumni homecoming ng College of Arts & Sciences Advice to Gazette editors and staff Depart from old ways

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 7

Editor’s note “THE EDGE THAT MATTERS” manifests Dennis Espada’s ferment as a writer witnessing history and all its social contradictions during his youth.

Who is he? From the onset of EDSA II, this author carves a career as a young reportercorrespondent and occasional editor for newspapers, magazines and online publications, covering the provinces of Southern Tagalog, Metro Manila and other regions of the archipelago. Armed with a communication arts degree, campus press background and sense of curiosity, he bravely travels from place to place searching for real stories or viewpoints of the marginalized majority and, sometimes, the affluent few. Despite the dangers of truth-telling under the so-called “Strong Republic”, his determined spirit to serve others keeps him going for years amid life-threatening situations. The result is a committed reportage through which a journalist emerges not only as a mirror of events but also of society as a whole.

Written since the early 21st century in English and Filipino, this document of the past is divided into ten parts or areas: nature and environment, people’s issues, insurance and pre-need, peace and human rights, land and agriculture, personality focus, labor, arts and culture, elections, and lectures and messages.

This simple collection of news reports, feature stories and other written pieces are organized into recurring social questions which are of special concern to him and continue to become relevant to millennial Filipinos today.

For whom is this book intended? “THE EDGE THAT MATTERS” serves as a source reference for everyone involved in studies and research on history, journalism and mass communication. Why read it? Because the author presents honest stories, mainly about oppressed and exploited people, that refuse to stay quiet in the dark, most of which are worthy of attention, reflection and, possibly, resolute action. As the passage from Proverbs 31:8-9 reads: “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy.”

MANILA, PHILIPPINES February 2016

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 8

PART ONE: NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT “...sadly, past and current regimes failed to address the crisis threatening our nation’s richly endowed natural heritage. What can compel citizens to save the earth?”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 9

Polusyon sa Filinvest, pinatitigil BIÑAN, Laguna – Upang mapangalagaan ang kanilang kalusugan, muling hiniling ng mga naninirahan sa Filinvest Homes Subdivision sa Barangay Tubigan sa bayang ito na ipatigil ang polusyong anila’y dulot ng isang kumpanya ng sasakyang malapit sa kanilang lugar.

Matagal nang nirereklamo ng mga taga-Filinvest ang mabahong usok at makapal na abong lumilipad patungo sa kanilang mga tirahan dulot ng pagsusunog ng goma, pintura at mga lalagyan na yari sa lata sa garahe ng sasakyang pag-aari ng HM Transport Inc., malapit sa naturang subdibisyon.

Bukod dito, nais din nilang matigil ang labis na ingay na likha ng kumpanya.

“Berbal lang na pinaabot namin ang reklamong ito kay Mercado. Sumulat na rin kami sa lokal na pamahalaan pero patuloy pa rin hanggang ngayon,” sabi ni Ernesto Elquiero, pangulo ng homeowners association sa Filinvest Homes.

Nang binisita ng Balikas ang tanggapan ng HM Transport sa garahe, sinabi nina Judith Lacsamana at Chat Martinez, mga kawani ng kumpanya na, “Pag-aari ng JAM ang garahe pero maraming kumpanya ng bus ang umuupa dito. Isang taon pa lamang ang JAM dito, dati itong pag-aari ng Pioneer Shuttle. Dissolved na ang Pioneer, iba’t ibang kumpanya na ang narito.” Ang HM Transport Inc. ay pag-aari ni Homer Mercado, at kaakibat ng JAM Transit Corp.

Ayon sa salaysay ni Cecilia Samaniego, may 18 taon nang naninirahan sa Filinvest, “Kapag nagsusunog sila ng goma, maraming alipato ang napupunta sa hardin namin. Minsan, buong araw silang nagsusunog. Kapag naggigiba naman sila ng mga lumang bus nila, ang sangsang ng amoy ng acetylene. ‘Yung mga basura nilang galing sa mga bus na pinarada, lumilipad papunta sa amin.”

Si Rosalie Kolimlim, isang nars at nagtatrabaho sa College of Nursing sa University of Perpetual Help-Biñan, ay namatayan ng 19-taong gulang na anak dahil sa hirap sa paghinga sanhi ng pagkakaroon nito ng bronchial asthma. Lumala aniya ang kondisyon ng kanyang anak dahil sa nalalanghap nito ang masamang hangin buhat sa pagsusunog.

Wika niya, “Very traumatic moment sa ‘kin ‘yung pagkamatay ni Joseph Harry, ang panganay kong anak. Naging napakasama ng pakiramdam niya noong Marso 1994. Na-confine pa siya sa ospital sa loob ng 11 araw. Namatay siya noong Abril sa aming bahay. Mula noon, naalarma na ang mga kapitbahay ko sa nangyayari.”

Marami na rin aniyang mga bata ang inuubo at nagkaka-hika dulot ng masamang amoy at polusyong nagmumula sa garahe.

Pang-komersyal ang klasipikasyon sa lupang inookupahan ng HM Transport at ginagamit bilang garahe nito. Ito ang sinabi ni Engr. Roberto Hernandez, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator. Wala silang nakitang problema sa aplikasyon o paglabag sa paggamit ng lupa nguni’t ayon kay Hernandez, kailangang sumunod ang kumpanya sa mga batas sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan.

Nguni’t, aniya, wala na silang magagawa sa usaping ito. “Ang usapin ng paggamit ng lupa ay nasa may-ari na nito. Wala nang jurisdiction d’yan ang MPDO. Ang MENRO (Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office) naman ang kailangang kausapin patungkol sa usaping pangkalikasan.”

Sa isang pagsisiyasat na isinagawa ng MENRO noong Mayo, napag-alamang nagsusunog nga ng gulong at lata ng pintura ang HM Transport. Kasama ang Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) sa ilalim ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Laguna, sinulatan ng MENRO si Mercado upang pagbawalan itong magsunog at hilinging linisin nito ang kanilang lugar.

“Matagal nang sarado ang kasong ‘yan,” sabi ni Rodelio Lee, pinuno ng MENRO sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas. Sinabi din ni Lee na ang pinakahuling reklamo ng mga taga-Filinvest noong Hulyo ay “false alarm” dahil nang pinuntahan nila ang lugar ay grass fire ang nakita nila. Ayon sa kanya, tumalima naman ang HM Transport na itigil ang pagsusunog at sa ngayo’y maayos raw na ito.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 10

Nakapanayam din ng Balikas si Bong Tayao, ang pinuno ng tagapanatili ng kaayusan sa HM Transport. Aniya, “Naglinis na kami noong Mayo. Wala na naman kaming natatanggap na reklamo mula sa ENRO at MENRO. Ang napaulat na nagsusunog nitong huli ay galing sa mga iskwater sa tabi ng garahe, hindi sa amin.”

Nguni’t kahit pa itinuturing na saradong kaso na ng pamahalaan at ng kumpanya, patuloy pa ring nagrereklamo at naiistorbo ang mga naninirahan sa Filinvest. ### May karagdagang ulat ni Ma. Carmela Salazar. Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 7 Bilang 35, Setyembre 6-12, 2002 isyu, pahina 2

Ecologists, scientists assail U.S. for environmental terrorism Military exercises over the past decades had left Luzon and Mindanao with several cases of deaths and environmental destruction. In recent years, 116 children have died and more than a thousand other children and adults are suffering from various ailments caused by contaminants left by U.S. soldiers in 46 sites in Subic and Clark, the U.S.’s two largest former military bases in Central Luzon.

Environmental groups and non-governmental organizations recently assailed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s support for the impending Bush-administration-led anti-terror war against Iraq and the U.S. government’s long record of destroying people’s lives and the environment.

“Our history clearly and repeatedly showed us how U.S. military presence in the country had caused many cases of sickness resulting in death due to reckless destruction of our environment,” Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE) advocacy officer Clemente Bautista said.

Bautista also leads Up Against Toxics! (or Unity of People Against U.S. Military Toxic and Hazardous Wastes), a broad alliance of various non-government organizations and sectoral groups campaigning against U.S. military toxic and hazardous wastes.

Threat to earth and life Military exercises over the past several years had left Luzon and Mindanao with several cases of deaths and environmental destruction. Currently, there are more than 600 U.S. military soldiers stationed in the country.

O’lola Ann Olib, executive director of People’s Task Force for Bases Clean-up, said 116 children have died and more than a thousand other children and adults are suffering from various ailments caused by contaminants left by U.S. soldiers in 46 sites in Subic and Clark, the U.S.’s two largest former military bases which are both located in Zambales.

Since 1997, studies conducted by several groups such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Health (DoH) as well as independent researchers such as the Woodward Clyde Soil and Water Baseline Environmental Study, the Weston International Study and by Canadian epidemiologist Dr. Rosalie Bertell revealed that groundwater and soil in the two former military bases contain high levels of heavy metals (such as lead) and other pollutants.

These pollutants were connected to ailments now afflicting communities around Subic and Clark.

Olib says that Macapagal-Arroyo should pay serious attention to history by looking into the actual experiences of victims and survivors of toxic waste contamination. “Instead of using the funds to pay for the recovery and indemnification of victims, the GMA government had spent them to aid the U.S. soldiers. Tila mas importante pa ang mga Kano kaysa sa mga Pilipino,” she laments.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 11

A farcical agreement Since the Sept. 11 attacks last year – and with the United States committed on instigating a global crusade against terrorism – the Macapagal-Arroyo administration has pushed the approval of the Mutual Logistics and Support Agreement (MLSA) which, critics say, would grant the U.S. the privilege to establish military bases in the country.

Samahan ng Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa sambayanan (Agham) secretarygeneral Trixie Concepcion thinks that the U.S. may use a “prepositioning” in the Philippines as part of the preparation on the impending war on Iraq.

“If the war erupts, I believe that the Philippines would be used as a jump-off point for the U.S. since it will be necessary for them to put up a stockpile of weapons,” Concepcion said.

Bautista, on the other hand, warned that neither the U.S. nor the Philippine government gave assurance that the conduct of joint military exercises would be safe since “GMA is pushing for the passage of the Mutual Logistics and Support Agreement (MLSA) without the approval of the Philippine Senate.”

In May 2000, the Senate Committees on Environment, Health and Foreign Relations found that: 1) “There is substantial environmental contamination in the former Subic Naval Base and Clar Air Field Base and that the U.S. government has knowledge of the existence and location of known and potential contaminated sites”; 2) “The environmental damage caused in Subic and Clark was substantial and had serious adverse ecological, human health and economic implications for the residents within the area and for the Philippines in general”; 3) “The 1947 Military Bases Agreement (MBA), as amended, “did not grant the U.S. any authority to indiscriminately dispose toxic and hazardous wastes as it pleases, destroy the environment and endanger the lives of Filipino citizens in exchange for non-removal buildings and structures.”

The Senate report finally recommended that if the U.S. government refuses to take appropriate action on the matter, a suit can be filed against it “in behalf of the Philippine republic before the International Court of Justice.”

“The threat is as real as before since they’re bringing in here weapons of nuclear, chemical and biological warfare,” Bautista added. Olib made clear that the “U.S. war on terrorism” is an insult to the injuries already by many Filipinos.

“We are against terrorism because we are victims of U.S. environmental terrorism itself.” She said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 2 Number 40, November 10-16, 2002 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/2-40/2-40-environmentterror.html. Also published in Ang Caviteño newspaper, Volume 21 Number 18, November 25-December 1, 2002 issue, page 5

IRRI nais panagutin sa pagkalason LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – Nanawagan ang mga dating manggagawa ng International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) kasama ng mga dalub-agham at di-pampamahalaang samahan na papanagutin ang nasabing institusyon sa mga diumano’y pinsala sa kalusugan at kapaligiran dulot ng paggamit ng pestisidyo at kemikal.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 12

Dahan-dahang pahirap Iniulat kamakailan ng Brotherhood of IRRI Support Services Group (BISSIG), samahan ng rankand-file na manggagawa at magbubukid sa nasabing institusyon, ang dalawang pinakabagong kaso ng pagkamatay ng mga manggagawa sanhi ng anila’y pagkalantad sa nakalalasong kemikal.

Dalawampu’t dalawang taong nagtrabaho bilang field worker ng IRRI si Raymundo “Ka Mundo” Mercado. Dati siyang magsasaka na taga-Bgy. Paciano Rizal na napilitang ibenta ang kanyang lupa sa UP Los Baños dahil sa pangako ng pamahalaan na mabibigyan sila ng security of tenure bilang manggagawa sa IRRI. Tinanggal siya sa trabaho noong 1997 at mula noo’y nanguna na siya sa pakikibaka laban sa IRRI. Noong nakaraang taon, nasuri siya ng mga manggagamot bilang dumaranas ng kidney failure na pinalalala ng di-normal na blood pressure. Ito’y resulta ng matagal niyang pagkababad sa pestisidyo at mga nakalalasong kemikal nang di gumagamit ng proteksyon sa katawan. Mula noo’y sumailalim siya sa blood transfusion at dayalisis. Namatay siya noong ika-12 ng Oktubre.

Mula 1975, nagtrabaho si Pantrasio “Ka Para” Mercado bilang manggagawang-bukid sa IRRI. Walong oras kada araw ay naglalagay siya ng insektisidyo at pestisidyo sa mga experimental fields ng institusyon. At gaya ni Ka Mundo, di rin siya pinagagamit ng anumang proteksyon. Sa katagalan, nagbunga ito ng sakit sa balat at paa hanggang sa bawian siya ng buhay noong ika-31 ng Agosto dahilan sa kidney failure, bronchitis at leukemia-related disease. Siya’y nasa edad 59 taong gulang at may limang anak sa kanyang nag-iisang asawa.

Sa isang pakikipanayam noong ika-17 ng Nobyembre kay Jun Layosa, tagapagsalita ng BISSIG, sinabi niya na “may medical check-up ang doktor ng IRRI sa mga manggagawa subalit ang ulat nito’y confidential. Kapag nalaman ng pamunuan ng IRRI na nakikipag-ugnayan sila sa amin o di kaya’y lumala ang kanilang karamdaman, kaagad na silang tinatanggal sa trabaho.” Sa kasalukuyan, ang kaso ng mga natanggal sa trabaho ay dinidinig sa National Labor Relatons Commission (NLRC) sa Lungsod ng San Pablo.

Masakit na pagtatanggal Inihayag ni Duncan Macintosh, puno ng Visitors and Information Services ng IRRI sa isang pulong balitaan noong ika-30 ng Oktubre na binawasan ng 48 bahagdan ang pondong ibinibigay ng pamahalaang Hapon dahilan sa krisis pang-ekonomiya. Aniya, “Ang bansang Hapon ay nagbibigay sa IRRI ng tinatawag naming unrestricted na pondo na siyang ginagamit naming sa pagpapasuweldo sa mga manggagawa at pagbabayad ng batayang gastusin. Kung kaya ang pagbawas nito ay napakasakit sa amin.”

Pinaliwanag niya na bilang pampublikong institusyon, kung noo’y 40-50 milyong US dolyar ang natatanggap nitong pondo taun-taon sa mga donor mula sa iba’t ibang bansa, ngayo’y may tinatayang 20 milyon na lamang ito.

Ayon kay Macintosh, mapipigilan sana nila ang pagkawala ng trabaho ng mga manggagawa “kung sila’y makahanap ng bagong mapagkukunan ng pondo.” Sinabi rin niya na nakapagbigay pa sila ng 1.5 milyong dolyar halaga ng retrenchment package na may katumbas na isang milyong piso kada tao para sa 172 na tinanggal sa trabaho.

Paraan ng kaligtasan Batay sa pananaliksik ng Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD), isang independyenteng grupong mananaliksik sa mga komunidad na nakapaligid sa IRRI, may 55 respondents (62.5 bahagdan) ang nagkumpirma ng masamang epekto ng pestisidyo at iba pang kemikal.

Iniulat rin ng IOHSAD na inilabas noong Pebrero na, “madalas dumanas ang mga tao ng matinding pagkahilo, skin rashes, pagtutubig ng mata, motion sickness, numbness, pananakit ng kalamnan, panginginig, pagsusuka, pananakit ng dibdib, pag-uubo at acidity.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 13

Ngunit sa isang pahayag, sinabi ng pamunuan ng IRRI na may mga “bagong pamamaraan ang kamakaila’y itinatag ng institusyon na nagtatakda sa mga manggagawa na sumailalim sa dagdag na serye ng regular na pagsasanay na makakatulong upang proteksyunan sila laban sa malawakang hanay ng pagkabaldado at kronikong kalagayan.”

Ang hakbang na ito, ayon sa pahayag na nakasulat sa Ingles, ay “part of IRRI’s long standing commitment to farm worker safety and its research emphasis on Integrated Pest Management (IPM).”

Para kay Macintosh, tahasang kasinungalingan na ituring ang IRRI na may gawa ng pagkalason at pagkamatay sa komunidad. Aniya, nabawasan pa nga ang pesticide inputs sa kanilang mga sakahan.

“Sinuman ay maaaring magpunta sa IRRI at makipagtalakayan sa amin hinggil sa kaligtasan at epekto ng biotechnology. Handa kaming makinig sa kanila kung mayroon silang lehitimong argumento,” pagdidiin niya sa wikang Ingles.

Samantala, sinabi ni Dr. Romy Quijano, isang dalub-agham mula sa UP Manila at puno ng Pesticide Action Network (PAN)-Philippines sa isang pulong-balitaan sa Lungsod Quezon noong ika25 ng Oktubre bago ang pagbubukas ng pagtitipon ng mga kasapi ng Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) na, “Bagamat sinasabi ng IRRI na mataas ang kanilang pamantayan sa occupational health and safety, hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay marami pa ring nakalalasong kemikal ang ipinapagamit ng IRRI sa kanyang mga manggagawa.”

Binigyang-diin ni Quijano na hindi totoong pinangangalagaan ng IRRI ang kalusugan dahil hindi nagkaroon ng sapat na pagbibigay-kaalaman sa mga manggagawa para maiwasan sana ang matinding epekto ng mga lason.

“Ang masaklap pa dito, di man lang sila mabigyan ng kaukulang kumpensasyon. Hindi rin sila makapagsampa ng reklamo dahil sa may imyunidad ang IRRI sa pamamagitan ng Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1620,” wika pa niya.

Panawagan sa proteksyon Bilang pagtugon sa panawagan ng iba’t ibang samahan, isinulong sa mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso ang isang panukala na magbibigay ng proteksyon sa karapatan ng mga nagtatrabaho sa IRRI. Ang House Bill 5095 na tinaguriang “IRRI workers’ rights act” ay naglalayong alisin ang immunity ng IRRI sa pagsasampa ng reklamo kaugnay ng mga batas sa paggawa, isang pribiliheyo na nakuha noong 1979 sa bisa ng PD 1620 sa ilalim ng rehimeng Marcos.

Ayon kay Kinatawan Satur Ocampo ng Bayan Muna partylist, “IRRI has invoked this blanket immunity to subvert labor rights, conduct union-busting activities, harass unionists and implement mass layoffs.” Para kay Ocampo, sa pagsasabatas ng HB 5095 ay maitutuwid ang matagal nang inhustisya sa mga manggagawa. ### Unang inilathala sa Tinig.com. Muling nakuha sa http://www.tinig.com/v23/v23espada2.html

Interbensyong militar ng U.S., mapanganib sa kapaligiran Nangangamba ang mga samahang maka-kalikasan sa perwisyong maaaring idulot sa kapaligiran sa pagpasok ng mga sundalo’t kagamitang militar ng bansang Estados Unidos (US) sa Pilipinas. Ito’y inihayag matapos pirmahan ng pamahalaang Arroyo at ng pamahalaang US noong ika-21 ng Nobyembre ang RP-US Mutual Logistics and Support Agreement (MLSA).

“Malinaw at paulit-ulit nang ipinakita sa ating kasaysayan na maraming kaso ng pagkakasakit at pagkamatay ng tao dahil sa pamiminsala ng kapaligiran na dulot ng puwersang militar ng US,” wika ni

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 14

Clemente Bautista ng Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE), isang progresibong samahang maka-kalikasan, noong ika-30 ng Nobyembre.

Sa ilalim ng MLSA, papayagan ang pagtutulungan sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa ng mga aprubadong gawain, katulad ng joint exercises and training (gaya ng Balikatan), paglulunsad ng operasyong militar at iba pang pagpapakalat ng puwersa.

Nguni’t ayon kay Bautista, sa pamamagitan ng MLSA malaki ang posibilidad na maipasok sa bansa ang nuclear, biological at chemical warfare, mga uri ng sandata para sa malawakang pamiminsala.

Inihalimbawa niya ang digmaan sa Vietnam mula 1962 hanggang 1972 kung saan gumamit ang hukbong US ng mahigit sa 72 milyong litro ng Agent Orange, isang kemikal na naglalaman ng dioxin na puminsala ng buu-buong kagubatan. May halos 50 bahagdan ng bakawanan ng Vietnam ang nawasak dahil sa kemikal na ito.

Para kay Trixie Concepcion ng Samahan ng Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan (AGHAM), maaaring gawin ng US ang “prepositioning” sa bansa bilang bahagi ng paghahanda sa binabalak na pag-atake sa bansang Iraq. “Maaaring gamitin ng US ang teritoryo natin bilang jump-off point dahil tiyak na kakailanganin nilang mag-imbak ng mga bala’t sandata,” paliwanag ni Concepcion.

Batay sa talaan ng People’s Task Force for Bases Cleanup, mayroon nang 116 bata ang namatay at libong bata’t nakatatanda ang nagkakasakit dahil sa kontaminasyong iniwan ng hukbong Amerikano sa may 46 pook sa Subic at Clark, dalawa sa noo’y pinakamalaking base militar na parehong matatagpuan sa Zambales.

May mga pagsusuri nang ginawa noon ang World Health Organization (WHO) Kagawaran ng Kalusugan (DoH), mga komite ng Senado sa kapaligiran, kalusugan at pang-ibayong relasyon at mga mananaliksik gaya ng Woodward Clyde Soil and Water Baseline Environmental Study, Weston International Study at ng epidemiologist na si Dr. Rosalie Bertell ng Canada na nagkumpirma na may mataas na antas ng bakal (gaya ng tingga) at iba pang kemikal ang tubig sa ilalim ng lupa sa dalawang dating base militar. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 7 Bilang 48, Disyembre 6-12, 2002 isyu, pahina 2

Pagpuputol ng puno, ipagbabawal sa Santa Rosa SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Nakatakdang ipatupad ang isang kautusang bayan na magbabawal sa sinumang mamamayan, may-ari ng tahanan, may-ari ng pribado at pampublikong establisimyento na magputol, maminsala at magsunog ng anumang uri ng punungkahoy sa gilid ng daang pambarangay, pambayan, panlalawigan at pambansa, at mga pampublikong lugar sa bayang ito.

Ang nasabing kautusan na inakda ni Konsehal Laudemer Carta ng bayang ito ay nagpapataw ng kaparusahang pagbabayad ng hindi bababa sa halagang P2,500 at pagkabilanggo ng hindi bababa sa dalawang buwan at hindi lalampas sa anim na buwan o pareho ayon sa igagawad ng hukuman, sa sinumang lalabag.

Layunin ng panukala na mapigilan ang lumalalang problema ng pagbaha at polusyon at maipagpatuloy ang kaginhawahang naidudulot ng mga puno sa kapaligiran. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 1, Enero 10-16, 2003 isyu, pahina 4

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 15

Malinis na hangin, ‘di katumbas ng pagtataas ng presyo ng langis Mariing tinutulan ng mga maka-kalikasang samahan ang hakbang kamakailan ng tatlong kumpanya ng langis na binubuo ng Shell, Caltex at Petron na magtaas ng presyo ng produktong langis upang makasunod sa probisyon ng Batas para sa Malinis na Hangin (Batas Pambansa 8749 o Clean Air Act of 1999).

Ipinahayag ng mga naturang kumpanya na itataas nila ang presyo ng langis sa kabuuang 80 sentimo hanggang piso bawat litro sa sandaling maipatupad ang batas.

“Ang mga kumpanya ng langis ang dapat pumasan ng produksyon ng malinis na panggatong (fuel) dahil sila ang mayor na lumalason ng ating kapaligiran,” wika ni Clemente Bautista ng KalikasanPeople’s Network for the Environment (KPNE), isang progresibong samahang maka-kalikasan sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas noong ika-6 ng Enero.

Nakasaad sa Seksyon 26 ng naturang batas ang pagbabawas ng laman na sulfur, aromatic (35 bahagdan) at benzene (2 bahagdan) sa gasolina. Kilala ang mga kemikal na ito na nakalalason ng hangin at nakakapagdulot ng kanser. Ang mga kumpanya ng langis ay dapat na magbago ng kanilang mga dalisayan para sumunod sa mga itinakda ng bagong batas.

Ang kanilang mga dalisayan ng langis ang pangunahing pinagmumulan ng volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide at nitrogen oxides, mga uri ng kemikal na nagdudumi ng hangin at mapanganib sa kalusugan.

Nguni’t ipinaliwanag ni Bautista na hindi dapat magtaas ng presyo ng langis ang mga naturang kumpanya para lang makasunod sa batas dahil bilyun-bilyon naman ang kinikita ng mga ito taun-taon.

Noong 2002, kumilos ang mga kumpanya ng langis na magkaroon ng anim na buwang suspensyon sa pagpapatupad ng BP 8749 dahil umano sa mapipilitan silang maglagak ng karagdagang kapital para makasunod sa mga patakarang pangkalikasan.

Ayon sa datos ng Kagawaran ng Enerhiya at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, kumita ang tatlong malalaking kumpanya ng langis ng P6.78 bilyon noong taong 2000. “Sa kabila ng kanilang super tubo, tinitingnan ng tatlong malalaking kumpanya ng langis ang Clean Air Act bilang pagkakataon para mag-overprice ng kanilang gasolina at ipataw sa balikat ng Pilipino ang kabayaran sa pagkakaroon ng malinis at ligtas na hangin,” pagtatapos ni Bautista.

Sa isang panayam sa telebisyon ng IBC-13 noong ika-6 ng Enero, ipinahayag ni Senador Gregorio Honasan na hindi makatarungan ang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis ng tatlong malalaking kartel dahil matagal nang “hinoholdap” ng mga ito ang pamahalaan. Ayon sa mambabatas na siya ring prinsipal na may-akda ng naturang batas, dapat magsagawa ng malawakang kampanyang edukasyon sa mga mamamayan kaugnay sa layunin ng batas. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 2, Enero 17-23, 2003 isyu, pahina 3

Pagawaan ng pataba sa Pakil, tinutulan Tinututulan ng mga taga-simbahan sa Laguna ang binabalak na pagawaan ng pataba sa Pakil. Ito ay dahil umano sa masamang epekto ng planta sa kapaligiran at kabuhayan.

Ang pagtutol ng mga taga-simbahan ay nakasaad sa liham na pinadala ng Ecology Ministry ng Diyosesis ng San Pablo sa tanggapan ng Kagawaran ng Kapaligiran at Likas na Kayamanan (DENR).

Ito ay may petsang ika-9 ng Enero, 2003.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 16

“Sa kalaunan, (ang pagawaan ay) gagambala at magpapasama sa malala nang kalagayan ng ating lawa (Laguna Lake),” pahayag ng mga taga-simbahan. Ang pagawaan ay ilulunsad ng Kabukiran-Visa Waste Treatment Corporation, kontraktor ng Pangasiwaan sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kalakhang Maynila (MMDA), at pag-aari ng isang Mario Geronimo.

Sa palagay ng mga taga-simbahan, “makakapinsala” ang proyekto sa mga pook pangisdaan sa tabing lawa.

“Tiyak na matatagpuan ng libu-libong tonelada ng basurang Maynila ang lawa, na siyang pinagmumulan ng kita ng libu-libong mamamayang naninirahan sa mga pook na tabing dagat ng lalawigan ng Laguna at Rizal at mga lungsod ng Pasig, Muntinlupa at Taguig,” nakasaad sa liham na nilagdaan ni Padre Francisco San Diego, obispo ng Laguna.

Ang proyekto para sa paghihiwalay, pagkokompost at pagtatapon ng basura ay isasagawa sa mga barangay ng Matikiw, Cabulusan, Casarian at Casinsin sa Pakil na napakalapit sa baybayin ng lawa.

Ikinakatwiran ng mga sumasang-ayon sa panukala na makikinabang ang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng buwis na ipapataw sa planta na P400,000 bawat buwan. May P200,000 naman para sa mga karatig na barangay. Lilikha rin umano ito ng trabaho, kita at iba pang benepisyo para sa mga mamamayan.

Sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas noong ika-9 ng Pebrero kay Padre Ruben Dagala, dating pari sa parokya ng Bgy. Cabulusan, sinabi niya na ang pook na balak pagtambakan ng basura ay malapit din sa pinagkukunan ng tubig ng mga mamamayan at nangangamba silang makontamina ito.

Sa isang pribiliheyong talumpati noong ika-2 ng Disyembre 2002 sa Sangguniang Bayan (SB) ng Pakil, mahigpit na tinutulan ni Konsehal Esmundo Antonio ang proyekto at nanawagan siya na “pagaralang mabuti” at “isagawa ang siya lamang nararapat.”

Sinabi ni Antonio na agarang pinagtibay ng SB ng Pakil noong ika-4 ng Nobyembre 2002 ang isang “conditional resolution” ukol sa planta kahit marami pang kakulangan sa mga papeles. Kabilang dito ang resolusyon ng Bgy. Matikiw, liga ng mga barangay at project proposal na pagbabatayan ng pag-aaral at pagtatalakay ng komite sa kapaligiran.

Ayon kay Padre Dagala, “Ang purpose ng conditional resolution, kapag inaprubahan ng LLDA at DENR ang naturang proyekto ay kakatigan ito ng pamahalaang bayan.”

Sa pagsisiyasat na isinagawa kamakailan ng Ecology Ministry sa pamumuno ni Padre Larry Abayon, napag-alamang nagpagawa na ang kumpanya ng daan patungo sa bundok, kung saan dalawang kilometro ang binuldoser. Wala pa umanong Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) mula sa DENR at Pangasiwaan sa Pagpapaunlad ng Lawa ng Laguna (LLDA) ang proyekto.

Habang hinihintay ang pasiya ng LLDA at DENR sa kaso, isang kampanya sa pangangalap ng lagda ang isinasagawa ng mga pangkat na tutol sa proyekto. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 6, Pebrero 14-20, 2003 isyu, pahina 2

DAO 17 binawi ng DENR LUNGSOD QUEZON – Nagpahayag ng pagkabahala ang ilang pangkat mangingisda sa pagbawi kamakailan ni Kalihim Elisea Gozun ng Kagawaran sa Kapaligiran at Likas na Kayamanan (DENR) sa pagpapatupad ng Kautusang Administratibo Blg. 17 (DAO 17).

Ang DAO 17, na nilagdaan sa ilalim ng panunungkulan ni Heherson Alvarez, ay isang kautusan na naglilinaw ng panuntunan ng pagsusukat at paglilimita ng 15 kilometrong munisipal na katubigan ng humigit kumulang 900 munisipyo at lungsod sa buong bansa.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 17

Pinuri ito ng iba’t ibang mangingisda, kasama ng mga di-pampamahalaang samahan, at dalubagham sa kadahilanang magiging malinaw ang hangganan na 15 kilometrong munisipal na katubigan sa ilalim ng Batas Pambansa Blg. 8550 o Batas Pangisdaan. Noong ika-17 ng Marso ay iniutos ni Gozun ang pagbawi sa pagpapatupad ng DAO 17.

“Dahil sa kawalan ng malinaw na sukat ang mga munisipal na katubigan ay napapawalang bisa ang mga kaso laban sa mga iligal na nangingisda. Malinaw na ipinakita ni Gozun ang pangingibabaw ng kanyang pansariling interes sa pangyayaring ito,” ayon sa nagkakaisang pahayag ng Kilusang Mangingisda, isang alyansa para sa pagpapatupad ng industriya ng pangisdaan noong ika-25 ng Marso sa Lungsod Quezon.

Ang naturang alyansa ay sinusuportahan ng iba’t ibang mga samahan gaya ng Kapatiran ng Malayang Maliliit na Mangingisda (KAMMMPI), Kalipunan ng mga Samahang Mamamayan (KASAMA-KA), Laguna Lake Wide Convention at Malayang Mangingisda para Magpaunlad sa Yaman ng Nayon-Pambansang Kilusan ng Samahang Magsasaka (MAMAMAYAN-PAKISAMA).

“Kung talagang matinong kalihim si Gozun, ‘di naman niya kailangang bawiin ang inilabas na DAO lalo pa’t ito ay makabubuti sa ating likas-yamang katubigan at milyong maliliit na mangingisda sa may higit na 900 coastal municipalities sa bansa,” wika ni Pablo Rosales, tagapagsalita ng Kilusang Mangingisda.

Samantala, sinabi ni Arsenio Tanchuling, pinuno ng Tambuyog Development Center, isang dipampamahalaang samahang kumikilos sa larangan ng pangisdaan, sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas noong ika-25 ng Marso, na “napakateknikal ng usapin ng sukat sa pangisdaan”. Sinabi ni Tanchuling na “Para sa amin, hindi ito kayang ayusin ng burukrasya. Ang korte ang siyang nararapat na magresolba nito.” ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 12, Marso 28-Abril 3, 2003 isyu, pahina 3

Pestisidyo at kemikal, iniuugnay sa SARS LUNGSOD QUEZON – Ang paglaganap ng nakamamatay na sakit na Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) ay maaaring sanhi ng pestisidyo at kemikal na ginagamit sa pagsasaka at paghahayupan, ayon sa isang dalubhasa ng medisina.

Sinabi ni Dr. Romeo Quijano, isang toxicologist at pharmacologist mula sa Pamantasan ng Pilipinas-Maynila, na ang tuluy-tuloy na paggamit ng pestisidyo sa ating pagsasaka ay nagdudulot ngayon ng mga bagong salot gaya ng SARS. Aniya, ito ay “long-term effect” ng mga pagkaing naglalaman ng nakalalasong sangkap dahil sa mga inilalagay sa abonong kemikal.

Ito ay ibinahagi ni Quijano sa ginanap na kongreso ng Pesticide Action Network-Asya at Pasipiko (PAN-AP) noong ika-1 ng Abril sa Hotel Rembrandt sa lungsod na ito. May 150 delegado mula sa 17 bansa ang dumalo sa pagtitipong ito.

Ang PAN-AP ay koalisyon ng mga samahan at indibidwal mula sa 18 bansa na tumututol sa paggamit ng pestisidyo at nagtataguyod ng ligtas at pangmalagiang alternatibo.

“Walang taong ligtas sa pestisidyo at kemikal. Hindi man natin ito madama sa ngayon pero sa katagala’y sinisira nito ang ating immune system, ang ating genes at utak,” wika ni Quijano. Dagdag niya, may mga bagong pag-aaral na nag-uugnay sa pestisidyo sa mga sakit gaya ng kanser, mababang fertility at komplikasyon sa sistemang endocrine ng katawan.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 18

Naitala ang paglaganap ng SARS sa Tsina, Byetnam at Hong Kong. Sinasabing ang virus na nagdudulot ng SARS ay hindi tinatablan ng mga antibiotics, kung kaya ang paglakas ng strain nito ay hindi na kayang puksain ng anumang gamot.

Batay sa ulat ng World Health Organization (WHO) noong 2001, may 25 milyong tao ang nalalason araw-araw sa mga bansa ng Ikatlong Daigdig dahil sa pagkalantad sa pestisidyo at kemikal na sumisira hindi lamang kalusugan ng tao kung pati sa kapaligiran.

Sa nasabing pagtitipon, nagpahayag din ng pagtutol ang mga tagapagsalita ng PAN-AP sa nangyayaring pakikidigma ng Estados Unidos sa Iraq. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 14, Abril 11-17, 2003 isyu, pahina 2

100 bata, nag-protesta laban sa digmaan sa Iraq MAYNILA – “Nawalan po kami ng bahay at kamag-anak. Kaya naaawa po ako sa mga batang Iraqi na sinasaktan kahit wala namang ginagawang masama. Gusto po ng Amerika ang langis ng Iraq kaya niya ito sinalakay. Tama po ba ‘to?” wika ni Sandra Faraon, 14 taong gulang na dalagita.

“Nandito ako dahil ayoko ng gera sa Iraq at Mindanaw,” wika naman ni Louie Navarro, 10 taong gulang.

Sina Sandra at Louie ay kabilang sa mga batang maralita na naninirahan sa Payatas, isang malaking tambakan ng basura sa Lungsod Quezon.

Noong umaga ng ika-8 ng Abril ay nagtipon sila malapit sa harap ng embahada ng Estados Unidos (US) sa Maynila upang ipanawagan na itigil ang gera sa Iraq. Sama-samang nagpinta ang may 100 bata ng iba’t ibang larawang nagpapakita ng negatibong epekto ng digmaan sa kapaligiran at bata, sa isang malaking postcard na may sukat na 3 at 1.5 metro kuwadrado.

Ang gawaing ito’y itinaguyod ng Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY), isang alyansa ng mga samahang maralita at ng Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE), isang samahang maka-kalikasan.

Naiulat kamakailan na mahigit sa 30 bata ang napatay at 215 ang nasugatan nang tamaan ng bomba ng eroplano ng US ang isang ospital na pag-aari ng Iraqi Red Cresent, isang makataong samahang kumakalinga sa mga sibilyan. Ang balita ay lumabas sa Arabicnews.com, isang internet media na nakabase sa Saudi Arabia.

Samantala, binigyang diin ni Clemente Bautista, kawani pang-adbokasiya ng KPNE, na ang US ay “malinaw na lumabag” sa pandaigdigang tratado at panuntunan ukol sa pakikidigma gaya ng 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention, 1976 Environmental Modification Convention, at ang International Law on Human Rights.

Sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas kay Bautista noong ika-10 ng Abril, sinabi niya na sa nakalipas na 10 taon, mahigit sa 500,000 batang Iraqi ang nakakaranas ng kagutuman dahil sa mga parusang ekonomiko na ipinataw ng US sa Iraq.

“Ang hindi pagsunod sa mga internasyunal na batas na ito ay nagpapakita ng garapal na pagbalewala ng mga puwersang militar ng US sa kapaligiran at sa kapakanan ng mga sibilyan,” wika ni Bautista.

Inihalimbawa niya ang kontrobersyal na paggamit ng depleted uranium (DU) o uranium-238, isang radioactive toxic waste na ginamit sa mga tankeng M1A1, M1, M60 at Challenger ng US at Britanya.

Nag-iwan umano ang mga ito ng halos 300 tonelada ng DU sa Timog Iraq, Saudi Arabia at Kuwait.

Sinasabing 28 bahagdan ng kabuuang 573,000 sundalong US ang tinamaan ng kanser at iba pang karamdaman sanhi umano ng DU.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 19

Idinagdag pa niya na may mapaminsalang epekto sa buhay-ilang at biodiversity na sumira sa produksyon ng palay, tubo, baka at isda ng bansang Iraq. Ito’y batay sa ulat ng United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) hinggil sa kalagayan ng Mesopotamian Marshlands dulot ng Digmaan sa Gulpo noong 1991. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 15, Abril 18-24, 2003 isyu, pahina 2

Nawawalang paraiso Sari-saring puno, bulaklak at halaman. Malamig at mala-kristal na tubig. Maraming ibon at maiilap na hayop. Matataas at matitingkad na tanawing bundok.

Haay..mala-paraiso hindi po ba?

Hindi natin maikakaila ang ginhawang naidudulot ng kagubatan sa isipan at pamumuhay ng tao.

Ngunit ang tanong ng mga nagmamahal sa kalikasan: “Hanggang kailan kaya magtatagal ang paraisong ito?”

Sa kasalukuyan, mayroon na lamang 17% o 5.2 milyong ektarya ng ating kalupaan ang kagubatan. sa pag-aaral ng DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), bago ang pananakop ng kolonyalistang Espanyol sa Pilipinas, mayroong 28.4 milyong ektarya ang ating kagubatan o 95% ng kabuuang sukat ng ating kalupaan. Sa paglipas ng panahon, lumiit ito sa 20.9 milyong ektarya (70%) noong 1863; 18.9 milyong ektarya (64%) noong 1920; 10.9 milyong ektarya (36.3%) noong 1970; at 6.2 milyong ektarya (20%) noong 1990. Sa ganitong kalagayan, itinuturing ang ating bansa na isa sa may pinaka-nanganganib na mawalan ng kagubatan.

Ang Pilipinas bilang isang tropikal na bansa ay nangangailangan ng 54% ng kagubatan upang masabing nasa mahusay na katayuan ang kanyang kalikasan o ekolohiya. Dulot ng pagkawala ng kagubatan, tumitindi ang nararanasan nating kalamidad gaya ng pagbaha, tagtuyot, pagguho ng lupa (erosion) at paglaho ng sari-saring buhay (biodiversity loss). Ayon sa gobyerno, ang pangangahoy ng mga karaniwang tao at ang paglaki ng populasyon ang sanhi ng pagkakalbo ng kagubatan.

Ngunit kung susuriin natin ang istatistika at kasaysayan, lumalabas na iyong malalaking kapitalista, dayuhan man o lokal, na nagsasagawa ng komersyal at ilegal na pangangahoy at mga kompanya sa pagmimina ang nangungunang sanhi ng pagkasira ng kagubatan. Katunayan, noong 1929, Pilipinas ang nangunguna sa pagluwas ng troso sa buong Asya at noong panahon ng rehimeng Marcos, numero unong pinagkakitaan ng gobyerno ang pagluwas ng troso. Magpahanggang ngayon patuloy ang pagkawala ng ating kagubatan sa bilis na 100,000 ektarya kada taon.

Habang hindi natutugunan ang problema ng pagkakalbo ng kagubatan, pinalala pa ang problema ng mga programa at polisiya ng pamahalaan gaya ng IFMAs (Industrial Forest Management Areas) at ITPLAs (Industrial Tree Plantation License Agreements), kung saan ang mga commercial logger ang pinapaboran. Sa mga natitira nating kagubatan, nananatili ang mga malalaking konsesyon o permiso para sa pagpuputol ng mga punong-kahoy. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Pinoy Weekly, Volume 2 Bilang 8, Abril 23-29, 2003 isyu, pahina 13

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 20

Konsiyerto laban sa digmaan para sa kalikasan LUNGSOD Quezon – Isang konsiyerto at audio-visual na pagtatanghal tungkol sa mapaminsalang epekto ng digmaan sa tao at kapaligiran ang ginanap noong gabi ng ika-22 ng Abril sa pook ng Bulwagang Pampamahalaan ng Lungsod Quezon, bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Daigdig.

Sari-saring tipo ng musika tulad ng classical, ethnic, folk, rock at reggae, na lahat ay may temang maka-kalikasan, at laban sa digmaan at imperyalismo, ang ipinamalas ng mga artistang gaya ng Layag, Josie Chavez, Pete Velasquez, Narda, Butong Pakwan, Agaw-Agimat, Musikang Bayan, The Wuds at The Jerks. Nagtanghal din ng nakaaantig na sayaw ang grupong Sinagbayan at Sining Bugkos.

Bago ang konsiyerto, inilunsad ang isang palihan sa pagpipinta para sa mga bata ng Payatas.

Isang hanay ng mga litrato na naglalarawan ng “paglapastangan sa Inang kalikasan” at mga batang nasabugan at nagkasakit sanhi ng mapamuksang sandatang militar na ginamit ng Estados Unidos sa Iraq, Byetnam, Hapon at Pilipinas ang ipinamalas.

Ang naturang aktibidad, na dinaluhan ng tinatayang 400 katao at may temang “Defend the Earth, Stop U.S. Imperialist Wars”, ay itinaguyod ng mga samahang kinabibilangan ng Artists for Peace, Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines, Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment, Southern Tagalog Environment Action Movement (STEAM), at ng National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP). ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 17, Mayo 2-8, 2003 isyu, pahina 4

Kagyat na paglilinis ng Marinduque, iginiit LUNGSOD QUEZON – Iginiit ng mga samahang maka-kalikasan ang kagyat at puspusang paglilinis sa mga ilog at baybayin ng Marinduque. Ito’y para sa rehabilitasyon ng sistema ng tubig sa lalawigan na kontaminado ng nakalalasong kemikal mula sa mga basurang minang (mine tailings) itinapon sa pulong lalawigan.

Ito ang binigyang diin ng Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE), isang samahang maka-kalikasan, sa isinagawang 18 na buwang Marinduque Environment and Health Study (MEHS).

Sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas noong ika-16 ng Hunyo kay Clemente Bautista, punong pangadbokasya ng KPNE, sinabi niya na nananatili ang panganib sa buhay ng mga taga-Marinduque dulot ng mga basurang mina. Nanawagan siya sa pamahalaan na “maging tutoo sa pagkalinga sa mga mamamayang naapektuhan ng mina”.

Noong ika-9 ng Hunyo, dumating sa bansa ang mga tagapayo mula sa Estados Unidos (US) upang pormal na simulan ang hinihintay na pag-aaral sa epekto ng pagkalat ng mga basurang mina ng Marcopper, isang dayuhang korporasyon sa pagmimina.

Matatandaan na noong Marso 1996 ay nasira ang Tapian pit ng Marcopper na nagdulot ng pagkalat ng 1.6 milyon metro kubiko ng basurang mina sa halos 26 kilometrong haba ng Ilog Boac. Ito ay puminsala sa kapaligiran at kabuhayan ng mga komunidad.

Dinalaw ng mga tagapayo ang pook ng mina kamakailan, na susundan ng pagpapadala ng mga dalub-agham mula sa Amerika para sa MEHS.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 21

Ang pangkat na magsisiyasat ay pangungunahan nina Dr. Jack Medlin ng US Geological Survey (USGS), Dr. Jose Centeno ng Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Scientists, Dr. Hugh Miller at James Madson, pawang mga dalubhasa sa pagmimina mula sa University of Arizona.

Ito ay batay sa kahilingan ng pamahalaang lalawigan sa isang malayang pagpunang teknikal para sa MEHS. Sinabi ni Elisea Gozun, kalihim ng Kagawaran sa Kapaligiran at Likas na Kayamanan (DENR) sa isang pahayag na nakuha ng Balikas kamakailan, na mahalaga ang MEHS para sa usaping rehabilitasyon ng Marinduque. Dinagdag niyang tutulungan ng kagawaran sa abot ng kanyang makakaya ang pangkat ng mga dalubhasa mula sa Amerika.

Ayon kay Gozun, naglaan na ng halagang P20 milyon si Pangulong Macapagal-Arroyo para sa MEHS mula sa kanyang Social Fund, kung saan ang kalahati nito ay naibigay na sa pamahalaang lalawigan.

Kabilang sa programang ipatutupad umano, ay ang komprehensibong pagtatasa sa kapaligiran at kalusugan, ebalwasyon ng pinal na opsyon para sa pagreremedyo, at paghahanda sa magmomonitor ng Ilog Boac at Mogpog, baybayin ng Calancan at pook ng mina.

Tiniyak naman ni Horacio Ramos, tagapagpaganap ng Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) ng DENR, na ang pangkat mula sa US ay “walang kinikilingan”, at mga “multidisciplinary integrated” na mga dalubhasa.

Samantala, nanawagan ang Center for Environmenal Concerns-Philippines (CEC), isang grupong nagsasaliksik sa kapaligiran, sa mga pinuno ng pamahalaan na huwag pangunahan ang resulta ng pagaaral ng USGS. Kinontra rin ng grupo ang sinabi ni Mike Cabalda, isang inhinyero at pinuno ng Mining Environment and Safety Division ng MGB sa isang pahayagan kamakailan na “ang mga tailings sa ilog ay hindi na reactive.”

“An inactive tailings of pyretic ore is simply impossible,” wika ni Dr. Aloysius U. Baes, isang geochemist at tagapagpaganap ng CEC. Ipinaliwanag ni Baes na ang mga basurang mina gaya ng nasa Marinduque ay patuloy na naglalabas ng heavy metals hanggang ang lahat ng pyretic material ay malusaw na tumatagal ng 10 taon sa normal na kalagayan. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 25, Hunyo 27-Hulyo 3, 2003 isyu, harap na pahina at pahina 2

Nakahawlang protesta laban sa KFC LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA – Sa loob ng malaking hawlang gawa sa alambre, nagsagawa ng simbolikong protesta noong ika-19 ng Hunyo ang may 15 aktibistang tagapagtaguyod ng kapakanan ng mga hayop upang igiit sa restawrang Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) na tigilan na ang anila’y pagmamalupit nito sa milyun-milyong mga manok.

Hawak ang mga plakard na nagsasabing “KFC berdugo ng manok”, idinaos ng mga nagprotesta ang kanilang pagkilos sa tapat ng sangay ng KFC sa pamilihang Harrison Plaza sa lungsod na ito. Ang protesta ay pinangunahan ng People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), isang pandaigdigang samahang nagtataguyod ng mga karapatan ng mga hayop.

Sa isang liham ni Jonathan Blum, Senior Vice President for Public Affairs ng Yum Brands Inc., isang korporasyong transnasyunal sa Estados Unidos na nagmamay-ari sa KFC, na may petsang ika-30

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 22

ng Mayo, 2003, sinabi nito na patuloy nilang pag-aaralan ang mga pamantayan sa kagalingang panghayop ng kanilang restawran.

Subali’t, ayon sa PETA, hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay hindi pa rin tinutugon ng kumpanya ang kanilang kahilingan.

Hinihiling ng PETA sa kumpanya na matyagan ang kanilang mga pook-katayan ng hayop upang matiyak na hindi malupit ang pagpatay sa mga manok. Ito ay ayon kay Jason Baker, tagakampanya ng PETA sa rehiyong Asya, sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas sa araw ng protesta.

Ayon kay Baker, magdadalawang taon na ang kampanya nila upang patigilin ang mga pagmamalupit sa mga hayop na inaalagaan at kinakatay para kainin.

Sa Pilipinas, Quick Service Restaurants ang tanging may prangkisa ng KFC sa Pilipinas at sa ngayon ay may 110 sangay na sila ngayon.

Ayon sa pahayag ng PETA, ilan sa mga pagpapabuting nais nilang ipatupad ng KFC ay ang: palitan ang mga makaluma at di-mabusang pagpatay sa pamamagitan ng kuryente at paggilit sa leeg na ginagamitan ng gas; alisin ang sapilitang pagpapabilis sa paglaki ng mga manok na nagiging sanhi ng pagkapilay at diperensya sa metabolismo; at palakihin ang mga espasyong nakalaan sa bawat manok.

Sinabi rin nilang dapat dagdagan ang ilang maliit na pagpapabuti gaya ng lugar na silungan at dapuan, at ang paggamit ng awtomatikong tagahuli ng manok, isang pamamaraang nakakabawas ng mataas na bilang ng pananakit, nabaling mga buto at paghihirap na may kinalaman sa paghuli ng mga manok sa pamamagitan ng kamay.

Habang isinasagawa ang kilos protesta, sinadya ng mga mamamahayag ang tagapamahala ng KFCHarrison Plaza upang hingan ito ng pahayag subali’t wala ito, ayon sa isang kahera. Tumanggi rin ito na ibigay ang numero sa telepono ng punong tanggapan ng KFC. Samantala, nagpatuloy ang pangkat sa pagpapaliwanag at pamimigay ng polyeto sa mga tao, kahit bahagyang naistorbo ang ilang kumakaing kustomer sa loob ng KFC. Si Jackie Baut ng Palawan Animal Welfare Foundation, ay nanawagan sa mga may-ari ng restawran na huwag nang magbenta ng anumang pagkaing hayop at sa halip ipalaganap ang pagkain ng gulay na aniya’y higit na mahusay sa katawan ng tao. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 25, Hunyo 27-Hulyo 3, 2003 isyu, pahina 3

‘Bagong pag-asa’ para sa biktima ng lasong mina sa Marinduque LUNGSOD QUEZON – Para sa mga mamamayang nasalanta ng lasong mina sa Marinduque, “bagong pag-asa” ang kanilang inaasahan sa pagbisita ng lima-kataong pangkat ng mga dalub-agham na nagsagawa ng pulong-konsultasyon sa mga pinuno ng lokal na pamahalaan noong ika-8 hanggang ika-10 ng Hulyo.

“Layunin ng aming pagdalaw ay bilang paghahanda para sa isang komprehensibong pag-aaral sa saklaw at lalim ng epekto ng trahedyang dulot ng mga pagmimina sa kapaligiran,” wika ni Dr. Aloysius Baes, isang geochemist at pinuno ng pangkat.

Ang gawain ay itinaguyod ng mga samahang maka-kalikasan na kinabibilangan ng Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (MACEC), Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines (CEC), at Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE).

Matagal nang hinihiling ng mga mamamayan sa dalawang dayuhang kumpanya sa pagmimina, ang Marcopper Mining Corporation at Placer Dome Inc. (PDI), ang pagpapagamot at bayad-pinsala para sa mga biktima ng nakalalasong basurang mina at paglilinis sa kanilang lalawigan.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 23

Ayon kay Baes, kabilang sa mga pook na dinalaw ng kanilang pangkat ay ang mga komunidad sa tabi ng Ilog Mogpog.

“Sa ngayon, daan-daang tonelada ng lasong mina ang nakalagak sa 16-kilometrong haba ng Ilog Mogpog na laging nagbabanta sa kapaligiran at kalusugan ng mga mamamayang nakatira sa tabingilog,” wika ni Baes.

Bago ang pagsisiyasat, iniulat ni Beth Manggol ng MECEC sa isang talakayan ukol sa acid mine drainage (AMD) sa Pamantasan ng Pilipinas noong ika-2 ng Hulyo sa lungsod na ito, na noong ika-28 ng Hunyo ay may nangyari umanong paglipol ng isda (fish kill) sa mga pook pangisdaan sa Mogpog.

Kinumpirma niya na maraming isda, hipon at kalapay (maliit na alimango) ang namatay na “kulay pula ang balat na parang niluto sa asido.”

Sa palagay ni Manggol na taga-Marinduque, ang pangyayari ay sanhi ng epekto ng AMD. Ang AMD ay isang katubigan na mayaman sa bakal at nabuo mula sa reaksyong kemikal ng tubig at batong mineral na may sangkap na sulfur. Makikita ito sa mapula o mala-orange na katubigan, kinokontamina nito ang suplay ng pagkain at inuming tubig sa pamamagitan ng nakalalasong heavy metals gaya ng tingga (lead) at arsenic. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 28, Hulyo 18-24, 2003 isyu, pahina 4

A Tragedy That Refuses to Die Seven years after a catastrophic spillage, two mining TNCs refuse to pay The clean-up of desperately-polluted towns and waters of the island-province of Marinduque is experiencing delays as foreign mining companies – the Marcopper Mining Corporation and Canadianbased Placer Dome Inc. (PDI) – have refused to assume the responsibility of paying for the muchneeded rehabilitation measures.

Since the spillage over Boac river of millions of cubic meters of toxic mine tailings coming from a drainage tunnel of a copper mining site on March 24, 1996 and several subsequent incidents of disaster, the people are still struggling from the environmental catastrophe.

A new hope Geochemist Dr. Aloysius Baes of the environmental research group Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines (CEC), together with his five-member team of scientists, led a consultation meeting with local leaders last July 8-10 to assess the province’s environmental and health situation, particularly the communities surrounding the Mogpog river, where they took water samples and interviewed local residents.

Dr. Baes noted that hundreds of tons of mine tailings are now lodged in the 16-km river, whose contaminated water, aquatic resources and surrounding land continue to endanger the health of the people and their sources of livelihood.

Local officials said the team’s visit gave them a “new hope” in the midst of their people’s anxieties and what to them is prolonged injustice.

Earlier on June 9, an American survey team composed of experts from the United States’ Geological Survey (USGS), the Institute of Pathology Scientists and the University of Arizona came to the island to begin the Marinduque Environment and Health Study (MEHS). The 18-month-long study, which will cost approximately P20 million, will be financed through the social fund of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Horacio Ramos, director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 24

the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has committed the services of their top mining experts to assist the U.S. team.

Beth Manggol of the Marinduque Council for Environment Concerns (MACEC), an organization monitoring the ecological impacts of mining operations in the province, meanwhile, asked if Arroyo will release funds to carry out the remedial measures.

“Sayang naman ang isang pag-aaral na ginastusan ng salapi ng gobyerno na pagkatapos ay wala naman palang mabuting mangyayari” (Financing a study is useless if there are no positive results), Manggol said. Although many Marinduquenos are wary of the U.S. study, Mayor Bert Madla of Boac town has summarized their doubts by saying that, “the USGS study may not reveal the actual situation and the hardships of the people of Marinduque as a result of these mining disasters because most of the documents they are reviewing have been released by mining companies and not by independent institutions.”

‘Acid mine drainage’ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines acid mine drainage (AMD) as a “metal-rich water formed from chemical reaction between water and rocks containing sulfur-bearing minerals.”

AMD is evident from the reddish-orange discoloration downstream. It depletes marine life, contaminates drinking water supply and the food chain with toxic heavy metals such as lead and arsenic.

Even before the inspection, MACEC’s Manggol reported a recent “fish kill” where many dead fishes, shrimps and kalapay (small crabs) were found as having a reddish skin “as if it was cooked in acid.” She suspects that this may be caused by AMD. Compensation and rehabilitation: a waiting game Marinduquenos are also waiting for the $12 million and the $1 million pledged by PDI for the rehabilitation of the Boac river and for the compensation of toxic-affected people, respectively.

Unmindful of ecological degradation caused by large-scale mining operations, PDI is denying any responsibility for the situation at Calancan Bay near Sta. Cruz town when some 200 million tons of mine wastes were dumped into the vast ocean. It has also disclaimed liability for the bursting of a mine dam at the top of the river in Mogpog town in 1993, causing an outpour of toxic wastes on the river. Right now, at least 75 children in Sta. Cruz town are found to be contaminated with heavy metals, according to Manggol. She appealed to the two mining firms to immediately release the said funds “without conditions” in order to shoulder the victims’ medical expenses such as costly detoxification.

Clemente Bautista Jr. of the Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE) said the MacapagalArroyo administration should show sincerity in addressing the woes of mine-affected people in Marinduque by penalizing erring polluters and stopping the implementation of its National Mineral Policy which, he said, will open the country’s natural resources to further destruction. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 25, July 27-August 2, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-25/3-25-tragedy.html

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 25

BF ng MMDA: “Hindi ako masama” LUNGSOD QUEZON – “ʻDi ako mamamatay ng puno!”

Ito ang ipinahayag ni Bayani Fernando, pangulo ng Pangasiwaan para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kalakhang Maynila (MMDA), tungkol sa kanyang proyektong pagpapalapad ng daan at pag-aalis ng tinatayang 100 mga puno (na may dayametrong 12 pulgada) sa kahabaan ng Kalye Katipunan sa lungsod na ito.

Sa isang talakayan noong ika-24 ng Hulyo na itinaguyod ng maka-kalikasang Haribon Foundation, ipinaabot ni Fernando ang kanyang sama ng loob, dahil lubha umanong naaapektuhan ng mga pagtutol ang gawain ng MMDA. Balak ng MMDA na alisin ang mga service island sa gilid ng Kalye Katipunan upang gawing tiglimang hanay ang magkabilang daan nito at mapaluwag ang daloy ng trapiko.

Sinabi ni Fernando na inililipat lamang ng MMDA ang mga puno gamit ang mga makabagong makinang panghukay.

Noong Hunyo ay ipinatigil ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang naturang proyekto bilang tugon sa kahilingan ng mga samahang maka-kalikasan. Nagsampa rin ng petisyon para sa isang temporary restraining order ang Concerned Citizens Against Pollution (COCAP).

Ayon kay Neil Aldrin Mallari ng Haribon, hindi lang pagpapaganda ang silbi ng mga puno’t halaman sa mga pampublikong pook. Nakatutulong din aniya ang mga ito upang mapigilan ang erosyon at ang pagkalat ng alikabok at mabahong amoy sa kapaligiran.

Sinabi ni Fernando sa mga bumabatikos sa kanya at sa MMDA na “Ang tingin na nga ng mga tao sa ʻkin ay napakasama. Alam naming mahal niyo ang mga puno. Pero sana, huwag niyo akong ipagpalit sa 100 puno. Baka mas malaki pa’ng magagawa ko.” ### Unang inilathala ng dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 31, Agosto 8-14, 2003 isyu

Batas sa malinis na hangin, “walang patutunguhan” LUNGSOD QUEZON – Sa kabila ng pagpapatupad ng Batas para sa Malinis na Hangin (Batas ng Republika 8749) o Clean Air Act (CAA) mula noong Enero, napakarumi pa rin ng hangin sa Kalakhang Maynila. Sa pagtingin ng mga samahang tsuper at maka-kalikasan, dagdag pahirap lamang ang batas na ito sa mamamayan kaya dapat na itong ibasura.

Sa kabila ng ulat teknikal ng Kagawaran sa Kapaligiran at Likas na Kayamanan (DENR) noong nakaraang State of the Nation Address (SONA) na nagsasaad na nakapagkamit ang pamahalaan ng 15 bahagdang pagkabawas sa antas ng polusyon sa hangin sa loob ng anim na buwan dulot umano ng CAA at pagtatayo ng mga emission testing centers, sinabi ni Clemente Bautista ng samahang Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE), na “ang kanilang mga dahilan ay mahina, kundi man malabo.”

Noong ika-16 ng Hulyo, ginanap ang isang talakayan hinggil sa CAA sa bulwagan ng National Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John na dinaluhan ng may 100 tsuper. Sinabi ni Tina Urag ng Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines (CEC), isang grupong nagsasaliksik sa kapaligiran, wala raw pinagbabatayang teknikal ang CAA dahil noong 1990 pa ang mga ginamit na datos hinggil sa pangunahing elementong nakakalason.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 26

Sa kanilang pag-aaral, sinabi ni Urag na tinatayang may 10 hanggang 16 na Pilipino ang namamatay bawat araw sa sakit na kanser, chronic bronchitis, chronic cough at hika dulot ng maruming hangin.

“Dapat gumawa muna ang gobyerno ng komprehensibong pag-aaral para una, tukuyin kung anuano ang mayor na pollutants na dumudumi sa ating hangin; pangalawa, ang antas ng pagkalantad ng tao sa mga ito; at ikatlo, ang kakayanang tanggapin ng katawan ito bago ang yugto ng pagkakasakit,” paliwanag ni Urag. “Dahil ito ang pagbabatayan kung ano ang mga emission standards na itatakda niya para mapaliit ang epekto ng maduming hangin sa kalusugan at ekonomiya,” dagdag niya.

Sino’ng makikinabang?

Ayon naman kay Dr. Giovanni Tapang, pangulo ng Samahang nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan (Agham), magiging “dehado” ang mamamayan sa ilalim ng CAA dahil inaasa ng pamahalaan ang pag-aangkat ng gasolina, mga makina at kagamitang pangmatyag sa mga dayuhang kumpanya habang ipinapataw sa mamamayan ang pagbabayad sa lahat ng ito. Bukod dito, wala rin umanong kakayanan ang DENR na maabot ang mga pamantayang itinatakda ng batas.

Inihalimbawa ni Tapang ang pagkakaroon ng panggatong (fuel) na inilalagay sa makina na nagbubuga naman ng usok. “Paano ngayon sasabihin ng pamahalaan sa mga malalaking kumpanya ng langis na kailangan namin kayong i-regulate dito sa Clean Air Act, matapos nitong i-deregulate ang oil industry? Simple lang ang kanilang isasagot: ‘Okey, susundin namin ‘yan pero gagawin naming P25 kada litro ang presyo namin.’ Lumalabas, mataas na langis ang kapalit ng malinis na gasolina,” paliwanag ni Tapang na isang dalubhasa sa pisika mula sa Pamantasan ng Pilipinas.

Binanggit niya na kung nais talaga ng pamahalaan na linisin ang ating hangin, dapat magsagawa ito ng kongkretong programa para sa pambansang industriyalisasyon at pigilin ang pagpasok ng maduduming teknolohiya mula sa ibang bansa. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 32, Agosto 15-21, 2003 isyu, pahina 3

Pagpuna sa sarili Noong ika-22 ng Agosto ay nakausap ko sa telepono si Clemente Bautista ng Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE). Ito’y hinggil sa balitang sinulat ko sa Balikas (“Batas sa malinis na hangin, walang patutunguhan”, ika-15 hanggang ika-21 ng Agosto, 2003).

Nais ni Bautista na maglinaw sa ulat tungkol sa pagbabasura ng Clean Air Act. Sa pananalita ni Bautista: “Bagaman naniniwala ang KPNE na hindi makakalutas ang Clean Air Act sa air pollution at sa mga problema ng mamamayan, kung saan patunay dito ang lumalawak na pagtutol ng maraming tsuper, HINDI PA KAMI, AT THIS POINT, NANANAWAGAN NG PAGBABASURA SA CLEAN AIR ACT.” (Ang diin ay mula sa sumulat – Patnugot) Ang nananawagan ng pagbabasura sa Clean Air Act ay ang Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON), isang pambansang samahan ng mga manggagawa sa transportasyon, batay sa pamamahayag ng pangulo nitong si Mar Garvida sa porum.

Bilang pagwawasto, nais kong magpuna sa sarili dahil sa di sinasadyang napagsama ko sa ulat ang mga samahang maka-kalikasan at tsuper na nananawagang ibsura ang batas, gayong ang PISTON pa lamang ang may ganitong panawagan.

Liham sa patnugot. Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 32, Agosto 29Setyembre 4, 2003 isyu, pahina 3

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 27

Dumagats: a people’s struggle to be free No one can own the land, and nobody should claim ownership to it. This is Mekedyapat’s (God) gift to the community and not to any individual. Whatever is gained from the land is shared by the community...for without the land, the community dies.

This perhaps sums up Malu Maniquiz’s Laweg on Laye (In Search of Freedom, produced by Archipelago Productions), a stirring documentary film about the Dumagats. The film, which aims to promote awareness and enhance the mass work among tribal communities using audio-visual presentation, is based on the life and struggle for land of the Dumagats in Southern Tagalog.

The Dumagats are one of the major groups of indigenous peoples living in the Southern Tagalog region south of Manila. The Dumagats, now numbering only about 30,000, inhabit the fertile Sierra Madre Ranges on Quezon province’s northern tip. A large throng of this ethnic tribe can be found in the town of General Nakar, while a few of them can be spotted in three municipalities of Polillo island.

Primarily, the Dumagats depend on farming, kaingin (orchard farming or slash-and-burn agriculture), paid labor, vending logs and other forest commodities as livelihood. Secondarily, they rely on fishing, hunting animals, gathering crops and other natural bounties for survival. Loan dependence (usury) has reduced many of them to dismal poverty.

The government has even allocated more than 47 settlement areas as their home. But the tendency to become wanderers or nomads is still practiced among Dumagat families and this brings them deep in the Sierra Madre forest.

Despite the passage of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) in 1997, conflicts still crop up between the tribal communities and what community organizers say are their modern-day colonizers – foreign capitalist investors, big landholders and government itself.

Colonial legacy In recent decades, big landlords have used land titles to claim and exploit the ancestral land that Dumagat communities insist belong to them. During the U.S. colonial occupation, for instance, the Mon-Sor family placed under its ownership more than 29,000-hectare ancestral land in Barangay Umiray in General Nakar including large tracts of land in Aurora province (which is at least 17,000 hectares). Later, in the 1960s, the Mon-Sors sold the entire property to Go Pasuoy, also from a rich landlord lineage.

The Dumagats are in a struggle for ancestral domain claim inside the more than 50,000 hectares of landmass in General Nakar. They allege that Green Circle Properties (or Pacific Coast City, a developing firm owned by lawyer Romeo Roxas) is out to grab the property to build a grandiose “ecotourism hub.” The Dumagats through their mass organizations, see an intensifying commercialization of indigenous culture under the pretext of “development.”

Green Circle’s purported project includes modern seaports, schools, buildings for government offices, Olympic-style sports facilities and other lavish amenities.

Sources told Bulatlat.com that Green Circle has “pulled off” with its alleged logging activities in the lush forests of Quezon and Aurora provinces. The sources said that logging has devastated the environment and ancestral land, not to mention the displacement of tribal communities within the developing firm’s areas of operation.

Aside from the Green Circle project, a conferential road connecting the municipality of Infanta to Umiray is also under construction. Tribal villagers say that the project will make it easier for the military to enter their communities to carry out counter-insurgency operations against New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas said to be active in the area.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 28

“Ethnocide” The Bigkis at Lakas ng mga Katutubo sa Timog Katagalugan (Balatik), a regional indigenous peoples alliance, says that tribal communities have known no peace since the time soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were deployed in their areas. The soldiers accused them of being members or supporters of the NPA. A Dumagat leader of Balatik, Henry Borreo, lamented on the increasing cases of brutal killings committed against members of tribal communities under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He called the killings “ethnocide.”

“Kung ang mga nag-alsa sa Oakwood ay hindi masikmura ang kabulukan sa militar, kami pa kayang mga katutubo na tuwirang nakararanas ng kanilang kalupitan?” (If the mutineers at Oakwood could no longer bear the military hierarchy’s rottenness, how much more for us, indigenous people, who have directly experienced brutality from them?), Borreo said during the commemoration of National Minorities Week last month. He also denounced the forced recruitment of many Dumagats into AFP-directed paramilitary units for counterinsurgency operations in the vicinity.

Borreo recalled the slaying last December 2001 of Nicanor “Ka Kano” Delos Santos, a Dumagat chief, allegedly by elements of Task Force Panther of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Batallion. Ka Kano is well-known for opposing the construction of the Metro Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS)-sponsored hydrothermal dam along Kaliwa and Kanan Agos Rivers, which will affect at least seven barangays (villages) in the municipality of Tanay, Rizal province.

Land has been the material base for the Dumagat tribe’s unique culture, beliefs and way of life for centuries. To deprive them of land would, of course, lose their identity as a people. “Now is the time to give back the land that rightfully belongs to our people, as well as our right to self-determination,” Borreo said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 34, September 28-October 4, 2003 issue.

Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-34/3-34-dumagat.html

Protesta kontra “pagmamadali” ni GMA Suporta sa halalan kapalit ng Mineral Policy LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA – May kinalaman diumano ang nalalapit na eleksyon sa Mayo 2004 sa pagmamadali ng Malakanyang na maaprubahan ang National Minerals Policy (NMP), isang patakarang magtatakda ng istratehikong direksyon at pamamaraan ukol sa industriya ng pagmimina sa bansa.

Ito ang pahayag ng mga kilusang tutol sa dayuhang kontrol sa pagmimina sa idinaos nilang kilosprotesta noong ika-13 ng Nobyembre. Ayon kay Teddy Casiño, pangkalahatang kalihim ng samahang Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) na ang malalaking kumpanya sa komersyal na pagmimina ay tradisyunal na pinagkukunan ng pondo sa kampanyang panghalalan ng mga pulitiko.

“May malakas na pagla-lobby ang mga kumpanya sa pagmimina para sa pagpapasa ng NMP. At gaya ng iba na may malalaking interes sa negosyo sa bansa, laging may katapat itong salapi,” wika ni Casiño.

Si Casiño ay kabilang sa mga nagsagawa ng kilos-protesta na kasabay na ginanap na Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference noong ika-13 ng Nobyembre sa Manila Hotel. Sa naturang pulong, inihayag ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa mga dumalong lokal at dayuhang mamumuhunan sa sektor ng pagmimina ang kanyang komitment sa pagliliberalisa sa industriya ng pagmimina.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 29

Sinabi ni Arroyo na ang polisiya ng pamahalaan ay hindi lamang pagpayag kundi aktibong promosyon ng “sustainable mining”. Inihayag din ng Pangulo na pormal na ilulunsad ang National Minerals Policy (NMP) sa pambansang kumperensya sa pagmimina sa darating na ika-3 ng Disyembre na pangungunahan ni Kalihim Elisea Gozun ng Kagawaran sa Kapaligiran at Likas na Kayamanan (DENR).

Pagtutol sa NMP Ang kumperensya ay inisponsor ng Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), isang samahan ng mga kinatawan ng mga kumpanya sa pagmimina.

Nguni’t bago pa dumating at makapagsalita si Arroyo sa naturang kumperensya, bandang 6:00 ng gabi ay nagmartsa patungo sa harap ng otel ang 80 katao mula sa iba’t ibang samahang kontra sa dayuhang pagmimina. Nanawagan silang tutulan ang NMP at ibasura ang Republic Act No. 7942 o Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

Ang kilos-protesta ay pinangunahan ng Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE), isang militanteng samahang maka-kalikasan na sinuportahan ng mga samahang gaya ng Haribon Foundation, Tebtebba Foundation, Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC), Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan sa Pilipinas (KAMP), St. Andrew Theological Seminary, Center for Cordillera People’s Concerns (CCPC), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC), Samahang Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan (Agham) at mga delegado mula sa lalawigan ng Quezon.

“Ang pag-eendorso ni Arroyo sa kontra-mamamayan at kontra-kalikasang NMP ay senyal ng lubusang pagbebenta ng ating yamang mineral sa mga dayuhan,” pahayag ni Clemente Bautista Jr., tagapagsalita ng Kalikasan-PNE. “Gaya ng Mining Act of 1995, magdudulot lang ito ng pagkaubos sa ating likas-yaman, malawakang pagkasira ng kapaligiran, militarisasyon at pagpapalikas sa mga komunidad na maaapektuhan ng operasyong mina.”

Hindi pa nagsisimula ang programa ng mga nagrarali ay pilit na silang itinataboy ng mga kagawad ng SWAT sa ilalim ng Western Police District (WPD). Nagsagawa ang mga nagpoprotesta ng 30minutong pamamahayag sa harap ng Luneta. Mapayapang nagtapos ang pagkilos sa kabila ng pagbabanta ng mga pulis na marahas na bubuwagin ang hanay ng mga nagrarali.

Ang National Minerals Policy Ang NMP ay unang pormal na inihapag ni Horacio Ramos, director ng Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) ng DENR noong Agosto 1999 sa kumperensya ng “State of the Art in Environment Management”. Bilang isang dokumentong polisiya, ang NMP ay manipestasyon ng Medium Term Development Plan 2001-2004 (MTDP) para sa industriya ng pagmimina.

Sinasaklaw ng NMP ang pagpapaunlad sa tinatawag nitong Stage I (primary mineral production) at Stage II (metal production) o pagmimina lamang ng mga ore, paglilinang at paglikha ng maipagbibiling mga hilaw na materyales. Hindi nito nililinaw ang pagpapaunlad ng Stage III (minerals and metals-based semi-fabrication industries) at Stage IV (metal fabricating industries) o ang pagmamanupaktura ng mga produktong metal. Ito raw ay dahil sa hindi na saklawn ng DENR ang dalawang huling yugto ng pagpapaunlad ng industriya.

Sa isang talumpati, sinabi ni Benjamin Philip Romualdez, pangulo ng Benguet Corporation at bagong-halal na pangulo ng Philippine Chamber of Mines, na itataguyod ng kanilang samahan ang sustenable at responsableng pagmimina sa pamamagitan ng “transparency and multi-stakeholders’ participation.” Sang-ayon dito, inilunsad nila ang Safety Networking Action (SNAP), isang programa na naglalayong pangalagaan ang kapaligiran.

Sa pagsusuri ng inhinyerong si Catalino Corpuz ng Tebtebba Foundation, binigyang-diin niya na walang malinaw na sinasabi sa NMP hinggil sa “wasto at makatarungang kumpensasyon” at rehabilitasyon sa mga pook na naapektuhan ng mina. Bukod dito, malalagay sa peligro ang karapatan ng mga katutubo sa lupang ninuno. ###

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 30

Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 47, Nobyembre 28-Disyembre 4, 2003 isyu, pahina 4 at 7

Mining TNCs’ ‘gold rush’ Under globalization, the Philippine government and mining firms are aggressively promoting direct foreign investments in mining, with the claim of advancing “sustainable and responsible mining” through the soon-to-be approved National Minerals Policy (NMP).

“Pieces of gold, of the size of walnuts and eggs, are found by sifting the earth in the island of that king whom I led to our ships,” Venetian chronicler Antonio Pigafetta wrote in his diary (dated March 28, 1521) during the meeting of the brother-kings of Mazaua and Butuan (in northern Mindanao) with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his men. “All the dishes of that king are of gold and also some portion of his house…”

Precious metals like gold thrive vastly in the Philippines since time immemorial, a fact that Pigafetta himself attested around 400 years ago. The richness of the country’s mineral resources – copper, nickel, chrome, zinc, silver, and other metals – has lured foreign colonizers, from the Spanish to the Americans, to hawkishly claim its ownership and consequently gain huge profits from it.

The “gold rush” continues to this day. Under the globalization paradigm, mining transnational corporations (TNCs) are now taking a more dominant role in developing nations in their bid to revitalize the local minerals industry. With full-scale liberalization, direct foreign investments in mining activities are aggressively being promoted both by the Philippine government and mining firms with the claim of making use of “sustainable and responsible mining” through the National Minerals Policy (NMP).

But mining-affected communities together with environmentalists have hardened up their stance against corporate mining, where countless communities – along with their lives and livelihood – have been reduced to rubble due to ecological disasters and all-out sale of the country’s national patrimony.

From tolerance to promotion The NMP was first presented by Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director Horacio Ramos in 1999. As a policy document, the NMP is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Medium Term Development Plan 200104 for the mining industry.

In a speech during the Annual National Mines Safety and Environmental Conference last Nov. 13 at the Manila Hotel which was attended by delegates from big mining firms, Macapagal-Arroyo reiterated the government’s policy for the minerals industry as “no longer just mere tolerance but active promotion” of mining.

As of July 30, the DENR has approved 16 exploration permits (EPs) covering 70,538 hectares; 188 mineral sharing production agreements (MPSAs) covering 314,462 hectares; and two financial technical and assistance agreements (FTAAs) covering 51,995 hectares of land.

The agency has also issued a memorandum order last October cutting the processing time of mining applications from 20 months to seven months. Until its term ends June next year, the Macapagal-Arroyo administration currently processes priority-mining projects worth $2.054 billion, in a bid to generate $242 million from 12 mining projects.

Despite this, representatives of mining firms have come out dissatisfied. The private Chamber of Mines, for instance, is complaining of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) failure to fast track the implementation of large-scale mining projects, prompting calls from

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 31

some sectors (such as the one made by Southern Leyte Rep. Aniceto Saludo) for the resignation of its secretary, Elisea Gozun, on alleged fraud and corruption.

The NMP is supposed to be adopted through a presidential executive order last March but the DENR was forced to delay it due to intense opposition from mining-affected communities and anticorporate mining advocates.

The Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP), a federation of indigenous peoples, explained that the NMP is merely an addition to the existing laws, such as the Mining Act of 1995, which would drive away many tribal communities from their ancestral lands.

KAMP spokesperson Henry Borreo said that with the quick approval of the NMP, “the indigenous peoples are sure to expect another term of displacements and internal migrations as Macapagal-Arroyo is bent on kissing anybody’s ass just to maintain herself in power.”

A slump In his critique on the NMP, Engineer Catalino Corpuz Jr., coordinator of Minewatch Asia-Pacific, stated the reasons behind the mining industry’s decline for the last two decades: First, copper and gold which before dominated in the metallic sector suffered a “downward trend” since the production boom in the 1980s; and second, “the problem of strategy” by the mining industry.

Corpuz explains: “Reserves were depleted but at the same time there was no vigorous exploration work done. In the gold industry, mining companies engaged in ‘high grading’. They mined the highgrade ore when the price of gold was high. When this was exhausted, only the low-grade ore was left to mine, but it was uneconomical to mine low-grade ore.” High production costs has also hit mining companies.

“The NMP blabbers so much about the so-called ‘sustainable development’ provisions of the NMP such as the protection of the environment, promotion of social and community responsibility, and competitive and prosperous minerals industry,” says Corpuz. “But all these are naught since the NMP neglected to include a clear policy on the urgent rehabilitation of abandoned and existing mine-sites.”

Fund-raising?

Opponents to the NMP suspect that Malacañang’s apparent rush to implement the NMP may be aimed at raising funds for the 2004 elections.

Saying that mining firms, like those in the oil and energy monopolies are among the major donors of campaign funds to local and national politicians, the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) says that the NMP is likely to attract transnational mining monopolies, “the kind that are known to retain politicians and military officials in their payroll.”

“There has been a strong lobby from the mining firms for the passage of the NMP. And like most lobbies by big business interests in this country, money is always a part of the deal,” Bayan secretarygeneral Teddy Casiño said.

The MGB, meanwhile, has organized a national mining conference this Dec. 3-4, to reinforce government’s pledge to enshrine the mining industry again and to win public support for existing mining projects.

But in any gathering concerning mining projects, the rights and interests of mine-affected people should come first, says the militant environmentalist group Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE).

K-PNE’s advocacy officer Clemente Bautista, who has visited desperately-polluted areas in Marinduque many times, says that the country’s minerals are depleting at a fast rate due to profitdriven and export-oriented motivation in the mining industry. “It foregoes long-term livelihood for our people, while they are made to bear the consequence of massive devastation to the environment like what the Marinduquenos are now experiencing as a result of Marcopper-Placer Dome’s irresponsibility and greed, not to mention government negligence.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 32

Bautista said that the extraction of the country’s minerals and their exportation at their raw or semiprocessed state must stop immediately. To truly revive the mining industry, he suggested that the government should enact a minerals policy that will orient the mining industry towards the establishment of the country’s own metals industry responsive to domestic needs. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 43, November 30-December 6, 2003 issue.

Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-43/3-43-mining.html

Independent probe shows Bt-corn has human costs A Norwegian scientist presented last week the results of his preliminary study showing immunological reaction to Bt-toxin, a component of the genetically-modified corn variant called Bt-corn, highlighting the government’s questionable approval of Bt-corn for commercial distribution.

Dr. Terje Traavik, a professor on gene ecology at the University of Tromso in Norway and director of the Norwegian Institute of Gene Ecology, last week said that he has detected the presence of IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies from the blood samples of 38 individuals afflicted with different diseases in South Cotabato, a southern province in the island of Mindanao, southern Philippines.

South Cotabato is one of the country’s first provinces where the Bt-corn, which contains a natural, corn borerresistant insecticide called bacillus thuringiensis, is cultivated since the Department of Agriculture (DA) approved the commercialization of genetically-engineered corns last January 2003.

The approval was given despite the opposition of farmer’s groups, scientists, environmentalists as well as some leaders of the Roman Catholic Church on health and ecological grounds.

Monsanto, a U.S. multinational agrochemical giant, is marketing Bt-corn seeds in the country under the brand name Yieldgard. It also distributes seeds under the names Cargill, Monsanto and Dekalb and is currently working to introduce the Roundup ready corn variety.

In a paper presented during a press briefing in Quezon City last week, Dr. Traavik explained that “specific serum IgG antibodies show that (the affected) individual has been exposed to antigen, such as the Bt toxin, during its lifetime.” The Bt toxin is the antigen or alien particle which is said to cause the activation of the three antibodies, known as immunoglobins.

The Norwegian scientist, however, has offered his assistance to the Philippine government in leading a scientific study on the effects of transgenic crop on human health, centering on the presence of IgE antibodies or its allergenic reactions. “We will not leave this field of study to the industry itself,” Dr. Traavik said, admitting that a more painstaking investigation is indeed necessary to verify the link between the persistence of the antibodies against Bt toxin and the diseases the patients reportedly caught from their exposure to the Bt corn farm. This study, however, may take experts one to two years to accomplish.

He also expressed interest to undertake another study among patients in the province in search for more conclusive evidence.

Intoxicated people Last July 2003, around 51 local residents of Sityo Kalyong, Barangay Landan in Polomolok town, came to town to seek medication after being hit at the same time by several illnesses such as coughs, colds, fever, vomiting, abdominal pains, headaches and difficulty in breathing. The victims’ age ranged from five months to 49 years.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 33

Residents point to a nearby 1.75 hectare Bt-corn plantation which was then on its pollinating stage.

Victims said they got sick after smelling a foul odor coming from the pollens of the crop, which was within 100 meters from their houses.

Monsanto denial In its Aug. 11, 2003 issue, the daily Today reported that Monsanto’s product development manager Arnold Estrada has denied claims that the illnesses reportedly afflicting local residents were caused by the biotechnology-induced corn. But after receiving several health-related complaints, the Justice and Peace Desk of the Diocese of Marbel conducted a medical mission in the area and subsequently called on local health officials for a toxological examination to determine the real cause of the illnesses. They also sought the assistance of two peasant support NGOs, the South East Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment (Searice) and the Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (Masipag or Peasants and Scientists for Agricultural Development).

A documentation of the case was also submitted to Dr. Lynn Crisanta Panganiban of the National Poison Control and Information Service (NPCIS) of the University of the Philippines’ (UP) College of Medicine. The NPCIS’ interpretation revealed that the clustering effect on the manifestation of the symptoms at almost the same period is more indicative of a chemical rather than biologic exposure.

Dr. Traavik, when informed by the local church about the incident, visited Polomolok and volunteered to analyze the patients’ blood samples in his laboratory in Norway. In October last year, Searice and Masipag sent the blood samples to Dr. Traavik.

Early warning Meanwhile, Dr. Romeo Quijano, head of the Pesticide Action Network-Philippines, said it is not Dr. Traavik that should be doing the blood tests. “Rather it should be Monsanto and other companies that push these technologies,” he said in the press briefing.

Quijano, a pharmacologist at the UP’s College of Medicine also said that the burden of proof should not be on them but should be on those who promote genetically-modified organisms (GMOs).

He pointed that the independent study is “ultimately more credible” aside from being untainted with corporate self-interest.

Quijano lambasted the Department of Agriculture (DA) for its failure to create a monitoring system that would effectively protect the environment and ensure people’s health from the hazards of biotechnology.

The broad alliance called Resistance and Solidarity Against Agrochemical Transnational Corporations (RESIST) also said that with Traavik’s findings, there is enough evidence for the DA to immediately suspend the commercialization of Bt corn and freeze all field testing of other GMOs. RESIST believes that GMOs are products of imperialist globalization which will push the entire country’s agricultural system under the control of profit-oriented big foreign capitalists. The alliance is set to release its own findings regarding the socio-economic impact of the GMO commercialization, such as crop damage and additional expenses which is a burden to many small farmers.

RESIST co-coordinator and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (Peasant Movement of the Philippines) Rafael Mariano said: “The DA’s wait-and-see attitude poses great risk to the health and livelihood of our millions of farmers. From the start, we have warned the government of such a scenario. Railroading the rights of farmers for the interest of transnational corporations has reaped its dire consequences.”

The DA, which is headed by Secretary Luis Lorenzo Jr., meanwhile has denied the incident in South Cotabato. But the farmers and scientists’ groups called the DA’s response to the issue as “horrifying” considering that the lives of affected communities adjoining Bt-corn fields are at stake.

Although the said study seems to have fallen on deaf ears, it will nevertheless help bolster the intensifying struggle against GMOs, and would make it more difficult for the Macapagal-Arroyo

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 34

administration to justify its contentious decision to allow agrochemical TNCs to produce and propagate GMOs, they said.

“Being the regulator is even a questionable situation (for the DA),” Dr. Chito Medina of Masipag added. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 7, March 14-20, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-17/4-17-btcorn.html

Philippines has enough water supply, NGO says An environment network says government’s program to solve the country’s water crisis – privatization – is flawed. Kalikasan-PNE, which believes we have enough water supply, says it is resorting to costly rehabilitation projects when what it needs to do is plug water leaks and exercise political will to stop forest denudation.

Part of government efforts to solve the water crisis in the country is a multi-billion peso water filtration project in Laguna Lake now underway. But a grassroots environment group – the KalikasanPeople’s Network for Environment (K-PNE) – wants the project stopped, saying it will lead to another “water privatization fiasco” similar to what happened to the bail-out by government of the bankrupt Maynilad Water Services. Inc. owned by the Lopez family.

The water filtration project in Laguna Lake, which has been approved by the Cabinet-level Investment Coordination Committee early this April, aims to solve water shortage in Metro Manila by supplying 400 million liters of water per day (MLD).

Newspapers last week quoted Finance Undersecretary Nieves Osorio as saying that the project will cost P3.86 billion under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme. It will be constructed and operated by a winning private firm for 28 years, Osorio also said.

Laguna Lake south of Metro Manila used to be a favorite fishing ground in Laguna province until factories surrounding it made it practically biologically dead.

A recent World Bank study revealed that the Philippines has the second lowest water per person ratio in Asia, next to Thailand. To address this problem, the government claims to have taken steps to develop new water sources such as the Laguna Lake and the Wawa River in Rizal province, which is also being rehabilitated.

Other sources said to be under rehabilitation are the Laiban Dam, Agus Dam, Angat Water Utilization and the Aqueduct Improvement Project.

Sufficient water But officials of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Systems (MWSS) and private water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water Services Inc. said Angat Dam in Bulacan province, which supplies water all over the metropolis, produces 4,000 MLD. With an average daily consumption of 40 liters per person, urban dwellers and those in nearby provinces only need about 640 MLD of water supply.

This shows, K-PNE’s national coordinator Clemente Bautista, Jr. said last week, there is sufficient water supply to provide for the domestic needs of some 16 million people in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. “The government wants us to believe that we need another privatized project to produce water,” he said.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 35

Bautista told Bulatlat.com that more than 60 percent of Angat’s water is wasted due to “non-water revenue of the private water concessionaires, Maynilad and Manila Water.” Non-water revenue pertains to water loss due to leakages and illegal connections.

“What the government must do is address the problem of wastefulness and inefficiency of the private water concessionaires,” Bautista said. “By reducing from 60 percent to 30 percent the nonwater revenue of the water utilities, we could already meet the projected demand-supply gap of 900 MLD water shortage by MWSS. This is cheaper and more viable option for us instead of putting up new expensive water projects.”

Summer nightmare From a little over 190 meters by the end of March, Angat Dam’s water level dropped to a critical mark at 180 meters, prompting government to stop using its water reserves for irrigation. If the water level further goes down by 160 meters, the MWSS said it would no longer be able to supply water to private concessionaires.

Government is claiming that the limited rainfall in Luzon during the last quarter of 2003 has aggravated the problem even more.

These signs clearly indicate a consumer’s nightmare, but the Center for Environmental ConcernsPhilippines’ (CEC) executive director Frances Quimpo said this may only be the “tip of the iceberg.”

Quimpo asserts that the receding water level in Angat is “symptomatic of a cauldron of environmental crises happening all at once because of the government’s lack of regard for the environment and its adherence to globalization policies that further perpetuate such crises.”

Degraded In a lecture at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City last March 4, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Elisea Gozun said that the country’s forest cover declined from 65 percent of total land area of 30 million hectares in 1900s to only about 18 percent by 2000, of which only 800,000 hectares are old growth forest. Of the remaining forests, 154 areas comprising 12.43 million hectares are considered priority watersheds. One-hundred twenty-five of these priority areas have been proclaimed as watershed forest reserves although many of them are considered degraded.

The significant loss in forest cover, Gozun said, “has transformed the Philippines from being a major tropical timber exporter in the 1970s to a net importer of forest products (importing as much as 65 percent-70 percent of wood requirements over the past ten years).” This, Gozun said, is due to illegal logging, high population growth and unsustainable forest management methods.

The Macapagal-Arroyo government has been reluctant to admit that it has backslid its reforestation program in favor of “quick fixes” like costly water projects and dams that could, environmentalists warned, devastate the environment in the long run. From 2001 to 2003, the DENR was able to plant only 70,172 hectares of open and denuded land with indigenous forest tree varieties. This is nothing compared to the average 100,000 hectares being lost every year.

Bautista said “forest denudation is the main reason why there is an increasing rate of groundwater depletion because of the decreasing water holding capacity of our watershed and the siltation of our rivers and reservoirs.”

Quimpo, concluded, “unless we stop the environmentally destructive policy of water privatization, no end can be in sight for the water crisis that victimizes our people.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 12, April 25-May 1, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-12/4-12-watersupply.html

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 36

Water war: Ayalas pit themselves against Calamba villagers One of the Philippines’ mega-rich families – the Ayalas – are finding themselves locked in a war over water in Calamba City. Calamba residents their water source could be contaminated and worse, depleted because of a world-class golf course the Ayalas are building.

Calamba City – Residents of this city, which is some 52 kms. south of Manila, are finding themselves locked in a struggle with one of the country’s wealthiest families – the Ayalas. Reason? One of the Ayalas’ enterprises – the Ayala Greenfield Development Corporation (AGDC) – is building a worldclass 18-hole golf course which, villagers of seven barangays here fear, would result in water contamination and a grave water shortage.

Noli Capulong, the deputy regional coordinator of the progressive party-list Bayan Muna (People First) in Southern Tagalog, warned over the weekend that with the large volume of water that the Ayala golf course is expected to consume every day, the underground aquifer located in Barangay (village) Bucal “could be depleted at a fast rate.”

Local leaders of the affected barangays have started a petition-signing in opposition to the golf course of the AGDC’s Ayala Greenfield Estates, saying the project will not only deplete but also contaminate their water. The water is used by 200,000 households.

An affiliate of the Ayala Land, Inc., AGDC is pursuing real estate projects on a 500-hectare land found in Barangays Maunong and Puting Lupa near the famous Mount Makiling. Projects in the pipeline include an exclusive subdivision, a clubhouse and a nature park.

The all-weather golf course is said to be designed by a world-renowned architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr. To fast track the golf course construction, the AGDC had asked the Calamba Water District (CWD) to allow them to tap the Bucal Springs for its water source. Bucal is also frequented by local and foreign tourists.

Secret agreement The Ayalas got what they wanted. On June 15, 2000, through their company AGDC, the Ayalas signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Martin Tancangco, CWD general manager. The secret MoA gave AGDC the right to use a maximum of 300 liters of water per second at the rate of P1 for every cubic meter. The rate was several times lower than what household consumers are charged

by CWD: P13 for every cubic meter of water.

It was only recently that Bayan Muna-ST got hold of a copy of the secret MoA. Another copy was also obtained by Bulatlat.

A recent study noted that an 18-hole golf course normally consumes 800,000 gallons of water a day.

Capulong said that after carefully reading the MoA, “we cannot help but feel alarmed and disturbed.” The four-year old MoA, he added, contains onerous provisions that “could prove to be very detrimental to the health and safety of the city’s water consumers.”

Delfin Declaro, Bucal’s barangay chairman, agreed: “The MoA is one-sided. How can anyone say that the project is for the development of the majority if it only favors big businessmen?”

Bermuda grass Golf courses also feature artificially-developed Bermuda grass. A study conducted in 1998 by the ecological research group Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines (CEC) revealed that the imported grass need intensive chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, soil-

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 37

improving agents, under-strata hardening agents, coagulants and artificial coloring agents to maintain its greenery.

The use of pesticides and other toxic chemicals could endanger the aquifer, the villagers also said.

Capulong said that the water to be used by the AGDC would mean the installation of infrastructures and pump lines which in turn would deprive the community of adequate water supply.

However, a source from the Makati Development Corporation, one of AGDC’s contractors, dismissed Bayan Muna’s warning, saying that AGDC’s operation has complied with international quality and safety standards. Complaints coming from the public are being addressed by the company, he also said.

Last September, the Calamba city council’s environment committee tackled the issue but reportedly missed the whole point about the imminent threat posed by the Ayala project to the water source. This prompted Bayan Muna-ST to urge Mayor Jun Chipeco to declare Barangay Bucal as a protected watershed.

Bayan Muna’s call fell on deaf ears, however.

“Our position is that the water district (CWD) should be a community-based, not a corporate-based agency,” Capulong said. Water, he said, “should be publicly-owned and controlled and there should be enough transparency in its operation and management.

“Water is life and it belongs to the people and nature,” the Bayan Muna leader said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 38, October 24-30, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-38/4-38-waterwar.html. Also published in the book called “Water Privatization: Corporate Control versus People’s Control” by IBON Foundation, 2005

Environmentalists junk Gloria A new alliance of environmentalist groups and individuals is using cyberspace to call for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The anti-administration stand is not only a result of the socalled Gloriagate tapes and the jueteng controversies but also the President’s anti-environment policies and programs.

Can chain letters help in unseating President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?

Environmentalists hope so, thus their decision to use cyberspace to reach out to as many people as possible.

“Using wires and waves, we are going to tell the world that the call for Arroyo to step down (from the presidency) indeed reverberates not only in Manila but also across the country,” geologist Trixie Concepcion, spokesperson of Environmental and Natural Resource Advocates for GMA’s Expulsion!

(Enraged!) said last week. Enraged! is a new alliance of 33 environmentalist groups and individuals.

The chain email letter seeks to refute the President’s claim that she still enjoys the support of the people from the provinces. “Our constituencies on the ground, affected by the anti-environment policies of this fake President, are supportive of the public clamor to get rid of her administration,” Concepcion said. With this initiative, she is expecting to get response from officials in Malacañang.

Arroyo administration not earth-friendly In a statement, Enraged! stressed that the Arroyo administration has failed miserably in terms of environmental protection and natural resource management.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 38

The wanton destruction of the country’s ecosystems has led to prolonged ecological tragedies and Arroyo has not been able to stop or reverse the trend, the alliance said.

They reminded the government’s failure to dispense justice and rehabilitation for the countless victims of Southern Leyte landslides in 2003, Aurora-Quezon flash floods in 2004, the U.S. military toxic contamination in Central Luzon and the Marcopper-Placer Dome mine waste spill in Marinduque.

Since 2001, the Arroyo administration has approved 96,141 hectares of mineral lands under mining agreements and another 166,511 hectares forest lands under large-scale logging agreements. All of these, according to Enraged!, are mainly controlled by foreign transnational mining corporations and big commercial logging firms.

In its unity statement, Enraged! declared, “(Arroyo) has been the primary proponent of environmental plunder with her globalization policies that promote massive resource extraction for profit. Her mining liberalization program and promotion of large-scale commercial logging have displaced hundreds of thousands of Filipinos and resulted in massive devastation of our forest and mountains.”

Environmentalists to join July 25 mass action Clemente Bautista, Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment’s (KPNE) national coordinator, told Bulatlat that some Filipino scientists signed the alliance’s unity statement. Among them are: Dr. Romeo Quijano, a toxicology expert from the College of Medicine in the University of the Philippines (UP) in Manila who was recently a recipient of the Jennifer Altman Awards for his commitment to “science for public interest”; Dr. Rowena Boquiren, a professor in environmental history from UP Baguio; Dr. Milagros Serrana of Miriam College’s Science Department; and Dr. Aloysius Baes, an expert in the field of geochemistry.

Aside from KPNE, Enraged! member-organizations include Samahang Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan (Agham or Association Advancing Science and Technology for the People); Earth Island Institute-Philippines (EII); Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (Masipag or Peasants and Scientists for Agricultural Development); Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC); Brigadang Berde (Green Brigade), Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohya (SIBAT or Spring of Science and Technology); Concerned Citizens Against Pollution (COCAP); Legal Rights and Natural Resources CenterKasama sa Kalikasan (LRC-KsK or Comrades in Nature); Bangon Kalikasan Movement (or Rise Nature); South East Asia Regional Institute for Community Education (SEARICE); People’s Task Force for Bases Clean-Up (PTFBC); Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan sa Pilipinas (KAMP or Association of Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines); Women Education Development Productivity Research (WEDPRO); SALIKA; Salika Task Force Macalajar; Soljus Pax; Luksong Tinik Mountaineering Society; Diopin Communities for Mining Concerns; Center for Cordillera People’s Concerns (CCPC); Earth Savers Movement; Care Foundation; and the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya sa Pilipinas (Pamalakaya, National Unity of Fisherfolk Movement in the Philippines).

Other personalities who expressed solidarity with Enraged! are Prof. Ed Aurelio Reyes of SanibLakas (Joined Strength) Foundation and movie actor Roy Alvarez of Mother Earth Foundation.

The ranks of environmentalists will wear green shirts as they join the anti-administration mass action on July 25 when Arroyo is expected to deliver her State-of-the-Nation-Address (SONA) at the House of Representatives building in Batasan Complex, Quezon City. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 24, July 24-30, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2005/07/30/environmentalists-junk-gloria/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 39

UP study finds toxic metals in Rapu-Rapu mine spill Sediments near the mine tailings spillage in Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay province were found to contain not just cyanide but also heavy metals namely, mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic, which are poisonous to humans and the environment.

Sediments near the mine tailing spillage in Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay province (some 550 kms. from Manila) were found to contain not just cyanide but also heavy metals that are poisonous to humans and the environment.

A laboratory analysis conducted by the Environmental Engineering Unit of the National Engineering Center of the University of the Philippines in Quezon City revealed that all sediment samples are “acidic” and tested positive for the presence of mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium and arsenic, among others. The findings were presented to the media last February 1.

The island-municipality hosts the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project operated by the Australian transnational firm Lafayette Mining Limited – flaunted as the Macapagal-Arroyo government’s “flagship” project to revitalize the mining industry.

Poisonous metals The UP study was commissioned by the Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines (CEC), an ecological research organization that led a fact-finding team last Nov. 12-13 to probe the ecological implications of Lafayette’s mining operations in Rapu-Rapu. The team visited the island’s Barangay Binosawan and collected at least 34 sediment samples from ponds where water was believed to have flowed from the mine site. The group also took samples of the remaining mine tailings from the tailings pond to the shoreline.

Last October 11 and 31, mine wastes contaminated with cyanide spilled to the sea allegedly triggering a fish kill. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) then slapped Lafayette a fine of P10.7 million in violation of the Clean Water Act early last month.

However, the study revealed that the water was contaminated not only by cyanide. Tests revealed a sediment sample that stores mercury at 0.999 part per million (ppm) was found near one of the spots where the spillage took place. This is way beyond the government’s allowable standard of 0.20 ppm for disposal of industrial wastes.

CEC researcher Januar Ong said that the study contradicted Lafayette’s claims that it was not using mercury in its operations.

“Hindi dahilan ang hindi paggamit ng minahan ng mercury kung bakit nagkaroon ng mas mataas na lebel ng mercury sa mga isda sa panukatan ng gobyerno dahil ang naturang mercury ay natural na nananatili sa ilalim ng lupa at/o sa mga bato. Dahil sa pagmimina ng Lafayette, ang malawakang paghuhukay, nailabas ang mga ito at dumaloy kasama ng mine tailings patungong sapa at dagat,” (The company cannot argue that it does not use mercury in its mining operations to escape responsibility for the high levels of mercury found in fishes. In the course of its diggings, Lafayette unearths mercury, which is naturally found in certain areas in the soil and rocks, causing it to flow with the mine tailings towards streams and the sea.) Ong said.

Lafayette is using the “cyanide leaching method”, a rapid manner of extracting gold from the ore, Ong explained.

The UP study, he said, also validates an earlier study made by the Ateneo de Naga University’s Institute of Environmental Conservation and Research (Inecar), which revealed the occurrence of acid mine drainage (AMD) in the area. AMD is polluted water with high levels of iron, aluminum and sulfuric acid that appears yellow-orange in color.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 40

He also pointed out that the said metals are natural parts of rocks excavated for mining. If these were brought to the surface, he said, it could leak or mix with any type of water, including the residents’ drinking source.

Andy Salatan, an instructor from UP’s Institute of Chemistry, said that mercury is a neuro-toxin that can induce cancer, brain damage and abortion among pregnant women. Cadmium destroys the bones and internal organs, while lead can break up the central nervous system. He thinks it is possible for humans to ingest these metals by eating marine animals like fish and shrimps that are caught within contaminated areas. “Actually, ang mga metals na ‘to, tinanggal na sa mga experiments ng General Chemistry dahil sa kanilang mga epekto (These metals have been removed from experiments in General Chemistry because of its effects),” he said.

Against large-scale mining Following the release of CEC’s report, environmentalists and mine-affected people’s organizations has accelerated their demand for the permanent closure of Lafayette’s mining operations in RapuRapu.

The anti-corporate mining alliance called Defend Patrimony! (Movement Against Globalization of Mining Industry, Plunder and Destruction) urged Lafayette to immediately rehabilitate the affected areas, provide medical assistance and compensate the people of Rapu-Rapu for loss of income due to the mining operations and mine spill.

Just recently, the group has found an ally among leaders of the Roman Catholic Church. In its pastoral letter last January 29, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) appealed to the government to stop the 24 large-scale mining projects and to scrap the Mining Act of 1995, a law that place the country’s mineral resources under foreign control and exploitation.

Deploring the Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s efforts to pressure and co-opt the CBCP into reversing its stand against large-scale mining, Trixie Concepcion, spokesperson of Defend Patrimony! stated, “What the people want is a mining policy that is geared towards national industrialization and genuine development, which guarantees environmental protection and respects human rights.”

“We are not against mining per se. What we are opposing is the liberalization of mining…the environmental tragedies now taking place far outweigh the claimed benefits of corporate mining in the country,” Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE) national coordinator Clemente Bautista Jr. said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 1, February 5-11, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-1/6-1-toxic.htm

Factors behind Guinsaugon disaster The crisis facing thousands of survivors of a killer landslide that buried Barangay Guinsaugon in Saint Bernard town, Southern Leyte more than three weeks ago refuses to rest. Despite concerted rescue and retrieval operations by the international aid groups, only 152 bodies were unearthed from the sludge zone while more than 900 individuals are still missing and presumed dead.

Natural calamities do happen, as both disaster managers and environment experts took turns in telling the public that we could have done something to prevent it or reduce its impact.

Yet, vain efforts are carried out only when the damage has been done.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 41

Triggering and conditioning factors Ricarido Saturay Jr., a geologist from the National Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the Philippines (UP-NIGS) believes that the disaster may have been caused by two factors: first, the triggering factors which are the direct and immediate causes and second, the conditioning factors which had already been in place long before the disaster took place.

Fifteen years ago, a parallel catastrophe claimed the lives of 8,000 residents in Ormoc City. Since the horrifying flashfloods and landslides that killed more than 200 people in Panaon Island in December 2003, Saturay said, measures to address both factors were non-existent or at the least, not implemented even after Saint Bernard was identified as “landslide-prone” area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) on that same year.

“The intensity and amount of rainfall would be the most suspect triggering factor,” Saturay explained in a statement. “The reported earthquake could be discounted considering its low magnitude, epicentral distance to the site, and the timing of the two events. The conditioning factors are those that we have good knowledge of, such as weak rocks due to the Philippine Fault zone, thick soils due to the climate and steep slopes. The land cover and land use also fall into this category.”

Budget constraints and lack of personnel are the topmost dilemma and the national government is certainly aware of this.

“In other countries,” Saturay said, “potential amount and intensity of incoming rain has been successfully measured using precipitation radars. A good network of rain gauges sending out near-real time data or even crude locally based rain gauges can give a warning a few hours before a disaster.

However, the PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration) does not have a very good network of rain gauges in the area, much more precipitation radars.”

Saturay said the MGB could have created a detailed geologic hazard map but with its limited resources, it proved to be an impossible endeavor. DENR sources said that the agency has desisted from taking on the task due to complaints that such maps tend to downgrade the value of land properties and thus, discourage investors.

As long as the country’s science and technology remain backward, Saturay said, it would be difficult not only to generate the necessary knowledge to forecast a disaster but also to disseminate these to the public.

Unprepared Every year, the country is battered by at least 317 disasters, according to the Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC). They said the figures have increased in the last decade, from 408 in 1995 to last year’s 440, affecting a total of 9.9 and 10.4 million people respectively.

While the government allocates 30 percent of the annual budget to foreign debt servicing, it spends a measly 0.1 percent for calamity funds.

To make matters worse, CDRC said, funds allocated or donated for the victim’s needs are lost to corruption. The National Disaster and Coordinating Council (NDCC) has to account for the millions of funds and relief aid in the aftermath of Quezon and Aurora tragedies in 2004.

For environmental protection groups, the Macapagal-Arroyo administration should be held liable for the calamity in Saint Bernard, particularly because of its failure to devise a disaster management program at the community level, including geo-hazard information, land-use planning, early warning system and evacuation procedures.

Clemente Bautista Jr., national coordinator of Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE) called for “immediate relocation to safer grounds of communities at risk from landslides and flashfloods, and the provision not only of relief but of alternative livelihood and services to displaced communities.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 42

Plunder as “real state of emergency” KPNE is convenor of Environment and Natural Resource Advocates for Gloria’s Expulsion (Enraged), an alliance of environmentalists calling for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s removal from office.

Illegal commercial logging, for instance, were blamed for denuding the forests of Quezon province.

Experts consider mining liberalization as the culprit behind the devastation of freshwater, mountains and coastal ecosystems.

With large-scale extractive industries for export, Bautista said, the country’s natural resources is on the brink of ruin, while countless people are already deprived of their right to inhale clean air, drink safe water, eat nutritious food and dwell in a hazard-free environment. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 6, March 12-18, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/03/12/factors-behind-guinsaugon-disaster/

Marinduque declared as mining free As Marinduque folks commemorate a decade of mining debacles The people of Marinduque (some 170 kms. south of Manila) marked March 24 as a “day of mourning, unity and action” to remember an ill-fated decade following the infamous Boac River disaster and other mining-related tragedies, considered the worst ever that occurred in Philippine history.

Mine tailings coming from a defective drainage tunnel at the Tapian Pit operated by Marcopper Mining Corp. gushed down from the mountain on March 24, 1996, filling the 30-kilometer Boac River with three million tons of toxic wastes.

On Dec. 6, 1993, a deluge of dam water drowned two children to death in Mogpog town after the collapse of the Maguila-guila siltation dam. Meanwhile, some 36 residents of Calancan Bay died due to diseases believed to have been caused by heavy metal contamination after Marcopper dumped 200 million tons of mine wastes into the river system from 1976 to 1991.

All these serve as a painful reminder that natural resources are not for sale.

During a recent protest gathering in Boac town, church leaders, local government units, academic institutions and multi-sectoral organizations urged the Macapagal-Arroyo administration to put an end to ecological ruin by making their island-province mining-free.

Continuing calvary Last Jan. 31, key leaders in the province, among them Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of the Diocese of Boac, Marinduque Council of Environmental Concerns (Macec) chairman Msgr. Senen Malapad, Gov. Carmencita Reyes and Cong. Edmundo Reyes Jr., endorsed the “Marinduque Declaration”. It demands the removal of the San Antonio Copper Project from Malacañang’s mining priority list and rejection of all pending mining applications in the province.

In a pastoral letter, Evangelista said more than 80 lay leaders and representatives of pastoral councils, diocesan commissions, religious groups and church organizations assembled last month for the First Church People’s Diocesan Colloquium on Social Concerns to draw out activities for the enhancement of advocacy and information work on mining issues. They collectively expressed support for the “Marinduque Declaration” and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) statement calling for the scrapping of Republic Act No. 7942 or Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 43

After three decades of hosting large-scale mining projects such as the Consolidated Mine Project and Tapian Copper Project, Marinduque remains impoverished, ranked as the country’s 14th poorest province with a staggering poverty incidence of 71.9 percent and has the third most denuded forests.

“It (San Antonio Copper Project’s inclusion in the mining priority list) is insulting for us, Marinduqueños, and really shows callous disregard of the national government for the suffering of our children, women and men as a result of large-scale mining,” the declaration read.

“It is quite clear that the government still doesn’t realize the gravity of environmental problems in our province, just don’t care about the poor people’s welfare, or has lost all capacity to function as a sovereign government for the best interest of its people and the nation’s future. Whichever it is or a combination of all three, there resides in the Marinduqueños a deeply-rooted sense of justice and rights and a long history of willingness to fight for those rights in the face of oppression.”

Forsaken Macec’s executive secretary Myke Magalang blamed the executive, legislative and judicial branches for their utter failure to give justice to the victims.

He said that while lawsuits against Marcopper are still pending before the courts, Placer Dome Inc., the Canadian firm that controls Marcopper, fled the country without satisfactorily cleaning-up their mess.

“We had to run after Placer Dome and when we found them in Nevada in the United States, we filed a civil case in that foreign country, a very expensive quest for justice,” Magalang told the media.

Bayan Muna (People First) Party-list Rep. Joel Virador pointed out that the Marinduque catastrophes are glaring cases of neglect that “concretize the pitfalls of the government’s mining liberalization policy”.

“The Philippine Mining Law is a clear case of how this government tailor-fits its own law to serve the interests of foreign multinationals and to be consistent with GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) and the rules of World Trade Organization,” Virador said. “Indeed, it is high-time for us to combine our strength and together say no to the plunder of our finite natural resources.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 8, March 26-April 1, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/04/01/marinduque-declared-as-mining-free-as-marinduquefolks-commemorate-a-decade-of-mining-debacles/

LGU pursues case vs. Marcopper’s new owners The battle of the people of Marinduque to seek compensation for the damage created by Marcopper Mining Corporation, which was then owned by Placer Dome Inc., took a new turn as another corporation, Barrick Gold Corporation, took over.

With Malacañang turning its back on demands for environmental protection, the provincial government of Marinduque decided to file charges against Canadian firm Placer Dome, Inc. (PDI) before a court in Nevada on October 4, 2005. The case is being heard by Judge Brian Sandoval of the Nevada District Court since October 27, 2005. On the same month, the 10th provincial council declared a 50-year moratorium on large-scale mining to give reprieve to the province’s remaining natural bounty and in order to strengthen the case.

The provincial government said that PDI ran Marcopper’s mining operations since 1968 until it divested its interests from the mines in 1997 following the infamous Boac River disaster on March 24, 1996.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 44

Ceasing to exist Based on information obtained by the non-government organization Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (Macec) from official records of the case furnished by the law firm representing the province, on July 19, Judge Brian Sandoval of the U.S. District Court granted the motion of the province to include Barrick Gold Corporation as a defendant in the civil case originally filed against PDI. It was learned that beginning this year, Barrick has acquired 81 percent of PDI’s shares and replaced nine of the twelve members of PDI’s Board of Directors, including the president and chief executive officer; thus, effectively taking full control of all PDI’s Nevada subsidiaries and mines.

In a press release posted on its website, it stated that as of March 15, Barrick completed its acquisition of PDI, securing its position as the world’s leading gold company. As a result, it “now operates in 27 mines around the world and it has an unrivaled pipeline of projects.”

“Placer Dome has apparently ceased to exist, or ceased to exist in any meaningful sense,” James McCarthy, lead counsel for the province of Marinduque, said. “It is no longer incorporated in British Colombia, no longer has any assets or properties in Canada or elsewhere, no longer has any ongoing operations, and has been fully subsumed by (and amalgamated into) Barrick. What Placer Dome once had (both assets and liabilities) has either been transferred to Barrick or been sold by Barrick.”

McCarthy also said that Barrick is liable and responsible for any judgment that the province might obtain against PDI in the case. “Considerations of equity and efficiency, as well as a need for realism, therefore demand that Barrick be joined as a named Defendant in this litigation, if only to insure that no additional proceedings to collect against Barrick are required.”

“Because Barrick has long been aware of this lawsuit, and has long been involved in this lawsuit, it is not prejudiced by its addition as a party. That lack of prejudice is especially obvious in the circumstances of this lawsuit, where – despite its eight month tenure in the courts – no Defendant has filed an answer or given any discovery, even the jurisdictional discovery that Placer Dome now concedes to be proper, and no Defendant has done anything whatsoever to address the merits of this lawsuit,” the lead counsel explained.

Reservations Macec’s executive secretary Miguel Magalang says he’s hopeful that the case will achieve a significant victory for the people. “Otherwise, we can only expect a ceremonial victory against Placer Dome because it has no more assets to use in case the court decides in our favor.”

Though Macec supports the case in Nevada, which they regard as a crucial venue in the struggle for environmental justice, Magalang admits to having some reservations because of the non-inclusion of the directly affected individuals as plaintiffs in the case. If the court decides to grant compensatory awards, he said their group will ensure that the poor victims from mining-affected communities shall be given priority.

Meantime, Macec is set to present a declaration of support to the Nevada case signed by about 9,000 people and a resolution of endorsement from various barangay (village) councils in the province. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 25, July 30-August 5, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/08/05/lgu-pursues-case-vs-marcopper’s-new-owners/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 45

Stewarding the future Since embarking on a one-million signature campaign called “Boto Para sa Inang Bayan” (Vote for Mother Nature) seeking to put an end to commercial logging and mining, the Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources (Haribon) went full-blast with its massive awareness, education and advocacy endeavors. There’s no doubt that this 376-member organization has gained both allies and foes in behalf of our one and only nature. How long will it take for the people to become aware of the need to save the environment?

Protecting nature Protecting nature and converting others to do something about it, Haribon’s executive director Annabelle Plantilla said, is an uphill battle. “Actually, ‘yung mga anak natin ang dapat ine-educate natin. Sila ang dapat maging aware. (We must educate our children. They should become aware.)”

There’s an urgent need to raise public awareness on biodiversity conservation which, according to a survey, is appraised at merely 22% in Metro Manila alone.

“How can we protect our environment if we don’t know anything about it?” she asked assiduously.

Knowledge is still the key that our leaders should grasp. “Ang may malaki pa ring magagawa ay ‘yung mga lider natin (Our leaders have a big responsibility),” Plantilla told this writer. “Dapat maestablish ‘yung link between biodiversity at everyday life (There’s a need to establish the link between biodiversity and everyday life).”

Founded in 1972 when “Philippine environmental movement” was not yet around, Haribon has committed itself to nature conservation through empowering communities, and supporting scientific research. Its journals and books on various subjects has brought them to the halls of Congress lobbying for environment-friendly legislation, or spearheading projects that promote ecological balance. Plantilla said that they were almost everywhere: from schools, churches, offices as well as the tri-media (radio, TV and print). Despite perilous ecological disasters that besieged the country this year, prospects are not so bleak as it seems.

Preserving life Haribon is currently working on its new campaign, dubbed: the “Rainforestation Organizations and Advocates to (ROAD) 2020”, a re-forestation project that aims to cover one million hectares by the year 2020.

Plantilla explains: “We are now down to less than 20% forest cover. Scientifically, we need 58% to regulate ecological processes. Ibig sabihin, ‘yung tubig na iniinom natin, ‘yung ginagamit natin for agriculture at industry comes from the forest...kapag inalis mo ‘yung forests, nawawala ‘yung sponge effect (It means, the water that we drink and use for agriculture and industry comes from the forest...when the forest is denuded, it looses the sponge effect).”

How can you help? Simply by becoming a member or by giving a donation. Simply visit www.haribon.org.ph or call (+632) 434-4642, (+632) 434-4696. Protecting the environment is the best insurance worth inheriting because without it, there would be no life. ### First published in Insurance Manila magazine, Volume 1 Number 1, December 2006 issue, page 20

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 46

Urgently wanted: earth savers The country’s environment is now in peril—with depletion, degradation and pollution at its disturbing pace. Our survival depends on it and without it we would die.

But sadly, past and current regimes failed to address the crisis threatening our nation’s richly endowed natural heritage. What can compel citizens to save the earth?

Land and forest The cultivation of land ensures the population’s food supply and provides raw materials for industrialization.

Being an archipelago, our land has a diverse terrain; thus, both flora and fauna vary. Records show that it has 8,120 species of flowering plants; 3,500 species of indigenous trees; 33 species of gymnosperms and 640 species of mosses. It has 2,400 species and sub-species of fish; 32,500 species of wild fauna; 230 to 240 species and sub-species of mammals; 240 to 250 species and sub-species of reptiles and 950 species and sub-species of birds.

Our forests, meanwhile, play an ecological role in soil and water conservation. It is considered crucial because it impinges on almost all other ecosystems. Some 12 to 15 million indigenous people actually depend on it for their existence.

The devastation of our forests has been the world’s most rapid and massive. Haribon Foundation said less than 8 percent of the country’s land area was covered originally by tropical rainforest in 2001 compared to 70 percent less than a century ago!

Deforestation is not merely caused by logging. Unsustainable tree cutting by foreign logging firms and their local partners, as well as land-use conversion and mismanagement has paved the way for its pillage.

Water and marine resources There is scarcity of water everywhere. Government estimates that roughly 70 percent of Filipino households are not yet benefited by an efficient water system. Majority had water access either by fetching in springs or the poso-negro (communal faucets).

Aside from pollution (some 58 percent of underground wells are said to be contaminated with coliform) and threats on watershed areas, experts warn that our freshwater supply at 1,907 cubic meter per capital per annum is nearing “critical level”. And the irony of it all, government continues issuing water permits and tolerating wastage by big conglomerates in mining, water utilities, gold courses, dams and other industrial factories.

Our coastal and marine ecosystems endow us with food, raw materials and ecological balance. Its marine area measures approximately seven times its land area and has the longest discontinuous coastline in the world (22,450). Some 10 million fishermen and 50 million people depend on the seas for their income.

Inland waters include 421 principal rivers, 69 natural lakes, and over 100,000 hectares of freshwater swamps where about 90 percent of its freshwater resources available for human consumption.

Its rich marine biodiversity is home to around 2,500 fish species. Around 488 coral species in 78 genera can also be found out of the 800 known coral species worldwide. International marine scientists regard our country as the world’s “center of marine biodiversity”, even outdoing the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

The World Bank cited a report by Earth Watch in 1998, which stated that 30 percent of the country’s coral reefs were already dead and 39 percent were dying. Meanwhile, in 2000, representatives of universities at a symposium in Indonesia noted that 95.7 percent of the reefs were

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 47

“in a very bad state” which are believed to be caused by widespread dynamite and cyanide fishing.

Forty of our major river systems are already declared as biologically dead.

Mining Our country is blessed with a wide range of mineral resources and is deemed to be 5th mineralized country in the world (in terms of minerals per unit of area of land). It is second to Indonesia in terms of “geological prospectivity” in Southeast Asia, second to South Africa in gold production, third in copper production, third in gold, fourth in copper, fifth and sixth in nickel and chromite deposits respectively.

Minerals were extracted to supply the demands of both Spanish and American colonial rulers. But today, foreign and local mining firms work in concert to export minerals massively for profit maximization, leaving affected communities in sickness and poverty.

Excavation and ore concentration can trigger the following: destruction of plant, animal and human habitat; silting of lakes and streams; intensified soil erosion; acid mine drainage and heavy metal contamination. Smelting and refining process can release sulphur dioxide, arsenic, lead, cadmium and other toxic substances into air and water.

Through mining operations are seen as “highly destructive” activities, rehabilitation or remediation of mined-over lands have not been addressed. One example is the Marcopper-Placer Dome case in Marinduque. With the onslaught of Mining Act of 1995 that allows and favors foreign owned mining companies to explore, control and utilize our mineral resources, the environment is being led to its doom.

Urbanization and pollution The country has an average of 2.36 percent population growth rate observed in the last eight years.

About 40 million (52 percent) of the total 76 million live in the urban areas. Urban congestion is even projected to rise to 56 million (60 percent) by 2010. In Metro Manila, over 50 percent of its 11 million population thrive in slums or depressed sites. Consequently, urbanization has aggravated the garbage and pollution problem.

Environmentalists acknowledge the role of ordinary citizens in nurturing and conserving our natural resources. Hence, they realize that they should not be alone in making a difference. ### First published in Insurance Manila magazine, Volume 1 Number 4, April 2007 issue. Page 24-25

Environmental crises will make heat harder to beat The environment is already in bad shape, and it can get worse with the climate’s heat that seems hot as hell.

Dead rivers full of debris and poisonous industrial waste, faulty and inadequate sewers, and lack of cheap potable waster systems are making the extreme heat spells hitting Metro Manila even more unbearable for ordinary Filipinos, according to the environmental watch group Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE).

No water Almost all major rivers in the metropolis are considered “biologically dead”, the most infamous of which is the Pasig River. KPNE national coordinator Clemente Bautista Jr. said that 50 out of 421

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 48

rivers, or one out of eight rivers nationwide are incapable of sustaining life and hazardous if used as drinking, recreation or irrigation sources.

“Even if we are literally surrounded by water, Filipinos can not readily use these sources to seek relief from the scorching summer heat. In fact, only 65% of the population is able to source water for domestic consumption, a large portion of which remains unsafe for drinking,” Bautista said.

He called the public’s attention to the health hazards posed by the lack of adequate sewerage systems in the cities, unabated industrial waste and the lack of an effective garbage collection system.

“Only 13% of Metro Manila’s population is connected to centralized sewerage systems. Around 25% of Metro Manila’s garbage ends up clogging rivers, esteros and drainage canals and waterways,” Bautista noted.

People are suffering from the government’s absence of a comprehensive water management system, and a comprehensive rehabilitation and management plan to revive our dying or dead rivers, he said. But while these public officials can afford to cool themselves by staying inside their airconditioned cars and rooms or go on vacation, he said that majority of the poor have to suffer from the lack of basic necessities, such as safe and affordable drinking water.

Green House Gases “Global warming” refers to the rise in the earth’s temperature resulting from an increase in heattrapping gases in the atmosphere.

Scientists say that humans contribute so much to global warming by adding large amounts of heattrapping gases to the atmosphere, known as Green House Gases (GHGs). Fossil fuel use is the main source of these gases. Every time we drive a car, use electricity from coal-fired power plants, or heat our homes with oil or natural gas, we release carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the air.

The second most important source of GHGs is deforestation and other land-use changes.

As the concentration of GHGs grows, more heat is trapped by the atmosphere and less escapes back into space. Such increase in trapped heat alters the climate, causing distorted weather patterns that can bring unusually intense dry spells and more super-typhoons.

Hottest temperature The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) recently recorded 36.8 degrees Centigrade—the hottest temperatures in the country this year, which said to have triggered scattered brownouts due to the sudden surge in power demands. The agency also warned that extreme heat spells would persist until May. Bautista warned that these are just the start of the brunt that millions of poor people would suffer.

Ironically, they’re not the major contributors to global warming, he said, but “dirty” industries and “filthy rich” transnational companies. He pointed out: “In the Philippines, 49% of GHG emissions are from the energy sector primarily from oil industries, power generation and manufacturing industries— many of which are monopolized by foreign transnational companies such as Petron, Shell and Caltex in the oil industry, and Mirant (US), Enron Power Corporation (US) and Far East Livingston (Singapore) in the energy sector with their coal and oil-based power plants.”

Climate change primarily threatens the lives of the poor from underdeveloped and Third World countries worldwide when in fact the United States is the biggest processor and unregulated user of oil and petroleum products all over the world and the number one pollutant of GHGs, emitting more than 25% of all the GHGs, he said.

At present, the Arroyo administration “has not passed or implemented effective policies and programs to reduce the GHG pollution from industrial sources.” ### First published in Insurance Manila magazine, Volume 1 Number 5, May 2007 issue, page 24

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 49

Dam project threatens Sierra Madre – Laguna folk The Sierra Madre Water Corporation plans to create a “multi-river hydropower cum bulk water” that would divert water and alter the five natural rivers flowing from the Sierra Madre mountain range all the way to Lamon Bay. Sierra Madre is the country’s longest mountain range, which starts in Cagayan Valley province in the north and ends in Laguna-Quezon in the south. With around 1.5 million hectares of forest, it is listed as one of the more important biodiversity sites in the world. Ecological groups believe its vast terrain shields the entire Luzon island from devastating typhoons originating from the Pacific Ocean. In addition, its rich water and mineral resources are important contributions to the national economy.

Significantly, the need for rehabilitation, reforestation, protection and conservation of the mountains is given due recognition when “Save Sierra Madre Day” was declared on September 26, 2011, exactly two years after typhoon Ondoy struck Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

With another “development” project called “Sierra Madre Dam” or “Sierra Madre Water Corp 35 MW Multi-River Hydropower Cum Bulk Water,” the mountains seem to face a new threat to its existence. The proponents of the project are seeking approval to proceed.

Water, energy for sale Hydropower is a form of renewable energy that uses moving or flowing water. Through Republic Act No. 9513 or Renewable Energy Act of 2008, the government promotes the development, utilization, and commercialization of renewable energy resources.

Proposed by the Sierra Madre Water Corporation (SMWC), the project is designed to generate 35 million watts of electricity and supply water to Metro Manila consumers. Like other public-private oriented “development” projects under the build-operate-transfer scheme, this would make water sources owned and controlled by private businesses.

According to a primer on facts released by VIA Energy-Environment Consultancy, a copy of which was obtained by Bulatlat.com, SMWC plans to create a “multi-river hydropower cum bulk water” that would divert water and alter the five natural rivers flowing from the Sierra Madre mountain range all the way to Lamon Bay. To achieve this, the company intends to build and operate a power plant, a holding pond, weirs and dams, as well as tunnels and pipelines.

The project would target the Laguna-Quezon portion of the mountain range, which covers thousands of hectares of forested, agricultural and ancestral land in adjoining rural towns of Pangil (82 kilometers east of Manila), Pakil and Paete in Laguna, including Real in Quezon.

“The weirs will be constructed at the rivers Tatacpo and Salasalaban (Real) and Tandong and Dakil (Paete). An embankment dam will be put up in Pangil River (Pangil), and another in Tibag River (Real),” the VIA stated in the primer.

Project proponents argued that hydropower is “clean energy” because it does not burn fossil fuels nor produce solid wastes, adding that the water used for energy could also be used for irrigation, potable water and other needs that would help ease the country’s water crisis.

The VIA, however, said the project “may have some negative impacts on the environment”. They said diverting water and altering river flow could gravely affect the people—farmers, settlers and Dumagat tribal folks—including the vegetation, wildlife and aquatic life dependent on the water resource; and that construction alone could lead to displacement and damage to their way of life.

Risky business The pristine quality of water coming down from the mountain continues to attract tourists and trekkers to visit Laguna, particularly Buruwisan Falls in Siniloan, Ambon-Ambon Falls in Pangil,

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 50

natural springs in Pakil, and Matabungka Falls in Paete. Meanwhile, Balabag Falls in Real, Quezon is also a known destination.

A concerned citizens’ group called Save Sierra Madre, Save the People…No to Dams Movement said the local tourism industry could die if the dam project starts to spoil these natural beauties.

Bearing in mind lessons from heavy monsoon rains and floods, they launched a petition early this year urging municipal government executives and legislative bodies to pass resolutions opposing the project.

The group cited a study by Project HANDA (Hazard Notification, Dissemination and Awareness) of the Department of Science and Technology Region 4-A identifying cities and towns surrounding Laguna Lake, namely: San Pedro, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Calamba, Los Baños, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Santa Cruz, Lumban, Paete, Pakil, Pangil and Mabitac in Laguna; and Angono, Binangonan, Cardona, Morong, Baras, Tanay, Pilila and Jala-Jala in Rizal, as “shore flooding high risk areas.” The Kaliraya Dam and Botocan Dam, both active hydropower plants in Lumban and Majayjay-Luisiana towns, are already releasing water into the lake and an additional dam, the group said, could cause its water to rise further at alarming levels.

The group warned that communities living in dam-affected areas could be prone to disasters bigger and deadlier than the supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013. Dam construction involves submerging lands and homes to make way for reservoirs. They said that logging, digging, blasting and drilling activities may trigger ground shaking and landslides in areas near or within the Infanta faultline and Valley Fault System mapped by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

In a statement, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance)-Laguna chapter said the proposed dam is “a threat to nature as well as the people’s rights and safety” and encouraged local citizens to protest against it. As in the past, the benefits of the dam, they said, are deliberately exaggerated to cover up real experiences such as economic and cultural degradation of evicted farmers, settlers and indigenous people; no or negligible compensation for their loss; and quelling popular resistance.

“Let us assert the livelihood and rights of our people, and protect Sierra Madre’s remaining forests and other natural resources from greedy hands,” Bayan-Laguna said. “Clean water is a basic need for life, not a business by a few who salivates to gain huge profits.” ### First published in Bulatlat, March 14, 2014 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2014/03/14/dam-project-threatens-sierra-madre-laguna-folk/

Bishops, groups say no to reclamation Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle encouraged people to be “stewards of God’s creation,” and signed a petition to oppose the Laguna Lake Expressway Dike Project.

PARAÑAQUE CITY – “The destruction of natural resources means the destruction of our fellow human beings. Lives will be devastated if we do not utilize it correctly.”

This was the message of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle during the mass for the opening of the “Season of Creation 2014” at Baclaran Church last September 1, which was attended and participated by thousands of church goers.

This year’s monthly-long event focused on the social and environmental impacts of wide–scale reclamation projects in lakes, rivers, shore lines and watersheds. To highlight this, various people’s

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 51

organizations discussed their experiences and advocacies, performed cultural presentations, and set up photo exhibits within the vicinity.

Ronnel Arambulo, a member of Save Laguna Lake Movement (SLLM) and coordinator of Pamalakaya-Binangonan chapter (National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organization in the Philippines), tackled the plight of fisherfolk in coastal areas surrounding the 90,000- hectare Laguna Lake. He said urban poor families residing in Metro Manila, Rizal and Laguna are threatened by demolitions of shanties that would result to their displacement.

Dumping land into the water to create new ground, he said, has caused the narrowing of the original extent of the lake for fishing purposes. “Reclamation is one of the problems why many fisherfolk like us continue to live in poverty. Unlike before, now we could not catch a sustainable amount of fish.”

Aside from holding fluvial parades and forums to raise public awareness on the lake’s importance, SLLM is also lobbying in government agencies and collecting signatures to a petition against the proposed Laguna Lake Expressway Dike, a P122 billion ($2.772 billion) project that would reclaim hundreds of meters of the lake’s shoreline.

Arambulo appealed to citizens and the government to initiate concrete measures to protect the homes and livelihood of fisherfolk who depend on the lake for survival, instead of pushing for “development” projects that will only benefit corporate interests.

Meanwhile, a concerned citizens’ group called Alliance for Stewardship and Authentic Progress (ASAP) said in a statement that Manila Bay Reclamation Projects will gravely affect not only cities within Metro Manila but also portions of Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan, including the 635hectare Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat Ecotourism Area, regarded as the “last coastal frontier.”

ASAP is one of the groups that formed the People’s Network for the Integrity of Coastal Habitats and Ecosystems (People’s NICHE).

Under the public-private partnership program, the national government plans to reclaim these areas and allow big private investors to build high-end residential subdivisions, business and commercial zones, golf courses, as well as a casino and resort complex.

Church leaders had already presented their opposition to the Manila Bay Reclamation Projects in a letter addressed to President Benigno Aquino III dated November 19, 2013. This was signed by 21 bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila representing dioceses in affected cities and provinces: Manila, Parañaque, Cubao, Novaliches, Pasig, Kalookan, Malolos in Bulacan, Imus in Cavite, Antipolo in Rizal, San Pablo in Laguna and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Collectively, they said: “We believe that the project will have far-reaching consequences for the people and for the ecosystem in these areas.”

“Wouldn’t it be wiser to boost tourism, cultural architectures, and to restore old historical sites and buildings, rather than build on reclaimed land to the detriment of the livelihood of people and the environment? The money for reclamation can better be spent for increasing and improving basic services to the people and for the protection of our ecosystems that can enhance ecotourism, employment opportunities and above all restore ecological balance,” the letter stated. ### First published in Bulatlat, September 5, 2014 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2014/09/05/bishops-groups-say-no-to-reclamation/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 52

Dumagats, advocates urge public to be mindful of protecting Sierra Madre The aggravating plunder and destruction of the mountains are fanning the flames of people’s protest.

ANTIPOLO CITY – Covering a vast land surface from Cagayan in the north to Laguna-Quezon in the south, the Sierra Madre is the country’s longest mountain range. Its teeming rivers, falls, springs and other resources not only provide sustenance to people living in the uphill, slopes and borders but also benefit the urban population as well.

As one of the world’s biodiversity centers, its 1.4 million hectares (or 40 percent of the country’s total forest cover) is home to a great number of endemic species, including our national treasure, the endangered “haring ibon” (king of birds) or Philippine Eagle.

Ecological groups believe the mountains, despite its fragile state, shield Luzon Island from devastating typhoons originating from the Pacific Ocean. The impacts of flood-causing heavy rains triggered by typhoon Ondoy in 2009 have turned the importance of preserving its remaining forests into a matter of public concern.

Though President Benigno Aquino III has proclaimed September 26 as “Save Sierra Madre Day”, his administration hypocritically allows the further destruction of the mountain range by big foreign and local corporations through its Private-Public Partnership (PPP) program. This is according to affected communities and concerned sectors that assembled on the same date this year to form an alliance, aptly called Protect Sierra Madre.

Threatened biodiversity, resources “The mountains serve as a natural pharmacy, food source, and sacred ancestral ground for our indigenous folk,” the green group Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE) said in its solidarity message. “High mountains also hold hidden mineral reserves, which, if the people would develop based solely on their needs, could serve as a platform for our genuine development and industrialization.”

The group revealed that the Sierra Madre has three national parks and 10 protected areas, two of which are found in the Southern Tagalog region—the Quezon Protected Landscape and the Upper Marikina Basin Protected Landscape. These protected areas cover more than 27,000 hectares of land and forests.

Our country relies on the mountains for renewable energy, but “neoliberal” policies under past and present regimes have turned over the control and utilization of these resources into the hands of profitoriented businesses.

These include: Metro Manila Waterworks and Sewerage Systems’ New Centennial Water SourceKaliwa Dam project in Tanay, Rizal; Sierra Madre Water Corporation’s 35-million watt multi-river hydropower cum bulk water project in Pakil, Pangil and Paete in Laguna, and Real in Quezon; and Green Circle Properties’ Pacific Coast Cities project in General Nakar in Quezon and Dingalan in Aurora, among others.

Will the people benefit from the construction and operation of these dams and other “development” projects?

Dr. Giovanni Tapang, a physicist and national president of AGHAM (Advocates of Science and Technology for the People), said these PPP-initiated projects would do good only for big compradors, foreign investors and President Aquino himself.

In a forum attended by Dumagat-Remontado folk, students, church people and environmental advocates, he explained how large dams, if damaged or not properly built, could cause flooding in downstream communities.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 53

Dams also involve submerging of rich biodiversity sites, including species with medicinal properties waiting to be discovered. Dr. Tapang said that once it is gone, we would not be able to restore it. “The Sierra Madre came into being after millions of years, along with all the species of flora and fauna that evolved with it…If these are destroyed, it’s like the whole world has suffered a huge loss,” he warned.

The physicist pointed out that affected indigenous people’s right to their ancestral domain and selfdetermination should be the basis for any development plan or initiative.

The KPNE, in addition, explained the concept of national patrimony: “The country’s natural wealth should primarily serve the interests of its citizens, to have a sustainable agriculture, to conserve nature and build industries that would create more jobs and develop our lives.”

Suffering of stewards Since 2003, the United Nations’ (UN) General Assembly has recognized the key role of indigenous people, settlers and poor peasants as stewards of the mountains, especially in maintaining ecosystems and providing environmental services.

According to Kakay Tolentino of Katribu Partylist, what endangers them from taking responsibility or fulfilling such role, apart from worsening hunger and landlessness, are the continuing ethnocide, forced evacuations and harassments by military and paramilitary elements.

The brutal massacre of school head Emerito Samarca as well as Lumad leaders Dionel Campos and Bello Sinzo in Lianga, Surigao del Sur last September 1, she said, has aroused public outrage on the Aquino government’s counter-insurgency campaign that victimizes innocent and unarmed civilians.

UN special rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Victoria Tauli-Corpuz disclosed that 100 indigenous people were already killed while defending their lands and environment over the past three years alone.

“We’re not turning our backs on development but the government should consider our own development as well,” Dumagat-Remontado leader Arnel delos Santos said. “We just want to live peacefully in the rural areas, but why are they demolishing our homes?”

He denounced the “inutility of the NCIP” (National Commission for Indigenous Peoples) and its obvious collusion with big local and foreign corporations to deceive and divide the indigenous people.

And despite the brutal killing of his father, anti-dam activist Nicanor “Kano” delos Santos, in December 2001, he told supporters that their unity remain strong even under difficult situations.

“For as long as dam proponents repeatedly and seriously push through with the project, we will also repeatedly and seriously stand our ground to oppose it. We’re not afraid of their attempts to suppress us since our goal is for the welfare of our fellow Dumagat-Remontado folk,” he said. ### First published in Bulatlat, October 13, 2015 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2015/10/13/dumagats-advocates-urge-public-to-be-mindful-ofprotecting-sierra-madre/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 54

PART TWO: PEOPLE’S ISSUES “Ipinakita na sa kasaysayan na kapag sinusupil ang malayang pamamahayag, unti-unting namamatay ang diwa ng demokrasya.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 55

Health insurance not adequate for medical expenses The National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) is not adequate to cover all the medical expenses of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) members.

According to the Council for Health and Development (CHD), a network of community based health programs, medical payment benefits and health care coverage are limited. Only around 30% of current health care costs are shouldered by PhilHealth. Thus, a large portion of the medical expenses will still be shouldered by the patient even after paying regular contributions.

PhilHealth grants only P55-P145 per day for room and board, P595-P4,170 for medicines per confinement, P300-P750 for doctor’s fees per confinement, and P7,080 maximum coverage for a surgeon’s fee.

Meanwhile, current charges at Philippine General Hospital ranges at P180 per day for a six-bed ward, P15,415 for a 10-day treatment with intravenous amoxiclav (an antibiotic like Augmentin), P300-P500 for a consultation by a specialist, and P10,000 for surgeon’s fee for a simple appenectomy.

Before a member gets to avail of the benefits or reimbursement of expenses for medical services, they have to make regular contributions to PhilHealth which is done through automatic salary deductions or direct payments.

Last year, former Department of Health Secretary Alberto Romualdez has admitted the sad state of the country’s health situation in a report on the Health Sector Reform Agenda (HSRA). ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 3 Number 12, April 2001 issue, page 6

SSS service normalizes After Malacañang’s removal of Social Security System (SSS) president Vitaliano Nañagas II from his post last August 2, striking employees of the state pension fund has reported for duty and make up for the lost time.

While thousands of employees were ecstatic with Nañagas’s ouster (who has incidentally been reassigned to head the Development Bank of the Philippines, another quasi-government corporation), they expressed apprehension over the plan to privatize the SSS under a new president.

Meanwhile, militant groups said that SSS personnel should now shift their focus on improving its services as a worker-funded institution by taking steps in cutting down corruption and the use of SSS funds for vested interests. SSS has a total of P180 billion pension fund.

A paralyzing nationwide strike was conducted a day earlier by the Alert and Concerned Employees for Better SSS (Access) together with executives which demanded for Nañagas’s resignation due to alleged mismanagement and strong-arm tactics. To relieve the tension, the Arroyo administration announced the latter’s replacement by Corazon dela Paz, former head of the global accounting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 2 & 3, AugustSeptember 2001 issue, page 6

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 56

GSIS officials receive exorbitant salaries & benefits—COA The Commission on Audit (COA) disclosed recently that top officials of the state pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) receive as much as P724,000 ($14,145) in Christmas bonus apart from their already “highly anomalous” monthly salaries.

According to a recent report, COA said that the GSIS president and members of the board of trustees each get a Christmas bonus of P723,968. In addition, executives get a monthly take-home pay amounting to hundreds of thousands, which is even higher than the salary of the President of the Philippines who gets roughly P50,000 monthly.

The GSIS president, with a salary grade of 31, receives monthly pay of P564,869.55 which includes a basic salary of P356,979.

The lowest-paid GSIS employee or laborer, who has a salary grade of 3, gets a monthly take-home pay of P27,021.50 including his basic salary of P14,670. On the average, the salaries and allowances of GSIS executives and employees are about eight to ten times more than their counterparts in other government agencies.

In reaction, Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Crispin Beltran called for amendments in the GSIS charter to remove the legal basis that justifies the “exorbitant” salaries.

“This is one charter change the people can approve of. It should be overhauled to ensure that GSIS officials and the GSIS board will not be colluding to increase their respective salaries and benefits,” the labor leader-solon said.

A few months ago, Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo ordered officials of government financial institutions (including GSIS) to voluntarily cut their salaries after reports that top officials were getting hundreds of thousands in monthly salaries. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 4, October 2001 issue, page 6

Another unjustifiable SLEX toll hike The increase in toll at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) next week is sure to irritate a lot of motorists. The current fee is high enough now for most people and increasing it further should make a lot of household budgets run short. To think that the service being provided by the SLEX is not even satisfactory.

A person doesn’t need to live in the southern areas to feel the hassles of using the SLEX. Just one trip would do. Traffic is a constant problem. The Skyway was supposed to ease that problem, for a price of course. But the problem remains while motorists pay a hefty price for the Skyway’s unfulfilled promise of a shorter trip. Skyway users still get caught in traffic just like everybody else.

What’s the point of paying P65 then?

Now, to add insult to injury, they will have to cough up more money to use the SLEX. The toll increase is set for July 1, 2002. But the SLEX’s performance does not even justify the present toll.

The Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC) and the Toll Regulatory Board just cannot handle this problem. Or maybe they deliberately overlook the annoyance that high, unjustified fees bring to the average motorist.

Still, there are people who see this problem and look for ways to stop it. Even if just to bring it to the attention of those who can really stop the toll hike.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 57

I am hoping that more people will speak up on this issue.

Letter to the editor first published in Philippine Daily Inquirer, Volume 17 Number 201, Saturday June 29, 2002 issue, page A10

False hope Dear Editor: The coming South Luzon Expressway toll fee hike to be imposed next week is sure to irritate a lot of motorists using the Slex. The current fee is high enough now for most people and increasing it further should make a lot of household budgets go short. The problem is that the service being provided by the Slex is not even satisfactory considering the current toll fee being imposed on Slex users.

A person need not life in the southern areas to feel the hassle of using the Slex—a one-way trip through it should do. Traffic is a constant factor. The Skyway was supposed to deal with that problem, for a price of course.

The problem arises when motorists pay a hefty price for the Skyway’s unfulfilled promise of a shorter trip. Skyway users still get caught in traffic just like everybody else.

What’s the point of paying P65 then?

Now, just like adding injury to insult, I will have to cough up more money to use the Slex. The toll increase is set for July 1, 2002, and the Slex’s performance does not justify the demand for higher toll fees; Slex’s performance does not even justify the current toll fee.

The Philippine National Construction Corp. and the Toll Regulatory Board just could not deal with this problem. Or maybe they deliberately overlook the annoyance that high, unjustified toll fees bring to the average motorist.

Still, there are people who see this problem and look for ways to stop it. Even if just to bring it to the attention of those who can really stop the toll fee hike.

I am hoping that more would speak up for this cause.

Letter to the editor first published in The Daily Tribune, Volume 3 Number 110, Saturday June 29, 2002 issue, page 5

Plebisito sa paghahati ng barangay sa San Pedro, sinuspindi ng Comelec SAN PEDRO, Laguna – Pansamantalang napatigil ang nakatakdang plebisito sa Bgy. San Vicente sa bayang ito para sa paghahati ng barangay at paglikha ng pitong bago.

Apat na araw bago ang nakatakdang botohan noong ika-31 ng Agosto ay kinansela ng Kawanihan sa Halalan (Comelec) ang nasabing gawain. Ito ay dahil sa petisyon sa Regional Trial Court na naguungkat tungkol sa bisa (validity) ng Panlalawigang Ordinansa Bilang 358 na nagbibigay ng kapangyarihan sa una na isagawa ang plebisito para mabatid kung sang-ayon o hindi ang mga tagabarangay sa panukala.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 58

Ordinansa para sa paghihiwalay Ang nasabing ordinansa ay naglalayong mapabuti ang paghahatid ng batayang serbisyo para sa mga taga-San Vicente sa pamamagitan ng panukalang paglikha ng pitong bagong barangay.

Ang mga lilikhaing mga barangay ay ang sumusunod: Pacita I (Pacita I, San Vicente Village, Villa Paz I, Maligaya 1, 2 at 4); Rosario (Rosario Complex); Maharlika (Adelina II & II-A, Mercedes Homes I); San Lorenzo Ruiz (Guevara Subdivision, Pacita II-A at II-B); Fatima (Elvinda Village, Olivarez Homes, Console 3, Console 12); Pacita II (Pacita I Phase I, Pacita Square Phase 2, Villa Castillo, Sto. Niño Village, Villa Paz II, Mercedes V, Pacita II-C); at Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum Village, Maligaya 5 at 6).

Ang San Vicente naman ay bubuuin ng Barangay Proper, Villa Milagrosa, Villa Olympia, Stone Crest at Sityo Bayan-Bayanan (San Isidro Labrador).

Nagpahayag ang Comelec sa isang pagdinig sa nasabing usapin na makatwiran ang pansamantalang pagpapatigil ng plebisito habang inuungkat pa kung may bisa ang ordinansang naguutos ng botohan.

Sa isang pulong balitaan, inihayag ng isang pangkat ng mga pinuno at kasapi ng isang homeowner’s association ang kanilang pagkayamot sa di-natuloy na botohan.

Ayon kay Ray Junia, tagapagsalita ng grupo at pinuno ng United for the Restoration of Law and Justice (URLJ), “Dahil sa laki ng sukat ng lupa ng barangay, ang pamamahala sa paghahatid ng mga batayang serbisyo—kapayapaan at kaayusan, kalusugan, kalinisan—ay nananatiling kulang.

Naniniwala ang komunidad na ang paghahatid ng batayang serbisyo ay mapapaunlad kung ang barangay ay paghihiwalayin sa mas mapangangasiwaang sukat.”

Sinabi pa niya na ang kahilingang ito ng komunidad ay kinikilala ng pamahalaang lalawigan nang ipasa nito ang Ordinansa Bilang 358 noong 1997.

Sinisisi ng pangkat si Norvic Solidum, bagong halal na tagapangulo ng barangay at mga konsehal nito dahil sa mga hakbang nila na diumano’y humahadlang sa pagdaraos ng botohan sa bisa ng isang petisyon sa korte.

“Sa paggamit ng mga korte, nagtagumpay si Solidum na i-delay ang plebisito at sa proseso’y hadlangan ang kalooban ng mga mamamayan,” dagdag pa ni Junia.

Wala nang bisa Sa isang pampublikong pahayag, ipinaliwanag ni Solidum na ang plebisito ay hindi na maaaring maganap dahil lumipas na ang 90 araw na palugit na itinakda matapos noong ipasa ang nasabing ordinansa.

“Ito’y paso na at walang bisa, patay na at hindi na puwedeng buhayin sa pamamagitan lamang ng amyenda. Ang nararapat ay bagong ordinansa,” pahayag ni Solidum.

Ayon sa kanya, alam ni Punong Bayan Felicisimo Vierneza na hindi wastong ganapin ang plebisito habang may usaping legal.

“Ang mamamayan (ng San Vicente) ay pinaniwala niya na matutuloy ang plebisito. Ang kalungkotlungkot pa’y pinaasa niya ang marami sa ating kabarangay na hihirangin niya bilang mga kapitan at mga kagawad at sila nama’y naniwala at lubhang umasa,” sabi ni Solidum.

Binigyang diin pa niya na hindi siya tumututol na maging ganap na barangay ang mga subdivision at purok basta ito’y naaayon sa “tama at wastong pamamaraan.”

Ang San Vicente ay binubuo ng 28 na bahayan, dalawang sitio at pitong sub-sitio. Ayon sa National Statistics Office (NSO), ito’y may populasyon na 80,401 (taong 2000) at may sukat na 665 ektarya, na tinuturing na pinakamalaking barangay sa nasabing bayan sa dami ng tao at sukat (halos 1/3 ang sakop nito sa 2,265 ektaryang sakop ng bayan).

Noong taong 2000, tumanggap ang barangay ng taunang Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) na nagkakahalaga ng 14 milyong piso. Dahil sa patuloy na pagdagdag ng naninirahan, ipinapalagay ng ilan na pumapangalawa na ang San Vicente bilang pinakamalaking barangay sa buong bansa sa tema ng populasyon.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 59

Mabilis ang paglaki ng populasyon ng San Vicente dahil ginagawang tirahan ng mga tagamalayong lalawigan na may trabaho o kalakal sa Kalakhang Maynila ang mga bahayang matatagpuan sa barangay.

Ayon kay Cesar Villamaria, Executive Officer ng barangay, ang dami ng botante sa San Vicente ay may kahalagahan sa pulitika at ekonomiya. “In terms of voting population, malaki ang potensyal nito, kaya ito (San Vicente) ang madalas na nililigawan ng mga pulitiko,” wika pa niya. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 7 Bilang 36, Setyembre 13-19, 2002 isyu, pahina 2

Poverty, terror and globalization hurt most families Families today are being torn by widespread poverty, terror and globalization. And President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who led the nation in celebrating the 4th World Meeting of Families last week, has been asked to junk her pro-globalization policies which have torn millions of families apart in her own country.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who last week led the celebration of the 4th World Meeting of Families (WMF) in Manila has been asked to look into her globalization policies that ironically torn millions of families apart in her own country.

Militant groups led by the women’s alliance, Gabriela, said families today are being torn by widespread poverty, terror and globalization owing to Macapagal-Arroyo’s own globalization policies.

In a parallel activity called the “Parade of the Filipino Family,” Gabriela secretary-general Emmi de Jesus called the president’s globalization policies as a malady wreaking many Filipino families, mainly the small peasants and workers comprising majority of our population.

Globalization, De Jesus said, has made prices of basic services and commodities soar, rendering them inaccessible to the poor. “At kapag nakakahanap ng boses upang mag-protesta ang mga pamilyang ito, sinasagot ito ng terorismo ng estado” (whenever these families rise up to protest, they encounter terrorism of the state), she said.

“Now is the time to highlight the true and miserable face of the Filipino family: one that is being shattered by poverty and violence,” she said during the parade.

The Gabriela leader also cited government programs seen to be “anti-family,” such as the laborexport policy resulting in the departure of at least 2,383 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) every day last year. “Wala namang makuhang regular na trabaho at disenteng sahod ang ating mga manggagawa kaya’t tinitiis na lang nilang magkahiwa-hiwalay ang pamilya kaysa nga naman samasama silang mamatay ng dilat sa gutom” (Our workers do not get regular and decent jobs here so they go abroad with a heavy heart, instead of seeing themselves die of hunger with eyes open), she said.

The Roman Catholic Church-sponsored WMF was a worldwide gathering of families to enable them to pray, dialogue, learn, share and deepen their understanding and appreciation of the family. The meeting takes place every three years upon the invitation of Pope John Paul II, head of the Church.

A changing face A narrow viewpoint sees the family to be a group of persons, regardless of number, who live in the same house, under the authority of a head who furnishes the means by which the members of the group subsist.

In a broad sense, however, it is a group of persons united together by ties of marriage and blood.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 60

The New Family Code, which was enacted into law by then President Corazon Aquino, defines marriage as “a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlements may fix the property relations during the marriage within the limits provided by this Code.”

In a recent study, the NGO Parent’s Alternative Inc., entitled Ang Relasyong Mag-asawa (Marital Relations), offers an alternative model of marriage: “a special union of two individuals having sufficient maturity as well as physical, emotional, social, intellectual and economic preparedness; in union in accordance to mutually-accepted ritual or belief; having certain goals and directions; has a definite role in social transformation and depends on each other with regards their development as a whole.”

PAI’s concept recognizes the equal rights and welfare of each of the couple. Roles and tasks are identified through discussions and are not dictated by perceived strengths and weaknesses of sex.

Second, it seeks to respect the individual’s choice whomever he/she wants to be with as long as they fulfill each other’s happiness and worth.

Third, couples are allowed free to set the contents of their own agreement without any pressure.

Decision making is based on discussion and mutual agreement.

Fourth, it emphasizes the active participation of families in struggling for social change.

Fifth, it values maturity and preparedness to lead a successful marriage.

Nowadays, even children are forced to marriage against their will due to inconsequential reasons (such as early pregnancy or loss of virginity).

Lastly, couples should freely choose when to have a family. Bearing children should not be viewed as a natural product of marriage but a product as a result of their preparedness to provide love and care to another individual, the PAI study says. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 1, February 2-8, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-1/3-1-families.html

House bill vs. sex trafficking awaits Senate OK A House bill which aims to punish sex trafficking is awaiting approval in the Senate, to be followed by a possible consolidate bill. If enacted, says author Rep. Liza Maza of Bayan-Muna, will go a long way toward saving thousands of Filipino women – as well as children – from this social menace. It is just a first step, Maza cautions, however.

Stories of young Pinays (Filipino women) escaping from prostitution dens in Asia, Africa and Europe have hugged the mainstream television and newspapers.

There was in the ‘80s PHILNOR, a Norway-based marriage bureau, which supplied Norwegian men with “small, beautiful, kind and mild” Filipino women, as its advertisement went.

Then there was the case of Lisa Mamac which painted a lucid picture of the realities of sex trafficking.

Promised a job as a receptionist, Lisa was forced to work in different sex clubs in The Netherlands for three years. She escaped when Dutch police raided the brothel. In 1985, she made a statement against her Dutch recruiter Jan Schoeman, and when she came home, she filed a case against her Filipino recruiter Nestor Placer, a city fiscal.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 61

The militant women’s alliance GABRIELA (General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership and Action) stood then with Lisa as she went through her fight. Public campaigns pressured both the Philippine and Dutch courts for a speedy dispensation of justice for Lisa. In the end, Schoeman was charged with white slavery in the Philippine court, deported to Holland and condemned to serve time in prison.

Nothing new Sex trafficking is the transport of people, mainly women and children, from one place to another within and across borders, for sex trade and sexual exploitation. Most cases reported in the media reveal that victims were forced into the sex trade by use of threat, intimidation and deception. Under harsh circumstances, victims end up in prostitution.

The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) estimates that 25,000 to 35,000 Filipinas are trafficked every year throughout the world and that 200,000 of them are in the global sex trade.

“We saw for ourselves how sex trafficking denigrates women as persons. How it denigrates a woman physically and mentally affecting the survivor’s psyche – deeply enough to maim them for life – even when legal justice is carried out,” GABRIELA’s Hedda Calderon said, adding that sex trafficking is, “a social and a criminal felony that reinforces women as commodities and sex objects.”

The continuing social and political crisis has brought rapid and unhampered control of wealth and power by the elite, where livelihood opportunities for most Filipinos range from slim to none. It is this vast sea of poverty that forces women and children to allow their bodies to be abused by men just to earn a living.

NCRFW’s television “info-mercials” which are supposed to laud women’s empowerment appears nothing but a pretense of virtue, however, as many women are still constantly sold for sex in growing numbers.

Legislation efforts After several decades, lawmakers have finally taken the problem of trafficking of Filipino women seriously.

In 2002, Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Liza Largoza-Maza authored and filed House Bill 4432, otherwise known as the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” which seeks to legally ban sex trafficking.

It has since then gained the support of many members of Congress.

The bill states that forms and venues of sex trafficking include: “recruiting women and children for military prostitution; mail-order brides system; trafficking for purposes of making them ‘comfort women’; knowingly leasing or subleasing space used for sex trafficking; production, printing and other forms of documents and certificates, advertising and promoting, assisting in misrepresentation or fraud for exit documents, facilitating or helping exit or entry for sex trafficking; confiscating, concealing, or destroying sex trafficked person’s documents; patronizing, buying, or engaging the services of persons especially women and children for sexual exploitation; and, benefiting from forced labor and slavery.”

Maza said that the House still waiting for the bill’s approval in the Senate, to be followed by a bicameral conference to consolidate two versions of the bill. The activist-solon noted that the bill, if passed into law, would be a big help for the victims.

“The victims would have a legal basis for filing a case. In most of the incidents, the perpetrators go scot-free because of the ambiguities in the law, or it has become so prevalent and at times, already widely accepted,” Maza said.

In a comparative study on the two versions of the bill, Emily Cahilog, national coordinator of the Purple Rose Campaign, which is a global movement against sex trafficking, told Bulatlat.com that there are slight disparities in its definition of terms.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 62

“The use of trafficked persons vis a vis victims of trafficking may become a contentious issue. In the definition of trafficking, both versions recognize that trafficking may be done through legal or illegal means, forced or not forced, or with or without the victim’s consent. In this case, the Senate version use of trafficked persons in the title is near to the definition stated in both versions of the bill,” says Cahilog.

GABRIELA, which has supported Maza’s efforts, however, believes that the issue of sex trafficking goes beyond Congress.

“Legislation is but a measure to define the crime and provide punishment for the perpetrators. This would be rendered moot and useless without addressing the more basic issues of ever-narrowing employment opportunities for women and the social and cultural structures that push women to be easy preys of sex trafficking,” GABRIELA deputy secretary general Emmi de Jesus says. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 9, March 30-April 5, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-9/3-9-sextrafficking.html

New Act protects women, minors from human trafficking A new Act gives more teeth to existing laws against the trafficking of women and minors. It also puts an end to the institutionalized gender bias of identifying the prostitute as only a “woman,” leaving promoters, coddlers and customers of white slavery scot-free.

A 10-second public advocacy message broadcast recently on a local cable T.V. channel reveals a naked young woman, presumably beaten and abused, whose arms and legs are tied together with a nylon cord. Her body lies in a moving delivery machine along with other packages waiting to be picked up by airport passengers.

Seconds later, another scene shows a text that reads, “Stop sex trafficking of women.”

That is exactly the point. In oppressive societies, women and children are packaged as commodities that are stamped, sold and delivered in any place for the insatiable demands of pornography, and a growing yet discreet prostitution industry.

The TV ad is sponsored by Gabriela, a militant women’s alliance, which has been campaigning against sexual trafficking of women and minors for two decades.

Last May 26, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9208 or the AntiTrafficking in Persons Act which aims to penalize syndicates and individuals involved in the trafficking of women and children for prostitution. The act, sponsored by Gabriela stalwart and now Bayan Muna Rep. Liza Maza together with other legislators, seeks to guarantee the protection of women and minors against sexual abuse more effectively.

Landmark legislation Lawmakers both from the House and Senate hailed the new act as a “landmark legislation” in the history of Philippine legislation.

Under R.A. 9208, trafficking in persons refers to the recruitment, transportation, transfer or harboring, or receipt of persons, within or across national borders, by threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, for the purpose of exploitation.

Exploitation may take the form of prostitution, forced labor or services, slavery, servitude or the removal or sale of organs.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 63

The law punishes offenders with a prison term ranging from 15 years to life aside from being fined with P500,000 to P2 million – depending on the severity of their case.

If the offender is a corporation, association, establishment or any person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the owner, president, partner, manager or any responsible officer who participated in the commission of the crime while their permit to operate will be revoked permanently, the law says.

Any foreigner found violating the law will be immediately deported after serving a sentence and may be permanently barred from entering the country.

The law also covers sexual services catered by military personnel engaged in rest and recreational activities.

An innovation of the law is that it explicitly uses the term “person.” This effectively removes the gender bias of existing laws (such as the Revised Penal Code) covering prostitution, where it defines a prostitute as only “women who habitually engage” in sex or lascivious act “for money or profit.”

The law also creates an Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking to be composed of representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and non-government organizations. The council will be headed by the justice secretary with the secretary of social welfare as co-chair.

Proponents and supporters The act was authored in the Senate by Sens. Loi Ejercito Estrada, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, John Osmeña, Rodolfo Biazon and Aquilino Pimentel.

Aside from Maza, the bill was sponsored in the House by Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., Reps.

Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, Uliran Joaquin, Krisel Lagman-Luistro, Darlene Antonino-Custodia, Eric Singson, Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, Crispin Beltran and Satur Ocampo.

Maza’s colleague in Gabriela, deputy secretary general Emmi de Jesus, described the act as timely.

“Taking advantage of the dire situation of majority of Filipinos, unscrupulous individuals and agencies are victimizing for sex trade thousands of women and minors everyday,” she said. “Yet these individuals preying on women and minors go unpunished because, to start with, there is no law to punish them.”

De Jesus warned, however, that the law is neither a guarantee nor an end-all resolution to the problem of trafficking of women and minors. There should be no complacency in militant struggles on the issue because the problem of sex trafficking, being a product of perennial poverty and unequal opportunities in labor, is also an outcome of a “patriarchal” mindset that looks down on women as mere commodities, she said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 17, June 1-7, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-17/3-17-trafficking.html. Also published with the title “Women and children to get more protection” in The Manila Times, Sunday June 15, 2003 issue.

88% of Filipinos today are poor – IBON In its mid-year economic and political briefing held last July 15 at the Philippine Social Science Center in Quezon City, IBON Foundation, an independent think tank and research institution, revealed that while the economy may have posted high growth rates as government claimed, other major social indicators are in fact on the downside.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 64

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her Cabinet are gloating over the administration’s economic performance in the last six months – capped with a 5.6% growth of the Gross National Product (GNP) during the first quarter. Despite this, millions of Filipinos continue to bear the brunt of a “worsening” economic crunch while living under extreme poverty.

In fact, about 88% of Filipinos may be considered poor today, IBON Foundation said in a recent forum.

In its mid-year economic and political briefing held last July 15 at the Philippine Social Science Center in Quezon City, IBON Foundation, an independent think-tank and research institution, revealed that while the economy may have posted high growth figures as government claimed, other major social indicators are in fact on the downside.

Unreal growth In her briefing paper, Rosario Bella Guzman, executive director of IBON, said that huge debt, wholesale of natural resources and war are the real score behind Arroyo’s economics. As of March this year, the country’s foreign debt now stands at $55.8 billion, with a current total debt (acquired from both foreign and domestic sources) of P2.9 trillion.

This, according to Guzman, is one of the two major factors behind the sudden GNP and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, which she described as “irrelevant.” Gross Domestic Product (GNP) is the total value of goods and services produced within a country over a period, while the GDP is the total value of goods and services including incomes from overseas investments and workers for a period.

The trade deficit, for one, has reached $502 million as imports grew by 22.6% to $10.01 billion compared to exports, which grew by only 4% to $9.01 billion, the IBON executive director added.

Government spending for the first four months of the year has resulted in a deficit of P65.5 billion, way below last period’s claimed surplus of P83 billion.

Meanwhile, operations of foreign companies in gas and oil mining resulted in an 8.9% growth in the mining sector, the highest in all industries.

Although unemployment is slightly lower (at 12.2% in April) compared to last year’s 13.9%, the country’s unemployment rate remains highest in Asia.

Poverty Despite these figures, IBON estimates that about 88% of Filipinos may be considered poor. In the National Capital Region, the P280 minimum wage has gone lower than the estimated decent income for a family of six at P545.73 (as of May).

The United Nations Report on the Human Development Index for 2003 also revealed that the Philippines slid from 77th to 85th place among countries in the world where people live under extreme poverty. The Human Development Index measures quality of income, health, education and political participation.

Guzman also said that President Arroyo’s assiduous support for the United States’ (U.S.) wars of aggression purportedly to thwart “terrorism” has posed the biggest sale that ever occurred under her regime, beating her predecessors.

The Macapagal-Arroyo government, Guzman said, gained billions of dollars as a reward for the presidents allegiance to U.S. President George Bush.

The economic and military aid package Bush committed to Macapagal-Arroyo includes a $126 million for training and excess defense articles (EDA) such as 30 Huey helicopters and a number of C130 cargo planes; $686 million worth of economic projects; a $357 million military aid package; $75 million for Filipino war veterans; $32.8 million for the reintegration of the Moro National Liberation Front; a $3.2 billion-worth of government and business agreements; and $1 million to enhance the skills of the police in narcotics control.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 65

“The social unrest characterized by worsening peace and order situation, erosion of living standards and escalation of poverty, has not only made growth statistics irrelevant,” the IBON executive director said. “It has defined the real impact of President Arroyo’s allegiance to the United States (U.S.) – its wars and globalization agenda – on a society that is perennially in crisis. With such social disintegration, who can talk about a strong republic?”

Pre-election scenarios IBON’s research director Antonio Tujan Jr., on the other hand, underscored that key problems of social unrest persist, providing a breeding ground for armed rebellion most especially in the rural countryside. He noted a “dramatic” increase of armed confrontations between the communist-led New People’s Army (NPA) and state military forces, with 90 incidents in the first half of the year.

Human rights violations (HRVs) in the country have also increased alarmingly, Tujan said. Data compiled by human rights groups KARAPATAN (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights) and the Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP) from January-May this year alone showed a total of 2,010 cases of HRVs, compared to 966 for the entire year of 2002.

As regards the May 2004 presidential elections, Tujan sees a united opposition currently in the works, while the ruling coalition may be split into factions.

“President Macapagal-Arroyo’s announcements not to run are meant, in typical Macapagal-Arroyo fashion, to blunt her poor popularity ratings,” Tujan said. “It is a difficult trick to pull through as we had projected at the start of the year, but this early the campaign is in earnest all over the country to create the illusion for a popular movement asking Arroyo to run.”

“I expect Arroyo to run (in 2004),” Tujan told mediamen. The election fever is fast developing, Tujan said. And while all presidential aspirants will resort to grandstanding or promoting their own popularity without any clear platform for change, Filipinos cannot expect anything new to give them significant relief from their basic problems.

Can we count on traditional politicians to cut down high water and electricity rates, prices of basic commodities, increase wages to decent living standards, provide health and education, and give out land to the landless? he asked. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 24, July 20-26, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-24/3-24-poor.html

“Lumalagong” ekonomiya, tumitinding kahirapan—IBON LUNGSOD QUEZON – Ang malaking utang panlabas, “buo-buong pagbebenta” ng likas-yaman ng bansa sa dayuhan, at pakikidigma ang mga pangunahing sanhi ng biglaang paglago ng ekonomiya.

Ito’y ayon sa IBON Foundation, isang institusyon sa pananaliksik.

Sa kabila ng ulat ng pamahalaan kamakailan na tumaas ng 5.6 bahagdan ang Gross National Product (GNP) ng bansa, sinabi ng IBON na mas maraming mamamayan ang dumaranas ng kahirapan dahil sa napakataas na bayarin sa tubig at kuryente, at sa tumataas na presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin. Sa pagtataya ng IBON, 88 bahagdan na ng mga Pilipino ay mahihirap.

Sa isang pagtalakay hinggil sa sitwasyon ng ekonomiya at pulitika na idinaos sa Philippine Social Science Center sa lungsod na ito noong ika-15 ng Hulyo, sinabi ni Rosario Bella Guzman, punong tagapagpaganap ng IBON, na “walang saysay” ang mga istatistikang inilalabas ng pamahalaan dahil hindi naman bumuti ang kalagayan ng mga mahihirap. Sa pag-aaral ng kanilang samahan, ang pagtaas

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 66

ng GNP ay resulta umano ng utang panlabas na nagkakahalaga ng $55.8 bilyon, kung saan ang kabuuang utang ay umabot na sa $2.9 trilyon.

Bagama’t bumaba nang bahagya ang bilang ng mga walang hanapbuhay, mula 13.9 bahagdan noong 2002 na naging 12.2 bahagdan nitong Abril, nananatili pa rin itong pinakamataas sa rehiyong Asya.

Ayon kay Guzman, nabigyan ang pamahalaan ng “gantimpala” sa pagsuporta ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa “patakarang globalisasyon at digmang agresyon ng rehimen ni George Bush ng Estados Unidos.” Kabilang sa mga economic and military packages na kanyang nakuha ay ang $126 milyon para sa pagsasanay at excess defense articles (EDA) gaya ng 30 helikopter na Huey at ilang eroplanong C-130.

Isa pang itinuturo ng IBON na sanhi ng “paglago” ng ekonomiya ay ang “pagbebenta ng likasyaman”. Ang pagmimina ng gas at langis ng mga dayuhang kumpanya sa Pilipinas ay nagreresulta sa 8.9 bahagdang paglago sa sektor ng pagmimina na siyang pinakamataas sa lahat ng industriya, ayon sa IBON. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 30, Agosto 1-7, 2003 isyu, pahina 4

Development projects bulldozing urban poor communities As in the past, the country’s slum dwellers are the first to fall as government pushes its development projects. In Calabarzon south of Manila, the town of Sta. Rosa, Laguna has seen recent demolitions and several families have been forced to relocate on a basketball court.

STA. ROSA, Laguna – Tension appears to have halted for now, but life has not returned to normal in Pulong Santa Cruz, a semi-urban barangay in this town, about 50 kms south of Manila. Uncertainty is still very much in the air, as about 100 families confine themselves on knitted, makeshift houses made of wood, tents and cartons sheets built on a basketball court. Living has gone much harder. And it’s a harrowing prospect that what happened in Santa Cruz could be repeated tomorrow in scores of other places.

Forced eviction The violent eviction of urban poor communities comprising 400 families in the land that is supposedly owned by Andasol Finance Corporation took place last Oct. 22 and Nov. 21 last year. The evictions were carried out despite the fact that the municipal government of Santa Rosa had not assigned a site for relocation.

Forty six-year-old Ester Guarte, one of the residents, recalls vividly what she went through during those incidents.

Although at first, there were long and repeated hearsays in the neighborhood that a demolition will took place any time soon, she admits being unmindful of it until a team of policemen and security guards arrived with a bulldozer and started tearing down their houses early morning of Oct. 22.

Her account: “Wala kaming nalalaman kung ano ang nangyayari, sa kalituhan ko tumakbo ako ng tumakbo. Tumawag ako ng mga tao para magpatulong na hakutin ang mga gamit ko na mailabas” (We didn’t know what’s happening. I ran and ran out of confusion. I called some people to help me move out my stuff).

“Umiiyak ako...Ano’ng magagawa ko? Sa dami namin dun ay walang kumikilos, walang nagsasabing lumaban kami, labanan namin. Dahil di ko pa noon alam ang sistema ng aming

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 67

paglaban at karapatan” (I was crying...What can I do? We were many but nobody moved. Nobody told us to fight for our rights because we don’t know what they are and how to do it), she said tearfully.

But on Jan. 22, hundreds of residents clashed with another demolition team composed of the Santa Rosa Special Action Forces (led by Col. Danilo Castro and a certain Colonel Marudo), security guards and firemen. Armed with water cannons and sticks, the demolition team beat up the protesters, including children, who had massed up to resist them. Later, the police arrested, handcuffed and detained nine women, among them Ester. The violence caused her fear and trauma that still lingers today.

Progress for whom?

In an interview by a local radio station Rnb 92.7 FM Our Radio last Sept. 4, Leng Jucutan, secretary-general of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap in Southern Tagalog (Kadamay-ST), said that the recent demolitions particularly in Pulong Santa Cruz show the Macapagal-Arroyo government’s insincerity in caring for the poor and the landless. The so-called “development” projects, such as the clearing of major roads and highways in the Calabarzon (for the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) near the industrial zones, she said, only benefit foreign investors and corrupt government officials.

“The poor are always the victims in these projects. And the government has no definite housing program to support them,” Jucutan said.

Pilside Neighborhood Association, a local urban poor group, has filed charges of human rights violations against members of the demolition team before the Ombudsman, adding that the men violated Section 28 of Republic Act 7279 (Urban Housing Development Act) which requires due process concerning demolitions.

Appeal Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plans to carry out a road clearing scheme along the Balibago road toward the Southern Luzon Expressway exit, which will displace several poor families living by the highway.

Barangay chairman Constancia Dones of Pulong Santa Cruz has appealed to the DPWH to halt any road clearing plans until the affected communities have found and later, transferred to a relocation site. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 31, September 7-13, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-31/3-31-urbanpoor.html

Demolisyon sa Santa Rosa SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Mga tagpi-tagping kahoy at dingding na yari sa sako sa loob ng isang basketball court. Ito ngayon ang nagsisilbing tahanan ng may halos 60 maralitang pamilya sa Bgy. Pulong Santa Cruz sa bayang ito, matapos ang tatlong-ulit na sapilitang paggiba sa kanilang bahayan sa 53,154 metro kuwadradong lupaing pag-aari ng Andasol Finance Corporation.

Samantala, kasalukuyang nakaamba ang paggiba sa nalalabi pang mga bahayan sa may gilid ng Kalye Balibago malapit sa Southern Luzon Expressway para bigyang-daan ang proyektong “road clearing” ng Kagawaran sa Pampublikong Gawain at Daanan (DPWH). ###

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 68

Ulat kasama si Laarni Frial. Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 36, Setyembre 12-18, 2003 isyu, pahina 8

Pamamaslang ng taga-media, dumami sa panahon ni GMA MAYNILA – Naaalarma ang mga samahang nagtataguyod ng malayang pamamahayag sa bansa dahil sa bilang ng brodkaster, mamamahayag o peryodistang napapatay sa panahon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Ayon sa pananaliksik ng dalawa sa mga nabanggit na samahan, higit na maraming taga-media aang naiulat nang napatay sa panahon ni Arroyo, kung ihahambing sa mga administrasyong nauna sa kanya simula 1986.

Sa loob ng dalawa at kalahating taong panunungkulan ni Arroyo, 13 na ang mga taga-media na naiulat na napatay. Samantala, lima ang naitala sa panahon ni Joseph Estrada, pito sa panahon ni Fidel Ramos at 12 sa panahon ni Corazon Aquino.

Ito’y batay sa pinagsanib na datos ng Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) at ng National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), dalawang institusyon at samahang pangmedia.

Sa isang pahayag kamakailan, sinabi ni Sonny Fernandez, prodyuser ng telebisyong ABC-5 at tagapagtipon ng Media for Peace, isang samahan ng mahigit 500 peryodista sa bansa. “Halos kasingtindi ng bansang Columbia ang panganib na hinaharap ng mga peryodistang Pilipino dahil sa mga pagpatay na ito.” Aniya, tila unti-unting bumabalik diumano ang pagsikil sa malayang pamamahayag gaya noong panahon ng batas militar ni Marcos.

Kamakailan ay pinangunahan ng Media for Peace at NUJP ang isang dasal-paglalamay sa simbahan ng Malate sa lungsod na ito bilang pag-alaala sa 49 na pinaslang na mga kasamahan sa propesyon.

Kabilang sa mga pinagtirikan ng kandila si Noel Villarante.

Si Villarante, kolumnista ng The Laguna Score at brodkaster ng DZJV sa lungsod ng Calamba ay binaril hanggang sa mamatay noong ika-19 ng Agosto ng ‘di-nakilalang mga salarin sa tapat ng kanyang bahay sa Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Ayon kay Ed Aurelio Reyes, pangulo ng Saniblakas ng Taong Bayan Foundation, isang samahang maka-kalikasan, ang pandarahas ay hindi pinakamainam na depensa para sa anumang pamahalaang inaasahan na maging matuwid at makatotohanan sa mamamayan.

Nakiisa rin sa naturang pagtitipon noong ika-10 ng Setyembre si Heherson Alvarez, dating kalihim ng Kagawaran sa Kapaligiran at Likas-Yaman (DENR). Sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas kay Alvarez, hinikayat niya ang mamamayan na ipagtanggol ang kanilang karapatan sa malayang pagpapahayag. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 39, Oktubre 3-9, 2003 isyu, harap na pahina at pahina 2

Toll sa SLEX tumaas ng 29% SAN PEDRO, Laguna – “Maliit na nga lang ang kinikita ko, mababawasan pa. Kelan pa ba tayo makakatagpo ng gobyernong may pagkalinga sa mga drayber na katulad namin?”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 69

Ito ang hinagpis ni Caloy Reyes, 40 taong gulang, isang drayber ng dyip, patungkol sa 29 porsyentong pagtaas ng toll fee sa South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Si Reyes ay bumibiyahe araw-araw mula Pacita Complex sa bayang ito hanggang Alabang sa lungsod ng Muntinlupa. Aniya, kumikita lamang siya ng ‘di bababa sa 4 na libong piso bawa’t buwan.

Ipinasa kamakailan ng Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), ahensya ng gobyernong namamahala sa paniningil ng toll, ang Resolusyon Blg. 2003-11 na nagbigay ng pahintulot ng pagtataas ng toll sa Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC) para sa South Luzon Tollway (SLT) na mula Alabang, Lungsod ng Muntinlupa hanggang Calamba, Laguna at sa North Luzon Tollway (NLT) na mula Balintawak, Lungsod Quezon hanggang Santa Ines, Pampanga.

Sinimulan ng PNCC ang paniningil ng mas mataas na halaga ng toll noong ika-1 ng Disyembre, ganap na 12:01 ng umaga.

Nakasaad sa resolusyon na matapos ang mga serye ng pampublikong pagdinig hinggil sa petisyon ng PNCC para sa karagdagang halaga, ipinahayag ng TRB na ang pagtataas umano ng toll ay “makatwiran at makatarungan.”

Ayon kay Wilfredo Cu, pangulo ng PNCC, ang inaprubahang halaga ay sasaklaw sa dating mga gastusin ng tagapamahala ng tollway gaya ng “magastos” na pagsasaayos at pagpapanatili ng mga daanan, pambili ng mga bagong pampatrol na sasakyan at motorsiklo, pagbili ng speed guns, lane markings, mga bakod, toll booths, mga kagamitan sa tollway, pagpapagawa ng dagdag na mga karatula, at pambili ng bago at dagdag na mga gamit sa komunikasyon.

Bago raw ang pagtataas ng halaga ng toll, ang isang kilometrong layo ng paglalakbay sa North at South Luzon Tollway, banggit ni Cu, ay nagkakahalaga lamang ng 26 sentimo. Nanawagan siya sa publiko na maunawaan sana ang pangangailangang maitaas ang toll para mapabuti ang pamamahala nila sa mga tollway.

“Kung hahayaan natin silang kagatin ang ating mga kamay, baka kalauna’y kunin din nila ang buong braso,” wika ni Ray Junia, pangulo ng Movement for Responsible Enterprise (MORE), isang non-government organization na naka-base sa San Pedro, patungkol sa paliwanag at desisyon ng PNCC at TRB. Sinabi ni Junia na dapat munang maglahad ng kongkretong dahilan ang PNCC at TRB bago payagan ang anumang pagtataas sa toll, gaya halimbawa ng pagsasaayos ng mga lansangan para sa kapakanan ng mga motorista.

Ang MORE ay nagsampa ng petisyon para sa temporary restraining order (TRO) na naglalayong pigilan ang pagpapatupad ng paniningil ng mas mataas na halaga ng toll.

“Bakit mangongolekta ng para sa magastos na pagre-repair at maintenance kung wala namang maayos na kalsada? Bakit natin kakailanganin ng mga speed guns kung ang trapik sa mga lugar na ito ay bumper to bumper,” wika ni Junia.

Dagdag pa niya: “Dapat talagang tingnan kung anu-ano ang inililista at mga binibili nila na nagmumula sa binabayad natin. Tayong mga motorista at komyuter ay dapat na i-double check ang lahat ng ginagawa nila.” ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 48, Disyembre 5-11, 2003 isyu, pahina 2

Relocated slum dwellers bare problems in Santa Rosa site SANTA ROSA, Laguna – All looks quiet in Barangay Pulong Santa Cruz but life for homeless slum dwellers here has gone much harder than before.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 70

After being gripped by tension and trauma caused by a series of violent demolitions of their shanties last year, around 60 families have been forced to relocate in a nearby basketball court where they have built houses out of discarded pieces of wood, carton boxes and torn-tenting fabric.

Leng Jucutan, secretary-general of the urban poor aid group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap sa Timog Katagalugan (Kadamay-TK), says these people lack basic needs like potable water, electricity, health and sanitation.

“The poor are always the victims [during demolitions]. And the government has no definite housing program to support them,” Jucutan told The Times on Friday.

These familites, along with 400 others, were long-time occupants of a hectare-sized lot owned by Andasol Finance Corp. But records from the Land Registration Authority in Calamba reveal that on December 11, 1998, a real estate company, the Promenade Construction & Realty Development Corp., bought the land from Andasol.

The municipal government promised the evicted residents that it will look for a better relocation site and help them to avail themselves of the resources supposed to be offered by the Community Mortgage Program of the National Home Mortgage and Finance Corp.

Linda Creencia, head of the municipal environment and natural resource office (MENRO) and officer in charge of the municipal government’s special housing project, said that they have identified target relocation sites but these should pass the standards required by law. ### First published in The Manila Times, Volume 105 Number 176, Monday April 5, 2004 issue, page A10

Laguna eye doctor murder probe faces blank wall SAN PEDRO, Laguna – The murder of a respected ophthalmologist last month seems no closer to resolution even though a witness approached the victim’s family saying she saw the culprit.

Dr. Homer Calibag, 46, was found sprawled bloodied on March 18 inside his house on San Luis Street, Barangay Landayan. He was stabbed several times.

Ernesto Calibag, the victim’s brother, said a woman approached the family recently claiming that she saw two men forcibly enter the victim’s house around 1 a.m. that day.

Calibag was not confident that her witness would help solve the case, however, since she acknowledged that she could barely recognize the features of the two suspects because of bad eyesight.

Calibag said he does not know of anyone who might want to harm the victim, saying his brother is quite popular in the neighborhood because he often helps those in need. He also dismissed the robbery angle because nothing was found missing in his brother’s house.

The Calibag family is offering a P50,000 cash reward for anyone who could help identify and arrest the suspects. He appealed to the public to call (02) 808-5597 or the police station in San Pedro for any information that would help solve the case. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 223, Thursday April 8, 2004 issue, page A3

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 71

Sta. Rosa residents question barangay spending SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Residents of Barangay Don Jose in this town want the Commission on Audit (CoA) to look into alleged anomalies in the use of their barangay funds.

The barangay supposedly enjoyed more than P50 million in funds from 1999 to 2003 under Chair Romeo Aala. Despite the budgets, however, residents still have to contend with dilapidated roads, clogged canals and inadequate health care.

“With no development project in sight despite our barangay’s budget, we are wondering how our local officials are spending it,” said resident Sabina Arriola of the Don Jose Homeowner’s Association.

The barangay has a population of about 5,000.

Last March, the association held protest actions at the municipal hall to show their dismay over alleged corruption and the harassment of the homeowner association’s officers.

Earlier this month, Diosdado Jonto, a relative of an association officer, was shot several times in the face by an unidentified gunman. He died on the spot.

The association’s leaders sought the help of the municipal council, but their complaints have not been addressed.

Reelectionist Vice Mayor Jose Catindig Jr. said: “The law says we can’t hold hearings three months before the election. Besides, many of our councilors are busy campaigning,” he said.

Catindig instead offered his help to mediate between the homeowners and the barangay officials as an initial move to ease the tension in the area. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 242, Friday April 30, 2004 issue, page A3

Plunder, land suits haunt Cavite governor A court-nullified land settlement, a plunder case and a rift with the rival Remulla clan are among the problems that haunt reelected Gov. “Ayong” Maliksi of Cavite, the province right next to Manila in the south.

Dasmariñas, Cavite – The compromise deal entered in March this year between the provincial government and claimants regarding a 22-year-old expropriation dispute in Trece Martires City (36 kms south of Manila) is the reason for the intensifying cracks between Cavite’s ruling families.

This is evident every time reelected Gov. Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi speaks after a flag ceremony at the Kapitolyo (provincial capitol), using the occasion as pitching stage for his bitter criticisms against the Remulla clan.

The Court of Appeals, acting on a petition filed by Vice Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, recently issued a temporary restraining order preventing the settlement agreement backed by the governor from taking effect.

Thus, strife and enmity once again erupted between the rival camps.

Disadvantageous The spot where the provincial capitol building, Department of Public Works and Highways offices, a public hospital and a multi-million peso stadium now rest was a land donated in 1957 by the O’Hara and De Villa families to the province. Two decades ago, the provincial government under then Gov.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 72

Juanito Remulla expropriated portions of the disputed property and has since developed it into a sports complex, forest park, cemetery and residential settlement for squatters.

However, Sonia Mathay (wife of former Quezon City Mayor Mel Mathay) and a certain Dr. Eleuterio Pascual are now claiming to have bought the land from the original owners.

The two then forged a deal with the Maliksis, under which the province shall yield more than 26 hectares of land to the Mathay-Pascual tandem and compensate them with P50 million payment based on a P1,140 per sq. m. valuation. The province and city are to pay P25 million each.

Vice Governor Remulla cried the deal is unacceptable, and vowed to oppose it.

Beyond the Maliksi-Remulla tug-of-war, however, is the threat of eviction of least 500 families occupying part of the contested land from their homes.

“Aside from the fact that most of the people in the city cannot afford to buy the parcels of land they occupy, they have nowhere to go,” says Sheryll Villegas, secretary general of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Cavite (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance) in an interview with Bulatlat. “It is indeed unjust and disadvantageous to the residents.”

She added: “It is correct to pursue the expropriation case and to rebuke Maliksi’s unjust actions.”

Plunder Meanwhile, the embattled governor is also facing a plunder case filed by militant organizations in the province.

Violation of Republic Act 7080 or Plunder Law is classified as a heinous crime and refers to acts committed by public officials who amassed ill-gotten wealth.

The Maliksi plunder case stems from a memorandum by the Commission on Audit (COA) dated Feb. 20, 2003 enumerating several alleged “shady deals” being linked to the governor including unauthorized time deposits, confidential and intelligence expenses, irregular purchases of medicines, books and rice, among others.

The COA document was signed by Provincial State Auditor Cynthia Vergara.

A review of the post-audit of accounts and financial statements of the Office of the Provincial Governor (OPG) for 2002 showed glaring discrepancies and disbursement of several millions of pesos not authorized by any provincial council resolutions.

Believing that the deals appear “fishy” and that certain persons need to be held accountable, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap-Cavite (Kadamay) chairperson Eric Abebuag, Anak Bayan-Cavite secretary general Darwin Mariano and Kalipunan ng Magsasaka sa Naic (Farmer’s Federation in Naic town) coordinator Alfredo Catoto formally charged the governor with plunder before the Office of the Ombudsman last May. A hearing is scheduled this month.

“We believe that the Plunder Act was violated...for herein the staggering amount of P2.3 billion remains unexplained up to this time,” the three leaders stated in their complaint letter.

Peasants deprived The complainants are also citing the purchase of 23,245 sacks of rice amounting to a total of P23 million. According to them, these were all bought from the private firm Capitol City Marketing, without the required public bidding and not through the National Food Authority (NFA).

According to Catoto, one of the complainants, the funds should have been used instead to buy from the farmers’ harvests or to subsidize food production. He argued that rice farming has become a losing venture for many farmers who only get as low as P4 to P8 per kilo of palay (unmilled rice).

In his counter-affidavit, Governor Maliksi called the plunder charge as a “plain and simple speculation.” He asked the Ombudsman to dismiss the complaint against him.

“We expect that kind of response from the governor who has the power to hire good lawyers,” Catoto said. “But the question is: where did the rice go? And if the government can allocate funds to purchase tons of rice, why didn’t they directly buy from us palay farmers at a reasonable price?” ###

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 73

First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 40, November 7-13, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-40/4-40-cavite.html

Water privatization may spurt torrents of protest The privatization of the Calamba Water District may soon open the floodgates of people’s dissent in the province of Laguna.

Calamba City – The privatization of the Calamba Water District (CWD) may soon open the floodgates of people’s dissent.

The warning came from the political party Bayan Muna (People First) chapter in Calamba, Laguna (46 kms south of Manila) as it challenged the city government to hold CWD officials and Board of Directors (BoD) accountable “for employing grave abuse of power to enrich themselves while in office.”

A report by the Commission on Audit (COA) in 2001 fueled the controversy, as it found the fivemember BoD supposedly receiving not only excessive cash incentives worth millions of pesos, but also of allegedly manipulating official policies and regulations.

Bayan Muna also called for a moratorium on the periodic water hikes in the province, which occur every two years since 1996 (see table below).

“The water rate now is P13 per cubic meter. We have already initiated a petition seeking to avail of discounted rates to benefit our constituents. We will not rest. We will expose the worsening situation within the CWD and draw steps to help advance the interests of our people,” Barangay (village) Bucal chairman Delfin de Claro told community leaders in a public forum held at the Calamba Central II Elementary School last week. De Claro is the coordinator of Bayan Muna-Calamba.

While the CWD management has refused to listen to its demands, Bayan Muna’s appeals, however, have been gaining ground among sectoral groups and some local officials.

City Councilor Eddie Catindig and the Calamba Trial Lawyers Association, meanwhile, are considering the filing of civil and criminal charges against “corrupt leaders.”

Enough water In 1973, the Marcos government passed into law the Provincial Water Utilities Act (PD 198). It created the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), a government-owned and controlled corporation or GOCC tasked to bestow loans for the promotion and development of water services in provincial cities.

On Sept. 4, 1976, the CWD likewise became a GOCC, also by virtue of PD 198. Before, it was directly under the supervision of the local government.

Current operations cover 41 of the 54 barangays (villages) in the city. From 24,964 service connections in 2001, it gradually increased to 29,478 by June 2004.

Combining all its 36 pumping stations, it is said that the water district can generate at least 1.559 million cubic meters of water every month, which is more than enough to sustain the needs of the community.

Aside from this, several factories, as well as public and private resorts thriving in lakeside Barangay Pansol manage their own water systems.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 74

Onerous loans Bayan Muna-Southern Tagalog deputy regional coordinator Noli Capulong says the rapid expansion of the water district’s operations over the years was made possible through loans coming from LWUA and the international lending agency Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In 1998, the ADB reportedly agreed to release P138 million for the Phase II Project. This involves sourcing, stocking up and distribution using extended tubes and pipelines.

Documents also show that LWUA disbursed the following loans to CWD: P300,000 for the improvement of existing lines (1977), P1.7 million for the Phase I Project (1978), and P1.2 million for the pipe extension to the city’s southern areas (1988).

“But despite this so-called development, public water consumers are plunged into perennial problems of unaccounted water, antiquated lines and inefficient service,” Capulong said empathically.

The Water System Employees’ Response in Southern Tagalog (WATER), a regional labor alliance, orbserved that: “Hindi nailalaan ng BoD at manedsment ang malaking halaga mula sa water sales para tugunan ang suliranin sa unaccounted water at mabilis na serbisyo publiko, sapagkat papalaking kita nito ay napapapunta sa luho nila (The BoD and management have failed to allocate funds from water sales to address the problem of unaccounted water and to speed up public service because an increasing part of the profit is used to subsidize their luxury).”

According to WATER, the monthly water sales jumped from P8 million in 2001 to P12 million in 2004, or P144 million every year. They believe that with this whooping revenue, the water district has the financial capacity to rehabilitate its defective lines. If this is so, there is no need to solicit onerous foreign loans.

The group also slammed the national government’s policy of water privatization. They scored Executive Order 279 which was issued early this year, saying it will encourage the sellout of water facilities all over the country to foreign investors and big local businessmen. ### CALAMBA WATER DISTRICT WATER RATES 1997-2006 Minimum Year 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-up (10 m3) 1997 PhP 72.00 6.65 7.75 8.65 8.65 1999 Php85.00 9.75 11.50 12.75 12.75 2000 PhP 97.75 10.70 12.65 16.20 19.20 2002 PhP 115.35 12.60 14.90 19.10 22.70 2004 Php126.90 13.90 16.40 21.00 25.90 2006 PhP 145.90 16.00 18.90 24.20 28.65 Source: Water System Employees Response in Southern Tagalog (WATER), August 16, 2004 First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 42, November 21-27, 2004 issue. Retrieved from www.bulatlat.com/news/4-42/4-42-water.html

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 75

Bala at busal sa bibig Kahit ano’ng gawin ng pamahalaan para isalarawan ang pamamahayag sa Pilipinas bilang “pinakamalaya sa rehiyon”, hindi mapapasubalian na, sa katotohanan, ito’y nasa ilalim ng pagkubkob (under siege).

Batbat ng karahasan ang nakaraang taong 2004 dahil 13 mga mamamahayag ang walang awang pinaslang—pinakamataas na bilang sa kasaysayan.

Ayon sa International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), isang pandaigdigang samahan ng mga mamamahayag, tumuntong na ang Pilipinas sa pangalawang puwesto sa dami ng pinaslang na mamamahayag, na kung saan nangunguna ang bansang Iraq.

Sa isang tinipong pahayag noong Disyembre 9 ng nakaraang taon ng iba’t ibang indibidwal at samahan ng midya na pinangunahan ng National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), inihayag nito na: “Wala ni isa mang naparusahan sa mga kaso ng pagpaslang sa mga mamamahayag simula noong 1986. Higit na lumalakas ang loob ng mga pumapatay sa aming hanay. Sa tatlong kaso ng pagpatay—kina Bombo Radyo anchor Herson Hinolan ng Kalibo, Aklan; ng Freeman reporter na si Allan Dizon ng Cebu, Guru Press reporter na si Stephen Omais sa Kalinga—ang mga ito ay sinundan pa ng mga pananakot at pagbabanta. Ang kalagayang mistulang hindi kinakanti ang mga salarin ay nagdudulot ng panganib sa mga mamamahayag sa iba pang rehiyon.”

Lumalalang panggigipit at pamamaslang Tumitindi ngayon ang intimidasyon at karahasan ng mga tagamidya. Dito sa rehiyong Timog Katagalugan, ang mga biktima ng pamamaslang ay sina: Apolinario Pobeda, brodkaster ng Lucena City (2002); Sonny Alcantara, news presenter ng City TV sa San Pablo, Laguna (Agosto 2002); Noel Villarante, kolumnista ng Laguna Score at komentarista sa DZJV sa Calamba City (Agosto 2003); Arnel Manalo, korespondent ng dyaryong Bulgar at DZRH sa Bauan, Batangas (Agosto 2004) at Fernando Consignado, korespondent ng Radyo Veritas sa Nagcarlan, Laguna (Agosto 2004).

Malinaw na kilala ang mga biktima sa pagbatikos sa korapsyon at krimen na kinasasangkutan ng mga pulis, militar, matataas na upisyal ng gobyerno at malalaking negosyante.

Bukod sa pamamaslang, maraming mamamahayag ay naging biktima ng harasment, pananakot, pambubugbog at iba pang tipo ng panggigipit at paglabag sa karapatang pantao.

Sa maraming insidente, ang mga elemento ng pulisya ang nasasangkot sa pagpatay o panggigipit sa mga tagamidya. Matatandaan na noong Mayo 2002, pinatay si Edgar Demalerio, reporter ng Zamboanga Scribe at Mindanao Gold Star at komentarista sa DXKP sa Pagadian City. Kahit natukoy at naaresto na ang suspek na si P01 Guillermo Wapile, pinatakas pa rin siya ng mga kapwa niya pulis.

Sa loob ng dalawang taon, pakalat-kalat lamang si Wapile sa Pagadian at iba pang lugar sa prubinsya.

Sa katunayan, naging badigard pa siya ng isang pulitiko noong nakaraang eleksyon.

Samantala, napilitang magtago ang pamilya ni Demalerio at iba pang testigo (sa ngayon ay nakabilanggo muli si Wapile). At ano ang tugon ng awtoridad sa mga panggigipit at pamamaslang?

Payo ng dating pinuno ng PNP, dapat raw ay manahimik na lamang ang mga mamamahayag para hindi maging target ng karahasan. May adelantadong mungkahi pa na mag-armas na lamang sila para maipagtanggol ang sarili. Binalewala lang ni Gen. Angelo Reyes, Secretary ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) na nangangasiwa sa PNP, ang problema nang sabihin niyang wala pang malalang tunguhin sa bilang ng mga pinapaslang na mga taga-midya.

Ang mga pahayag na ito ng mga nasa awtoridad at ang kawalan nila ng aksyon sa lumalalang panggigipit at pamamaslang sa mga tagamidya, ay patunay lang na ang demokrasya at kalayaan sa pamamahayag ay mistulang ilusyon.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 76

Laban ng bayan Ipinakita na sa kasaysayan na kapag sinusupil ang malayang pamamahayag, unti-unting namamatay ang diwa ng demokrasya.

Ang pakikibaka para sa malayang pamamahayag ay pakikibaka ng sambayanan. Maraming mamamahayag na ang lumahok sa pakikibaka laban sa nakaraang diktadurang rehimen at may ilan pa nga ang nagsakripisyo ng kanilang karera at buhay alang-alang sa bayan.

Panahon na para tumindig ang mga mamamayan upang ipagtanggol ang kalayaang ito laban sa karahasan. Kasabay nito ang pagsusulong ng isang kampanya para sa etikong pag-uugali ng mga mamamahayag at pagwawasto ng mga kamalian at anomalya sa kanilang propesyon.

Sa pagiging isang tunay na ingkod-bayan lamang maaasahan ng mga mamamahayag ang ganap na tiwala at pagtangkilik ng masang awdyens. ### Unang inilathala sa Southern Tagalog Exposure magazine, Volume 3 Number 10, EneroMarso 2005 isyu, pahina 17-18

‘U.S. troops out, now!’ – Southern Tagalog groups A Mangyan couple opposing militarization was brutally murdered in their home last February 28, a week after the Balikatan war exercises began in the Southern Tagalog (ST) region. Is there a connection between the two? Progressive groups say, yes.

Calamba City – Progressive groups in the Southern Tagalog (ST) region have been protesting the entry of U.S. troops since February 21, the day the Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) military exercises began.

They formed a multi-sectoral alliance called SAKAY – Samahan ng Kanayunan ng Timog Katagalugan Laban sa Gyerang Agresyon ng Estados Unidos (Rural Association of Southern Tagalog Against United States’ War of Aggression). The alliance is named after Macario Sakay, a Tagalog revolutionary leader who fought U.S. occupation from 1902 to 1906.

Preparing for battle The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-ST (Bayan-ST or New Patriotic Alliance in ST) believes that the Balikatan military exercises are “highly insidious.”

“The U.S. is (using) global terror (as an excuse) to legitimize its military-corporate agenda in the Asia-Pacific region where 35 percent of its investments are located,” Bayan-ST secretary general Arman Albarillo said. “It even plays upon issues of disaster relief, infrastructure development and counter-narcotics to prop its image of benevolence on the people, similar to what it is devising now in the North Quezon-Laguna territory to conceal its real intentions.”

Albarillo said that since February 15, military trucks carrying more than 700 heavily-armed U.S. soldiers accompanied by troops of the Philippine Army have been sighted in the towns of Real, General Nakar and Infanta in Quezon, as well as in Laguna’s upland areas and portions of Rizal.

In Laguna, U.S. soldiers are reportedly staying in hotels in this city and Pagsanjan town. A military camp was also built within the vicinity of a state-owned high school campus in Cavinti town where teenage students are being taught how to use real guns.

“We explained to (Laguna) Gov. Teresita Lazaro about the implications (of the Balikatan) on human rights and national sovereignty but she said she can’t do anything because it was a directive of Malacañang,” Albarillo said.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 77

Arguments BAYAN-ST raised the following arguments for their vehement opposition to the ongoing Balikatan exercises: First, the Philippine constitution clearly prohibits the intrusions of foreign troops, unless sanctioned by a treaty signed by both countries. On the contrary, the Arroyo administration still insists on the legality of the Balikatan exercises, claiming that it is still within the bounds of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), Military Assistance Agreement, Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the United Nations Resolution 1368.

Second, both the Arroyo administration and its U.S. counterpart did not disclose any terms of reference (TOR). The latter defines the scope and limitations of any war games and should be publicly known just like the Balikatan 02-1 held in Sulu.

Third, the MDT is but a remnant of the U.S. Cold War, used to justify the presence of U.S. troops in other countries against the so-called threats of “communism.” It states that the Philippines is obliged to help the United States, in case there will be any attack on U.S. interest in the Pacific.

Fourth, the VFA is not a treaty but a mere executive agreement since it was not ratified by the U.S. Senate. Furthermore, and also according to the promoters themselves, the 1999 VFA was designed only for temporary training exercises lasting from four days up to four weeks.

And lastly, the Balikatan military exercises will only result in increased human rights violations.

Even before the arrival of U.S. troops here in Southern Tagalog, human rights violations have been rampant. Warrantless arrests, forced evacuation, torture and harassment of civilians are carried out by troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of their “legitimate operations” against rebels.

On the night of February 28, a Mangyan couple was brutally murdered in Barangay Ligang San Luiz, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. Romeo and Linda Pinar were found dead and burned in their house. Witnesses said Linda was decapitated while her husband’s arm was amputated. Both were members of the Samahang Pangtribo Mangyan sa Mindoro (SPMM, or Association of Mangyan Tribe in Mindoro), a progressive organization of Mangyans (an indigenous peoples group in the Philippines) opposing militarization.

Prior to the incident, an armed encounter occurred between the New People’s Army (NPA) and the 16th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in the same area. Army troopers retaliated by bombing the area, which resulted in massive dislocation of around 300 families and residents.

Retaliation from NPA? As early as 1993, the U.S. government had brokered with then President Fidel Ramos for access arrangements in the aftermath of the people’s rejection of U.S. military bases.

But it took a couple of years more to ensure the passing of the VFA and the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) to consummate the legal framework for increased U.S. military presence.

And now this statement from Armando Guevarra, spokesperson of the New People’s Army’s Narciso Antazo Aramil Command based in Rizal: “Balikatan’s purpose is to conduct surveillance and at the maximum, to wage war against anti-imperialist groups both armed and unarmed.”

Guevarra also warned the Arroyo government and the U.S. soldiers “that any form of armed invasion within the territories of the revolutionary movement in Rizal will earn retaliation from the NPA...to defend the territory and the integrity of the people’s revolutionary government.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 5, March 6-12, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/5-5/5-5-troops.html

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 78

Military behind mayor’s killing – NPA Government investigators are yet to name the suspected killers of the Sta. Rosa mayor but the military has already accused the New People’s Army of the killing. The NPA in turn has its own theory.

Santa Rosa City, Laguna – The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the city police here admitted that they are yet to identify those responsible for the killing of Mayor Pantaleon Arcillas three weeks ago.

Popularly known for his nickname Leon (lion), Arcillas and his security aide, Erwin Rivera, were gunned gown by unknown assailants shortly after officiating a mass wedding inside the new city hall building here, some 38 kms south of Manila.

According to progressive organizations in Laguna, Arcillas was involved in “anti-people” activities in the city such as massive election fraud, graft and corruption, trade union repression and violent demolition of shanties of urban poor dwellers in Barangay Pulong, Sta. Cruz town from 2002 to 2003.

Newly-installed Mayor Jose Catindig Jr. offered P1 million ($18,382.35, based on an exchange rate of P54.40 per US dollar) as reward money for the suspects’ arrest.

Precise operation Military and police authorities blamed the New People’s Army (NPA) for the killing of Arcillas.

However, the NPA’s Melito Glor Command (MGC-NPA) based in Southern Tagalog has tagged the military as the “brains” behind the murder.

In a statement however MGC-NPA spokesman Tirso Alcantara (also known as Ka Bart; ka is a Filipino word for comrade) said that Arcillas’ assassination was a “calculated operation” of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Internal Security Group (ISAFP-ISG).

According to Alcantara, this was carried out “to foment violent attacks against the legal democratic movement” in the Southern Tagalog region and “to implicate them outright in fabricated terrorist activities.”

The MGC-NPA also accused the ISAFP-ISG of conniving with a city councilor and a barangay captain to carry out the killing of urban poor leader and Gabriela Women’s Party coordinator Mely Trinidad-Carvajal in August 2004.

“The military is hard put to make it appear that the NPA carried out the killing in retaliation for the murder of Carvajal,” Alcantara said.

The killer suspects, he said, are said to be confidential agents of the ISAFP. Alcantara added, “They scoop millions from the bribes of the capitalists. Now that Arcillas is gone, the brothers will corner the bureaucrat spoils.”

The MGC-NPA as well as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) urged the people to remain vigilant and militant in defending their democratic rights and civil liberties against “violent attacks from the military.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 16, May 29-June 4, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/5-16/5-16-mayor.htm

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 79

‘Cavite gov not just corrupt, but also anti-farmer’ – rural groups There is more to the embattled governor of Cavite than meets the eye. For long-time residents, particularly the farmers, he should be removed not only because of his penchant for stealing public funds, but also for alleged political repression and militarization of which poor peasants were at the receiving end.

Dasmariñas, Cavite (36 kms south of Manila) – More than the issue of corruption which was highlighted by the mainstream media, efforts to remove embattled Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi as governor of Cavite are rooted in his regime of political repression and militarization.

Thus said the militant farmer’s group Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka or Farmers Federation in Cavite) in the course of a lingering local political crisis of Caviteños (residents of Cavite).

Last July 29, Cavite Vice Governor Johnvic Remulla slapped the governor with graft charges before the Ombudsman for a questionable purchase of rice worth P7.5 million ($133,689.84, based on an exchange rate of P56.10 per US dollar) in 2004. In an audit observation memorandum, the Commission on Audit (CoA) disclosed that the purchases were made without public bidding and did not pass through the National Food Authority (NFA) as required by law.

Although the implementation of a six-month suspension order against Maliksi was successfully repealed after the Court of Appeals granted his request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) within a 60-day period, he is not yet off the hook.

“Gov. Maliksi does not deserve a TRO because he is facing a case of stealing public funds,” Kamagsasaka-Ka leader Rogelio Galit told Bulatlat. “Like President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his anti-people and anti-farmer regime must end. Both of them have no more right to stay in office.”

“The people should continuously assert their legitimate rights to fight against any forms of corruption while at the same time remaining vigilant in advancing genuine reforms and pro-people programs in the province,” Galit said.

Despoliation Cavite farmers are demanding the provincial government to raise prices of palay (unmilled rice) to P15 ($0.27) per kilo, subsidize agricultural production inputs and impose a moratorium on land-use conversion in order to alleviate poverty in the countryside.

Most rice farmers in the province are landless tenants. Landlords and unscrupulous rice traders are able to dictate lower palay prices by controlling essential farm tools and acting as loan sharks.

Kamagsasaka-Ka’s latest case study in Naic town showed that after every harvesting period, farmers earn a measely P12 to P36 ($0.21 to $0.64) a day.

Last year Alfredo Catoto, a rice farmer, accused Maliksi of violating Republic Act No. 7080 or the Plunder Law, in connection with an anomalous rice purchase from the private firm Capitol Marketing amounting to P23.2 million ($413,547.24).

At present, vast agricultural lands are rapidly being converted into numerous golf courses, residential and industrial estates since Project Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) was implemented in the 1990s. Independent studies suggested that land conversion may pose greater risk to health, ecological balance and food security, not to mention the thousands of peasants who would be displaced.

Political repression, militarization According to people’s organizations, the Maliksi administration has also engaged in “political repression and militarization” since he became governor in 2001.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 80

Around 500 farmers picketed the provincial capitol in Trece Martires City on Oct. 18 last year to dialogue with Maliksi but the latter refused to confront them. Instead, some 30 police officers and 20 members of the Civilian Security Unit (CSU) were deployed in the area to disperse the protesters using dirty water cannons fired from fire trucks.

“Tatlong taon nang pinagpapabalik-balik ang mga magsasaka sa tanggapan ni Maliksi, pero hanggang ngayon ang laging bukambibig niya ay pag-aaralan ang petisyon ng magbubukid. Sawa na ang mamamayan at magsasaka” (Farmers have been going to the office of Maliksi for three years, but up to now all he says is that he will study the farmers’ petition. The people and the farmers are already fed up.), Sheryll Villegas, secretary-general of the Cavite chapter of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance) said.

Villegas also scored the governor for supporting the Macapagal-Arroyo regime’s counterinsurgency program marked by the massive recruitment of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (Cafgu) and other paramilitary groups.

The establishment of military and police detachments inside interior villages in the municipalities of Maragondon, Magallanes, Indang, Alfonso and Bailen, she added, has sown fear among the rural folk. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 30, September 4-10, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2005/09/06/cavite-gov-not-just-corrupt-but-also-anti-farmer’-–rural-groups/

Maria Teresa Pangilinan: the latest ‘youth idol’ is GMA’s ‘heckler’ She has been praised as a “youth role model, a true student leader”, all because she voiced a collective disgust on no less than the country’s president.

Dasmariñas, Cavite – The Justice Secretary called her “insolent.” Government officials of Cavite said she lacked manners. But for youth groups, Maria Teresa Pangilinan, or Tere is their latest role model.

On April 21, toga-clad Tere led a group of protesting graduates of Cavite State University (CvSU) who stood up, unfurled a red banner and chanted slogans while President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was giving her speech.

Tere’s banner was emblazoned with “No to Cha-cha” (charter change), while other protesters shouted “Pahirap sa masa! Patalsikin si Gloria!” (Burden to the masses! Oust Gloria!).

President Arroyo reportedly paused and stared blankly, after which Presidential Security Group (PSG) soldiers moved in to confiscate Tere’s banner. At that moment, the president just stood where she was and observed what was going on. She resumed her speech after a minute, her voice a pitch higher.

Chanting and unfurling of “Oust GMA” banners were later staged by another group of protesters but PSG elements and policemen drove them away. Despite being swift, that protest action joined by around 300 people has gained media projection that irked Malacañang officials.

Gallant act Tere, a mass communications graduate, was no ordinary student. She was president of the Central Student Government and member of the university’s Board of Regents in CvSU. She was also the regional vice-chairperson of NUSP for Southern Tagalog.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 81

She was conferred the “Huwarang Kabataan” (role model of the youth) award by the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) and Kabataan (Youth) Party, which said she embodies the student leader and citizen every Filipino youth should emulate.

“A true student leader and role model is selfless, critical, and proactive and is ready and willing to stand up for her constituents in the face of danger or uncertainty – qualities which Theresa have,” Kabataan Party president Raymond Palatino said.

“What she did was a gallant act for truth, justice and for the future of every Filipino,” said Palatino.

Tere’s crusade The 23-year-old Tere said she’s not sorry for protesting against the president. If given a chance in a different venue, she said she would do it again.

“What we did is an expression of our disgust with the president, and it is an enshrined freedom in our Constitution. That is one reason why Ms Arroyo wants to have the constitution changed – to limit our freedom,” she said in a statement.

“Kung sa pakiramdam ni Ginang Arroyo na siya’y nabastos, hindi ba’t higit na pambabastos ang ginagawa niya sa buong mamamayang Pilipino sa pagtalikod sa mga kagyat na kahilingan ng mga mamamayan?” (If Ms Arroyo felt we committed an act of disrespect, is it not true that she committed a more brazen act of disrespect to the Filipino people when she turned her back on the people’s urgent demands?)

Asked by Bulatlat how she felt, Tere said, “Mas relief ang pakiramdam ko dahil naroon ‘yung hangarin namin na maipakita sa kanya ‘yung protesta namin face to face. Alam namin na ang adyenda niya’y ang pagsusulong ng Cha-cha at ‘di namin hahayaan na mabahiran pati ang Cavite.”

(I felt relieved because we wanted to show to her face to face that we are protesting. We know her agenda is to promote Cha-Cha and we will not allow her to smear Cavite with it.)

Tere has been busy going around various media outfits to air the grievances of the youth and to arouse them to collectively stand up against the Arroyo regime. On April 27, she visited detained Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Partylist Representative Crispin Beltran in the hospital, then appeared in a late-night public debate show on TV. Tere campaigned for a broad range of issues affecting education. Such issues include the budget slash for state colleges and universities, comfort rooms that cost P1 ($0.02 at $1:P51.78) per use, P150 ($2.90) medical fees, exorbitant internet fees for inaccessible computers and tuition fee increases. In assigning instructors for their English lab, for instance, she observed that the school has been giving more priority to Korean students over Filipinos.

“Sinasabi ng administrasyon na walang ipinapatupad na tuition increase pero ang nangyayari kasi ladderized. Ang mga freshmen na walang kamalay-malay ang naaapektuhan…meron nang other fees bukod pa sa miscellaneous fee,” (The administration has been saying that there is no tuition fee increase but it’s actually a ladderized scheme. Freshmen who are innocent are affected…they are being made to pay for additional fees aside from miscellaneous fees) Tere explained.

Tere is calling for the ouster not only of President Arroyo, but also CvSU president Dr. Ruperto Sanggalang, whom she said is a “burden” to the students.

School officials, she said, have been so blatant in suppressing the students’ right to organize. When students of a newly-established college held council elections, she said its dean refused to recognize the elected officers for unfounded reasons.

“Ang nakakatawa pa nito, pagkatapos ng eleksyon, pinaboto niya ‘yung dalawang sections na hindi nakaboto para i-order sila na iboto ‘yung kandidatong pabor sa kanya…ang nangyari ay nanalo pa ‘yung partidong ayaw niya.” (What’s funny is that after the elections, he told two sections that were not able to vote to vote for his favored candidates…still, the party he did not like won).

Insolence?

Secretary Raul Gonzales of the Department of Justice (DOJ) claims that in carrying out her “insolence”, Tere has violated Article 153 and 154 of the Revised Penal Code and called on the

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 82

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the possibility of filing criminal charges against her.

She also learned that their college dean has announced that her transcript of records (TOR) will be put on hold.

Sheryll Villegas, secretary-general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Cavite (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance) said that the criminal charges, which Gonzales threatens to file against Tere, may actually be resolved at the barangay (village) level, as provided by law.

She said the Justice Secretary should take up Political Science 101 for “apparently being ignorant of the law and for mocking the whole justice system.”

Villegas added that criticisms and protests will hound Ms Arroyo because she insists on holding on to power despite being disliked and very much isolated due to accusations of electoral fraud, corruption and human rights violations.

On her so-called heckling, Tere said, “Kung ang iniisip nila ay pambabastos ang pakikipaglaban para sa karapatan ng kabataan, pagtindig sa katotohanan, pagtindig sa katarungan, at pagiging isang makabayan para sa pagbabago, mas nanaisin pa namin na maging bastos hambambuhay.” (If they say that fighting for the rights of the youth, and standing up for truth and justice is being rude, then we’d rather be rude for the rest of our lives). ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 12, April 30-May 6, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-12/6-12-tere.htm

GMA’s ‘heckler’ charged with public disturbance Imus, Cavite (23 kms. south of Manila) – The police has filed criminal charges against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s “heckler”, Cavite State University (CvSU) graduate Maria Teresa Pangilinan even as Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez had shelved his plan to sue her and called to lay to rest the issue.

This, said Pangilinan, is hypocrisy and an act of vengeance.

Pangilinan along with Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance)-Cavite secretary-general Sheryl Villegas, Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW) president Marlyn Gonzales and fellow graduate Apolinar Dayandayan Jr. were accused of committing public disorder under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code.

It was in connection with the anti-Arroyo lightning protest actions held at the CvSU campus in Indang town while the president was giving a commencement speech last April.

A few minutes before noon on May 23, the four appeared at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office here where they filed their counter-affidavit before Asst. Prosecutor Rosa Elmina Catacutan-Villarin. They were accompanied by lawyers Evelyn Dominguez, Walter Go and some youth supporters.

“Take this” In his counter-affidavit, Dayandayan charged the police officers of illegal search and arrest when he was accosted while in line waiting for his turn to receive his diploma from Arroyo. That was on April 21 between 5:005:30 p.m. or more than an hour after the last chanting of protesters, he said.

Later, the police brought him to the station for questioning. “There, I was told by one of the police officers, ‘Sa iyo na lang ito (Take this),’ referring to the red flag,” he stated. “They then took my toga, cap and other belongings and placed them in a cabinet together with the red flag.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 83

Two pieces of paper that bear the words: “No to Charter Change! Oust GMA! Never Again to Martial Law!” and a note that read: “Apol, please respect other graduates. Don’t spoil our preparation.

This is not the right venue. Good luck. Sir Milo” were found on Dayandayan’s body but these, he contends, do not prove anything.

Bulatlat also learned that the only evidence submitted against Pangilinan, Villegas and Gonzales is the joint sworn statement by PO2 Russell Sierra, PO2 Sherwin Chavez and PO1 Houdini Cuevas.

It said that while assigned at the CvSU entrance gate about 4:45 p.m., they were informed by PNPIndang Chief PS/Insp. Mamerto Osea Malubay that a “disturbance” was happening in the stadium where Arroyo was speaking.

“Protesting now a crime” The accused argued that the complainants’ statement showed they never saw them committing any crime.

“They acted only based on the report given to them, which is nothing more but hearsay. It is not even clear on the report to them what specific actions were being done that could be interpreted as ‘disturbance’ on public order,” their counter-affidavit read, as they asked the investigating public prosecutor to entirely dismiss the case.

“Wala talagang pagsisisi sa parte naming lahat at uulit-ulitin naming ‘Oust GMA’ pa rin (On our part, none of us are sorry and we will still reiterate our ‘Oust GMA’ call),” Pangilinan told reporters.

“Ang magprotesta ay itinuturing nang isang krimen (Protesting is now a crime),” she added, “pero ang taong nandaya sa halalan, nangurakot ng kaban ng bayan, kumitil ng maraming buhay at dahilan ng kawalan ng tirahan, edukasyon at kabuhayan ay naroon sa Malakanyang at patuloy na nagpapasasa sa kapangyarihang ninakaw din sa taumbayan at pinoprotektahan pa ng mga ahensyang dapat na nangangalaga sa katotohanan at hustisya (but the person who cheated, stole the people’s money, snuffed out many lives and caused the loss of homes, education and livelihood is still in Malacañang and continuously enjoying power stolen from the people and protected by agencies that are supposed to safeguard truth and justice).” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 16, May 28-June 3, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/06/03/gma’s-‘heckler’-charged-with-public-disturbance/

Residents spur resistance to road dike, reclamation plans Fisherfolk and urban poor residents lambasted the Aquino administration for turning a blind eye on their rights and demands as it pushes for the grand sell out of Laguna Lake.

MANILA – The Laguna Lake Expressway Dike (LLED), regarded as President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s biggest “flagship” project to date under his administration’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program, is not an easy deal, especially with the fact that it involves P122.8 billion ($2.728 billion) of taxpayer’s money.

Last October, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the project’s main implementing agency, has extended the submission of pre-qualifying bids to build the massive infrastructure in favor of big local and multi-national corporations.

The list of interested bidders includes GT Capital Holdings Inc., Ayala Land, Megaworld, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., Minerales Industrias Corp., Leighton Contractors Inc., JV Power and Wealth Corp., LT Group, Laguna Lakeshore Consortium, Filinvest Land, San Miguel Corp., Megawide

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 84

Construction Corp., Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., Minerales Industrias Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and State Properties Corp. Foreign investors, meanwhile, include Malaysia’s Muhibbah Engineering Corp., MTD-Hanshin-VistaLand Consortium and Vinci Concessions; France’s Egis Projects S.A.; Australia’s Macquarie Securities (Phils.) Inc. and India’s IL/FS Transportation Networks Ltd. An alliance for the protection of the 90,000-hectare Laguna Lake against environmental destruction called Save Laguna Lake Movement (SLLM) said that while the government gives prospective investors more time to strategize in the bidding process, it blatantly shows no concern for the fisherfolk and urban poor residents who will be affected.

To demonstrate their call to junk the LLED and the PPP Program, SLLM members are continuously holding protest actions, sometimes in the form of fluvial parades. As they demand the authorities to secure their food, homes and future, they found allies among some Catholic bishops, including Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who signed their petition last September 1 to oppose the road dike-cum-reclamation project.

Alter floods, alternate routes According to DPWH’s website as of August 25, the LLED has two major components: the construction of a 47-kilometer expressway dike along the lake’s shorelines from Taguig to Los Baños in Laguna, which is estimated to cost P64.9 billion; and the reclamation of 700 hectares of Taguig and Muntinlupa cities’ lakeshore areas, which is estimated to cost P57.9 billion ($1.286 billion).

Proposed alignment runs 500 meters away following the shoreline. The “flood control” facility will have a six-lane toll way and eight interchanges, including 16 bridges and pumping stations. The reclamation plan, on the other hand, seeks to create seven new islands—about 450 to 500 meters wide and 15.6 kilometers long—where new commercial and residential areas will be developed.

The project’s objectives include to: “relieve the heavily traveled Bicutan-Calamba corridor (South Luzon Expressway and Manila South Road)” and “serve as an alternate to the congested road of the National Highway from Calamba to Los Baños”.

In addition: “The expressway will be used to integrate a flood control system to protect the flood prone areas located along the shore of Laguna Lake” particularly business establishments, factories and households situated in low-lying communities.

With the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) as its cooperating agency, the DPWH promises economic benefits such as “savings in vehicle operating costs”, “savings in passenger time”, “reduction in flood damages”, “increase in land productivity in existing communities due to flood protection”, and “increase in land productivity (value added) in the reclamation area”.

The DPWH targets to bid out the project under the Build-Operate-Transfer law before the end of the year and complete its construction within six years, starting on December 2015. The winning concessionaire will have the right to operate and maintain the facility from 2022 until 2051.

Disasters in disguise In his state of the nation address last July, President Aquino cited the LLED as part of disaster preparedness efforts approved by the national government. He expressed the need for it after strong typhoons and heavy monsoon rains in 2012 and 2013 flooded several coastal communities in Laguna.

But, for residents who depend on the lake as their source of food and livelihood, the real issue behind the project is forced evictions and threats of violent demolitions. They point out the empty promises of lake-related “development” programs by past and current regimes, which failed to resolve year-round problems of hunger, famine and neglect, as enough proof to show the LLED will only bring further disasters to their lives.

Flor Chan, a member of SLLM who has been living in Biñan, Laguna for decades and earns an income through fishing, lamented: “We know that if this project pushes through, it is certain that we will be thrown out.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 85

Based on a document called “Laguna de Bay Basin 2020” by the LLDA, in Laguna the Aquino administration is planning to evict 6,800 families in barangay Malaban in Biñan and 4,800 families in barangay Sinalhan in Santa Rosa. At least 60,000 families situated in “Lupang Arenda” in barangay San Juan in Taytay, Rizal will also be evicted in addition to 10,440 more families that comprise a cluster of informal settlers along the shoreline. As “relocation cost”, it plans to shell out P200,000 ($4 thousand) per household or roughly P6.5 billion ($144 million) for 80,000 households.

Meanwhile, the SLLM revealed that the displaced people will only be offered, and have to rely on, something that Malacañang describes as “development and progress”—five million pesos worth of water hyacinths processing ventures.

Rogelio Arciaga, president of Kapisanan ng Samahang Mangingisda sa Muntinlupa (KASAMAMU or Federation of Fisherfolk Associations in Muntinlupa), declared: “We prefer to have an income of 50 pesos per day rather than give us some easily consumable replacement value of our homes and livelihood on the lake.”

He believes the disadvantages of LLED are long-term and detrimental to the people compared to the so-called “economic benefits”. His group estimates the reclamation will displace more than 20,000 families in Muntinlupa alone.

“In order to really end poverty and hunger, the government must first look after its constituents and the interest of the basic masses, not of big foreign and big companies,” SLLM spokesperson Pedro “Ka Pido” Gonzales said in a statement. “They must provide the people jobs and ensure that our country’s heritage and resources are primarily enjoyed by our less fortunate countrymen.” ### First published in Bulatlat, November 7, 2014 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2014/11/07/residents-spur-resistance-to-road-dike-reclamation-plans/

Gabriela solons push for more protection from abusive spouses Women legislators initiated bills to amend “unfair” and “discriminatory” provisions in the Family Code.

MANILA – Getting married is not always followed by living happily ever after. Women continue to become victims of violence perpetrated by spouses who dominate and control them, or treat them as inferior.

In an effort to make remedies under Executive Order 209, otherwise known as the Family Code of the Philippines, more practical and accessible, Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) representatives Emmi De Jesus and Luzviminda Ilagan filed House Bill 5238 and House Bill 5105 during the last quarter of 2014. The first seeks to amend Article 55, while the second seeks to amend Articles 96 and 124. Both bills target to eliminate certain provisions that are “unfair” and “discriminatory” to women.

They said that these legislative moves in Congress are part of priority changes endorsed by the Philippine Commission on Women, and in compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly which was signed and ratified in 1981 by more than 50 countries, including the Philippines.

Simpler processes According to the findings of the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), 14.4 percent of married women from ages 15 to 49

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 86

have experienced physical violence from their husbands; and more than 37 percent (one-third) of separated or widowed women have suffered the same.

The types of physical violence mentioned in the study are: slapping, pushing, shaking and throwing something at her; twisting her arm or pulling her hair; punching her with a fist or with something that could hurt her; kicking, dragging or beating her up; trying to choke or burn her on purpose; and threatening or attacking her with a knife, gun or any other weapon.

Due to lack of awareness on women and children’s rights, some victims and witnesses do not report these incidents to authorities because they presume these as internal family problems. Many incidents, often associated with alcohol and drug abuse, go unreported out of fear or shame.

Under House Bill 5238, “repeated physical violence” will be replaced with “severity or gravity of violence committed” as one of the grounds for legal separation, which broadens the definition to include psychological, financial or economic, or sexual violence, or any serious attempts to inflict violence against the woman and her children.

The need to prove repetitive violence puts women at a disadvantage as they are forced to go back to abusive husbands before they can ask the courts for legal separation,” De Jesus explained in a statement, adding that the proposed amendments are consistent with Republic Act 9262 or the AntiViolence Against Women and Children Act of 2004.

Though legal separation grants the couple’s freedom to live separately, it does not break the bond of marriage.

Fair guidelines House Bill 5105, meanwhile, strikes out the phrase “in case of disagreement, the husband’s decision shall prevail, subject to recourse to the court by the wife for proper remedy” in the joint administration and enjoyment of community property. It likewise repeals the five-year deadline for the wife to take the case to court.

“The articles that give the husband the preference over unresolved property issues reflect the antiquated view that the husband’s wisdom prevails in all family matters,” De Jesus said in a separate statement.

“Giving the wife a chance to challenge this in court does not provide a remedy. It is still grossly unfair to women, as they have to hire a lawyer and forces her to sue her husband and this strains the marriage.”

In its explanatory note, GWP stated: “More significantly, conjugal or community properties will also be preserved and safeguarded from unilateral and reckless decisions that are often resorted to when conflict occurs between wife and husband.”

If both enacted, these amendments, she added, will afford relief to married women who need to free themselves from the atrocity, and to remove unfair disadvantage in settling property disputes. ### First published in Bulatlat, February 3, 2015 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2015/02/03/gabriela-solons-push-for-more-protection-from-abusivespouses/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 87

PART THREE: INSURANCE AND PRE-NEED “Just as people seek to resolve the world’s ailing political and economic crisis, insurance has to develop solutions in evaluating risks and protection against them.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 88

Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc.: 50 years and still counting This year marks the 50th anniversary of Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Inc. As it moves forward and face the new millennium, the company is deeply committed not only to provide world-class nonlife insurance to the Filipino but also to take an active part in national development.

It was with the vision of the late Robert Coyiuto Sr., a pioneer in the insurance industry and the first Filipino to become an underwriting member of the Lloyd’s of London, that Prudential Guarantee Assurance (PGA) was born. With him were the very close associates and his five sons, namely: Robert Jr., James, Peter, Samuel and Miguel.

From its original office at the Insurance Center Building in Intramuros, it grew with 31 branches across the country and manned by about 500 employees. Its main office now stands at the Coyiuto House, a six-story structure located at the heart of the country’s business center—Makati City.

Prudential Guarantee owed its remarkable achievement over the years to the late Coyiuto’s legacy of humility and professional responsibility. His passing in March 5, 1982 did not hinder Prudential from moving forward despite the twists and turns in the business.

As of December 1999, PGA is number one in terms of net premiums earned in the field of more than 100 companies, with P935,536.552.00.

“In the past years, we can say that the company’s performance has been steady, ” said PGA President and Chief Operating Officer Phillip K. Rico. He added that despite the increase in competitors and the economic crisis, PGA continued to maintain its production level.

Prudential Guarantee is the leading underwriter of aviation insurance. It insures all the major domestic and general aviation aircrafts in the country. In high profile coverage on public performance, PGA has engaged in the success of the World Chess Olympiad and the prestigious Miss Universe pageant both held in Manila.

Prudential Guarantee has pioneered in the underwriting of industrial all-risk policies, malpractice insurance, electric equipment insurance and large infrastructure projects. Some of the company’s recent projects include the development of Rockwell Center, the Rockwell Shopping Mall and the construction of the Metro Rail Transit Inc. (MRT).

Rico was hopeful that business groups whom they deal with would keep on expanding. He cited the plan of the group of Henry Sy of SM to build a shopping mall at the Pasay reclamation area to be hailed as the “largest mall in Asia.” Another project is the rehabilitation of the Manila North Luzon Expressway and the construction of the natural gas power plant in Batangas.

The success of PGA lies in its ability to take the challenges of the times. When asked what the company logo stands for, Rico smiled and merely quipped: “the stripes say that we are a company that is forever on the go. And that is what we are.” ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 3 Number 6, October 2000 issue

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 89

52nd year: what they say of the IC Recognizing the significant role of insurance companies in national development, the Insurance Commission (IC) was established 52 years ago this month.

Aiming to rebound from the Asian financial crisis in 1997, the government has liberalized the insurance industry in line with the impetus of globalization (liberalization, deregulation and privatization) policies. In recent years, the IC initiated a drive called “Vision 20/20” which aims to insure 20% of the country’s population by the end of year 2000. It has also made proposals to revise the Insurance Code to make it conform to the current demands of the industry.

Insurance World was able to get views from some insurance executives on the performance of the Insurance Commission. Here’s how they responded: “In (the year) 2000, the IC have worked hard to keep approvals moving while protecting policyholders.”

Ms. Nicole Ann Fende Vice-President and Chief Finance Officer Aetna Philippines “The IC has maintained its commitment for a true and honest governance of the local insurance industry through the following points: (1) ensuring a strong and complementing partnership between the government and the insurance industry by monitoring the liquidity of its players to enable it to finance part of the former’s infrastructure projects and help stir the economy; (2) neutralize monopoly of the Government Social Insurance Service (GSIS) on insurance of government projects through congressional legislation so as not to be in competition with the private sector and thus encourage business exchanges; (3) encourage insurance awareness to Filipinos by being receptive to the demands of the times particularly on life insurance and the public utility vehicle passenger personal accident; and (4) assist in saving companies in distress by providing financial and management expertise and rehabilitation.”

Aurora C. Galvez President Security Pacific Assurance Corporation “(The IC is) too lenient in enforcing policies and deriving the defunct companies which sprout out over the last five years.”

Ms. Cuyegkeng President Philippine British Assurance Company “The (Insurance Commission) is necessary to the success of our company, or the success of all new life insurers for that matter. The new companies rely on the Commission’s strong leadership, which must be premised on dynamism, fairness and a complete dedication to the basic principle of liberalization—an open and level playing field. The commission has been supportive of our operations and we appreciate this very much...

“Looking to tomorrow, we believe that the IC’s priority will be to continue ensuring a level playing field for life insurance considering now that there are more than 40 licensed life insurance companies

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 90

in the country. It is only through this level field can we move towards expansion, advancement and growth. In the end, the public will be the ultimate beneficiary of this growth as life insurance companies render service of a higher quality and more attuned to customer needs.”

Shigeru Noma President and Chief Executive Officer Nippon Life Insurance Company Phils. Inc. First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 3 Number 8-9, December 2000-January 2001 issue, page 30-31

Perils on crops With the rapid increase in world population, man’s quest for improved crop yields continues to alleviate the food crisis. Such goal is what concerned sectors and institutions in our society hope to achieve. One of these is the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), a government institution under the Department of Agriculture whose function is to provide insurance protection to farmers against losses arising from natural disasters as well as plant diseases and pest infestations.

The program The crop insurance program was instituted in 1978 through Presidential Degree No. 1467 which also created PCIC. Initially, the premium cost was subsidized by the national government to make the program affordable to the small farmers. Due to lack of finances, however, the government implemented in 1991 a five-year phase out plan out of premium subsidy. Later it instructed the PCIC to repackage the program even with little or no premium subsidy.

When the Asian financial crisis hit the country in mid-1997, many farmers got themselves in a very difficult situation. New programs were started such as the Agriculture Advisory Program to help farmers cushion the negative effects of El Niño. In fact, the bulk of claims in 1997 came from drought conditions with total indemnities paid amounting to P74.4 million.

As of 1997, there were only 64,028 and 20,099 total number of farmers insured in rice and corn production respectively, compared to the 11 million total labor force in agriculture. This relatively minimal rate indicates that not all farmers are able to benefit from the program. Landlessness, high rents and production costs, usury, landlord monopoly and domination of transnational corporations (TNCs) are still the more pressing problems of the majority of poor farmers than getting their crops insured.

Controlling risks Throughout the centuries, man has been using biotechnology to improve the quality of crops. Plant breeding began when man started taming crops for food stability some 12,000 years ago.

Rice, Asia’s chief staple food, is constantly used for various researches. It was found out that rice plants are susceptible to many kinds of diseases that inflict damage on crops. Thus, plan breeders continue to uncover methods to avoid and eliminate such incidence.

In 1995, the Ramos government approved the Repackaged Crop Insurance Scheme (ReCIS). With this, farmers can avail of the extended cover and insure his crops from controllable risks. Losses caused by typhoon, flood, drought, earthquake, volcanic eruption are compensable under the standard cover.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 91

When the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) was established by the Rockefeller Foundation, rice varieties resistant to specific diseases were developed. And one in this list is the bacterial Blight rice (BB rice). However, IRRI’s introduction of a new plant rice variety IR8 triggered the growth and spread of the bacterial blight disease in the 1960s. Knowing that such variety helped the spread of the disease, IRRI implemented an extensive field-testing. It was then that an epidemic on bacterial blight was acknowledged, cutting yields from 20% to 50%.

While ReCIS’ extended cover includes epidemic outbreaks of plant diseases, peasant groups believe that risks can be controlled easily through cultural management.

The Farmer-Scientist Partnership for Development (MASIPAG), an independent network of farmers, NGOs and scientists in the Philippines, says that there are at least eight ways that farmers can control a disease called bacterial blight in rice: 1. Avoid excessive use of fertilizers rich in nitrogen.

2. Do not use residues from infected plants as organic fertilizer.

3. Provide only adequate irrigation and sufficient drainage.

4. Save the seeds from those plants with resistance to plant for the next season.

5. Maintain diversity in the farm by planting different crops at the same time or changing crops every season to decrease pest population.

6. Be cautious in transplanting seedlings from the seedbed to the field, since tearing of the roots is a significant cause of infection.

7. Plant different varieties of seed, and those developed from multi-lane breeding, with different levels and means of resistance as a precaution against crop losses.

8. Remove infected plants and other possible hosts of the pathogen.

BB rice is a hybrid that carries modified genes that pose a big threat to farmers. Aside from actually decreasing production, hybrids also serve as media in spreading the disease that it failed to eradicate.

As part of its service and product innovations, PCIC has targeted in 1998 the inclusion of hybrid rice cover from both rice growers and farmers’ level at P30,000 and P20,000 per hectares respectively.

Despite the risks of transgenic crops produced by IRRI (such as hybrids), TNCs are given leeway in dominating the market whose aim is to accumulate patents and profits, to the detriment of farmers.

Farmers see water shortage as another problem. To protect crops from water shortage, scientists are toiling on new ways of cultivating rice. According to the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a 58-nation consortium coordinated by the World Bank, Asian farmers grow 90% of the world’s rice crop but worsening water shortages mean that new ways must be found to grow rice with less water. The techniques include the following: wet seeding, intermittent irrigation, land leveling, improved weed control and management of cracked soils.

Given the trends to “modernize” agriculture to promote food security, perils on crops remains a vital issue both for the PCIC and insured farmers to attain the best quality of crops enough for the daily consumption needs of the Filipino. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 3 Number 10, February 2001 issue, page 6-7

Change is permanent Buying a pension plan maybe the biggest single achievement that an average Filipino makes. To provide himself or his family with a secured future would mean spending hard-earned money.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 92

Dire situations call for right solutions. A trusted and respected company, Permanent Plans Inc. (PPI), not just think about pensions. It thinks more about people.

Leading the pack “If you follow the leader, you will never lead.”

Permanent Plans was inaugurated in July 1989. Its formation was guided with the belief that having a long-term capital market will boost development for the country, despite having short-term lending institutions such as banks and pawnshops.

Within 11 years of existence, PPI has its dose of obstacles and challenges. The two major difficulties the company has encountered in the past were: one, getting investment in raising its capital and two, finding the right people to build the company.

Emphasizing the significance of long-term capital markets, PPI President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Juan Miguel Madrigal Vazquez said: “When you build a bridge, you don’t build it with money that is good for one year. When you build a power plant, you build it for 10 to 15 years. This is why the pre-need business has been important to me. Similar to life insurance, we have our role to develop the long-term capital market. That’s why we set up this company.”

In terms of growth, PPI wants to ensure the infrastructure first in order to grow and to serve the clients. By using the traditional system of distribution similar to other pre-need companies, they can be able to develop non-traditional methods over time. As the infrastructure is there in terms of marketing and client services, the company hopes to push its growth in terms of sales. Obviously, they would not want to play catch with other pre-need companies.

To make way for its leading role, PPI has earned a reputable partnership with banking and life insurance sectors namely: Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank), United Coconut Planter’s Bank (UCPB) and Philippine Axa Life Insurance, a Metrobank subsidiary. To date, the company has reached the one billion mark in total assets, with a total paid-up capital of P157 million —one of the highest in the industry. Meanwhile, its trust fund amounts to about P160 million (as of December 2000).

Last November 1998, the company has filed an increase in its capital stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which amounted to P386,525,000 from the prior P80 million.

The liberalization of the market has resulted to the influx of foreign companies and modern technology into the country. Is Permanent Plans taking any move, like making use of the most modern technology, to compete with the challenge of the times?

“You don’t close those things. Any businessman will always look at these options. But is it a priority? Is it something that we want? To be frank with you, I don’t believe so...I don’t consider it as top strategy for us,” Atty. Vazquez explained.

High-caliber products PPI offers an array of products to every clients’ needs. These includes the following: Educational Plans: *Special Anticipated Fund for Education (primary, secondary, tertiary) Comprehensive Retirement Plans: *Company retirement fund based on Republic Act 7641 *Guaranteed income retirement planning *Elder planning Real Estate Plan: *Real Property Down Payment Fund *Mortgage Redemption Insurance

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 93

*Home Equity Financial Plan: *Private financial aid Medical Plan: *Health Care Planning General Insurance Plan: *Creation of inheritance or estate funds *Estate planning for future family security *Comprehensive life protection One of PPI’s ingenuous products is the DECA Pension Plan. This program is designed to cover life’s uncertainties before and during man’s old age. It aims to answer every financial need.

The benefits of the plan is embodied in the Subscribed Maturity Value (SMV) which shall be given upon maturity of a client’s chosen program and according to any of the client’s chosen settlement options. A planholder shall be entitled to value added benefits such as Paid-Up Program, Return of Installment or Contract Price, SMV Cash Benefit, Accidental Death Cash Benefit, Accidental Dismemberment Cash Benefit, Cash Memorial Assistance, Waiver of Installments upon Disability, Total and Permanent Disability Income Benefit, and Co-Planholder’s Insurance Coverage. The client may also avail of the program’s optional hospitalization benefit riders.

Other features and benefits include a one-year contestability period, 60-day grace period, cash surrender value, 2-year reinstatement privilege period, transferability and assignability, and a 12month suicide exclusion period. ʻAlagang pang-habang buhay’ Carrying the “Alagang pang-habang buhay” slogan, PPI has made it a standard in choosing the right people and clients. By giving necessary focus to the industry which is savings accumulation, Atty. Vazquez would like to see the company at the top five, if not number one (sooner or later).

Choosing the right people (clients, employees, or agents) means building strength within them. It is also a matter of matching three aspects, namely the infrastructure, delivery of services and growth.

“Mahirap maghanap ng kliyente...napakahirap,” Atty. Vazquez explains with optimism. “But if you have them, take care of them. And you should take care of them very well. Don’t sacrifice growth just for the purpose of growth.”

As part of its service, PPI signed a Collection Agreement with the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Inc. (BPI) in 2000 to supplement its existing agreement with Metrobank, making premium payments of policyholders acceptable through any of its branches. This year, it has signed a similar contract with Asiatrust Bank.

Reading out to the needy In celebration of the company’s 10th anniversary, PPI officers and staff conducted a medicalophthalmology mission and cleanliness campaign among the barangays of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan last June 1999. This was made possible in collaboration with Iglesia ni Cristo Civic Action Group, Soroptimist International of SJDM, Wyeth Philippines, Inc. and the local government.

The second series of outreach activities was held last September 1999 at Mabalacat, Pampanga where more than 300 residents availed of the free consultation and medicines. PPI employees also initiated in cleaning the town’s major streets, to the delight of common folks.

PPI believes that its people should be able to reach out beyond the confines of their offices—that is by providing community services among the needy.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 94

Customer intimacy program PPI aims to develop trust. It believes that this is the main value in taking care of people. This can be achieved through a three-level service strategy: customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and lasting relationship.

Since PPI entered the pension business, Atty. Vazquez felt that they have a relatively young population that any country would like to grow over time. While it’s true that as a traditional custom, Filipinos will take care of its elders, people would like to be taken cared of by their children but would still want their independence.

In sum, PPI will definitely accelerate the growth of business and capital, broaden the market with a convenient plan of giving security all throughout the lives of the people. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 3 Number 11, March 2001 issue, page 9-10

Pre-need industry grows by five percent The local pre-need industry posted a 5.3 per cent growth last year with gross contract price reaching P32.735 billion in 2000 from P31.093 billion in 1999, according to reports from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Philippine Federation of Pre-Need Plan Companies, Inc. (PFPPCI) President Atty. Juan Miguel Vazquez welcomed the increase but said he believes “the industry can grow faster than 5.3 per cent.”

Educational and pension plans got the bulk of the share as they accounted for 95% of the market last year. Memorial plan got a five per cent market share.

Total gross sales of educational plan upped by 10.2% from P14.16 billion in 1999 to P15.62 billion in 2000. Pension plan sales also rose by three per cent from P15.15 billion in 1999 to P15.62 billion last year.

However, gross sales of memorial plan declined by almost 18% from P1.815 billion in 1999 to P1.49 billion last year.

The top three sellers of educational plan last year were College Assurance Plans, with total gross sales of P6.1 billion; Berkley International Corporation, P3.6 billion; and Philam Plans Inc., P1.5 billion.

The top three pension plan sellers last year were Philam Plans, P2.822 billion; Prudential Life Pension Plan Inc., P2.809 billion; and the Comprehensive Annuity Plans and Pension Corp. (of the CAP Group), P2.557 billion.

Vazquez said industry growth depend largely on the performance of the economy and the “saving habits” of the people. “I don’t have empirical data so I can’t talk about growth rates so convincingly although I believe that the industry can grow faster than 5.3%,” he stressed.

He said he has no target growth for the industry but wants to achieve the following goals for the Federation: (1) to see to it that the Federation can work closely and effectively with our regulators and legislators to come up with the best rules and laws which are responsive to the needs of our clients and our members; and (2) to see how we can strengthen the Federation’s organization and secretariat so that it can work better on improving the professional standards of our members and provide good membership services.

Despite the controversy created by the SEC circular issued last year raising capital requirements of pre-need companies, PFPPCI said it is open to change and improvement and will choose to face these

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 95

problems with “a win-win attitude.” Currently, governing bodies have beefed up their resources and legislators are reviewing the rules and regulations of the industry.

Rather than oppose potential changes, Vazquez said the PFPPCI opts “to embrace them and work with the SEC to come up with improvements which are good for both the clients and for the industry.” ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 3 Number 12, April 2001 issue, page 17

Government to tap insurance industry for development programs The government will provide an environment that fosters competition and rule of law to ensure the continued growth of the insurance industry. They will also continue to balance the need for regulation while allowing businesses to sustain their profits.

This was announced recently by the Office of the President, in the midst of an economic slowdown, low investors confidence and continued political crisis.

Considering a public deficit of P170 billion or US$3.4 billion, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration has adopted an austerity program.

Arroyo believes that the insurance industry, specifically life insurance, plays a vital role in the creation of capital markets since insurance contracts have longer maturity dates.

According to latest statistics, of the P125 billion total investments in the insurance industry (both life and non-life), more than 50% or P70 billion went to stocks and bonds with about 20% or P25 billion more invested in other long-term securities.

Long-term capital markets, Arroyo adds, will help the government to provide a better life for our people and expedite the progress and development of our nation.

Arroyo provides an outline of her administration’s plans and programs for the insurance industry: • A regulatory framework that continues to promote high moral standards and leadership by example in order to gain the trust and confidence of the insuring public. More policyholders mean more premiums, which in turn mean more investible funds. This will spur economic growth.

• The liberalized policy already in effect in the industry will help to create more employment for our people. The industry in partnership with the government will simplify requirements that will attract more people to join the insurance services industry.

• We will strive to increase awareness among our people for the need and importance of insurance. We will enlist the help of the media and our educational institutions to achieve this.

• The insurance industry, known as leading institutional investors, will be tapped to invest in socio-economic and development programs of government such as housing, power, utilities and transportation.

Among the main legislative agenda is the proposed amendment of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation Act, to revitalize the local banking system.

This proposal probably came out after complaints on the closure of Urban Bank last year.

Disappointed with the slow-moving pace of plans for the bank’s re-bidding and rehabilitation, depositors have organized themselves to begin their lobbying for the bank’s reopening.

Of the 14,000 depositors of Urban Bank, 13,000 depositors have accounts classified as small or medium, which ranges anywhere from the minimum maintaining amount of P2,000 to less than P1

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 96

million per account. Roughly 8,000 depositors have already received the insured amount of their accounts while 6,000 depositors are still waiting for the release of their funds.

Last month, jailed former president Joseph Estrada was charged with plunder, perjury, graft and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials before the Sandiganbayan —one of which involves the anomalous sale of Belle Corporation’s shares of stock to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS).

“The pronouncements of the government are clear: the rule of law applies to all without fear or favor,” Arroyo comments on Estrada’s arrest. To avoid anomalous transactions, she said that those who should be appointed to head these agencies (GSIS and SSS) must b e “persons with a very strong sense of professionalism and integrity.”

Arroyo explains: “there must be safeguards such as providing for oversight functions that have to be delegated to independent third parties. Regular examinations of the operations, including investments must be reviewed and evaluated to establish who should take responsibility for anomalous actions.”

But state workers are pushing for the removal of investment policies and loans to stop cronies and private business from getting favors on behest loans. They are calling the new administration to review the GSIS Act of 1997 (RA 8291), particularly the level of contributions, package, delivery of services and for a representation of state workers in its Board of Directors.

Whether Arroyo can succeed to propel economic development where her deposed predecessor failed, remains to be seen. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 3 Number 12, May 2001 issue, page 7-8

Corporate Guarantee and Insurance Company @ 4: enriching business value in the countryside This coming July 25, Corporate Guarantee and Insurance Company (CGIC) marks its 4th anniversary as it gears toward expanding insurance business in the Luzon countryside. As the only non-life company with headquarters outside of Metro Manila, Corporate Guarantee has gained, in its own right, the respect it deserved after going though with the “confidence building phase.”

Mr. Levy P. Laus, CGIC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer buoyantly notes: “I think people in the countryside, particularly in our area of operations, has started to realize how important it is that non-life insurance like Corporate Guarantee is just in their midst. Unlike before, they have to go to Metro Manila and they don’t know people there. So it is easy for them to get in touch with us and get the kind of service they want.”

Young but matured Building a non-life insurance company such as Corporate Guarantee entails huge capitalization.

But Laus was undaunted. With the help of business associates and professionals, CGIC was put together and was formally launched in August 1, 1997 at Holiday Inn, Clark Field, Pampanga, a week after receiving its license from the Insurance Commission.

CGIC thus marked the birth of another business entity belonging to the L.P. Laus Group of Companies (LGC), known for its wide range of products and services ranging from automotive to aviation in a business niche that practically covers the whole of Central and Northern Luzon. Besides,

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 97

LGC has built a corporate reputation that is not only synonymous with world-class quality and consumer-oriented products and services but focused on adding value to countryside business.

This reputation, in fact, has virtually installed LGC as a whole in the upper reaches of the list of the country’s top corporations. Carworld Inc., its flagship company, is among the country’s top 300 corporations and is now acknowledged as the biggest provincial car dealership in the country. The LGC, historically, started from Carworld, which has its modest beginnings as a mere allied or subdealer of cars.

Today, LGC is known in automotive, financing, real estate and other allied business. Carworld, a Mitsubishi car dealership, is well represented in Central Luzon, covering Pampanga, Bulacan, and Tarlac since 1978. The Laus Group’s Ford Motor Philippines franchise covers the entire Central and Northern Luzon areas. It has established its foothold in Ford-Pampanga’s operation and FordCabanatuan City. Incidentally, Ford-Pampanga was just recently adjudged as the first in the country to receive the much-coveted Blue Oval certification, a global program of Ford Motor Company to reward dealers for excellence in customer service. All together, the Laus Group is composed of 20 subsidiaries, all in Central Luzon.

With this size—and growing—the LGC needed an insurance firm. As Laus explains: “the reason we established CGIC is to fit as our insurance arm to ascertain that our vehicle customers get the right service and attention in case of insurance claims, thus consistency is attained in the delivery of customer satisfaction.”

He adds that the Laus Group has a wide base of loyal customers whose insurance needs like fire, bonds and other lines can be served by CGIC. Improved products, adequate resources The company, aside from being direct writing insurer, also acts as facultative re-insurer to several other big companies in the industry “evidencing a more than satisfactory capacity to write large risks.”

Truth is, it has a re-insurance panel composed of foreign re-insurance companies such as the ALEA Singapore and Sirius International Insurance Corporation together with three prestigious local professional re-insurance companies namely Universal Reinsurance Corporation, National Reinsurance and UCPB General Insurance Company, Inc. “The bulk of our business is on motor,” Mr. Laus explains “because, as I’ve said, the Laus Group is basically into the automotive. So the bulk of our premium production is on motor vehicles but we do have services for fire and bonds.” This is why most customers of Corporate Guarantee all over Luzon are also the same customers availing the automotive services of the Laus Group in order to generate premiums.

There’s no much difference in the products that Corporate Guarantee offers to the insured public.

What separates it from the others is the manner it delivers the kind of service in selling these products, in maintaining its customers, and in the commitment that it offers to clients.

Given his forward-looking mindset, Laus is looking at an expanded structure to beef up its manpower requirements. “We do not just keep on generating more business; we also are expanding our crew to keep up with the growing need of our clients,” he says.

Customer comes first Like all LGC firms, Corporate Guarantee strives to live up to the billing of ever moving forward and reaching a new level of operation. Likewise, its appreciable gains in this direction can be attributed to two reasons: total customer satisfaction and the guiding light of the Laus Group of Companies.

“Basically, our philosophy evolves around total customer satisfaction and efficient service,” Laus notes matter-of-factly.

For Laus, this means having efficient and effective control over the different phases of doing business with customers, from the time they buy the vehicles until they receive their insurance claims.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 98

He thinks such control is crucial to LGC’s continued success in satisfying its customers, especially on matter of claims.

“Instead of us presenting other principals, it is us now doing the servicing of these claims and insurance requirements of the clients,” he elaborates. “Hence, in this particular case, we have the control because most of the dealerships can’t control the aspect of relationship between the clients and dealers. Up to the time they will resell their vehicle, we have another used car outfit to service the requirement of our customers.” Laus further says that up to the time the customers will resell their vehicles, the LGC has another outfit to service their customer’s requirement.

Executives’ perspective If Laus is upbeat and optimistic about CGIC, so are his top-level executives. CGIC vice president and general manager Gilbert M. Fernandez views thus: “Its performance was very successful. Of course, we had an advantage over other firms in terms of synergy of operation.”

He singles out good servicing of claims as a strong edge of CGIC. “Ang show window ng insurance company ay ʻyung claims. Madaling i-cover lahat ng insurance needs ng public, pero pagdating sa claims, d’un mo makikita kung ano’ng klase ang isang company. Corporate Guarantee has lived up to its slogan ʻWe Value Our Commitment.’ Gusto naming lalong lumawak at lumakas pa ang Corporate Guarantee,” he confidently quips.

Fernandez’ sentiment is echoed by Mario Valdez, CGIC vice president for Manila operations. “We are looking at profitable business and we intend to further improve it,” he declares with cool confidence. While he admits that Metro Manila is highly competitive for insurance firms, he is not intimidated. In fact, he believes that CGIC can always stay competitive. “Given the prevailing rates that the industry has given to the general public, we feel that we in the CGIC have an ideal mix, a good portfolio for Metro Manila customers.”

At the branch level, all the top-level positive outlook is also shared with equal optimism. Jack Pascual, manager of Marilao branch, says that even with the current economic situation, the insurance business is on a positive state. For instance, he observes that there is a continuous market growth in Valenzuela and other parts of Bulacan.

Pascual says that they have a captive market with Carworld whose clientele also makes up their base. “Based on our premium rate, ʻyung market namin is near to 60-70% of the market of Carworld,” he bares.

After four years, it is obvious that CGIC, whose main office is in the City of San Fernando, is following the path of other LGC affiliates in terms of building a name for customer satisfaction, enriching the LGC corporate values and bringing progress to the countryside.

As Laus aptly puts it: “We believe that there’s a lot of opportunities and potentials in the countryside. We believe that the people in rural areas deserve an equal kind of services and products just like the people in Metro Manila.”

Which is his way of saying countryside business also deserves to be first. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 2, July 2001 issue, page 10-12

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 99

Coming out of the Big Apple New York Life Insurance aggressively extends its business internationally with the Philippines as its newest market.

One hundred and fifty six years of existence can speak for itself how reliable New York Life Insurance Company can be. Established as a mutual insurance company in 1845 in the USA, New York Life blossomed into one of the most admired life insurance companies in the world today. Banking on their experience and holding on to the values that made them loved by their policyholders, the company geared towards increasing their presence in the international market.

After establishing subsidiaries in Taiwan, Korea, Kong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Mexico and Argentina, the company’s international arm, New York Life International, set up operations in the Philippines. NYLI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gary B. Benanav said they are now eyeing in Vietnam and China, where they already have representative offices.

With the establishment of New York Life Insurance (Philippines), Inc. (NYLIP), they hope to strengthen their presence in the emerging Asian economies. “We have invested over $1 billion in the international arena to show that we are a serious player and that we are committed to this market,” remarked George B, May, president and CEO of NYLIP. Mr. May said New York Life’s decision to go international was primarily due to the saturation of the US life insurance market, which has over 1,800 companies. He added that it just make sense for the company to “look outside” of the US market where 90 percent of the world’s population resides.

Their strategy is to be on the emerging markets rather than the industrial ones so they can match the “level of growth” of these countries. Besides, there is an enormous potential for growth and expansion in the emerging markets because “the amount of life insurance owned by an average individual is very small.”

With only 20 percent penetration, the Philippine market is a natural haven for the company. New York Life is banking on the country’s large population, growing middle class, potential for economic growth and relatively high savings rate. “Our decision to enter the Philippine market is based on our belief in the industrious Filipino and the viability of the economy in the long term,” explained Mr. Benanav. He said some $8 million has been invested for the company’s initial operation in the country.

An additional $25 million will be pumped in over the next ten years to expand its operation.

NYLIP Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Saloom Tham said they would bring to the Philippines not just the unmatched experience and achievements of New York Life, which boasts of $138 billion in assets worldwide and ranks 87 in the Fortune 500 list, but more importantly the core values that they uphold. “I am certain that our core values of financial strength, integrity and humanity will be appreciated by the Filipinos” just as they are appreciated by policyholders worldwide.

New York Life became one of the most admired insurance companies in the world because of the quality of service they gave to their customers and the quality of their agents. The kind of training they give to their agents is one of the best in the world as manifested by the number of New York Life agents who qualify to the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). NYLIP Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Daniel Amodeo disclosed that they train agents not just for licensing purposes, but more importantly to understand the basic fundamentals of life insurance. “The training with New York Life is throughout one’s career,” he added, New York Life agents continue to lead the prestigious MDRT for 47 consecutive years now, with 2,300 qualifiers in 2001. Only about five percent of all life insurance agents qualify into the MDRT, an exclusive association of leading sales professionals in the industry. Remarkably, 28 percent of New York Life agents qualify into this organization, according to Mr. Amodeo.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 100

“The MDRT is the goal that we want to implement here in the Philippines. We hope to get many Filipino agents to qualify for the MDRT by using the professional techniques that we use to train and equip agents,” said Mr. Benanav. Currently, NYLIP have 150 well-trained agents. The number is expected to double by the end of the year. Local operation is expected to stabilize as soon as agency force reaches 1,000.

The company will initially offer 35 life insurance products that will suit to the needs of every segment of the population. Mr. May explained that in coming out with such a number of products, they look at what the market really needs. “Our products are tailor-made. We align products to the marketplace, not try to take one product and then fit everyone. Free size doesn’t work.”

With the combination of right products and well-trained agents, they hope to get a significant market share in a few years time. Mr. Amodeo said they expect to be in the top 10 of local life insurance industry in five years.

Mr. Benanav said they are here not just to sell products and make money. “We’re really in the business of forging relationships, long term relationships. We want to establish good relationships with our customers. We want to establish good relations with the Filipino society.”

NYLIP Vice President of Operations Marianne Crisol said Filipinos could expect the commitment of the company to help the economy. “They are committed to stay for the long term. They would bring technology and educate Filipinos on the value of insurance,” said Ms. Crisol, the only lady and Filipino among the current crop of NYLIP executives.

Aside from creating jobs and opportunities for many Filipinos, New York Life would also help revitalize the economy by reinvesting in the country all the premiums that would be collected locally.

Mr. Tham bared the possibility of them being replaced by Filipino executives, saying part of their job is to develop people to assume their positions and eventually move on to other pastures. “The long-term goal of the company is definitely to localize the management.”

Long-term is what they always say. Well, to a company with one-and-a-half century of experience, short-lived stay makes no sense. Unwittingly, they could be teaching Filipinos a lesson. That success is not achieved overnight. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 2 & 3, AugustSeptember 2001 issue, page 10-12

Pre-need firms air concern over SEC rules Pre-need companies have raised public concern anew on the issue of regulating the industry as they contend on the proposed rules drawn by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

In a public hearing held last August 3 at the SEC presided by the commission’s non-traditional securities and instruments department (NSID), the Philippine Federation of Pre-Need Plan companies (PFPPC) welcomed the SEC’s move to come up with new rules. However, executives of pre-need firms admitted they were apprehensive on its implementation.

Discord over “critical” rules Since July this year, the SEC is hell bent on keeping a closer guard over the pre-need industry by setting up stronger safety nets for the protection of pre-need plan subscribers through the drafting of the controversial Consolidated Rules on the Registration and Sale of Pre-Need Plans under Section 16 of the Securities Regulation Code.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 101

Last month, the commission’s NSID has required pre-need firms to distribute information brochures to prospective planholder as a prerequisite for the sale of their respective plans. The former warns that it will suspend the permits to sell of pre-need companies who will revise their brochures without SEC’s approval.

After fleshing out the 50-page document with 38 rules, the PFPPC, which is a national association of pre-need companies, pointed out certain provisions which according to them are “critical to the long-term growth and success of the pre-need industry.”

Among the provisions which the PFPPC is not amenable are the following: 51% minimum trust fund contribution for life plans, benefits and registration procedure (particularly the inclusion of insurance in trust fund contribution), change in the termination value formula, insurance riders (for life plan companies only), and deferred charges and other assets (wherein commissions may no longer be deferred).

In a press statement, PFPPC claimed that requiring a 51% minimum trust fund contribution will only make products too expensive for consumers.

With regards to provisions on “benefits” and registration procedure, PFPPC said the inclusion of insurance benefits under “benefits” and actuarial reserves will create certain implications on the formulation of actuarial reserve liabilities since insurance proceeds received by the pre-need company are merely reimbursements from the insurance company for the insurance claims paid in advance by the pre-need company.

Termination values, according to the new rule, shall be at least 80% of the actuarial reserve. Preneed executives argued that this will make the industry less competitive in the long run. “Is not SEC going beyond regulation or more so already changing the principles under which it has regulated the industry?” asked by one of the officials of PFPPC. The SEC’s stands is that insurance riders should be segregated from the term and conditions applicable to the pre-need plan and that terms and conditions of insurance benefits to be provided b the insurance company be included in the individual certificate. PFPPC deems that this cannot be applied to life plans because this would destroy the essence of the product since its uniqueness primarily lies in the union of insurance and the pre-need concept.

The PFPPC also raised the question of the provision on deferred charges and other assets. They prefer that the old rule (during the term of Chair Perfecto Yasay) be implemented and enforced provided there is a strict matching of cost and revenue.

Making clear of their opposition to the drafted new rules and that of its implementation be deferred, however, the PFPPC proposed to include the following in the new rules: • Allow disgressions to the investment mix on a case-to-case basis subject to the condition that it is justifiable and with SEC’s approval; • Allow companies who do not meet the minimum capital requirement to continue operating after the deadline set by SEC and upon the latter’s approval on a case-to-case basis; • Issuance of permit should be based not on type or name of plan but on main product itself (i.e. pension, education or memorial plan); • Identification cards (IDs) should be issued only to planholders when they have fully paid the plans.

Regulation twists In the 1960s, there was a spill over of investors in the United States and in Europe as a result of political uncertainties in the United States. The global funds emanating from surplus capital by American pension fund managers and fidelity funds were derived from billion-dollar companies having huge excess funds. In turn, these were re-channeled to other countries through transnational business operations.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 102

Pre-need companies expanded their operations in the Philippine market with the institution of the first pre-need memorial plan firm in 1966. Operations then were not under by the Insurance Commission, claiming that the business does not fall into the category of the Insurance Code.

From 1967 to 1977, the SEC had provided guidelines for the operations of a few pre-need companies then operating. Under the chairmanship of Angel Limjoco Jr., the commission passed a set of rules on the registration and sale of contracts, plans or schemes in January 1978. Eventually, it was the first written and documented rules that governed the growing pre-need industry.

In 1984, pursuant to the provisions of the Revised Securities Act, Batas Pambansa Blg. 178, preneed plans were classified as securities. The SEC under Chairman Manuel Abello then made another set of rules to regulate pre-need companies, followed by several additional rules issued to protect the interest of the buying public.

As the business grew over the decades, clamors for a change in the regulating agency reached the doorsteps of the legislative chamber.

Just three years ago, Rep. Erico Aumentado, together with then Senator Teofisto Guingona, filed House Bill No. 1611 and Senate Bill No. 1424 in the 11th Congress respectively. Both measures sought the creation of a Pre-Need Plan Securities Code, thus, to make the SEC the sole governmental agency to regulate the pre-need business.

On the contrary, Senator Raul Roco filed Senate Bill No. 1473 seeking to place the industry under the supervision of the Insurance Commission (IC). He believes “that by doing so, the interest of the public will be protected and the firms’ liquidity and solvency will be properly supervised.” (IW, April 1999) SEC or IC? During the second half of the 1990s, the issue remains whether which of the two government agencies (the Insurance Commission or the SEC) would better supervise pre-need companies.

“From a short term or immediate position, the official stand of the federation is to be under the Insurance Commission and this has not been changed,” PFPPC president Atty. Juan Miguel Vazquez admits.

He noted that the question is not as relevant since their group’s position was declared prior to the implementation of the Revised Securities Act. Though Vazquez underscored the importance of trustworthy coordination with government agencies, he stated that they still aspires to have a Pre-Need Commission as well as a Pre-Need Code passed in the 12th Congress.

The continuous but arduous efforts to revise the supervising and regulatory framework would signify a new turn in the pre-need industry. Business leaders and policymakers must ensure the interest of the general public wherein consumers of pre-need plans will reap the benefits of their hard-earned money for future needs. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 2 & 3, AugustSeptember 2001 issue, page 16-18

A F.A.I.R. to remember Insurance is a tool to shield people against risks. It protects property, investments and livelihood. Just as people seek to resolve the world’s ailing political and economic crisis, insurance has to develop solutions in evaluating risks and protection against them.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 103

It is with this concern that about 225 insurer-delegates from Asia, Africa and Middle East regions joined together last September 24-28 for the 17th Conference of the Federation of Afro-Asian Insurers and Reinsurers (FAIR) in Manila. The affair is aimed at addressing issues of liberalization and technological innovation.

What’s FAIR FAIR was established in Cairo, Egypt in September 1964 to promote cooperation among insurance and reinsurance companies in Africa and Asia “through the regular exchange of information, expertise and the development of reinsurance relations.” Currently, the Federation has a total membership of 175 companies in at least 49 countries.

This elite, business-oriented organization had members who are mainly top executives of various insurance (life and non-life) and reinsurance companies from all over the world.

To realize its objectives, the Federation holds biennial conferences where it organize activities such as forums on reinsurance, oil and energy underwriting and life insurance; reinsurance and aviation pools and the oil and energy syndicate. Within these gatherings, issues involving knowledge and technical expertise, promotion of risk management and loss prevention, credit insurance, agricultural insurance and other new business concepts are taken up and discussed by delegates.

During the course of the conference, general meetings are also held to decide on the general policy and program of the Federation.

According to FAIR secretary-general Ezzat Abdel-Bary: “FAIR is a priceless instrument and media for cooperation, and our responsibility is to make it more responsive, effective and dynamic.”

The Manila conference This year’s 17th Conference of FAIR was held in Manila, in a time when the world was in peril following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington last September 11. It was the second time (the first time was 20 years ago in June 1981).

The opening ceremony carried on at the Conference Hall of EDSA Shangri-la Hotel last September 25, with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as keynote speaker. In her speech, she urged all insurers and re-insurers to coordinate greater efforts to help stabilize and secure a more rational worldwide insurance market place, in particular for the aviation business.

Mr. Noureddine Skandrani, Chairman and General Manager of Groupe Des Assurances de Tunisie, and president of FAIR, thanked the President and commended the organizers as well as the Filipino people for the successful hosting of this year’s conference. Following his address, Mr. Skandrani handed over the presidency of FAIR to Ms. Yvonne Yuchengco of Malayan Insurance.

Different topics were discussed during the plenary sessions. Among them were: “Capital Markets: An Alternative to Reinsurance” by Mr. Bernd Gieri of Munich Re; “Agricultural Insurance: The Philippine Experience” by Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) President Benito Estacio, Jr.; “How Does the Insurance and Reinsurance Industry Handle Environmental Impairment and What is their Role in Environmental Protection?” by Mr. Ruediger Otto-Goroll of Swiss Re; “Internet and Technological Innovations: What the Insurance Industry Should Look Out For” by Mr. Keshav Sunderraj, management consultant of NMG Financial Services Consulting; and “Effects of Liberalization on the Philippine Life Insurance Industry” by Insurance Commissioner Eduardo Malinis.

The General Membership Meeting was held on September 25th and 27th where they received the report of the Secretary General and adopted the recommendations of the Executive Committee. They also approved unanimously the invitation of Zimbabwe to host the 18th General Meeting in 2003.

Aviation insurance FAIR forums and pools were also convened to discuss issues calling for urgent action. Top in the list was the aviation insurance.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 104

According to Joel Almagro, secretary of the Organizing Committee for this year’s conference, a resolution was passed by FAIR Aviation pool last Sept. 26 to expand the capacity of the three types of aviation insurance (hull insurance, passenger liability and third party liability) by more than 40% to augment the requirements needed by airline companies during emergency situations.

“In fact, the general membership endorsed the recommendation of the FAIR aviation pool to increase the capacity...almost doubling the pool’s,” said Almagro, who was incidentally the vice president of Malayan Insurance, during an interview with Insurance World. Insurance firms all over the world had placed a capital on third party liability damage to only $50 million. The Philippines has vowed a six-month guarantee in exchange for airline companies’ pledge to proceed with its flights.

Since Afro-Asian economies (mainly of which are Third World countries) remain backward and underdeveloped, it would be deserving to see FAIR address the protection and security needs of the people, especially in this era of wars and political turmoil. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 4, October 2001 issue, page 22-23

Insular Life’s 91 years of dependable service A history of strength and commitment As the oldest and biggest Filipino-owned life insurance company, The Insular Life Assurance Company Ltd. is synonymous to strength and stability. The company is a showcase of Filipinos capability to stand on its own and compete with the outside world. Indeed, history shows how Insular Life brave the challenges faced by the company and the nation as a whole.

This year, the company celebrates 91 years of unwavering commitment to the Filipino nation. A pillar of the life insurance industry and a partner in nation building, Insular Life looks at the past with honor and gets ready to face the future. Let us look once more at the history of the company that has been a companion of the Filipino nation.

In 1910, an American executive by the name of Leon Mooser of the China Mutual Life Assurance Company based in Shanghai, together with prominent businessman Don Antonio Ma. Barretto, decided to establish a life insurance company in the Philippines. The new company was incorporated as The Insular Life Assurance Company, Limited in November 25 of the same year, with Don Antonio as its first president.

It is interesting to note that the company name “insular” originated from the Spanish word insulares which means island-born. The term also refers to Filipinos of Spanish descent who were born in the Philippines. Indeed, the name was significantly chosen to depict its founders’ pride and patriotic fervor for the country of their birth.

Such a company operating under the American colonial regime was not easy. Actually, Insular Life owed its initial success to Charles Salmon, a noted insurance salesman who had worked as its general agent for thirty years. Until his death during World War II, Salmon would be considered as a pillar in insurance selling in the country.

The 1930s would be Insular Life’s “Golden Years” as it grew without hitch throughout the entire decade. By 1932, then American Governor-General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. cited the company for its contribution to the stability of the economy. In 1935, Vicente Singson-Encarnacion, then Insular Life’s president, was elected to the Constitutional Convention where he participated in the deliberations of the Finance Committee.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 105

But World War II shattered the financial stability of not only Insular Life but also the entire country.

As the Japanese invaders entered Manila in December 1941, Insular Life closed its offices. Not long after, however, the company reopened again in March 1942 upon orders of the Japanese Military Administration. Operations were difficult since money had become scarce, and the company was deluged with death claims and policy loans.

Shortly after the liberation in 1945, Insular Life honored its pre-war and occupation commitments, thereby sustaining huge losses. Policies with premiums paid during the war with “Mickey Mouse” currencies were deemed in force and almost P1 million were paid out to beneficiaries of policyholders who died or were killed during the war. Making matters worst, the Commonwealth government revoked all bank balances in a drastic move to rehabilitate banking institutions in the country. The result: Insular Life lost more than 92% of its bank deposits which comprised about 51.5% of its total assets. The company decided to continue operations rather than declare bankruptcy.

The 1950s saw Insular Life undergoing rehabilitation. It decided to lower its premium rates in 1954. In 1958, it introduced the group insurance and the industrial life insurance in the country.

As its major contribution to Philippine art, the company commissioned National Artist Fernando Amorsolo to do a series of paintings on Philippine history and industries during the ‘50s. The company’s auditorium was also made home of Repertory Philippines’ series of theater performances for 20 years.

By 1960, Insular Life has a total business in-force of P500 million and declared its first post-war cash dividend to stockholders. Responding to social responsibility, it established the Insular Life Educational Foundation in 1962 (now Insular Life Foundation) to administer a college scholarship program for deserving students.

In 1976, the Insurance Commission approved its mutualization plan. Mutualization would transfer ownership of the company from tis stockholders to its policyholders. In 1987, Insular Life has become a fully-mutualized company.

In the advent of liberalization, Insular Life undertook an investment diversification move starting in 1990.

As the oldest life insurance companies, Insular Life proved to be a reputable and stable institution in the Philippine life insurance industry with its asset base reaching P29.1 billion and a total business in-force of P164.1 billion in 2000. During the same year, the company paid a total of P2.2 billion in benefits to policyholders while dividends paid to individual policyholders amounted to P938 million.

To date, the company has 140 regional, district and service offices, and general agencies all over the archipelago.

While life insurance remains its core business, it has expanded itself to other financial services.

Currently, it has four major subsidiaries namely: Insular General Insurance Company (non-life), Insular Life Health Care (health maintenance organization), Insular Investment and Trust Corporation (investment house) and Insular Life Savings Bank. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 5, November 2001 issue, page 7-8

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 106

“We have served Filipinos in good and bad times” Q and A with Vicente R. Ayllón, Chairman and President, Insular Life Assurance Company Ltd. With a service record spanning more than 40 years, Vicente “Ting” R. Ayllón deserves to be awarded with most loyal man of Insular Life. Starting as a junior clerk, he rose from the ranks to become head of the country’s first life insurance company.

For him, building good relationships with the employees is paramount. This is why he made a practice to sit down with the employees every month for breakfast.

A key industry figure, Ayllón was the first president of the Philippine Life Insurance Association (PLIA) and has served as director/member of the Insurance Institute for Asia and the Pacific, Philippine Insurance Institute and the Philippine Insurer’s Club. Currently, he is vice chairman of the board of Union Bank of the Philippines and director of some of the country’s leading corporations, such as Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation.

Ayllón obtained his Associate in Commercial Science degree from San Juan de Letran College and his Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from the University of the East (UE).

Insurance World was privileged to have talked with the man who leads Insular Life into one of the most respected company in the country today. Below are excerpts of that interview.

INSURANCE WORLD: What has made Insular Life the leading Filipino-owned and over-all among the top three life insurance companies in the country today?

MR. VICENTE R. AYLLÓN: The first one is our track record of dependability and financial stability. Insular Life is the oldest Filipino life insurance company, established in 1910. For 91 years, we have served our fellow Filipinos through good and bad times. During World War II, we were the one of only two companies that remained open and continued to fulfill our commitments to our policyholders.

Insular Life has grown steadily over the years and is today the largest life insurance company with assets reaching P29.1 billion and a business in-force of P164.1 billion in 2000. In the insurance business, size and financial stability count a lot.

Secondly, we have always been responsive to the needs of the market. We have a record of pioneering innovations in the life insurance industry. We were first to offer Group insurance and Industrial life insurance. We were first to go into direct marketing of life insurance. Our products are also among the most competitive in the market today, offering the best returns on the policyholder’s premiums while providing benefits that are most relevant to their needs.

IW: How do you intend to keep this prominent status?

VRA: By keeping close to our policyholders and customers and continuously developing products and services attuned to their requirements. We conduct regular market surveys and study groups among our customers. This year we launched a pension plan, the I-Fund. Next year, we will launch three new products, all of them the result of a thorough market study.

We also continuously institute improvements in the company’s services by regularly upgrading our computer systems and networking capacities, to improve the flow of information and the company’s over-all efficiency. We also have continuous employee and agents training to upgrade their competencies in delivering quality service.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 107

IW: How does being a mutual company help Insular Life? Why did it choose to be one for the last 23 years?

VRA: Being a mutual company means we exist primarily for the interests of our policyholders. This single purpose and single focus on policyholders has been beneficial to Insular Life. We experienced some of our highest growth rates after we became a fully mutual company in 1987. For instance, in the ten-year period between 1987 to 1997, our assets grew from P2.9 billion in 1987 to P18.2 billion in 1997. In 1987 we paid P329 million in total benefits to policyholders, but in the year 1997 this figure had gone up to P1.7 billion. As a mutual company, Insular Life will first and foremost, be a company that exists for its policyholders. Without any stockholders’ interest to address, it shall remain solely focused on the welfare and needs of its policyholders.

IW: In terms of marketing, how has Insular Life gone with bancassurance and e-commerce strategy?

VRA: We have explored tie-ups with our banking subsidiary and affiliate although these are still in the initial stages. But we see a lot of potential for our life insurance products to reach the bank’s customers through a tie-up. Banking and insurance are closely related. They serve similar needs—savings, protection and future financial security.

As for e-commerce, we have relaunched our website as a way of being a fast source of information for our policyholders and potential customers. Policyholders can log their inquiries and service requests on our website. Servicing forms can also be downloaded from our website. However, as far as the actual selling of our products is concerned, I believe it still have to be our agents. There has to be a human interface. Life insurance remains to be product that has to be sold.

IW: Can you explain to us the rationale behind the plan of Insular Life to invest abroad ($25 million in shares from global companies, according to news reports)?

VRA: This is a part of the company’s overall risk management plan. As an insurance company you have to be always conscious of spreading your risks. By having part of our investible assets in a global fund, we are ensuring that our overall investment portfolio is balanced. Should the local markets continue to experience a downturn, our investment performance can be partly compensated for by the global fund.

IW: At present, how does your firm cope with today’s economic slowdown?

VRA: We have adopted a very simple three-pronged approach: increase our capability to generate new business, retain our current customers through quality products and services, and reduce costs.

IW: You were number two until 1999. But in 2000, Sun Life took over your place. Can you share your assessment for this occurrence?

VRA: I believe one reason for Sun Life’s growth in first year sales last year was due to its demutualization the year before. The policyholders were given shares of stock in the demutualization company, and these shares of stock were denominated in Canadian dollars. In other words, their policyholders got a windfall from their shares of stock in Sun Life. So the agents were able to sell them new policies.

IW: Your target goals for the year 2002?

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 108

VRA: We are aiming for a growth of 15% in our revenues. We are launching three new products and intensifying recruitment and training of agents. We intend to double the size of our agency force. We will be pursuing our tie-ups with banks, brokers and other ventures to tap the markets which are not easily accessed by our agents.

IW: Can you share to us your views on the local life insurance market. Do you find it competitive?

VRA: Absolutely. Since the liberalization of the industry, 17 foreign life insurance companies have come in. Many of them are the biggest in their home countries and are among the biggest in the world.

But the market is not as big as what the new entrants may have expected. It’s true that we now have a population of 75 million. But if you consider that half of that population is below 20 years old, and over half of them are in the rural areas and probably living below the poverty line, then the market shrinks considerably. So in reality, we’re really going after a relatively small percentage of the population that can afford life insurance.

IW: What is your growth forecast for the local life insurance industry for year 2001?

VRA: I believe it is still possible for the industry to achieve double-digit growth although not as high as the 15% growth it had been experiencing in previous years. In my opinion, I believe a 12% growth is still achievable.

IW: Can you share your views on the global insurance market, in the light of the devastating attacks on the U.S. last September?

VRA: The effects of the terrorist attack in the U.S. would be more sharply felt by the non-life insurance sector. The property claims are in the billions of dollars. I don’t think the life insurance industry will be very much affected or would be directly affected by claims although certainly many lives have been lost. But the effect on the life insurance sector will be more a result of the economic slump following the terrorist attacks. This could mean less disposable income and, therefore, less premiums for the insurance companies. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 5, November 2001 issue, page 9-11

TPG Corporation at 25: growing by leaps and bounds In 1976, TPG Corporation, then known as the Professional Pension Plans, Inc., started to provide the basic pension needs for the country’s professional sector: doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers and other entrepreneurs who could not rely solely on government-run or corporate pension funds.

Twenty five years later, TPG Corporation continues to provide pension security not just to professionals but to all sectors of the population. It has expanded its products to include educational plan. Today, TPG is consistently among the top ten pre-need plan firms in the country, with a total trust fund of over P1 billion and assets of over P4.3 billion. It services over 300,000 planholders through its 83 business centers nationwide.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 109

Landmark achievements When TPG was founded in 1976 by Martha Horrigan, an actuarial expert from Michigan, U.S.A., the original mission was to sell pension plans for professionals. It became the first private pre-need pension plan company to pay out retirement benefits in 1983. Four years later, TPG launched its first academic plan with a built-in retirement income benefit for the planholder.

Over the years, TPG has considerably broadened the Filipino’s aspiration towards financial independence and have embarked on a number of landmark achievements. Among them is the establishment of an alliance in 1999 with LBC—the first world-class, Filipino-owned courier company, and ATR Holdings—an international investment house. This strategy increases TPG’s servicing capability giving current and prospective planholders excellent, fast and guaranteed service for their pre-need plan needs. It also enhances the company’s asset management capabilities further ensuring delivery of its financial commitments.

As TPG President and Chief Executive Officer Francisco J. Colayco explained: “My theory goes— it’s now pay out time. We have to be as close to our planholders as possible. Hindi puwedeng selling lang.”

Colayco noted that it was under his auspices that TPG was created. It was a result of a merger in 1991 of two pre-need entities: the Professional Pension Plans Inc. and the Professional Academic Plans, Inc. It took four years for the merger to be formalized.

Last year, TPG expanded its “service options to include life insurance” when it collaborated with ATR Holdings in acquiring GE Life Insurance Co., Inc., now known as Professional Life.

Nothing could be more rewarding than to be engaged in helping out cooperative units. TPG started catering to the needs of the members of the military through the Armed Forces Philippines Savings and Loan Association, Inc. (AFPSLAI) in 1988, and of the public school teachers through the Regional Educator’s Multi-Purpose Cooperation (REMCO) early this year.

New paradigms TPG currently finds itself in a period of fundamental change. Forces are reshaping not just the face of the pre-need industry but virtually every sector and activity within the financial system.

Responding to these, TPG aggressively embarked on another pioneering venture with its Pro Zinergy Cooperative Marketing System (CMS). Launched last February 2001, CMS is “a simple marketing concept wherein the planholders are converted into business partners where he saves for his future while earning income to sustain current financial needs.”

“My target for next year is basically to spread the TPG epidemic,” Colayco said referring to their new marketing strategy. Stressing that to achieve this, they would greatly depend on the partnership they’re trying to build with their planholders who would be instilled with the philosophy of puso, kusa and propesyunalismo.

“I think there would be consolidation on the market simply because the rules are more stringent.

After thirty years in the industry, people are now familiar with the value of pre-need,” he added.

Another interesting initiative of the company was the acquisition of the Metropolitan Basketball Association’s (MBA) Davao Eagles Team late this year. During the press conference last Dec, 13, Colayco clarified that TPG is not going into basketball per se. He explained that it is just part of their promotion for a healthy lifestyle and encouragement of the youth to prepare for their future.

“TPG wants to promote a healthy lifestyle geared towards the younger market and inculcate in them the idea of preparing for their future early on. Professional basketball players, for example, don’t have an entire lifetime to work since they could only play for as long as their bodies allow them to. So it’s important for them to prepare early so that they’re financially secure when the time comes,” Colayco said in a press statement.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 110

Perspective As former head of the Philippine Federation of Pre-Need Plan Companies Inc., the umbrella organization of pre-need companies in the country, Mr. Colayco thinks that the industry and the federation are not yet ready for a self regulatory status.

“Self-regulation is a good idea but we’re still not ready. The standards are not yet there,” Mr. Colayco pointed out.

“I told the Securities and Exchange Commission that pre-need is not a complicated industry. We just need to focus on several aspects namely the trust fund contribution rate of the firms, the monthly reports of premium collections especially on new business and how they’re deposited, and the tight monitoring of reports. With those things, I think we can easily manage the industry well,” he added.

Believing in the strength of the underground economy and the value of savings, Mr. Colayco remains optimistic that Filipinos can cope with the hard times. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 6 & 7, December 2001-January 2002 issue, page 18-19

TPG’s Pro Zinergy Cooperative Marketing System: empowering the planholders TPG Corporation, a company of many pioneering innovations, has embarked on yet another first in the industry—the Pro Zinergy Cooperative Marketing System (CMS). Through this revolutionary concept, planholders are converted into business partners of TPG. Through CMS, TPG hopes to empower planholders to take control of their financial security through a two component value proposition: (1) future savings and (2) present income. With this system, a person is able to engage in a socially-beneficial enterprise through the simple act of saving.

“Before it was just savings. Now its savings plus current income. And it has a compounding effect because as you earn more, you make sure you save more,” TPG President and CEO Francisco J. Colayco explained.

“The problem of the industry is persistence. I believe we’re solving that problem by creating an income-generating system for the public to make sure that persistence is improved so that they really pay through the year and that they don’t lose the future value they saved for,” he further explained.

Initially, this system applies to TPG’s pension product only. “We’re starting with the pension. With this kind of system, we cannot have too much variation because of the manageability side,” said Mr. Colayco.

“If the product becomes too complicated, the computer system and the backroom operation would be onerous. We don’t want the service to suffer. Besides, when you make the product simple, it becomes an inexhaustible product like our current basic pension offer with a value of P100,000 per unit,” he explained.

Mr. Colayco noted that the underground economy is very strong due to the Filipino sense of entrepreneurship, or the buy and sell habit to augment their incomes.

He based this idea on a study conducted by a third party group of academicians whose findings state that across all classes (from class A to E), people are saving a certain percentage of their disposable income every month.

If a certain household earns P15,000 monthly, they still manage to set aside at least P4,000 for savings which are divided and allotted for future savings and investments, the study further said. In

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 111

this sense, Mr. Colayco asserted that delivering both (future savings, current income) should be the task of the company.

In its first month as an experimental project, CMS generated over P1 million in sales from over 100 new planholders. Since then, its growth has been phenomenal—converting 20,000 planholders into cooperative marketers selling over P1 billion pension plans in gross contract price in less than a year.

But the more interesting statistic is the transformation of the lives of thousands of planholders who have realized referral incentives of P1 million and above while at the same time accelerating the full payment of their pension plans.

Pro Zinergy CMS discharges a “compounding effect,” Mr. Colayco said. When one becomes a planholder, he begins to understand the product because he lives with it and ultimately endorses it. In the meantime, the company further enhances his personal life through basic entrepreneurship and leadership training.

Establishing lifelong saving habits among Filipinos and providing lifelong income opportunities has become a major goal of many government and non-government organizations everywhere.

Corporate leaders define this as social responsibility. But no less important in the capacity to attract the general public is the continuous process of retooling them to become liberated financially. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 6 & 7, December 2001-January 2002 issue, page 20-21

Philippine Insurers Club at 50: a legacy of camaraderie and ethical conduct Insurers form one of the segments of the insurance industry that have a leading role to play in securing financial needs of Filipinos. They bear a heavier portion of responsibility and burden in determining risks and providing protection during uncertainties.

For fifty years, these insurance practitioners are nurtured through the Philippine Insurers Club (PIC), whose founding anniversary is being celebrated every January.

PIC was established in January 12, 1952 by distinguished insurance practitioners to serve as a forum or “venue for keeping abreast with the significant developments in both the national economy in general and the insurance industry in particular as well as for cultivating goodwill among its members.” (PIC 1997 Directory) The Articles of Incorporation of PIC was signed on the very same date, with the following Directors as officers: Sergio Corpus, Joaquin Garrido, Alfredo Garcia, Jose Florentino, Guillermo Escalante, Herminio Rodis and Santos Serrano. Incorporators include the following industry leaders namely: Patrocinio Antonio, Martin Avancena, Jacinto Bernardo, Armando Herradura, Emilio Ortiga, Catalino San Luis and Alfonso Yuchengco.

The concept of the forum for “continuous exchange of ideas” originally came from the West, where insurers would freely discuss issues related to business and economy over a cup of coffee.

PIC membership requires one to hold executive positions in either life or non-life insurance/reinsurance/surety companies or in insurance agencies and brokerages.

Starting out with just thirty-one pioneer members, PIC has grown to almost 400 members today.

The club since then confronted multifarious endeavors such as establishing camaraderie among people involved in the insurance business, advancing public awareness of the value of insurance and promoting high standards of ethical conduct in the insurance profession.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 112

On its 50th year, PIC will be launching its new directory and logo. They’re also in the midst of another historical turn as they await for the approval of a renewed license to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission slated next month.

Where and when they meet “Our members usually meet on the third Wednesday of every month. In here, we discuss issues affecting the national economy as well as the insurance industry,” PIC President Jaime Eduardo Villanueva told Insurance World in a recent interview.

Villanueva, who manages an agency by Philam Plans under his name (J. Villanueva & Associates to be exact), has worked with both life and non-life insurance firms, namely Monarch Insurance and PCIB CIGNA Life Insurance. He was the first life insurer to assume the presidency of PIC, which usually held by leaders coming from the non-life sector.

He explained that the meetings are to be held in any exclusive hotels within Makati where they would invite a well-known public figure to speak about controversial socio-political and economic issues and its effects to the industry.

He added that since these meetings are regularly attended, members who come from different firms would open proposals or close some business deals with each other right there. This is done to save time and avoid the hassles of setting appointments during hectic schedules.

At the helm of ICW PIC has been the proponent of the Insurance Consciousness Week (ICW) annual celebrations.

Villanueva, together with colleagues in the club, are also set to implement a roster of activities for this year’s celebration.

To enable the promotion of public awareness on insurance, ICW was created by virtue of a mandate through Executive Order 143 signed by former president Joseph Estrada in May 1999 declaring May 21-27 as the annual dates for the observance.

“Although we have not yet met as a board, this year’s celebration will focus more of getting the public involved,” Villanueva said.

Paramount Insurance’s EVP Rafael “Bobby” Asuncion, who is also chairman of this year’s ICW Organizing Committee, said that what they intend now is to come up with an official logo and slogan for the celebration. As part of their community service, they also plan to turn insurance practitioners into mobile traffic brigades to be deployed in strategic locations within Metro Manila. In this way, they could be able to reach the public easier where they could share insights about the value of insurance.

“We will maintain what we have been doing for the last three years,” Asuncion stressed.

With the participation of numerous insurance firms, it is envisioned that PIC can build a national impact in the field of insurance and anticipate market growth as they address the dire financial needs of Filipinos.

Today, PIC can look back to its humble beginnings. The Filipino insurance profession has come a long way and PIC has been there to develop and nurture it. At the threshold of the new millennium, it has sustained its momentum of warm camaraderie among its members, capped by a sense of ethical conduct for professional upliftment. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 8, February 2002 issue, page 7-9 and 19

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 113

B-sure to take advantage of this rare opportunity How to be a net-repreneur In this time of crisis, almost every Filipino is looking not only for protection against the dangers and uncertainties of life but also relief brought by financial woes. Nowadays, insurance companies are revving up new schemes to make protection needs affordable to everybody.

B-sure is a new business available to the general public where they can get income opportunity with insurance protection using the Internet. What’s unique about this is that it’s built and conducted online without the hassles of leaving your office or traveling to far places.

Under B-sure’s so-called “E-Distribution System”, earnings can be accumulated through allocation and referrals. Allocation is done on a first-come first served basis using the concept of the “power of five.” This means that each B-sure member will be allocated five first level downlines. Members earn from these allocations and also from the referrals brought in by these allocated members.

According to Adel Udarbe, one of the managers of B-sure, by just investing P600 for a one-year premium cost of a Personal Protection Plan, anybody can start a life of financial rewards.

With a Personal Protection Plan, an insured client is protected in the case of an accident. The benefits are death and permanent disablement (P150,000), Education Fund (P200,000) and Family Maintenance Fund (P200,000).

B-sure member can start earning referral fees when he satisfies two conditions: a) he has give first level downlines, regardless of whether they are allocated or referred; b) if he accumulates P500 worth of referral fees from his entire distribution structure (net of the withholding tax and the reserve fund).

B-sure membership is exclusively accepted on an individual basis. Shortly after facilitating payment of the B-sure premium, they will be informed of their Membership Code and Password via email. With these, they could access their own statement of account and policy.

To procure their earned commissions, Udarbe said: “All sales cut-off and referral fees are computer every end of the month. B-sure members who satisfy the conditions will be sent an authorization letter to open a bank account. They may present this letter to any branch of the bank and will be provided an account number and an ATM card. There is no cash outlay needed on the part of the B-sure member to open the account as the referral fee is credited to their account for this purpose. Subsequent monthly referral fees will be credited directly to the B-sure member’s account which can be accessed from any Megalink automated teller machine.”

Udarbe is optimistic that in the long run, more and more Filipinos, especially avid net users, would welcome B-sure so they can avail of the big benefits they offer.

This remarkable marketing innovation was made possible by Monarch Insurance Company, Inc., a Filipino non-life insurance company that has been in business since 1964. For more information, visit www.b-sure.com.ph ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 4 Number 11, May 2002 issue, page 7

Signature as commitment Tough times call for tough acts, sharp minds and a workable scheme for survival just to keep afloat in this financially burdened society such as ours. And in the midst of so-called “threats of terrorism”, the challenge is indeed twice as great.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 114

John Hancock Life Insurance Corporation-Philippines has plenty of this. Knowing all too well that in the end, survivors live to rule, John Hancock is not pulling itself out of the race. In fact, it has shown willingness to reach out to more and more Filipinos and get a bigger slice in the slow but steadily growing insurance market.

“Any activity with that nature is always a threat to insurance,” says Mike Plaxton, president and CEO of John Hancock. “But I guess that is something we would know about. There are parts of Mindanao, for instance, that we won’t take insurance...but we still cover many people—from Cagayan de Oro across to Davao—problems whatsoever.”

Named after a hero John Hancock is a subsidiary of John Hancock Life Insurance Company, a leading worldwide insurer whose origin can be traced in Boston, U.S.A. But who really is John Hancock? Sure enough that anyone would guess that the guy was a top insurance man but the fact is that he is not.

John Hancock was a respected leader who fought for America’s political independence. He was a statesman who served as the first governor of the state of Massachusetts. Born in 1737, he was elected president of the Second Continental Congress of the American colonies in 1774.

He carved an indelible mark in history when he created a committee to draft the American Declaration of Independence in 1776 and became the first man to sign the document on July 4, 1776.

His signature, which was the largest on the document and was written in a bold but elegant manner, has become a household phrase “to put your John Hancock here” (equivalent to “sign here”). Up to this day, his name refers to a commitment done in writing.

More than fifty years later after his death in 1793, business magnate George P. Sanger chose the name “John Hancock” to bear a newly established insurance company in Boston. He founded the John Hancock Life Insurance Company in April 21, 1862.

Sanger was the company’s first president and Albert L. Murdock was appointed its first general agent. The first policy issued by the company was written on Mr. Murdock’s life. By January 1864, over US$ 500,000 of insurance business had been placed in force and, in less than a decade, the figure had grown to nearly US$20 million.

In 1880, John Hancock introduced the industrial life insurance and in 1924, began offering insurance coverage to employers and helped launch the group insurance business. By 1939, it began to sell group pensions.

Since they started their operations in the Philippines in 1997, success has always been so near as they’ve grown from a modest staff (about 40-50 agents) to more than 500 agents and managers who are mainly based in Metro Manila. “There are a lot of insurance companies here but a number have actually changed their approach over the last year. You see a number of companies leaving. You see them talk about merging. John Hancock is here in the long term and we intend to put ourselves into the top five within the next three years, and the top three within the next five years,” Mr. Plaxton said.

Teaming up with business John Hancock’s impressive track record is quite an envy of every insurer. Plaxton says, “We came up with the idea that Southeast Asia was the best place for us to create a second base. The bulk of our expansion internationally has been within Southeast Asia.”

This explains why John Hancock had no hesitation in embarking on its Signature Partners as a distribution channel when all the other insurers are confined to doing customary ways. Composed of 24 business people coming from trading and manufacturing sectors, Signature Partners was realized through the efforts of Asia’s first Million Dollar Round Table qualifier Nick Uy De Baron who is also the company’s senior vice president. “He has been able to convince some leading business people here that they have an important part to play in the growing insurance business within the country,” Plaxton explains.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 115

Signature Partners, which started this year, offers one basic proposition—that is to take a family member and teach them the business and help them create a life insurance agency that works solely for their business relationships.

Getting insured John Hancock offers a wide range of products with education plans as its core. “That (education plans) represents over half of our total business. It has indeed been our foundation since we started (in 1997). But this year, we’ve launched a new product to cater to the retirement market. And it’s different from most companies’ retirement products because if you look at the market, retirement products tend to give cash benefits. It doesn’t actually illustrate how the customer lives during retirement.”

Mr. Plaxton admits that they need to do much more with employers because these are probably expected to pay retirement benefits to workers and the dangers of companies not planning for this is that they’ll have future cash problems as most people often do. He says, “There are products that are very cheap. One of this is our group life insurance for employers. A worker should ask their employers to think about providing them with this product.”

How much does one need to spend to get insured? “I guess a customer should be able to spend around PhP 500 per month...but you can buy types of insurance cheaper than that,” he says.

“For Mr. Plaxton, life insurance throughout the world plays a key role in a country’s economy.

“And that’s why you’ll see a lot of countries offering special privilege to life insurance because it reduces a government’s need to take care of people. Government has encouraged people to work for their own investments, savings, life insurance programs for their own future.”

With an “intensive and very personal” kind of agency training, Plaxton says that John Hancock can never fail to keep its promise to deliver quality financial services to people. “We tend not to throw dictates at our people. Every one of our agents and managers has a plan and we give them a feedback on their plan to show them how they might improve it. They make their own decisions on what they plan to do. Our job is to help them achieve it.”

“Our mission is simple, that is, we’re in this kind of business to help customers realize their dreams. Unfortunately, these dreams cost money. But we have products that could help them accumulate funds and thereby enjoy life in the future whether its seeing your children graduate or having a retirement wherein you get to do things your own way,” he emphasizes.

Finding out what a particular customer needs and give them a plan that matches with what they want is their philosophy. Definitely, John Hancock is not about to hold back. After all, what could be the better way to show commitment than signing your very precious signature. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 5 Number 7, January 2003 issue, page 18-19

On car insurance and driving hazards Finding a good car insurance is really quite an arduous task. Not only do you think of how to preserve your hard-earned, made-of-metal investment, but likewise exposing yourself to numerous uncertainties.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 116

Buying a car insurance Car insurance is a unit of different types. Most people usually take one that is enough to satisfy the minimum requirements of law. Some may opt to buy more than what is required to cover them from medical expenses, repair bills and possible lawsuits.

Banking institutions, on the other hand, require people to buy insurance options such as collision and comprehensive. A collision coverage pays for the damage to your car regardless of who’s at fault, while a comprehensive pays for damage caused by fire, vandalism or theft.

Are there other options to choose from? Pagewise,com presents some of the coverage you can look for with your insurer. ### The part from Pagewise.com was removed in this version by the author. First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 5 Number 9, March 2003 issue, page 8-10

Innovation is the name of the game When Asia’s insurance man David Zuellig revealed plans to change their company’s name—Zuellig Insurance Inc. to Accette Holdings Inc.—not a few turned skeptical. After all, right after the 9-11 attacks, the insurance industry all over the world was never the same again.

“We are moving into a new era in our industry. Our position of offering innovative solutions combined with the old-world values that we were built upon—service, integrity and mutual trust— makes Accette unique. Our new identity reflects this distinct offering, of a personalized, yet international standard of service,” says Zuellig who is also chairman of Accette Holdings based in Singapore.

The George W. Bush Jr.-led United States’ war on Iraq seem to be over but, as political analysts say, there’s more to come. Economies and livelihood of people in the Third World have gone from bad to worse. Assets, whether public or privately-owned, pose an imminent danger or risks.

In the Philippines, local subsidiary, Accette Life and Accident Insurance Brokers, Inc. wants to take the lead as a life insurance broker, not just to secure quotations on claims but also to evaluate this and work for reasonable coverage on behalf of the client.

“Assets play an important role in insurance broking,” according to Ricardo LaO, Jr., president of Accette Life in an interview with Insurance World. The sad part is, Mr. LaO says, there are hardly any development going on in terms of product packaging. This makes the market even harder.

Mr. LaO explains that an insurance brokerage must be “proactive” and not just reactive to dire and worse situations. It should anticipate and plan for possibilities that lies ahead of time. As the saying goes: “hope for the best and expect for the worst.”

It should also innovate its services and, likewise, police its ranks. This means that public interests must be protected against unscrupulous practices of some profit-greedy businessmen.

Another point, Mr. LaO stressed, is that the insurance industry should professionalize itself.

Academic and educational institutions should offer courses that specialize in the fields of insurance and actuarial science. The government should make legislative and executive measures that would benefit not only corporate leaders but also the common folks who would like to have a career in insurance.

Accette (formerly Zuellig Insurance) started in 1908 in Manila by Frederick E. Zuellig which then offered a full range of solutions such as commercial insurance broking, risk management and consultancy, personal insurance broking, alternative risk financing/captive models and claims consultancy.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 117

With a new corporate identity, Accette Life now concentrates on life, accident and hospitalization business of various corporate clients.

Accette Life’s services include medical programs which are acceptable to any Metro manila and provincial hospitals, whose affiliates nationwide numbers to more than a hundred. This also includes utilization of medical facilities during confinement and a 24-hour ambulance service in case of emergencies.

The company also offers the so-called comprehensive proposal analysis and an employee risk appraisal program which is meant to help resolve problems on claims.

Being Asia’s largest and independent insurance broker, Accette specializes in Third Party Administration (TPA), which is said to be “client-focused” in serving to protect client’s hard-earned assets.

In fact, Mr. LaO historically noted that Accette Life was able to retrieve the claims in behalf of the family of murdered Filipina migrant worker Maricris Sioson many years back.

Sioson’s story was one of the most gruesome example of overseas Filipino workers’ vulnerability to violence. In 1991, at the tender age of 22, Sioson left for Japan to become a cultural dancer. After five months, she died in a hospital in Fukushima, presumably caused by hepatitis. But autopsy reports confirmed that the victims bore traces of torture and stab wounds, one of which was caused by a long blade that had been inserted vertically into her vagina.

TPA is the latest innovative service of Accette Life. It provides a plan wherein a client can freely choose what he/she wants to be covered with insurance. Unlike in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) where a plan is typed or standardized for a certain group, a third party administrator from Accette shall take care of every transaction in behalf of the client, that is in case the need arises.

Aside from this, it is the people’s perspective of business, gleaned through years of experience that will serve both Accette and Accette Life in good stead. Still, it helps that the company always has its ears close to the ground. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 5 Number 12, June 2003 issue, page 8-10

AsianLife vows to rise as synergy of financial expertise Like a horse pulling away from its competitors, AsianLife Financial Assurance Corporation of ALFA (formerly known as All Asia Life Assurance Corporation) is now embarking on an aggressive business expansion program to deliver financial services to its clients. This was recently decided by top company officials some months after ATR-Kim Eng Financial Corporation, “the country’s largest nonbank investment house”, acquired the company in March last year and renamed it to ALFA. ATR-King Eng is a financial service firm whose shareholders include the Gokongwei Group, A. Soriano Group, Marsman Drysdale, Loida Nicolas-Lewis and the Singaporean stock brokerage giant Kim Eng Holdings.

According to Manuel Tordesillas, president and chief executive officer of ATR-Kim Eng, they will focus their thrust on a number of niches that includes offering affordable insurance policies to more people, adding that they are looking at reinstating old policyholders and even target to gain new ones.

“We expect to start reaping the fruits of success next year and be one of the top 10 insurance companies in two years,” Mr. Tordesillas said in a statement.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 118

He also started a massive information drive on the launching of an insurance program that will cater to a huge employees sector through affordable salary loan insurance policy scheme. ALFA is targeting to sell around 3,000 policies within the remainder of the year.

“We spoke to a number of companies to allow us to offer our products and services to their employees,” Mr. Tordesillas said. “Fortunately, a number of them have shown interest to our proposal.”

With a theme “Experience the Launching of a Grand Tradition”, ALFA was formally launched last August 25 at the Shangri-la Hotel, Makati in a creative display of performances by the country’s local mainstream artists with a generation-X vogue. The evening show was hosted by TV personality JM Rodriguez and beauty queen Christina Alagao.

ALFA offers specialized services such as financial needs analysis, retirement planning, employment benefit, salary savings program, salary loans, insurance programs as well as estate creation and conservation. It has a capital base of approximately Php 1.7 billion and Php 2.4 billion in assets and has 250 sales force deployed in 17 branches across the country.

ATR Kim Eng chairman Ramon Arnaiz said that with the acquisition of ALFA by his firm, all customers are virtually assured of access to the world of financial and investment opportunities to further strengthen their hedge against the uncertainties of the future. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 6 Number 3, September 2003 issue, page 19

Standard Insurance acquires Zurich Gen The country’s top motorcar insurer Standard Insurance Company has acquired non-life insurance firm Zurich General Insurance-Philippines (Zurich Gen), in a bid to boosts its core markets.

Zurich Gen is the local subsidiary of European global insurer Zurich Financial Services Group.

Last November, the management of Zurich Gen has decided to wind up its business operations in the country in line with its global strategy “to allocate capital to core markets in order to generate sustained profitable growth.”

Under a bilateral agreement signed early this month, Standard Insurance president Ernesto T. Echauz said that their company will become the cooperative partner for Zurich’s International Program Business and service Zurich’s international corporate customers in the Philippines.

Mr. Echauz also announced that their company is eyeing to introduce an e-insurance line by early next year.

In a press statement obtained by Insurance World, Standard Insurance explained that the purpose of the 100% acquisition of Zurich Gen is to “fast track its expansion and obtain the expertise in the property insurance line.”

The statement also said that Zurich Gen’s staff and personnel will be absorbed into Standard Insurance’s operations. With this, Standard Insurance hopes that their top billing in the non-life insurance industry will be “fortified” aside from allowing them to “continuously provide high quality service of global standards” and to “maintain an attractive motorcar and fire insurance portfolio, catering to both the retail and corporate markets.”

The Manila-based Standard Insurance was founded in August 1958 by the Echauz clan. For the past 3 years, it has been consistently topping the chart as the leader in motorcar insurance in the Philippines enjoying a 13% total share of the local market. The company is one of the major stockholders of Centro Escolar University (CEU). Its gross premiums stood at P1.105 billion in 2002 and has a paid-

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 119

up capital amounting to P500 million, making it one of the highest in the non-life insurance industry today.

On the other hand, Zurich Gen, which started its business in 1997 shortly after the liberalization of the local insurance industry, is known for its high quality corporate portfolio which services various major international customers and huge local accounts. Its gross premiums reached up to P804 million in 2002. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 6 Number 6, December 2003 issue, page 4

Shifting gear With its recent acquisition of Zurich Gen, leading motor car insurer Standard Insurance is confident of a smooth road in getting ahead of the competition.

In a bid to boost its core markets through the recent acquisition of Swiss multinational insurer Zurich General Insurance Philippines (Zurich Gen), the country’s top motor car insurer Standard Insurance Company, Inc. is now aggressively setting itself as a big threat to its major competitors with a fresh team of market experts helping accelerate its gear.

For this month’s issue, Insurance World talks three highly-motivated heads of Standard Insurance’s marketing groups.

A good fit When Standard Insurance president Ernesto T. Echauz invited Wivinia “Boots” Rodriguez to become the head of the insurer’s Retail Marketing Group, the latter did not hesitate to accept the job, saying the position was really a “good fit” for her.

Rodriguez, whose group she heads covers 41 full-service branches nationwide, not to mention the Agencies Marketing which caters to tie-up dealership, admits that she has already lined up some “priority areas” in their program for the entire year. In fact, the new executive vice president of Standard Insurance is projecting a 15 percent growth this year for the company’s major revenue generating unit.

As the leading motor car insurer in the country, Standard Insurance gets more than 90 percent of its P1.1 billion net premium in year 2003 from retail marketing.

“Being new to the industry, I have to work double time. I also have to fast track my education on insurance,” Rodriguez admits. But she adds that insurance is “not an entirely different field because I grew up in banking. I’m very optimistic that I can contribute my two cents worth to the company.”

Establishing new branches as well as maintaining the stability of old ones is Rodriguez’ expertise, being a former senior vice-president in-charge of branches of a leading bank which she said she has helped build from scratch.

“Our branches are doing well. Most of them are highly ranked in their areas, so it’s really hard to grow. We’ve already saturated the market in terms of motor car, so what we’re asking our branches to do is to sell non-motor car products, specifically property and marine,” she explains.

One of their strategies to sustain the company’s growth rate is to open new branches within the NCR area because Metro Manila “is an open market for us and there is no territorial jurisdiction, so all of the branches can market anywhere,” she reveals.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 120

Rodriguez says that they’re also trying to focus on service delivery, accelerate their bank accreditation and training their people. “That has been one of our strengths—our ability to service claims more quickly,” she boasts. With regards to bank accreditation, they’re hoping to see the number increase, which in turn will be a big advantage to car dealer/partners.

One of the key areas she wants to improve is on the supervision of the branches. She intends to visibly go around the branches and react to market situations as well as provide support to them in terms of packaging insurance products.

Expanding corporate marketing After the acquisition, Standard Insurance has appointed Pia Yturzaeta as executive vice president and head of the Corporate Marketing Group (CMG), comprising Sales, two Risk Management Departments and Risk Engineering. The CMG is Standard Insurance’s other half of the business.

“I’m very confident that we will achieve our goals under the new Standard,” Yturzaeta tells Insurance World, adding that the full benefit from the acquisition should be realized in less than a year.

The former CEO of Zurich Gen, she said, describes Standard Insurance as being a strong company with big potentials.

Zurich Gen was strong in corporate-commercial property, engineering and casualty insurance. They have not been pushing for retail business such as motor car, but that was in line with their company strategy.

In 2002, Zurich Gen registered gross premiums of P805 million, landing them on the top 10 among non-life insurance firms operating in the country. Bulk of his amount came from corporate accounts.

In terms of 2004 plans, Yturzaeta is confident that the Corporate Marketing Group will deliver the sales target.

“We know very well our management’s expectation. We’re used to that,” she says, noting that they were trained the same way at Zurich Gen. Right now, all my colleagues are upbeat, positive and very aggressive in pursuing business.”

One good deal for Standard Insurance that goes with the acquisition of Zurich Gen is that they become the cooperative partner of Zurich Financial Services Group of Switzerland (ZFSG). This means that Standard Insurance will service the international corporate customers of ZFSG in the Philippines.

Yturzaeta also expressed gratitude to Mr. Echauz for absorbing Zurich’s employees, without diminution in the overall compensation and benefits. “One of the initial concerns among the Zurich Gen’s employees after the acquisition, was the ‘adjustment’ from a multinational to a local company.

But after a few meetings, they realized that the more important thing to focus on is giving their support and commitment to the task of building a fully integrated new team under Standard Insurance,” she narrates.

A remarkable synergy For Standard Insurance’s new senior vice president Andy Estrera, the union of the two non-life companies resulted in a potent force to reckon with in the industry.

“The way I see it, this development brings together a fusion of two very potent and very successful groups. Standard Insurance is very huge locally. Zurich Gen is a worldwide player, and a very successful one. It has technology, good people and good training,” Estrera observes.

A “stronger force” has emerged from the fusion that can attract a bigger share of the market. “The idea is the synergy would bring 1+1=3. Meaning, the sum of the parts should be greater than the whole,” he explains.

A former VP of Zurich Phils., Estrera now heads the newest and exciting e-Insurance Marketing Group, which will focus on distribution of insurance products via electronic channel. For this new group alone, the company has committed a huge investment.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 121

“e-Insurance will be our cutting-edge distribution channel. We will capitalize on electronic media— Internet, e-mail, you name it. We are like an alternative distribution channel,” Estrera explains.

“At the onset, we have more than 40 people and we operate nationwide. We’re planning to launch our products sometime in March,” he reveals.

Estrera consciously takes his new job more as a challenge, notwithstanding the pressures involved.

“Standard Insurance has a good culture, we drive for excellence. And as Mr. Echauz puts it: ‘We think smart, we work fast and we play well.’”

To be a major contributor to the revenue of the company is what Estrera hopes to be for his marketing group. “We’ll ride high on the technology. So, I think business will grow very fast that our people will have to develop very quickly to be able to manage the business.”

“I believe in situational leadership—different kind of people, different style of handling the tasks,” he says in mixed English and Filipino. “If you’re one of my key managers, if we agree on the objectives, it’s up to you how you would do it. Whether you want to climb over it, go around it, go under it, or bore a hole through it—but just do it,” he adds. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 6 Number 8, February 2004 issue, page 14-15

New York Life on bancassurance: keeping a good lead Bancassurance, as a phenomenon of globalization, has overwhelmingly innovated the financial industry with the integration and cross-selling of financial products and services.

New York Life Insurance Philippines Inc., being one of the fastest growing insurance companies in the country today, is now taking a good lead in the bancassurance business.

A one-stop shop Bancassurance is an arrangement between a life insurance company and a bank to sell life insurance inside the premises of bank branches. In the Philippines, this has started about 3-4 years ago, with a number of life insurance companies trying out this new type of distribution channel.

For now, only commercial banks are allowed to engage in bancassurance. The government also requires that the bank must have at least 5% share in the life insurance company before it can enter into bancassurance partnership with the insurer. This is to ensure that only stable life insurance firms can sell products through bank branches.

“Basically, its cross-selling. Bank products, investment products and life insurance products are now being offered at the banks. It’s a more convenient way of transacting—buying investment and insurance products and making payments in one and the same place—making the bank a one-stop shop. They can also receive charges through their credit cards,” Sandra L. Saplala, New York Life’s vice-president for bancassurance, said in an interview with Insurance World.

Banks can generate more profits thru bancassurance, says Saplala. She cited a recent study by the Lloyd’s of London which revealed that 70% of the bank’s income in Europe comes from bancassurance.

Allied Bank, among the country’s top ten biggest banks, has entered into a partnership with New York Life for bancassurance distribution. This life insurer is offering credit life insurance for the bank’s credit card holders, and clients availing of car, personal and housing loans.

“On the upside of the banks, it’s a good source of profit. They may now maximize the services that they offer to their clients,” Saplala explained. “From the point of view of the clients, it gives

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 122

convenience. On the part of the insurance company, it is able to tap the market in another way. Instead of the traditional agents reaching out to the public, here you are more focused on the clients of a particular bank branch. From them, you can reach out to clients’ referrals who may or may not be bank clients yet. We also invite them to deposit their money to the bank and promote its products and services. So there’s synergy.”

Financial executives New York Life’s bancassurance operations are done by employees often referred to as financial executives. The bank’s role would be to refer their clients and warm up the referrals. The financial executive will be endorsed by the bank representative to the clients to explain the products.

There are other bancassurance operations wherein the bank employee is the one selling life insurance products. They have a particular person handling it, like one from their customer service department. But with New York Life, they have financial executives who have salaries, unlike the agents who are independent entrepreneurs without basic salaries.

Saplala said that selling, filling-up of application forms, and delivery of policies are being handled by the financial executives themselves. Only the prospecting side is being handled by the bank.

“A lot of people are allergic to sales people, especially life insurance agents because of their bad experience in the past or what they feel about it. It’s sad because it deprives them of availing something that is very important for their future. I think a major overhaul is needed,” Saplala retorted.

Custom-made approach Normally, it’s not the client who will come over to buy the product. If someone’s looking for life insurance, that would be a rare thing. People would think that this one who is so eager to have life insurance protection might die soon.

Saplala narrates: “Usually, the financial executive talks to a bank manager who then refers them to clients. They set appointments and make visits to the client’s house. Then, clients are given a presentation and its analysis. They don’t just come and tell you what you need. Instead we use the custom-made approach by asking questions like: What are your current priorities? Is it for emergency needs? Education for your children? Retirement? Are you saving up for something? We rank the priorities and then come up with a proposal, taking into consideration their income.”

“It also depends on the client’s budget—that is, the amount of money they set aside regularly. If they’re not able to pay their premiums continuously, kawawa ‘yung client kasi ‘di rin makukuha ‘yung benefit. Kawawa rin ang insurance company kasi actually, mahal ‘yon. Ang gusto namin, ‘yung kumportable kang bayaran at hindi ‘yung palakihan ng benta,” she added.

Saplala started as an area manager for New York Life in 2002. she was responsible for recruiting, managing and training of financial executives.

As assistant vice-president for bancassurance in 2003, Saplala has helped grow the sales performance of all the branches in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Our of the 283 branches nationwide of Allied Bank, New York Life now covers some 200 of its branches where financial executives are assigned. Currently, it has a total of 65 financial executives.

In its three years of bancassurance operations, the company has progressively earned P14 million sales in 2001, P39 million in 2002 and P42 million in 2003. Saplala is eyeing P88 million sales by the end of the year.

“We’ve focused on how we can deliver our best. I believe we’ve done pretty well in leading the company to the top,” she concluded. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 7 Number 3, September 2004 issue, page 12-13

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 123

Heritage Park to erect Buddhist-type pavilion The Heritage Park, the country’s premier memorial service provider, formally began the construction of its much awaited Pavilion project with a ground-breaking ceremony held last October 7 in Taguig.

Proponents of the project said they are expecting to finish the structure within six to nine months.

The Pavilion, which is envisioned to be 15 meters high with an area of 900 square meters, aims to become an “architectural marvel” for both clients and tourists as well, as it hopes to show awesome features inspire by traditional Buddhist temples in mainland China.

Located at the Park’s strategic and elevated section, the multi-million peso project “shall be the focal point for serving the memorial needs of the Park’s Filipino-Chinese clientele,” the management said in a statement.

Among those who graced the occasion, which includes a feng shui ritual led by Chinese astrologer Charlie Chao, were: Rosehills Memorial Management Inc. (RMMI) chairman and president Jack Kidwiler, Mss Kaye Tinga, TV host Johnny Litton and a handful of officers and guests.

Heritage Park’s architect Minerva Cabrera-Rosel told Insurance World in an interview: “The whole idea (for the project) is to have something new to cater to the Tsinoys. As you can see, the spaces are specifically designed according to their own beliefs and practices.”

The interiors, Rosel described in vivid detail, shall have an entrance hall patterned after a temple gate that will serve as the main foyer. A spacious Columbarium Hall shall be created in the building’s left and right wings where individual and companion niches for urns as well as full-body crypts can be housed. An open courtyard will also be built, provided with incense vases and burning receptacles for traditional rites.

Private Pavilions will also be erected in the building’s four corners together with a 200 square meter octagonal Main Pavilion to serve as venue for important ceremonial functions.

“Envisioned to be the highest in value in the whole structure, these private pavilions will have provisions for double full-body crypts and columbarium niches,” Rosel said.

Aside from a multi-purpose hall called the “Tea House”, Rosel added that they will also build “stupas”. These are dome-shaped monuments used by Buddhists to house relics or cremated remains.

Heritage Park, a 70-hectare memorial estate located in the heart of Fort Bonifacio, is a member of the International Cemetery and Funeral Association (ICA), the principal industry organization composed of funeral homes, cemeteries and industry professional and suppliers worldwide. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 7 Number 4, October 2004 issue, page 9

D-tech enhances system for COC verification After plunging into a lot of bickering, software solutions provider D-Tech Management, Inc. has pulled itself up to offer a new system that would benefit motorists who are fed up with the inability of the government and the industry to curb the proliferation of counterfeit Certificates of Cover (COCs).

COC is the policy issued to motorists who buy Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL) insurance. CTPL is a requirement for renewing vehicle registration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Since the implementation by the LTO, Insurance Commission (IC) and the Insurance and Surety Association of the Philippines (ISAP) of the COC Authentication System (COCAS) last July 2002,

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 124

COCs issued by insurance firms and agents will have to undergo a validation scheme facilitated by SQL *Wizard Inc. and a verification system handled by D-Tech.

D-Tech’s chief operating officer Dennis Marcelo said that with the company’s “enhanced system,” motorists can now get their transactions done within a quick span of five to ten seconds.

“Once this system is in place, obviously we will be making motorists happier because of the service we will give them. If everything’s in order, it should stay that way,” Marcelo said in an interview with Insurance World.

Verifying thru “texting” D-Tech has utilized the short messaging system (SMS or texting) technology for verification of COCs, with the two giant telecommunication firms, namely Globe and Smart, backing up their system.

In urban centers like Metro Manila, most of the verification process is done courtesy of the Internet. But in remote areas of the province where communication are not accessible, D-Tech personnel deployed in LTO offices are using the text messaging to find out whether a particular COC is valid or not.

Marcelo added: “If the COC is not valid, the motorist has to buy again or go back to the insurance company for re-checking. A system error can occur, that’s why they cannot be validated on our side.

Sometimes, it could be a typographical error in the authentication number.”

Spotting the difference Independent estimates showed that at least 20,000 motorists nationwide come to D-Tech daily for COC verification. There are around 4.2 million registered vehicles nationwide.

For more than two years of operation, D-Tech has consciously learned how to spot the phonies and fight the fakers pretty well.

“A lot of non-life insurance companies thought we are trying to take over their business, which is not true,” Marcelo said with a grin. “Our purpose here is to introduce a new system for the benefit of the public. The system might not be 100 percent fool-proof but we’re able to at least re-educate a lot of motorists. If something happens to a car owner, you’d know that you are insured, especially if you’re COC is genuine.”

Marcelo claimed that the COCAS has made the public become more aware of the significance of their purchased COCs, saying that it helped bust faked ones. He advised the public that all complaints against fake COCs should be reported to the IC and ISAP so that the problem can be dealt with in accordance with law. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 7 Number 5, November 2004 issue, page 12

Philam Plans leads in sales, boosts trust fund Philam Plans Inc.,, the pre-need arm of leading life insurer Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (PhilamLife) has adopted significant strides to ensure that it continues to held positive business prospects in 2006 as it remains the market leader in the local pre-need industry.

At a press conference last month, Amelita Tamayo, First Vice-President of Philam Plans’ Marketing Division, revealed that the company has boosted its trust fund level which has currently reached more than Php 19 billion.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 125

Strengthening the trust fund level, Tamayo said, is one clear manifestation of the company’s strong commitment to its clients.

She also noted that as of September 2005, the pre-need firm maintained an over-all sales lead at 23.55 percent of the total market, as they hope to retain this five-year record through aggressive marketing campaigns launched since the last quarter of the year.

Tamayo added that after 16 years, the company can readily pay all maturing and availing pre-need plans this year and all the way to year 2013. Philam Plans was incorporated in December 26, 1988 offering financial products in pension, education and life/memorial plans. It serves a total of half-amillion planholders nationwide.

“Philam Plans has invested 96 percent of its trust fund in highly liquid assets, thereby giving our planholders full peace of mind, knowing that all of our contractual commitments with them, today and in the future will be met and will continually be met,” Philam Plans President and Chief Executive Officer Jesus Hofilena said.

Aside from enhancing its trust fund, Philam Plans has also enlarged its paid-up capital to Php 700 million, thus, making it the biggest in terms of paid-up capitalization.

Philam Plans also took the opportunity to announce its new products, namely the “Parangal Life Plan” which seeks to ensure memorial service in times of sudden demise and “Inheritage Fund” which helps to build up funds that one can bestow to his/her family.

“Our planholders’ interests take precedence over all other matters,” Hofilena said. “That is why we place much of the company’s resources and management expertise in ensuring that our trust fund investments are safe, highly liquid and continuously growing.” ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 8 Number 7 & 8, JanuaryFebruary 2006 issue, page 22

CTPL insurance: kissing the loopholes goodbye?

When the inter-agency committee composed of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)-Land Transportation office (LTO)-Land transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Finance (DOF)-Insurance Commission (IC) was formed recently, it was expected to adopt a viable and acceptable solution that will finally address the problem of Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) insurance within the first quarter of 2006.

CTPL insurance is a requirement mandated by law before any motor vehicle could be registered and/or renewed with the LTO. It covers bodily injury and property damages both to the person and the vehicle.

In 2004, there were about 4.5 million registered vehicles nationwide paying an average CTPL premium of Php 600 annually.

Over the past decades, the CTPL business was being hounded by the problem like proliferation of fake Certificates of Cover (COCs) and thus, denial of claims by insurance companies. Since 2002, the LTO, IC and the Insurance and Surety Association of the Philippines, now known as the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (PIRA) has instituted an authentication and verification system supposedly to reduce, if not totally curb these anomalies.

According to PIRA, an umbrella organization of 95 non-life insurance companies operating in the country, the COC authentication system “has proven somewhat lacking and that there is no direct linkage between the authentication system and the LTO-Stradcom computer system.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 126

IC’s proposal to establish a “clearing house” system which was endorsed by PIRA last November 2005, would hopefully correct the industry’s negative image and to a certain extent, boost its business revenues.

“Clearing house” Under the CTPL “clearing house” process, PIRA explains, the client must go directly to his/her insurer or to the bank to pay the CTPL insurance. The insurers will be connected to the bank using “enterprise” banking through the Internet. Once the client has paid his/her premiums, the data is transmitted by the bank to the “clearing house” which re-transmits it to the LTO so they can verify after the vehicle is registered.

This concept “seeks to address the problems of graft through a transparent and auditable system, eliminate fixers at the LTO offices who overprice the cost of CTPL insurance to unsuspecting and trusting vehicle registrants, identify the source of fake COCs when these appear, and ensure that correct government taxes are paid via an automatic tax withholding system using the banks,” PIRA officials said.

During a media briefing last January 11, newly-installed PIRA chair Ramon Dimacali clarified that the “clearing house” will not have a profit goal but merely cost recovery, pointing out that it shall be incorporated and will be owned by all insurers engaged in the CTPL. Dimacali also noted that a consumer’s hotline should be provided. He said: “The clearing house will have a master list of all policies issued and covered. But these are only for regulatory and control purposes. The IC should have access to that as well. All the claims will be required to be reported and there should be an explanation on the part of the consumer.”

He added that a motor vehicle owner should not be required to pay Php 950 for a CTPL when it should only cost him/her only Php 540 per year.

Gains and losses Observers say that about 605 of all registered motor vehicles have fake, duplicate or spurious COCs, depriving the government several hundred million pesos worth of value-added and documentary stamp tax revenues.

Data coming from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the IC reveal that only 48 percent in premiums is reported and taxed. The remaining Php 1.4 billion is unreported and untaxed. Less than that, or P1.3 billion in premiums, is collected and taxed. In 2004, the industry has remitted Php 26 billion in tax revenues to the government.

Assuming if this proposal was preferred by the inter-agency committee, and based on the 2004 total number of registered vehicles, PIRA is projecting premium revenues to increase by at least 20 percent or Php 3 billion from last year’s Php 2.5 billion. They are also eyeing a Php 4 to Php 4 billion increase over the next five years.

Referring to the IC’s pay-to-bank CTPL process, PIRA said they are open to collaboration with any group with similar systems and objectives, and they are also prepared to step up an information campaign to orient the public with the new system. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 8 Number 7 & 8, JanuaryFebruary 2006 issue, page 24-25

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 127

ʻCompetition will still be there’ With the typhoons Milenyo, Paeng, Queenie and Reming that knocked the country down last year, the insurance industry is currently faced with an arduous task of lending people a hand to cope up with the loss of lives and property. How secure are we?

Insurance Manila was fortunate to dig up the views of two revered industry players—Fortune General Insurance Corporation’s President & Chief Operating Officer Michael Rellosa and Technical Consultant Redentor Magat—on the year that was as well as prospects for the future.

Imanila: How would you assess the insurance industry in 2006?

Rellosa: The year 2006 wasn’t really bad; however, we did get hit by a rare event like three typhoons in a row towards the end of the year, which is one in a 10 to 15-year event. So, hopefully, the industry was able to set aside a part of the premiums over the past 10-15 years to pay for the loss that the three typhoons may have caused towards the end of the year.

So those are the things the industry has to prepare for, which brings me to the topic of how important it is for insurance companies to rate properly. Because—you know—in times of competition, when companies compete on price, they kinda forget that: Hey, hey...we should rate properly so that we can set aside a certain amount of our premium for events such as the three typhoons. What if it’s such a major earthquake, which is even worse. Dapat parating inaalala ‘yan ng mga insurance underwriters...

Magat: Talagang merong technical price, the correct technical price...except that there are about 95 to 97 companies operating in one small market. Not everybody can compete on the basis of service, so they have to compete on the basis of pricing...before they compete but still remain to the technical price.

With 95 companies, it’s like having shopping malls competing with sidewalk vendors.

Rellosa: The industry, I think, was okay for the last year. It’s just that competition got out of hand.

Imanila: Then, what are your prospects for the industry on the year 2007?

Magat: Competition will still be there. Pricing competition will remain. Non-life insurance is a promise. When you buy consumer goods, nakikita mo ‘yung binibili mo eh. Sa insurance, wala kang nakikita dito...you just buy a piece of paper. Marami pa ring buyers na they buy because of personality...na kakilala nila ‘yung agent...

So competition will still be there but hopefully, with the lessons of the three typhoons, sana magkaroon ng correction sa pricing. On the motor side, I think very slow competition is on the service side. The price remained steady over the last 3 to 4 years, kung may reduction 5%. That’s okay. ### First published in Insurance Manila magazine, Volume 1 Number 2, January 2007 issue, page 10

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 128

PART FOUR: PEACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS “Protest actions against tyranny reverberate not only in the streets but also in prisons.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 129

Kabite, lungsod-kanlungan ng mga Mangyan DASMARIÑAS, Cavite – May 15 pamilya ng tribung Mangyan ang nakatira sa isang settlement area sa loob ng Philippine Christian University (PCU)-Dasmariñas. Nilisan nila ang kanilang mga tinitirhan sa kabundukan ng Mindoro at napadpad sa bayang ito matapos ang umano’y pagbabanta ng mga militar sa kanila.

“Dumating ang mga sundalo sa lugar namin noong panahon ng eleksyon (Mayo 2001). Nang tinanong namin sila ang sabi’y magbabantay lang daw sa eleksyon.” Ito ang pahayag ni Nanay Yabud Ingay, 40, mula sa tribung Hanunoo-Mangyan, may walong anak at taga-Sitio Malapad, Brgy.

Panaytayan, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas.

“Pero pagkatapos ng eleksyon, nakita kong dumami na sila. Sinisinsin na nila ang aming mga bahay at pinagbabantaan kaming buong pamilya,” dagdag pa ni Ingay. May ilan pa anilang mga kamag-anak at kaibigan ang napatay ng mga armadong kalalakihan.

Hinihinala ng mga nakasaksi na ang 16th Infantry Batallion at ang 204th Philippine Army ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa ilalim ni Col. Jovito Palparan ang siyang may kagagawan umano ng pang-aabuso.

Ang kaso ng mga Mangyan ay kasalukuyang dinidinig sa Komite ng Karapatang Pantao sa Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso sa pamumuno ni Kinatawan Loretta Ann Rosales (Partylist, Akbayan). Sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas noong ika-8 ng Oktubre, nabanggit ni Bong Pelonio, kawani ng komite, na, “Isang pagdinig pa lamang ang nagagawa ng komite hinggil sa mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa Timog Katagalugan. Unang imbestigasyon pa lamang ang naisagawa sa kaso ng mga Mangyan pero ito ang pangunahing kasong tinututukan sa Kongreso ngayon.”

Pinabulaanan naman ng AFP ang hinala ng mga Mangyan laban sa kanila. Ayon kay Pelonio, batay sa naging takbo ng pagdinig, sa bahagi ng AFP sa ilalim ni Palparan, wala raw silang nilalabag na karapatang pantao dahil ang kanilang mga aktibidad sa lalawigan ay kaakibat ng kampanya laban sa terorismo ng pamahalaan. “Nabanggit nilang, ʻLahat ng gawain ng militar ay ligal at nakabase sa utos ni Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” salaysay ni Pelonio.

Sinikap kapanayamin ng Balikas si Gen. Eduardo Purificacion, tagapagsalita ng AFP, subali’t hindi siya naabutan para hingan ng pahayag.

Nakasaad sa Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) ng 1997 na kinikilala, pinangangalagaan at itinataguyod ng batas ang mga karapatan ng mga katutubo na naaayon sa itinakda ng saligang batas.

Hinihiling ni Nanay Yabud sa pamahalaan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na tulungan silang makauwi sa kanila. “Pero kailangang makaalis muna ang lahat ng sundalo sa Mindoro,” dagdag pa niya. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 7 Bilang 41, Oktubre 18-24, 2002 isyu

Lider magsasaka sa Katagalugan, pinaslang SANTO TOMAS, Batangas – Wala nang buhay nang matagpuan ang katawan ni Eduardo “Eddie” Gumanoy, isang militanteng lider magsasaka noong ika-22 ng Abril sa Naujan, Mindoro Oriental matapos siyang dukutin ng mga armadong tauhan. Nagtamo si Gumanoy ng dalawang tama ng baril, tig-isa sa mukha at dibdib. Samantala, basag ang ulo at halos hindi na makilala ang aktibistang si Eden Marcellana, na kasama niyang pinaslang.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 130

Dinala sa bayang ito ang mga labi ni Gumanoy noong ika-26 ng Abril matapos ang burol at martsaparangal sa Lungsod Quezon at Maynila kamakailan.

Bago napatay ang dalawa, sila ay naging bahagi ng isang lupon na nagsiyasat sa mga kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa mga bayan ng Gloria at Pinamalayan sa Mindoro Oriental.

Ayon kay Christine dela Cruz, isang mag-aaral na kasama nina Gumanoy at Marcellana na dinukot nguni’t pinakawalan din, bandang 7:30 ng gabi noong ika-21 ng Abril ay hinarang ang kanilang sinasakyang van ng may 20 mga lalaking naka-bonnet at may hawak ng matataas na kalibre ng baril habang patungo sila sa Calapan. Inutusan silang bumaba at pagkatapos ay dinukot sina Gumanoy, Marcellana at tatlo pang kabataang lalaki. Ito ay ayon sa sinumpaang pahayag ni Dela Cruz na inilahad sa mga mamamahayag.

Itinuturo ng mga testigo, kamag-anak ng mga biktima at mga lider ng militanteng samahan na ang brutal na pagpatay sa dalawa ay kagagawan diumano ng 204th Infantry Batallion ng Philippine Army sa pamumuno ni Col. Jovito Palparan Jr. Dahil dito, iniutos ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang pagbubuo ng task force na magsisiyasat sa krimen. Napaulat din na inutos ni Narciso Abaya, hepe ng Hukbong Sandatahan ng Pilipinas (AFP) ang paglilipat kay Palparan sa Rizal.

Si Gumanoy, 39, ay tagapangulo ng Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA-TK), pangrehiyong alyansa ng mga magsasaka. Nanguna siya sa mga kampanya laban sa mga organismong may pinakialamang himaymay-buhay (genetically modified organisms o GMO), mga kumpanyang agrokemikal, paggamit ng pestisidyo at kemikal sa pagsasaka, pagpapalit-gamit ng lupa, pangangamkam ng lupa, at iba pang usaping nakakaapekto sa mga magsasaka.

Si Marcellana, 29, ay pangkalahatang kalihim ng KARAPATAN-Timog Katagalugan, isang samahang nagtatanggol sa karapatang pantao. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 17, Mayo 2-8, 2003 isyu, pahina 3

Peace prospects still dim under President Arroyo first of a two-part series The number of human rights violations in the Philippines under the Arroyo administration have reached staggering heights. With the recent spate of attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA), President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered “optimum” military, political and diplomatic counterattacks on the NPA. Peace advocates, church leaders and progressive activists are calling for an end to Arroyo’s support for the US-led “war on terror.” They are also calling for the resumption of peace negotiations which address the roots of the conflict and are based on the principles of previous agreements, namely The Hague Declaration.

Peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) are bogged down once again. A recent mission headed by Speaker Jose de Venecia failed to reopen the talks. And prospects for the formal resumption of the talks under the Arroyo administration are unlikely due to some major points of divergence between the two parties.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 131

Hopeful “Several days ago, I would have said, there is always hope. Today, I say there is still hope, but qualified hope. There is no hope for peace talks to be resumed so long as the Arroyo government refuses to resume talks on the basis of past agreements.”

This is how peace advocate and Philippine Peace Center’s Executive Director Rey Claro Casambre describes the current state of the peace talks between the GRP and the NDFP. Casambre made this comment after the lifeless bodies of human rights advocate Eden Marcellana and peasant leader Eddie Gumanoy were found last April 22 in Naujan, Mindoro Oriental, a day after they and three other activists were abducted allegedly by military elements.

“The killings (of Marcellana and Gumanoy) signify the extent and degree to which the fascist or the militarist mindset has gained the upper hand in government,” Casambre said during a roundtable media forum sponsored by the People’s Media Center last April 24.

Casambre explained, “it is this military mindset which has no interest in resolving the armed conflict by addressing its roots. Sa tingin nila pwedeng magkaroon ng kapayapaan sa pamamagitan ng paglipol at pagpapasuko sa mga rebelde, sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng dahas at panlilinlang, sa pamamagitan ng combat at psy-war operations (They think peace can be attained by flushing out the rebels, forcing them to surrender, or by using violence and deceptions through combat and psy-war operations.)”

Since 1986, peace negotiations have taken place on and off. The NDFP is the umbrella of underground revolutionary organizations that include the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its military component, the NPA. The CPP-NPA-NDFP has been waging a war for “national liberation” against the “evils of US imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism” for more than 34 years, since 1968.

A question of sincerity Speaking by phone patch from his base in Utrecht, Netherlands, NDFP peace negotiating panel Chair Luis Jalandoni said during the forum that the NDFP is committed to strive for a just and lasting peace. In contrast, he question the sincerity of the GRP. In early 2001, during the ouster of President Joseph Estrada, then Vice-President Arroyo declared that if and when she assumed the presidency, she would “reverse the all-out war policy” and “resume peace negotiations with the NDFP and MILF”. Shortly after being sworn into office, Arroyo constituted the GRP negotiating panel for talks with both rebel groups.

On March 9, 2001 both parties signed a joint statement which agreed to continue the talks and “uphold and affirm the validity and binding character to the ten bilateral agreements that were entered into between them from 1 September 1992 to 7 August 1998.”

Formal peace talks resumed under the Arroyo government in Oslo, Norway from April 27 to 30, 2001. This followed the release of Philippine Army Major Noel Buan, which, the NDFP says, was meant to establish confidence-building measures for conducive talks.

But in June 12, 2001, the NPA’s Fortunato Camus Command based in Cagayan carried out an ambush that killed former governor and congressman and retired Philippine Constabulary Colonel Rodolfo Aguinaldo.

During the Marcos years, Aquinaldo was part of the 5th Constabulary Security Unit. Aguinaldo became notorious for being one of the most brutal torturers. He also ordered the summary execution of hundreds of suspected members of the communist movement.

In protest of Aguinaldo’s execution by the NPA, the scheduled second round of talks on June 10-15 was cut short when the GRP panel on June 13 unilaterally declared an indefinite recess. The GRP instead pushed to hold informal, “back-channel” negotiations. In the same month, the AFP announced the launch of “Operation Gordian Knot” targeting the NPA. Last January 17, the GRP’s Cabinet Oversight Committee on Internal Security (COC-IS) finalized a draft “Final Peace Agreement” (FPA) and submitted it to President Arroyo for approval.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 132

Jalandoni accused the GRP of “demanding the outright capitulation and surrender of the NDFP…in the guise of a so-called Final Peace Accord and ‘enhanced process’ through back-channel talks under conditions of duress and state terrorism imposed by the Macapagal-Arroyo government and its powerful allies led by the US.” He said the GRP committed “serious” violations of the 1992 The Hague Joint Declaration and nine other bilateral agreements previously signed by the two parties.

Jalandoni cited paragraph 4 of The Hague Joint Declaration which states: “The holding of peace negotiations must be in accordance with mutually acceptable principles, including national sovereignty, democracy and social justice and no precondition shall be made to negate the inherent character and purpose of the peace negotiations.”

The Hague Joint Declaration, which was signed by Jalandoni together with government emissary and then Congressman Jose V. Yap in 1992, was considered a breakthrough in the peace process. It stipulates a mutually acceptable framework that would seriously look deep into the roots of war.

Jalandoni also pointed to other violations of The Hague Declaration and the JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) in regards to the US and Philippine government’s “Foreign Terrorist Organization” (FTO) tagging the CPP-NPA and the adding of Jose Maria Sison (NDFP’s chief political consultant) to the list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.”

GRP peace negotiating panel chair Atty. Silvestre Bello III, however, refuted Jalandoni’s claims, saying that the government continues to respect The Hague Declaration and the JASIG. President Arroyo however, recently announced a review of JASIG in reaction to the spate of NPA attacks.

Making CARHRIHL work Another point of divergence lies in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

The CARHRIHL, which was signed by both parties in March 1998, provides a clear mechanism on the proper conduct of contending armed forces in times of war, especially in areas where armed conflicts are intense resulting in numerous abductions, summary executions, and other violations of human rights.

Jalandoni expressed agitation over the country’s current human rights problem, saying it was grown to “monstrous proportions.”

From 2001 to 2003, 1,709 cases of human rights violations (HRVs) have been documented by the human rights group Karapatan (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights). Jalandoni said the killings of Gumanoy and Marcellana and other HRVs call for the urgent implementation of CARHRIHL. The GRP however, says the problem with CARHRIHL is not the government’s implementation, but that it cannot be expected to be implemented by both sides, particularly the NDFP. They say this would in effect acknowledge the presence of two different political authorities in the Philippines.

This argument reflects the ongoing debate over “belligerency status” which has been an issue in the peace talks from the beginning. The NDFP insists that The Hague Declaration recognized the equal status of the GRP and NDFP. The GRP says the NDFP “misinterpreted” The Hague Declaration.

“We can never recognize any other government other than the GRP. We cannot allow any law to operate except laws under the Constitution of the GRP,” Bello insists.

But a quick look at CARHRIHL would show a provision stating explicitly that the parties shall, “continue to assume separate duties and responsibilities for upholding, protecting and promoting human rights and the principles of humanitarian law in accordance with their respective political principles, organizations and circumstances until they shall have reached final resolution of the armed conflict.” (Article 1 Part IV). This means that both parties are taking their footing in parallel.

Reacting to this, Jalandoni asserted that when Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Brigadier General Victor Obillo and Captain Eduardo Montealto were released in Mindanao in 1999, witnessed

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 133

by the GRP negotiating panel, it was revealed to the public that there are areas and territories in the country which are under the control and influence of the CPP-NPA-NDFP. “The CPP-NPA-NDFP is a political force, a revolutionary movement for national liberation with its own programs, its own areas, and its own army with the recognition of the Geneva conventions and protocols,” Jalandoni stated. “You see, that is a reality that has to be recognized by both sides and all the people who seek a just and lasting peace. This reality that has been gained on the ground through 34 years of struggle has to be seen. Otherwise, we will only be closing our eyes to the actual facts and reality. The NDF…is not a criminal group or a police problem. It is not even an insurgency. It is a cobelligerent (political authority) representing people and programs.”

Final Peace Agreement: Enhancing the process or negotiating surrender?

After drafting the FPA, a GRP delegation led by Secretary Silvestre Afable met with the NDF negotiating panel on February 19, 2002 for “back-channel” talks and to discuss the possibilities of resuming formal peace talks soon.

Bello, who was with Afable in the said meeting, told PMC Reports that they formally informed the NDFP about the President’s approval of the draft of the FPA. In contrast to the NDFP, he said he remains “optimistic” about the prospects for peace.

The GRP team likewise presented to the NDF the government’s seven-point proposal which the latter rejected, saying it seeks the surrender of the NPA. “The CPP-NPA-NDF will not surrender. It will continue to fight for the rights and aspirations of the whole Filipino people,” Jalandoni said emphatically.

Bello denied these allegations, saying the government panel never insisted any terms of surrender to the NDFP, adding that, “audio and written records will bear the GRP out on this.” He said that the FPA does not constitute a new framework process, invoking a provision under The Hague Declaration which states that: “the two negotiating panels may from time to time mutually agree to amend, modify or supplement this Joint Agreement as the circumstances may require.”

Bello, further explained that the FPA would still go through the same process. “Under this, there will be no signing after agreement. We will only sign after we have agreed on the three substantive agendas… Surrender will only come after is becomes a result of negotiations. That will be the last thing to happen.”

Concluding his speech, Jalandoni said that: “If this trend of the GRP continues, we think that the hopes are not bright…unless there’s a complete reversal from lip service to actual genuine sincerity and political will to carry out the obligations in the agreements and to pursue the talks according to the framework and foundation as agreed upon and signed by both parties.” ### First published by People’s Media Center Reports, Year 2 Number 2, July 4, 2003 issue. Also published in Southern Tagalog Exposure magazine, July-August 2003 issue

Sidebar: negotiating a surrender The GRP negotiating team presented to the NDF the government’s seven-point proposal for a Final Peace Agreement as follows: 1) An enhanced process where a single, comprehensive document in the form of a Final Peace Agreement will be the outcome at the end of the negotiations.

2) A reiteration of the agenda that shall be contained in the FPA and shall be subject to negotiations, namely: Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (HR/IHL), Social and Economic Reforms

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 134

(SER), Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR), End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (EOH/DOF).

3) An affirmation that the end-goal of the process is the peaceful resolution of the armed conflict, leading to a permanent cessation of hostilities and renunciation of violence, national unity and integration of rebel forces into mainstream society in accordance with the Philippine Constitution.

4) A mutually agreed upon Work Plan aiming for completion of the negotiations within a maximum period of six months.

5) The immediate setting up of four Reciprocal Working Committees (RWCs) by the respective negotiating panels – with one RWC assigned to one agenda item – to simultaneously review the pertinent portions of the proposed draft(s) and come to agreement on each of the agenda point.

6) As a confidence-building measure, the issuance of both parties of a unilateral declaration of suspension of military operations (SOMO) during the six-month negotiating process.

7) Issuance of a Joint Statement by the Negotiating Panels from time to time during the course of the negotiations to give an update report on the progress of the talks, when deemed necessary. ### First published by People’s Media Center Reports, Year 2 Number 2, July 4, 2003 issue. Also published in Southern Tagalog Exposure magazine, July-August 2003 issue

Terrorizing the talks last of a two-part series Analyzing the current prospects of the peace negotiations, Casambre expressed particular concern over President Arroyo’s “militarist” stance in dealing with the NDFP. He said this fixation pushes the government to call for the laying down of arms. He also believes that the government deceptively hides under the line that peace efforts must be in accordance with the Philippine Constitution.

“Kung tutuusin, ang pag-iisip ding ito ang nasa likod ng isa pang salik na mula’t mula’y naging balakid sa pagsulong ng usapang pangkapayapaan,” Casambre explained. (This fascist and military mindset is behind the so-called principle of ‘sole sovereign’ and ‘sole legitimate armed forces’ that has hounded and stalled the talks from the beginning.)

Changing complexion Since the infamous 9-11 attacks in New York, Casambre noted that, “the entire complexion of the talks changed, with the US-led ‘war on terror’ and the Arroyo government’s full, even mindless, support for this.” He explained that this trend was already evident throughout the second half of 2001, when a roster of militant activists belonging or affiliated to Bayan Muna party-list group were reportedly abducted or killed allegedly by the state’s military forces.

Casambre blamed Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes, a member of the COC-IS, for scuttling the talks, specifically his decision to terminate formal negotiations on September 21-25, 2001 and instead hold nonformal, “back-channel” talks with the NDFP. “The militarists are also obviously behind the move to disenfranchise the GRP panel, stripping it of all its real authority and mandate to negotiate except under the very noses of the militarists themselves who run the COC-IS, giving more authority to so-called back-channelers who do everything but negotiate peace,” Casambre explained.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 135

Who’s terrorizing who?

On August 9 last year, US State Secretary Colin Powell, by virtue of US Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, declared the inclusion of the CPP-NPA in its lists of FTOs and urged other governments “to take action to isolate these terrorist organizations, to choke off their sources of financial support, and to prevent their movement across international borders.”

Three days later, the US Treasury Department imposed financial sanctions against CPP founder and NDFP chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison, who was categorically branded as an international terrorist by the US government. And then, at Washington’s insistence, the Dutch government likewise made the same declaration, thus denying Sison of his own bank account containing allowances and other social benefits given by the former to political refugees like Sison.

All these moves transpired after Powell visited the Philippines for the Balikatan 02-1 military exercises jointly conducted by US and Filipino troops. President Arroyo, meanwhile, announced the redeployment of these troops to various NPA-controlled areas throughout the country.

The Dutch government (where Sison has been an exile for 14 years) continues to deny Sison asylum status. This is despite the fact that Netherland courts have cleared him of accusations of terrorism (leveled by Holland’s secret service, the BVD) and recognized his status as a political refugee.

According to legal expert Edre Olalia of the Public Interest Law Center (PILC) in his paper entitled “Trial by Terror,” Sison cannot be charged as a terrorist since there is no valid or credible evidence to prove that he is personally responsible for the acts attributed to the CPP-NPA. He pointed to the wellknown fact that since his release from prison in 1986, Sison never went to the underground again.

Olalia affirms that it is a universal principle that “all alleged acts in legitimate pursuit of one’s political beliefs are absorbed in one political offense of rebellion to the exclusion of ‘terrorism’ or any other common crime. There is a well-established fundamental distinction between a political offender and a common criminal.”

“Criminal responsibility is always personal and cannot be transmogrified by legal fiction,” Olalia wrote in the article that was published last February in the newsletter of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance).

In October 28 of last year, the European Council of Ministers also came up with their own catalogue. This was a result of a special diplomatic mission headed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Blas Ople to convince European governments and countries like Canada and Australia to join the US “anti-terror” bandwagon, despite strong objections from some Europarliamentarians.

Casambre says that Ople’s mission and subsequent statements validate the NDFP’s charges of using the terrorist listing as leverage to force the NDFP towards capitulation.

An official press release by the DFA revealed that, “the purpose of the diplomatic initiative was to bring pressure on the Communists to agree to go back to the negotiating table and discuss a comprehensive peace settlement that could lead to the end of the decades-old armed struggle to overthrow the Philippine state by force of arms…We want them to lay down their arms and transform themselves into a peaceful political party capable of competing in the constitutional arena, in peaceful democratic elections.”

And in Bello’s opinion, the terrorist labeling against the NPA and Sison, “is a foreign policy decision of the US government and that of the members of the European Union.”

Apparently, Bello is fortifying Ople’s line by adding that, “our government has taken a position in solidarity not against the NPA but in solidarity with other countries in the campaign against terrorism in general.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 136

War policy Anti-bases groups and peace advocates have strongly denounced the Balikatan military training exercises between the AFP and the US military as a strategic plan towards full-scale US military intervention against the revolutionary forces in the country.

Gary Leupp, associate professor of History at Tufts University in Massachusetts, wrote that, “the justification of the operation, hinging upon the al-Qaeda connection is weak. But a much larger counterinsurgency role in the Philippines, and other nations where liberation movements threaten USbacked-governments, is altogether likely. In that event, the rhetoric of the ‘war on terrorism’ will be employed against rebels more akin to the Vietcong than al-Qaeda. Are such rebels our enemies? I don’t think so.”

According to Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) spokesman Gregorio Rosal, the Us actually wants the Arroyo government to drop peace negotiations with the NDFP and MILF and instead launch an all-out war in line with the “anti-terror” campaign led by US Pres. George W. Bush.

In a statement, Rosal revealed that an American military official was seen together with forces of the 203rd, 901st and 902nd brigades of the Philippine Army, “conducting an inspection tour of areas of AFP counterguerilla operations in the Bicol region.” He identified the official as US Army Major Jeffrey D. Antonio.

Rosal said that the purpose of the deployment of 350 US Special Operations forces in Sulu province on top of 400 more US troops in Zamboanga and 1,000 standby US Marine forces in US ships off the coast of Sulu, all of which are implemented under the Balikatan 03-1 joint military exercises, is to ensure the US forces’ engagement in direct combat with the armed bandit group Abu Sayyaf which, Rosal said, would eventually turn into a nationwide deployment of American troops for direct military operations against the CPP-NPA-NDFP and the MILF. Threats such as these, says Rosal, would leave communist rebels no other choice but to fight back.

Defend Meanwhile, a global campaign calling on the US and the European Parliament to remove Sison and the CPP-NPA in their terrorist lists and to resume formal peace talks is apparently taking root. Led by the group called Committee DEFEND, pickets and demonstrations have already sprouted in various points all over the world since the group was launched late last year.

Archbishop Joris Vercammen of the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht, Dominee Hans Visser of Paulus Kerk of Rotterdam, Groenlinks chair femke Halsema, Socialist Party chairperson Jan Marijnissen and at least 22 members of the European Parliament have already signified support for Sison’s struggle. Even former US Attorney General Ramsey Clark declared his support in a petition for the defense of Sison.

In the Philippines, the campaign also drew support from prominent leaders and personalities namely: Roman Catholic Church Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez Jr. of Iba, Zambales, Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Maximo Tomas Millamena, United Nations Judge Romeo Capulong, VicePresident Teofisto Guingona, Senator Loren Legarda, University of the Philippines (UP) president Francisco Nemenzo, Bishop Julio Labayen of Infanta, Quezon, among others.

Demands When asked that would it take for peace talks to resume, Jalandoni called for a “reversal to massive violations of human rights [to provide] an atmosphere…good and conducive to the talks.”

He also said the government should take, “official steps to take the CPP-NPA and the NDFP’s chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison off the ‘terrorist’ list since this is in violation of agreements already made.”

Finally, he called for, “compliance with agreements and the formal peace negotiations through the negotiating panels to be resumed on the basis of all written agreements already signed.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 137

“These are demands not only of the NDFP but of wide sections of the Philippine people. In the end, sovereignty resides in the Filipino people,” he concluded. ### First published by People’s Media Center Reports, Year 2 Number 2, July 4, 2003 issue. Also published in Southern Tagalog Exposure magazine, July-August 2003 issue

Panukalang kontra-terorismo, pinangangambahan ng mga NGO LUNGSOD NG QUEZON – Habang pinagtatalunan sa Kongreso ang panukalang batas laban sa terorismo na inendorso ni Pangulong Arroyo, nagpahayag ang ilang ‘di pampamahalaang samahan kamakailan na kung papasa ang mga ito ay “manunumbalik ang kapaligirang mala-‘martial law’” Sa pagtingin ng mga samahang maka-kalikasan at tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang pantao, ito’y magbibigay-daan para sa mas maraming insidente ng karahasang militar at pang-aabuso ng estado.

“Ang panukalang ito ay sumusuporta sa kontra-teroristang isterya at sa todo-todong gyera ng rehimeng Arroyo,” wika ni Teddy Casiño, pangkalahatang kalihim ng samahang Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), sa isang talakayan noong ika-17 ng Hulyo sa Balay kalinaw sa Pamantasan ng Pilipinas sa lungsod na ito.

“Ang magiging papel ng batas na ito ay para i-demonize ang mga rebolusyonaryong puwersa para ligal silang matawag na terorista. Target rin nito ang mga ligal na demokratikong kilusan na kritikal sa mga polisiya ng administrasyon,” dagdag pa ni Casiño.

Nanawagan siya sa lahat na ilantad at ibasura ang panukalang batas na ito.

Sinabi naman ni Joanne Melanie Trinidad na ang batas na ito’y “lilikha ng takot sa mga komunidad at grupo na simpleng nagsusulong ng kanilang batayang karapatan para sa isang disente at makataong pamumuhay.” Si Trinidad ay mag-aaral ng abogasya at mananaliksik ng Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center-Kasama sa Kalikasan-Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC-KSK-FOEP), isang maka-kalikasang institusyong tumutulong sa mga katutubong mamamayan.

Binatikos ni Trinidad ang ginawa kamakailan ng Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Pambansa (DND) na isama ang kanilang pangkat at iba pang mga samahan sa listahan ng mga diumano’y “support group” ng CPP-NPA-NDF. “Mangangahulugan ito ng pagpapatahimik sa pagtutol ng mga mamamayan. Mas magiging mahirap na sa mga komunidad at ‘di-pampamahalaang samahan na ipahayag ang kanilang paninindigan sa mga isyung kanilang kinakaharap,” wika ni Trinidad.

Sa pamamagitan ng Senate Bill 2540 at House Bill 5923, maaari nang matiyagan ng mga awtoridad ang pag-uusap sa telepono, e-mail, maging mga text message ng sinumang pinaghihinalaan nitong terorista. Bibigyan din ng kapangyarihan ang tagapagpatupad ng batas na tingnan o hawakan ang mga halagang nakalagak sa bangko. Posible pang mabilanggo sa loob ng 36 hanggang 72 oras kahit walang kaso ang isang pinaghihinalaan.

Kabilang sa mga tinukoy bilang gawaing terorista ay ang: pagdudulot o pagbabanta ng seryosong panganib sa kalusugan at kaligtasang publiko (Sec. 3.3); pagdudulot ng seryosong pagpigil o pananabotahe sa mga mahahalagang serbisyo, pasilidad at impraistruktura (Sec. 3.4); at pagdudulot ng “seryosong paninira sa ari-arian, kapaligiran at pambansang patrimonya” (Sec. 3.6) Noong Abril ay sinimulan na ang pagdedebate ng mga miyembro ng Senado sa nasabing panukala. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 29, Hulyo 25-31, 2003 isyu, pahina 4

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 138

Remembering the Mendiola Massacre: ‘amid the assault, we were undaunted’ When gunfire raged and blood soaked Mendiola bridge on the afternoon of Jan. 22, 1987, killing at least 13 peasant protesters, Marianito “Itoy” Dimapilis thought he would never get out of that scene alive.

It was nearly dusk. And despite having two bullets lodged on his left foot, Itoy managed to stand up to look around. He saw scattered sandals being picked up by street sweepers, wounded bodies lying and crying for help. Some of them were dead in cold blood.

He felt grief mixed with anger, realizing that he was a witness to a glaring display of brutality and fascism unleashed by the mercenaries of the state.

His account Itoy was 24 years old when the massacre occurred. As a young worker in a food and beverage factory in Cabuyao, Laguna, he was just beginning to see the realities around him from the point of view of the militant labor movement.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), a militant farmer organization, called for a massive peasant demonstration and asked the labor sector for support. For six months, then President Corazon Aquino had repeatedly ignored the KMP and its call to resolve the land problem. The rally was aimed to push the Aquino government to sit down and talk with the farmers.

One of those who gave support was Itoy’s labor union. Itoy says that although he was not yet ‘deep’ in terms of political consciousness at the time, “walang nananaig sa akin kundi ang maiangat ang kaisipan sa pagtuklas sa mga problema at kalagayan ng bansa (I was motivated to deepen my understanding of the problems and situation in our country).”

Protesters coming from the Southern Tagalog region massed up in Pasay City, from where they marched toward the Liwasang Bonifacio (formerly Plaza Lawton) in Manila in the afternoon. A long program was held at around 4:30 p.m. punctuated by fiery speeches denouncing the newly-installed regime.

“Ang kamulatan ng mga taong naroon ay palaban talaga (the people were so militant),” Itoy vividly remembers. “Pagdating namin sa harap ng Mendiola, nag-barikada na kami, di na makadaan ang sasakyan. Yung kumand ng mga lider talagang mainit na” (When we reached Mendiola, we formed human barricades where vehicles cannot pass. The command of the leaders were so fiery).

“Di tayo titigil hanggang di natin nakakausap ang presidente. Dahil ang araw na ito ang magtutulak para mabuksan ang pag-uusap ng KMP at ng pangulo” (We will not stop until the president talk with us. We will push today the dialogue between the KMP and the president), Itoy quoted their own team leader as saying.

Itoy saw some fire trucks and hundreds of military men, armed with M16 rifles, lined up in front of them. As he and his fellow workers linked their arms and marched unfazed, he heard the gunfire. It lasted for about five to 10 minutes.

“Naghigaan kami, sa halip na padapa. Pinagti-tear gas ‘yung mga tao, pinagbubuhat ‘yung mga may tama ng bala at inihahagis sa van na parang baboy.” (We lied down in a supine, instead of prone position. They sprayed tear gas on people, lifted those hit and threw them like pigs inside a van).

The one in front of him during the march, a farmer from Bulacan, received a bullet in his neck and dropped dead. The one on his left, a worker of Filsyn (Filipinas Synthetic Corporation, a garment factory in Santa Rosa, Laguna), was also killed, as hundred others were injured including Itoy himself.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 139

Saved by a journalist Fortunately for Itoy, a man who identified himself as a reporter from the newspaper People’s Journal approached him and said he will help him. Military men at the time was going after protesters who retaliated by throwing stones. He was lifted and carried to safety, in a nearby pizza parlor. The journalist gave him a bunch of typewriting papers to make him appear as a student who was just there to photocopy.

The journalist then gave him first aid treatment. Afterwards, he was brought to the Philippine General Hospital where he was interviewed. In the midst of his recovery, he failed to ask for the name of the journalist who saved him.

Seeking justice Because of the sustained injury, Itoy was not able to work for a full year.

According to him, the victims and their families have organized themselves to call for an investigation and to file criminal charges against the perpetrators behind the Mendiola Massacre. The case even reached the office of the Sandiganbayan (anti-graft court).

“Hanggang ngayon, wala silang naigawad na katarungan sa mga biktima” (Until today, there is no justice for the victims), he said, adding that what the Aquino government did through then human rights lawyer Haidee Yorac was merely to give a small financial compensation for the injured individuals and the families of those who died during the rampage. Until now, the suspected mastermind and perpetrators of the massacre, mostly top military and police officials, are living scotfree and unpunished for their crimes.

After serving as a labor union activist for more than a decade, Itoy became a jeepney driver and, later, joined STARTER (Southern Tagalog Association of Transport Organizations).

Through that experience, though tragic, Itoy learned to deepen his political understanding and embrace the principles he used to hear only during discussions. He has accepted that what happened was an inevitable consequence of any struggle for justice.

“Sa kabila ng nangyari sa ‘kin, halos walang araw o gabi na di ako sumama sa mga pagkilos” (Despite what happened, there is no single day or night of action that I missed). he added. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 50, January 25-31, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-50/3-50-undaunted.html

Marcellana killing remembered CALAMBA CITY – The Southern Tagalog chapter of Anakpawis partylist is holding a region-wide protest caravan as a tribute to activists believed killed by the military in Mindoro Oriental a year ago today.

Anakpawis and its allied organizations are touring Calapan, Batangas, Lucena, Calamba and Dasmariñas before trooping to Mendiola bridge in Manila to commemorate the deaths of human rights advocate Eden Marcellana and peasant leader Eddie Gumanoy. Their bodies, which bore signs of torture, were found in Barangay Alcadesma in Bansud town.

The killings triggered nationwide outrage over the growing list of alleged human rights violations in the Southern Tagalog region, especially in Mindoro, among the last remaining bastions of the communist insurgency.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 140

The attack on Marcellana and Gumanoy were supposedly undertaken by a notorious criminal gang but Marcellana’s colleagues believe that soldiers of the 204th Infantry Brigade, then under Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr., were responsible.

The two activists were en route to Calapan, Mindoro Oriental to verify reports of abductions and killings by the military in the towns of Gloria and Pinamalayan towns when they were stopped and taken at gunpoint by around 20 masked men.

Palparan denied using the systematic violation of human rights to break the civilian support to the New People’s Army but was relieved of his command nonetheless. Palparan, also being blamed for the death of Bayan Muna coordinator Edilberto Napoles Jr., is now serving in Iraq.

The families of Marcellana and Gumanoy are still grieving, particularly because it is taking extra long to resolve the case.

“The Department of Justice keeps on postponing the hearing,” said Lito Mercado, Marcellana’s brother.

In a statement, the National Democratic Front lauded the sacrifice by the activists and their families. “We greet with the deepest admiration their families who have turned their grief into revolutionary courage and have persevered in serving the people in the same spirit in which Ka Eden and Ka Eddie lived and died for the people,” said NDF negotiator Luis Jalandoni.

Reports of summary executions, torture, illegal arrests, violent dispersals and other forms of harassment against left-wing organizations and their members have raised awareness for the need for greater human rights protection. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 234, Thursday April 22, 2004 issue, page A2

Soldiers maul journalist, 7 others in Batangas Melvin Mamis, 27, a correspondent of the alternative multi-media group Southern Tagalog Exposure, was choked as a soldier of the 20th Special Forces grabbed his camera. He was forcibly brought inside the camp where he was repeatedly punched at the stomach.

Willy Solis, a volunteer of the human rights group Karapatan-Southern Tagalog, was slapped, punched and repeatedly stuck at the nape while being questioned.

A correspondent of the alternative multi-media group Southern Tagalog Exposure (STExposure), together with seven others, were detained for several hours and repeatedly mauled by soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 20th Special Forces Company last May 31 inside a military camp in Barangay Puting Kahoy, Rosario town, Batangas, a province south of Manila, while doing the rounds of military camps in the area to search for three missing persons.

STEXposure cameraman Melvin Mamis, Willy Solis, a volunteer of the human rights group Karapatan-Southern Tagalog (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights) and three drivers hired by the group said that they were arbitrarily detained, kicked and punched while being interrogated by army soldiers who accused them of being “NPA” (New People’s Army) rebels.

Two of their companions, 24-year old Christine dela Cruz of Tanggol Karapatan and human rights volunteer Dina Castillo, were also detained and interrogated.

The assailants, some of them in plain clothes, did not wear their nameplates the whole time, witnesses said.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 141

The incident took place when a fact-finding team led by Karapatan-Southern Tagalog went to the camp at around 2:30 p.m. on May 31 to inquire about the whereabouts of three suspected NPA guerillas who were allegedly arrested by the military. The fact-finding team was formed after the families of Sharon Mendoza, Arnel de las Alas, and Dandy Cuerta approached Karapatan-Southern Tagalog asking for their assistance in looking for their relatives. Their relatives were allegedly arrested after a reported “encounter” between the NPA and soldiers of the 402nd Infantry Brigade last May 30 in Barangay Mabato, also in Rosario.

Arbitrary arrest and manhandling In an interview with Bulatlat.com, Melvin Mamis related that tensions started while negotiations between the fact-finding mission team and the military were still going on. He was filming the negotiations when a soldier approached him and told him to stop. Another soldier, in plain clothes and wearing a bonnet, approached the team and took photos of the members. Suddenly, a soldier tried to seize the video camera of Melvin Mamis. He resisted, consequently causing a violent skirmish.

Melvin ran toward their vehicle to protect his camera. Three soldiers hit him with rifle butts while trying to block his path. One of them went inside the jeep and choked him until he let go of his video camera, which was already broken.

Not contented with this, the soldiers forcibly brought him inside the camp where he was made to sit on a chair as one soldier punched him repeatedly at the stomach.

According to Melvin, one soldier even remarked in a disparaging way: “Pa media-media ka pa ha!...’di mo ba alam na bawal magkuha ng video dito sa kampo?” (You’re trying to pose as a media person...don’t you know that it is prohibited to take video footages of the camp?)

Asked who owns the Sony Hi-8 video camera and who ordered him to take footages, Melvin answered it was his and he did it on his own will. He was slapped on the face.

While this was going on, Willy Solis, a volunteer of the human rights group Karapatan-Southern Tagalog, was repeatedly slapped, punched, and struck at the nape while being questioned. Being struck on the nape three times in rapid succession, he said, was “parang kinukuryente” (like being electrocuted).

“Nagdidilim ang paningin ko noon” (I almost lost consciousness), Solis recalled after being struck hard on the nape at least 15 times.

Solis averred that they were released at about 7 p.m. after being forced to sign a blank paper. They were even threatened.

Solis recalled the soldiers telling them, “Mag-iingat kayo! Pasensyahan na lang tayo kung magkikita uli tayo. Huwag na kayong babalik dito kundi magkakaalaman na tayo” (Beware! If something happens to you the next time we meet it will be your own doing. Do not ever come back or you will find out what is in store for you).

The Karapatan-Southern Tagalog immediately filed a complaint before the local police so that the incident will be recorded in the police blotter. In the complaint, the fact-finding mission team said that 21 individuals were physically assaulted while 62 others were harassed.

Blatant attack In a statement, the STEXposure condemned the “blatant attack on its members and correspondents who deeply engages dialogue through their medium in its resolve to create committed productions.”

As members of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), the group asserted that they are a legitimate media organization whose film credits gained recognition in award-giving circles such as the Gawad CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) for Alternative Film and Video and were screened in various alternative, local and international venues. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 18, June 6-12, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-18/4-18-journalist.html

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 142

Brutal slaying of Gabriela leader enrages Laguna townsfolk Tita Mely Carvajal was waiting for a jeepney ride in front of her house at Barangay (village) Dila to meet with colleagues at 8:50 a.m. last Aug. 27 when an unidentified man bumped into her, poked a gun at her cheek and shot her. The killer shot her again on the middle of her chest and again on her side.

Santa Rosa, Laguna – The brutal killing of Melita “Tita Mely” Trinidad Carvajal, municipal coordinator of Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) here in Santa Rosa, a city 38 kms south of Manila, brings to 80 the total number of brutal killings and human rights violations in the Southern Tagalog region since Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the presidency in 2001.

Carvajal was waiting for a jeepney ride in front of her house at Barangay (village) Dila to meet with colleagues at 8:50 a.m. last Aug. 27 when an unidentified man bumped into her, poked a gun at her cheek and shot her. According to reports, Carvajal fell on the ground while holding her bloodied nape. The killer shot her again on the middle of her chest and again on her side.

Initial autopsy reports showed the victim’s muscle part in the nape, liver, stomach and right upper lobe as badly damaged.

Erwin Moreno, fiance of Mylene Carvajal, the victim’s daughter, who was at the house at the time, told Bulatlat that he heard three gunshots and went out to see the source. He said he saw two men casually walking away from where Carvajal fell, blood oozing from her body. The suspects sped away on board a Suzuki X3 motorcycle toward Cabuyao town.

Death threat The news of Carvajal’s tragic death has drawn sympathy and anger among residents.

A 50-year-old widow, Carvajal was known as Tita (aunt) Mely to neighbors and friends. She was the spokesperson of Pilside Neighborhood Association (PNA), an urban-poor association based in Barangay (village) Pulong Santa Cruz, and the Mamamayan ng Santa Rosa Para sa Kagalingan, Kaunlaran, Kapayapaan Tungo Sa Magandang Kinabukasan (People of Santa Rosa for Welfare, Development, Peace Toward a Better Future or MSRK3), a municipal-wide multi-sectoral alliance.

In an interview with Bulatlat, a sobbing Mylene said that, despite a heart ailment, her mother “was very helpful to the oppressed and needy, and firm in her convictions.”

Lolit Matilla and Sabeng Arriola, both organizers of the MSRK3, admitted they have been receiving death threats since August 16, received through word of mouth. The threat message read: “Si Lolit, si Sabeng, wala ‘yan. Kapag napatay natin ang pinakapuno madali nang isunod ang mga ‘yan” (Lolit and Sabeng, they’re nothing. If we killed the head, it is easy to get rid of them.).

Indignation Carvajal was known for being a fearless speaker in behalf of women, workers and the urban poor of Santa Rosa.

She ran for municipal councilor in the May elections but lost.

“She was very effective in leading the people to oppose unjust demolitions, and in exposing anomalies in the local government...She was also active in advancing the rights and welfare of women and children,” Helen Asdolo, secretary-general of Gabriela-Southern Tagalog, said in a statement.

Hundreds of friends and supporters of the victim staged an indignation march in the afternoon of Aug. 27 in front of the Sta. Rosa City Hall to condemn the perpetrators of the killing.

“Sino man ang utak at mga pumatay sa kanya ay mananagot sa hustisya ng mamamayan” (Those behind this murder and the killers will answer before the people’s justice), stated a flyer signed by Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Partylist-Santa Rosa chapter.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 143

“Kung inaakala ng mga salarin na mananahimik na ang mga manggagawa at maralita sa pagkilos para sa kapakinabangan ng lahat at laban sa abusadong iilan ay nagkakamali sila. Marami pang Mely Carvajal na mamumulat at kikilos para sa mamamayan. Walang punglo ang puwedeng humadlang sa mabubuting gawa ng mga tulad ni Tita Mely” (If the killers think that the workers and urban poor will keep quiet in defending the interests of the people and against the abusive few, they’re wrong. Many more leaders like Mely Carvajal will come to work for the people. No bullet can stop the good work being done by people like Tita Mely).

Graft-buster, anti-cityhood Knowing too much of alleged graft and corruption, Carvajal reportedly called on the Ombudsman to conduct a “lifestyle check” on local officials, namely Mayor Leon Arcillas, municipal secretary Perla Lozada, public accountant Nelia Carvajal, chief assessor Nelly Gomez and Barangay Don Jose chairman Romeo Aala. The cases are still under investigation.

As spokesperson of the MSRK3, Carvajal figured prominently in the recent campaign to oppose the cityhood.

Santa Rosa was converted into a component city through a referendum held last July 10 as mandated by Republic Act No. 9264, a law signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last February.

Local officials claimed that the people would benefit from the cityhood, saying that Santa Rosa would receive an Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) worth P300 million from the national government, that the income of small barangays would increase, and that various development projects and public services would be financially sustained.

“On the contrary, a bigger income would surely mean more rampant corruption for the ruling few.

Cityhood would result to higher taxes in various forms which would make people’s lives more miserable. People must feel real development,” said Chiit Trinidad, the victim’s younger brother and a member of the MSRK3.

Santa Rosa posted an income worth P749 million in 2004 and P453 million in 2003. It has a total population of 185,633 as of 2000.

The MSRK3 campaigned hard to reject the cityhood plan, but lost. This week, the group was supposed to file a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court. The schedule however was delayed due to the killing.

Although R.A. No. 9264 mandates that there will be no tax hike within five years of cityhood, the group warned that under the new Local Government Code, the city may impose 50 percent increase in taxes on permits and certificates. This includes franchise routes of tricycles.

Under Arcillas’ administration, taxes were increased 300 percent without public hearings, the MSRK3 said.

“We will not rest until the killers are brought to jail. The people of Santa Rosa are demanding justice for our beloved Tita Mely. She’s a beacon to us all,” said Arman Albarillo, spokesperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance)-Southern Tagalog. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 30, August 29-September 4, 2004 issue.

Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-30/4-30-gabriela.html

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 144

‘My brother is not a criminal’ Even in prison, Mindoro’s alleged top NPA cadre serves others His military captors call him a “criminal.” But even inside prison, the person who is said to be a prized catch for being the alleged top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) tries to continue his lifelong devotion that a real criminal won’t dare do: serving others.

Los Baños, Laguna – His military captors call him a “criminal.” But even inside prison, the person who is said to be a prized catch for being the alleged top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) tries to continue his life-long devotion that a real criminal won’t dare do: serving others.

In detention for four months now at the Mindoro Oriental provincial jail (OMPJ) in Calapan City, Eduardo “Eddik” Serrano, gives acupuncture service to fellow inmates and their relatives. So in demand has been his work that even jail guards and the warden have asked for acupuncture treatment to free the OMPJ personnel from the high costs of medicine for simple ailments.

On weekends, he conducts training to future members of the jail health team that he will help form soon.

“In case I don’t come out of this (imprisonment) alive, I make it a point that I always serve the people to the best of my abilities,” he says.

“Eddik” Who is Eduardo Serrano?

Mindoro military authorities say “Eddik” is Rogelio Villanueva or Ka (short for comrade) Makling, the Mindoro Island’s top NPA cadre. Arrested by military intelligence agents in broad daylight last May 2 at a bus terminal in Lipa City, Batangas, Serrano was charged with multiple murder, kidnap-forransom and other common crimes.

Serrano, now 51, is an agriculturist by profession. Growing up in Naga City, Camarines Sur province, he went to the National University in Manila and later to the University of the Philippines in Los Baños (UPLB), Laguna as a young scholar.

The First Quarter Storm of 1970 saw Serrano as an active militant student leader of UPLB, where he was vicechair of Kabataang Makabayan’s (KM or Patriotic Youth) local chapter and chair of the UP Sarong Banggi, a Bicol fraternal club.

Along with thousands of fellow activists, he went underground shortly after Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, helping organize peasants in his home province. The following year, he returned to UPLB to resume his studies and organizing work in the campus amidst a hostile atmosphere.

After finishing a degree in BS Agriculture, Serrano worked as a researcher at the Agricultural Credit Cooperative Institute (ACCI) in Los Baños and farm manager of the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) in Calauan, Laguna. Later, he obtained a scholarship program that sent him to Copenhagen, Denmark from 1978 to 1979 for post-graduate studies in animal science. By then, he was already bound for a promising career.

Political repression He took a different path, instead. His father, who was in government, became a victim of Marcos’ political repression. In 1981, Eddik himself decided to quit government service. He went to the countryside to become a fulltime cadre of the revolutionary movement for 23 years, undertaking efforts to empower the workers, peasants and Mangyan tribal communities.

In a statement last May, the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) said that Serrano was abducted by military agents following his participation in consultations

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 145

conducted by the NDFP’s peace negotiating panel in connection with the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement for Respect on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Message from prison In a forum held last Sept. 11 at the Community Education Center’s conference hall in UPLB attended by alumni and professionals, Serrano’s personal account of his arrest and prison ordeal was read.

“Today,” his statement entitled ‘Message to Free All Political Prisoners’ said, “I have passed the fourth month in captivity. I was pinned down by large ‘animals,’ hogtied with masking tape and hauled to a lion’s den in the headquarters of IG-ISU (Intelligence Group-Intelligence Service Unit) in Fort Bonifacio by noontime of May 2. Due to the commotion created by my abduction in Lipa City, the military was forced to present us to the media the following day as their ‘prized catch.’ But unfortunately for me, I was held incommunicado for the next ten days wherein the military and police interrogators vainly tried to extract tactical information before they were obliged by the court to turn me in. All throughout the trips which brought me to different camps, I’d been blindfolded, handcuffed and intimidated to make me run for my life.

“Though blindfolded, I managed to talk with my captors directly. They sensed that I never fear danger on my life or limb. They also knew that if something evil happened to me, someone would surely answer for such irresponsibility. I protested every infraction on my basic human rights. I was alone and always at their mercy during these grueling days...

“They concocted various ‘intelligence’ data to make it appear that I will be rescued by the New People’s Army (NPA) ‘dead or alive’ and maybe ‘rain or shine.’ When this flopped, the commander himself told me, as if to sympathize, that the NPAs were out to liquidate me totally. Thus I violently retorted: ‘isang malaking kalokohan iyan!’ (that’s a big lie). I told him that the NPA is a principled and disciplined organization. This infuriated him and he never came back although other officers took turns in confronting me using the soft and hard touches alternately. This happened during my first two months in detention. But the constant threats to my life always hang in the air. There are friends around here who have observed unnecessary troop movements and overheard conversations pertaining to the eventual physical elimination of myself.

“Just recently, a battalion commander with six of his men all in civilian attire brought a lady ‘rebel returnee’ to confront me about the death of her brother way back in May 2002. The officer blatantly told me that if the lady ‘rebel returnee’ had a gun, she could have shot me right away due to the hatred in her. That’s why I protested this incident to the provincial warden and some security measures were instituted to prevent such occurrence. Yes, elements of the 204th Brigade have the upper hand here.

There is a de facto Martial Law in Mindoro island through the rule of the military. So many killings, atrocities and intimidations by them on the civilian populace remain unsolved to date.”

After four months in detention at the Mindoro Oriental Provincial Jail (OMPJ) in Calapan City, Serrano manages to fight his physical predicament and melancholy through daily exercise and reading newspapers, magazines and books.

Calls for release Meanwhile, human rights groups are clamoring for Serrano’s release, saying his continued detention is a proof of unabated political repression and rising tyrannical rule in the country.

“My brother is not a criminal,” Malou Serrano, Ed’s sister said. “His fervent wish is that he wouldn’t stay longer in prison. I hope that he would be released with your help.”

Marie Hilao-Enriquez, secretary-general of the Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights (Karapatan), said “The government should not arrest anybody for his/her political beliefs. Political persecution should not happen in a country that is supposedly democratic.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 146

Rep. Joel Virador of Bayan Muna Partylist has asked the Macapagal-Arroyo government to consider Serrano a political case. He explained that his arrest was illegal because the arresting authorities violated Serrano’s rights as a person accused of crimes guaranteed under the Philippine Constitution’s Bill of Rights as well as the Hernandez Doctrine on rebellion crimes.

“I think the government should carry out the release as a goodwill measure for the resumption of the peace talks,” Virador said.

Last July 17, Karapatan and the Samahan ng mga Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at para sa Amnestiya (Selda), an organization of former political prisoners, launched a campaign to work for humane treatment of political detainees, now numbering 274 nationwide, and stop the criminalization of politically-motivated offenses. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 34, September 26-October 2, 2004 issue.

Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-34/4-34-brother.html

Jensen Cristobal: workers’ advocate killed The brutal murder of Jensen Cristobal, head of the Public Information Office (PIO) of the Santa Rosa City Government and Bayan Muna (People First) Partylist member has brought to 83 the total death toll for the progressive party-list group since 2001.

“No one will opt to have him silenced except those who oppose his principles and commitment,” said Luz Baculo, secretary-general of the Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan (Pamantik or Solidarity of Workers in Southern Tagalog).

Santa Rosa City, Laguna – The brutal murder of Jensen Cristobal, head of the Public Information Office (PIO) of the Santa Rosa City Government and Bayan Muna (People First) Partylist member has brought to 83 the total death toll for the progressive party-list group since 2001.

Cristobal, 30 and single, was shot to death by unidentified men in the morning of Feb. 18 near the Honda Cars building in Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City. He obtained six bullet wounds from .38 and .45 caliber guns. The assassins fled on board a black sedan car with plate number UHD 416. He was supposedly on his way to meet his girlfriend that day, according to Melvie Cristobal, the victim’s mother.

PIO staff Marian Navarrete said they are still waiting for the police report on the case. His remains have been buried in Ligao City, Albay – his hometown.

Cristobal also took up law and worked in the office of human rights lawyer Pura Calleja. For militant labor unions, his ability has aided troubled workers in their legal actions.

“No one will opt to have him silenced except those who oppose his principles and commitment,” said Luz Baculo, secretary-general of the Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan (Pamantik or Solidarity of Workers in Southern Tagalog).

At the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna (UPLB) where Cristobal finished his Chemical Engineering course, he was elected student council chairman in 1997. By the late 1990s, he was chairman of the National Union of Students of the Philippines-Southern Tagalog Chapter (NUSPST). He also served as a staff member of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance) in Southern Tagalog.

Gabriela Krista Dalena, a former colleague in UPLB, remembered him as being very frank and critical. “He leaves an impression of being intimidating and over-confident,” she reminisced. “He has

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 147

a tendency to play devil’s advocate, possibly to make discussions livelier. But I think he is actually sensitive and pensive. He would apologize later on and make amends.”

In addition, parallel incidents took place in Quezon – a rustic province recently torn by successive hot-pursuit operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the communist-led New People’s Army (NPA).

Last February 8, Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Partylist member Romeo Lleovet was abducted by suspected elements of the Philippine Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion along with two other peasants in Barangay Burgos in Mulanay town and was found dead the next day. Less than a month ago, Tritran Bus Lines’ union officer Robert dela Cruz was slain by motorcycle-riding men in Lucena City. Both were tagged – but never proved by the military – to be NPA guerrillas.

Congressman Crispin Beltran of Anakpawis Partylist condemned the murders. He said that all these killings of activists are alarming in their frequency and brazenness, for which Malacañang, up to now, has maintained its “ominous silence”. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 4, February 26-March 4, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-4/6-4-advocate.htm

Hooded ‘witness’ a military asset, says rights group When Jaime Fuentes, a witness of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the rebellion charges against six representatives and six other officials of progressive party-lists, removed his disguise, he was immediately recognized by volunteers of Karapatan-ST (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights-Southern Tagalog) as a military asset who harassed them during a fact-finding mission.

The hooded witness who surfaced last month to accuse activists, including six progressive party-list legislators, of allegedly plotting a coup against the Arroyo government is a “military asset”. Human rights workers bumped into him during a fact-finding mission in Quezon province.

Based on a notarized affidavit presented to the media last March 30, at least 137 volunteers of Karapatan-ST (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights-Southern Tagalog chapter) identified Jaime Beltran Fuentes as the same person who introduced himself as “Omar”.

Karapatan-ST said that since February 5, the barangays (villages) of Magsaysay, Burgos and Anonang in Mulanay town were subjected to aerial bombings and strafing by the 74th Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army (IB-PA) under the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) as part of a “hotpursuit” operation against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. Karapatan-ST also received reports that cases of killings, torture, property burning, illegal searches, arbitrary arrests and manhandling victimizing residents occurred, creating fear among the local populace.

A human rights team visited Mulanay February 8, the day 50-year-old Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) party-list member Romy Lleobet was found dead with nine gunshot wounds in Sitio Salungkagay in Burgos village. While the team was resting in a church the following morning, a certain Colonel Dulay from the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) harassed and drove them away, the group said.

Karapatan-ST volunteers took another trip to Mulanay from Lucena City February 11 passing through several military checkpoints.

At around 1:30 p.m., the delegation’s vehicles were blocked by soldiers when they reached the 74th IB-PA’s general headquarters situated in barangay Pala Ajos, Catanauan town. Soldiers conducted an illegal search on the volunteers and their vehicles. They also took video footages and photographs of the team.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 148

Consequently, human rights workers said they had a short dialogue with a certain Mariz Panggo of the Civil Relations Service (CRS) in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City. She said she will inform the battalion commander about the group’s purpose. While talks were going on, Fuentes or “Omar” appeared and introduced himself as the “ANAD (Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy) party-list third nominee”.

“Pilit siyang sumisingit sa usapan,” (He tried to join the dialogue.) Karapatan volunteer Ding Fernandez told Bulatlat in an interview. “Nang sinita ko siya, medyo nagalit itong si Omar at sinabing, ‘Hindi n’yo ba ako kilala? Dati akong NPA na biktima ng OPML. Ano’ng gagawin n’yo rito? Tutulungan n’yo ang mga NPA?’ ” (When I asked him not to interfere in the dialogue, Omar became angry and said, ‘Do you not know me? I was a former NPA rebel who was a victim of OPML. What are you doing here? Are you going to help the NPA?) Fernandez recalled that “Omar” irately went around hurling “ridiculous” accusations, saying that Karapatan is a “communist front”. The CRS representative later told them not to proceed, which they did to avoid further harassment. Mulanay’s town mayor Prudencio Maxino has as well turned down a permit for the mission to visit the affected villages, the group learned.

Fuentes was presented as a “witness” in the rebellion charges filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) against six representatives and six other officials of Bayan Muna (People First), Anakpawis (Toiling Masses), and Gabriela Women’s Party. Fuentes claimed he was a former NPA member and security chief of Vicente Ladlad, a Bayan Muna official.

The veteran activist denied the allegation, saying he did not have any bodyguard or security detail.

The six accused party-list congressmen said they did not know Fuentes.

In his counter-affidavit, Ladlad asked the DOJ panel to exclude the affidavit of Fuentes for “failure to disclose his true identity to the respondents” and all “so-called evidence which are incompetent, irrelevant, immaterial and hearsay.” He also moved to drop the case.

Fuentes removed his hat and sunglasses before the Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecuting panel last March 23. When television cameras showed the footage of Fuentes removing his disguise, Karapatan-ST volunteers immediately recognized him as “Omar”.

“Kumpirmadong siya nga (si Omar). Paano namin makakalimutan ‘yung ginawa niya sa amin noon?” Fernandez said. (It is confirmed that he is Omar. How can we forget what he did to us?)

Though the human rights group plans to return to Mulanay this week to resume the mission, he said no one wants to see Omar again. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 9, April 2-8, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/04/08/hooded-witness-a-military-asset-says-rights-group/

‘Destabilizing’ artists The imprisonment of poet Axel Alejandro Pinpin and musician Alexis Uy shows the reality that artists cannot escape from political contradictions of their time.

And in the midst of what they perceive as an attack against freedom of expression, the Artists for the Removal of Gloria (ARREST Gloria), a broad alliance of artists and cultural groups, stated that they cannot bring themselves “to be silent at a time when the forces of darkness have begun to haul artists to the silence of the graveyard.”

Pinpin, 34, an Agriculture graduate of the Cavite State University, is a 1999 Fellow of the University of the Philippines (UP) Writers’ Workshop and author of a self-published poetry

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 149

compilation titled Tugmaang Walang Tugma (Rhyming without Ryhmes). Friends say he had been compiling poems for a second book at the time he was arrested.

Meanwhile, Uy, 26, is a member of Artistang Pangkultura ng Mamalakaya sa Timog Katagalugan (APLAYA or Cultural Artists of Fisherfolks in Southern Tagalog) which he helped organize, aside from working as a researcher for the Katipunan ng Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (Kasama-TK or Federation of Peasant Organizations in Southern Tagalog).

Being researchers of peasant organizations, both artists were supposed to take part in protest rallies in commemoration of Labor Day to be held in Cavite and Quezon provinces.

Pinpin and his companions – Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka or Farmer’s Federation in Cavite) organizer Riel Custodio, researcher Aristedes Sarmiento, and local residents Enrico Ybañez and Michael Masayes – were nabbed April 28 somewhere in Sungay village, Tagaytay City by Philippine National Police (PNP) elements and Philippine Navy intelligence agents.

Last week, they were charged with rebellion before the Tagaytay City Regional Trial Court while being detained at Camp Vicente Lim in Canlubang, Laguna.

Meanwhile, Uy together with 14 farmers belonging to Kongreso ng Magbubukid para sa Repormang Agraryo (KOMPRA or Peasant Congress for Agrarian Reform) were seized April 30 while traveling on a bus going to Candelaria and kept in isolated detention at the Philippine Army’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) headquarters in Camp Nakar, Lucena City.

Their captors presented them to the media as New People’s Army (NPA) rebels involved in an alleged antigovernment “destabilization plot.”

Peasant advocates While officials of the PNP and the military insists that they have recovered “evidences” linking the suspects to so-called “destabilizers,” they did not elaborate on the connection to reinforce their claims.

On the contrary, Kamagsasaka-Ka stated, there appeared to be signs of torture inflicted on the suspects. They expressed worry after seeing on TV newscasts video footages showing Custodio limping, Sarmiento’s bandaged leg and Pinpin looking as though he was suffering from asthma attacks.

They also said the police took away a large sum of money that belongs to the farmers. The cash was reserved to purchase pardo (muscovado) and kapeng barako (a native coffee variety) under the Fair Trade Agreement signed in 2004 between the farmer’s group and the Vancouver-based nongovernment organization Shuswap Association for the Promotion of Eco-Development (SAPED) for the purpose of raising the prices of sugar cane and unrefined coffee in Cavite and Batangas.

“Nakapagtatakang hindi ipinapahayag ng pamunuan ng pulis na nakuha din nila ang halagang mahigit 400,000 piso na noong oras na maganap ang pagdukot sa lima ay nasa pag-iingat nina Pinpin at Custodio” (It is a wonder why the PNP leadership did not say that they also confiscated the P400,000 that Pinpin and Custodio were holding when the five were arrested), Kamagsasaka-Ka spokesman Rogelio Galit told Bulatlat.

Colleagues from Kasama-TK, meanwhile, said the allegation that Uy is an NPA member is false, with the latter having graduated recently from the UP College of Social Work and Community Development. In fact, Uy has been working on two research projects: one is a case study on the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in the Bondoc Peninsula and the other is about the coconut industry in Quezon, in preparation for the CARP’s 18th anniversary on June 10.

Uy has been recently released, but is reported to be under continuing surveillance.

Resisting restraint Citing the cases of Pinpin and Uy, the Arroyo administration is like telling artists that they ”are free only for so long as they refrain from challenging the ruling clique and the manner in which it ‘orders’ the country,” ARREST Gloria declared in a statement.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 150

“To prohibit dissent is to curtain freedom of expression,” the ARREST Gloria statement read. “As lawyer and historical conversationist Trixie Angeles said, ‘Without freedom of expression there can be no artist.’”

ARREST Gloria, together with the poets’ group Kilometer 64 has called on artists and writers to work together for the release of Pinpin and resist all attempts by the government to impose restraint. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 14, May 14-20, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-14/6-14-destabilizing.htm

Tagaytay 5: adjusting to ‘unimaginable’ life “Medyo bagong karanasan pero obligadong matutunan (It is a rather new experience and I’m obliged to learn it).” This was how 34-year-old poet Axel Alejandro Pinpin described his 30-day ordeal under police custody.

“Medyo bagong karanasan pero obligadong matutunan (It is a rather new experience yet I’m obliged to learn it).”

This was how 34-year-old poet Axel Alejandro Pinpin described his ordeal under police custody with four others, for 30 days now, when Bulatlat reached him through mobile phone. He was calling from their detention cell at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Calabarzon Region Office in Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang, Laguna.

“Nung first night ng interrogation, meron akong tinula na, kumbaga, reyalismo ng mga nangyayari sa lipunan, kung paano ‘yung magkabilang-panig naglalabanan (During the first night of interrogation, I recited a poem which, in effect, describes the realism of social phenomena, of how opposites fight each other),” he continued.

“Sabi ng nag-interrogate sa ‘kin, ‘Maganda iyang tula mo pero dapat ‘yan na ‘yung huling pagkakataon na makakarinig ng tula o huling pagkakataon na merong ganyang tulang lalabas.’

Kumbaga, sa tingin siguro nila kundi subersibo, eh masyadong makatotohanan (My interrogator told me, ‘Your poem is good but it must be the last time we’re going to hear it or last time a poem like that will come out.’ In effect, they probably think it’s so truthful, if not subversive).”

Pinpin, who is also an agriculturist by profession, says all of them are still adjusting to this “unimaginable” kind of life.

Pinpin and peasant organizer Riel Custodio, agriculturist Aristedes Sarmiento, and local residents Enrico Ybañez and Michael Masayes are referred to as the “Tagaytay 5”. Their names made it to the front pages and newscasts after Navy and police intelligence operatives arrested and presented them to the media as New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas engaged purportedly in an anti-government “destabilization plot” out to disrupt the Labor Day rallies.

Tormented The five were held incommunicado for a week and afterwards, charged with rebellion before the Tagaytay City Regional Trial Court.

Accounts by the human rights watch group Cavite Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (CEMJP) show that on April 28 somewhere in Sungay village, Tagaytay City between 6:30-7:00 p.m., their captors forced them to board a van at gunpoint and held them down on the floor.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 151

Blindfolded and back-handcuffed, they were brought to the said camp for interrogation and were not fed until the next day. When their families went searching for them, they were transferred to another camp.

The five cried their captors tortured them into admitting they were NPA members, with Ybañez and Masayes suffering most of the beatings. Sarmiento also got a big wound on his right thigh when it was pressed into the van’s hot surface, CEMJP stated.

Frame up?

During the hearing on May 17, the information was updated to include Masayes in the case.

Lawyers of the accused moved for a review of the evidences submitted to court arguing that these does not comprise the crime of rebellion but of illegal possession of firearms.

No less than former Sen. Wigberto Tañada Sr. agreed to serve as Tagaytay 5’s defense counsel – attesting that Sarmiento, his former staff consultant, is not an NPA member. Even Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla vouched that Pinpin, Sarmiento and Custodio were not communist rebels but in fact members of the Kalipunan ng Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka or Farmer’s Federation in Cavite).

“For the case to prosper, there has to be proof of armed conspiracy to overthrow the government,” lawyer Jose Manuel Diokno said when interviewed by reporters. “So far the only evidence which was attached to the information is the affidavit of the police, ‘yung mga nag-aresto. Wala naman silang personal knowledge ng any armed conspiracy (The arresting officers have no personal knowledge of any armed conspiracy).”

Meanwhile, PNP chief Dir. Gen. Arturo Lomibao claimed the accused had links with the so-called Magdalo rebel soldiers, particularly 1st Lt. Lawrence San Juan.

In fighting spirit Despite their fate, the Tagaytay 5 are in high morale as they remain in fighting spirit.

In a letter addressed to friends and colleagues, they condemned the intensifying political repression and curtailment of civil liberties under the Arroyo regime as epitomized by their continued incarceration.

The group also blamed P/Col. Rodel Sermonia, chief of the PNP Provincial Intelligence and Investigation Branch, for being at the helm of violent dispersals of shanties occupied by tenant farmers in Cabangaan village, for covering up policemen involved in the shooting of labor leader Gerry Cristobal, and for setting off a “witch hunt” against progressive activists in the province.

In Congress, Representatives Remulla and Erin Tañada of Quezon, together with party-list lawmakers Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño and Joel Virador of Bayan Muna (People First), Rafael Mariano and Crispin Beltran of Anakpawis (Toiling Masses), and Liza Maza of the Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) filed House Resolution No. 1244 on May 16 urging President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to order their immediate release.

When farmers who were waiting outside the courtroom went to see them, one of them quoted Pinpin as saying: “Huwag kayong umiyak. Ngayon dapat na mamulat ang mas maraming mamamayan, magsasaka man o propesyunal, na paglingkuran ang interes ng nakararami (Don’t cry.

Now is the time to arouse more people, farmer or professional, to serve the interest of the majority).” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 16, May 28-June 3, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/06/03/tagaytay-5-adjusting-to-‘unimaginable’-life/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 152

Farewell to ‘God and people’s servant’ Noel “Noli” Capulong, 51, is the 136th victim of politically-motivated assassinations in the Southern Tagalog region to date. He was gunned down by bonnet-wearing men riding in motorcycles while driving his owner-type jeepney in Parian village just before dusk on May 27. Mourners ask: who would want to silence a good man who consistently exposes and denounces environmental degradation, human rights abuses, corruption and anti-people policies like charter change?

Calamba City, Laguna (52 kms. south of Manila) – Alongside prayers and bereavement, the bells of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) here tolled for yet another slain church worker whose life – his kin, friends and colleagues say – embody what it means to serve God by serving the people.

Noel “Noli” Capulong, 51, is the 136th victim of politically-motivated assassinations in the Southern Tagalog region to date.

Capulong was gunned down by bonnet-wearing men riding in motorcycles while driving his owner-type jeepney in Parian village just before dusk on May 27. He succumbed to four bullet wounds in the jaw, chest and left side while he was being rushed to the St. John Hospital, also in Calamba.

He was then on his way home at barangay (village) Poblacion Tres after he met with residents who are facing eviction from a contested property in nearby Belarmino Subdivision. Several days before, he was engaged in setting up a “botika ng bayan” (people’s pharmacy) project under the auspices of Bayan Muna (People First) Rep. Satur Ocampo to help indigents in Linga village.

An activist since the 1980s, Capulong was the deputy secretary-general of Bayan Muna’s Southern Tagalog chapter, secretariat staff of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance) in Southern Tagalog and spokesperson for broad alliances such as the Southern Tagalog Environmental Action Movement (StEAM) and the Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties (MCCCL).

Following the necrological service on May 31, his remains were brought for cremation to the Eternal Gardens Memorial Park in Biñan town, escorted by hundreds of people who were chanting slogans that demand justice.

Whitewashing?

Colleagues from militant groups said the killing was carried out with such precision as it points to a brazen pattern of murder similar to the fate of labor leader Diosdado Fortuna and other slain activists.

They denounced the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s attempts to cover-up the real perpetrators by hatching “baseless” speculations that the victim may have been killed by his fellow comrades.

After forming a task force, PNP Calabarzon Chief Gen. Prospero Noble has implicated MigranteSouthern Tagalog member Charlie Garcia in the killing and then placed a P50,000 ($51.84 based on a $1:P52.53 exchange rate as of June 2) bounty on his head. In a statement, Garcia denied the allegations.

“It’s an old and stale defense strategy of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” said Bayan-ST secretary-general Arman Albarillo. “A desperate attempt to discredit progressive people’s organizations and to deceive the people. Have they conducted an investigation? No one (in the family) believes Gen. Noble’s statements.”

Capulong’s wife Doyet says her husband never had personal enemies.

Slain in sequence As a former staff of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and as chair of UCCP-Calamba’s Christian Witness and Service Committee at the time he was murdered, Capulong

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 153

was instrumental in promoting ecumenical work that led to the formation of the Southern Tagalog Regional Ecumenical Council, the Christian Movement for Good Government and the Kapatirang Simbahan para sa Bayan (Kasimbayan or Church Fraternity for the People).

A high-ranking officer of the NCCP strongly condemned the killing of their brethrens Capulong, Rev. Jemias Tinambacan, Pastor Andy Pawikan and Jose Doton – all slaughtered within the past three weeks in sequence.

“There is no place in this land for a government which claims adherence to democracy yet tacitly approves the killing of those who stand for principled and legitimate dissent, or worse, conveniently finds excuse by pointing a finger at someone else,” says NCCP secretary-general Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes in a statement. “Such is the behavior of a government that is oppressive, repressive and concerned only with its own political survival – an utter disgrace to the dignity of the people it claims to serve.”

Mourners ask: who would want to silence a good man who consistently exposes and denounces environmental degradation, human rights abuses, corruption and anti-people policies like charter change? ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 17, June 4-10, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-17/6-17-farewell.htm

Victims’ kin see no hope in Melo Commission Between January 2001 to September this year, records from the human rights alliance KarapatanSouthern Tagalog showed 142 extra-judicial killings in the region. Cases of human rights violations have reached 2,280 affecting 9,222 individuals or 13,102 families.

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – Relatives of slain political activists believe the Melo Commission created by the Arroyo administration to look into politically-motivated slayings shows “no hope for justice” and is but a venue for “whitewashing” government’s accountability.

Last Sept. 14 during the commission’s hearings, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said that the military’s total war policy did not include political killings. The general blamed the communist-led New People’s Army (NPA) as responsible for the deaths of “843 civilians” under the Arroyo administration since 2001.

He also called party-list lawmakers in Congress, particularly Bayan Muna Reps. Teddy Casino and Satur Ocampo, as “enemies of the state.”

Reacting to the AFP general’s allegations, Arman Arbarillo said “If this is how the military looks at members and leaders of progressive organizations, it reveals the motive they have for attacking our ranks to the extent of killing us.”

Arbarillo is the son of Bayan Muna coordinators Manuela and Expedito Albarillo who were murdered in Mindoro in 2002 during retired Maj. General Jovito Palparan’s stint as commander of the AFP’s 201st Infantry Brigade.

He added: “In the first place, the Commission was appointed by President Arroyo herself...at the start of its investigation, the Commission’s use of members of Task Force Usig to give testimony to the cases even though it did not investigate these cases only proves its inutility to give justice to the victims.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 154

142 summary executions Between January 2001 to September this year, records from the human rights alliance KarapatanSouthern Tagalog showed 142 extra-judicial killings in the region. Cases of human rights violations have reached 2,280 affecting 9,222 individuals and 13,102 families. No justice has been rendered on the victims for years despite condemnation by the international community.

Glen Malabanan, secretary-general of Martir ng Bayan-Timog Katagalugan (People’s MartyrsSouthern Tagalog), an alliance of relatives and friends of slain activists, said the government ’s disregard to the victims’ rights leave them no other choice but to directly engage in protest actions.

She said that justice will not be served simply by relying on the Commission and the filing of cases in courts.

Glen is the daughter of peasant leader Romeo Malabanan who was slain on December 2003 in Bay, Laguna.

A protest march against state repression is being organized by various sectors led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance)-Southern Tagalog chapter from September 17 to 21 and Malabanan ensured their group’s participation.

Unionist murdered On the afternoon of Sept. 12, unidentified gunmen shot dead JAM Transit (formerly Tritran Bus Company) worker Nemesio Aquino while the latter was walking out from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DoLE) Bureau of Labor Relations office in barangay (village) Parian in this city.

Although the victim did not belong to any militant unions in the region, secretary general Luz Baculo of the Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan (Pamantik or Solidarity of Workers in Southern Tagalog), said, “The whole labor movement should stay as vigilant as ever in these times of intensifying political repression and killings.”

Baculo also raised alarm on the continued surveillance and liquidation attempts against Romeo Legaspi, union president of Honda Cars Philippines and chairman of the labor federation Organized Labor Association in Line Industries and Agriculture (Olalia). Since the surveillance began last year, Legaspi has not reported to work for fear of liquidation. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 32, September 17-23, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/09/30/victims’-kin-see-no-hope-in-melo-commission/

Breaking peace, wrecking lives in San Pablo San Pablo’s reputation as a quite city has been broken by the recent killing of one of its residents amid the deployment of government soldiers in seven barangays (villages) along the railroad tracks. Now many residents call their city, a “terror zone.”

San Pablo City, Laguna (82 kms south of Manila) is well known as “the City of Seven Lakes” and is also a tourist destination. Its reputation as a quite city however has been broken by the recent killing of one of its residents amid the deployment of government soldiers in seven barangays (villages) along the railroad tracks.

Now many residents call their city, a “terror zone.”

Several barangay residents of Calehan, San Antonio, San Gregorio, San Joaquin, Soledad and Wawa said that soldiers belonging to Philippine Army’s 202th Infantry Battalion based in nearby Rizal

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 155

town first posted in the area last Aug. 13. Since then, incidents of harassment, surveillance and intimidation among folks have reportedly been taking place.

Members of the urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay or Alliance of Urban Poor Organizations) believe that the militarization clearly has something to do with the people’s resistance to the impending demolition of shanties to pave way for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Modernization and Rehabilitation Project, a national government program for upgrading the transportation from Manila to Bicol and vice versa.

Nightmarish tales Myrna Olarte, general president of the Kadamay affiliate Samahan ng Magkakapit-bahay sa Tabing Riles-San Pablo City (SMTR-SPC or Railroad Side Neighborhood Association), recounted in a statement last week that several men riding motorcycles with no plate number and armed with caliber .

45 guns visited her house in Barangay San Gregorio on Aug. 16 and asked about her whereabouts. She was not around at that time but her son Michael said they went around the house and opened the front window to peek.

She said the armed group later headed to nearby Soledad and looked for Levy Villanueva, an SMTR-SPC member. A former leader reported that earlier that day, these same men visited and forced her to sign a paper “to clear her name” which they claim was included in the military’s Order of Battle.

Rowell and Mercy Pontanar, a couple who are SMTR-SPC officers in Barangay Del Remedio, revealed that an alleged military officer is renting a house near theirs, which they find odd considering the area had no electricity. They also observed that “suspicious-looking vendors” are roaming around Barangays Villa Antonio, II-F, San Antonio II, Triangulo, San Roque and San Crispin asking about the organization, its members and activities.

Olarte recalled that on Sept. 7, two military men met with Barangay San Joaquin Chairman Conrado Samsaman and accused him of being a New People’s Army (NPA) supporter and financier of SMTR-SPC which they tagged as a “communist front organization.” He denied the accusation. They came back the next day and instructed him to cooperate with them.

On Sept. 11, a jeep-load of soldiers in full battle gear arrived in San Joaquin where they conducted house-tohouse inspection. Olarte said soldiers were looking for SMTR-SPC members and asking residents whether NPA members are staying in the area. They also wandered in nearby Barangays Santa Ana, Soledad and San Gregorio.

Military detachments were erected. Curfews beyond 7 p.m. were set up. For over two months, she and her fellow colleagues have not returned home in fear. They’re now receiving death threats.

Wrecking lives On the morning of Oct. 18, unidentified gunmen shot to death Eduardo Millares, 50, and wounded Victoriano Carino, 42, on his right leg. Both were residents of Barangay Soledad.

San Pablo City Police Chief Supt. Sonny Ricablanca said the slain victim may have been killed by a crime syndicate whom he duped. According to him, Millares was a robbery suspect whom they arrested earlier but recently posted bail.

However, Adel Tolentino, secretary-general of Kadamay-Southern Tagalog, clarified that Millares was not a member of SMTR-SPC, contrary to what was earlier reported in the news.

Although he confirmed that Carino was a SMTR-SPC member, he said he was bothered for his safety. “Di pa namin siya nakakausap dahil natatakot. Nagtangka kaming kausapin at kunin kaya lang ay nababantayan ng militar ang lugar” (We haven’t been able to talk to him because he’s afraid. We tried to talk to him and bring him along but his place is heavily guarded by soldiers), Tolentino told Bulatlat.

Before this, leaders of SMTR-SPC-Kadamay held a dialogue with city council officials to air their complaints against a “martial law-like atmosphere” along railroad side communities. He said they

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 156

were shocked when Vice Mayor Larry Vidal and Councilor Martin Ilagan expressed approval for the military’s presence.

“Pinagkakaitan na ng trabaho at mga batayang serbisyo, ide-demolish pa ang bahay at anumang oras ay maaaring patayin. Ano pa ang natitira sa mga maralita? Wala na, maliban sa pagkakaisa at paninindigang lumaban!” (They have been deprived of work and basic services, and now their homes are about to be demolished and their lives could be snuffed out anytime. What is left for the poor?

Nothing else except unity and resolve to fight!), Tolentino said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 37, October 22-28, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/10/22/breaking-peace-wrecking-lives-in-san-pablo-2/

ʻTagaytay 5’ seek immediate release “The false charges and the concomitant fabricated evidences will be thrown into the garbage heap of judicial history. Inexorably, we are going to march back to freedom,” said the Tagaytay 5.

Tagaytay City – Enduring more than 200 days of detention inside a police camp, five peasant advocates collectively known as the “Tagaytay 5” challenged the court’s jurisdiction over them as they asked for their immediate release.

During the hearing on Nov. 13 at the Tagaytay City Regional Trial Court, some 56 kms south of Manila, the detainees – Riel Custodio, Michael Masayes, Axel Alejandro Pinpin, Aristedes Sarmiento and Enrico Ybañez – filed through their lawyer a motion to quash the amended information for rebellion filed against them by the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Region Office 4, PNP-Cavite and the Department of Justice (DoJ) for “lack of jurisdiction.”

In a statement, the five said that the court does not have jurisdiction over them since there was no probable cause and the prosecution has failed to present credible evidence to justify their captivity.

“Our arrest, nay abduction, was unlawful; the ensuing search was illegal; hence, all the resultant evidences as allegedly seized are inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding,” said the detainees.

As of press time, the PNP has not shown to the court the guns, explosive materials and “subversive” documents allegedly seized on April 28 this year in Sungay village, this city.

The detainees also argued that the court has been “ousted of such jurisdiction due to palpable violations of the rights of the accused” when the PNP and DoJ subjected them to several “biased” inquests in the past.

Laura Sarmiento, wife of one of the detainees, told Bulatlat that after an exchange of contentions during the hearing, Judge Edwin Larida Jr. ordered the prosecution team to submit a counter-argument within 15 days, after which the defense panel will be given 10 days to comment before the court can decide on the motion.

Aside from the motion, the group is also seeking their release through a petition filed before the Supreme Court for certiorari, prohibition with issuance of a restraining order and/or preliminary injunction.

The five detainees – three of whom are farmers’ organizers and agriculturists – were accused by the PNP of being New People’s Army (NPA) rebels plotting to foment “destabilization” on Labor Day. They believe that the PNP and DoJ want them to be detained indefinitely to flaunt them as “a trophy in the anti-insurgency war,” a grim reminder to determined social activists that this is what they’ll get if they carry on protesting against the government.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 157

“The false charges and the concomitant fabricated evidences will be thrown into the garbage heap of judicial history. Inexorably, we are going to march back to freedom,” said the Tagaytay 5. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 41, November 19-25, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/11/19/‘tagaytay-5’-seek-immediate-release/

Slain guerrillas’ remains held by soldiers; kin stopped from claiming bodies Retrieving the dead to give them decent burial has become extra painful for families, especially if one is an armed dissident in Quezon, a province now battered by escalated combat operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the communist-led New People’s Army (NPA).

On Nov. 25, soldiers belonging to the Philippine Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion based in the Bondoc Peninsula under the command of Lt. Col. Amado Bustillos came across a group of NPA rebels in Barangay (village) Punta in San Narciso town, where a clash consequently took place which the government-owned Philippine Information Agency (PIA) reported to have “started at about 7:00 a.m. with sporadic exchange of gunfire heard lasting up to 12 noon.”

Media reports later confirmed that three NPA members, namely Eduardo Escudero, Vergilio Buendia and Roval Belayro were killed while several others were arrested from the said encounter.

The PIA report cited Army soldiers as saying they have recovered an M16 rifle, a shotgun, backpacks with “subversive documents” and a laptop.

Bulatlat learned that families of the slain rebels got in touch with the Southern Tagalog chapter of Karapatan (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights) to seek their help in retrieving the corpses.

But when they tried to visit the site riding jeepneys and accompanied by the group’s quick reaction team last week, they were subjected to “harassment and interrogation” in each of the five Army checkpoints along the way, they said. This, they said, prevented them from reaching their destination.

“These harassments and intimidations (by the military) are not very helpful to the grieving families,” said Karapatan-ST secretary-general Doris Cuario. “Since when did it become unlawful and forbidden to get the remains of a family member, even if he or she is a communist?”

She also said that for unknown reasons, metal spikes were placed on the road and that one jeepney got its windshield broken supposedly by a slingshot.

To date, there are 2,280 cases of human rights violations in the Southern Tagalog region, reports Karapatan-ST. In Quezon alone, hundreds of residents, who are mostly farmers, have reportedly been affected by forcible evacuations, arbitrary arrests and harassments allegedly perpetrated by the AFP in its attempt to crush the growing communist insurgency.

Last November, a team of Canadian human rights advocates were detained for several hours by the 74th Infantry Battalion in San Narciso town. They were part of a 32-member fact-finding mission investigating reports of human rights violations in the area.

“Answer the true sentiments of the people,” Cuario demanded of the AFP leadership, “and hold responsible all those who have committed crimes against the people, more so, those misguided and imprudent military personnel who have inflicted terror to the innocent and poor civilians who are merely seeking just and peaceful lives.” ###

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 158

First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 43, December 3-9, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/12/09/slain-guerrillas’-remains-held-by-soldiers-kin-stoppedfrom-claiming-bodies/

ʻTagaytay 5’ fast for freedom On the wall in their cell Calamba, Laguna, a big sign reads, “WE ARE ON INDEFINITE FASTING.” The “Tagaytay 5” started fasting in protest against what they say is “miscarriage of justice in various forms and levels” and the “cruel” treatment of political detainees under the Arroyo government.

Calamba City, Laguna – Protest actions against tyranny reverberate not only in the streets but also in prisons.

On the wall in their cell at the temporary holding center of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Camp Vicente Lim in this city, 52 kms south of Manila, a big sign reads, “WE ARE ON INDEFINITE FASTING.” The “Tagaytay 5” – Axel Alejandro Pinpin, Riel Custodio, Aristedes Sarmiento, Enrico Yba ñez, and Michael Masayes – began fasting Feb. 20 to denounce what they say is “miscarriage of justice in various forms and levels” and the “cruel” treatment of political detainees like them under the Arroyo regime. “[We] are launching our prison protest so that justice and truth may reign, freedom is regained, and prisoners’ rights respected,” they said in a statement issued on the first day of their fasting.

Day after day since Feb. 20, Pinpin, Sarmiento, and Custodio have been eating only one full meal (with one cup of rice) and soda crackers. For health reasons, however, Masayes and Ybañez are taking two full meals (two cups of rice). The five said their fasting would gradually escalate into a full-blown hunger strike by April 8 or beyond “if they see no development in their case and situation.”

Laura Sarmiento, wife of one of the detainees, told Bulatlat that a scheduled hearing at the Tagaytay Regional Trial Court Branch 18 on Feb. 21 was reset due to the judge’s absence. Despite the postponement, some 100 supporters staged a rally in front of Camp Vicente Lim with a number of them skipping meals.

“High-risk” detainees Held more than 300 days now inside a cramp, 25-square-meter jail, the five were seized in Tagaytay City last year and accused of being New People’s Army (NPA) rebels by the PNPCalabarzon (provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and the Department of Justice (DoJ). At press time, the prosecution has failed to present credible evidence linking them to a so-called anti-government “destabilization plot” early 2006.

On the contrary, the detainees argued they are agriculturists, peasant advocates, and ordinary citizens – accusing the PNP of forcible abduction, arrest without warrant, interrogation without counsel, incommunicado detention, torture and robbery-holdup.

The five said they are continuously deprived of their right to sunning, adequate medical care and a visitor’s area, which was recommended by no less than Commission on Human Rights (CHR) official Wilhelm Soriano. They recalled that senators and congressmen were made to talk to them standing behind the steel bars.

“Even the joy of walking a reasonable distance daily was denied to us because, as the PNP black propaganda goes, the Tagaytay 5 are ʻhigh-risk and high-profile detainees’ and that the detention

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 159

center in Canlubang is not a regular detention facility but just a temporary ʻholding center,’” they lamented.

Hungry for other’s sake The Tagaytay 5 said they are also doing this in solidarity with fellow political detainees, namely: Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Rep. Crispin Beltran, alleged NPA leader Eduardo “Edik” Serrano, the “Mamburao 6” (peasant leaders from Occidental Mindoro who were “wrongfully convicted”), the Magdalo soldiers; and all those who have been summarily executed, extra-judicially killed and involuntarily disappeared “for they shall never have their day in court and will never be able to tell their tales of horror.”

Although their relatives objected to their plan of fasting, the five said that undertaking such sacrifice could send a strong message to the powers-that-be, as well as the international community.

“Our fast is also our manner of commemorating and reliving the spirit of Edsa 1986, which delivered our country from state terrorism and fascist dictatorship only to be revived 20 years later under the current regime,” they said. “Indeed, fascism and terrorism never left our country with Marcos.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 7 Number 4, February 25-March 3, 2007 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2007/02/24/‘tagaytay-5’-fast-for-freedom/

Anakpawis bet escapes slay try Still nursing cuts and bruises, 40-year-old peasant activist Orlando “Ka Orly” Marcellana was lucky enough not to suffer the same fate as that of his wife.

CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA (52 kms. south of Manila) – Still nursing cuts and bruises, 40-year-old peasant activist Orlando “Ka Orly” Marcellana was lucky enough not to suffer the same fate as that of his wife.

Four years ago (in April 2003), Marcellana’s wife Eden, a human rights worker and secretary general of Karapatan (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights)-Southern Tagalog, together with colleague peasant leader Eduardo “Eddie” Gumanoy were slain by suspected military agents while investigating alleged human rights violations in Oriental Mindoro.

The regional workers’ federation Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan-Kilusang Mayo Uno (Pamantik-KMU or Unity of Workers in Southern Tagalog-May First Movement) reported that on May 10, Marcellana was riding a passenger jeepney after attending a meeting held inside their office in Barangay (village) Sala, Cabuyao, Laguna (43 kms. south of Manila) when he noticed two motorcycle-riding men wearing bonnets tailing him at around 3:00 p.m. He was on his way to the regional headquarters of Bayan Muna (People First) located in Barangay Anos in Los Bańos, Laguna (62 kms. south of Manila) The motorcycle driver was wearing a helmet and a brown jacket, Marcellana recalled. When the jeepney stopped at a Caltex gasoline station to refuel, another pair of bonnet-wearing men riding a motorcycle came, but this time one of them was carrying an M-16 armalite rifle.

Sensing danger, he quickly jumped out of the jeepney and ran to a nearby community.

Unfortunately, some bystanders in the area mistook him for a cell phone snatcher and chased him. He entered a house to take refuge and tried to explain to its owner that he was under threat but the latter pulled out a knife, prompting him to go out. He was mauled by at least 10 men.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 160

“They only stopped when I shouted that I am from Anakpawis (Toiling Masses),” said Marcellana who is the eight nominee of the said party-list group seeking a second term in the forthcoming national and local elections.

Marcellana is also the secretary-general of the Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (Association of Peasant Organizations in Southern Tagalog or Kasama-TK), national council member of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP or Philippine Peasant Movement) and chairman of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance)-Southern Tagalog.

Anakpawis denounced the attempt on Marcellana’s life, the recent arrest of Vicente Borja and abduction of Nilo Arado, both regional coordinators of the party-list group in Leyte and Panay respectively.

The groups Bayan Muna and Anakpawis have been targets of intensifying extra-judicial killings under the Arroyo administration.

Since 2001, Karapatan has recorded a death toll of more than 840 and more than 190 victims of forced disappearances nationwide. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 7 Number 14, May 13-19, 2007 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2007/05/12/anakpawis-bet-escapes-slay-try/

Despite police claims to the contrary: pastor abducted, not arrested All that United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Pastor Berlin Guerrero, 46, could think of when he spent a horrifying night at the hands of police captors was that he could either rot in jail or join his “Creator.”

Biñan, Laguna (36 kms. south of Manila) – All that United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Pastor Berlin Guerrero, 46, could think of when he spent a horrifying night at the hands of police captors was that he could either rot in jail or join his “Creator.”

Here in Barangay (village) Casile in Biñan is where the ordeal began. According to witnesses, the pastor, together with his wife and children, were riding a tricycle on May 27 at around 5:30 p.m. when armed men blocked their path in front of Seven Star gas station and pointed guns at them. He asked if they had an arrest warrant, but he was struck on the nape and taken at gunpoint into a white Mitsubishi L300 van with a concealed plate number.

The abductors grabbed his wife Mylene’s bag that contains money and her cell phone as they sped away. Some of them were even seen video taping the incident.

With the help of Karapatan (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights)- Southern Tagalog and colleagues from some Protestant denominations, the beleaguered family at once searched for him in various police camps and jails all night.

But the missing pastor suddenly surfaced the following day (May 28) when he called up his daughter Lora’s cell phone at 3:00 p.m. He told Mylene that he was turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s provincial headquarters at Camp Pantaleon Garcia in Imus, Cavite (23 kms. south of Manila) as of 11:00 a.m. that day.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 161

Activist pastor As a moral and spiritual overseer, Pastor Guerrero knew it was wrong—being tortured and intimidated while blindfolded and handcuffed. It was only later that they told him he was charged with murder and inciting to sedition, supposed to have been committed in 1993 and 1988, respectively.

“The way I was ʻarrested,’ as the officers were trying to prove, was all wrong...These cases were all fabricated. I was asked several more questions that have nothing to do with the cases they filed against me and when they were not satisfied with my answer, I get a punch right away,” Karapatan-Southern Tagalog secretary-general Doris Cuario quoted him as saying.

She said that the pastor was hit and paddled with a big bottle of mineral water in different parts of his body, forcing him to admit to the things he was accused of.

Bishop Eliezer Pascua, UCCP general secretary, is certain that the forced abduction is related to Guerrero’s activist background, he being a former secretary-general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance)-Southern Tagalog.

The laptop computer that he uses for church and school work—which was taken during the abduction—was returned to him but was already messed up with “subversive files,” the pastor said.

The family was not able to recover other “stolen” items.

Arrest or abduction Philippine National Police (PNP)-Cavite Director Senior Supt. Fidel Posadas said that intelligence agents under him “arrested,” and not abducted, Guerrero. He claimed that the arrest was “legal” and was covered by two court warrants but did not give details on the cases.

On the contrary, Bayan Muna (People First) general counsel Neri Javier Colmenares clarified that an arrest warrant does not permit the police to abduct persons.

Reviewing eyewitnesses’ accounts, he thinks that the PNP operation “was illegal at almost every step.” The four abductors were not in uniform. They did not introduce themselves as officers of the law. They used guns, pointed them at him and one of the assailants hit the pastor in the nape. They then dragged him to one of the vans with covered plates.

“If this is not abduction, we do not know what it is. It cannot even pass as a legitimate arrest or serving of a warrant under the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure,” Colmenares explained. “Even if a warrant is produced later, Pastor Guerrero was deliberately hidden from his family and lawyers, effectively depriving him of his rights under the law.”

The Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure’s Rule 113, Section 7 states that: “When making an arrest by virtue of a warrant, the officer shall inform the person to be arrested of the cause of the arrest and the fact that a warrant has been issued for his arrest, except when he flees or forcibly resists before the officer has opportunity to so inform him, or when the giving of such information will imperil the arrest. The officer need not have the warrant in his possession at the time of the arrest but after the arrest, if the person arrested so requires, the warrant shall be shown to him as soon as practicable.”

The abductors and their commanding officer, he concluded, may be held liable in administrative, criminal and civil cases. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 7 Number 17, June 3-9, 2007 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2007/06/02/despite-police-claims-to-the-contrary-pastor-abductednot-arrested/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 162

Southern Tagalog groups demand justice for missing, slain colleagues Women, labor and human rights groups gathered in Santa Rosa City to commemorate the enforced disappearance of Ben and the brutal assassination of Tita Mely.

SANTA ROSA CITY, LAGUNA — People are searching everywhere for labor leader Benjamin “Ben” Villeno but has not found any sign of him.

Ben is a former president of Lakas Manggagawang Nagkakaisa sa Honda (LMNH or United Workers’ Strength in Honda), a workers’ union in Honda Cars Philippines based in this city, and the Organized Labor in Line Industries and Agriculture (OLALIA), a labor federation affiliated with Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May First Movement).

His last communication was via a text message sent to and received by a fellow labor leader. The message revealed that he was on his way home to Cavite, and suspicious men who look like military soldiers were following him. He was last seen last August 27, 2013.

According to Nhed Lagunias, LMNH spokesperson, they already sought the help of the Commission on Human Rights and repeatedly demanded military authorities to surface him. “We’ve done everything to find Ben…but still nothing came out of it,” he lamented during a protest rally organized by the regional labor center Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan (PAMANTIK or Unity of Workers in Southern Tagalog) and other groups.

One of the speakers in the rally held in barangay Balibago was Justin Villeno, Ben’s 17- year old son. Holding back tears, he expressed a mix of emotions: anguish from not knowing the whereabouts of his father and admiration for his father’s selflessness. As a teenager, he said, he used to resent what his father was doing because he was always out. But after learning the importance of his father’s trade union organizing activities and meeting countless people who support the cause, he saw the deep and noble conviction of his father and his colleagues.

“One of the reasons why he left us is to fight for the people’s rights and welfare, the younger Villeno told supporters. “But even though he left us, he was a good father because he had helped many workers.”

PAMANTIK believes that Ben is a victim of Oplan Bayanihan, the Aquino government’s counterinsurgency program which, the group said, seeks to decapitate the people’s movement for change by carrying out illegal arrests, detentions and extrajudicial killings of activists and trade unionists in the region.

“Ben has no enemies. There is no one who would wish to do him harm aside from the government,” said PAMANTIK spokesperson Hermie Marasigan in a statement given to Bulatlat.com.

“He has done nothing but fight for the rights of workers and the people. He does not deserve this kind of treatment.”

Ten years after: impunity In the same rally, the multi-sectoral alliance Mamamayan ng Santa Rosa para sa Kagalingan, Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan (MSRK3 or People of Santa Rosa for Welfare, Development and Peace Toward a Good Future) denounced the culture of impunity over the killing of Melita “Tita Mely” Trinidad-Carvajal, a known urban poor rights defender and anticorruption advocate.

Tita Mely resisted the violent demolitions and forced eviction of urban poor communities in barangay Pulong Santa Cruz in 2003 that would pave the way for “development projects.” As Gabriela Women’s Party coordinator and MSRK3 chairperson back then, she led a city–wide campaign to implement the “six-point program”: free hospitalization; free education from basic to tertiary level;

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 163

employment for the youth and people; assistance for small and medium-sized businesses; decent and affordable housing; and respect for people’s rights.

The illegality of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the public’s growing clamor to abolish the pork barrel system, the group explained in a statement, proves that Tita Mely’s and MSRK3’s continuous fight against plunder and grave misuse of public funds by a few corrupt officials is just and valid.

Unfortunately she did not live to see the day when the city council enacted the six-point program into a law through Resolution Number 274-2006 and Order Number 03-2006.

In August 27, 2004, Tita Mely was shot to death by unidentified motorcycle-riding men in front of her house in barangay Dila in this city. Members of progressive organizations asserted that military intelligence agents were behind the crime as part of a failed attempt to foment violent attacks against them and sow terror among local citizens.

Flames of justice Members of LMNH, OLALIA-KMU, PAMANTIK, MSRK3, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY), Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights (KARAPATAN), GABRIELA women’s alliance, Alyansa ng Manggagawa sa Engklabo (AMEN) and several local unions lit and held candles in boxes along the Old National Highway as a sign of their commitment to “keep the flames of justice burning.”

To carry on the search for the whereabouts, the quest for justice as well as Ben’s legacy, Justin decided to volunteer for OLALIA-KMU and work toward good governance.

If the Aquino regime thinks that the struggle will cease with my father’s enforced disappearance, then they are wrong,” he said. “My father’s enforced disappearance would result in the emergence of a new government.”

The MSRK3, meanwhile, called on elected city officials to seriously implement the six-point program, a cause that Tita Mely struggled and died for. They said: Neglecting the six-point program is like neglecting the poor people as well.” ### First published in Bulatlat, August 29, 2014 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2014/08/29/southern-tagalog-groups-demand-justice-for-missingslain-colleagues/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 164

PART FIVE: LAND AND AGRICULTURE “Time and again, people are subjected to laws, which the ‘lawgivers’ claim, were designed to protect those who obey them.

Yet these same laws cripple those who are under them and protect only the lawmakers and other vested interests. Who will protect the people from these laws?”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 165

Pandaigdigang pulong sa pagsasaka, tinuligsa ng mga samahan LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – Tinuligsa kamakailan ng mga samahang magsasaka at ‘di pampamahalaan mula sa iba’t ibang bansa ang anila’y kabiguan ng International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) na matugunan ang kahirapan at kagutuman sa mga bansa ng Ikatlong Daigdig.

Noong ika-29 ng Oktubre, idinaos sa IRRI ang tinaguriang “Araw ng IRRI” na dinaluhan ng mga kinatawan mula sa kasaping-bansa ng Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) na noo’y nagdaraos ng isanlinggong taunang pangkalahatang pulong nito.

Ang CGIAR ay nilikha noong 1971. Layunin ng CGIAR na gamitin ang agham upang maibsan ang kagutuman at kahirapan, mapaunlad ang nutrisyong pantao at kalusugan at pangalagaan ang likasyaman.

Ang IRRI, na matatagpuan sa bayang ito, ay kasapi ng CGIAR. Kontra-magsasaka, kontra-mahirap Sa isang “Pahayag ng Pagkakaisa” ng People’s Street Conference na inilunsad kasabay ng pulong ng CGIAR, binigyang diin nila na mula pa noo’y itinataguyod ng CGIAR at IRRI ang isang “topdown, one-size fits all approach” sa pananaliksik na nagbabalewala sa kaalaman at karanasan ng mga magsasaka, komunidad at katutubong mamamayan. Idinagdag din nila na ang sistemang itinataguyod ng IRRI ay nakaasa sa pestisidyo, abono at iba pang kemikal na mapanira sa yamang-lupa.

Ayon kay Pat Mooney, puno ng Erosion Technology Corporation Group, isang organisasyon sa Canada na nag-aaral ukol sa bagong teknolohiya, “Nandito kami upang ihayag ang aming pangamba sa direksyong tinatahak ng IRRI at ng CGIAR. Sa palagay namin, ang mga ito’y naglilingkod hindi sa interes ng mga magsasaka kundi para sa mga korporasyong transnasyunal. Ito’y nasa krisis, at kung hindi nila aaminin ito, lalong masasadlak ang mga magsasaka ng daigdig sa kumunoy ng kahirapan at kagutuman.”

Inamin ni Mooney na matagal na nilang sinusubaybayan ang mga gawain ng CGIAR. At sa kabila ng imbitasyon sa kanya na lumahok sa pulong nito, mas pinili niyang makiisa sa mga magsasaka upang talakayin ang kanilang alternatibong programa.

‘Di kami dapat sisihin’ “Hindi kami ang dapat nilang sisihin.”

Ito naman ang pagtatanggol ni Duncan Macintosh, pinuno ng Visitors and Information Services ng IRRI hinggil sa mga akusasyon ng mga bumubuo ng People’s Street Conference. Ayon kay Macintosh, hindi umano makatarungan na sisihin ang isang institusyong gaya ng IRRI sa lahat ng suliranin ng mga magsasaka.

“Hindi maipagkakaila na sa lahat ng dako, ang mga magsasaka ay naghihirap at nagsisikap upang magkaroon ng hanap-buhay. Subali’t makikita rin naman na may mga bansa tulad ng Thailand, Vietnam, India at China na naging matagumpay sa pag-aangkop nila ng mga bagong teknolohiya mula sa IRRI upang mapabuti ang kalagayan ng kanilang mga magsasaka. Ginawa rin ito sa Pilipinas nguni’t bunga ng maraming kadahilanan, ang mabuting epekto nito ay hindi naging kasing tindi ng nangyari sa ibang bansa,” paliwanag ni Macintosh sa wikang Ingles.

Mariin niyang itinanggi na itinataguyod ng IRRI ang paggamit ng pestisidyo at kemikal sa kanilang pagpapaunlad ng binhi. “IRRI’s research for many years has been about getting farmers to reduce their pesticide use. This institute has never promoted pesticide use among farmers, and we would challenge those who claim this to produce evidence to back up their claims. Even more important are the many rice varieties developed by IRRI that are resistant to diseases and insects and so require less pesticide,” paliwanag niya (“Ilang taon nang ang pananaliksik ng IRRI ay nakatuon sa kung paano mababawasan ang paggamit ng pestisidyo ng mga magsasaka. Kailanman ay hindi isinulong ng

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 166

institusyong ito sa mga magsasaka ang paggamit ng pestisidyo, at hinahamon namin ang sinumang nagsasabi ng ganito na maglabas ng ebidensya. Mas mahalaga ang maraming uri ng bigas na nagawa ng IRRI na may panlaban sa sakit at peste, na mas kaunting pestisidyo na lamang ang kailangan.”)

Ayon kay Macintosh, ilang ulit na nilang iniimbitahan ang Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) at ang Peasants and Scientists’ Partnership for Development of Agriculture (MASIPAG), dalawa sa mga pangkat na nakikiisa sa People’s Street Conference, na bumisita sa IRRI upang makita kung gaano kakumplikado at kadetalyado ang pag-aaral ng mga dalub-agham sa IRRI. “For many years, we have not focused only on yield increases but also the profitability of rice farming. But most important of all, IRRI consults directly with farmers far more than it ever did. In the Philippines alone, IRRI has at least three important projects directly involving farmers in Quezon, Iloilo and Mindanao.”

Nanawagan si Macintosh sa mga nagpoprotesta na makipagtulungan sa IRRI upang makinabang ang mga magsasaka. “We have asked them many times to visit IRRI but hey have always refused. That probably explains why they do not see any change because they have not taken time to look...If they’re sincerely concerned about farmer interests, why they did not show up at the dialogue between farmers and the CGIAR?” NGOC sa CGIAR Samantala, napag-alaman ng Balikas na ang Non-Government Organizations Committee (NGOC) ng CGIAR ay lumabas sa harap ng Shangri-la Hotel sa lungsod ng Makati kung saan ginanap ang ikatlong araw ng pulong noong ika-30 ng Oktubre upang makipagdayalogo sa mga kinatawan ng People’s Street Conference.

Matapos ang pakikipagdayalogo, nagbigay ng pampublikong pahayag si Patrick Mulvany, “CGIAR is deviating from its mandate and is adopting a corporate agenda for agricultural research and development. CGIAR’s consideration of Syngenta Foundation’s membership (isang korporasyong agro-chemical) is a clear indication of the trend towards the corporatization of public agricultural research. Furthermore, the quest for partnerships with the private sector undermines the public role of CGIAR.” May ilan pang obserbasyon ang NGOC sa CGIAR. Ayon sa NGOC, nabigo ang CGIAR na suportahan ang kagyat na moratoryum hinggil sa paglalabas ng mga halamang may pinakialamang himaymay-buhay (GMO crops) sa kabila ng kontaminasyon ng GMO sa Mexico at ang potensyal na kontaminasyon sa iba pang sentro sa mga susunod na taon.

Nabigo rin anila ang CGIAR na itaguyod ang prinsipyo na ang germplasm ay pampublikong pagaari at labanan ang banta ng monopolisasyon ng himaymay-buhay (genes) sa pamamagitan ng Intellectual Property Rights. Ang prinsipyong ito ay nakatakda sa Trust Agreement sa pagitan ng Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) at CGIAR. Ang germplasm ay ang pinagmumulan ng mga selyula. May iniipon na ganito sa mga imbakan ng himaymay-buhay o gene banks ng CGIAR. Ikatlo, aktibo rin daw na isinusulong ng CGIAR ang produkto at teknolohiya ng genetic engineering o biotechnology na hindi naaayon sa maka-magsasakang pananaliksik na pang-agroekolohikal.

Ipinaliwanag ni Mulvany na kailangang isulong ang sistema ng pananaliksik na pinangungunahan ng magsasaka at pangalagaan ang genetic resources sa mga gene banks ng CGIAR. “Nakakalungkot na karamihan ng mga programa ngayon ay hindi nakaayon sa mga prayoridad na ito,” sabi ni Mulvany sa Ingles. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 7 Bilang 44, Nobyembre 8-14, 2002 isyu, pahina 3 at 4

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 167

Plant Variety Protection Act: farm law to safeguard TNCs – but not planters Signed into law only recently by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Plant Variety Protection Act of 2002 gives breeders and foreign TNCs the right to exclusive use of plant varieties that for centuries have in fact been bred by Filipino farmers. Organized farmers and scientists say foul and are calling for its repeal.

Time and again, people are subjected to laws, which the “lawgivers” claim, were designed to protect those who obey them. Yet these same laws cripple those who are under them and protect only the lawmakers and other vested interests.

Who will protect the people from these laws?

This is precisely the query of many Filipino peasants as the Philippines adopt a so-called plant variety protection (PVP) system through the passage of Republic Act 9168 or the Plant Variety Protection Act of 2002.

Even before it was signed into a law last June 7 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, ecologists and farmer organizations had expressed apprehension on the negative effects of the PVP system and the government’s effort to integrate it into the local agriculture.

Impertinent to farmers A PVP is an administrative procedure which an applicant complies with to secure a form of intellectual property right called the “plant breeder’s right.” This right is a recognition of the efforts of the mind, or work of intellectual creation, as applied on plant varieties transformed through breeding, whether done the classical way or through the use of modern technology such as genetic engineering.

The plant breeder’s right is a form of exclusive right that enables the owner of the right to stop anybody from exploiting or using the protected plant variety without any permission or license from him or her.

PVP seems to be a novel trend, but the fact is that there were bills filed in Congress before on the adoption of this kind of system in the country. Most of them were based on the 1991 version by the Union for the Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV), a non-binding international convention on plant variety protection composed of 50 member countries.

The PVP system is, however, in compliance with the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights Agreement (TRIPs) under the General Agreements on Tariff and Trade/World Trade Organization (GATT/WTO).

Under the law, a breeder is defined as: 1) “the person who bred, or discovered and developed a new plant variety;” or 2) “the person who is the employer of the aforementioned person or who has commissioned the work;” or 3) “the successors-in-interest of the foregoing persons as the case may be;” and 4) “the holder of the Certificate of Plant Variety Protection.”

With this clear-cut definition, RA 9168 does not regard farmers as breeders. Under the law, “breeders” include institutions and corporations, as well as foreign entities, but not the small farmers who have continuously bred crop varieties for millennia.

In a statement, the militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said that the PVP system, if implemented, would undermine the right of small farmers to save, conserve, plant, exchange and sell farm-bred seeds.

Criteria for judging Section 4 of the PVP Law states that a PVP certificate shall be granted for varieties that are new, distinct, uniform and stable. New, in the sense that they must not have been commercialized prior to

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 168

certain dates established by reference to the date of the application for protection of the variety sought to be protected. Distinct, meaning the variety must be different in at least one important characteristic from any other known varieties at the time of filing of the application for PVP. A variety is uniform if it shows little variation from one plant to another. A variety is table when it has the ability to maintain the characteristics sought to be protected over time from one generation to the next.

In a recent forum held at the College of Social Work and Community Development in the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, Neth Dano, executive director of South East Asia Regional Initiatives for Community (SEARICE), said that this criteria does not assure better quality seeds or higher production for farmers since most farm-bred seeds cannot meet these criteria.

“Hindi nauunawaan ng mga gumawa ng batas na ang mga magsasaka’y lumilikha ng iba’t ibang uri ng pananim. Ganito na ang pananaw nila maski noong panahon na nila-lobby namin ito sa Kongreso” (Lawmakers are unaware that farmers create varieties of plants. They showed this attitude even at the time we were lobbying against the bill), Dano said.

According to KMP, this standard is designed to cater to the requirements of intensive industrial crop production where uniformity assures industrial efficiency but to ensure food security. “The (DUSN) criteria do not mean better crop varieties for farmers not guarantee higher productivity,” it said.

“As experienced by other developing countries, plant variety protection only leads to monopoly control over seed development by transnational corporations (TNCs),” KMP also warned.

Agrochemical TNCs Meanwhile, Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya (SIBAT), a science and technology NGO, says that the purpose of the PVP system is for agrochemical TNCs to secure ownership, use and distribution of developed genetically modified (GM) seeds.

In a statement, SIBAT said: “The potential impact of PVP Law is the creation of a preferential market for patented seeds, and thereby the creation of conditions for highly concentrated control of the seed market by the TNCs. The law restricts the rights of farmers to exchange and reuse these seeds, or effectively removes seed stewardship from farmer’s hands. The law will increase the dependence by farmers on breeders for seeds. Patented seeds are more expensive and this threatens the farmers economically.”

At present, there are five companies who lord over the world’s market for commercial seed. Seed companies such as US-based DuPont and Monsanto, for instance, together command 41% of all significant agricultural biotechnology patents and carve up about 93% of the GM seed market worldwide. These companies also dominate the pesticide and agrochemical industries.

SEARICE data also revealed that in Third World nations bearing PVP certificates, more than 90% are in the name of corporations and foreign institutions. Most of these were issued to varieties like ornamental flowers. In Japan, only 20 out of the 600 PVP certified rice seeds are planted by their rice farmers.

Resolute moves In order to resist the negative effects of the PVP system to the livelihood of farmers, Dano suggests that traditional seeds used in the communities be registered or enlisted under the Intellectual Property Rights Act. Community registry would help legitimize certain knowledge, processes or products as public property and thus, cannot be owned by private sectors.

To ensure that the country’s food security will not be threatened, the government must draw up a list of food and staple crops to be excluded from PVP’s coverage.

But above all of these, as KMP always asserts, the government must adopt a genuine agrarian reform program in order to break the monopoly of seeds by a handful of TNCs.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 169

Impact of PVP Following is a comparative study by SEARICE, which illustrates the adverse impact to farmers of the PVP system.

BEFORE THE PVP SYSTEM 1. freedom to choose what to plant —at present, farmers can freely decide what to plant, depending on availability of resources

2. freedom to exchange seeds with other farmers—this practice, which has been going on since agriculture started, is prevalent in 80% of most farmers in developing countries

3. free access to seeds—farmers traditionally exchange planting materials with other farmers. These exchanges are generally free or follow different forms of barter rules

4. recovery from bad harvests easily done—farmers can easily borrow planting materials from his fellow farmers in case of bad harvests 5. seeds are freely shared and exchanged—there are no legal impediments governing the traditional sharing and exchange of seeds among farmers 6. seed saving possible—brings three potential benefits: lower seed costs, access to informal credit, and a braking effect on the prices of fresh seed 7. small farmers can use any planting material that they want or need, without any restriction

WITH PVP SYSTEM freedom of choice is limited as it now depends on farmer’s capacity to pay for the PVP-certified varieties—the enactment of the PVP law will further limit farmer’s choices of planting materials since only PVP-protected seeds might qualify for crop insurance loans and other government services, which can pressure farmers to shift production to only PVP seeds farmer exchange is limited—exchange of seeds between and among small farmers is allowed but under conditions set by a national government body. It is possible that small farmer exchanges that do not come under the rules prescribed by this body will be declared illegal. seeds need to be bought every cropping— farmers need to buy PVP seeds if they decide to use these. Since, as a rule, they are not allowed to use harvested materials from the protected seeds that they buy, they need to buy new seeds every planting season.

Recovery from bad harvest difficult—a farmer who loses out in one cropping of PVP-certified seeds finds himself saddled with debts farmer may be jailed if he uses PVPcertified seed without any license from PVP certificate holder—the law provide that violators may be imprisoned for 3-6 years and fined with not less than P100,000 right to save seed not clear—seed saving is strictly for non-commercial purposes and subjected to conditions determined by a national body small farmers allowed to use harvesting materials as propagating materials in their own landholdings—small farmers are allowed to use harvested materials from

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 170

protected varieties as propagating materials in their OWN landholdings. This excludes farmers who do not own the land that they till. Even for those who own the land that they till, the use of harvested materials from protected varieties is limited to a specific area to be determined by a government body 8. no need to pay any royalties or as a general principle, farmer will pay license fees royalties on every purchase of PVPprotected seeds—the law allow the PVP certificate holder to lay down other conditions and limitations in addition to the payment of royalties 9. farmers can sell seeds without farmers are prohibited from selling restrictions protected seeds including planting materials that they harvest from protected varieties 10. farmers can grow seeds only licensed growers can multiply the obtained from anywhere variety for sale Source: Mang Gimo and the Plant Variety Protection System by SEARICE (March 2002) First published in Bulatlat, Volume 2 Number 45, December 15-21, 2002 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/2-45/2-45-farmlaw.html

Bagong teknolohiya sa agrikultura, inilunsad sa Laguna Santa Cruz, Laguna – Pinasinayaan kamakailan ni Punong Lalawigan Teresita Lazaro ang bagong proyekto sa pagsasaka/pangisdaan sa Panlalawigang Demonstrasyon sa Caltos sa bayang ito.

Ang programa’y kinabibilangan ng produksyon ng ulang (giant prawn), chrysanthemum (cutflower), binhing hybrid (F1 hybrid), at pangangalaga ng gulay.

Ipinaabot ni Lazaro na ang layunin ng proyekto ay bigyan ng alternatibong mapagkakakitaan ang mga magsasaka sa lalawigan. Ayon naman kay Bokal Rodolfo Bagnes, malaki ang maitutulong nito upang makaagapay ang mga mamamayan sa paglaki ng populasyon at makamit ng lalawigan ang kasapatan sa pagkain. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 1, Enero 10-16, 2003 isyu, pahina 4

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 171

Mamamayan sa Canlubang Estate, pinalalayas LUNGSOD NG CALAMBA, Laguna – Nangangamba para sa kanilang kinabukasan ang 70 pamilya sa Sityo Kapatagan, Bgy. Canlubang sa lungsod na ito, matapos makatanggap ng sulat mula sa kumpanyang Canlubang Sugar Land Estate na nagsasabing kailangan na nilang lisanin ang kanilang tinitirhan.

Ayon kay Victor Alcantara, isang magsasaka at pangulo ng Kapatagan Neighborhood Association (KNA), samahan ng mga taga-Sityo Kapatagan, matagal nang iginigiit ng kumpanya ang agarang pagpapaalis sa kanila sapagka’t nabili na diumano ang mga lupang malapit sa kanilang sityo.

Ang liham na ipinadala ng kumpanya sa bawat pamilya sa sityo ay may petsang ika-29 ng Nobyembre 2002 at nilagdaan nina Jose Ramon Yulo, pangulo ng kumpanya at Martin Gomez, tagapamahala.

Nakasaad diumano sa sulat na “kakailanganin na ng kumpanya ang lupa” at binigyan ng 30 araw na palugit ang mga taga-Kapatagan na lisanin ang lugar na kinatitirikan ng kanilang mga tahanan. Ang Kapatagan ay may lawak na 3.7 ektarya.

Ipinaliwanag ni Alcantara na ang usapin sa lupa ay hindi basta usapin ng iskwater at iskwating, bagkus, ito aniya ay nakaugat sa nakaraang nakabinbing kaso ng mga magtatanim sa asukarera na siyang mga benepisyaryo ng kumpanya.

Noon daw Abril, 1993 ay nilagdaan ang isang Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) sa pagitan ng kumpanya at mga kinatawan ng unyon ukol sa programang pabahay para sa mga magtatanim sa asukarera.

Humingi na ng tulong ang mga taga-Kapatagan sa Tanggapan ng Pangulo. Sa isang nagkakaisang pahayag na ibinigay nila sa Malacañang noong ika-7 ng Enero, sinabi ng mga taga-Kapatagan na “malaking palaisipan” umano sa kanila kung paano napabago ng gamit ng mga Yulo ang lupang agrikultural tungong industriyal nang hindi dumaan sa proseso at kung paano naiiwas ng mga Yulo ang malawak na lupain sa Canlubang sa usaping agraryo. Wala rin umanong maipakitang titulo bilang katibayan ng pagmamay-ari ang mga Yulo.

Ayon naman kay Tony Valdez, kasapi ng KNA, makailang ulit silang sumadya kay Punonglungsod Severino Lajara ng Calamba noong Nobyembre 2002 upang hingan ito ng tulong na makaugnayan nila ang panig ng mga Yulo. Subali’t ayon kay Valdez, “Ayaw nila (Lajara at mga Yulo) kaming harapin at kausapin.”

Samantala, nakausap ng Balikas sa pamamagitan ng hatinig si Ellen Marinas, administrative officer ng Canlubang Sugar Estate noong ika-20 ng Enero upang hingan ng pahayag. “Hindi ko alam ang tungkol diyan. Wala pang pahayag ‘yung management ng kumpanya hinggil sa isyu,” sagot ni Marinas. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 4, Enero 31-Pebrero 6, 2003 isyu, pahina 2

Coffee talk: Cavite farmers denounce Nestle and Gatt-WTO, clamor for P700 per bucket hike in coffee prices From Juan, the farmer, to Johnny, the Makati yuppie, drinking coffee to start the day is an inviolable ritual. But in last week’s forum, “Isang Umagang Walang Kape”, in Cavite, coffee farmers foresaw a morning without coffee – if the crisis in Philippine coffee production is not solved.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 172

Amadeo, Cavite – Coffee is very much a simple yet organic part of the breakfast table. As coffee lovers thrive anywhere in the world, and with local and franchised coffee shops mushrooming in urban centers such as Starbucks and Figaro, coffee drinking has ceased to be a simple way of life but has even turned into a status symbol.

The popular drink comes from an every green tree, which was first discovered in Ethiopia, where its red, cherrie-like berries (generally containing 2 seeds per berry) was used for wine and food before A.D. 1000. Its beans are first grounded and roasted and made into a drink during the 15th century in the Arabian peninsula. Coffee later spread throughout Europe since the 17th century.

The highest quality coffees are varieties of Arabian (coffee arabica), Liberian (coffee liberica) and Congolese (coffee robusta).

Every year, the world consumes about 100 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee. This means that coffee drinkers gulp down up to 400 billion cups of coffee yearly (45 million cups per hour).

Behind every cup of coffee however lies a very tedious job of farming, harvesting, post-harvesting processing, farm-to-market transporting, grading, cleaning, blending, roasting, grinding for roast and ground coffee, processing into instant coffee, packing and distribution to wholesalers and retailers, and then finally to your breakfast table, coffee shop, or office conference room.

All over the world, there are 125 million people who are employed by this industry. In the Philippines, at least 300,000 Filipinos owe their incomes to this industry where 164,139 hectares of agricultural lands are planted with coffee.

Cavite, south of Manila, contributes 30% of the Philippine coffee production, which is why some sectors are proposing to make the province as the “coffee capital of the Philippines” with Amadeo as its core.

Weighing the perils During the forum dubbed “Isang Umagang Walang Kape” (a morning without coffee) held last Feb. 8 at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in this town and sponsored by the church-based peasant advocates groups such as Simbahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Simbaka) and Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Southern Luzon (RMP-SL), militant farmer’s groups blasted the monopoly control of multinational giant Nestle and the worsening effects of the General Agreement on Tariff and TradeWorld Trade Organization (GATT-WTO) the country’s coffee industry.

According to a recent study by the peasant group Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka), Nestle (which processes Nescafe products) purchases 90-95% of the total coffee production in the country which is about 40,000 tons annually. Thus, it is able to dictate prices at the cheapest rate. Other corporations such as General Milling (Kafe de Oro), Universal Robina Corporation (Great Taste and Blend 45) and Commonwealth Food (Café Puro) share all what’s left in the production.

Past regimes, including the liberalization and deregulation policies under the GATT-WTO, have slowly made Nestle’s monopoly appeal legal and legitimate. No wonder many of the world’s people are dismayed with Nestle’s products. Since the early part of the 1990s, massive campaigns led by workers to boycott Nestle products (including Nescafe) surged all over the world.

Throughout the 1994 GATT-WTO, the Philippine coffee industry is being appropriated by capitalist countries, to the detriment of poor farmers. The Philippines was obliged to buy coffee products at a minimum access volume (MAV) without considering the status of annual local production.

In 1999, MAV in Cavite reached 36,000 metric tons (costing US$33 million), to make supposedly for the 20,000 metic tons shortage in national production. Reports show that more than half of the imports have been monopolized by Nestle on the basis of “lack of production”.

For the first time since 1980, when the Philippines was the fourth biggest exporter of coffee to the world, the country has now become a net importer.

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Rafael Mariano says, “mas pinatindi pa ng GATT-WTO ‘yung problema, lalo na pagdating sa lokal na presyo ng kape. Nand’yan din ‘yung problema ng

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 173

kawalan ng lupang isasaka, mataas na gastos sa produksyon, napakataas na interes sa pautang o usura, at ‘yung napakababang presyo ng ating produkto (under the GATT-WTO, the problem has worsened particularly local coffee price. Added to this are the lack of farmland for coffee production, high production costs and high interest rates on loans or usury).”

The system of liberalization in agriculture as dictated by GATT-WTO agreements has paved the way for the flooding of cheap imported coffee coming from Vietnam and Indonesia. As a result, prices of locally-produced coffee dropped tremendously. Currently, a bucket full of coffee beans costs P200.

Raise coffee prices To reverse this downtrend, Renato Alvarez, chairman of Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka) plans to ask the Macapagal-Arroyo administration to raise coffee prices to P700 per bucket.

“Our call is to have a fixed price of coffee beans to be determined by the government. Also, they should have a support price or subsidy to help establish a central market where raw coffee products all go,” Alvarez said.

He explained that with P200 per bucket prices, farmers earn only P73 daily, equivalent to P2,200 monthly. Production costs eat up most of their expenses. With a P700 per bucket price, farmers can earn P462 per day or P13,867 per month, enough to meet the costs of decent living.

Amadeo town councilor Rene Tongson, who leads the local government’s coffee revival program, meanwhile, called an increase in local coffee production to help save the industry from further deterioration. He said that the country needs a consumption of 55,000 metric tons (MT) annually. At present, the country produces some 20,000 MT, only forcing the country to import.

“The more we produce, the better,” Tongson said.

But, Mariano said, “Dapat ang una-unang isinasaisip ng gobyerno ay kung paano kukuhain ito sa domestic production. Last resort na lang ‘yung magi-import tayo. Kailangang palakasin natin ang local na produksyon (government should think first how to source what is lacking through local production. Importation should be the last resort. Let us first strengthen our local coffee production).”

According to data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), total production in 1989 reached 83,000 MT where local domestic consumption was only 33,000 MT with a surplus of 50,000 MT. “Kung naabot natin noong 1989, bakit hindi natin ito makakaya ngayon?…Malinaw sa datos, kaya nating likhain ‘yung pangangailangan natin sa domestic consumption, lalo na kapag naglaan ng pondo sa research and development para maitaas ang produksyon (if we were able to reach this production in 1989, especially if research and development is backed by funding in order to increase production).”

Sister Teresita Gabriela of the Tagaytay Religious Association, on the other hand, stressed the need to cut down production costs by using organic farming methods and reduce the use of chemical-based fertilizers.

Free and healthy discussion of issues and concerns toward the largest number, Alvarez observed, will make people work together.

“If we would bind ourselves together to assert our demands, we might get what we want,” Sr. Gabriela said.

Assessing the promise A government spin-off to the crisis facing the coffee industry is the creating of a Presidential Task Force on Coffee Production in order to revive coffee production early last year. The national government has released P1.4 billion as part of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund allotted for the local coffee industry. The fund is supposed to be used for the construction of farm-tomarket roads and other agricultural facilities, the purchase of post-harvest facilities, credit funds and a program for research and development.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 174

But all these efforts remain to be seen concretely in the context of the daily struggle of peasants and farm workers where a majority of them are still dreaming to own the land that they till.

For the Cavite farmers, there’s no better thing to do than to reach the largest number of people in the province and all over the country and to make them understand their plight, through forums and media conferences.

If sipping coffee can awaken one’s consciousness from sleepiness, then why don’t we let the peasants, in their militancy, wake the rest of the people as well?

COST OF PRODUCTION Particular Expenses Price Sub Total Fertilizers (20 sacks) Urea (10 sacks) P390/sack Ammosul (10 sacks) P290/sack P 6,800 Linis/Pruning (20 person/3 P130/day P 7,800 times) Puti (500 buckets fresh P 30/bucket P15,000 coffee) Total P29,600 AT P200/BUCKET COFFEE PRICES Total Income P56,000 Cost of Production P29,600 P26,400/year Net Income P2,200/month P 73/day AT P700/BUCKET COFFEE PRICES Total Income P196,000 Cost of Production P 29,600 P166,400/year Net Income P 13,867/month P 462/day Source: “Praymer sa Krisis sa Industriya ng Kape” published by the Kalipunan ng mga Magbubukid sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka), Rural Missionaries of the PhilippinesSouthern Luzon (RMP-SL) and the Simbahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Simbaka), 2002 First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 3, February 16-22, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-3/3-3-coffee.html

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 175

Kinabukasan ng industriya ng kape, pinangangambahan AMADEO, Kabite – Isang umagang walang kape.

Ito ang pinangangambahang mangyari kung magpapatuloy ang padausdos na kalagayan ng industriya ng kape sa Pilipinas, na minsa’y kinilala bilang natatanging tagatustos ng kape sa buong mundo noong taong 1886, mahigit 100 taon na ang nakakalipas.

Sa isang pampublikong pagtitipon na ginanap noong ika-8 ng Pebrero sa simbahan ng St. Mary Magdalene sa bayang ito, tinalakay ng mga mamamayan, lalo na ang mga magkakape sa Kabite, ang krisis sa industriya ng kape at ang epekto ng pagpasok ng pamahalaan sa Pangkalahatang Kasunduan sa Taripa at Pakikipagkalakalan (GATT) at Samahan sa Pandaigdigang Kalakal (WTO).

Ang nasabing talakayan na nilahukan ng 62 magkakape mula sa bayan ng Amadeo, Tagaytay at Silang at dinaluhan din ng mga kinatawan ng pamahalaang bayan ay itinaguyod ng mga samahang kinabibilangan ng Kalipunan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka); Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Southern Luzon (RMP-SL) at Simbahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Simbaka).

Pabi-GATT sa magsasaka Ang GATT-WTO ay isang pandaigdigang kasunduan ukol sa kalakalan sa pagitan ng iba’t ibang bansa na naglalayong matiyak ang tuluy-tuloy na liberalisasyon sa pandaigdigang kalakal sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatibay ng mga regulasyon at disiplina na gagabay sa mga bansang pipirma sa kasunduan.

Ayon sa mga taga-Kabite, GATT-WTO ang dahilan ng pagtanggal sa subsidyo ng pamahalaan sa industriya ng kape, pagbagsak ng presyo ng lokal na kape, at pagkansela sa pagbabawal-angkat na nagdulot ng pagbaha ng murang inangkat na kape. Ang mga pangyayaring ito ang anila’y nagpahina sa industriya ng kape sa bansa.

Batay sa praymer na ipinamamahagi sa mga dumalo sa pulong sa Amadeo, sa ilalim ng GATTWTO, ay obligado ang Pilipinas na bumili ng minimum na dami ng kape (minimum access volume o MAV) labis man o kulang ang lokal na produksyon taun-taon. Noong 1999, ang MAV sa kape ay umabot ng 36,000 metriko tonelada (MT) na nagkakahalaga ng $33 milyong dolyar, gayong 20,000 MT lamang ang kakulangan noon sa pambansang produksyon. Ang mahigit kalahati umano nito ay nakopo ng Nestle (isang korporasyong multinasyunal na lumilikha ng produktong Nescafe). At dahil sa may labis na suplay mula sa mas murang kape sa bansang Byetnam at Indonesya, tuluy-tuloy ang pagdausdos ng presyo ng lokal na kape dahil sa mas magastos na produksyon nito kumpara sa ibang bansa.

Isa ang Pilipinas sa mga bansang nagluluwas ng kape mula pa noong 1978. Sa huling tala, umabot ng $50 milyong dolyar ang kita ng pamahalaan noong 1986 sa kape. Sa kasalukuyan, ang bansa ay umaangkat ng karagdagang 20,000 MT upang matustusan ang kakulangan sa kabuuang 55,000 MT na pangangailangan ng bansa.

Sanhi rin umano ng GATT-WTO ang pagkahinto ng pagluluwas ng kape, na kung tutuusin ay siyang nagpasigla sa industriya ng kape noon.

Ipinahayag ni Renato Alvarez, pangulo ng Kamagsasaka-Ka, na may tinatayang 16,000 magsasaka sa Kabite ang umaasa sa pagkakape kaya nangangamba sila na dumating ang araw na dudurugin ang marami at napakaganda nilang produktong kape para lamang gawing abono dahil walang presyo.

“Nais naming hilingin kay Pangulong Macapagal-Arroyo na tulungan kaming maitaas ang presyo ng kape sa halagang P700 bawat balde para maabot namin ang batayang gastos para mabuhay sa pangaraw-araw,” wika niya.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 176

Tinuligsa rin ni Alvarez ang pagmomonopolyo ng kumpanyang Nestle na may hawak sa pamimili ng halos 90 bahagdan ng kabuuang produksyon ng kape sa bansa, para tiyakin na makakapagdikta ito ng napakababang presyo ng hilaw na kape.

Ayon naman kay Rafael Mariano, pangulo ng Kilusang magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), pambansang pederasyon ng mga magsasaka, “Kahit tinitingnan namin na makakasama sa ating agrikultura ang pagpasok sa GATT-WTO, hindi naman ibig sabihin na huwag na tayong makikipagkalakalan sa ibang bansa...Tulungan muna ang mga magsasaka na mapataas ang kanilang kita.” Aniya, kung may kapangyarihang bumili ang may 80 milyong Pilipino, matitiyak ang isang malakas at pangmatagalang lokal na pamilihan ng ating sariling produktong kape.

“Binaybay ko ang datos ng DTI (Kagawaran ng Kalakal at Industriya), lumalabas dito na ang total production natin noong 1989 ay umabot ng 83,000 MT. Ang ating domestic consumption ay 33,000 MT kaya may labis pang 50,000 MT. Kung naabot natin noong 1989, bakit ‘di natin ito kayang maabot ngayon?...malinaw sa datos na kaya nating likhain ‘yung pangangailangan natin sa domestic consumption, lalo na kapag naglaan ng pondo sa research and development para mapataas ang produksyon,” paliwanag pa ni Mariano.

Samantala, nanawagan si Sister Teresita Gabriela ng Tagaytay Religious Association na pagtuunan din ng pansin ang “pagpapababa ng gastos sa produksyon” sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng mga pamamaraan gaya ng organikong pagsasaka at pag-iwas sa paggamit ng kemikal na abono.

Tugon ng pamahalaan Noong ika-14 hanggang 16 ng Pebrero idinaos sa bayang ito ang tinaguriang “Pahimis Festival” (pista ng pasasalamat) na tinampukan ng makukulay na pagpapamalas, palaro at pamimigay ng inuming kape.

Ito’y isang hakbang ng pamahalaan upang mabigyan umano ng pansin ang nakalugmok na industriya ng kape sa bansa.

Ayon kay Konsehal Rene Tongson ng Sangguniang Bayan ng Amadeo, makakabuti raw na magdagdag ng produksyon ang mga magkakape. “Ang kailangan po natin para maka-recover, kailangan muli tayong magtanim ng kape sa may 5,000 ektarya sa susunod na 10 taon dahil wala tayong sapat na mapagkukunan ng binhi,” diin niya.

Nangako si Tongson na gagawa sila ng paraan para makakuha ng tulong teknikal at pondo mula sa pambansang pamahalaan.

Naglabas na rin ang pambansang pamahalaan ng 1.4 bilyong piso na pondo bilang bahagi ng Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund sa lokal na industriya ng kape. Gagamitin ang pondo para sa konstruksyon ng mga pasilidad pang-agrikultura, pagbili ng post harvest facilities, pagpapautang at programa para sa pananaliksik at pagpapaunlad.

Samantala, hiniling ni Punong Bayan Albert Ambagan ng Amadeo, na makiisa ang mga samahan sa kapistahan at huwag raw sana ito mabahiran ng kanilang pagkondena. Para kay Ambagan, may maganda namang idinulot ang nagdaang pista ng kape dahil sa mas nakilala raw ang bayan ng Amadeo. Pinabulaanan niya ang paratang ng mga samahan na ito umano’y “magarbo, engrande at magastos.”

Panalangin naman ni Padre Gilbert Nigosa, pangulo ng Simbaka, at Padre Luisito Gatdula, pari sa parokya ng St. Mary Magdalene, na sana’y magkaisa-isa ang lahat ng mamamayan para muling makabawi ang ating industriya ng kape, hindi lamang sa Kabite kundi maging sa buong bansa. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 7, Pebrero 21-27, 2003 isyu, pahina 3 at 2

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 177

Pangangalaga sa mga hayop-bukid, hihilingin sa DA LUNGSOD Quezon, Kalakhang Maynila – Nababahala ang mga samahang nagtatanggol sa kapakanan ng mga hayop, mga beterinaryo at ilang samahang maka-kalikasan sa “di-makatao” at malubhang pamamaraan ng paghahayupan sa bansa. Anila, ito’y may masamang epekto sa kapaligiran, kalusugan, seguridad sa pagkain at kapakanan ng mga hayop.

Ayon sa isang dalubhasa, dapat ipagbawal ng pamahalaan ang malawakang “factory farming” na isinasagawa ng mga malalaking sakahan at mga kumpanyang nagbebenta ng itlog, gatas at karne.

Ito ay ipinahayag ni Dr. Abelardo Agulto, pangulo ng Philippine Society for the Protection of Animals (PSPA) sa isang pulong para sa kapakanan ng mga hayop-bukid na ginanap sa Sulu Hotel sa lungsod na ito noong ika-1 ng Marso.

Batay sa “Manipesto para sa Makatao at Pangmatagalang Pagsasaka” na nilagdaan sa pulong ng mga dumalong samahan at indibidwal, may ilang repormang kailangang idulog sa tanggapan ni Kalihim Luis Lorenzo ng Kagawaran sa Pagsasaka (DA).

Kabilang sa mga repormang ito ang agarang pagpawi sa paggamit ng mga battery cages para sa pangingitlog ng inahing manok; pagpapakilala sa minimum na patakaran para sa mga broiler chickens; at tuwirang pagbabawal sa paggamit ng “close confinement systems” sa mga baboy gaya ng sow stalls at farrowing crates.

Hinihingi din ng manipesto ang pagpapakilala ng batas para pangasiwaan ang mga pamilihan ng hayop; pagpapakilala ng pamamaraan sa makataong pagkatay; pagtataguyod ng lokal at pambansang pamahalaan sa makataong pamamaraan ng paghahayupan gaya ng organiko at free range. “sa palagay namin, dapat nang matigil ang ganitong pagmamalupit sa mga hayop,” wika ni Agulto.

Ang factory farming ay paraan ng paghahayupan kung saan milyun-milyong hayop-bukid ang ikinukulong nang matagal sa masisikip na kulungan at pinabibilis ang paglaki sa pamamagitan ng mga gamot at kemikal.

Sa pag-aaral ng PSPA, may 98 bahagdan ng mga inahing manok sa bansa ay nakakulong sa mga maliliit na “battery cages” na nagpapahina sa kanilang mga katawan. Karamihan sa mga inahing baboy naman ay nakalagak sa mga sow stall kung saan hindi sila nabibigyan ng ehersisyo.

Samantala, karamihan sa mga baka ay nasa malalaking rantso kung saan sila’y dikit-dikit at halos hindi makagala o makaikot.

Ayon kay Agulto, ang ganitong sistema ay nagiging sanhi ng hindi mabuting pakiramdam (stress), pagkakasakit at pagkamatay ng mga hayop, polusyon dulot ng dumi ng hayop at malawakang paggamit ng kemikal na abono o pestisidyo, at pagkawala ng kabuhayan para sa mga taga-nayon.

“Hindi solusyon ang factory farming sa problemang ito...ang kailangan ay sustainable farming kung saa’y natutugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan nang hindi nakokompromiso ang kakayahan natin maisagawa ito sa hinaharap,” wika ni Agulto.

Ayon naman kay John Callaghan, isang taga-Britanya na kinatawan ng World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), isang pandaigdigang samahang nagtatanggol sa kapakanan ng mga hayop, mas makabubuti sa atin na paunlarin ang alternatibong paraan gaya ng organikong paghahayupan.

Hindi na raw bago sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga taga-nayon, ang likod-bahay na paghahayupan na rumerespeto sa kagalingan ng mga hayop. Ayon sa kanya, ang pagsasanib ng hayop sa mga bukidani ay makakabawas ng panganib sa kapaligiran.

Samantala, binigyang diin ni Fritz Balgos, tagapagsalita ng Youth Collective for Animal Liberation, isang samahang laban sa mga organismong may pinakialamang himaymay-buhay (genetically modified organisms o GMO) na bagama’t sang-ayon sila na protektahan ang mga hayop, “may mga isyu pang higit na mas malaki o mahalaga ang dapat bigyang pansin.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 178

Nakatakdang buuin, sa pangunguna ng PSPA at WSPA, ang isang koalisyon na mangangampanya para sa mga nabanggit na usapin. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 10, Marso 14-21, 2003 isyu, pahina 3

Mga magsasaka, nag-ayuno laban sa mais-Bt LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – Isang buong araw na pag-aayuno ang isinagawa ng 15 magsasaka rito noong ika-9 ng Mayo.

Ito ay bilang pagtutol nila sa pagpapalaganap ng mais na may himaymay-buhay ng bakteryang Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) at sa hindi pagkilos ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka (DA) upang patigilin ang pagpapakalat ng nasabing tanim.

Ang pag-aayuno ay ginawa bilang pakikiisa sa apat na taong nagsasagawa ng hunger strike sa harap ng gusali ng DA sa lungsod Quezon. Iginigiit ng mga hunger striker sa pamahalaan na magpatupad ng moratorium o pagpapatigil sa pagbebenta at pagpapalaganap ng mais-Bt sa bansa.

Noong Disyembre ng nakaraang taon ay inaprubahan ang komersyalisasyon ng mais-Bt sa bisa ng Kautusang Administratibo Blg. 8.

Nagtagal ang pag-aayuno ng 15 magsasaka mula ika-9 ng umaga hanggang ika-6 ng gabi.

Lulan ng isang dyip na may effigy ng mais-Bt ang pangkat na nagsasahimpapawid ng pananalita tungkol sa mais-Bt at kung bakit ito tinututulan ng mga samahang magsasaka, dalub-agham, makakalikasan at konsyumer. Namahagi rin sila ng polyeto sa mga lugar gaya ng Junction, Pamantasan ng Pilipinas sa Los Baños at Crossing sa lungsod ng Calamba.

Ayon kay Igmedio Facunla, pangulo ng Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG), isang ‘di-pampamahalaang samahang nagtataguyod ng likas-kayang pagsasaka, “mapanlinlang” ang mga impormasyong ibinibigay ng DA sa publiko sa usapin ng maisBt. “Sinasabi nila na ang mga magsasaka daw ay naiinip na sa paghihintay sa paggamit ng Bt-corn dahil akala nila ay makakatulong ito sa kanila. Ito ay isang kasinungalingan,” wika ni Facunla.

Sa isang bukas na liham na ipinadala sa tanggapan ni Kalihim Luis Lorenzo ng DA na may petsang ika-9 ng Mayo, binanggit ng MASIPAG na dagdag sa alalahaning pangkalusugan at pangkaligtasan, nakikita rin nila ang iba pang panganib ng mais Bt at iba pang uring may pinakialamang himaymaybuhay (GMO).

Kabilang sa mga binanggit ng MASIPAG ay ang posibilidad na makontamina ng mga GMO ang himaymay-buhay ng mga tradisyonal na uri ng halaman, gaya ng nangyari sa Mexico, at ang banta sa mga karapatan ng mga magsasaka dahil sa pagiging monopolisado ng agrikultura.

Bilang angkop na alternatibo sa mga GMOs, sinabi ni Facunla na dapat ipalaganap ang likaskayang tipo ng pagsasaka. Ito umano’y nagbibigya ng mataas na ani, naiiwasan ang pagsalanta ng peste, at napangangalagaan pa ang bayodibersidad.

Ayon kay Facunla, ito ay patunay na kahit hindi gumamit ng mapanganib na GMOs, may kakayahan pa rin ang mga magsasaka na lumikha ng ligtas, malinis at masustansiyang pagkain sa paraang kikita rin sila. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 19, Mayo 16-22, 2003 isyu, pahina 3

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 179

Iligal na pamumutol ng niyog sa Alaminos, inireklamo ng mga magsasaka ALAMINOS, Laguna – Inirereklamo ng mga magsasaka ang ilang kumpanya ng lupang may operasyon dito dahil sa diumano’y walang habas na pagpuputol ng mga ito ng mga punong niyog sa mga sakahan, na siyang pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka.

Tinatayang mahigit 14,000 mga punong niyog na ang binuwal sa sakahan ng Hasyenda Fule, Bgy. San Andres dito, mula pa noong Mayo 2000 sa kabila na may usaping agraryo sa nasabing pook. Ito’y ayon kay Mario Espina, pangulo ng Magsasakang Pinagbuklod sa Hasyenda Fule (MPHF), isang lokal na samahang magsasaka.

Ayon kay Espina, mahigit 50 taon na siyang nagtatanim ng niyog at mga punong sitrus, santol, kape, saging, pinya at iba pa sa nasabing asyenda, na may lawak na 98 ektarya at pag-aari ng isang Francisco Fule.

Nitong mga nagdaang taon, “napalayas” anila sila sa kanilang lupang sinasaka dahil naipagbili na umano ng may-ari ang lupa sa mga debeloper para pagtayuan ng mga gusali para sa pook pangkomersyal at mga bahayan.

Sinabi rin ni Espina na hindi rin daw tama na putulin ang kanilang pinaghirapan dahil mayroong usaping agraryo sa lugar at hindi pa ito nareresolba ng Kagawaran sa Repormang Agraryo (DAR) hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

“Hiling sana namin na matigil ang pagpapalit-gamit sa lupa at maibalik kami sa lupang sinasaka,” wika ni Espina.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang lugar ay binakuran na at binabantayan ng mga guwardiya ng Ayala Land Corporation.

Nitong nakaraang Mayo ay isinampa na ng Philippine Coconut Authority (Philcoa) ang isang “motion for reconsideration” sa Fiscal’s Office ng Municipal Trial Court (MTC) upang tugunan ang reklamong isinampa nila laban sa Goodgold Realty, Richgold Development at Red Creek Realty, mga kumpanya ng lupa.

Ayon kay Carlos Galicia, legal action officer ng Task Force Republic Act No. 8048 sa ilalim ng Philcoa, ang mga kumpanyang ito’y lumabag sa Batas Pambansa Blg. 8048, na nagtatakda ng panuntunan sa pangangalaga ng mga punong niyog sa bansa.

Noong ika-24 ng Mayo, 2000 ay nabigyan ng pahintulot mula sa Philcoa ang Red Creek Realty para putulin ang 2,400 na punong niyog. Subali’t, batay sa naging pagsisiyasat ng panlalawigang sangay ng Philcoa, may 5,400 niyog ang iligal na pinutol.

“Malinaw na sumobra sila sa itinakda ng batas na bilang ng punong puputulin,” paliwanag ni Galicia, sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas noong ika-3 ng Hunyo.

Nakasaad sa Seksyon 4 ng BP 8048 na maaari lamang putulin ang puno ng niyog kapag ito ay may 60 taong gulang na, hindi na produktibo, may peste, sinira ng bagyo o kidlat, kung ang lupa’y hindi na para sa pansakahang gamit, o kung ito’y hindi na angkop sa kalagayang pangkapaligiran at banta na sa buhay at ari-arian. Dapat ding kumuha ng pahintulot ng Philcoa ang sinumang nagbabalak magputol ng niyog.

Nakatakdang makipag-usap ang mga magsasaka kay Kalihim Roberto Pagdanganan ng DAR ngayong Hunyo. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 22, Hunyo 6-12, 2003 isyu, pahina 2

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 180

Unmasking Monsanto: Australian researcher unearths Monsanto’s global atrocities With the Bt-corn controversy still raging hot, fanned by a 29-day hunger strike by environmentalists, a book detailing alleged atrocities by Monsanto, a major agro-chemical transnational corporation, recently hit the Philippine market. It is expected to intensify even more the seething anger of farmers, scientists’ groups and peasant organizations over the commercial sale of Bt-corn which the Macapagal-Arroyo government has already approved.

Titled “Selling Food, Health, Hope: The Real Story Behind Monsanto Corporation,” the book was written by Sarah Wright, a PhD candidate of Geography from Washington University in Seattle. It was launched June 5 in Quezon City, sponsored by the non-government organization Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (Masipag).

The book reveals damaging information collected by the author from significant documents and through personal interviews relating to Monsanto’s long and tortured history.

“It is important that this information is made available to the people of the Philippines to help them make informed choices,” says Wright. “Monsanto has been selling itself as a clean, green and trustworthy company. Unfortunately, their record shows this is not true,” she added.

An Australian, Wright is a research fellow of MASIPAG and the United States’ Social Science Research Council. She is also a board member of PressurePoint, a Seattle-based organization dedicated to addressing unchecked corporate power. She has previously worked as research coordinator of the Mineral Policy Institute in Sydney, Australia and as project coordinator of the Urban Food Production Program of the Equipo Verde in Havana, Cuba.

Monsanto’s real story According to the book, Monsanto was formed in 1901 in St. Louis, Missouri, producing a chemical called saccharin. Monsanto has since then grown into a colossal company with over $4.5 billion in sales in 2002 alone. Of these sales, 40% came from Roundup (a herbicide) and other glyphosate products and 34% from seed and genomics.

Monsanto’s business extends to more than 60 countries and has major chemical manufacturing facilities in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil and the U.S. and parcels of land, manufacturing and agricultural facilities in all the continents.

In recent years, Monsanto reportedly spent billions of dollars buying bio-tech companies to gain control of strategic research patents. It has also been involved in major efforts to buy out smaller seed companies all over the world to monopolize and control the people’s basic sources of life.

According to Wright, Monsanto’s name has become notorious for writing laws, bullying countries (like the Philippines as of late), intimidating journalists and placing its executives in top positions in every government. “(Monsanto) is best known for aggressively promoting genetically-engineered seeds and biotechnology. Genetic engineering has been associated with major risks to the environment, to human health, and with the corporate control over farming systems and life itself,” Wright says.

“What is less known about Monsanto is its shameful history of polluting towns and rivers, and creating toxic chemicals including the notorious Agent Orange used in the Vietnam war,” she adds.

At war with Monsanto Meanwhile, a broad anti-GMO alliance nationwide called the Resistant and Solidarity Against Agrochemical TNCs or RESIST! has launched a national boycott campaign last week against Monsanto’s products, coinciding with the book launching.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 181

Among the products that they urge people to stop patronizing are seeds Cargill, Dekalb, Machete, the Bt- corn variety Yieldgard and corn of Bollgard, InGard and the Roundup ready.

The militant scientists’ organization, Samahang Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan (AGHAM) chairperson Dr. Giovanni Tapang said that “Monsanto must answer and pay for its criminal and civil liabilities against the peoples of the world.”

Tapang, a physicist, also challenged pro-Monsanto scientists in a public debate to reveal the truth about the dangers of GMOs. Rafael Mariano, chair of the militant peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and RESIST! Convenor, lambasted Monsanto as “one of the major violators of farmers rights” and “a threat to the world’s food security.”

“Monsanto does not care if it destroys our environment, our livelihood, our life. They are only interested in gaining profits by controlling our agriculture,” says Igmedio Facunla, MASIPAG chairperson, in a statement. He asked his fellow farmers to adopt organic farming or other sustainable agricultural practices that are healthier, cheaper, and safer to the environment. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 18, June 8-14, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-18/3-18-monsanto.html

Boykot sa Monsanto, inilunsad LUNGSOD QUEZON – Sinimulan ng Resistance and Solidarity Against Agro-chemical Transnational Corporations (RESIST!), isang alyansa ng 40 samahang tumututol sa pagkalat ng mga GMO (genetically modified organisms o organismong may pinakialamang himaymay-buhay) sa bansa, ang pagsisimula ng isang pambansang kampanya ng pagboboykot mga produkto ng kumpanyang Monsanto.

Inilunsad ng RESIST noong ika-5 ng Hunyo sa lungsod na ito ang kanilang kampanya sa ʻdipagbili ng mga produkto ng Monsanto.

Ang Monsanto Corporation, na nakabase sa St. Louis, Missouri, sa Amerika, ay isa sa pinakamalaking agrokemikal na kumpanyang Amerikano na umaabot ang kalakal sa may 60 bansa sa buong daigdig. Ito’y aktibo sa mga industriya gaya ng biyoteknolohiya, paggawa ng buto para sa pagsasaka at herbisidyo.

Kabilang sa mga produktong hindi na tatangkilikin ng mga samahang kasama ng RESIST ay ang mga butong may tatak na Dekalb, Asgrow at Hartz; mga herbisidyong Roundup, Harness Xtra, at Machete; at ang Yieldgard, isang uri ng mais-Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).

Sa isang pahayag, hinikayat ni Igmedio Facunla, ng Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura, isang ʻdi-pampamahalaang samahang nagtataguyod ng likas-kayang pagsasaka, ang kanyang mga kapwa magsasaka na “huwag nang bumili ng mga produktong nabanggit at sa halip ay ipatupad ang organikong paraan ng pagsasaka na mas malusog, mura, ligtas sa kapaligiran at mas tinatangkilik ng mga konsyumer.”

Usapin ng pagpili Samantala, sa ginanap na pagdinig noong ika-4 ng Hunyo sa Senado ukol sa komersyalisasyon ng mais-Bt, nagpahayag ng pagkadismaya ang Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), isang militanteng alyansang magsasaka, dahil pilit umanong iniiwasan na talakayin sa kapulungan ang track record ng Monsanto.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 182

Ayon kay Rafael Mariano, pangulo ng KMP, ang ganitong pangyayari ay tila paglalayo sa tunay na isyu at pagbabalewala sa karapatan ng mga magsasaka sa pagpili kung nais nitong gumamit ng bayoteknolohiya o hindi.

Samantala, inulat ni Mark Cervantes ng Southeast Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Education (SEARICE), na sa pagsisiyasat kamakailan ng kanilang pangkat sa lugar ng North Cotabato at Bukidnon sa Mindanao, nakita nila na walang nakatatak na “Bt-corn” o “GMO” sa mga sakong lalagyan ng butil na Yieldgard na ipinatatanim sa mga magsasaka roon.

“Ito’y paglabag sa A.O. No. 8 (Kautusang Administratibo Blg. 8) na nagsasabing dapat lagyan ng pagkakakilanlan ang isang partikular na butil bilang produktong GMO,” wika ni Cervantes. “This is a very gross act of deceit on the part of Monsanto,” dagdag pa niya.

Babala Pati mga dalub-agham ay nagpahayag na ng pagkabahala sa gawain ng Monsanto.

Ayon kay Erni Maray, tagapagsalita ng Samahang Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan, isang organisasyon ng mga dalub-agham, “Kahit anong pag-unlad ng agham at teknolohiya na isinusulong para magkamal ng tubo ang mga monopolyong kumpanya, hindi makikinabang rito ang tao, bagkus lalo pang magtatali sa mamamayan sa kahirapan.”

Samantala, pinabulaanan ni Dr. Romeo Quijano ng Pesticide Action Network-Philippines, ang sinasabi ng pamahalaan na walang pagkakaiba ang tradisyunal na uri ng mais at mais-Bt kung kaya ligtas raw ang huli.

Ayon kay Quijano na isa ring medical toxicologist, ang isang butil ng mais-Bt ay nagtataglay ng pestisidyong kung tawagin ay “Bt toxin” na aniya’y “malinaw na may lason”.

“Kahit ang nasa elementarya ay magsasabi na may diperensya ang dalawang ʻyun,” sabi ni Quijano. “Palibhasa, kapag ang pangunahing motibo ay tubo, maski na ang pinakamatatalinong siyentista ay nabubulag at nababago ang pag-iisip,” dagdag niya.

Nagbigay ng babala si Quijano sa mga mamimili na mag-ingat sa mga pagkaing may GMO. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 23, Hunyo 13-19, 2003 isyu

Kontrol sa binhi, banta sa buhay Bawat butil ay buhay at pag-asa, lalo na sa mga magbubukid ng kanayunan na siyang naglilinang sa yaman ng lupa sa loob ng mahabang panahon.

Napakahalaga ng pagsasaka dahil dito nagmumula ang pagkain ng tao sa araw-araw. Magmula noong matuklasan ng tao ang yaman na malilikha mula sa lupa, lumaganap na ang teknolohiya sa pagsasaka para sa pagtatanim ng palay, mais, trigo, niyog, gulay, prutas at iba pang produkto.

Noong nakaraang taon, inaprubahan ng DA (Department of Agriculture) ang pagpapalaganap sa Pilipinas ng isang uri ng mais na nilahian ng Bt (Bacillus turingensis), isang bakterya na pamuksa sa pesteng corn borer. Ang mais na ito, na may tatak na Yieldgard at nagtataglay ng GMO (geneticallymodified organism), ay likha ng Monsanto, isang dambuhalang korporasyong agrokemikal sa Amerika.

Pangako ng mga tagapagtaguyod ng ganitong produkto ng bayoteknolohiya ang mas maraming ani at pagbawas sa paggamit ng kemikal na pestisidyo para sa magsasaka. Nais raw nilang magkaroon ng pagpipilian ang mga magsasaka. Subalit, may mga independyenteng pag-aaral na nagpapakitang hindi ganito ang nangyayari.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 183

Sa librong Selling Food. Health, Hope: The Real Story Behind Monsanto Corporation, inilarawan ng Australyanong dalub-agham na si Sarah Wright ng Washington University sa Seattle, USA, ang mga GMO na “nagdudulot ng papataas na antas ng kontrol ng mga transnasyunal na korporasyon sa ating produksyon ng pagkain.” Ayon kay Wright, sa kabila ng pagsisikap ng Monsanto na ibenta ang mga ito, patuloy ang pag-ayaw ng mga mamamayan sa bansang Hapon, Brazil at Unyong Europeo sa mga produktong GMO dahil sa malaking potensyal na panganib sa kalusugan at kapaligiran.

Ayon kay Rafael Mariano, pangulo ng KMP (Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas), ang paglaganap ng mga mais-Bt ay banta sa karapatan ng magsasaka at seguridad ng pagkain sa bansa. Aniya, sa pagbebenta pa lang ng mais-Bt ay pinawawalang saysay na ang karapatan ng mga magsasaka sa binhi.

Kung tutuusin, ang ibabayad ng magsasaka sa binhi ay hindi pagbili kundi pag-upa. Dahil kasama sa mga kondisyon ng Monsanto, sa ilalim ng patents (nirehistrong pag-aari) sa binhi ay ang pagbabawal na itanim muli ang binhi pagkatapos maani, di maaaring ipamigay sa ibang magsasaka ang mga binhi, at tanging Round-up herbicide (produktong kemikal ng Monsanto) lang ang maaaring gamitin sa pagpuksa ng damo. Maaari pang makulong ang magsasaka ng hanggang pitong taon dahil sa ‘iligal’ na paggamit ng binhi. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Pinoy Weekly, Volume 2 Bilang 17, Hunyo 25-Hulyo 1, 2003 isyu, pahina 14

Farmers’ lakbayan vs. Bush-Arroyo: getting here from there Thousands of farmers including women left their farms in Southern Tagalog provinces over a week ago to join a lakbayan (a long caravan) that would end in protest rallies in Metro Manila against the state visit of U.S. President George W. Bush. The contingents had to overcome high-gear security measures and police roadblocks along the way before linking up with thousands of protesters that marched toward Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Oct. 18.

The lakbayan began as early as Oct. 10 on Mindoro island, some 300 kms southwest of Manila. A week before, leaders of the Southern Tagalog Opposed to the Presence of Bush (STOP Bush Coalition), a newly-formed broad alliance in the Southern Tagalog region, told reporters in a news conference in Quezon City that they’re condemning President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s “unprecedented puppetry” to Bush.

“The Bush visit is not only a symbolic diplomatic action but also an effort to expand U.S. military intervention,” Joseph Garcia, spokesperson of Stop Bush Coalition, said. “Bush must be held accountable for his terrorist acts of aggression and imperialist dictates such as economic liberalization that is victimizing thousands of innocent people around the world.”

Wearing a traffic enforcer’s uniform, leaders of militant groups held large road signs bearing the words “Stop Bush” and “Corruption Ahead” where a cartoon of Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband holding bundles of money was shown.

Irein Cuasay, spokesperson of the human rights group Karapatan-Southern Tagalog (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights), checked a large violation ticket of Bush signed by Juan de la Cruz and containing “atrocities of Bush around the world” which include “war mongering” and “gross disrespect of human rights.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 184

Long march Calling the caravan, “Lakbayan ng Mamamayan Laban sa Teroristang Tambalan ng Imperyalistang U.S. at Kurakot, Pahirap na Rehimeng Macapagal-Arroyo” (People’s Caravan Against the Terrorist Partnership of U.S. Imperialists and Looter, Oppressive Macapagal-Arroyo Regime), the contingent from Mindoro merged on Oct. 13 with other protesters who first traveled by jeeps and buses from their provinces in Calamba City, Laguna some 70 kms south of Manila.

Those who made it numbered around 1,500 organizers said, as others were blocked along the way by police and military checkpoints. From Calamba, the farmers now joined by workers, student activists and others began a long march passing through the municipalities of Cabuyao, Santa Rosa, Biñan, San Pedro and Muntinlupa all the way to Manila.

Old timer Ronnie Flores, 64, one of the farmers from Occidental Mindoro, told Bulatlat.com this was the third time he would join a caravan. The first was in January 1987 that ended in the infamous Mendiola Massacre and the second was in October 1997 at the height of the nationwide protests against charter change.

“Noong 1987, bagama’t napakatindi ng panghaharang ng mga militar ng pamahalaan ay nalulusutan natin ito” (In 1987, despite intense blockades by the government’s military, we were able to get through), Mang Ronnie vividly recalls. “Ang laging tunguhin natin ay mahikayat tayong imulat ang mga tao sa kung ano ang tunay na nangyayari sa ating lipunan” (Our direction always is to be encouraged to make people become aware of what’s happening in our society).

Mang Ronnie has been a peasant organizer since the 1980s. He currently leads the local peasant group Samahang Magsasaka sa Kanlurang Mindoro (Samakami).

Fear factor Alex Arias, 48, a farmer from Sta. Cruz, Laguna and a father of two children, said that harassment by military or police authorities during protest activities is nothing new or a fear factor. What he fears most is hunger, he says.

“Mas kinatatakutan namin ay kapag kumakalam ang sikmura ng aming pamilya sa kagutuman” (We are more scared on the prospect that our families go about having growling stomachs due to hunger), says Alex, who also chairs the peasant group Pagkakaisa’t Ugnayan ng Magbubukid sa Laguna (Pumalag). “‘Yun ang dapat katakutan ng mamamayan…’yung pagpapalayas, pang-aagaw ng lupa at pandarahas sapagkat ang tutunguhin n’un ay kamatayan din. Kaya dapat lang na ipagtanggol ang karapatan naming mabuhay” (That’s what people are afraid of…the forced evictions, dispossession of land and violence because this leads to death. So it is just to defend our right to live).

Alex was proud of having brought along at least 100 farmers from Laguna to participate in the sixday long demonstration.

When asked what’s his compelling message to President Macapagal- Arroyo, Alex immediately and firmly replied, “She should resign now because our situation is getting worse day after day.”

Frantic The Macapagal-Arroyo regime went “frantic” over preparations for Bush’s state visit, according to Mang Pido, 58, a coconut farmer from Lucena City in Quezon province. In an interview with Bulatlat.com, he said that at least 750 farmers were expected to join the caravan, but their numbers dwindled because military elements led by a certain Lt. Dela Fuente blocked three jeepneys of protesters in Atimonan, Quezon.

He also assailed the government’s allotment of P80 million for the Bush state visit, he said. The money, he continued, should have been used instead to fund subsidies for the improvement of the farmers’ copra production. Copra production is a major though dwindling source of income in Southern Tagalog.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 185

Pido admits that leaving their farmlands in the countryside and not being able to work for a week is a big sacrifice for his family. “Kahit di namin personal na makausap si Bush, sapat-sapat na ‘yung aming ‘sanlinggong paglalakbay para ipaabot namin sa malawak na mamamayan ang tunay na kulay ng kanyang pagkatao. Naniniwala kami na si Bush ay numero unong terorista sa buong daigdig” (Even though we don’t have the chance to talk to Bush, our week-long caravan is already enough to reach a big number of people on his true intentions. We believe that Bush is the world’s number one terrorist).

Mang Pido made it clear however that he and his co-farmers are not protesting against American citizens but against the devastating policies of the U.S. government represented by Bush who “controls our economic, political and cultural life.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 37, October 19-25, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-37/3-37-lakbayan.html

Laguna lake reclamation plan criticized SAN PEDRO, Laguna – Reelectionist mayor Felicisimo Vierneza’s planned reclamation project in Laguna lake will displace and affect thousands of families residing along the lakeshores, according to a local leader of the party-list group Anakpawis.

Porfirio “Ka Peryo” Mira Jr., the local coordinator of Anakpawis, told The Times on Sunday that such development projects will not only render more families homeless but will also impoverish them.

The project, which will reclaim 1,000 hectares of the lake, aims to house at least 450 small and big industries, create 100,000 livelihood opportunities and several infrastructure projects. It also seeks for an additional income worth P80 million for the municipality.

“Dapat ang pamahalaang lokal, ngayon pa lang, ay naghahanap na ng tamang area sa relokasyon para sa mga maaapektuhan. Iyon ang dapat kilalanin [The local government should be taking steps to find a place to relocate those adversely affected by the project],” Mira said.

According to Mira, about 12,000 families will have to be relocated in addition to the 7,000 families affected by the improvements on the tracks of the Philippine National Railways.

Mira is also against the Community Mortgage Program (CMP), saying that many poor families cannot afford to pay for the homes they bought. The CMP is a government-sponsored housing program that allows families to buy the land they occupied from its previous owner through a 25-year installment plan.

Instead, he said the government should be the one to buy the land and then sell them to the families at a much bargain prices.

Under the Vierneza’s San Pedro Medium Term Development Plan for 2004 to 2010, the town’s upland areas will be transformed into a 100-hectare light industries park.

Mira said this plan would be used to justify the removal of squatter families in San Pedro. He reminded local officials to protect the rights of these people to the land they occupied, adding that the national government policy of “no relocation, no demolition” should be strictly followed. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 225, Tuesday April 13, 2004 issue, page A8

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 186

Farmers’ group cautions against Gloria hybrid rice CALAMBA CITY – A group of farmer-scientists promoting sustainable agriculture on Thursday cautioned fellow farmers on pinning all their hopes on Malacañang’s “Gloria” rice seed-growing program, saying that not all farmers can expect a harvest of 200 cavans a hectare from planting the hybrid rice.

“Hybrid seeds need ideal conditions such as fertile soil, ample irrigation, sufficient amount of sunlight and warm temperature and the application of plenty of pesticides. Only then could it attain its promised yield of 200 cavans [a hectare],” said Igmedio Facunla, chair of the Magsasaka at Siyentipiko Para sa Ikauunlad ng Agrikultura.

The government is encouraging farmers to shift to the high-yielding hybrid rice, which the government aims to be planted in 600,000 hectares of farmland nationwide by year-end.

Since the Green Revolution in the 1970s, the government has been promoting chemical-intensive farming methods that has rendered the farmlands unhealthy and unproductive, Facunla said.

Noting that high-yielding seed varieties are dependent on fertilizers and pesticides, he observed that farmlands have been abused and overloaded with chemicals and are no longer fertile enough to produce good yields.

He reminded farmers that hybrid seeds are useful “only for the first planting” so they need to buy fresh bags of seeds that many small farmers cannot afford. The national average of rice harvest is 3 metric tons a hectare.

Instead of focusing on hybrid rice planting, he said, the government should work to rehabilitate the soil and restore the land’s fertility.

Farmers should be allowed to choose the seed variety appropriate to the characteristics of the land, he said.

“Even without the use of chemicals, farmers can harvest decent yields by using organic fertilizers and by maximizing the biodiversity in their farms,” he added. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 242, Friday April 30, 2004 issue, page A3

Mindanao farmers oppose Bt corn More than a thousand farmers, lumads, workers and students stormed the gates of Monsanto Philippines in General Santos City, South Cotabato last May 27. The protesters were opposing the massive selling and planting of a Bt-corn brand labeled as Dekalb 818 YG, owned and produced by Monsanto. They said that Dekalb 818 YG has caused illnesses to humans and has poisoned the environment.

In December 2002, the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) had approved Monsanto’s application for the commercialization of Bt-corn, a variety that contains genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and the first biotech food crop to be planted in Asia.

Farmers’ testimonies BPI’s approval of the commercialization of Bt-corn was partly based on local field trial results that showed significant increases in the yield of corn with reduced pesticide applications, which agriculture officials claim will increase farmers’ income.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 187

Other farmers, however, refuted Monsanto’s claims of “higher yields and income.” Boy Gonzales, a corn farmer from Sara town, Iloilo in the Visayas region said that despite being resistant to corn borer, Bt-corn fields were infested by stalk rot (a fungus that caused the withering of the corn’s stalks and leaves), plant hoppers and other pests. Stalk rot, he said, has destroyed nearly 40 percent of all the crops planted in their area.

According to the Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura or Masipag (PeasantsScientists’ Partnership for Agricultural Development), an organization promoting sustainable agriculture, the price of Dekalb seeds is P4,500 for each sack, which is double compared to the cost of both ordinary and hybrid seeds, which costs only P2,300.

Masipag’s studies reveal that as of 2003, the crop has been propagated in 20,000 hectares of land across the country. Such lofty costs, Masipag concludes, will push farmers to further bankruptcy.

“Kahit gumamit ng Bt-corn, hindi pa rin makakaahon sa kahirapan ang mga magsasaka dahil ang pangunahing suliranin niya ay ang kawalan ng taba ng lupa, ang mababang presyo ng mais sa pamilihan, mataas na usura at iba pa” (Even if we use BT corn, farmers still cannot emerge from poverty because our main problem is the infertility of the soil, the low price of corn in the market, usury, and others), Gonzales added.

Precaution as principle Last year, around 51 local residents of Sitio Kalyong, Barangay Landan in Polomolok town, South Cotabato underwent medical treatment after being taken ill with colds, fever, abdominal pains, headaches and breathing difficulties with unexplained causes. Victims said they got sick after smelling a foul odor coming from the pollens of a nearby Bt-corn field which was about 100 meters away from their houses.

Last March, Norwegian scientist Dr. Terje Traavik of the Institute of Gene Ecology said that vestiges of Bt toxin were detected in the blood samples of the victims, causing the production of antibodies.

The DA appears to be indifferent to these findings, however.

Pablo Senon, a farmer-leader from Polomolok, decried: “What saddens me is that the government has not conducted scientific tests to determine if Bt-corns are safe. Instead their attention is focused on defending Monsanto.”

A report by online news agency MindaNews said a Monsanto official based in this city had brushed aside the findings of Traavik.

“We really don’t know how they were able to determine such findings. I think it’s a biased result considering that they came from those opposing our product,” Monsanto’s technology development executive Francisco Camacho was quoted as saying.

In a statement, Masipag said the whole point of Traavik’s study – though not yet conclusive – is to “emphasize the need for identifying and recognizing uncertainties that could compromise the human health and the environment” as it stressed the importance of “precautionary principle” in the transboundary propagation of GMOs. The Norwegian scientist believes that many species and cultures could be at risk with its “yet-to-be determined impacts on biodiversity and human health.”

Lethal science?

Formed in 1901 in Missouri, U.S. Monsanto’s business extends to more than 60 countries today. It has major chemical plants in Argentina, Belgium and Brazil and owns land, manufacturing and agricultural facilities in all the continents.

Sarah Wright, a member of Seattle-based organization PressurePoint and author of “Selling Food.Health.Hope: The Real Story Behind Monsanto Corporation,” told local journalists in a media briefing held here that what is less known about the company is “its shameful history of polluting towns and rivers, and creating toxic chemicals including the notorious Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 188

The American military has used the Agent Orange, a lethal herbicide, to defoliate the thick forest cover of Vietnam.

“What is amazing and truly disturbing is the fact that Monsanto, which has been selling itself as a clean and green, trustworthy company, has been involved in shady cases and dirty tactics over the years. Monsanto’s chemicals have caused cancers, birth defects and other forms of health problems. Its agrochemical products such as pesticides that were already banned in other countries are being sold here in the country. This is the company which the Philippine government is reportedly trusting to demonstrate the safety of GMOs,” Wright told Bulatlat.com in an interview.

In Anniston, Alabama, about 3,500 local residents filed a case against Monsanto for “poisoning and lying to their community.” According to a report by the Washington Post, the company has been dumping toxic waste such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into a creek for nearly 40 years. The pollution scale was so extreme that if a fish was put into that creek, it will turn “belly-up within 10 seconds, spurting blood and shedding skin as if dropped into boiling water.”

“The Monsanto management was so focused in making money…completely regardless of any social and environmental risks,” Wright added.

Trampling on farmers’ rights “Seeds are enriched for thousands of generations by farmers. Therefore, it should be owned by all,” asserted Igmedio Facunla, a peasant leader from Nueva Ecija in Luzon. Facunla is the secretarygeneral of the Alyansa ng Magsasaka sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL) and chairman of Masipag.

In the May 27 protest action, Facunla declared Monsanto “guilty” of crimes said to have been committed against poor farmers. “They’re guilty of trampling on farmer’s rights to genetic resources, seeds, land and technologies,” he said.

The mobilization was organized by Masipag as a culmination of their weeklong General Assembly held in Santo Niño town, South Cotabato. Other organizations which participated in the mobilization were local chapters of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), South East Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment (SEARICE), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and progressive partylist groups Bayan Muna, Anak ng Bayan, Gabriela, Anakpawis and Suara Bangsamoro.

Meanwhile, a source from Monsanto, who refused to be identified, told this writer that it is everyone’s right to protest but maintains that the management has denied all the issues being raised by the protesters. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 17, May 30-June 5, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-17/4-17-btcorn.html

‘Nardong Putik’ pushes eviction of Cavite farmers Theirs is a struggle for land whose ending is uncertain, but through their collective action they hope to get justice in the end. The peasants’ enemy is their landlord who happens to be a former movie actor who portrayed the “good guy” in several films, protecting the oppressed and exploited. In this real-life drama, however, the “good guy” has the police and military backing him up to get what he wants.

Silang, Cavite – What was once a quiet village here has become the center of tension as a powerful actor-turned politician tries to press residents into leaving their homes.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 189

Unless the land dispute over Cabangaan, a 25-hectare land owned by former senator and Public Estates Authority (PEA) chair Ramon Revilla Sr., is resolved, what is now a tense atmosphere could turn bloody.

Known in moviedom as “Nardong Putik”, Revilla is now a retired senator.

Saturation drives At early dawn last Feb. 5, around 300 heavily-armed members of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Silang, together with the Regional Mobile Group, Regional Investigation Unit, Cavite Criminal Investigation and Detection Team and the military, raided 42 houses in the area. The raid was led by Police Supt. Nestor Mendoza and a certain Colonel Soriano. The residents were then subjected to zoning or saturation drives.

Witnesses said the raiders were in full battle gear and wore fatigue uniform but their nameplates were concealed.

Diane Mariano, deputy secretary-general of the human rights watch group Cavite Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (CEMJP), told Bulatlat that the raiding team tried to intimidate the peasants so they could drive them away from the land.

Mariano also accused the raiding team of “illegal search and seizure as well as destruction and divestment of private properties” during the incident.

Nine days later, Ricardo Crusido who identified himself as a deputized sheriff warned residents that he will implement a writ of demolition any time soon.

Residents then began to pile logs and banana trunks as roadblocks to prevent bulldozers and trucks from entering their area. They also held vigils to protect the community from any untoward incidents.

On Feb. 14, the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that prohibits the implementation of the writ of demolition within 20 days.

Long battle for land Caridad Mercado, 76, the oldest tenant in the village, said their ancestors first moved to Cabangaan shortly after the Taal Volcano’s eruption in 1911. Back then, the 25-hectare land was densely forested.

Through the years, tillers had converted the land into a productive field of rice, coconut and vegetables.

In 1972, the property was acquired by Revilla from Emiliano Asuncion, a brother of the town’s former mayor. Part of the deal was the retention of the 70-30 sharecropping agreement with the tenant farmers.

By the end of the decade, coconut and palay were replaced by coffee trees that became the major agricultural crop based on a tax declaration under Revilla’s name. In 1991, he imposed the fixed-rental scheme where tenants would pay him P1,500 ($27.28, based on an exchange rate of P54.99 per US dollar) per hectare every year. By 1995, however, Revilla reportedly told farmers to stop paying rent.

“Hindi ko kailangan ang pera n’yo dahil marami na ako nito” (I don’t need your money because I already have plenty of it), 59-year-old tenant farmer Edong Mercado quoted Revilla as saying.

Despite this, Mercado still recognized their obligation to pay their debts and rentals for their stay in the land.

Mercado recalled: “Hinatid pa namin sa mismong bahay niya (Revilla) sa Imus ang dalawampung sako ng kapeng tuyo bilang interes at bayad sa aming utang, pero tinanggihan niya ito” (We even brought to his house 20 sacks of dried coffee as interest and principal payment but he refused to accept it).

On May 10 last year, Revilla met with at least 20 tenant farmers in a mansion inside his 8-hectare ranch. Mercado said the former senator forced them to sign a waiver in which they will unconditionally vacate the land within six months or when it is needed by the landlord.

The farmers protested and this proved to be the start of the ongoing legal battle.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 190

Support from other sectors The Cabangaan peasants’ struggle for land, meanwhile, has found allies among Catholic religious congregations of neighboring Tagaytay City and other sectors in the community.

The Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Cabangaan (Samaca or Peasant Association in Cabangaan) has also demanded that the farmers be recognized as legitimate land tenants; for farmers to pay the rentals based on a leasehold agreement and for them to continuously till the land.

Teodoro Garcia, Samaca Chair and vice president of Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka, or Peasant Alliance in Cavite), said he has sought the help of Cavite Gov. Erineo Maliksi, but to no avail.

“He refused to help us, saying we would lose our fight because Revilla is his kumpare” (godfather of one’s child in baptism, confirmation or marriage), Garcia recalled, as he showed to this writer what was left of their pineapple crops which were crushed and uprooted by soldiers and policemen.

The tenant farmers and their families are now pinning their hopes on their collective unity. “The Department of Agrarian Reform should stop conniving with the police and military to criminalize the peasants who are struggling for their legitimate rights,” Garcia said. “For a very long time, we found no reason to trust the government’s agrarian reform program,” Garcia said.

“As our elders said, here in this land we were born; here, too we shall die. To die fighting for this land is sweet,” he said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 5, March 6-12, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/5-5/5-5-cavite.html

Peasants caravan to Metro set Two important mass actions in July will happen in Manila and the Southern Tagalog-based protesters are expected to make their voices heard.

Calamba City – Protesters from the Southern Tagalog (ST) region are expected to lend their voices to the growing clamor for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s removal from office.

Around 2,000 people, mostly farmers and workers, will journey on-board vehicles from this city to Ayala Avenue in Makati on July 13 and 25, according to Bani Cambronero, Bayan Muna partylist regional coordinator and convenor of Southern Tagalog for the Ouster of Gloria (Stop Gloria).

A big rally in Metro Manila is set on July 13. The President, on the other hand, will deliver her State of the Nation Address on July 25.

As a broad multi-sectoral coalition, Stop Gloria coordinates with the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Tagalog (New Patriotic Alliance), Workers Alliance for the Immediate Stepdown of GMA (Walis GMA, or Sweep GMA), Kanayunan Laban Sa Magnanakaw at Pekeng si GMA (Kalampag, or Countryside Against Thieves and Fake GMA) and other local alliances.

Even before the disclosure of the jueteng-Gloriagate twin scandal involving the Arroyo administration, the country’s socio-economic crisis has tremendously aggravated due to soaring prices of oil, commodities and services, as well as high taxes, low wages, landlessness and corruption.

These critical moments demand significant change. Cambronero said, “As we dream of a better tomorrow for the sake of our children, it is our solemn duty to insure that, in the process of making our own history, the genuine interests and welfare of the majority will not be ignored or relegated to the background by the leaders in government.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 191

Never again Militant farmers’ groups stressed that there is a “martial law-like” condition in the countryside.

In just five years, human rights organizations stressed that there are 109 peasants and activists in Southern Tagalog killed by suspected agents of the military’s “death squad.”

“True justice remains elusive for all victims of human rights violations,” said veteran activist and Kalampag spokesperson Pedro Gonzales, who himself survived an assassination plot after he was riddled with bullets by unknown assailants shortly after the May 2004 elections.

Guillermo Bautista, chairperson of the Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (Kasama-TK, or Association of Peasant Organizations in Southern Tagalog) condemned the Arroyo regime for the depressed prices of agricultural products and the additional taxes brought about by the Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) Law. The Arroyo administration is currently trying to reverse a temporary restraining order imposed by the Supreme Court on the E-VAT’s implementation.

“We will not allow martial law to happen again all over the country. We do not want to experience state brutality once again just like during the Marcos era. Even without a formal declaration, the Arroyo administration has perpetrated excessive violence and fascist suppression against the people,” Bautista emphasized, adding that things will surely become worse if martial law would be declared.

Walis GMA spokesperson Rodrigo Perez, on the other hand, slammed the Arroyo government for ignoring the labor sector’s demand for a P125 ($2.23, based on an exchange rate of P56.10 per U.S. dollar) increase in the daily wage of private sector workers nationwide, and P3,000 ($53.48) monthly increase for government employees.

“Walang dudang naging numero unong tagasunod sa mga dikta ng dayuhan sa programang globalisasyon si GMA. Maging ang soberenya at patrimonya ng ating bansa ay pinahintulutang lukuban ng mga dayuhan (There is no doubt that GMA is number one in heeding the dictates of foreigners with regard to globalization. Even the sovereignty and patrimony of the country is allowed to be compromised by the foreigners.),” Perez said.

Viable alternatives Meanwhile, the education sector suffered the brunt of government neglect with the P357-million ($6.36 billion) budget cut this year. From 17 percent in 2002, the allocation for education was further reduced to the current 14.9 percent of the total budget.

In a statement, the University of the Philippines-Los Baños Alliance Working for Arroyo’s Removal (UPLB AWARE) said that the people’s consciousness is no longer anchored on mere regime change.

“They (people) have learned from our experience in Edsa I and II that a single leader no longer holds the key in addressing their economic plight...with this, UPLB AWARE joins the rest of the nation in pushing for more viable alternatives than subscribing to constitutional succession of leaders coming from the same political fold.”

The campus-based coalition supports the creation of a transition or interim council, which will work for authentic reforms to “ensure that the pursuit of genuine democracy and governance will not be dashed by trapos (traditional politicians) who have no intent but their own self-serving interests.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 22, July 10-16, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2005/07/16/peasants-caravan-to-metro-set/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 192

‘Senator’s Village’ render 172 peasants homeless Forty-two houses in a rural village in Silang, Cavite were forcibly dismantled by a 65-member demolition team, rendering 172 peasants homeless. The peasants were forcibly displaced to give way to a high-end subdivision named “Senator’s Village”, reportedly a project of former movie actorturned-senator Ramon Revilla Sr. (Jose Bautista in real life).

Forty-two houses in a rural village in Silang, Cavite were forcibly dismantled by a 65-member demolition team, rendering 172 peasants homeless.

The demolition team arrived at the 25-hectare Barangay Cabangaan at 6:08 a.m. last Feb. 3, escorted by around 300 composite elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Police Provincial Mobile Group (PPMG), Rocky Security Agency and the military. Thirty-minutes later, they started tearing down the houses using mallets and iron rods.

Rodel Pelimbergo, together with several other residents, reportedly sustained wounds in their arms as a result of intimidation by armed elements, according to the militant Kalipunan ng mga Magbubukid sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka or Peasant Federation in Cavite).

After two hours, only two houses were left untouched – but only because they were intended to be converted into security barracks. Kamagsasaka-Ka charged that each member of the demolition team was paid at least P500 for “construction services”.

“The farmers negotiated with Sheriff Ricardo Crucido of the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudicatory Board-Cavite (Darab) to no avail. The farmers were harassed,” Kamagsasaka-Ka said.

Since 2004, farmers have been receiving threats and urged to voluntarily leave their homes or face violent eviction. The land is under dispute between the farmers and the landowner, former movie actor-turned-senator Ramon Revilla Sr. (Jose Bautista in real life).

Revilla reportedly plans to convert the coffee and pineapple farm into a so-called “Senator’s Village”, a high-end residential subdivision complete with golf course and other recreational amenities. The area is less than a kilometer away from Tagaytay City, one of the country’s tourist spots.

Housing crisis Sheryll Villegas, secretary-general of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance)-Cavite chapter, condemned the “anti-farmer tandem” of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Governor Erineo Maliksi “for supporting infrastructure projects that undermine the poor’s right to domicile.”

The plight of the peasants in Cabangaan, she said, is no different from urban poor communities facing demolition orders.

The Cavite chapter of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay or Association in Aid of the Poor) revealed that out of the total 29 communities within the province’s lowland areas, there are 13,969 families who are currently confronting a housing crisis and facing serious threats of displacement. There are 21 communities who occupy public lands. Not less than 7,291 houses are threatened to be demolished.

“Nakalulungkot na maitala, na sa Pabahay 2000 at Belvedere Homes, mga proyektong pabahay sa panahon nina Pangulong Ramos at Arroyo, kung saan inilipat ang mga maralita mula sa Pasay, Paranaque, Marikina at Tondo ay nagaganap din muli ang bantang pagpapaalis dahil sa kawalan ng kakayanan ng mga residente na magbayad ng buwanang hulog para sa halaga ng lupa at bahay,” (It is saddening that even at Pabahay 2000 (Housing 2000) and Belvedere Homes, housing projects of former President Ramos and President Arroyo, where urban poor communities from Pasay, Paranaque, Marikina, and Tondo were relocated, there are threats of forcible displacement of the residents because

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 193

they cannot afford to pay the monthly amortizations for the land and house.), Kadamay-Cavite’s Elvie Luza said.

Most urban poor communities are forcibly displaced because of the implementation of government projects like fish ports, lengthening of the Light Rail Transit (LRT), expansion of industrial zones and establishment of commercial hubs, as well as due to privately-owned projects such as posh housing subdivisions, coastal city bay terminal and memorial parks, the group added. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 1, February 5-11, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-1/6-1-homeless.htm

Farmers’ homes bulldozed to pave way for Revilla-owned housing project Silang, Cavite – Unabated tension and agony still linger among farmers in Cabangaan village after their houses were bulldozed to give way to a posh housing project by the Revilla clan.

Last Feb. 15, the farmers said the Revilla family hired construction workers to make fences that would enclose the 25-hectare land and prevent them from harvesting their crops. Several men, they said, took away their pineapples and bananas using the trucks of Imus Productions, a Revilla-owned movie outfit. They also discovered that the village’s water pump was missing, consequently depriving water to at least 1,300 residents, they said.

These incidents took place amid ongoing negotiations between the Municipal Government of Silang, actor-senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and government agencies for a just and reasonable relocation, and to recognize the legitimate rights of the 50 tenant-families who lost their homes and land to till.

Twelve days ago, police-supported demolition teams headed by Cavite’s police intelligence chief Rodel Sermonia tore down 44 houses within the disputed property of former senator and Public Reclamation Authority chair Ramon Revilla Sr. (Jose Bautista in real life). The human rights watch group Cavite Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (CEMJP) stated the incident has displaced 191 individuals, including 77 children.

Angry residents said the police failed to give them formal notice and did not even show the demolition order from the court.

Land row The land dispute started in 2004 when the Revillas filed a case before the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Adjudicatory Board (Darab). The agrarian case went through the normal process. But as their legal case proved futile, the farmers decided to camp out and barricade the village in November 2004 to avert any demolition.

The Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Cabangaan (Samaca or Association of Farmers in Cabangaan), charged that the Revillas were able to get a demolition and eviction order from Darab “using their political influence.” Both Darab’s provincial and central offices issued a decision in Revilla’s favor.

Samaca chair Teodoro Garcia recalled that in December last year, Revilla Sr. spoke with them over the phone and told that it will be their last Christmas season in the village because he will pursue the demolition after New Year’s Day. Last January 28, Garcia said, one of them received text messages supposedly from Revilla saying their days are already numbered.

Revilla Sr. denied he harassed the villagers and belied allegations portraying him as a land grabber.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 194

The Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka or Farmers’ Federation in Cavite) clarified that: “Kailanma’y hindi inaangkin ng mga mamamayan dito ang lupang sakahang pag-aari ng mga Revilla. Patuloy lamang nilang iginigiit na marapat silang kilalanin bilang mga lehitimong tenante at hindi itrato na tulad ng mga iskwater gaya ng paratang sa kanila.” (The people here are not claiming any agricultural land owned by the Revillas. They just demanding that they be recognized as legitimate tenants and not squatters as they are portrayed to be.)

Legitimate tenants According to 76-year old Caridad Mercado – the oldest resident in the village – the tenants arrived in Cabangaan in 1911, shortly after the eruption of Taal volcano. Many displaced residents from nearby towns of Taal, Bauan and Talisay in Batangas founded a settlement where they bushwhacked and started tilling the land. Since then, the land slowly turned into a rice and coconut farm.

In the 1950s, a certain Emiliano Asuncion claimed the land. The Asuncions and the farmers sealed a landowner-tenant relationship, with the latter agreeing to pay land rent in the form of money or crops.

Revilla Sr., who was known for his Robin Hood, amulet-bearing character in action films, purchased the land from the Asuncions in 1972. Part of their agreement was that the tenants would be retained and the landlord-tenant relationship will continue.

As the paddies were replaced with pineapples and coffee trees, the farmers entered into a written leasehold agreement with the Revillas in the early 1990s. Since then, they paid P1,500 per hectare annually as part of the contract. The tenant-farmers religiously paid their rent, Kamagsasaka-Ka stated.

But in 1998, Revilla Sr. refused to accept the rentals for the simple reason that he doesn’t need it because he has plenty of money already.

In 2002, Revilla Sr. accused the farmers of illegal squatting and ordered then to abandon the land within six months, Kamagsasaka-Ka said. This compelled them to organize to assert their rights as legitimate tenants of Revilla’s land.

Last year, around 300 fully-armed elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Silang, Regional Mobile Group, Regional Investigation Unit, Cavite Criminal Investigation and Detection Team and the military, raided Cabangaan in search of New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas.

Kamagsasaka-Ka and Samaca stated that instead of “agimat ng masa” (amulet of the masses), Revilla Sr. should be called “nagpapalayas ng magsasaka” (evictor of farmers). “Hinding-hindi iiwan ng mga magsasaka ang lupang kanilang kinagisnan,” (The peasants will never leave the land where they saw the light of day) both groups further said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 3, February 19-25, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-3/6-3-housing.htm

Anti-insurgency war and plunder hinder rural progress – Tagaytay 5 The government-backed anti-insurgency war and the plunder of public funds have worsened poverty and terror among rural folk, said the “Tagaytay 5”, a group of five detained peasant advocates.

The government-backed anti-insurgency war and the plunder of public funds have worsened poverty and terror among rural folk.

This was stated by five detained peasant advocates collectively known as the “Tagaytay 5” during a hearing by the Senate Committee on Food and Agriculture held on Aug. 23 at Camp Vicente Lim in

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 195

Canlubang, Laguna, as part of the inquiry on the controversial P728-million ($14.16 million based on an exchange rate of $1:P51.38) fertilizer fund “scam” allegedly machinated by former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-joc” Bolante.

Suffering more than a hundred days in captivity, the Tagaytay 5 – Riel Custodio, Michael Masayes, Axel Alejandro Pinpin, Aristedes Sarmiento and Enrico Ybañez – are facing charges of rebellion.

Wearing orange-colored shirts imprinted with a text that read “Free All Political Prisoners,” the five met with Senators Ma. Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay Jr., who chairs the committee. The five political detainees personally requested the senators to “intervene meaningfully” on their behalf and that of their families, and cause their “release in cognizance to the custody to the proper Senate office.”

Three of the accused are agriculturists and organizers of farmers’ associations in Cavite working for agrarian reform programs. They testified that during the election campaign in 2004, some local politicians promised to give farmers hundreds of bags of fertilizers coming from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Malacañang. But not a single bag ever came, they said.

Projects held-up Farm gate prices of coffee and mill gate prices of sugar, they said, significantly dropped due to the adverse effects of the government’s allegiance to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which slashed tariffs and allowed huge importation of cheap products. This resulted to farmers’ loss of income.

A can of dried green coffee costs P80 to P100 ($1.55-$1.94 at an exchange rate of $1=P51.38) compared to P250 to P300 ($4.86-$5.83) in 1995. Meanwhile, sugar used to sell at P1,200 ($23.35) per 50-kilogram bag; now it cost P560 ($10.90) in crop year 2003-2004.

The Kalipunan ng mga Magbubukid sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka or Farmers’ Federation in Cavite), Samahang Magbubukid ng Batangas (Sambat or Peasant Association in Batangas) and a sugar workers’ federation started an advocacy campaign urging policymakers to pull out of the WTO, develop a domestic demand for homegrown coffee and sugar, and enter into fair trade agreements with niche markets abroad. The campaign was launched in cooperation with the Diocese of Imus, Cavite State University (CvSU) agriculture experts and some legislators.

“We were able to take off in crop year 2004-2005 with our locally grown coffee and muscovado sugar being shipped to Canada and some local markets,” the Tagaytay 5 said in a statement. “We bought coffee and muscovado with significant mark-ups for the farmer-producers, way above the ʻnormal’ market price. Our farmers were satisfied with the ʻnew fair trade’, and so with our newfound markets. And so we thought we were on our way into developing a niche market with guaranteed prices for our farmers.”

On April 28, however, elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Navy intelligence abducted the five in Sungay village, Tagaytay City. Their captors claimed that they were New People’s Army (NPA) rebels plotting to foment “destabilization” on Labor Day. “What made our abduction, seven-day isolation and continued illegal detention extra-painful is the fact that the project funds allotted for a new shipment of coffee and muscovado sugar, and new livelihood projects such as swine and cattle-raising were stolen by our heavily armed abductors.”

Equal protection The Tagaytay 5 called upon the government to uphold the “principle of equal protection of law” regarding their case. They complained that they are continuously being locked-up all day in a five by six meter detention cell without windows, and are being deprived of sunshine as well as outdoor exercise.

They also recalled that last July, despite appeals on humanitarian grounds, both the PNP and the court rejected the request of Ybañez for a pass to visit his wife who was hospitalized for leukemia. His wife later died without seeing him.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 196

Madrigal said she was bothered and shocked with what she described as “ill treatment” of the Tagaytay 5. “As accused persons, the ʻTagaytay 5’ are presumed innocent until they are proven guilty.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 29, August 27-September 2, 2006 issue.

Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/09/02/anti-insurgency-war-and-plunder-hinderrural-progress-–-tagaytay-5/

Hacienda Reyes’ farmers oppressed, their rights violated The farmers of Hacienda Reyes – owned by the family of a town mayor in Quezon province – already bear the burden of an oppressive crop-sharing scheme. To make matters worse, when they ask for their rightful share their rights are violated, with not a little help from the military and the police.

“Di kami makapagtanim ng kahit kamoteng kahoy o mais para pagkain lang sana namin dahil bawal” We couldn’t plant cassava or corn for our food, for we are forbidden from doing so), says Nemia Cabradilla, a coconut farmer in Quezon.

She is the spokesperson of the Nagkakaisang Magsasaka sa Hacienda Reyes (Namar or United Farmers of Hacienda Reyes). Instead of food crops, she said the landowners want mahogany, narra and gemelina trees to be cultivated. “Sa partihan ng niyog, isa sa amin habang dalawa sa kanya. Sa halip na kami’y guminhawa sa aming pamumuhay, halos wala nang natitira sa amin” (In the sharing of the coconut harvest, we get one while they get two. Far from earning enough to improve our lives, we have to make do with almost nothing), she said.

Hacienda Reyes (of the late Don Domingo Reyes) covers an estimated 12,000 to 16,000 hectares in the towns of Buenavista, San Andres and San Narciso, covering 10 barangays (villages) and 30 subvillages.

With the Reyes family having a tight grip over the largest land, no agrarian reform program by past administrations has succeeded in breaking it up and allocating it to farmers.

Inequitable scheme A research by the Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (Kasama-TK or Association of Peasants in Southern Tagalog) revealed that in Quezon alone, only 307 landlords control 71, 898.50 has. of coconut lands, whose landholdings average around 234.20 has.

Hacienda Reyes is within the Bondoc Peninsula, which lies at the southern tip of Quezon province.

Majority of its population are into subsistence farming (mainly coconut mono-cropping) and fishing.

Most coconut farmers are either farm workers or tenants on a 3-hectare farm on the average.

The 70-30 sharing system – which has been around since the 1960s – still prevails in the estate where the bigger share of the total harvest goes to the landowner while the tenant shoulders the production expenses. Tenants say copra costs a measly P9 ($0.18 at an exchange rate of $1= P49.82) per kilo which is hardly enough to send their children to school.

The peasants’ long quest for justice is always confronted with militarization. Kasama-TK reported that recent operations by the Philippine Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion purportedly to hunt down New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area have instead resulted in human rights violations.

Last Sept. 27, military soldiers arrested Jenina Caraballido, Anesia Orpinada, Tina Diocales, Danny Gullien and Gonzaldo Catampunang, all leaders of San Narciso Farmers’ Association and San Francisco Farmers’ Association of Barangay San Juan in San Narciso town.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 197

They were brought to an Army camp in Barangay Ajos, Catanauan town and later detained at the San Narciso police station. The five were released upon posting bail worth P2,000 ($40.14) each.

Progress long overdue To help alleviate poverty, the major demands of the tenant-farmers in Hacienda Reyes are to change the sharing system to 75-25 in favor of the tenants and to raise the price of copra to P17 ($0.34) per kilo.

In separate occasions, the farmers led by Namar have gone to the municipal hall to dialogue with the current landowner, San Narciso Mayor Victor Reyes.

About 200 people who have marched and camped at Mayor Reyes’ mansion in Barangay Cotta in Lucena City were violently dispersed by elements of the Philippine National Police’s Special Weapons and Tactics Division (PNP-SWAT) last Oct. 21. Forty-eight farmers were illegally arrested. They were arbitrarily detained but were later released.

Janet Mahinay, a Namar leader, said they went there to ask for support after typhoon “Milenyo” devastated their crops. But in a radio interview, Mayor Reyes blamed his political opponents as being behind the peasant march.

Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Rep. Rafael Mariano disagrees. He said Mayor Reyes is trying to conceal the real conflict in Hacienda Reyes, which is rooted in the continuing contradiction between a “despotic” landlord who holds “monopolistic control over the land” and the peasants’ anti-feudal struggle. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 38, October 29-November 4, 2006 issue.

Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/11/04/hacienda-reyes’-farmers-oppressed-theirrights-violated/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 198

PART SIX: PERSONALITY FOCUS “Women are not mere baby-makers but can be a guiding light through their sacrifices and hard work.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 199

Insurance of insurance The Universal Reinsurance Corporation, a member of the Ayala Group, will turn 30 on April, this year. The Insurance World was privileged to have talked with the company’s president, Herminia S. Jacinto. She readily discussed her career as a long-time industry personality and explained the business of reinsurance.

To write a book on non-life insurance is what she wants to do in the future, said Herminia S. Jacinto, president of the Universal Reinsurance Corporation. This witty insurance executive, in fact, once dreamed of pursuing journalism. It was only due to her father’s insistence that she took up commerce instead.

Asked what specific subject she is considering for her book, she said she wants to write on how to manage a non-life insurance business “with some kind of a guideline and tips.” Her combined 32 long years of experience in the industry is convincing enough that she can come out with a good book.

Achiever A native of Bicol having born in Naga City, Jacinto graduated Commerce major in Accounting magna cum laude at the University of Nueva Caceres. Shortly after graduation, she placed 11th nationwide at the licensure examination for Certified Public Accountants.

In 1961, she started working as accounting clerk for FGU Insurance. Later, she became Manager of its Accounting Department. She joined the Ayala Corporation in 1980 where she served as Vice President, Comptroller and Treasurer. In 1988, she joined the Universal Reinsurance Corporation in 1980 where she worked as General Manager before becoming its President.

Aside from being an insurance executive, she also handled top positions in three professional organization of the insurance industry. She served as Director of the Insurance and Surety Association of the Philippines (1999), President of the Philippine Insurers Club (1992-93) and President of the Philippine Insurance Institute (1989).

Being seriously absorbed with nitty-gritty issues concerning insurance, she has participated in several international and local conferences on life, non-life, professional reinsurance, information technology as well as the financial system. She also delivered lectures at the Philippine Insurance Institute and the Insurance Institute for Asia and the Pacific (IIAP).

Women play an active role in our society other than their traditional roles, especially in these modern times. She believes that having a woman for a president of the country can make a lot of difference. “(I think) women leaders have more than beyond what men leaders can do. Your capacity for details and your caring attitude somehow helps in leadership management.”

A professional reinsurer Universal Reinsurance Corporation (URC), which turns thirty this year, has been doing professional reinsurance with life and non-life insurance companies. Specializing in treaty and facultative reinsurance activities in these classes of business, URC has about 30 clients in life, 80 in non-life and about 20 in other ASEAN nations.

“Actually, this company was a spin-off of reinsurance activities of companies in the group, such as Insular Life and the FGU Insurance Corporation,” Jacinto explained.

Starting out as FGU Group’s Universal Insurance and Indemnity Company (UIIC) in 1949, it was reorganized into a professional and renamed as URC in 1971. Nowadays, its ownership is shared by the Bank of the Philippine Islands, the Insular Life Assurance Company and subsidiaries.

Keeping in mind global standards and adaptability, Jacinto said they have to enhance market strategy and take advantage of the e-commerce in delivering services. “In the past, reinsurance is done

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 200

by just accepting risks following whatever the insurance company is doing. But now, we have to be innovative. We should try to sense or perceive what their needs are, how well they’re able to serve their own clients.”

In 2000, total assets of URC reached P1,735,000,000, an impressive figure for a reinsurance company. In that year also, gross premiums reached P496 million with a total net income of P33 million.

Insurance of insurance “In insurance, the clients are policyholders, property-owners, ship owners and the insuring public.

In reinsurance, the clients are insurance companies,” Jacinto explained, distinguishing the confusing difference between the two.

Jacinto said that insurance is a very specialized business. One has to learn it first before becoming a professional. One does not learn it in school, unlike the fields of commerce or banking.

Learning lessons based from almost 40 years experience with insurance, Jacinto inevitably served as consultant of the industry. “My job helps me get to know the techniques and processes, the best practices in the industry. And I am able to share this knowledge.”

“I think as an insurance executive,” she elaborated, “one has to contend with laws. One must know the insurance code, the policy conditions.”

As the newly-elected Board Chairman of the IIAP and Director of the Insurance and Surety Association of the Philippines (ISAP) her plans for this year is to update or revise the programs of IIAP to meet the challenges brought by e-commerce and bancassurance.

She said that the ISAP is now looking at the computerization of the compulsory third party liability covers required by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on motor insurance. This is to protect their clients, especially against unscrupulous insurers.

Despite the tons of work demanded by her position, she still finds time to enjoy a normal private life. Being married to real estate broker Jojo Jacinto from whom she bore four children, she maintains an equal relationship pattern in her family. Two of her sons, in fact, had joined the bandwagon; the first one being with a non-life insurance brokerage company while the other sells life insurance.

She shared this piece of advice: “Always have fun with what you’re doing...Do your work well.”

When asked what she could have become had she not entered the insurance business, she said: “I would have become a writer. Well, not a business writer but a literary writer.” ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 3 Number 12, April 2001 issue, page 18-19

“Continue the Struggle” an interview with George Amurao, former publication adviser of Gazette George Amurao is a liberal journalist and media practitioner. He was a college instructor teaching English, literature and mass communications at the University of Perpetual Help System-Laguna from 1993 to 1995 and at the same time, a former technical adviser of Gazette publication. He was editor of the newspaper TODAY and has worked in some other known publications. In this interview conducted last June 2001, he shares some insights and views on several campus issues for the enlightenment of the students.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 201

Question (Q): Please tell us something about yourself?

George Amurao (GA): I’ve always wanted to be a writer. My 6th grade teacher influenced me when she included me in the staff of the school organ. Her old-school approach to writing also helped in instilling a desire to turn out the best work of writing I can do.

There was no school organ in the school where I finished high school. But I was active in writing for stage plays.

In college, I enrolled in the Mass Comm program of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). I became the editor-in-chief of the student publication (Ang Pamantasan) during my senior year (SY 1991-92).

Though I worked for a year in a desktop publishing company and a radio station (DZAM 1026 kHz), I “accidentally” stumbled into teaching. Teaching appealed to me at the time, because I was really frustrated with my professors in college (mabibilang lang sa daliri ang magagaling).

And I thought I could contribute my share to society by trying to become a good teacher (that’s how idealistic and naive I am!). Despite the low pay, I enjoyed it. However, after two and a half years of teaching, I realized that I should go out in the field to learn more about the craft of writing, if only to honestly teach my students.

Mass Comm is more of a vocation. Some theories are not applicable in the field. You would also learn many new things out there. I tried entering the print media but it was hard. Finally, I was able to enter through the back door. I applied as a proofreader in the daily newspaper Today. Even though the managing editor was reluctant at first (“professor ka na at malapit nang magka-MA, are you sure you want to be a proofreader?”) [a proofreader is the lowest foot soldier in the news room!], I convinced her I’m that interested.

After six months, I got promoted to correspondent (although I’ve transferred to a government agency as an information officer). In April 1997, I got hired as a deskman or sub-editor, one who’s tasked to be the first to go over news reports. I was later assigned as an assistant editor for the metro section. After two years, I joined a PR outfit. May pamilya na, kailangang kumita. Mababa ang kita sa dyaryo. PR pays better. However, I quickly realized my mistake. All my convictions were put to the test because what I was doing as a PR writer was in conflict to my being desire to become a journalist.

I had to hang on for two years though, dahil kailangang kumita. Finally, in January this year, I resigned.

Later, I was hired as a writer by E-Magazine (www.e-magazineonline.com) and at present still contribute articles to it, aside from Today, Good Housekeeping, Baby Magazine and others.

Now, I’m back in the academe. I just got accepted as a full-time Mass Comm instructor at the Lyceum. Known as a breeding ground of some of our country’s best journalists, writers and PR men, not to mention being a hotbed of student activism, I’m very proud I’m now part of this institution (ehem! congratulate me naman, he-he!).

So, I’ve come full circle...from the academe, back to the academe. Though this time, I hope I’ll become a better instructor.

Q: How and when did you join the Gazette publication?

GA: The College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Dean Dr. Luzlavinia Cuy appointed me as technical adviser of the Gazette when I first taught at Perpetual in June 1993. I was on a parttime status then, with a load of 12 units. The Gazette assignment had a corresponding 3-unit credit, so I had a total of 15 units. The editor-in-chief at the time was Ms. Catherine Sibug, a junior psychology student while the associate editor was Shirley Ancajas, a junior economics student. They were enrolled in my Philippine Literature class at the time.

Q: In your perspective, what is the role of the Gazette publication in the university?

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 202

GA: The Gazette, I understand, is a student publication. This means it is published by and for students of the then Perpetual Help College of Laguna (PHCL). Having fiscal autonomy (i.e. collecting and managing its own fund) is a big factor in making the Gazette a truly independent publication. As such, the Gazette enjoys freedom from control and/or influence from other sectors other than the studentry.

The school administration, therefore, cannot dictate the Gazette’s editorial policies and content.

The Gazette, as a student publication, is answerable to the studentry because the studentry acts as both the publisher and audience of the paper. As such, the Gazette should take the side of the students as much as possible, aside from its primary duty of publishing news reports, feature stories, opinions and photographs that would interest them.

Q: How was the Gazette operated and managed?

GA: When I came in as technical adviser of the Gazette on the first semester of School Year 1993-94, the paper was not yet fiscally autonomous. If I’m not mistaken, the Gazette editors would ask the school administration for the fund (because the school was the one collecting the students’ publication fee) through the financial adviser at the time, Mr. Manuelito Castrillo. I’m just not sure if the editor asked for the fund on a piece-meal basis (i.e. per-issue budget) or lump sum good for the whole semester. Please confirm this with either Mr. Castrillo or Ms. Sibug/Ancajas.

I think the Gazette became fiscally autonomous either during the second semester of SY 1993-94 or first semester of SY 1994-95. Again, please confirm this.

On the editorial side, there were several editors, headed by the editor-in-chief, assisted by an associate editor, a managing editor, as well as the literary, English, Filipino, news and feature editors (I’ve lost copies of the Gazette under my term, so please verify this info). The positions were just titles, since most of their duties (except for the editor-in-chief) overlap during coverage and press work.

There were also several reporters. At the time (SY 1993-94), I can remember Paulo Ercia, Rhandy Hemedez, Arman Laurito and Medhalia Vargas, among others.

As I understand it, almost everyone in the staff are supposed to submit news and feature articles.

These articles pass through the respective editors until they find their way to the associate and the editor-in-chief who, in turn, would edit the stories. The editor-in-chief then passes the articles to me for a final check if there are any lapses in grammar, news writing and if there are any libelous statements.

After my approval, the staff sends the articles to the press for lay-out.

Although the Gazette is supposed to come out each month, the paper is seldom published on time because the staff are full-time students who must also give more priority to their studies.

The staffers receive compensation but not in cash. I think they enjoy discounts in tuition, if not partial scholarship. The budget also allows for transportation and food allowances during press work.

Q: What are your struggles during your time? Please discuss.

GA: There are always struggles. In my time (SYs 1993-94, 1994-95), the issue was always on the school administration’s attempts to influence the Gazette’s contents. The staff would always report to me that so-and-so professor or school official would criticize them for publishing articles that are critical to the school administration. Some, they say, would ask them to publish stories highlighting the good side of the school. I had to encourage the staff that their objective (espousing the interest of the students) was good but they must ensure they observe journalistic ethics. Hindi iyong puro tira na lang ng tira, libelous na pala. We would have discussions on how to spot libelous statements, how to avoid them, how to conduct interviews and the need to respect off-the-record requests by the sources,

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 203

etc. I would also find myself chided by my colleagues in the faculty for being so “lax” in reining in the Gazette staff, but I would always try to explain to them such things as press freedom, etc.

One struggle also involved the technical expertise of the staff. They have the guts and the determination to do their jobs, but many of them are weak in grammar. Some are also unfamiliar with correctly writing news and feature articles, sometimes even injecting their own opinions in their news reports. But these were corrected.

Q: Who are the people who helped in your struggle?

GA: Whatever struggles the Gazette had during my time was carried on by all of us. It was a team effort. Everyone pitched in and gave what they can give. Up to now, I appreciate the selfless work of these staffers, from the editor down to the reporters, in giving their share for campus press freedom.

Q: Did anything change in your principles or the way you look at life since then?

GA: Even though I already have a family (not to mention may uban na!), I still hold on to my beliefs which I have shared with the staffers I ’ve worked with for two years. I’m glad I was given the chance to work with them. I was also an editor-in-chief in our student publication in college, and I know how they feel. Being their mentor also enabled me to widen my perspective.

Q: What are your views on the following issues: (commercialization of education, campus repression, student mass movement, campus press freedom)? a. Commercialization of education GA: Education must be a right, not a privilege. But this is hard to achieve in a Third World country like ours, where even so-called state universities are now beginning to charge students with high tuition fees.

Within this context, I guess we can’t escape paying tuition fees and expect quality education. We have to pay to get a good education. But schools should not overcharge. They must also make sure to give students the value of what they pay for. Look at schools like La Salle and Ateneo. They charge much but the students profit from good teachers and good facilities. The trouble, I believe, is with diploma mills whose owners think that education is a good business. b. Campus repression GA: If by repression you mean repression of students’ rights, then I disagree with it. Schools are places where students learn. And learning is not static. It is dynamic. Thus, school administrations must not repress any attempt to provide students with opportunities to widen their horizons. c. Student mass movement GA: It’s nice to be in mass movements, especially if it fights for causes worth fighting for. Just be sure you don’t mixed up with “mass movements” where members are just misled and eventually used as “cannon fodder” during rallies (pamparami, ika nga). The irony about some student mass movements is that a member is trapped and his rights are “repressed” by the same movement that promises deliverance from campus repression. d. Campus press freedom

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 204

GA: The academe, as I’ve said, should be the wellspring of wisdom and freedom, and not a pit of ignorance and tyranny. I believe school administrators should encourage campus press freedom, if only to correctly call themselves educators.

Q: Your parting words?

GA: I still haven’t thought of any memorable lines. How about a line from a Joey Ayala song: “Padayonon ang pagpangita” (continue the struggle). ### Written in June 2001. First published in January 1, 2015 in the Goodreads blog “INMEMORYOFDENNISESPADA” by Pinoy Pen & Sword Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/20198844-continue-the-struggle

The passions of Bobby Madrid Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Estelito Madrid Jr., or “Bobby” as he is known, talks about how top executives of insurance industry can survive the neck-deep competition in the country.

The old adage “Strength comes from true faith,” basically means looking up to God for continued strength and inspiration.

“I’ve been a family man all my life, and I believe my strength also comes from my family—my wife, Baby, and my four kids,” says Estelito “Bobby” G. Madrid, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Pru Life UK. He attributes his strong sense of faith from his late father, Dr. Estelito Madrid Sr., a general practitioner, whom he looks up to as a role model and the most influential person in his life. “He was a man of principle, a disciplinarian who was uncompromising with his beliefs and values honesty with utmost importance. His work ethic is something that I hold with high esteem,” he states.

‘Gold mine’ Just how did Bobby get into the insurance business?

“By chance—as far as I know. In my 30 years of experience, nobody enters this career by design.

It’s always by accident. The moment people gets serious, they discover what a gold mine it can be,” he recalls.

He worked hard digging that mine and went on from being an agent to become the president of an insurance company. His move to Pru Life UK in 1996 opened more doors of opportunities. His career went beyond expectations.

It’s the “love and passion” for hard work that actually jumped-started his insurance career. “I’m driven by the belief that this career can transform people—from simple, lackluster plodders to high achievers and millionaires. I’m also convinced that life insurance is a major contributor in promoting the well-being of the society and the country as a whole,” he says enthusiastically.

As a leader of a top life insurance firm, he’s regarded as being meticulous with results. “My people also know that I can be fair regardless of my personal feelings, but I can also be compassionate whenever the situation calls for it.”

The company credo, which states, “We’re here to listen,” is already embedded in the company’s culture for over 70 years of operation in the Asian region.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 205

Sense of fulfillment The industry believes that life insurance answers the three uncertainties of life: living too short, living to long, and being disabled. Whenever misfortune suddenly fell on a person, the banker may come to take everything away, unless the insurance man comes to the rescue and pay for the fallen one’s every need.

And Bobby has seen several times how insurance is able to help many people. He says he had witnessed how life insurance has able to fill the gap left behind, most especially after the sudden death of a family’s breadwinner.

He admits, “I get a sense of fulfillment knowing that it is really more than a financial service.”

“In this kind of business,” he explains, “the challenge is always to bridge the gap of understanding and trust between management and the agency force. There’s always a tug of war between the two parties who sees the situation from different perspectives. I experienced the blood, sweat and tears that every agent goes through in submitting an application. At the same time, I have to act as guardian of the financial and operational measures the management has put in place to ensure that policies are sustained and promises are delivered. This balancing act is one of my tasks.”

Product innovation As a matter of innovation, Bobby announces that in the next couple of years, Pru Life UK would be coming out with “unit-linked products,” upgrading of facilities and strengthening of alternative distribution channels, which includes bancassurance.

He makes it clear that, “since our global resources allow us to be more proactive, there are no more surprises when it comes to trends because in some other area or operation...locally, we have very talented people: experts and veterans who are attuned to the nuances of the Filipino market, but who are not afraid to experiment and create their own trends, if necessary.”

No short cuts to success To be successful in this economic crunch that is lingering in the country, Bobby advises that one should be passionate with their work. “In this life, there are no short cuts, no quick fixes to reaching your dreams. Remind yourself to always do what is right, although the road may be long and trying.

But if you’re convinced of the rightness of your path, then you will reach your goal. Don’t sacrifice long term achievements for short-term gains.”

Beatles fan Just like any other successful individual, Bobby still dreams of achieving more. Similar to the way he climbed the ranks to get to his present position. He has no strict timetable to follow in fulfilling his dreams. He takes things one at a time and enjoys life’s little niceties.

Outside his hectic schedule. Bobby is an avid golf player and loves frolicking the beaches. “I unwind myself by watching movies on video, and listening to ‘60s retro music—Beatles and Bee Gees stuff,” he reveals. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 5 Number 6, September 2002 issue, page 15-17

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 206

A day in the life of a general It’s a little past 11 a.m. last November 29 when I arrived at the press office of Camp Vicente Lim in Canlubang, Laguna to do an interview with one of the top brass in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The person I’m about to interview looks like an average, yet upfront man in uniform. He’s no other than Police Chief Superintendent Enrique Briones Galang Jr., who is currently the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon).

With only 142 police stations serving a mammoth population of 10.3 million people, police work is definitely a tough job in this region. Gen. Galang relates his typical working day schedule: upon waking up, he would usually answer to telephone interviews over numerous radio stations. Then, he would call up his officers to join him for breakfast. After that, he would move from one police station to another, especially in areas “where his presence is needed.”

“There are so many concerns I have to attend to everyday,” Gen. Galang said. “Kaya nakakabalik ako dito (headquarters) gabi na. That’s the only time I can read newspapers before going to bed. I also watch news on TV.” “Here in our region, we’re going against several notorious elements—insurgents, organized crime groups, and even petty criminal gangs. In fact, we’ve already identified 29 criminal groups,” he disclosed.

Analyzing his area of responsibility, he explained, “What I see in Calabarzon are six major concerns that our local police stations could not effectively handle and resolve. These are security of thoroughfares in major industrial sites, the labor problem, criminal syndicates, internal security against insurgents, protection of vital installations, and safety of recreational areas.”

Gen. Galang, 60, has virtually spent his entire youth doing odd jobs just to live through a quagmire of poverty. He admitted that he used to deliver lunch, snacks, and pandesal to prospective customers even while he was already a police colonel.

As he recalled, he never planned entering the military service. His decision to join the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in the late ‘60s was borne out of an urgent need both to finish schooling and earn a living at the same time.

“There are no problems in this world to be solved, only opportunities to be pursued.” Gen. Galang’s advice is sympathetic but, as always, straight forward. “Anywhere you go and in whatever capacity, there will always be opportunities.”

But the secret of Gen. Galang’s appeal is that he knows by heart what his men are going through.

He admits that as a boy, he grew up without a father on his side. He had to deal on a mayhem over his being an illegitimate son. His father, a retired professor and Dean of Philippine College of Criminology, died just recently.

His open acceptance into the family was one of perplexity despite his stepmother’s initial disbelief.

He said: “From that experience, I learned that it is not through happiness that one will know life’s lessons. It is through difficult moments; it is when you are in tragic and tight situations.”

Against all odds, the gentle general has found happiness in his own family. More importantly, he has discovered love from a father and a stepmother he thought did not exist. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Vol. 4 No. 6, December 2002 issue, page 10

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 207

Wanna plan your future? Call Nelly Every start of a new year, almost every working Filipino gets a calendar planner to be used for jotting down a day or week’s schedule and appointments, but only a few people realize the need of hiring a personal planner for his or her own future.

Planning one’s expenses each year seems nightmarish but nevertheless, it is a family obligation.

You would wonder and wish you knew someone to take care and help you plan ahead of time.

I first had a chat with 45-year-old Nelia Peralta (or “Nelly”) at the head office of John Hancock Life Insurance Corporation in Makati early last month. She was the third person, next to Mr. Mike Plaxton (president and CEO of John Hancock Life Insurance) and Ms. Pat Yuseco (AVP for Corporate Services), who warmly welcomed me to make for an interview.

During lunch and in between my curious yet moderate questioning, Nelly would talk personal and uncluttered—and the most preferred topic from which she is fairly an “expert”: selling life insurance.

Learning a lot from her nearly five years of experience, I wondered what the heck was she doing in the insurance industry?

“Dito hawak mo ‘yung oras mo, di gaya ng ibang bansa na minamanduhan ka (ng boss). Dapat on your own, motivated ka na gawin mo ‘yung trabaho mo day after day para makahanap ka parati ng kliyente. ‘Yun ang dapat parating ilagay sa isip. Plus, inaalagaan mo pa ‘yung existing clients,” says Nelly who is an engineer by profession. She recalled how her co-employees used to tease her for being shy and docile years back when she was working with an electrical company.

When John Hancock first operated in the country in 1997, Nelly was among the pioneer sales agents who applied. Initially, she was hesitant going into this line of trade, harboring an off-putting picture about insurance. But after insistent invitations by her elder sister Annie, she decided to give it a shot—and the rest was history, so to speak. “Nakita ko na babagay ‘yung personality ko dito sa insurance. Kumbaga sa bote, may kanya-kanya tayong takip na magkakasya roon,” she explains.

Currently, Nelly is an Executive Financial Planner for John Hancock where she works untiringly to encourage people to buy life insurance policies. She makes presentations to several companies regarding the importance of life insurance, retirement plan and educational plan; and also helps her clients to make financial plans for their children’s future. She owed so much of her personal development from the kind of training she got from the company.

This indefatigable lady grew up in Angono, Rizal but now lives with husband Romy in San Jose Village in Biñan, Laguna, a semi-urban town south of Manila. She makes her appointments and visits between 8:00-5:00 p.m. working hours on weekdays, either in the office or in other places. Everything she knows, she learned from experience. Nelly said she has treated insurance as “a full-time job.”

Prior to John Hancock, Nelly used to own and manage a small trading business of which she sold electrical and industrial automation like proximity switches, temperature controller, timer, filters and other tools to several manufacturing companies. Being an industrial engineering graduate from National University in 1978, she also had training as an industrial engineer, inventory planning officer and logistics officer.

Call it a twist of fate or whatever, Nelly soon realized the need to shift her career path.

“No matter how small it is (policy), the important thing is you are able to sell,” Nelly advises young and aspiring agents. In her entire period with John Hancock, she was able to sell almost 400 policies and was given a special recognition award for the feat. In 2000, she was hailed the “University Savings Plus Queen” by the company for selling the most number of educational plans with the highest annual premium in the same year.

Despite not having a child to Romy with whom she’s married for 14 years, she admits to being contented nonetheless. When asked what she hopes to accomplish for herself, Nelly said beamingly, “I want to go abroad to study...just anything.” ###

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 208

First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 5 Number 7, January 2003 issue, page 20

Mary Ann: a victim’s tale “I thought I was privileged when I chanced upon Eagle’s Promotion Agency. I was forced to accept the job as a dancer to raise money for my son’s operation. Besides, there was no age limit in applying as long as one looks young, pretty, flawless and bore no marks of pregnancy. I sent my photograph in sexy attire to the agency’s Korean partners. Waiting didn’t take so long. After a few days, the agency told me I was one of those chosen.”

That’s how Mary Ann (not her real name), 28, became an overseas entertainer in Anjong-ri, South Korea nearly three years ago during our private interview in a undisclosed location.

“As part of the training in accordance with the contract I signed, I worked for two nights in a local entertainment club here, while the agency was preparing my papers. Before I left for abroad, someone approached me who said he’s from POEA. He asked me to sign my Artist Record Book which he brought and a blank contract which I complied.”

All through her life, she lived in a farming village in Laguna, helping her parents run a small manufacturing business. But all of those were gone soon after her father suffered severe paralysis.

Mary Ann first left for abroad in 1997 to work as a domestic worker in Europe. She later got pregnant courtesy of a German with whom she had a relationship that she thought would free her family from poverty. They got separated and she went home with her newborn son.

She was happy and contended, nonetheless. But when she discovered her son had a congenital disease and would need to undergo an open-heart surgery, which means a costly medical treatment, she felt devastated.

South Korea “I left for South Korea in August 2001 together with two other girls,” Mary Ann recalls. “When we arrived in Seoul, I was fretted that I instantly felt a desire to go home. At the airport, we were introduced to the club owner who would later become our tormentor. We travelled for about an hour to Anjong-ri, several miles away from Seoul. Then, we took a rest and ate. As we went inside the club, we saw dancing girls clad in skimpy bra and T-back bikini, while white male customers hooted and drank beer.”

“That scene was a major shock of my life. I never expected anything like that,” Mary Ann told Bulatlat.com. “We locked ourselves inside the comfort room and cried. This is unacceptable, I thought.

I was really trembling in fear but I didn’t know what to do.”

Life in Eagle’s Club (which is a walking distance away from a U.S. military base) is like a taste of hell on earth, Mary Ann says. The building in which they stayed in was padlocked day and night.

Meal, which consists of cheap bihon, comes only once a day, at 1 p.m. to be exact. All the girls sleep on the floor using carton-made mats. After each night of dancing, the girls, who were all Filipinas, are expected to clean the mess, where they take turns sweeping and mopping the floor, or wiping the toilet.

And what do they get? Mary Ann admits, “We didn’t receive our salaries for three months despite our slave-like condition. Our only time for rest is a day-off once a month which you will get when you earn big money. No bar-fine and no drink, no day-off. That’s the rule. Whenever we refuse or commit mistakes, we get beaten up or denied food.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 209

Right after the bombing of the World Trade Center last Sept. 11, 2001, the tragic plight of Filipinas in South Korea went from bad to worse. Fearful of future attacks by “terrorist” groups, officials in the U.S. military bases had to tighten security. As a result, American soldiers or GIs who are the main customers of several entertainment clubs surrounding the base, were not allowed to go out. Due to lack of customers, the club owner resorted trading each of the girls at bargain costs – $100 each bar fine.

After closing deals with the club owner who is a Korean national, male clients would take them to a hotel.

With a critical bent, Mary Ann tried to evade this defilement of her dignity. “Bakit pa tayo magtitiis ng ganito? Wala na ngang kinikita, binubugbog pa tayo. Prostitute na’ng labas natin nito,” she asked herself. Her efforts to have her son operated on now seemed hopeless and elusive. She decided to escape from her abusive employer.

Escape Mary Ann was with nine others when she finally got out in October 2001. Their Filipino manager managed to call them up by cellphone, promising them work in companies within Korea if they return to the club to sign for a new contract. Six of them came back and got battered by their employer.

Mary Ann, meanwhile, got a job in an electronics firm but couldn’t go home since she was on “blacklist” by the Korean government.

But worse than the memory of the pain in Mary Ann’s mind is the wall of pretense among managers of illegal recruitment agencies in collusion with immigration officials. “Ang dahilan kaya nagsasalita ako ay para tulungan ‘yung ibang babae na naroroon pa at para malaman ng gobyerno natin kung ano ang kalagayan ng mga Pilipina sa ibang bansa. Babae ako, ina rin ako na kaya lang naga-abroad dahil para sa mga anak. Di kasi nila alam kung saan sila tatakbo o hihingi ng tulong. Di ka rin puwedeng magtiwala sa kapwa Pilipino dahil kung minsan sila pa ‘yung nagtatraydor sa ‘yo.”

For our pictorial, Mary Ann wore a white shirt, which read: “Voices of Women on Violence Against Women.” On March 8, she joined the Women’s March in Metro Manila spearheaded by the Purple Rose Campaign, an international coalition campaigning to ban all forms of sex trafficking and prostitution.

She affirms: “Marami pa ring babae sa club ang gustong tumakas. Napasok sila roon dahil talaga sa kagipitan. Marami pa sila.” Her weary smile betrays the pain inside, seen as subtle scars that cannot be washed away instantly.

“I want justice,” she says. “I believe we shall overcome.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 6, March 9-15, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-6/3-6-maryann.html

Mothers of courage While many of us are too busy with the daily woes of life by focusing too much on our personal goals, haven’t we stopped and thought for a while of the mothers who gave up their lives, even offered their own blood, for the sake of the greatest mom of all – the Motherland?

Mother’s Day has become a public observance in many countries all over the world. As Dear Mom’s unconditional love and unbridled sacrifices are honored and remembered through sweet music, love notes, and pink carnations.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 210

It was in 1907 or exactly 96 years ago, when Mother’s Day was first recognized. Ana Jarvis from Philadelphia, U.S. led a campaign to encourage ministers and church leaders in Grafton, West Virginia to institute a national celebration for all mothers on the second anniversary of her mother’s death, the second Sunday of May. While many of us are too busy with the daily woes of life by focusing too much on our personal goals, haven’t we stopped and thought for a while of the mothers who gave up their lives, even offered their own blood, for the sake of the greatest mom of all – the Motherland?

Tandang Sora Melchora Aquino was a symbol of a brave mother of the revolution. Her volunteer work for the Katipunan was exemplary. History knows her mainly by the nom de guerre “Tandang Sora” whose contributions were largely material and moral in nature. She gave temporary shelter for the Katipuneros as well as food, medicine and other things.

At the age of 84, she was captured in Novaliches by civil guards and was interrogated in Bilibid Prison. Spanish colonial authorities exiled Tandang Sora to Guam despite her old age.

Repatriated after the revolution against Spain, Tandang Sora boarded the S.S. Uranus together with 76 other exiled patriots and returned to her home in Banlat. There she was warmly and tearfully welcomed by the villagers, including her children and grandchildren.

Despite the fact that she lived in poverty, Tandang Sora refused any material reward from the government for her patriotic services and sacrifices. She was contented with the fact that she had supported the Katipunan and suffered six years of exile for her country’s freedom.

Oriang Gregoria de Jesus or “Ka Oriang”, wife of Katipunan’s Supremo Andres Bonifacio, was entrusted with the crucial role of custodian of documents, a task she heroically accomplished. She had a son by him who died at six due to chicken pox.

During the coup instigated by the traitor Magdalo faction, Oriang stood firm beside the Supremo until his tragic death. Accounts even showed that she was abused by Agapito Bonzon, leader of the Magdalo’s arresting party. Later, she would marry musician Julio Nakpil with whom she had eight children.

In her memoirs, Oriang wrote: “I had no fear of facing danger, not even death itself, whenever I accompanied the soldiers in battle, impelled as I was then by no other desire than to see unfurled the flag of an independent Philippines, and I was present in and witnessed many encounters. I was considered a soldier, and to be a true one, I learned how to ride a horse, to shoot a rifle, and to manipulate occasions…” (Alzone, 1964) Lorena Poet-activist Maria Lorena Barros, co-founder of the militant women’s organization Makibaka during the First Quarter Storm (FQS), was an epitome and proponent of the women’s liberation movement in contemporary times. Her views and example made clear the identity of the “New Filipina”. She was only in her early 20s when she became a guerilla fighter of the New People’s Army (NPA) during the Marcos regime.

“We are suffering from a feudal sense of values in which women are considered adjuncts of the home – for the children, for the kitchen and for the bed…We are not trying to put down these traditional roles, we just want more active involvement from the Filipino women,” Lorena wrote.

Her poem, “Mother”, describes that mothers should have a duty to liberate the people: “Ano ang isang ina?/Mayamang hapag ng gutom na sanggol./Kumot sa gabing maginaw./Matamis na uyayi./Tubig sa naghahapding sugat./Ngunit ano ang isang makabayang ina?/Maapoy na tanglaw tungo sa liwayway./Sandigang bato./Lupang bukal ng lakas sa digma./Katabi sa laba’t alalay sa tagumpay ang ina ko.” (Maita Gomez, Six Young Filipino Martyrs)

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 211

In the underground movement, she had a son named Emil to a fellow comrade. On March 24, 1976, government military troops raided a hut in Mauban, Quezon where she met her tragic death. It is said that she ordered her comrades to make an escape, leaving her alone to repulse the raid. She was only 28 years old.

Eden Twenty-nine year old activist Eden Marcellana, who was brutally slain last April 21 in Naujan, Mindoro Oriental, was a mother of two kids.

As secretary-general of human rights alliance Karapatan in Mindoro, she went to far-flung areas of the islandprovince and other Southern Tagalog areas to document cases of human rights abuses allegedly perpetrated by state military forces.

Her motherly role was indeed an extended one because she was also “nanay” (mother) to many young children who lost their families and relatives due to increasing number of gruesome killings against militant leaders and activists in Mindoro.

“Si nanay Eden ay pangalawang nanay ko…marami sa amin ang ulila na sa magulang at ngayo’y naulilang muli sa pagkawala nila,” cries Adelisa Albarillo, 10, on her demise.

“Napakasakit sa kanya na iwanan ang kanyang mga anak sa aming mga magulang para sa paglilingkod sa mga biktima ng karapatang pantao,” Orly, Eden’s husband, recalls.

However, he vows to continue her legacy of serving the people and raise their children as what they mutually agreed on.

“Imumulat ko sila sa kalagayan ng ating bayan, na kung sakaling ‘di pa tapos ang laban, sila ang magpapatuloy hanggang sa ganap na kalayaan,” he adds.

We are always at the thought that no one in this world could have loved us the way our own mothers guided us.

Suffice to say, because of their mothers, they become what their children are today – devoted to the cause of freedom. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 15, May 18-24, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-15/3-15-mothers.html. Also published in Northern Dispatch Nordis Weekly, Volume 15 Number 18, Sunday May 18, 2003 issue, page 4 and 10

Joy Carlos: getting fit for PIC She’s kinda vibrant, bubbly and engaging. She speaks candidly about her career and family. She likes the things most adults from the same social class enjoy: friends, leisure, good food and good life.

Thirty-three-year old Joy Padiernos Carlos is really rather typical in many ways. That is, if you ignore that fact that her name and pretty face are recognized by people in the insurance industry as the incumbent president of the Philippine Insurers Club (PIC).

A graduate from Mapua and Asian Institute of Management (electronics and communications engineer and advance insurance management course, respectively), Joy currently sits as vice-president of various firms namely: Pacific Union Insurance Company, Guilders Insurance Sales, Megaderm Corporation, Padelle Trading Corporation, Mega Pacific Insurance Corporation and Plutus Holding Corporation.

This “frustrated singer”, who goes gaga over Sharon Cuneta and Zsa Zsa Padilla, once planned to enroll voice culture under noted musician Ryan Cayabyab. She says several sleepless nights haunted her before the induction of officers last July 16 where she had her first public performance as a singer.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 212

“Nasanay ako noon na nagde-deliver ng speech. And just the thought na kakanta ako, parang di ako makatulog...mas ninenerbyos pa ako sa kanta ko kaysa sa speech,” she recalls.

Joy is quick to say that she is, indeed, health conscious. She takes it a point in calculating the number of calories on every single item she buys at the grocery store. “My mother is hypertensive, so may history kami na mataas ang cholesterol,” she says.

She eats a hearty breakfast of oats, fruits (preferably papaya), toasted bread and low-fat milk. Her usual dinner consists of fresh pineapples, oats and orange juice. She shuns beef and pork but goes crazy on pitso (white chicken meat).

“I don’t really apply anything on my face,” she confessed adding that she sheds weight the natural way. And with her own treadmill and bicycle, she’s able to set-up a private gym at the convenience of her home in Capitol Hills, Balara, Quezon City. “Maliban sa nais kong ma-maintain ang weight ko, nais ko rin ‘yung pag-iisip ko ay klaro,” she explains. “Kasi ang page-exercise, nakakatulong sa good decision-making” (She works out 15 minutes daily every morning.)

Though a constant workaholic on the job, Joy admits enjoying more quiet moments at home.

Despite her hectic schedule, she finds time to fulfill her enviable role as mother to 5-year old Paulo (only son to Carlos Carlos who is now in the United States).

In fact, she closely coordinates with the teacher to know if her son’s doing well in school. To keep abreast with her son, she regularly reads materials about parenting and consults a child psychologist.

“Before, I used to complain on my child’s bad behavior, but it turned out na ako pala ang hindi nakakaintindi sa anak ko.”

On weekends, she takes Paulo to the mall and spends the day playing at Timezone (at Rockwell).

“Of course, I want to give him the best. But I don’t want to spoil him. Ayokong palakihin siya na maluho.”

In the end, Joy’s formula for handling the woes of life is as simple as her own fitness regimen. With that and an unbreakable resolve, she’s not just fit for PIC, she’s also fit for life. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 6 Number 2, August 2003 issue, page 18

Expanding one’s consciousness on life insurance In a financially-deprived society like ours, only a small chunk of the populace can grasp the great advantages that life insurance could bring.

Since many of us are mired with the responsibilities with our daily lives, time for rumination seldom happens. And when misfortunes unexpectedly happen, they simply don’t know what to do or where to turn to.

And, because we don’t want to face the complexities of money problems as we cope with life’s tragedies—death, illness, disability—we should take advantage of insurance well before the need ever rise.

Gripped with uncertainties Thirty-nine-year-old Angie and forty-year old Jun Alonzo are a couple who runs a newspaper dealership and distribution business in Quezon City.

One day, a career agent from a foreign-owned insurance firm approached Angie and offered to make her an illustrated insurance proposal. Angie begged off and instead requested the agent to make one for Jun.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 213

“My husband needs it more than me since he’s always out in the field to deliver newspapers or collect payments, while I stay at home most of the time,” Angie argued.

As months went on for Jun to pay his premiums, a gruesome tragedy gripped the whole family in March 2002. Angie was stabbed through the heart by her 16-year old male helper that killed her instantly. It was reported later that theft was the motive behind the murder.

If only Angie realized the need to get herself insured much earlier, she would have left behind a legacy for her family to enjoy that would literally earn her a heroic stature—financial benefits. But death cheated her cruelly and it was too late.

Planning for protection Life insurance can be a tool in preparing one’s personal finance.

According to Cora Leaño, a career agent from Sun Life of Canada-Philippines’ Mulawin New Business Office based in Makati, life insurance serves as a “protection scheme” for an individual and his or her loved ones.

“Kapag naka-insured ka, maipagpapatuloy mo ang pagbibigay ng pinansyal na tulong at pangangailangan para sa mga mahal mo sa buhay kahit wala ka na sa mundo,” says Leaño who’s barely one and a half years in the insurance business. “This way, maaalala ka pa rin ng mga naiwan mo at iisipin nilang mahal mo sila.”

She, however, warned prospective customers from dealing with unstable companies since these can break down anytime after incurring financial losses and bankruptcy for one reason or another.

Buying life insurance, in fact, helps minimize estate taxes. Leaño explained that the moment you die, for instance, all your assets will immediately go to your estate. The government then takes a big portion of your estate in the form of taxes. Without estate planning, your family will have to pay the taxes due and this could be taken care of as you wish. By giving some of your assets away while you are still alive, you reduce your estate and the taxes owed from it.

Being an agent entails a lot of dedication to deliver quality service to customers and clients.

“Sabi sa ‘kin ng isang matagal nang ahente—sa unang-unang pag-deliver mo ng tseke ng amount dun sa pamilya, talagang napakagaan ng pakiramdam sa loob dahil kahit papaano’y nakatulong ka sa kanila,” Leaño told Insurance World. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 6 Number 4, October 2003 issue, page 15

Melita Trinidad-Carvajal: a beacon of militant women’s movement Unlike the traditional politicians who put themselves on a pedestal, with their usual dirty politics and rent-a-mob gimmicks, activist Melita Trinidad-Carvajal who was felled by assassins’ bullets two weeks ago, worked and lived among the masses.

It was serendipitous that Melita Trinidad-Carvajal, or Tita Mely to her friends, was born on International Women’s Day – March 8, 1953. She grew up in barangay (village) Labas in Santa Rosa, Laguna and completed high school at the Santa Rosa Educational Institute. She finished a medical secretarial course at the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) in Manila in 1976.

Years later, she married Pedro Carvajal Jr., a local businessman. Husband was however killed in 1992, allegedly by policemen. The tragedy not only left Tita Mely alone to bring up their three children but signaled her political awakening to the realities of an unjust society.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 214

Political awakening Tita Mely thus became deeply involved with issues faced by urban poor communities in Laguna.

For example, there were violent demolitions in Barangay Pulong Santa Cruz between October 22, 2002 and mid- 2003, affecting hundreds of shanties. Andasol Finance Corporation supposedly owned the land, and the urban poor dwellers either accept eviction or fight back. Tita Mely, who owned a small hardware shop that had already been bulldozed, chose the latter.

Many times, local officials promised to provide a relocation site for those evicted but the promise always turned out to be a hoax. The dislocated families thus resort to building shanties by the road where life for them even became more miserable and dangerous. But they continuously reported harassments by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel, Black Hawk Agency security guards, Andasol’s civilian agents and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Santa Rosa, particularly against women and children.

Last January 21, Tita Mely, along with nine other urban poor women, was arrested and illegally detained at the municipal jail. She was being released ahead of the others but she refused to leave the others behind, remaining in prison until all her fellow detainees were set free.

Whenever the victims felt afraid of confronting the perpetrators, she would tell them, “O sige, ako’ng magsasalita pero kailangan nasa likod ko kayo” (All right, I will do the speaking but I need all of you to back me up). She thus became an organizer of the local urban poor group called Pilside Neighborhood Association (PNA).

Politics of the masses Tita Mely’s family is known in the area for being neighborly and charitable. In fact, some members of her clan won in past local elections through honest means and without using the traditional guns, goons and gold.

It was only natural then for Tita Mely to become politicized, which was amplified with her involvement with women and workers’ causes.

Before she became the spokesperson of the local multi-sectoral alliance, she worked as legal assistant for a law office that advances workers’ rights. Later, she joined Gabriela Women’s Party-list (GWP) as city coordinator.

In May this year, she decided to run as an independent candidate for municipal councilor.

Her public service continued beyond the electoral campaign. Among the issues she fought for were free hospitalization for poor citizens and greater assistance for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs.

She also figured prominently in the campaign to oppose Santa Rosa’s conversion into a component city, a plan that she feared would burden the people with new tax measures.

Tita Mely earned the wrath of local officials because of her fearless exposition of corruption and irregularities in government.

Hero’s final rest Early morning of Aug. 27, Tita Mely was waiting for a jeepney ride in front of her house in Santa Rosa on her way to a meeting with colleagues. Suddenly, a man poked a gun into her head and fired.

Tita Mely fell down on the road but the man fired two more shots into her body. The assassin, together with another gunman who served as a lookout, walked away casually and boarded a Suzuki X3 motorcycle toward Cabuyao town.

Neighbors rushed Tita Mely to a nearby hospital but she died along the way.

The news of her murder spread instantly, inducing grief from her comrades and friends, and countless villagers whose lives she had touched.

“Sobrang bait niya,” (She was such a good person) 29-year-old Dr. Abbygail Carvajal, Tita Mely’s daughter who is a medical doctor told Bulatlat. “Gusto ko sanang sumama sa pag-autopsy sa katawan

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 215

niya kaya lang pinigilan ako, baka daw ‘di ko kayanin” (I wanted to join the autopsy but I was stopped. They thought it would be unbearable for me).

Helen Asdolo, GWP-Southern Tagalog secretary-general described Tita Mely as “good-hearted” and “approachable” particularly to poor people who needed help. She said Tita Mely also assisted victims of abuse and violence.

Tita Mely’s remains were cremated at the Eternal Gardens Memorial Park in Biñan town last Sept.

3 evening. More than 1,000 people gathered in front of the Santa Rosa public plaza earlier that day where leaders of militant and civic organizations paid tribute.

Even Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal had something to say about Tita Mely. He said, via phone patch, that Tita Mely’s “sacrificial death will not be wasted” and that “the people themselves will move to achieve justice that is due them.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 32, September 12-18, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-32/4-32-carvajal.html

Chuck and the pine stalks BAGUIO CITY – The city is all aglow for the merriest season of the year. The air is starting to get cold as people exchange gifts and greetings, remembering that the true spirit of Christmas is that families joyously gather and dine together.

For the 32-year-old entrepreneur Chuck Reduta, caring for his family and children are paramount.

Being at the right place at the right time can instill lasting happiness, just like what the country’s popular fast food chain has done to suit the taste buds of Filipinos.

“Last Christmas, we gave gifts to poor children in the slum areas of Angono, which we regularly do. Sometimes we adopt an entire village and hold a party there. Though we’re busy during the holiday season, we really take a time out for activities like this,” he recalled.

“Aside from that, we also have our usual gift-giving for non-government organizations (NGOs).

Lots of NGOs ask for sponsorship from us for their various projects for the less fortunate. There are even sponsorships on a per month basis,” he added.

Since joining Jollibee Food Corporation 10 years ago and since then rising from the ranks, Chuck has proved himself worthy of multiple jobs.

As store manager of Jollibee in Angono, Rizal, Chuck is one of the trailblazers of the FSC (Outstanding in Food, Service and Cleanliness) recognition among company-owned stores, who was able to turn around the store’s performance from mole hill to mountain.

The responsibility common to all store managers are sales, people management and profit. “While other stores find it hard to meet sales quota, we easily meet it. Others would comment that our people are inspired because they see leadership by example,” Chuck narrated. “I certainly believe that you need to have the necessary skill in managing people.”

For the past two years, he held the Presidential Award for Performance Excellence (PAPE) silver cup and he knew this was not going to be easy. “I have to keep the cup, get another FSC award, and meet or exceed sales and profit targets. It’s really hard to balance all of these,” he admitted.

“One should have good leadership qualities—assertiveness, service-oriented, love for balancing things...kahit saan ka nagmulang pamilya, ibababa mo ʻyung ego mo para maging servant. Actually, ʻyon ang nanaig sa akin,” he told this writer one chilly morning, as both of us stared at Baguio Cathedral, an old edifice founded by Belgian missionaries in 1907.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 216

The anxiety over reports of meningococcemia outbreak failed to postpone a road trip to this “Summer Capital”, although thousands of visitors cut short their vacation while countless others canceled their hotel reservations.

Not surprisingly, Jollibee-Angono seem to have a strong following among fast food lovers who would fill the outlet to overflowing. Cars, with their blinking lights, are entering the drive-thru one after the other.

Chuck, who was once a volleyball player for their college team, knew well that this is not enough.

All in all, such steadfast endeavors, wonderful forests and tranquility point to a bright future for Chuck and ll that he cares for, as he looked forward to the day when he will have to visit the city of pines, flowers and ukay-ukay once again with triumph. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 7 Number 6, December 2004 issue, page 21

Remembering Fort The word “fort” signifies strength, consistency and stability. For the militant workers of Southern Tagalog, Fort is slain Nestle union president Diosdado “Fort” Fortuna. If one is to ask them, the dictionary connotations are also characteristics that have made Fort the man a pillar of strength for the trade union movement.

The positions that Diosdado “Ding” Fortuna (or simply Fort) held in the numerous labor organizations he had led reveals a badge of unflagging service – chairman of Anakpawis Partylist-Southern Tagalog; co-chairman of the National Coalition for the Protection of Worker’s Rights in Southern Tagalog (NCPWR-ST); chair of the Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan (Pamantik or Unity of Workers in Southern Tagalog), Kilusang Mayo Uno’s (KMU) regional center – the list goes on.

With Fort’s passing, he will be remembered by all those who knew him personally and through the many younger comrades he inspired to become devoted to the people’s cause.

Pillar of strength Fort was born on Nov. 18, 1954. Growing up in a peasant family in Canlubang, Laguna, he was driven by an abiding interest to serve the oppressed amid the turbulence at the former sugar estate once claimed by the affluent Yulo family.

He finished high school at the Rizal Institute in 1971 and subsequently took up AB Political Science at the Laguna College of Business and Arts (LCBA) in Calamba City, south of Manila.

Unfortunately, he was not able to complete the four-year course.

Since 1976, he worked at the Swiss-owned multinational company Nestle Cabuyao factory where he was assigned to operate machines that process instant powdered milk.

Luz, 45, his wife with whom he had three children, recalls how Fort was “a perfect husband – considerate, calm, and with no pretensions.” Through the years, he has been looked upon as the provider, disciplinarian and pillar of strength. For her, he was her heart and wing.

Whenever he was home, which became rare as he became immersed in various campaigns, he made sure he spent all his hours with Luz and the children.

Karina Castillo of the NCPWR-ST remembers him as a wisecracker who would throw infectious jokes during stressful moments. He could also sing and write songs. “Kahit inaabot kami ng madaling-araw sa mga pulong, walang inaantok sa amin dahil sa kanya. ‘Di ko alam kung magagawa

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 217

pa namin ‘yun ngayon” (Even if the meetings last till the next morning, nobody gets sleepy because of him. I don’t know if we can still do that now).

“Marami akong natutunan sa kanya – taktika, pamamaraan at karanasan sa pakikibaka...’di ko alam kung kaya kong tumbasan ‘yung dedikasyon niya sa kilusan, laluna kung ang pag-uuusapan ay karapatan at laban ng mga manggagawa” (I learned a lot from him – tactics, methods and experiences in struggle. I don’t think I can match his dedication to the movement, especially to workers’ rights and struggles), she said, holding back the tears.

Union man Fort joined the union in the 1970s where he learned the fine points of working-class politics.

Shortly after the brutal assassination of then union president Meliton Roxas in 1989, he assumed its leadership.

In 2001, talks between union and management bogged down when the latter insisted that the retirement benefits be excluded from the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), arguing it is a unilateral grant by the company.

Nestle workers were outraged, as management defied the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision in 1991 which stated, “The court agrees with the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) findings that the retirement plan was a collective bargaining issue right from the start (page 109, Rollo).”

In 2002, more than 600 workers went on strike. A year later, the Court of Appeals affirmed the SC ruling. Despite a wave of violent dispersals in the picket line by the police and military and continued harassment of union officers, the strikers vigilantly stood their ground to demand justice.

In a media forum held last April, Fort spoke about military-sponsored public slide shows tagging legitimate people’s organizations as “communist fronts,” labor organizers being tracked down by suspected intelligence agents, and himself being “blacklisted.” “‘Yung pamangkin at anak ko na nag-aaplay sa trabaho, ‘yung isa natanggap na pero kinabukasan tinanggal dahil ‘Fortuna’ daw siya” (My nephew and child applied for work; one of them was accepted but dismissed the following day because his surname is ‘Fortuna’), he said, warning about the possible threat of military crackdown against the swelling ranks of militant trade unions.

He asked: “Ito ba ang kahulugan ng mga kataga ni Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) nang sabihin niya na ‘lalabanan natin ang mga kriminal, gambling at drug lords at ‘yung mga terorista sa mga pabrikang lumilikha ng trabaho?’” (Is this what GMA meant when she said, ‘let us fight against criminals, gambling and drug lords, and those who terrorize factories that create jobs?)

Moment of truth Rebecca Lawson, one of the mission workers of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) who have met Fort wrote the following passage: “A group of international, young, church people were finishing an ‘immersion of the industrial reality’ and having an assessment with him last Sept. 19. As we sat in a circle sharing our experience together with the workers, a Canadian woman commented, ‘Kuya Fort, I am so inspired by you. When you were introduced, the list of your leadership was so long: chair of several workers’ organizations, secretary-general of another, president of the Nestle union. In my country, those leading so many people are usually full of importance. “‘But when I watch you here at the picket, you embody for me what I think Jesus Christ would be.

I see you cleaning tables, nurturing your grandchild, encouraging the people around; you are just so much a gentle servant-leader’.

“Having sensed evil around, a truthful humor opened mouth and I added, ‘But you know what they did to Jesus...’ A warm and sad laugh enveloped us and tears streamed down the face of Kuya Fort.”

On Sept. 22 at around 6 p.m., while riding a motorcycle on his way home to Rodriquez Subdivision in Barangay Paciano, Calamba City, Fort was mercilessly shot to death by unknown assailants. He was 50. ###

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 218

First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 34, October 2-8, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2005/10/05/remembering-fort/

Caring and involved March is a month not only for honoring women everywhere but also a reminder of their significant roles, that is, to nurture their children and be engaged in social concerns.

Two distinct women from the province of Rizal, interviewed by Insurance World, has a lot of trials and difficulties but never gives up in striving. Like Berlita “Berly” Fabrero who has strived hard enough for a better life.

This former yaya (nanny) knew that education is a key to progress both to the nation and to an individual. For many years, she has worked to finance her studies from college to post-graduate studies.

Later, she finally earned her spotlight when she was appointed as head of Social Security System (SSS) branch in Antipolo City.

“Do good to everyone,” Berly advised. “At iwasan mo ʻyung magkimkim ng galit sa ibang tao (and avoid holding a grudge against other people).”

As the manager, Berly loves to play coach as she tries to keep in touch with all the employees under her. A pat on the back, she told this writer, can give them assurance that they’re doing a good job.

For this lady career executive, a successful woman entails the role of nurturing the family. Upon retirement, Berly plans to develop a livelihood skills training program as a form of charity service to increasingly needy families who are trying to cope with the hard economic environment.

Aurora Villamayor, incumbent vice-mayor of Angono town, meanwhile, believes that women today should band together to play a unique and meaningful role in nation-building.

“Di na uso ngayon na pambahay lang ang babae (it’s no longer the trend that women remain a housewife),” Villamayor said smiling. “Kailangan ʻyung babae ipinakikita ʻyung kakayahan niya (it is important for a woman to show her abilities).”

This devout lady, who currently chairs the local United Methodist Church’s worship committee, is also an energetic musician, having finished a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the Philippine Women’s University (PWU). She has gone to different secondary schools to train young students to sing and join choral competitions.

For many instances in the past, Villamayor would find herself in situations where she’s challenged to empower her own kind. Back then, she became a delegate to the World Council of Churches, a global congregation of Protestant churches, dominated mostly by men. She attributes some of the strength of those like her to Harris Memorial College, an institution that helps develop women church workers.

But for now, she happens to be the only lady within the halls of the municipal council, sitting as the presiding officer.

Villamayor exhorted: “Huwag tayong umupo at manood na lang sa isang tabi. Kailangang makibahagi tayo sa mga pagkilos at tumulong sa paglutas ng mga problema ng ating lipunan (Let’s not just sit and watch in the corner. We should take part in actions and help in resolving our society’s problems).” ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 8 Number 9, March 2006 issue, page 9

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 219

The awakening of Maria Teresa Pangilinan Maria Teresa Pangilinan, a recent graduate of the Cavite State University, hogged the headlines for calling on the ouster of the President while the president was in the middle of her speech. What were the factors that led to her political awakening? What was the impact of her decision to publicly confront the highest official of the land?

Dasmariñas, Cavite (36 kms south of Manila) – Unknown to many people, youth leader Maria Teresa Pangilinan or Tere used to skip attending classes just to sleep, a habit she said that she developed ever since high school.

She admitted this is because she never liked the Computer Engineering course that she took in 1999. “Back then, I would be absent for two days every week,” the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) vice chair for Southern Tagalog revealed with a grin.

From being a nameless bubbly youth, she gained national prominence as the Cavite State University (CvSU) graduate who demanded the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and encouraging others to do the same.

After taking a break between tasks that seem to be full of twists and turns, this 23-year-old youth agreed to be interviewed and have her photos taken inside a modest office here unnoticed by most passersby.

Getting up The rustic town of Indang, Cavite is home to CvSU and Tere, the youngest in a brood of three.

Both parents, she said, sells merchandise goods to earn a living. At times, her father makes and sells cotton candies and balloons in the streets; her mother, candles.

Interests in acting, singing, writing scripts and essays had grown with her. To get rid of her absenteeism, she decided to join a campus-based theater group called Student Artists Society. It was when she met the director that served as an eye-opener to social realities. She slowly began to observe current issues in a deep-seated way.

But due to financial constraints, she had to stop schooling for a while to work as an office staff for a Korean garments factory within the Cavite Economic Processing Zone (CEPZ).

Just outside CEPZ gates, she would bump into pickets and listen with interest to militant workers’ speeches denouncing trade union repression and so-called sweatshops.

Seeing how “cruel” the system turns out to be, she returned to CvSU in 2003 and shifted to Mass Communication. “Dama ko pa rin na parang ang hirap mag-aral dito...komersyalisado na talaga ‘yung edukasyon. Akala ko sa pagbalik ko gan’un pa rin kababa ‘yung tuition fee (I felt that it’s so hard to study here...education is really commercialized. I thought the tuition fees would still be as low as before),” she laments. “Tapos, lumala ‘yung represyon sa kampus kasi parang diyos ‘yung mga dekano, ‘yung mga titser parang diyos (Then, campus repression worsened. The deans and teachers acted as though they were gods).”

Tere was no “Dean’s pet” when she got elected as chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council the following year. She also wrote articles for The Gazette, CvSU’s student newspaper. In 2005, she and her party took over the Central Student Government (CSG) with herself as president.

As student representative in the Board of Regents (BOR), she wrestled on issues like the budget cut for state colleges and universities, the commercialization of school facilities and services and the hiring of contractual teachers. “In the board meetings, the students are always outvoted. The administration thinks that I’m alone in this struggle when in fact, many students (student population is 5,000 more or less) are complaining against these policies.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 220

“She had a sense of responsibility, was dedicated, sensitive with understanding and principled as a leader,” The Gazette former culture editor Arem Ceasar de los Reyes remarked. “She’s also friendly and talented.”

Graduation protest The April 21 protest action aimed at no less than Arroyo, though swift and marred by controversy, made such a lasting impact. Students, columnists and militant organizations applauded it. All the president’s men, from Malacañang to the provincial capitol, condemned it.

Armed with sheer guts and wit, Tere said there was nothing wrong with protesting against Arroyo and that it is their right to exercise free expression anytime, anywhere.

“Since then, political consciousness perked up. Before, the students were stuck to watching telenovelas. Now, they started reading newspapers seriously, although there are some who are still afraid,” Tere points out. “In fact, some people hugged me that day. I also received a lot of text messages not only from students but also parents and relatives expressing their support.”

The positive effects, she explains, justified the action of the protesters; a reiteration that hope for this nation still rests on young Pinoys. “Sinungaling si Arroyo nang sabihin niya na kanya ang kabataan, na magkakaroon sila ng magandang kinabukasan sa ilalim niya (Arroyo was lying when she said the youth is on her side, that they will have a bright future under her).”

“What kind of future can the president promise to fresh graduates in a condition where most workers are reduced to being contractual with meager wages?” she asked in doubt.

Those who belong to the generation that witnessed the First Quarter Storm says Tere’s act is reminiscent of what another NUSP leader – 1970 Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee Edgar “Edjop” Jopson – had shown.

According to Benjamin Pimentel’s book Edjop: The Unusual Journey of Edgar Jopson, the young Jopson on January 30, 1970 demanded then Pres. Ferdinand Marcos to sign a document pledging that he will not run for a third term. This angered Marcos, ensued by his famed sarcastic remark: “Who are you to tell me what to do! You’re only a son of a grocer!” What followed next was the epic and bloody street demonstrations.

Referring to the likes of Edjop and other martyrs, Tere uttered with eyes glistening, “ Lahat ng militante na totoo ‘yung isinusulong ay kahanga-hanga (All militants whose advocacies are true inspire me).”

In the system Despite charges of public disturbance, threats of being declared persona non grata, being on a watchlist and other “reprisals,” she does not have any regret with what she did. And with credentials needed to apply for a job still on hold, for the meantime, she said: “ Dito muna ako” (I’ll stay here), referring to her organization.

“Nasa sistema ko na itong ginagawa ko (What I’m doing is already in my system),” she said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 18, June 11-17, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-18/6-18-teresa.htm

Tata Pido: staying alive, struggling on Veteran fisherfolk activist Peter “Tata Pido” Gonzalez survived Martial Law without being touched by government soldiers. It is only under the current regime that he had his near-brush with death. He

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 221

survived an attempt on his life but continues to fight, saying we are now under a regime worse than that of Marcos.

Peter “Tata Pido” Gonzalez, now 62, remembers vividly how he and other youth activists prepared themselves on and after Sept. 21, 1972 – the day fear enveloped the country following then President Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of martial law.

Prior to this, he had been a part-time municipal organizer of the militant youth organization Kabataang Makabayan (KM or Patriotic Youth) since 1970, speaking in behalf of fellow fisherfolks against unfair sharing practices of owners of large-scale commercial fishing enterprises.

On his trip to Manila that year, which was his first as a participant in the historic First Quarter Storm (FQS), Pido said he endured a teargas attack when their rally was brutally dispersed somewhere in Rizal Park (formerly Luneta).

“Noong naghahabulan na, isinakay ako ng drayer sa kanyang dyip. Di na ako siningil ng bayad, tinuruan pa ako kung saan pupunta... Lalong tumaas ang moral ko dahil malawak pala kami na pati sila ay mulat rin” (When police started pursuing us, a driver took me into his jeep. He didn’t ask me to pay the fare, and even gave me directions on where to go...That boosted my morale because I saw that there were many of us, that they were also aware), he reminisced enthusiastically.

Town festival The coastal town of Gumaca in Quezon province was celebrating the fiesta of Our Lady of Peñafrancia on the same day when martial law was imposed. And while its people were in a jolly mood, KM members stayed vigilant all through that Thursday night.

“Nagkataon na nasa peryahan kami, naglalakwatsa, gising pa kami noon nang marinig namin sa radyo na idineklara ʻyong martial law” (It so happened that we were in a carnival, going around, still awake when we heard over the radio that martial law had been declared), Pido, who was then 28, recalled. “Nagtipun-tipon kami sa HQ. Kinalas namin y’ong mga libro at pamphlets namin na kanyakanya naming itinago. Bago sumikat ang araw kinabukasan, kami’y nakapagtago na, tapos ni-raid ng sundalo y’ong HQ at ʻyung ilang natutulog na kasamahan ay binitbit nila.” (We gathered at our headquarters. We hid the books and pamphlets we had at the headquarters. Before sunrise the next day, we had gone into hiding, and then soldiers raided our headquarters and seized some of our group mates who were sleeping there.)

Having a lanky body frame even then, he hid in a banca floating in the middle of the sea. Day by day, food was brought to him by a network of supporters whom he helped organize. Colleagues who knew his location would also visit to update him.

After a month of absence, he resumed his organizing work among peasants back home in a clandestine way, and contributed in the broad resistance against the “fascist-dictator” regime.

Luckily, he eluded arrest despite repeated military summons instructing him to “clear his name.”

He believes that if he had turned himself to their custody, he would have been detained, or worse, killed. By the 1980s, he decided to “go away” but he struggled on, he said.

During that period, the most eminent lesson he learned was “tibay ng loob” (strong will) and “magtiwala sa masa” (rely on the masses). “Di ako pinabayaan ng masa kaya ʻdi ako napitik man lang ng mga sundalo ni Marcos” (The masses took good care of me, that’s why Marcos’ soldiers were never able to lay even a finger on me.)

GMA “worse than Marcos” Pido believes the specter of martial law has made a comeback under the Arroyo administration. The only difference is that it is undeclared, he said.

He cited the liquidation attempt against him during the May 2004 elections, when he ran for a seat in the Quezon provincial board under the wing of Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Party-list. He was shot seven times by gunmen allegedly belonging to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 222

Luzon Command (Solcom). Military officials had earlier accused him of being a New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla.

He said he was angry at the time he was brought to the hospital with a bleeding head. “ Sabi ko sa misis ko: ʻMedy, huwag kang iiyak. Di natin bibigyan ng kasiyahan ang ating mga kaaway... Hindi nila kayang ubusin ang Anakpawis!” (I told my wife: “Medy, do not cry. Let us not give satisfaction to our enemies...They cannot kill off the whole Anakpawis!”)

Even during the Marcos dictatorship, he never experienced a death threat as outrageous as the one he had to put up with under the current regime. “Bagaman tuluy-tuloy ang pagdukot at pagpatay, noong Martial Law makakapag-ingat ka. Pero ngayon, nakakapagkunwari ang gobyerno. Mas matindi at garapal ang pampulitikang panunupil ngayon sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo.” (Though abductions and killings were continuous then during Martial Law you could get by if you were careful enough. But now the government pretends. But political repression is now more brazen under the Arroyo regime.)

Pido’s words of advice to the younger generation are: join the movement that struggles for change.

“Noon, madalas kong sabihin na ʻang Pilipinas ay perlas ng silangan’. Ngayon, silangan na lang, wala nang perlas dahil dinambong na... Kahit mga propesyunal ay wala ding magandang kinabukasan dahil puro kontraktwal sila. Kapag ika’y hindi mulat, patuloy kang mangangapa sa dilim. Gusto ba ninyong manahin ang isang lipunang ganito kabulok?” (I used to describe the Philippines as “the pearl of the orient.” But all that’s left now is the orient, the country’s a pearl no longer because it has been plundered...Even professionals have no bright future to look forward to because they’re all contractuals. If you’re unaware, you would always be groping in the dark. Do you want to inherit a society this rotten?) ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 33, September 24-30, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2010/04/13/tata-pido-staying-alive-struggling-on/

Women flaunt their free mind & open heart “I have passion for my work...I’m working up the ladder,” Catalina “Cata” Cua, mother of a 13-yearold girl, said with a marked smile.

Cata, also executive assistant of MAA General Assurance Philippines, Inc., says nurturing life, family and career are essential to women—how they think or deal with other people, juggling priorities, cooperating and living harmoniously.

A business administration graduate from Saint Scholastica’s College-Manila in 1982, she lived in the United States for five years but came back to lie the knot and bring up a family of her own, which she did full-time for the past ten years.

She’s happy getting back to work. The opportunity for employment unexpectedly came from the company’s president Daniel Go (her current boss).

Beyond their careers that make them feel independent, women like Cata still share a bigger responsibility at home, and being there to listen.

Open heart “Being emotional is being sensitive and adjusting to your surroundings and that is a good trait. It’s not bad,” Cata, who is of Chinese lineage, said. “When women talk about their emotions or problems, it is one way of getting over that problem and solving it. Men tend to keep it to themselves. Sa babae, mas nailalabas nila ang kanilang tinatago (with women, they open up more).”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 223

She recalled having assigned a tough task to accomplish last year, which displayed her sense of leadership. “I never knew I could do something successful, like organizing our company’s anniversary party. I asked myself: how would I start? I think I persevered because of my strong belief in the power of teamwork...The fact na wala kang narinig na negative comment, okay na (The fact that you didn’t hear a negative comment, that’s okay). That paid off.”

In our poverty-stricken society, she considers sharing time and blessings to children fulfill a woman’s worth.

Every year, all the company’s employees get to visit Tondo, Manila to help feed poor children and donating goods to the institution that shelters them. The activity, she said, usually falls on her boss’s birthday.

She reminisced the occasion when she fed and played with a two-year-old malnourished child: “It pains me, kasi ʻyung bata (because the child), he was already eating sand. That was what the nuns told me. Madadama mo ʻyung (you would feel the) attachment because you show them attention. Sa mga mata nila, madadama mo rin ʻyung longing na kung puwede ikaw na lang ang nanay nila (In their eyes, you will feel their longing, how they wish that you’d be a mother to them)...It’s very hard, umiiyak sila kapag alam nilang aalis ka na, kitang-kita na apektado sila (they cry when they knew that you’re going to leave, it’s obvious that they’re affected).”

Saying her piece Being herself and keeping an open mind generates resiliency. Regarding marital relationship over and above issues affected women, Cata makes sure that she says her piece, whether her partner accepts it or not.

On issues like divorce and domestic violence, however, she agrees to conduct an awareness campaign. “But pulling them out of that situation...it’s up to them.”

She also approves divorce as an option for couples but only as a last resort in resolving conflict.

She argues: “If one has irreconcilable differences with his/her partner, why stay within the marriage?

If in case you find a partner in the future, at least di iyon patago, nagiging ilegal pa (it’s not concealed, which makes it illegal). There should be a valid reason and a solution.”

When asked what are things women must struggle to achieve, she explained: “I think they’ve come this far already. Na-achieve na nila ang gusto nila (They’ve already achieved what they want). In fact, it’s not a struggle between women and men; it’s not even a competition, but how they show their capacity to reach the top.”

Being productive Meanwhile, Christine Chan Lee of Sun Life Financial (Redwood NBO) says a woman’s role is to be a productive member of society. “Whether a woman chooses to pursue a career or devote herself to her family, we all have a responsibility to God and society to do our best to make this country better for our children.”

She believes that women should strive to “personally-gratifying lives” (in their careers) without sacrificing the quality of family life. “I think it’s very important for a woman to maintain her own identity and continue to cultivate her personal growth even after marriage and bearing children.”

In recent years, she said, more and more women are independently taking the role of a provider.

She asked: “Perhaps the more relevant question in these times is: ʻwhat is the role of men in the family?’”

One of the boys Oriental Assurance Corporation executive vice-president Luz Cotoco’s way of thinking is more like of a man than a woman.

“I was born to a family of men. I have four brothers and five male cousins. I grew up in the company of boys; therefore, I am more comfortable with males than females. My father trained me

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 224

since the day I started working for our family business,” she told Insurance Manila in an e-mail message.

Apart from instructing her on how to be a professional businesswoman, she said her father also taught her drinking and playing golf—just like men.

She recalled: “He believed that if I know how to drink, men would not be able to abuse or fool me.

In many instances before, men would invite me to drink with them. Some would want to get me drunk for obvious reasons. But because they get drunk ahead of me, they respect me; they know they can’t fool me, and they also feel I’m one of the boys. This helped me a lot in my business of predominantly male executives...surprisingly, I play golf mostly with men and very seldom with women.”

The foregoing things, values and attitudes, she said, help her become empowered as a woman. “I feel that I am equal to men and I can do almost everything that they can do.” ### First published in Insurance Manila magazine, Volume 1 Number 3, February-March 2007 issue, page 27-29

Ghel Raagas: empowered by faith On a first encounter with Angelica “Ghel” Raagas, one cannot fail to notice the importance of faith that dwells within her.

“Everyday, I can draw strength and I am replenished by my Savior’s comfort and council. I can say His will is my life,” Ghel says ecstatically with a smile.

This 33-year-old psychologist from San Fernando, Pampanga continues to juggle time being a wife (to husband Bong), a mother (to 15-month old baby Yael), as insurance executive and, notably, as God’s messenger.

“Existing is easy but ʻliving’ requires active participation and choice,” Ghel told this writer in an interview. “For choices to be real and meaningful, there have to be consequences. Choices that have the greatest consequences are the most meaningful. For example, the day you decided to get married or the day you decided on your career were your most meaningful days. You grew as a person because you made choices. People who don’t make choices don’t change or grow up.”

Women are not mere baby-makers but can be a guiding light through their sacrifices and hard work.

Ghel compares women to cushions—warm, soft, comforting and dependable.

“A woman should submit to her husband, though decision-making is based on a mutual agreement,” she says. She believes that men should treat women in a “gentlemanly” manner not because they are weaklings but it is due them; that is, to be given security and consideration.

Part of her Christian ministry is to uplift couples having marital problems. As a “non-comformist”, she stands against abortion. “It is our obligation as women and mothers to take care of our children...I believe that babies should be treated with the most love and respect from the beginning and it is our challenge to open ourselves to feeling and hearing their needs and requests and seeing that these are met in the most gentle and loving manner possible.”

Ghel thinks it’s “heroic” and “worthy” for women who prioritize the family aside from being “able to inspire, motive and exude beauty from within.”

She also deplores domestic violence. “The husband inflicting physical, verbal and emotional abuse on their wives for whatever reasons should not be condoned...many women are still afraid to voice our their sufferings and pain probably due to lack of education or because of the values they were taught by their parents to hold on to the marriage no matter what happens despite the torment under the hands of their husbands who promised to care, support, love and provide for them.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 225

We can’t have a meaningful life if we only do something meaningful occasionally. Meaningful lives, she added, require meaningful choices. ### First published in Insurance Manila magazine, Volume 1 Number 4, April 2007 issue, page 13

Memos and verses from the ʻtomb of the living’ The nightmare experience exactly a year ago (April 28, 2006) is still vivid for detainees Axel Pinpin, Riel Custodio, Aristedes Sarmiento, Enrico Ybañez, and Michael Masayes, collectively known as the “Tagaytay 5.”

Calamba City, Laguna (52 kms. south of Manila)–The nightmare experience exactly a year ago (April 28, 2006) is still vivid for detainees Axel Pinpin, Riel Custodio, Aristedes Sarmiento, Enrico Ybañez, and Michael Masayes, collectively known as the “Tagaytay 5.”

How they wished they were actors for an action movie that would all end with the director’s cut when armed men in plain clothes blocked them abruptly at gunpoint while riding a rented vehicle along a narrow road in Barangay Sungay in Tagaytay City (some 56 kms. south of Manila), forced to board a van and held down on the floor blindfolded and handcuffed at the back.

As per Sarmiento’s account, their captors—who later turned out to be officers and soldiers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Navy—hid them for seven harrowing days “ na parang bola na pinagpasapasahan sa apat na kampo militar at paulit-ulit na itinangging hawak nila kami” (like a ball that was passed on through four military camps, with them repeatedly denying they were holding us).

“Piniringan kami habang ilegal at duwag na ininteroga; manaka-nakang pinatikim ng romansamilitar; binantaang isa-salvage at kukuryentihin; inalok na ʻbumaligtad’ o ʻilaglag ang mga kasama niyo, may pera pa kayo!’ hanggang sa sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso ng rebelyon at murder matapos ang mahigit 100 oras na dukutin” (We were blindfolded while illegally and cowardly being subjected to interrogation; tortured from time to time; threatened with summary execution or electrocution; offered with the option of ʻcapitulation’ or ʻyou’ll obtain money if you squeal against your comrades!’ until we were charged with fabricated rebellion and murder cases after over 100 hours since our abduction), Sarmiento recalled. “Hanggang 36 oras lamang maaaring legal na idetine ang sinumang suspek nang walang habla sa korte. Ipinagkait sa amin ang karapatang magkaroon ng abogado sa loob ng pitong araw na iyon” (A suspect may only be legally detained for 36 hours without charges. But we were denied of our right to a legal counsel for seven days.)

Families and friends attested that Custodio, Pinpin and Sarmiento are peasant organizers and agriculturists allied with the Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka or Association of Cavite Farmers) working on rural development projects, while Ybañez and Masayes are simply cock-fighting enthusiasts who live in Tagaytay City.

In a press briefing on Labor Day 2006, then PNP chief Gen. Arturo Lomibao claimed having thwarted another “destabilization plot” against the government, proof of which was the “arrest” of the five who they accused as New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. But Commissioner Wilhelm Soriano of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said they were actually abducted, not arrested.

Nightmares end, they thought. But being locked-up daily in a cramp, 5 x 6-meter cell here (“the tomb of the living,” they say) at the Base Police Detention Center inside Camp Vicente Lim in

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 226

Canlubang, everything is for real as they actually feel its brunt on their weakening bodies and empty stomachs.

Hunger strike A hunger striker’s body uses energy from glucose during the first three days, after which the liver would start processing body fat. The body then gets into a starvation mode three weeks later where it “mines” the muscles and vital organs for energy. Body resistance is estimated to last within 60 days.

Being aware of the perils, Custodio, Pinpin and Sarmiento led the group’s prison protest that started with a 40-day fast from Feb. 20 to March 31, subsisting only on biscuits and liquids. During the onset of Holy Week (April 1), they began to shun biscuits and declared a full-scale hunger strike.

Meanwhile, Masayes and Ybañez maintained their regular meals due to health considerations.

They recalled the prison struggles of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. and other political prisoners during the Marcos martial law regime, whose conditions they said were similar to theirs. They also cited as example the raging hunger strikes of Muslim detainees under U.S. military prisons in Guantanamo Naval Base in 2005.

Artists, lawmakers, professionals, non-government organizations, leftists and religious groups were since drawn together in their quest for justice and freedom, prompting political detainees Eduardo “Edik” Serrano, Sandino Esguerra, Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Rep. Crispin Beltran and others to also stage their own sympathy fast.

The group also reaped compassion from Bp. Leo Drona of the Diocese of San Pablo who called for solidarity with political prisoners among the Catholic faithful; instructing the Diocesan Prison Ministry to do fact-finding missions and requesting parishes to hold jail visits.

Captive poet With poet Pinpin among those languishing in jail, it is as though writers, artists and cultural workers are being gagged—threatened that they might suffer the same fate if they opt to be vocal in resisting oppression.

Even the Philippine chapter of PEN (Poets, Essayists and Novelists), a global federation of writers across all genres that advocate freedom of expression and writer’s rights, has joined other artists’ groups in calling to free Pinpin—a 1999 Fellow for Poetry of the UP (University of the Philippines) National Writers Workshop and author of a poetry compilation called Tugmaang Walang Tugma (Rhyming Without Rhymes).

What is the implication of his captivity for Filipino poets and artists?

“Tingin ko mas malaking impact ang pagkakahuli” (I think the abduction made a big impact), Pinpin told Bulatlat in an interview in May 2006. “Kumbaga, sana magsilbi siyang eye-opener kung saan ba dapat papunta ang mga makatang Pilipino. Kumbaga, dapat ʻyung poetry hindi lang sana mapunta doon sa libro kundi mapunta mismo sa mamamayan; na dapat magsilbi kung saan ba dapat magsilbi ʻyung poetry na ginagawa ng mga makata. ʻYun, mas ganun ko siya naiisip. (I hope it serves as an eye-opener on the right path for Filipino poets is. Poetry should not only end up in books but should reach the people; that poems produced by poets should serve those it must serve. That’s what I think.)

Recounting their ordeal in the poem “Ang Pagdalaw sa Libingan ng mga Buhay” (A Visit to the Tomb of the Living), he wrote: Ang binubulok dito’y hindi malamig na katawang-lupa Kundi mga pangarap at alab ng hangad ng paglaya.

Ang inaagnas dito’y hindi buto, buhok at ngipin Kundi mga karanasan ng paglaban ng kauring alipin.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 227

To sustain the spirit of defiance, the Amado V. Hernandez Resource Center (AVHRC), a cultural institution named after the late National Artist who was also detained on charges of rebellion, visited and brought them last March some books, speeches and performances, and a petition letter for their release with several signatories including 2006 National Artist for Literature Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, novelists Jose Dalisay, Jr. and Ave Perez Jacob, and Parañaque City Rep.Roilo Golez among others.

At kung maliligaw ka sa paghahanap ng aming puntod, Hanapin lamang ang kurus na punglo sa baywang ng mga tanod.

Ang nitso nami’y di marmol, bagkus ay kalawanging rehas At sa lapida ay nakaukit ang walang-kamatayang pag-aaklas.

Respect for prisoners’ rights Though the hunger strike may have fueled unfavorable publicity for the PNP, appeals that revolve around the issue of “cruel” and “undue punishment” of prisoners—such as denial of basic rights like a visitors’ area, sunning and outdoor exercises, conjugal visits, adequate medical care, recreational stuffs, proper beds or sleeping materials; and of past offenses such as abduction, torture, illegal detention, ʻincriminatory machination’ and robbery—are still unresolved. Philippine penal regulations guarantee these basic rights.

So far, the detainees’ request for sunning, outdoor exercises and check-up by doctors of their choice have been granted. Other petitions mentioned above remain unheeded by the PNP Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) under its regional director Chief Supt. Nicasio Radovan, Jr. The Tagaytay 5 believe their continued incarceration without trial and evidence is rooted in the Arroyo administration’s conspiracy to have them rot in jail bearing the tag “terrorists” or “enemies of the state” under its “national security” program Oplan Bantay Laya (Operation Freedom Watch).

Indications show that what the PNP and the Department of Justice (DoJ) wanted from the beginning is a speedy arraignment and a “moro-moro” hearing that would immediately result to a conviction, they said.

On April 21, Custodio passed out as he tried to stand up. Pinpin also collapsed a day before while doing an outdoor exercise with fellow inmates. Doctors said these are due to severe lack of sugar in the blood. It also turned out that the clinic inside the camp where they were brought in is not equipped nor its personnel prepared to handle such kind of emergencies, besides not having the courtesy to rush them to a nearby hospital.

If all these were not bad enough, one of the five remarked, perhaps these are warning signs: their tormentors really want them dead.

When asked what would rectify the abuses and end all their hardships, they told that all the PNPDoJ need to do is simply file an affidavit of desistance to withdraw their charges, return all properties they stole including the money they have taken during their abduction, and ultimately set them free. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 7 Number 12, April 29-May 5, 2007 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2007/04/29/memos-and-verses-from-the-‘tomb-of-the-living’/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 228

Activists share brief recollections on Kabataang Makabayan Jose Rizal once declared: the youth is the hope of our nation. Five decades ago, his words radically transformed into a concrete reality, event organizers said.

QUEZON CITY – It’s been 50 years and yet it seems as though it were only yesterday when young and freedom-loving men and women took the road less traveled, braved the storms, sacrificed their lives and made a difference.

Last November 12 was recollection day for five activists who fought and survived the dark years of Martial Law, namely: Satur Ocampo, president of Makabayan Coalition; Randall Echanis, deputy secretary general of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP); Marie Hilao-Enriquez, chairperson of Samahan ng mga Ex-detainees laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA); Lou Roque, women’s rights advocate; Bonifacio Ilagan, multi-awarded writer; and Dr. Carol Araullo, chairperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN).

The event was organized by Saligan sa CSSP (College of Social Studies and Philosophy), Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students (LFS), Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (KARATULA), Linangan ng Kulturang Pilipino and the Institute for Nationalist Studies.

They gathered a sizeable audience inside Palma Hall, commonly known as “AS” within the University of the Philippines (UP) campus, the site where the entire UP community defied military rule in an event known as the Diliman Commune of February 1971. Opening remarks and introductory speeches were given by UP Chancellor Dr. Michael Tan and National Artist for Literature Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera respectively.

For many activists who were part of, or heard about, the historic First Quarter Storm (FQS) of 1970 and related events that followed, the occasion wasn’t just speeches and cultural presentations. It was also a time to celebrate the struggles, sacrifices and achievements of the first comprehensive youth organization that started it all—the Kabataang Makabayan (KM or Patriotic Youth).

From legal to underground KM’s place in the nation’s history is indelibly chronicled in books like Jose Maria Sison’s Struggle for National Democracy, Teodoro Agoncillo’s History of the Filipino People, Jose Lacaba’s Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage and in numerous articles and speeches as well. In fact, several KM activists who had died fighting the repressive regime were honored in the “Bantayog ng mga Bayani” (Monument of Heroes).

According to documents of its first national congress, KM was formally established in Manila in November 30, 1964—the 101st birth anniversary of patriotic-revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio— by a group of young intellectuals who vowed to continue the “unfinished Philippine revolution” and resolutely adopted a “national democratic program”. Then Professor Sison, who delivered the opening speech, was elected chairman; while then Senator Lorenzo Tañada, who gave the closing speech, became honorary member and consultant.

The members were college students and young trade unionists, which later included young teachers and professionals. They conducted study groups to inspire everyone to join their militant cause. Aside from schools, factories and slums within Manila and Rizal areas, they also managed to form chapters in cities, towns and rural districts of their home provinces.

Together with the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan (SDK or Democratic Association of the Youth), labor federations and peasant associations, KM organized and directed massive rallies and demonstrations on a broad range of issues: United States’ (US) war of aggression in Vietnam, US

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 229

military bases in the Philippines, oil price hikes, graft and corruption, among others. Its fame and influence consequently resulted to nationwide expansion.

It is believed that KM sparked the creation of “national democratic” mass organizations and formations after the FQS, all of which were eventually banned upon the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. It has since gone underground and remains as such up to this day.

Discipline and determination “MAKIBAKA! HUWAG MATAKOT!” (STRUGGLE! DON’T BE AFRAID!) was the popular battlecry during the late 1960s and early 1970s. How was youth activism like back then?

Ocampo, a charter member since KM’s founding, explained how theories, experiences and events here and abroad boosted their generation’s politicization, fueling a revolution that seeks to break the fetters of colonial and feudal bondage.

To be relevant and effective in arousing, organizing and mobilizing the youth, he emphasized the need to “connect with the workers and peasants, live and struggle with them.”

Ocampo added: “Rely on the strength of the masses; help them realize the problems that hinder their own progress and the proper course of action. Give them the capacity to understand their situation so that they themselves can do something to change it.”

Meanwhile, Echanis suffered “illegal” arrest and detention twice. As chairman of its chapter in the University of the East in 1970, he recalled setting up their HQ (headquarters) in the heart of Pandacan, Manila to organize slum dwellers and jeepney drivers.

“Though organizing in schools are necessary, students must not forget to organize people outside the schools, and join the struggles of the toiling masses,” he advised.

Today’s breed of young activists should also consider the value of discipline and solid determination, said Hilao-Enriquez, a former member of KM’s Kamuning chapter.

“Out-of-school youths and teachers frequently visited our HQ where educational discussions were held. We always kept the place clean and tidy—no hanging clothes and no slippers on the floor,” she reminisced. “We used to go around Kamuning asking homeowners to donate funds and even though we received very small amounts of money, the chance to have conversations with them was more important. That way, we had trained ourselves to become better speakers and witty in answering questions.”

Passion and commitment Looking back, the following speakers pointed out that organizing women as well as cultural work were crucial in advancing the people’s resistance in the countrysides.

“On the international scene, the women’s movement focused on individual rights,” said Roque, former head of the KM women’s bureau. “But in our semi-colonial, semi-feudal society, the basic demands of women include social and economic justice.”

Ilagan, former chairman of the UP Diliman chapter who later headed its cultural bureau, narrated: “I listened to speeches at rallies but was not yet organized. One time I rushed to help a female student who was being attacked by anti-riot policemen. I was beaten up, my arm turned painful and swollen.

The next day, I went to Vinzons Hall to look for KM members. I really wanted to join.”

After being recruited into the ranks, he had to quit college later. “Leaving the university wasn’t so difficult for me. My passion with work and deep commitment made me forget about personal ambitions. And I can honestly say, after so many years, I didn’t regret it.”

Half a century had already passed. Under the current Aquino administration, the issues are still the same: return of US military bases through the Visiting Forces Agreement and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, the killing of Jennifer Laude by a US soldier, oil price hikes, graft and corruption, among others. Scores of activists and ordinary citizens continue to become victims of extrajudicial killings, tortures, incarcerations and enforced disappearances.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 230

Dr. Araullo, who was then involved with the Student Catholic Action and UP student council, told the audience that there’s indeed life after being a “YS” (youth-student), reminding them to carry forward the struggle wherever they are, whenever they can, and for as long as social problems remain unresolved.

“To those who are thinking of becoming activists or revolutionaries, I can tell you with conviction that you’ll never regret it,” she said. “They who remained as activists and revolutionaries, despite having reached a mature age, are one of the most intelligent, incisively analytical, broad-minded and happy people.” ### First published in Bulatlat, November 23, 2014 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2014/11/23/activists-share-brief-recollections-on-kabataangmakabayan/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 231

PART SEVEN: LABOR “Our Korean companies arrogantly mocked our law, yet they are not being clubbed to suffer head and body injuries but rather enjoy full protection and relentless favor from the government.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 232

Gov’t employees urge GMA to sack GSIS chief Amid growing anger and frustration over alleged anomalous transactions and numerous unaddressed complaints such as delay in the release of loans, government employees are demanding for the immediate ouster of Government Security and Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Winston Garcia from his post.

Sources told Insurance World that GSIS employees feared bomb threats at the main office in Pasay City, aside from an incident where employees at the regional offices did not wear their uniforms so as not to be identified and ensure their safety from furious loan applicants.

A dead body of a government employee was left to lying in front of a GSIS district office. Sources revealed that the old man died while hoping to secure a loan so he can procure his much-needed medicines.

A big let down Since April this year, government employees have failed to obtain their salary loans and retirement claims from GSIS. Garcia reasoned that this was due to caused by the ongoing computer system modernization program (the project called for a ‘temporary halt’ in processing loans to pave way for the arrangement of the institution’s database). He likewise blamed the failure of other government agencies to allot Php40 billion worth of contributions.

Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho of the Department of Finance lashed at Garcia for letting down loan applicants. Secretary Emilia Boncodin of the Department of Budget and Management, meanwhile, says that Garcia even bragged that the institution had increased its total assets worth Php245.9 billion and a net profit worth Php32.35 billion in 2002.

Within two and a half years of Garcia’s administration, the GSIS had been embroiled in a catalogue of anomalous transactions namely: the PEA (Public Estates Authority)-Amari deal where the GSIS guaranteed a Php1 billion worth of loan for the PEA; the construction of the so-called President Diosdado Macapagal Highway; the purchase of “Parisian Life”, a 48 million-peso worth of antique painting by Juan Luna; and the purchase of 160 million pesos worth of granite slabs which were used for the renovation of its head offices in Pasay City.

Ferdinand Gaite, president of Courage (Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees, an alliance of state workers) plans to lead protest actions nationwide to denounce the corruption allegedly committed by Garcia and some top officials of the state pension fund.

Lifestyle check Garcia has failed to sufficiently and satisfactorily account for the distress in the GSIS and address the complaints flooding in from the various government agencies and departments whose employees have been subjected to gross inconvenience due to the delays in the release of loans, a lawmaker from the House of Representatives said recently.

Bayan Muna partylist Representative Crispin Beltran pointed out that Garcia has issued nothing but “flimsy excuses and counter-accusations against other government agencies.”

House resolution numbers 86, 1059 and 1060 were already filed to investigate the said anomalies in the GSIS. “He and the GSIS board have abused their powers by turning the GSIS into something of a private lending corporation, and in the process sacrificing its main clients—government employees,” Beltran said in a press statement.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 233

Beltran also stressed that board members of the GSIS should undergo a lifestyle check to “determine how seriously these officials have abused their authority and accumulated ill-gotten wealth by using the benefits and perks offered by their positions.”

Finally, Beltran urged Congress to amend the GSIS charter so as to ensure a more equal representation of government employees and their associations at the GSIS’ board. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 6 Number 4, October 2003 issue, page 16

Warfare over health care: foreign doctors, health professionals decry globalization, war on terror Today’s magnifying globalization and war has transmuted the “health is wealth” cliché – that one’s right to live is in the hands of a few who dominate the world.

“Unhampered economic globalization has caused increasing poverty while United States’ (US)-led wars of aggression maim and massacre millions of people and destroy social infrastructures and our planet Earth itself…this makes the world more dangerous and filled with unspeakable suffering and death.”

Thus declared at least 120 doctors, nurses, medical professionals and workers from 12 countries who participated in the International Conference on Challenges in Health Work amidst Globalization and War in Manila last Nov. 10. The participants vowed to launch a broader resistance to U.S. intervention and its unilateral policy of preemptive war to combat terrorism.

The Council for Health and Development (CHD), International League of Peoples’ Struggles (ILPS)-Ad Hoc Health Commission, International People’s Health Council and the People’s Health Movement organized the conference.

U.S. wars: a tragic and painful ordeal The actual costs of war are immeasurable, not to mention its psycho-social impact on human beings. According to Politics of Health Knowledge Network, the world spends about $863 billion every year on military expenditures, with the U.S. military purportedly to spend $399 billion next year.

Every day, at least 30,000 children (or 11 million per year) die from preventable and curable diseases worldwide. And yet the world just needs $9 billion to provide water and sanitation for all people in developing countries while $2.5 billion is required for global HIV/AIDS prevention annually. As of Sept. 23, Iraqi civilian deaths number between 7,757 and 9,565.

Dr. Bert De Belder, coordinator of Medical Aid for the Third World (MATW), a health solidarity agency of the International Action for Liberation (Intal), related during the conference the testimonies of four medical doctors namely: Drs. Geert Van Moorter, Colette Moulaert, Harrie Dewitte and Claire Geraets who volunteered for emergency medical aid in Baghdad at the height of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

“They learned how the water and electricity supply were deliberately targeted by U.S. bombs, inflicting further hardship on the civilian population.” De Belder said. “They heard how U.S. troops left wounded Iraqi soldiers to die alongside the road. They were confronted with the dreadful wounds caused by U.S. and British cluster bombs, the use of which in populated areas is prohibited by international law.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 234

A Belgian medical doctor, De Belder is co-author of the book “Kasama: The Philippine Struggle for Health and Liberation Through the Eyes of Two Belgian Doctors” (together with Rita Vanobberghen), a biographical account on their stay in the Philippines in the 1990s.

“They [the doctors] were witness to U.S. tanks shooting at ambulances – yet another violation of international humanitarian law,” De Belder said.

Tearing down the wall of oppression More than two million people in Palestine are “virtually under house arrest” as a result of Israel’s military occupation. A security fence has been built by the Israeli government between the two territories, effectively restricting the movements of Palestinians and violating their right to freely move around.

To display their support to Palestinians’ quest for independence, health activists attending the conference tore down replicas of the “separation wall” which symbolize the security fence being built

by Israel around Palestine.

Dr. Unnikrishnan PV, a delegate from India and spokesperson of Humanitarian Action, berated U.S.-controlled media for propagating deceptions and lies on the Palestinian conflict. He appealed to the Filipino media, “not to follow that lie and continue to uncover the truth which is extremely important for the people of the world.”

Health for all Twenty-five years since the World Health Assembly held in September 1978 and the signing of the Alma Ata Declaration which defined the strategy of primary health care and the goal of “health for all by the year 2000,” access to adequate and affordable health care is rapidly declining, especially in Third World countries.

The Alma Ata Declaration states that: “health, which is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, is a fundamental human right and that the attainment of the highest possible level of health is a most important worldwide social goal whose realization requires the action of many other social and economic sectors in addition to the health sector.”

Since the 1980s, the policies and impositions of the World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have converted health care from basic service into a lucrative source of mammoth profits for capitalist investors along the paradox of “free trade.”

For instance, with the Trade Related Aspect of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement, protection of patent rights was introduced where they did not exist, raising prices of drugs from 12 percent to 200 percent which made them out of reach for those who need them most. TRIPS declared a minimum period of 20 years for the duration of patents, delaying the availability of cheaper, generic medicines.

The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) on health, on the other hand, liberalizes the entry of foreign investments and professionals in the service sectors. Capitalist investors are allowed to enter the WTO member countries, control hospitals and laboratory services, and institute profitoriented health maintenance organizations.

Emma Manuel, president of the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW), sums up the impacts of WTO, including TRIPS and GATS. “WTO signals the death of the public health system in Third World countries. It is dangerous to people’s health,” she said.

Passport for overseas work It has come to be that the nursing profession in the Philippines is largely seen as a passport to go abroad.

Martha Roberts of the Grassroots Women from Vancouver, Canada, reported that Canada’s immigration policies are, in effect, gearing toward health care privatization where migrant workers

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 235

with professional training (mainly Filipinos) come to Canada through the Live-In Caregiver Program to work 24 hours a day in their employer’s home for little more than $2 dollars an hour.

“This is a version of modern-day slavery and exploitation by the Canadian state,” Roberts said. “I spoke with doctors who said they’re planning to go back to study nursing so they can immigrate to Canada.”

Elsie Brandes-de Veyra, president of the Philippine Nurses Association in Metro Manila, laments the exodus of Filipino nurses to other countries. She believes, however, that nurses will not choose to leave the country “if only our government will support their needs,” she said.

AHW’s secretary-general Jossel Ebesate described the situation of nurses as “a bit frustrating.” He says that organizing the nurses and other health workers is a challenge and not without obstacles.

“But as we expose them to poor communities and they grasp the realities of our country’s social ills, some of them change their minds and realize that they’re more needed here,” Ebesate said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 42, November 23-29, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-42/3-42-healthcare.html

Nestle workers condemn two years of injustice and violence “Good food, good life” – thus goes the tag line of the food giant Nestlé Philippines Inc. in its advertisements. Apparently, these words are not for the company’s own workers, as more than 300 of them continue to decry making do with “bad food” and suffering a “bad life” since they went on strike two years ago.

Cabuyao, Laguna – In this town 50 km south of Manila, at least 300 workers and urban poor dwellers led by the militant workers alliance Pagkakaisa ng mga Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan (Unity of Workers in Southern Tagalog) or Pamantik stormed the gates of Nestle Philippines Incorporated (Nestlé) in Barangay (village) Niugan last Jan. 14, condemning the company for committing the worst violations of trade union rights in the region.

Contrary to its “good food, good life” image in television and print commercials, Nestlé comes into view as the bad guys as far as the workers and their families are concerned.

Luz Baculo, secretary general of Pamantik, said Nestle is responsible for recent four incidents of violent dispersals of strikes and two incidents of dismantling picket lines leaving scores of workers injured.

“In the union’s two years of strike, Nestle used goons and the Philippine National Police (PNP), including the Regional Special Action Force (RSAF), to inflict violence against the workers who were only exercising their democratic rights for their demands,” Baculo also said.

One of the strikers, Vicente Batayon, suffered a broken clavicle when a policeman struck him with a truncheon in a dispersal operation on June 3, 2002. Eighteen others were hurt. In another incident that took place on June 23 last year, the military used bladed clubs and water cannons against close to a hundred strikers and bystanders.

Forty-seven year old Emma Ylagan says the pain inflicted by Nestle on her family still hurts. Her husband Nestor, who served the company for over 20 years, died in mid-2003 of a heart attack brought on by hypertension which excessive overtime work caused. Nestor was one of the six workers who died in the course of the strike.

When Emma and her children went to the company to ask for support in their livelihood but the guards told them to leave. “Nagmamakaawa kami, di raw pupwede dahil striker nga raw siya

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 236

(Nestor),” a sobbing Emma told Bulatlat.com. “Parang di sila nakinabang sa asawa ko sa matagal na panahon.”

Aside from the bloody confrontations at the picket lines, many of the workers, especially the union leaders, have experienced harassment and surveillance. Noel Alemania, vice-president of the Union of Filipro Employees (UFE), the union of Nestle workers, for one has relocated to another place after an unidentified vehicle was parking outside his house day after day.

Meanwhile, photojournalist Ferdinand Roldan of the local newspaper Newsflash reported being trailed by men in motorcycle while on his way home. He was hit at the back by a rock during a violent dispersal in 2002.

Retirement plan A Swiss multinational food giant, Nestle is widely-known for its milk, coffee, energy drink and other products.

Factory workers said that the Nestle management in Cabuyao has rejected to include the workers’ retirement plan in the negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) despite a ruling by the Supreme Court (SC) in 1991. In its ruling, the SC upheld the National Labor Relations Commission’s (NLRC) decision in 1989 that the retirement plan must be part of the benefits given by the company to its workers.

In the CBA negotiations held last June 2001, the Nestle management denied the retirement plan arguing that it is a unilateral grant of the company. In 2002, exactly two years ago, around 600 workers left their workplaces to go on strike while at the same time called on the public to boycott all products of Nestle.

In February last year, the Court of Appeals affirmed the SC ruling. Since then, the case was raised to, and is currently at the SC upon the appeal of both the management and union with the workers seeking SC to affirm its 1991 ruling and declare Nestle guilty of unfair labor practice.

Baculo said former Nestle CEO Juan B. Santos’ use of influence and wealth was the reason for the unwarranted delay to resolve the prolonged labor dispute as this “attracts favor from the government including Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, PNP and even, that from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”

Black propaganda Last week, an unsigned leaflet was circulated in the entire town, discrediting the union leaders and urging the workers to file illegal dismissal case against the management.

Alemania explained that the capitalists are desperately trying to deceive them or weaken their commitment to the strike.

“Essentially, what they want is to tie up the workers in the legal process – a process which capitalists control,” Alemania told Bulatlat.com. “In fact, 42 of the workers already succumbed to this and in the end, were themselves terminated.”

Appeals and support In an urgent letter last December, the UFE asked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to take action on the plight of the workers. The letter was also signed by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of Manila together with Bishops Julio Labayen of Infanta and Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus.

Public support to the workers, particularly in the form of a boycott campaign has swelled.

One of the staunch supporters of the workers is movie actor and DZRB radio commentator Vic Felipe who has unceasingly called on his listeners not to buy Nestle products. In December last year, Radyo Konggreso Foundation, an organization of radio listeners, sponsored a gift-giving revel for the workers and their children which aimed to strengthen their unity and commitment to the struggle until justice is attained. ###

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 237

First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 50, January 25-31, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-50/3-50-nestle.html

Workers’ unrest in Laguna Calamba City – Industrial workers here marked the Labor Day celebration as a season of rage against the machines of monopoly-capitalism. Well-known for its many resorts and “buko” (coconut) pies, Laguna, throughout the past decades, has turned into a fertile ground for militant worker’s struggles.

Getting bumped Workers of bus company Tritran Inc. are demanding the management to have them reinstated and justly resolve the ongoing labor dispute.

More than 1,000 drivers and conductors lost their jobs in January after the management decided to temporarily close its business due to alleged financial losses amounting to P50 million.

Bulatlat.com learned that Tritran has around 200 passenger buses operating in the Southern Tagalog region and Metro Manila. Its terminals are located in Biñan and Santa Rosa, Laguna; and cities of Lucena and Pasay.

In a letter to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region IV dated Dec. 12, 2003, Tritran management stated that they have undertaken measures like cost-cutting and reduction of personnel but it appeared “that these actions were insufficient to prevent these serious business losses.”

Strikers however contradicted the management’s claims, saying their own computations showed the company was earning an average of P9,000 daily from transport fares by each bus unit.

Roberto Sanchez, president of Aniban ng Lakas ng Manggagawa sa Tritran-National Federation of Labor Unions (ALAMAT-NAFLU), the company’s labor union, explained that the management’s move was supposedly aimed at turning regulars into mere contractuals through forced resignation.

In a phone interview recently, J.C. Sebastian, Tritran’s VP for Finance, denied that the workers were terminated from their jobs. He explained that the temporary closure will last within six months as the company find ways to cope with its “losses”.

“Susulatan natin sila para ipaalam ang desisyon ng management kung bubuksan muli o permanente nang isasara ang kumpanya,” (We will write and inform them whether management has decided to reopen or permanently close the company) Sebastian vowed.

Since they went on strike at the Pasay terminal last March to protest the closure, Sanchez said they have witnessed violent dispersals by the police resulting to the arrest and detention of seven strikers.

“Nagpaputok ang mga pulis ng baril pababa, pagkatapos tinira kami ng teargas...wala silang ipinakitang court order o di kaya’y AJ (assumption of jurisdiction),” (The police fired their guns downward, then they hit us with teargas… they showed neither a court order or AJ order) Sanchez recalled.

Workers’ families, meanwhile, have been tightening their belts to fit with their measly budgets.

Workers at the Park The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reported that Laguna Technopark, an industrial zone composed of 82 companies with a total of 64,180 employees, recently contributed the biggest export share with $596.44 million.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 238

But despite the export growth enjoyed by foreign capitalists, workers, who are mostly contractuals, suffer the brunt of massive lay-off, union-busting, militarization and various systematic forms of trade union repression.

In an interview with Bulatlat.com, Marlon Rosales, secretary-general of the Alyansa ng Manggagawa sa Engklabo (AMEN), a broad worker’s alliance within the Laguna Technopark, said that only five out of 18 unions under their wing, has a collective bargaining agreement.

The nominal minimum wage in the Southern Tagalog region is P237 per day, while the family living wage is pegged at P538 per day – a disparity of P301.

Rosales, who is a worker of the Japanese automobile giant Honda Philippines Inc., said the current minimum wage is “not fit for a family’s decent living.”

Rosales also deplored the growing unemployment rate in the region, now at 13.7 percent. The unemployment rate in the region rose from last year’s 528,000 to 586,000 this year, according to data from the Department of Labor and Employment-Region 4-A Labor Situationer as of March 2004.

Industrial belt Only 16% of employers in Laguna Technopark comply with the minimum wage law, according to the local labor group Cabuyao Worker’s Alliance (CAWAL).

CAWAL said that since the rise of the “old industrial belt” in the 1980s and later, the establishment of the Laguna Industry and Science Park covering the barangays (villages) of Diezmo and Pulo, the once agriculturally-dependent town of Cabuyao has become a big community of industrial workers.

But despite this, majority of its people are still impoverished.

CAWAL’s spokesperson Noel Alemania, said last week that the workers’ P237 daily wage is reportedly being deducted by most factory-owners. In Science Park alone, there are at least 75 existing factories.

“Kahit sumusweldo ng P237 ‘yung manggagawa na hindi naman talaga sapat sa kanilang pangangailangan, pero ‘yung karapatan nila sa 15-minutong breaktime ay iniaawas ng employer sa kanilang buong 8 oras na pagtatrabaho. Sa ganoon, simpleng inaalisan ‘yung manggagawa ng minimum na sahod...dahil kailangan nilang magdagdag ng additional na panahon para punuan ‘yung breaktime na dapat ay pribiliheyo na ng manggagawa,” Alemania explained.

Alemania also noted the problem of labor-only contracting, including the “piece rate” scheme, where employees need to finish a certain number of products before they could get their salaries.

Politician’s response Recognizing the workers’ demand to improve their conditions, re-electionist vice-mayoralty candidate Isidro “Jun” Hemedes Jr. of Lakas-CMD, together with aspiring councilors Atty. Joseph Lauguico and Pol Hain made a pledge before CAWAL members that they will push for the creation of a labor welfare desk and other legislative measures that would benefit the workers.

The task of the labor desk is to receive worker’s complaints and assist them in their legal cases.

The three local politicians vowed they will help on-strike workers to facilitate dialogues with the management for the speedy resolution of labor disputes.

For his part, pro-labor lawyer Atty. Lauguico said that, if elected, he will propose to the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) to include a program that would educate workers on their basic rights such as forming a union. He will also call the government to ban the recruitment of employees by employers who have clear anti-labor practices.

Though Hemedes expressed his committed support, however, he pointed out the “limitations” of his office.

“Kung sa personal ay buong-puso akong susuporta sa inyo. Subalit bilang pinuno ng Sangguniang Bayan, may mga limitasyon na itinatakda ang batas,” (On the personal level, I wholeheartedly support you. But as the head of the Provincial Council, the laws have set limitations) Hemedes stressed. ###

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 239

First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 13, May 2-8, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-13/4-13-laguna.html

UPLB teachers decry union busting by chancellor More than 147 casual and temporary teachers from various departments and colleges at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) were shocked that they were given one-semester contracts by UPLB Chancellor Wilfredo David instead of the one-year contract recommended by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Instruction. The All-UP Academic Employees Union says that this is one form of union-busting.

Los Baños, Laguna – Teachers and student groups at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) campus here are rising in protest over the school administration’s new policy of reducing teaching contracts to just one semester. They said this policy would lead to the further deterioration of the quality of education at U.P. Last June and July, more than 147 casual and temporary teachers from various departments and colleges of UPLB received their appointment papers from the Office of Chancellor Wilfredo David.

“The teachers were shocked when they received one-semester contracts even if the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Instruction recommended that they be given one-year contracts,” said a female instructor of UPLB’s College of Arts and Sciences, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“When one of our colleagues asked the reason for the decision, the Chancellor merely replied that ‘we want to be flawless’,” the source added.

Local journalists visited the Chancellor’s office twice for an interview, but Chancellor David refused. He merely gave them a copy of his Memorandum Order No. 079 dated July 12, which states that the selection and appointment, renewal of appointment, promotion and other personnel actions are “policy matters that are addressed to the sound discretion of the appointing authority.”

Citing Article XIV Section 52 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Chancellor David invoked his “academic freedom” to choose who should comprise the faculty.

Union busting As of 2000, UPLB has a total of 860 faculty members, 39 of whom are members of the All-UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU). There are also 524 research and extension personnel and staff (REPS).

Patrick McDivith, AUPAEU president, explained that all those accepted to teach in UPLB are reevaluated and recommended by the Academic Personnel Committee (APC) and Academic Personnel Board (APB), which are composed of highly competent and respected colleagues in the university.

Based on the recommendation, the Chancellor makes the appointment.

McDivith added that the creation of both the APC and APB is within the bounds of the university policy, in adherence to the democratic character of UP and to avoid the bias of the Chancellor.

McDivith said that many teachers, especially those who have been in the university for three years and more, “felt demoralized” after receiving their reduced contracts. Many of them, according to McDivith, are now considering attractive offers to teach in other colleges and universities.

He explained that the policy of granting one-semester contracts violates the security of tenure of teachers and hampers their intellectual growth. Affected teachers will feel demoralized and will be easy to repress for fear of being terminated. Eventually, this policy will result in a decline in the quality of education at the university as it will result in a fast turnover of teachers.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 240

McDivith added that in exercising the institution’s academic freedom, as mandated by the Constitution, the university has set its own process and set of guidelines regarding the employment and renewal of its faculty and employees. In the 1,017th meeting of the Board of Regents, held last Dec. 8, 1988, the Board agreed that contracts should at least be one year.

“We don’t know the basis of Chancellor David for granting one-semester contracts. We think that this is his way of union busting,” McDivith said. “In our study, this policy is consistent with the trend towards the contractualization of employee positions.”

According to McDivith, the AUPAEU submitted an open letter of inquiry to the Chancellor. But Chancellor David issued a memorandum stating that he does not recognize the AUPAEU’s mandate to speak in behalf of the university’s academic employees.

“The attempt of the Chancellor to discredit the union is futile...if legal papers are the Chancellor’s only basis for not recognizing the AUPAEU, then we recommend that the Chancellor do his homework again. The AUPAEU is recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment under Certificate number 1167 dated Oct. 15, 2002,” the AUPAEU said in a statement.

Repressive policies Meanwhile, a protest action was held by the UPLB-University Student Council (USC), together with the League of Filipino Students (LFS), Student Christian Movement (SCM), Samahan ng Kabataan para sa Bayan or Sakbayan (Organization of the Youth for the Nation), and other student groups, last July 22 in front of the Administration Building to demand for a dialogue with the Chancellor. Their request was not granted, according to Mary Ann Batas, USC vice-chair.

“Sa loob ng term namin, hindi siya nakikipagdayalog. Actually, ‘yung budget proposal ng USC, to think na tatlong linggo na lang kami, hindi pa rin aprubado. ‘Yung gastusin namin, galing sa sarili naming bulsa. Wala siyang karapatang i-hold ang pera ng estudyante” (During our term, he refused to dialogue with the students. Actually, the budget proposal of the USC has not yet been approved, to think that we have only three weeks left. We pay for our expenses from our own pockets. He has no right to withhold the students’ money), Batas lamented.

Aside from sympathizing with their teachers’ plight, Batas and his colleagues at the USC are also protesting against the repressive policies being implemented by the Chancellor. According to Batas, the Chancellor is now requiring that plans for activities of student organizations be submitted to him for approval.

Students said that David has practically “killed” two militant traditions in UPLB. According to Batas, he disapproved the holding of an annual student activity, the “February Fair”. He also disallowed the display of the “Serve The People” banner during graduation rites last May. Student and teachers’ groups warned that if Chancellor David persists in abusing his discretionary powers, he will have to face bigger militant demonstrations until his term ends. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 28, August 15-21, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-28/4-28-uplb.html

Asia Brewery workers defy GMA’s strike freeze Lucio Tan’s beer, a matter of national interest?

The labor department has assumed jurisdiction over a strike staged by workers of Lucio Tan’s Asia Brewery in Cabuyao, Laguna. Since when has beer, the unionized workers cry, been a matter of national interest?

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 241

Cabuyao, Laguna – The machines of alcoholic beverage firm Asia Brewery Inc. here ground to a halt at 6 a.m. last Oct. 4. Around 200 workers then walked out of the factory and staged a picket in front of the company’s main gate.

An hour later, elements of the Sigasig Security Agency under retired Air Force Gen. Manuel Caranza fired water cannons and beat protesting workers with wooden clubs. This scene was repeated on Oct. 5 and 11 as the guards forcibly took their tents, streamers, a megaphone, motorbike and P10,000 ($177.57, based on an exchange rate of P56.315 per US dollar) cash.

Workers knew the risks, as shown by their experience in the recent past. In Aug. 1994, they clashed with the military as they stood their ground denouncing the management’s union busting and unfair labor practices.

Rodrigo Perez, president of the Tunay na Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Asia Brewery (TPMA or Genuine Unity of Workers in Asia Brewery), said the union elected a new set of officers last June 26 to chart a new direction in their collective struggle for higher wages and other benefits. He said that even if they had accomplished the legal requirements for the recognition of the union the management continued to deny the union’s right.

Beer, a matter of national interest?

In their manifesto, the striking workers said that Jose Manuel Miranda, the union president who preceded Perez, was expelled through a recall election. They accused Miranda of conniving with the management and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to discredit the duly-elected union officers.

“We are demanding the management to reopen talks for our collective bargaining agreement, to recognize the legitimate union leaders, to bring back our two colleagues who were unjustly dismissed, and to end all forms of harassment against us,” Perez told Bulatlat.

Perez also questioned the DoLE’s issuance of an Assumption of Jurisdiction (AJ) last December 2003. He argued: “The AJ is unjustified because it only covers labor disputes that are indispensable to national interest. Asia Brewery is a beer company. Since when have beers become a matter of national interest?”

Tan’s debts Asia Brewery, a company that also manufactures distilled water, glass bottles and plastic crates, is owned by Lucio Tan, reportedly the 12th richest man in Asia.

While increased taxes on so-called “sin products” are being proposed in the wake of the country’s fiscal crisis, recent data from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revealed that Asia Brewery, starting from an initial capital of P200 million, has already accumulated a net profit of P12 billion.

Tan is still facing a tax evasion case worth P27 billion for failure to pay his dues from 1990 to 1992. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) stated that Tan’s Fortune Tobacco Corporation has incurred unpaid debts in the form of ad valorem, excise, income and value-added taxes. Last July, the Supreme Court decided to reopen the tax evasion case against Tan after a lower court’s dismissal in 1999.

At the onset of the fiscal crisis, progressive lawmakers in Congress called on Malacañang to compel tax evaders like Tan to pay their dues.

Industrial peace?

The strike marked the progressive labor movement’s defiance to the strike moratorium forged by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with employers and a moderate labor group.

“The signing (of the strike moratorium) is no more than the approval papers to execute the working class. It is clear evidence that the assumption of jurisdiction, strike moratorium and the ‘no union, no strike policy’ are repressive measures to bring the workers down to their knees,” says Luz Baculo,

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 242

secretary-general of the Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan-Kilusang Mayo Uno (PAMANTIK-KMU, or Unity of Workers in Southern Tagalog-May First Movement), a regional militant labor center.

“In a matter of months, the Arroyo administration nearly completed the requirements for a de facto Martial Law against the trade union movement and the workers who are being branded economic terrorists as the DoLE, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the ‘yellow’ unions enforce the so-called industrial peace,” Baculo added.

Lawyer Remigio Saladero Jr., director of Pro-Labor Assistance Center (PLACE), explained that a strike, being a basic human right enshrined in the Labor Code, is used by workers to defend themselves against intolerable exploitation and repression. No single worker would choose to strike on his own capriciousness.

“The true cause for the disruption of industrial peace is the continued oppression unleashed by owners of capital against the working class,” Saladero wrote in his column published in Pinoy Weekly, a progressive newspaper. He also noted that strikes are an inevitable option for the workers.

“Makasaysayan ang karapatang mag-aklas o magwelga. Halos lahat ng karapatang tinatamasa ng manggagawa ngayon ay bunga ng mga welgang isinagawa upang makamtan ang nasabing mga karapatan. Ang makulay na kasaysayan ng uring manggagawa sa daigdig ay halos magiging walang laman kung aalisin mo rito ang tungkol sa mga pag-aaklas na kanilang isinagawa” (The right to rebel or strike is already a part of history. Almost all of the rights enjoyed today are fruits of strikes to achieve these rights. The colorful history of the working class all over the world would be almost empty if strikes they staged are not taken into account.), Saladero said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 38, October 24-30, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-38/4-38-asiabrewery.html

Mayhem in labor chief’s power Workers say ‘assumption of jurisdiction’ is anti-labor The labor secretary’s “assumption of jurisdiction” power is being used to ban all strikes and has caused bloodshed in the workers’ front. This is like reliving martial law, militant labor unions say.

Is the labor department running a reign of terror at strike sites?

This question is being asked on the workers front amid the rising incidence of labor strikes that are violently broken up by police and military forces on orders of Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas.

Because of this, several workers have died, scores injured and several other strikers arrested in recent months.

Exercising her assumption of jurisdiction (AJ) powers, Sto. Tomas ordered the intervention of police and military forces mid-November to break up the strike staged by some 6,000 plantation and sugar mill workers at Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac north of Manila. The result: the violent dispersal of the picketlines resulting in the massacre of at least seven striking workers on Nov. 16.

Last week, labor groups from Southern Tagalog took turns denouncing the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) saying that AJ orders bring more hostility and misery to workers.

Leaders of the Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan-Kilusang Mayo Uno (PamantikKMU or united workers in Southern Tagalog – May First Movement) said the AJ order deputizes the military and police forces to brutally disperse workers’ pickets.

Citing similarities with the Hacienda Luisita case, Pamantik leaders cited the violent dispersal of strikes at Nestle, Nissan Motors, Soutech, Jac Liner, Tritran Bus and other companies in Southern

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 243

Tagalog. The dispersal operations were apparently triggered by DoLE’s AJ orders and the policemilitary intervention.

Assault on women workers Two weeks after the Luisita massacre on Nov. 30, a combined force of the military’s Special Warfare Action Group (SWAG), the local Philippine National Police (PNP) and security guards armed with truncheons and other weapons broke up the picketline of some 80 women striking workers of Sun Ever Lights Philippines at the Laguna Technopark in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Reports said some of the striking workers were beaten up with truncheons, lassoed, their hair strangled and sexually-molested during the assault.

Luz Baculo, secretary general of Pamantik, told Bulatlat that human rights volunteers negotiated with the police that the striking workers be given food and those wounded given first aid treatment, but the police chief refused. Sun Ever is Japanese-owned.

Baculo also accused Sto. Tomas of abusing her powers so as to favor company employers. The labor secretary has been asked by some senators and several sectors to resign in the light of her role in the Hacienda Luisita massacre. She has ignored the clamor.

Art. 263 (g) of the Labor Code states that the DoLE secretary shall have the power to assume jurisdiction in all industrial strikes considered as “indispensable to the national interest.”

Labor unions on the other hand describe the AJ power as repressive and as being open to abuse by DoLE. For that matter, “national interest” is so vague but it has been cited as basis for the AJ in all types of labor strikes.

The Code thus implies that once the order is issued, a strike can be declared illegal. Workers going on strike are then compelled to return to their workplaces; failing to comply would mean job termination.

Diosdado Fortuna, leader of Nestle Philippines’ labor union and chairman of the National Coalition for the Protection of Worker’s Rights in Southern Tagalog (NCPWR-ST), says that the AJ became part of the Labor Code as “a tool to ban the worker’s right to strike.”

Fortuna recalled that in 1972, the regime of Ferdinand Marcos imposed a total ban of all strikes and public demonstrations under his General Order No. 5.

“We should not be cowed by repression and violence,” Fortuna says. “Look at the Nestle workers’ experience. Strikers defied the AJ order because they believe government should uphold the Supreme Court’s decision declaring the retirement plan as a legitimate issue in the negotiations. This is already part of our legal jurisprudence which the DoLE must follow.”

Profits boom but worker’s pay slips One cause of many labor strikers is the freezing of wages, a company policy supported by the government. Yet corporate profit is reportedly increasing. Last week, newspapers cited reports by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) that the export earnings of companies in economic zones have reached $25.6 billion in the first 10 months of 2004, a 14 percent increase compared to $22.49 billion in the same period last year.

Among all economic zones, the Laguna Technopark in Southern Tagalog remains the single leading export performer with $6.51 billion. There are more than 50 private and government-run economic zones within Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon).

Government authorities claim that employment in the region rose by 11.2 percent. Just the same, contractual workers continue to outnumber the regulars with 399,000 direct hired and 598,000 indirectly employed. The contractual workers have neither social benefits nor job security.

Even the Wage Order No. 9 implemented last November by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Region IV-A (RTWPB) has earned ire rather than relief among crisis-stricken workers. In fact, RTWPB’s “reclassification” of municipalities and cities has spurred wage reduction in many areas.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 244

Lower than basic pay For instance, in General Mariano Alvarez town in Cavite, workers now receive less than P40 in their basic pay. Workers in the towns of Carmona, Rosario, General Trias, Dasmariñas and Cavite City which were classified in past wage orders as Extended Metropolitan Area will only get an additional P12 instead of P18 due to reclassification of these as Growth Corridor Area.

Only Imus and Bacoor towns, along with San Pedro and Biñan in Laguna remain classified as Extended Metropolitan Area that will avail of the P255 new minimum wage.

Highly suspicious In a statement, the Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW) assailed the latest wage order as “highly suspicious, anomalous and deceptive.”

SCW chairperson Marlene Gonzales said: “While Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s cabinet members and hatchet men in government-owned corporations are excessively living in abundance from the people’s money and are even protected for their corruption, workers’ welfare are left behind to bear the brunt of her economic and political mismanagement. Sooner, the lowly-paid workers will cry out loud in unison: Madam, no more noodles on our table!”

Seeing the inutility of the RTWPB, NCPWR-ST’s Fortuna stressed that what the country urgently needs is a legislated wage increase of P125 across the country. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 45, December 12-18, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2004/12/12/mayhem-in-labor-chief’s-power-workerssay-‘assumption-of-jurisdiction’-is-anti-labor/

‘No union, no strike policy’ is tearing Cavite workers apart Dasmariñas, Cavite – The revival of the “no union, no strike” (NUNS) policy in Cavite appears to be making labor organizing more tortuous.

Cavite’s re-elected Gov. Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi is using a dual strategy of attracting new investors while keeping labor unions out by coercion. Thus said the militant labor alliance Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW), which described the condition of thousands of Caviteño workers – majority of whom are women – as being stuck in desolate factories fit to be called “sweatshops.”

There is also a widespread public perception among Caviteños that a factory is doomed to close if workers start forming a union, thus preventing many workers from taking action to change their plight.

Anti-labor armed group Upon assuming his post in 2001, Maliksi created the Cavite Industrial Peace Council (CIPC).

Likewise, through the Provincial Local Development and Livelihood Office, the Cavite Industrial Peace Advisory Group (CIPAG) was established.

An article published in the Pinoy Enquirer magazine described CIPAG as “responsible for conciliation and mediation of management and labor conflicts arising in various companies.” But, testimonies by local workers showed something rather grim.

“Armado ang mga ʻyan (These people are armed),” says SCW labor organizer Manny Asuncion in a cracking voice. “Lalo sa Gateway (economic zone), nagpapakita ʻyan ng baril sa mga manggagawa kapag nagbabahay-bahay sila...tinatakot ang mga manggagawa para pumirma ng retraction sa paguunyon (Especially in Gateway, they show their guns when they visit workers’ homes…harassing workers to sign a retraction from joining unions).”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 245

Asuncion recalled an incident wherein a group of people believed to be from the Office of the Provincial Governor (OPG) paid visits to workers of Tokumi Electronics Phils. Inc. (TEPI) several times in 2003 and threatened that they will lose their jobs if they keep joining trade union activities.

Other union members also had similar experiences in their communities.

CIPAG was also involved in violent dispersals of labor strikes which resulted in Asuncion’s arrest and detention.

Industrial peace?

According to SCW, the government’s concept of “industrial peace” is to reinforce the stability of foreign investments where worker’s productivity is maximized purportedly by eliminating conditions that will hamper production. These reportedly include strikes and other labor protests.

Juanito “Johnny” Remulla, who was governor from 1979-1986 and 1988-1995 first implemented the NUNS policy as he peddled Cavite to foreign investors. Workers charged that he banned labor activism and suppressed those engaging in strikes, pickets and other forms of labor-management disputes.

From 2001 up to 2004, under Gov. Maliksi’s leadership, local government offices, employers and state police forces reportedly worked in concert to “bring down” more than 20 unions within Cavite’s economic zones such as Gateway Business Park, First Cavite Industrial Estate and the Cavite Export Processing Zone (CEPZ). The last is one of the largest government-run economic zone in the country, with 215 firms employing over 56,000 workers.

A research study conducted by Steven McKay of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Department of Sociology which was presented in April 2002 at the annual meeting of the Association of Asian Studies in Washington, D.C. noted that workers in the Philippines, particularly in Cavite, “face a mounting litany of obstacles to organize labor unions.”

“As in the past, persistent high unemployment acts to discipline restive workers fearful of losing their jobs if they speak out. Organizing has become even more onerous with the decline in traditional union power and the growing unwillingness (and inability) of the state to enforce national and international labor rights. Finally, many new manufacturing jobs, the traditional power base for union building, are concentrated inside the economic processing zones where many employers continue to wield a wide array of union-busting weapons with impunity,” the McKay study also stated.

Maliksi has several times denied he is implementing the NUNS policy. The SCW however said that it has repeatedly asked for a dialogue to clarify the issues regarding his policies but Maliksi declined. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 2, February 13-19, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2005/02/19/no-union-no-strike-policy-is-tearing-cavite-workers-apart/

New trade secretary has blood in his hands, unions say Labor unions in Laguna are opposing the confirmation of new Trade and Industry Secretary Juan B. Santos by the Commission on Appointments. In a sworn statement, they want Santos to account for the death of at least 10 workers at Nestle which he headed in 1987-2003.

Calamba City – Militant labor groups here are sporting their thumbs down as a sign of protest against the appointment of Juan B. Santos as the new secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 246

They want Santos to account for the “violent dispersals” of strikes at the Nestle Philippines’ Cabuyao factory which resulted in the death of at least 10 workers and injuries to several others.

The new trade and industry secretary served as president and chief executive officer of Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) from 1987 to 2003 and was commended in 1994 as “Management Man of the Year” by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).

In a joint affidavit filed last March before the Commission on Appointments (CoA) by the officers of Union of Filipino Employees-Drug, Food Allied Workers-Kilusang Mayo Uno (UFE-DFA-KMU), labor leaders argued that with Santos’ record as president and CEO of NPI and in connection with the bloody dispersals at the company’s Cabuyao factory picketline, he “does not deserve to be appointed” to the DTI post.

The CoA, chaired by Senate President Franklin Drilon, has yet to confirm the appointment of Santos, who assumed the post last February 15.

Union-buster In 2003, the Court of Appeals ruled as valid the Nestle workers’ stand in holding that the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provision on retirement benefits is a negotiable item. The Supreme Court had previously upheld the unions’ position in 1991.

Apparently, Nestle ignored the court rulings thus precipitating a series of strikes during the period and until today.

To date, the strikers have experienced three violent dispersals in their picketline enforced by security guards, police and the military. As a reprisal to the strikes, the management filed criminal cases against 200 workers which led to the arrest of 28 strikers, with three of them detained. At least 10 workers have died in various strike periods, union leaders said.

In their March statement, the Nestle workers said that in 1987 the company management sent one of its ten-wheeler trucks to ram the workers’ picketline in Cabuyao. The workers were able to evade the attack but a new medical graduate and two by-standers were killed.

Then on January 20, 1989, the president of the worker’s union, Meliton Roxas, was shot dead in cold-blood in front of the factory gate. Workers believe that the NPI management, led by Santos, was responsible for the killing.

The union officers also charged Santos of bankrolling the expenses of Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Patricia Santo Tomas for her chauffeur’s service from Geneva, Switzerland to Italy and back on June 15 to 16, 2002. The company had a case then pending before the DoLE. Labor-only contracting The Nestle workers also said that with Santos at the helm of NPI, Nestle employees began to lose their right to security of tenure through the implementation of subcontracting, outsourcing, retrenchment and redundancy programs.

Noel Alemania, spokesperson of the Cabuyao Workers’ Alliance (CAWAL) and one of the oppositors, said that the management has hired more than 20 co-packers while 5,400 contractual workers have taken over the functions of regular employees in the company.

“Because they’re hired for only five months, contractual workers lack the expertise and dedication to produce high quality products,” Alemania told Bulatlat. “The co-packing scheme clearly violates the Labor Code which prohibits labor-only contracting (LOC).”

One co-packer firm – Antonina Industrial Corporation located in Santa Rosa, Laguna – is long engaged in the repacking of instant coffee, noodles, seasoning and iced tea products.

Alemania underscored that labor must oppose the LOC scheme because it threatens workers’ security of tenure and also pave the way for the repression of trade unionism in the country.

“Kung naisagawa ni Santos ang LOC kahit siya’y nasa private sector pa nang di man lang kinokondena o iwinawasto ng DOLE at gobyerno, lalo na ngayong siya’y secretary ng DTI kung saan

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 247

malaya niya itong maipapatupad sa lahat ng mga kumpanya” (If Santos was able to enforce LOC while in the private sector without the DoLE and government condemning or rectifying it, how much more now that he is the DTI secretary and is free to implement the scheme in all companies), Alemania said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 12, May 1-7, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/5-12/5-12-trade.htm

‘Strike-free’ Cavite an election ploy – labor groups Militant labor groups in Cavite, a province south of Manila, are opposing an accord signed by government, labor and business groups declaring the province “strike-free”.

Dasmariñas, Cavite – Leaders of various government agencies and labor and business groups recently forged a pact that ostensibly aims to prop up a “strike-free” Cavite for the attainment of industrial peace in the province.

Dubbed as “Social Accord for Industrial Peace, Stability, Job Preservation and Strengthening of Employment in the Province of Cavite,” the covenant-signing was initiated by Cavite Gov. Irineo “Ayong” Maliksi and Labor Undersecretary Danilo Cruz, together with at least 58 sectoral representatives from the national and provincial levels. The ceremonial signing took place last May 16 at the First Cavite Industrial Estate in Barangay Langkaan here, some 36 kms. south of Manila.

The accord followed the creation of the Cavite Industrial Peace Council and the Cavite Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, which seek to resolve labor disputes without resorting to strikes and lockouts.

But the militant labor alliance, the Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW) views the governor’s move as detrimental to worker’s rights.

Disgrace Declaring Cavite as “strike-free” zone, SCW said, is a public admission that Maliksi is enforcing a no-union, nostrike (NUNS) policy across the province.

Maliksi recently boasted that strike incidents have declined dramatically from 43 in 2001 to none last year.

Based on the SCW’s experiences, no less than 21 unions it has organized inside the Cavite Economic Processing Zone (CEPZ) have reportedly succumbed to union busting efforts by capitalists aided by the office of the governor through the anti-labor armed group called CIPAG (Cavite Industrial Peace and Advisory Group), the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). No less than 11,000 workers lost their jobs, were forced to take leaves of absence, harassed, charged or arrested to deny them their right to form a union and collective bargaining.

“Going against workers’ right as basic as the right to strike is a disgrace for someone holding the highest position in the provincial government,” SCW chairperson Marlene Gonzales said in an email message sent to Bulatlat.

The covenant-signing, Gonzales explained, does not mean anything to the militant and progressive labor movement “because a strike-free Cavite is not possible in the midst of the chronic economic crisis and difficulties being experienced by the workers under his administration.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 248

Sr. Ellen Belardo, RGS, a Catholic nun and convenor of the Cavite May One Commemorative Committee, a broad pro-labor multisectoral alliance, said, “In the face of worsening poverty...and confronted by the government’s renewed violent attacks on the people who dare express dissent, we take firm commitment and resolve to uphold and defend the democratic and political rights of the workers and the people.”

Early election propaganda?

The militant labor alliance believes Maliksi’s motive for the ceremonial pact is to win the hearts and support of big investors and business groups in preparation for the election showdown with the Remulla clan in 2007.

Former governor Juanito Remulla (1979-1986, 1988-1995) was, and still is, known for his iron-fist rule and by brutally implementing the NUNS policy during the dark years of Martial Law. Remulla’s defeat in the 1995 local elections led to a wider democratic space for labor organizing and the reemergence of genuine and militant unionism in the province.

“Governor Maliksi should learn from the experience of his benefactor (Remulla). Remulla’s downfall in 1995 was attributable to the collective action of the organized workers against his candidacy,” Gonzales warned. “Maliksi’s blatant repression of worker’s rights and the unions would be the end of his political career.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 15, May 22-28, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/5-15/5-15-cavite.htm

Southern Tagalog workers treated like slaves In the Southern Tagalog region, workers were given a minuscule increase in their minimum daily wage. What proves to be worse is that only a small segment can avail of the already miniscule increase, since those outside the so-called extended metropolitan area will be getting less.

Calamba City, Laguna – A wage increase has been granted but workers in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) said that this is not enough. In the recent past, they even stressed that wages were reduced.

Following the announcement of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-Department of Labor and Employment (RTWPB-DoLE) of a P22 ($0.40, based on an exchange rate of P55.20 per U.S. dollar) daily wage increase last June 3 through Wage Order No. IV A-10, progressive labor leaders here (52 kms south of Manila) said that the move is like “giving alms.” They assailed the Macapagal-Arroyo administration for “pushing paid labor to a depressing state.”

Under the new wage order, a copy of which was obtained by the Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan-Kilusang Mayo Uno (Pamantik-KMU, or Unity of Workers in Southern TagalogMay First Movement), the already minuscule increase is given in two installments.

Effective June 16, workers in the municipalities, cities and provinces in Calabarzon classified as “extended metropolitan area,” “growth corridor area,” “emerging growth area” and “resource-based area” will receive a daily wage increase amounting to P10 ($0.18). By Jan. 1, 2006, they will get an additional P12 ($0.22), P7 ($0.13), P5 ($0.09), and P3 ($0.05) respectively.

Only San Pedro (31 kms from Manila) and Biñan (35 kms) towns in Laguna, as well as Imus (23 kms) and Bacoor (17 kms) in Cavite which are reclassified as extended metropolitan area can avail of

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 249

the P22 ($0.40) daily wage increase. From P255 ($4.62) last year, the minimum daily wage in this area is increased to P277 ($5.02).

On Nov. 1 last year, wage adjustments in Calabarzon underwent a reclassification scheme through DoLE’s Wage Order IV A-9. Pamantik-KMU said that instead of providing relief, workers in places outside the extended metropolitan area suffered minimum daily wage diminutions ranging from P5 ($0.09) to P38 ($0.69).

Farm workers in the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) region, meanwhile, are receiving as low as P40 ($0.72) to P80 ($1.45) in their daily wage.

As of 2001, the total workforce in the Southern Tagalog region, a prime foreign investment hub, stood at about four million.

Dignity, not alms “The RTWPB-DOLE’s wage hike has no serious objective but to pour cold water over the worker’s struggle for a P125 ($2.26) legislated wage increase,” Pamantik-KMU secretary-general Luz Baculo told Bulatlat. “Alms and bribes will not suppress the strength gathered and intensified by the workers in the wage campaign.”

Baculo explained that in the increase announced recently, wages are either just the same or lower than the minimum daily wage before Nov. 1.

In Cavite, employers are systematically reducing daily wages down to P177 ($3.21) through a socalled apprenticeship program, according to Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW) Chairperson Marlene Gonzales. “We work as long as 12 hours a day but we still remain poor. We can only depend on building trade unions because this serves as our pillar to defend our rights, jobs and wages.”

Noel Alemania, spokesperson of the campaign alliance Southern Tagalog Wage Increase Solidarity (ST-WINS) and the Cabuyao Workers’ Alliance (CAWAL), called to dismantle the regional wage boards which, he said, contributes to the exploitation of workers.

“Alipin ang turing sa naobligang limos sa pulubing obrero!”(They treat us like slaves as they are obliged to give alms on poor workers), he said.

In the wake of problems like soaring prices of oil and basic commodities capped with regressive tax measures, Baculo said the militant labor movement vowed to persevere in their struggle amidst supposed maneuvers by the Macapagal-Arroyo regime to “kill” the wage bill filed in Congress. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 18, June 12-18, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2005/06/18/southern-tagalog-workers-treated-like-slaves/

It’s ‘bad food, bad life’ for Nestle’s workers “The next time you enter the grocery store to buy a milk or chocolate drink, please remember the plight of the Nestle workers.” This is the appeal of Nestle workers whose case against the giant Swissowned food multinational company drags unresolved.

Cabuyao, Laguna – “Good Food, Good Life” is Nestle’s promotional line, designed to entice consumers to taste its products. For its workers, however, who have been on strike since 2001, neither life nor food could be remotely considered good.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 250

Labor law violations At least 100 workers led by the Union of Filipro Employees (UFE), the Nestle workers’ union, stormed the Cabuyao factory gates last August 10 unmindful of the container vans and barbed wires and staged a protest rally calling for the immediate resolution of the labor dispute.

The strikers were not asking for money. They demanded that the Nestlé management comply with the 1991 Supreme Court (SC) decision which declared the retirement benefit plan as a mandatory collective bargaining issue.

In January 2002, the 600-member UFE launched a strike in adherence to the SC’s ruling when the management vehemently refused to negotiate until the retirement package is excluded, claiming it a unilateral company grant. The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the SC ruling on Feb. 27, 2003.

The case was raised to, and is currently at, the SC upon the appeal of both parties, with the union seeking the high tribunal to affirm its earlier promulgation and declare Nestlé guilty of unfair labor practice.

Militant labor groups and their allies said Nestlé was responsible for the four incidents of violent strike dispersals and three incidents of destruction of picket lines, use of hired armed goons and police personnel against strikers.

According to the union, the prolonged impasse has led to the death of 11 strikers due to lack of medical attention, not to mention the continuing physical harassment and death threats being endured by the union. Their children were also forced to stop schooling because they could not pay the required school fees.

UFE said that Nestlé, through its former president and chief executive officer Juan B. Santos, who briefly served as President Macapagal-Arroyo’s trade secretary, has been expanding the operations of contracted toll packing and co-packing firms to keep costs down, and hiring contract workers who lack both knowledge and skills to produce quality food.

Coffee monopoly Touted as Asia’s milk supplier, Nestlé also remains the single largest purchaser of coffee in the world. It controls 90-95 percent of the country’s domestic market (40,000 tons every year) and, reports also said, dictates prices to the small farmers.

According to Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka or Farmers Association in Cavite), in 1979, Nestlé initiated the massive planting of the robusta crop over the traditional arabica (also called kapeng Tagalog) and liberica (kapeng barako) which consequently dominated the coffee fields. Robusta is used in manufacturing soluble coffee.

“Pinupuno ng Nestlé ang mga bodega nito ng sobrang suplay para sa isang taon...pinipili nito ang pinakamahuhusay na kalidad ng kape at siyang ineeksport, at ang naiiwan dito ay iyong mababa ang kalidad na siyang ginagamit sa lokal na mga produkto nito” (Nestlé fills its warehouses more than the needed supply for one year, then chooses the coffee beans of high quality which it exports. The ones left are those of low-quality which they use for local products), Kamagsasaka-Ka found out in its research.

Appeal As part of Nestlé’s advertising offensive, its promodizers in groceries and market stalls approach customers to check if they have purchased Nestlé goods and they get a prize.

Noel Alemania, UFE vice-president said in an interview with Bulatlat that because of this promo, principals and teachers from public elementary schools, particularly in Cabuyao, are now requiring students to bring empty wrappers or labels in exchange for Nestlé products. Through the schools, he said Nestlé also gives children free school supplies and milk that are nearing expiration. “All these to win over the hearts and minds of the people,” he said.

But Alemania warned that tolerating Nestlé’s gimmicks is “tolerating Nestlé’s exploitation of its workers and its gross violations of the law.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 251

Meanwhile, in its July 24 issue, the tabloid Bagong Tiktik (New Spy) narrated the story of a consumer named Shirley Abad who reportedly won a cash prize worth half a million pesos from Nestlé’s raffle promo two years ago. The reward was however denied to her due to “questions on technicalities.” Abad sued the company and the case was even raised to the CA, it was learned.

UFE also appealed to the public: “The next time you visit the convenient store and grab a choco drink, please remember us and our plight.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 28, August 21-27, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2005/08/27/it’s-‘bad-food-bad-life’-for-nestle’s-workers/

Southern Tagalog transport groups press for Arroyo’s ouster Transport groups were not only able to paralyze public transportation in Southern Tagalog on Sept. 12 but also used the nationwide strike to speak to commuters and reporters about the high oil prices, the expanded value added tax (E-VAT) and a “fake president.”

Leaders of the Southern Tagalog Region Transport Sector Organization (STARTER) said the oneday strike crippled public transport in at least four provinces in the region: Laguna (95 percent), Batangas (75 percent), Rizal (70 percent) and Cavite (65 percent).

As the strike was ongoing, tricycle drivers in Cabuyao town launched a protest caravan causing many factory workers and employees unable to report for work at the Science Park. Pickets were also held at various highly-populated areas, it was learned.

Stranded commuters walked by the highways while others took their ride in rented vehicles, paying thrice the regular fare.

Some drivers, however, continued plying their routes saying they cannot afford to lose a day’s income.

Oil price hikes Why do gasoline prices – increased by the oil companies at least 15 times this year – remain so high?

STARTER secretary-general Rolando Mingo, told Bulatlat that aside from dictated prices, the deregulated oil industry also allows the Big 3 oil companies, Shell, Caltex and Petron, to engage in financial speculations on the price and supply at the world market.

“Unless the Oil Deregulation Law is scrapped and the industry is nationalized, this unjust suffering (of the people) will continue,” he said.

The VAT law, whose expanded coverage includes oil and electricity, among others, also calls for an increase of from 10 to 12 percent in the VAT rate starting this year.

With the looming implementation of the E-VAT following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling upholding its constitutionality, the consumers would have to carry the added burden even as majority of them continue to wallow in poverty.

Impeachment The nationwide transport strike was held a week after the House of Representatives, which is dominated by allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, voted 158-51 with six abstentions supporting the justice committee report aborting the sole legal process of impeaching the president for electoral fraud, corruption, human rights violations and other crimes.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 252

The transport strike, organizers said, thus also carried a political statement denouncing the vote and signaled the start of street protests aimed at unseating the president – considered by many Filipinos as illegitimate – from her office.

On Sept. 16, the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Nationalist Alliance) in Southern Tagalog and allied groups staged a rally at the Don Chino Roces Bridge, Mendiola in Manila, calling for Macapagal-Arroyo’s ouster.

At the rally, Arman Albarillo of Bayan-ST predicted that the peaceful protests “will be like waves” that would eventually topple the president.

Pura Calleja, lawyer and spokesperson of Laguna Laban Kay Gloria (Laglag or Laguna Against Gloria), said now is the time to double efforts to organize and mobilize the public toward unseating the president and establish a transition council.

“We must ensure that the marginalized sectors are well-represented in the council,” Calleja said, adding that the country’s outstanding leaders have long shunned elections because they are disgusted with the system. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 32, September 18-24, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/5-32/5-32-st.htm

3-day strike at Tommy Hilfiger shirt factory ends Workers of a clothing factory chose to fight for their benefits and went on strike, a decidedly unfashionable course of action these days. They won – in just three days.

Cabuyao, Laguna – Workers of a clothing factory producing Tommy Hilfiger shirts decided to engage in what is today an unfashionable course of action – to go on strike. Unlike in other strikes, the workers of Maxglory Apparel Inc. got their demands in just three days.

Last Dec. 3, the 37 regular employees of Maxglory Apparel Inc. that went on strike ended their protest after a dialogue with the management. The latter agreed to grant the workers their separation pay which is equivalent to 150% of their 45-day salary multiplied by the number of years of service.

The benefit package includes payments for the three-month strike duration and vacation and sick leaves.

According to Tom Dimailig of the Cabuyao Worker’s Alliance (CAWAL), the worker’s union won their battle because of the massive support of the community and other local unions.

“Maayos naman ang negosasyon sa may-ari ng kumpanya na nagpunta mismo sa piketlayn at humarap sa mga manggagawa (The negotiation went well. The company owner himself went to the picketline to face the workers),” he said, referring to Filipino-Chinese Ulysses Young, owner of Maxglory.

The Maxglory Apparel Employees Independent Union went to strike last Dec. 1 because of management refusal to negotiate in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), low wages, unionbusting and the company’s illegal closure.

Composed mostly of women, the workers received P194.75 (US$3.61) per day which is way below the reclassified P259 (US$4.80) wage laid down by the Regional Tripartite Wage Board-Bureau of Labor RelationsRegion IV-A (RTPWB-RIV-A).

Dimailig said that before the bilateral settlement, there was an attempt to harass the picketline when the management tried to dispatch at least two buses loaded with “scabs” whose entry was thwarted by the strikers.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 253

Located in Barangay Pulo here, Maxglory exports shirt products to known brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Quicksilver, American Eagle, Walt Disney and Paxsan.

Sweatshops “Maxglory workers are victims of an international scale of ‘labour flexibilization’ such as subcontracting. Big companies such as Tommy Hilfiger take advantage of it, thru its subcontractors like Maxglory, exploiting the cheap labor in the Philippines,” Luz Baculo, secretary-general of the Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan-Kilusang Mayo Uno (Unity of Workers in Southern Tagalog-May First Movement) said in a statement.

Tommy Hilfiger is a multi-billion dollar company known globally for men’s and ladies’ wear, jeans and fragrances. It was named after a famous American fashion designer.

On Sept. 15, 2004, another apparel company, Fashion House Garments Inc. in Carmona, Cavite, closed down, resulting in the displacement of more than 1,000 contractual workers. Aside from being denied of their overtime pay and back wages, employees were also forced to work non-stop for 21 hours and were given medicines to keep them awake and endure exhaustion. The Korean-owned subcontractor manufactures branded clothes like GAP, Old Navy and Allison.

Pamantik-KMU said trade liberalization has allowed the proliferation of sweatshops and the infringement of minimum wage levels and other labor standards to entice foreign investments. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 44, December 11-17, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2005/12/16/3-day-strike-at-tommy-hilfiger-shirt-factory-ends/

On Nissan strike: ‘determined action can break barriers’ Sta. Rosa City, Laguna (38 kms. south of Manila) – In this city touted as the country’s car manufacturing hub, organized workers commended the recent decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to recall the more than a hundred dismissed employees of Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) and the awarding of millions of pesos’ worth of economic packages to the Japanese firm’s rank and file.

The decision, which was issued on June 21, affirmed the Court of Appeals’ (CA) similar ruling and resolution on Feb. 7, 2003 and May 15, 2003 respectively, in favor of the union, the Bagong Nagkakaisang Lakas ng Manggagawa sa NMPI (New United Strength of Workers in NMPI or BANAL).

The SC said that the holding of a strike was insufficient ground for dismissal, and that there was no evidence of illegal acts committed during the strike. “Where a penalty less punitive would suffice, an employee should not be sanctioned with a consequence so severe,” the SC also stated.

Long-running dispute The union first staged a “sit-down” strike on Dec. 4, 2000 in protest of Nissan management’s suspension of its workers who were demanding the release of the second half of their 13th-month pay.

On Oct. 1, 2001, BANAL launched another strike after the management sacked 16 union officers and revoked the items already agreed upon in the collective bargaining agreement.

By that time, then Sec. Patricia Sto. Tomas of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) issued an Assumption of Jurisdiction order (AJ) over the labor dispute and deputized the Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement it. Following the fierce dispersal of the worker’s picket line by security guards and heavily armed policemen, the management at once sent termination letters to 143 union members through mail.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 254

Though the CA and the DoLE had already resolved that the laid-off employees should return to work and receive full back wages, the management showed defiance by petitioning for a temporary restraining order. The motion was later denied by appellate court.

The unionists were appalled when the SC declared a “status quo” on June 2003, which restrained the implementation of the CA order. It was only on March 27, 2004 when the SC issued a resolution allowing the union to present their appeal. BANAL raised their case from CA to SC with an appeal to include the 16 union officers as among those to be recalled.

In 2005, BANAL and its affiliate federation Olalia-KMU (Organized Labor in Line Industries and Agriculture-Kilusang Mayo Uno) held a rally in front of the SC building in Manila to air their grievances but were dispersed, detained and charged by Western Police District (WPD) elements.

Breaking barriers In spite of poverty, assaults and “bribe offers” to break up their picket line, the Nissan strikers remained persistent in their struggle for an immediate and just resolution of the long-running labor dispute.

The Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan-KMU (Pamantik or Solidarity of Workers in Southern Tagalog), a regional labor center, said the “heroic feats” shown by the unionists serve as a model to all workers in the region, in the country and to the whole working class. “This proves that the workers’ solid strength and determined action can break any barriers,” says Pamantik-KMU secretarygeneral Luz Baculo.

While they consider this development as victory, Pamantik-KMU believes that the Nissan workers’ collective force shall pursue to ensure that the management, headed by NMPI president and chief executive officer Leman Lee, will soon abide by the SC decision. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 22, July 9-15, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-22/6-22-nissan.htm

At Cavite Export Processing Zone: wave of violent dispersals, food blockade vs. strikers The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has enforced a wave of violent dispersals and food blockade against on-strike garment factory workers within the 276-hectare Cavite Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) in Rosario town in Cavite (25 kms. south of Manila), leaving scores wounded and with almost nothing to eat.

Checkpoints, blacklisting and confiscation of IDs and zone passes were also set up near the picket lines.

Last Sept. 25, over 300 workers of Korean-owned Chong Won Fashion Inc. and Phils. Jeon Garments Inc. simultaneously launched their strike due to the managements’ refusal to negotiate a first collective bargaining agreement with their unions despite being certified as “sole and exclusive bargaining agent” by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).

Molesting women Officers and staff members of the Workers’ Assistance Center (WAC), a church-based nongovernment organization, said that at least ten strikers were badly hurt on the first assault by the PEZA police and Jantro security guards, which took place shortly after the workers erected the picket line at

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 255

Chong Won’s gates. They said the assailants were escorting scabs inside the factory to replace the strikers and run the production lines.

During the Sept. 27 attacks, 22 Chong Won strikers were punched and beaten up with wooden clubs in the morning while 13 from Phils. Jeon were mauled in the evening, two of whom sustained head injuries.

WAC also reported the victims, mostly women, complained being sexually-molested and suspected those who attacked them were “high on illegal drugs.”

The next day, Rosario police arrested without warrant and illegally detained members of the militant labor group Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW), namely Rodel Amo, Josephine Bajar, Annalou Estremos, Gemma Lape, Glaiza Leysi, Lorna Reli, Ivy Villasan and Pablito Zapanta who were caught storing food for the strikers inside a warehouse.

WAC researcher Cecille Tuico told Bulatlat that although the eight were freed on Oct. 4, they still continue to face “trespassing” and “inciting to sedition” charges. Their captors also took away their sack of rice, mobile phones, cameras and other personal belongings, she said.

Mocking the law Chong Won produces T-shirts, ladies blouses, polo shirts, pants/jog pants, sleepwear and other clothes. Among their buyers is U.S. retail giant Wal-Mart.

Phil. Jeon, meanwhile, is producing apparel and undergarments for firms such as Al Assel and Zico in Saudi Arabia, CNI in the U.S. and Dream Station in Japan.

The aggrieved workers held an indignation rally on Oct. 2 in front of the PEZA main office in Pasay City. In a joint statement signed by union presidents Resureccion Ravelo of the Nagkakaisang Manggagawa sa Chong Won (NMCW or United Workers in Chong Won) and Normelita Galon of the Kaisahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Phils. Jeon (KMPJ or Unity of Workers in Phils. Jeon), they denounced PEZA director-general Lilia de Lima for “her blatant disregard of our right to strike and to bargain collectively.”

In August 2004, both unions won in their certification elections but their respective managements protested it. The DoLE, the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) and the Court of Appeals (CA) have since issued separate decisions affirming their legitimacy. At least 66 workers have already been served termination notices.

“We follow the rule of law, yet our rights are being trampled and our bodies are being assaulted violently,” the unions said in the statement. “Our Korean companies arrogantly mocked our law, yet they are not being clubbed to suffer head and body injuries but rather enjoy full protection and relentless favor from the government.”

Support, local and abroad Luz Baculo, secretary general of the regional labor center Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan (Pamantik or Unity of Workers in Southern Tagalog), says the grievances of the CEPZ strikers are legitimate. “Only an irrational and illogical being will have them dispersed after the unions won several favorable legal decisions from different labor and government institutions,” she said.

PEZA’s assaults against on-strike workers have gained strong condemnation by labor solidarity groups abroad such as the Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) in Canada, the US-based International Labor Rights Fund (ILRF) and the Workers’ Rights Consortium (WRC) in the US and Thailand.

The ILRF and MSN are now petitioning Wal-Mart to pressure their supplier to respect its code of conduct and the country’s labor laws. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 35, October 8-14, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/10/14/at-cavite-export-processing-zone-wave-of-violentdispersals-food-blockade-vs-strikers/

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 256

After scoring killings, U.S. firms are dared to match words with action The Solidarity of Cavite Workers has urged U.S. retail giant Wal-Mart, as well as six U.S.-based clothing firms, to match their call to the Macapagal-Arroyo government to protect workers’ rights with concrete action by pressuring its local suppliers to protect union rights.

Rosario, Cavite – The Solidarity of Cavite Workers based here, urged U.S. retail giant Wal-Mart, as well as six U.S.-based clothing firms, to match their call to the Macapagal-Arroyo government to protect workers’ rights with concrete action by pressuring their local suppliers.

Last week, six clothing firms and Wal-Mart urged the Macapagal-Arroyo administration to undertake measures to ensure the protection of workers’ rights.

This was followed by a strongly-worded appeal by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce (JFC) in the Philippines and the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters last week for an end to extra-judicial killings.

In a joint letter to Malacañang on Nov. 7, top officials of the U.S.-based American Eagle Outfitters, Gap Inc., Jones Apparel Group, Liz Claiborne, Phillips-Van Heusen, Polo Ralph Lauren and Wal-Mart, condemned the escalating political killings in the country and decried the violent dispersals and harassments perpetrated by Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) police and security guards against striking workers of Korean-owned Chong Won Fashion Inc. and Phils. Jeon Garments Inc., both of which are located at the Cavite Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) in Rosario, Cavite, 29 kms south of Manila.

The U.S.-based firms also asked the government to “support, and fully cooperate with, independent and impartial investigations” looking into the slaying of Philippine Independent Church Bishop Alberto Ramento and the shooting of union leader Gerardo Cristobal.

“We believe that local human and labor rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play an important role by partnering with manufacturers and governmental entities as well as suppliers and companies to help improve labor practices and working conditions in the apparel industry. These NGOs should be able to express their views and carry out their legitimate role freely and without fear of violence,” the letter read.

Wake-up call The independent think-tank IBON Foundation said the statements should serve as a “wake up call” to address the country’s worsening human rights record. They cited data from the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) which showed that there were 51 incidents of violations of the rights of workers and semi-workers during the first half of 2006. There were 109 violations last year.

But organized workers in CEPZ have reservations as to how Wal-Mart – a major buyer of Chong Won’s products – could match its calls with concrete action. They said its representatives in the country had been “apathetic” to the strikers’ demands.

“They (Wal-Mart) must prove it decisively,” said Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW) chair Marlyn Gonzales. “They must ensure that those workers who were summarily dismissed are reinstated. They should pressure Chong Won to negotiate with the union for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Wal Mart should also restrain Chong Won from violently attacking workers on strike.”

Unless they heed this petition, Gonzales said, Wal-Mart’s statements are “a meaningless rhetoric and an attempt to cover up the atrocities their suppliers are committing.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 257

Battered and killed Bishop Ramento, at the time he was found stabbed to death inside his rectory on Oct. 3, was chairman of the Board of Directors of the church-based Worker’s Assistance Center (WAC) while Cristobal, an SCW member, survived an assassination attempt last April 28 allegedly committed by policemen.

The unions Nagkakaisang Manggagawa sa Chong Won Fashion (NMCW or United Workers in Chong Won Fashion) and the Kaisahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Phils. Jeon (KMPJ or Solidarity of Workers in Phils. Jeon) have been fighting for their first CBA with management. A total of 50 strikers were battered harshly while defending their picket lines. One of them was a pregnant worker named Analyn Diaz of Phils. Jeon who reportedly had a miscarriage.

Last month, the striking workers filed a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) charging PEZA and Philippine National Police (PNP)-Rosario officials of conspiring to violate their rights and brutally dispersing them “without any lawful written order.” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 41, November 19-25, 2006 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2006/11/19/after-scoring-killings-u-s-firms-are-dared-to-matchwords-with-action/

Nestle workers mark five-year strike with barricades Frustrated by the continued refusal of Nestle management to implement the Supreme Court’s decision by beginning the negotiations with the union, workers and their relatives marked their five-year strike by erecting a barricade blocking two gates of the factory.

Cabuyao, Laguna – Five years have passed when over 600 employees of Nestle Philippines Inc. here went on strike to claim their retirement benefits. The labor union said that the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision in their favor has failed to render justice as the Swiss-owned multinational food company continues to defy the high court’s decision.

Since January 15, the strikers and their families have been holding a barricade that blocked the two main gates of the factory “to compel the (Nestle) management to comply with the court ruling” as regards to the protracted labor dispute.

“For the nth time, it (Nestle management) is making another attempt to ignore the decisions of the highest court of the land,” says Noel Alemania, president of Union of Filipro Employees-Drug, Food and Allied Industries Unions (UFE-DFA).

Meanwhile, Bulatlat learned that a Philippine National Police (PNP)-Calabarzon official ordered the strikers to lift their barricades at Gate 2. A weighing scale being used by container vans carrying goods that go out of the premises is located at the said gate. The entire factory is guarded by at least 50 fully armed PNP personnel.

“From this alone, we can evidently see whose interests the policemen are working for,” the union president said.

Pro-capitalist jurisprudence In a 41-page ruling promulgated on August 22, 2006 by the SC’s First Division headed by Associate Justice Minita Chico-Nazario, the high court affirmed the Court of Appeals’ (CA) decision which found the retirement plan as a valid issue to be negotiated in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 258

But the high tribunal acquitted Nestle of committing unfair labor practice and reversed the CA ruling that found former Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Patricia Santo Tomas guilty of gravely abusing her discretion by assuming jurisdiction over the CBA ground rules.

By acquitting Nestle of unfair labor practice, Alemania warned, the SC ruling may serve as prelude to “pro-capitalist” jurisprudence which would allow foreign investors to violate existing laws which safeguard workers against exploitation and unfair treatment.

“Sa pinakahuling desisyong ito, pinatunayan muli na makatwiran at makatarungan ang ipinaglalaban namin (In this latest decision, it again proved that our struggle is reasonable and just.),” he said. “Nguni’t sa kabila nito, hindi kaya ng korte na papanagutin ang maneydsment sa mga kasalanan nito...hindi pa rin ibinigay ang katarungan para sa mga manggagawa (But despite this, the court is unable to hold the management accountable for its sins...it did not give justice to the workers.).”

At all costs In January 2002, the union voted to strike when Nestle (management) insisted that retirement benefits be excluded from the CBA negotiations arguing that this benefit is subject to the discretion of management.

The UFE-DFA praised the SC’s ruling in February 1991 which stated: “The Court agrees with the NLRC’s (National Labor Relations Commission) findings that the Retirement Plan was a collective bargaining issue from the start (p. 109, Rollo) for the improvement of the existing Retirement Plan was one of the original CBA proposals submitted by UFE on May 8, 1987 to Arthur Gilmore, president of Nestle Philippines...”

Instead of negotiating with the workers, Nestle (management), led by its former president Juan Santos, appealed the case. The labor-management conflict was consequently marked by violent dispersals of workers’ pickets by the police and military resulting in 14 strike-related deaths, and the murder of union leader Diosdado “Ka (comrade) Fort” Fortuna on September 2005.

The strikers said they would hold their ground at all costs. They said the best thing the police could do is to enforce the court decision and oblige the management to implement it. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 6 Number 50, January 21-27, 2007 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2007/01/20/nestle-workers-mark-five-year-strike-with-barricades/

Southern Tagalog workers score DoLE decisions on labor cases “Promote gainful employment opportunities, develop human resources, protect workers and promote their welfare and maintain industrial peace.”

Thus says the mandate of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) posted in its official website. But judging from their experience, however, some labor unions in Southern Tagalog question the DoLE’s sincerity in upholding and protecting their interests.

Arbitrary acts Workers of two Korean-owned garment factories staged their second protest rally in six months on March 26 within the 276-hectare Cavite Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) in Rosario, Cavite (25 kms. south of Manila). They have been calling on the implementation of their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for over six months now. Their first protest rally was staged Sept. 25 last year.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 259

The Kaisahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Phils. Jeon (KMPJ or Unity of Workers in Phils. Jeon) and Nagkakaisang Manggagawa sa Chong Won (NMCW or United Workers in Chong Won) condemned the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) as well as the DoLE not only for the latter’s “inaction and tolerance” on “atrocities and gross violation of labor rights committed against them” but also for canceling the unions’ registration.

Lately, they filed separate petitions before the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) to review the decision of DoLE-Region IV director Ricardo Martinez Sr. who granted petitions to cancel the registration last Feb. 5 and 6. The labor department reportedly claimed the protesters no longer represent the majority of the unions since their respective managements terminated them from work.

The Workers’ Assistance Center Inc. (WAC), a non-government institution engaged in organizing workers within the CEPZ and other export processing zones in Luzon, disputed DoLE’s decision.

“This was grossly questionable because the workers on strike should have not been terminated in the first place when the strike is on,” WAC said in a statement. “It is illegal under labor laws.”

KMPJ and NMCW said that they suffered a wave of food blockades and harassments, along with “brutal” dispersals of picket lines in September 2006 and January this year. The striking workers said that their “attackers”—the PEZA police and Jantro security guards—have likewise charged them with libel and other “criminal offenses” for defending their rights. They fear the DoLE’s resolution would result in more violence against them.

“The union leaders and workers on strike have argued that those who filed petitions to cancel their registrations are either non-union members, occupying supervisory positions, and are strongly believed to be used by the management in an effort to bust the legitimate unions, and to discourage and legally persecute them from lawfully asserting their labor rights,” WAC said.

Various websites and blogs publicized the labor dispute and they helped fuel a global campaign to pressure internationally-known clothing brands not to tolerate unfair labor practices. A 49-page report by the Workers’ Rights Consortium (WRC) revealed the situation in Chong Won Fashion, Inc., which led universities in the U.S. to stop ordering clothes from it.

In sync with big business In Sta. Rosa City, Laguna (38 kms. south of Manila), over a hundred rank-and-file employees of Nissan Motor Philippines Inc. (NMPI) are persistently gathering at the factory gates in Sitio Aratan, Barangay Pulong, Santa Cruz, wearing their uniforms and hoping to get back to work.

They have been doing this in compliance with the Supreme Court (SC) decision on June 21, 2006 ordering the reinstatement of 144 dismissed workers and payment of their back wages. The SC affirmed similar decisions by DoLE and the Court of Appeals (CA) on December 5, 2001 and February 2, 2003, respectively.

But despite the SC decree’s being “self-executory” in favor of the workers, no less than the DoLE wants it altered.

According to its eight-page writ of execution dated March 14, 2007 and signed by DoLE Undersecretary Luzviminda Padilla, “only 27 workers are due for reinstatement” while 25 of them shall obtain back wages starting on the date the SC issued its final ruling. The writ takes effect after 10 working days upon receipt by all parties concerned.

The Bagong Nagkakaisang Lakas sa NMPI (BANAL or New United Strength of Workers in NMPI) said that they received the writ on March 15 which was personally delivered at the workers’ picket line by a DoLE representative.

Upon reading it, BANAL’s vice president Rodel Diolata said, “This is far-fetched—a clear violation of the highest court’s decision,” he said.

During negotiations in January, NMPI’s Vice-President for Corporate Planning Val de Leon insisted that the management would only settle the separation pay of 25 workers.

The Japanese automotive assembler ceased its plant operations and issued a forced leave to its employees from March 19 until April 10, Diolata said. “In a synchronized and conspicuous

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 260

move...Nissan management and DoLE know their depravity against the workers which is why they are evading workers’ immediate protests and actions,” he said. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 7 Number 9, April 1-7, 2007 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/7-9/7-9-labor.htm

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 261

PART EIGHT: ARTS AND CULTURE “You see: the new contradicts with the old. If we truly want to renew ourselves, one has to induce the downfall of the old followed by the victory of the new.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 262

Renewal and repentance As a child, Lent was not my favorite time of the year. It is a week without cartoons on T.V.; a week less playing for children. Church processions, masses and the pabasa...all these are associated with what I call then as a gloomy and boring season. One could not compare this day to the joyous giftgiving activity during Christmas, or to the delightful dating on Valentine’s.

Growing ten years older (or more), I begin to understand why Lent has become a traditional manner of personal sacrifice for faith and hope.

But what is Lent? For Christians, Lent symbolizes the forty days of Christ’s fasting in the wilderness. It was expected of them to manifest repentance, grief and personal sacrifice so that they may be able to experience a higher level of spirituality along “God’s will.” It precedes the Christian holiday of Easter.

We commemorate Lent by keeping in mind the Jubilee theme of “proclaiming freedom to all inhabitants of the land.”

Let us begin with repentance. Sins occur because we have shortcomings and mistakes. Thus, in the process of repentance, it is necessary to point out our shortcomings and mistakes so that sins may be avoided in the future. A passage from Job 11:13 says, “Put your heart right, Job. Reach out to God. Put away evil and wrong from your home. Then face the world again, firm and courageous. Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remember no more.”

To put away evil and wrong, we have to make mechanisms for self-correction. What use do we get if we repent today but commit a sin tomorrow? This way of life is called split-level Christianity.

Understandably, the road to righteousness is difficult and thorny. In fact, it is so difficult that we tend to vacillate and succumb to temptations we can’t resist.

We should make effort to do away with our selfishness. Christ said: “We cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24), “He who loves father and mother more than me is not worthy of me…”

(Matthew 10:37-38), and “Anyone who starts to plow and then starts looking back is of no use for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

The path to renewal is quite similar with regards to repentance. In the midst of wrongdoings, we realize the need to make things new. Second Corinthians 5:17 says that a “person who is in Christ is a new creature; the old things are passed away…” This passage refers to change that is taking place in the consciousness of an individual as well as his/her lifestyle. Although change comes from the internal, it cannot be separated from changes going on in our society where the individual lives and moves and from where he/she draws his/her being.

A person who has really renewed and transformed should in any way engage in the ministry of making things new. Christ who said, “behold, I make things new” was killed by the Roman authorities because he dedicated his whole life to such a ministry.

No one patches up an old coat with a new piece of cloth, says Matthew 9:17. It further says, “nor does anyone pour new wine into used wine skins, for the skins will burst, the wine will pour out, and the skins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into fresh wine skins, and both will keep in good condition.” You see: the new contradicts with the old. If we truly want to renew ourselves, one has to induce the downfall of the old followed by the victory of the new.

When many Filipinos took to EDSA and other streets to demand President Erap Estrada’s resignation last January, they wanted changes in the government and society…thus, putting an end to corruption, immorality and injustice. They saw Erap’s regime not working for the interests and aspirations of majority of Filipinos. That is why they bravely defied authority from Erap until the day when the president resigned from office.

Well, Lenten also speaks about turning our hearts to the poor and underprivileged. As for urbandwelling professionals, both young and old, they got more enlightened during and after EDSA People

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 263

Power II. They begin to look at the world from the eyes of those who are hungry and helpless. They become more interested in joining and sympathizing with the toiling masses than being too busy about their careers.

But what was inspiring, though, were those few individuals who transcended from their old selves and took up the cross. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 3 Number 12, April 2001 issue, page 22

Dekada ng pagkamulat at pakikibaka: rebyu ng Dekada ʻ70 ni Laulhati Bautista Truncheon. Teargas. Pillbox. Molotov. PC (Philippine Constabulary). FQS (First Quarter Storm).

Mendiola. Martial Law. Ang mga salitang ito’y tila mga lagusan na naghahatid sa mga aktibista, mamamahayag, pulitiko at iba pang naging bahagi ng mga rali’t demonstrasyon sa mga alaala ng isang dimalilimutang panahon sa ating kasaysayan—ang dekadang 1970.

Ang nobelang Dekada ʻ70 (Carmelo & Bauermann; 228 pahina) ng premyadong manunulat na si Lualhati Bautista ay natatanging akda sa wikang Filipino hindi lang dahil sa pagkamit nito ng unang gantimpala sa Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature noong 1983 kundi dahil sa mapangahas na inilarawan nito ang isang lipunang noo’y nasa bingit ng pagbabago sa gitna ng papalalang krisis pangekonomiya at pampulitikang ligalig bago naganap ang tinaguriang EDSA People Power Revolt ng 1986.

Sa akdang ito, ipinakita ni Amanda Bartolome (tagapagsalaysay ng nobela) ang mga sakit, ligaya, problema, at adhikain niya bilang babae. Ang mahabang salaysay ay nakasentro sa panggitnang-uring pamilyang Bartolome, at sa kung papaano naapektuhan ng batas militar ang mga tunggalian at trahedyang naganap sa buhay nila. Katuwang ni Amanda ang inhinyerong asawa na si Julian Sr. sa pagpapalaki sa lima nilang anak na lalaki: ang panganay na si Jules na isang kabataang aktibista na sumapi sa rebeldeng New People’s Army (NPA) at pagkatapos ay naging bilanggong pulitikal; si Gani na sa batang edad ay nakabuntis ng babae; si Em na isang manunulat na naghahanap ng pagkakakilanlan sa sarili; si Jason na naging biktima ng salvaging at si Bingo na maaga pa’y nagmamasid na sa mga nangyayari.

Sa Dekada ʻ70, mababakas ng mambabasa ang tala ng mga aktuwal na kuwento ng panunupil at karahasan ng mga militar sa mga inosenteng sibilyang nasasangkot sa digmaan, mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao, iba’t ibang mukha ng karukhaan at pagsasamantala sa aping mamamayan, at ang walang humpay na paglaban ng mamamayan sa diktadurya sa panahon ng batas militar.

Sa paggamit ng awtor ng first person point of view sa kuwento, kapansin-pansin ang hilig ni Amanda na kausapin ang sarili o mind-chatter hinggil sa papel niya sa asawa’t mga anak at sa mga usaping bumabagabag sa kanya. Sa pagkatuto niya kay Jules, nakakapaghayag siya ng tungkol sa mga nangyayari “dahil di na ako limitado sa mga bagay lang na may kinalaman sa pampabata’t pampaganda, pagdiriwang at mga kaburgisan,” wika nga ni Amanda.

Hindi tipikal na babae si Amanda, bagkus, isang tao na may likas na kamalayan sa mga pangyayaring kinasasangkutan ng mas malawak na bilang ng mamamayan (na unti-unti niyang natutuklasan) at di nagpapasupil sa limitasyon ng litanya ng asawa na, “Well honey, it’s a man’s world.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 264

Isang mahalagang tauhan sa akda si Jules, isang kabataang namulat ng mga kampanya laban sa tuition fee increase sa paaralan hanggang sa lumao’y piliin niyang lumahok sa sandatahang pakikibakang inilulunsad ng NPA. Ang katangian niya bilang isang rebolusyonaryong nakikibaka para palitan ang sistemang umiiral ay lubhang nakapukaw sa damdamin ni Amanda na minsa’y iginiit ang kalayaang magpasya ng sariling buhay noong sumulat siya sa kapatid ng mga katagang sinipi mula sa tula ng makatang si Kahlil Gibran: “Ang inyong anak ay hindi n’yo anak, Sila’y mga anak na lalaki’t babae ng buhay!

Nagdaan sila sa inyo ngunit hindi inyo, At bagama’t pinalaki n’yo, sila’y walang pananagutan sa inyo” Sa pagkakaalam ko, ito rin ang madalas sipiin ng mga aktibistang estudyante ngayon sa pakikipagusap sa mga magulang na hindi nakakaunawa sa kanilang ginagawa!

At gaya ng maraming magulang, hindi naiintindihan ni Amanda ang anak sa mga ginagawa nito.

Sagot ni Jules sa ina: panahon na para mamili ang tao. Alinman sa dito ka o do’n...Tutulong ka bang baguhin ang kalagayang ito o magseserbisyo ka rin sa uring mapang-api?

Sa di-inaasahang pagkakatao’y nalasap ng buong pamilya ang dagok ng batas militar nang walang awang pinahirapan at pinatay si Jason ng mga di kilalang tao ilang oras matapos itong palayain ng PC dahil sa hinalang gumagamit ito ng marijuana. Sa kawalan ng pagkakakilanlan sa salarin, walang silang nagawa kundi ang tumangis sa kawalan ng hustisya.

Ngunit kahit pa sumuong sa matitinding trahedya ang pamilyang Bartolome, nananatili pa rin silang buo sa kabila ng pagkakaiba-iba nila ng prinsipyo. Kahit hindi nagkakaintindihan sa mga diskursong pang-intelektuwal, di nawawala ang mahigpit na ugnayang emosyonal. Ika nga ng isang awit, “sa pagkakalayo ay may paglalapit din.”

Ang mga pangyayaring ibinunyag sa Dekada ʻ70 ay tila nakapagsisilbing panggatong sa lumalakas at umiigting na tinig ng paghihimagsik sa mga unang taon ng sumunod na dekada.

Unang naipakilala sa ʻkin ang Dekada ʻ70 noong Oktubre 1996 ni G. Christopher Amat, guro sa Komunikasyon sa College of Arts and Sciences ng University of Perpetual Help System-Laguna (UPHSL). Mula noon, hindi ko tinantanan ang pagbabasa ng aklat hanggang sa ito’y matapos ko sa loob lamang ng dalawang linggo.

Para sa mga estudyanteng may progresibong kaisipan, nakaambag ang akda sa pagpapataas ng kanilang pampulitikang kamulatan at pagkamakabayan. Kahit noong mga taong nagsisimula pa lang na sumulong ang pakikibaka para sa isang malayang konseho at pahayagan ng mga mag-aaral sa UPHSL, itinuring ko na ang nobela bilang nirerekomendang reading material para sa pagmumulat at pag-oorganisa sa masang estudyante. May isa ngang kasamang nagmungkahi pa na gawin itong kurso sa pag-aaral ng organisasyon.

Sa mga panahong gaya ng dekada ʻ70 “na dekada ng pagkamulat at pakikibaka” natutunan natin ang aral na ang bawat isa’y bahagi ng mas malawak na lipunan kung saan ang mga kabataan ngayon, na “isang malinaw na mata at tainga at tinig ng kanyang panahon”, ang siyang magpapasya ng kinabukasan ng bayan. Ang luma’y sadyang napapalitan ng bago.

Wika nga ng isang bilanggong pulitikal, “ang payapang pampang ay para lang sa mga pangahas na sasalunga sa alimpuyo ng mga alon sa panahon ng unos.” ### Si Dennis, ay manunulat ng Balikas, isang lingguhang dyaryo sa wikang Filipino na nagtataguyod ng kalikasan at katarungang panlipunan sa Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) area.

Unang inilathala sa Tinig.com online magazine, Enero 1-15, 2003 isyu

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 265

Tales of the heart: ʻGayuma’ techniques that work effectively The time when lovers take a day off from their busy schedules and hide away to a more romantic escapade to celebrate a highly amorous occasion is drawing near. But to whom do we share the tidings that love brings if we still haven’t met that “special someone”?

In the realm of Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) and paranormal research, an array of behavioral and esoteric mind techniques has been developed to instantly empower any interested person to provoke states of pure enthrallment and a sense of increased rapport towards a prospective man or lady.

Joseph Plazo, founder of Exceed, an international group of mind experts and author of several ebooks on persuasion and mind development, says that “since our launching, we’ve grown to offer our clients self-development and behavioral re-engineering consultancy. Using materials sourced from a vast pool of behavioral sciences, paranormal research and modern personality development techniques, we strike to promulgate essential skills for your success.”

His book “Magnetic Attraction”, which was published in 2001 in the Internet, teaches over 30 techniques such as alpha gaze, emotional elicitation, thought radiance and trancing—all geared to transform individuals to guild up their personality and therefore get what they want in relationships.

This could tremendously lead to boundless love.

The part “short tips to lure the person you like” was removed in this version by the author.

First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 5 Number 8, February 2003 issue, page 22

Women and artists at the anti-war front “I think now is the right time to speak out and show what we feel as artists,” says movie actress Cherrie Pie Picache during an anti-war protest participated in by hundreds of women activists, artists and children. “This is not the time for complacency.”

Picache was among those who gathered at the historic Rizal Park in Manila afternoon of Feb. 19 to hold what they call a “peace link,” the participants’ way of expressing opposition to the United States’ (US)-led war against Iraq.

The activity was initiated by the militant women’s alliance Gabriela and the www.peace or Women Working for World Peace-No to US War on Iraq Coalition. They were joined by housewives, actresses, legislators, church and lay workers, health practitioners, other professionals, students, community leaders and activist women.

Picache, whose film and television credits include Anak, Tanging Yaman, Lagarista, Sana Maulit Muli, Saan Ka Man Naroroon and Mula sa Puso, told Bulatlat.com that she has been joining Gabriela for quite a long time in its campaigns affecting women, such as anti-sex trafficking and oppression of women migrant workers.

Meanwhile, www.peace spokesperson and convenor Sr. Nila Bermisa, MM, explained, “Women and children are linking arms against the war, not just here in Luneta (now Rizal Park) but all over the country. More and more Filipino women are expressing their concern for the repercussions of the war.

Signatures to our unity statement and various forms of support to the campaign are pouring in.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 266

Other celebrities According to her, the list of signatories is composed of celebrities from the local movie, television and music industry, which includes Malu de Guzman, Bibeth Orteza, Monique Wilson, Grace Nono, Pilar Pilapil, Leah Navarro, Gina Alajar, Maria Montelibano, Lourdes Carvajal (Inday Badiday), Jaclyn Jose, Kitchie Benedicto, and megastar Sharon Cuneta, among others.

In a statement, Gabriela deputy secretary-general Emmi de Jesus asked, “How safe are the Filipino people? The war in the Middle East remains a threat yet oil prices have already increased four times in less than two months. War jitters have caused the value of the peso to slide down to P54 and might even reach P100 per dollar in the event of actual U.S. attack on Iraq. Consequently, the prices of goods and services are affected, due to high production costs, as the manufacturers and utility companies reason out.”

At least 1.5 million Filipinos in the Middle East – 65% of whom are women – are directly endangered. With no jobs or decent salaries to return to, they would rather sacrifice their lives and face the consequences of the war.

De Jesus said that despite all these, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo continues to echo the U.S. line that the war against Iraq is part of the global war against terrorism. “The government again dragged us into this unjust war that we neither believe in nor support by allowing U.S. troops to amass and ‘train’ in our shores. The new Balikatan exercises will take place in Sulu, right in the heart of our Muslim brothers and sisters’ land. Muslims are wary that the U.S. presence is a pretext for exploitation of resources and pacification of anti-U.S. sentiments, reminiscent of the American colonial pacification campaign against Muslims in the early 1900s,” she said.

At sundown, the crowd lined up on the sidewalk and proceeded to the U.S. embassy in a bid to send their message to American officials. But they failed to reach the embassy gates, as police forces blocked them by up to three lanes of the road causing traffic along Roxas Boulevard, which irritated many motorists. “Sa mga kapatid naming drayber, pasensya na po kayo sa trapik,” one of the women protesters shouted in agitation. “Kase, nakaharang po ang mga pulis, sila na mga tuta ng Kano!!”

Irene Donato, spokesperson of Alerto Mamimili, a consumer’s group, on the other hand, feared an enormous hike in the prices of basic goods and services once the war erupts.

Another artist, Directors’ Guild of the Philippines (DGPI) president Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, spoke up: “Nakikiisa kami sa pagrespeto ng demokratikong proseso ng United Nations tungkol sa peaceful disarmament ng Iraq. Huwag tayong maliligaw sa mga pangarap na ipinapangako sa atin ng dalawang bansa, ang US at ang UK, na makuha ang gusto nila sa pamamaraan ng dahas. (We respect the democratic process in the United Nations regarding peaceful disarmament of Iraq. Let us not be deceived by the promises of the U.S. and UK so they could get what they want through violent means.)” ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 3 Number 4, February 23-March 1, 2003 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/3-4/3-4-women.html

Informal credits: a desperate option?

In times of difficulties and relentless crisis, a frequent expression of Filipino folks when confronted with financial qualms is the “bahala na“ attitude that quickly and effectively transmutes into an outlook of consolation. May individuals, whose families have long been oppressed and impoverished, depend on small credits or loans as their saving grace.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 267

Urban-fashioned people in our modern-era, meanwhile, use credit cards as a matter of convenience (especially when shopping), with all its processing fees and interests that affect one’s overall cost.

For most people, availing a loan from formal financial institutions like banks is not as easy as it would seem. To insure that banks consider a client’s request, one would actually need to have a credible guarantor. Indeed, this system is a bane to someone who needs instant cash.

The (over)dependence on credit may be blamed to our country’s Spanish colonial legacy where lavish celebrations and fiestas mandated people to spend all they have, including the offering of crops and services in the faith that God would grant them abundant harvest.

But what are informal credits? With most households today barely earning enough for their basic needs, or much less, having savings to spare, informal credits have become a necessity.

Here are the four types of informal credits: 1. Pawnshops – These are non-bank financial institutions engaged in the business of lending money on the security of a pawned personal property. These have become a ready rescourse whenever an individual or a family runs out of cash. Unlike in banks where one has to go through the bureaucratic strictures to secure a loan, pawnshops readily lends money as long as a piece of property or more commonly a jewelry or anything of value are presented as collateral.

2. Non-stock savings and loan associations – Primarily created to give low interest policy for leans for those who cannot put up the collateral required by pawnshops and to stretch our emergency financial loans from banks, savings and loan associations (SLAs) have helped the rapidly expanding borrowing public get relief from their credit crunch. SLAs provides households with personal financing services in the form of capital assistance. They’re also engaged in businesses such as farming, coffee trading, livestock, shrimp and prawn production, appliance marketing, commodity exports and transportation.

3. Traveling merchants – Popularly known as the “bumbay“, these motorcycle-riding salesmen from India roam the streets of Metro Manila or elsewhere to sell major household appliances in a very generous transaction terms and rates. They even collect a very low rate for a 12month installment for a small item. Also, bumbays offer cash usually with interest rates ranging from 10% to 20%. This is still attractive to borrowers since not only is cash immediately availed, it is even delivered directly to the client’s residence or workplace.

4. Credit cooperatives – In the rural areas, availing of cheap agricultural credit for production inputs is a perennial dilemma of small farmers. Rural credit cooperatives give short-term, collateral-free loans for production purposes, and operates on the principle of mutual self-help and self-reliance to harness people’s collectivity. It encourages small farmers to find solutions to their own problems through their own strength and resources because, after all, a financially self-reliant farmer is a major step to achieving rural development.

The proliferation of informal credit institutions, in a way, has benefited the less privileged ones. But looking closely, it may also signify a strong indictment to our country’s weakening financial system. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 6 Number 2, August 2003 issue, page 17

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 268

100 taon ni Amado V. Hernandez Bilang pagpaparangal sa dakilang artista at manunulat at pambansang alagad ng sining (national artist) na si Amado V. Hernandez sa kanyang ika-isandaang taon ng pagsilang, isang gabi ng pagbigkas ng kanyang mga tula ang itinanghal ng mga artistang Pilipino kamakailan.

Mainit na pagtanggap ang itinugon ng daan-daang manonood na karamiha’y aktibista, guro at magaaral mula sa iba’t ibang paaralan, sa pagtatanghal na pinamagatang: “Panata sa Kalayaan: Isang Gabi ng mga Tula ni Ka Amado” na ginanap noong ika-13 ng Setyembre sa Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas (Folk Arts Theatre) sa Kamaynilaan.

Ang naturang palabas ay itinaguyod ng Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas (CCP), Amado V. Hernandez Resource Center (AVHRC), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) at ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Maynila. Ang palabas ay sa direksyon ni Soc Jose.

Ang mga artistang nagtanghal ay kinabibilangan nina Shamaine Centenera, John Arcilla, Roy Alvarez, Leo Martinez, Ronnie Lazaro, Jess Santiago, Angie Ferro, Au Yumol, Carmina Aquino, Imanwel, Hiyasmin, Ilena, Marikit, Nonie Buencamino, Ma. Isabel Lopez, Joonee Gamboa, Asin, Pan, Andres Bonifacio Choir, Tambisan sa Sining at Sinagbayan.

Kasama rin sa mga bumasa ng tula sina Kinatawan Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza at Crispin Beltran ng partidong Bayan Muna; Carmen Deunida ng Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap; Rafael Baylosis ng Kilusang Mayo Uno at Daning Ramos ng Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.

Dahilan sa tatlong mamamahayag lamang ang dumalo sa nakaraang balitaan patungkol sa pangkulturang aktibidad, sinabi ng pangalawang pangulo ng CCP na si Nanding Josef na pagpapakita ito ng kakulangan ng interes ng midya sa pag-uukol ng pansin sa panitikang Pilipino.

Ayon kay Josef, isang kabiguan sa Pilipino ang hindi mabasa ang mga obra ni Hernandez.

Ipinaliwanag niya na ang ganitong kalakaran ay magluluwal ng bagong henerasyon ng mga kabataang hindi kritikal o mulat sa kanyang lipunan.

Isinilang sa Hagonoy, Bulacan noong ika-13 ng Setyembre, 1903, si Hernandez ay kabiyak ng tinaguriang reyna ng kundiman na si Atang dela Rama. Nakilala siya sa tulang “Kung Tuyo na Ang Luha Mo, Aking Bayan”, “Aklasan”, “Isang Dipang Langit” at sa mga nobelang gaya ng “Ibong Mandaragit” at “Luha ng Buwaya”. Isa rin siyang pinunong-manggagawa na nagtatag ng Congress of Labor Organizations (CLO) at dumanas ng anim na taong pagkakulong sa kasong rebelyon.

Tinagurian siyang kampeon ng masa dahil sa kanyang pakikibaka laban sa imperyalismo at pangtatanggol sa uring manggagawa at magbubukid. Noong 1973, hinirang siyang pambansang alagad ng sining, tatlong taon matapos siyang bawian ng buhay. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 39, Oktubre 3-9, 2003 isyu, pahina 6

Konsiyerto alay kay Gat Andres MAYNILA – Nanawagan ang mga samahang kabataan ng muling pagtataguyod ng pulitika ng pag-asa at pakikibaka ng kabataan sa ginanap na konsyerto bilang paggunita sa kaarawan ng dakilang bayani at supremo ng Katipunan na si Andres Bonifacio.

Ang konsyerto ay ginanap noong ika-3 ng Disyembre sa Liwasang Bonifacio, Lungsod ng Maynila.

Ito ay dinaluhan ng mahigit 300 mga kabataan mula sa Kamaynilaan, Davao, Tarlac at Pampanga.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 269

Iba’t ibang artista’t musikero na kinabibilangan nina Dong Abay ng Pan, The Jerks, The Wuds, Musikang Bayan, Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan, Kilometer 64 at iba pa ang tumugtog sa konsyerto ng paggunita kay Bonifacio.

Ang konsyerto’y inisponsor ng Anak ng Bayan (AnB) Youth Party, isang partidong pampulitika ng kabataan.

Ayon kay Apolinario Alvarez, pangulo ng AnB, nananatiling walang tinig ang sektor ng kabataan laluna sa pagbubuo ng batas ng kasalukuyang pamahalaan.

“Sa mahabang panahon tuwing eleksyon, nilalapitan at pinangangakuan ng mga pulitiko ang kabataan. Nagpapanggap silang para sa kabataan pero matapos ang eleksyon hindi naman nila tinutugunan ang kahilingan ng kabataan,” wika ni Alvarez.

Aniya, dismayado rin sila sa laganap na katiwalian sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Gloria Arroyo.

Kabilang sa mga kahilingan nila ay: igalang ang karapatan sa edukasyon, ipatupad ang moratoryum sa pagtaas ng matrikula, ipawalang-bisa ang lahat ng umiiral na batas na nagpapatindi sa komersyalisasyon ng sistema ng edukasyon, tiyakin ang mataas na badyet sa edukasyon, pagbibigay ng trabaho at serbisyong sosyal sa mga mamamayan.

Upang maisulong ang mga nabanggit na kahilingan, binabalak ng AnB na lumahok sa darating na halalan para sa party-list sa Mayo 2004. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 8 Bilang 49, Disyembre 12-18, 2003 isyu, pahina 4 at 6

Maka-gulay na pagkain Tayo ay kumakain para maging masigla ang pangangatawan. Pero ang lahat ba ng ating kinakain ay tunay na nagbibigay ng buhay at kalusugan?

Ang pangkaraniwang pagkaing nakagisnan na natin ay binubuo ng dalawang uri: una, pagkaing gulay na kinabibilangan ng mga pagkaing butil (grains at beans), bungang lupa (root crops), mga dahon, talbos at prutas. Pangalawa, mga pagkaing karne o laman (meat) kabilang na ang baboy, beef (baka at iba pang katulad na hayop), isda at mga lamang-dagat, mga itlog at poultry (manok, bibi at iba pang ibon).

Matagal nang nagtuturo ng paglulutong vegetarian si Nona Lema, taga-Silang, Cavite. Bukod dito, nagsasaliksik rin siya ukol sa mga pagkain. Ayon sa kanya, sa dalawang uri ng pagkain, ang pagkaing gulay ang “wastong pagkain ng tao.” Ito raw ay malinis, ligtas, sariwa, kaayaaya, makulay, mahalimuyak, malasa at masarap.

Samantala, nagtataglay ang pagkaing karne ng maraming kemikal na nakalalason raw sa katawan.

Ang ilan sa mga matitinding lason na ito ay pesticides, antibiotics, growth stimulants, hormones, insecticides, tranquilizers, radioactive isotopes, herbicides, appetite stimulants at larvicides. Bukod dito, nagtataglay rin ng mataas na dosage ng cholesterol, saturated fat, uric acid at iba pa.

Sari-saring nakalalasong kemikal ang isinasaksak sa katawan ng mga hayop na ginagawang pagkain ng tao. Halimbawa nito ang Zykon-B, isang uri ng pestisidyong sangkap sa cyanide gas na ginamit sa pagpatay sa milyun-milyong Hudyo sa Alemanya noong ikalawang digmaang pandaigdig.

Ang mga chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides tulad ng DDT, aldrin, kepone, dieldrin, chlordane, heptachlor, endrin, mirex, PCB, toxaphene, lindane at iba pa ay hindi kaagad nalulusaw at nananatili sa kapaligiran sa loob ng ilandaang taon.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 270

Ang lahat ng mga kemikal na nasagap ng mga hayop sa buong buhay nila ay nakasiksik sa kanilang laman. Kaya ang tao, bilang siyang pinakahuli sa tinatawag na food chain, ang siyang sasagap ng lahat ng pinagsama-samang kemikal kapag kinain niya ang laman ng mga hayop.

“Kapag tayo ay umiinom ng gamot na binili sa botika, kahit paano ay alam natin kung ano ang mga sangkap na nilulunok natin. Pero kapag kumain tayo ng pagkaing karne, ni hindi natin alam kung anuano ang nilalaman ng karneng iyon,” wika ni Nona na isa ring manunulat. Kasalukuyan niyang tinatapos ang isang serye ng mga recipe books ukol sa iba’t ibang lutuing vegetarian (Filipino style) na balak niyang ipalathala at ipamahagi.

Vegetarian diet “Hindi na tayo kailangang kumain ng karne para mabuhay at maging malusog.”

Ito ang binigyang-diin ni Garuda Das, coordinator ng Chaitanya Mission Center, isang relihiyosong samahang nagtataguyod ng pagkaing vegetarian. Bukod dito, ang kanilang samahan ay nagbibigay rin ng libreng pag-aaral ukol sa meditasyon, isang simple at sinaunang paraan ng pagkakamit ng panloob na kapayapaan at kasiyahan sa sarili.

Ayon kay Garuda, ang pagkaing vegetarian ay “hindi lapastangan sa karapatang-hayop” at “kasiyasiya sa Diyos”. ‘Aniya, sang-ayon daw ito sa batas ng kalikasan.

Noong ika-1 ng Pebrero, idinaos sa Pacita I, Bgy. San Vicente, San Pedro, Laguna ang isang “sankirtan” o sama-samang pag-awit na sinundan ng libreng pamamahagi ng mga pagkaing vegetarian sa ilang kabataang maralita.

Mas mabuti raw na sabayan ng meditasyon ang isang vegetarian diet dahil, “sa pamamagitan nito, mauunawaan natin ang tunay nating katauhan at ang tunay na layunin ng ating buhay.”

“Kung paanong nais natin ng malinis at ligtas na pagkain para sa katawan, nais rin natin ng malinis na isip at puso at kaisipang malapit sa Diyos,” wika pa ni Garuda, sa pakikipanayam ng Balikas.

Tofu cheeze balls Narito ang isang masarap na lutuing vegetarian mula kay Nona na maaari ninyong subukan.

Mga sangkap: 1 pirasong tofu o 4 na pirasong tokwa (dinurog) 1/2 tasang patatas (nilaga, dinurog) 1 tasang ginadgad na keso o 1 maliit na boteng cheesedale spread 1/2 tasang dahong sibuyas (hiniwang maliliit) 1/2 tasang kinchay (hiniwang maliliit) asin paminta 1 tasang cornstarch o harina Sa isang bowl, paghaluin ang tofu o tokwa, patatas, sibuyas na mura, kinchay, asin at paminta.

Gawing bola-bola. Pagulungin ang bola-bola sa ginadgad na keso o cheesedale.

Tapos, pagulungin sa cornstarch o harina. Iprito sa mainit na mantika. Ihain na mainit na may ketsap. O di kaya’y ihalo sa spaghetti o sabaw na miswa. ### Unang inilathala sa dyaryong Balikas, Aklat 9 Bilang 5, Pebrero 6-12, 2004 isyu

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 271

On the streets of Iraq: a review of Musikang Bayan’s Songs for Peace Music is incomparable as a medium for chronicling history. In every piece of uniquely-assembled notes and lyrics, a composer can accurately depict the nature of both war and peace. This is what the alternative cultural group Musikang Bayan (People’s Music) has done in its new album called Songs for Peace.

As can be surmised, modern-day music has evolved from dealing with the unrequited love as theme, to giving a deeper insight about social realities and contradictions that insistently demand actions. Much of this musical evolution should be credited to a number of protest musicians of the 1960s and 1970s.

Songs for Peace, the latest album by Musikang Bayan, is more than just a plaintive cry or an invocation to “imagine” a peaceful world to live in. Its album cover says the opus is meant “to protest in strong terms imperialist wars of aggression of any kind anywhere in the world.”

Recorded live and released in mid-2003, this album carries politically-sharp and refreshing sounds, a stark contrast to some commercial artists and gospel musicians that war-mongers like the Macapagal-Arroyo regime use to downplay the raging anti-war protest movement. However, the simplicity of acoustic instrumentation that dominated its previous albums namely Rosas ng Digma and Anak ng Bayan are still present, with the lyrics as straightforward as ever.

The fab four composed of Levy Abad Jr., Empiel Palma, Danny Fabella and Jess Bartolome – all singers, songwriters and guitarists – vow to make their musical talents serve the people, despite meager resources common to most alternative artists.

In three weeks that started a year ago, the United States invaded the oil-rich country Iraq under the pretext of waging a “war on terror” amidst worldwide mass resistance. It has deployed 250,000 American and British troops, launched 12,000 air missions that fired, among others, 725 Tomahawk cruise missiles, 50 cluster bombs and released 12,000 “precision-guided missiles,” killing thousands of Iraqi people, with hundred thousands more dying from hunger and diseases.

The first song in the album – Over the Streets of Iraq – is a tearful tune that mourns the horrors of an unjust war. It begins with a loud siren; a warning signal for the Iraqi people to rush to safety as the countdown to the deadly air strike of the U.S.-led Coalition Forces began.

The chorus goes: “Our lives are not your toy/The world is not yours to own/The arrogance you’ve shown/An act we’ll not condone/Under the cloak of peace/You surfaced like a beast/Over the streets of Iraq.”

Stop your stupid war, says Not in Our Name, an anthem apparently inspired by the American people’s famous battlecry opposing the U.S.’ invasion of Iraq: “The days and nights are burning hell/An endless flow of blood and tears/But all the fears that rule the land/Will be a force to crush you down/As we shout it again and again:/Not in our name will you make another war.”

Light a Candle is a tribute song in commemoration of all the martyrs whose ultimate sacrifice is not only a “worthy gift to remember” but also a piercing reminder to everyone that “the struggle for peace must be won.” This brings to memory human rights advocate Eden Marcellana and peasant leader Eddie Gumanoy, who were brutally slain last year allegedly by the military’s roving “death squad” and to whom this album was dedicated.

Oh God! narrates the agony of a young girl asking God to stop the war: “This war she learned from her father/Is a war between greed and righteousness/Would it help if you keep on asking the question/Oh God! When would this war come to an end?” Not satisfied with the father’s explanation, she later discovers the voraciousness of the U.S. military-industrial complex as the root of the perennial conflict.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 272

Irony of terrorism The irony of the U.S.’ terrorist labeling of legitimate dissenters is depicted in the song You’re A Terrorist, while the ballad The Peace We Want exhibits the vision of women and children for a peaceful world. The melancholic, blues-like Don’t Talk About Freedom expresses lament on the countless atrocities and oppression that U.S. imperialism has committed against different nations and races, while the agitating Warmonger castigates and calls on the U.S. to disarm, asserting that the weapons of mass destruction is in “its bloody hands” and not anywhere within Iraq.

Union of the Weak likens U.S. monopoly-capitalism to an evil monster whose reign of terror and fascism, in the end, will soon be crushed by a broad united front of all the people in the world. With a congruous fusion of a solo acoustic guitar and a congo, a part of this apocalyptic song goes: “But undaunting spirit never sleeps/The fight for redemption never ceases/The empire will crumble, all our wars will be won/The union of the weak will defeat the strong.”

Meanwhile, To A Poet is a guitar-accompanied poetry rendition asking contemporary poets not to offer the audience with candied rhymes that “sweetly poison the consciousness while the wounds of the masses are festering.” It is a resolute plea to all writers to open their hearts and minds on the plight of the exploited classes.

This cut sounds like “Kung Ang Tula Ay Isa Lamang” (If There is Only One Poem), a poem by protest musican Jess Santiago. By comparing the pen to a blazing torch, it reveals a philosophy that a writer’s potency is measured by his/her revolutionary fervor.

Listen to Musikang Bayan’s Songs for Peace by heart and you will surely be surprised at how it makes more sense than the usual love songs that have pierced our ears for a long time. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 8, March 21-27, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-8/4-8-musikangbayan.html

Hello graduates! What’s next?

College graduation is one of the most crucial chapters of a person’s life. Moreover, it is a turning point from one life stage to the next, as the graduating student prepares to face the challenges of the socalled “new life.”

Wearing the toga and receiving diploma onstage during this momentous day is the culmination of more than 20 years of hard school work. It is now up to the graduating student how would he fulfill his dreams.

But contrary to these pretty-looking images, most graduates are gripped with a lot of uncertainties amid never-ending wars and crises.

Our educational system is being operated along the line of globalization wherein the present administration has pursued the following steps: a. Cost-cutting – streamlining of the Basic Education Curriculum, to lessen the acquired number of textbooks, learning materials, and even teachers on a long-term basis. b. Decentralization – requiring local government units and parent-teacher-community associations (PTCAs) to shoulder more of the costs in running elementary and secondary schools. c. Privatization – allowing state colleges and universities to “optimize” its idle assets, raise funds from research studies and consultancies, and raise tuition fees to catch up with the prevailing market prices. d. Deregulation of tuition fee increases and liberalizing the entry of foreign-owned education institutions.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 273

According to the combined statistics of the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, of the 40 million youth, only 20 million or 50% are enrolled in school, from kindergarten to tertiary level.

The reason for this, says Apolinario Alvarez of the Anak ng Bayan Youth Party-list, is because of the regular yearly increases in tuition fees and the slashing of the government’s budget for education.

“Politicians always tell us that the youth is the hope of our future,” Alvarez said. “But the truth is, majority of the youth are denied of their basic rights such as education and decent living.”

Alvarez noted that there should be an automatic budgetary allocation for education equivalent to 6% of the country’s Gross National Product (GNP), and in accordance to the standards of the United Nations. Currently, only 2.1% to 1.9% of the GNP is allotted for education.

There are at least 300,000 youth who graduate from tertiary level courses every year but only 10,000 of them are able to avail employment from the Department of Labor and Employment programs. The rest of them (290,000) either grab opportunities abroad or just stay at home (istambay).

To provide financial support to a child’s education is not an easy task to deal with. Getting a decent employment afterwards is another. With a lot of financial planners offering protection through an educational plan and in a country where majority of its people are poor, the chance to finish college may probably range from slim to none.

Insurance and pre-need companies are in a best position to come up with new products that will truly benefit the insured public. After all, one false move and it will mean falling short a young person’s expectations in life. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 6 Number 9, March 2004 issue, page 19

Rustic fields and peasant flags in Red Saga Red Saga captures images and forms that offer a different world outlook and a re-positioning of our beliefs and attitudes in a society torn by an intense war and conflict.

Red Saga (14 minutes, released in 2004) captures images and forms that offer a different world outlook and a re-positioning of our beliefs and attitudes in a society torn by an intense war and conflict.

Screened last July 14 at the Cinemanila Festival in Greenbelt, Makati City, the short film hopes to deliver a lasting impact to both local and international movie watchers.

Display of politics The film begins and ends with a young peasant son doing a flag dance. Since the film is without dialogue, philosophy dwells entirely on the moving pictures brought to the screen.

Reading the synopsis, it goes: “a young boy dots golden fields with white flags to stop birds from preying on the season’s harvest of palay grains. Another child creates noise by agitating tin cans filled with small stones. An unexpected transformation takes place. A vivid landscape of metaphors on contemporary Philippine politics. A poetic take on the peasant struggle and the protracted people’s war in Philippine countrysides.”

Gabriela Krista Lluch Dalena, one of the filmmakers of Red Saga, says the film is entirely different from the films and videos they’ve done before. She is a member of Southern Tagalog Exposure, an

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 274

alternative multi-media group who brought to the public’s eye independent works such as the prizewinning documentary Alingawngaw ng mga Punglo (Echoes of Bullets).

One of the film’s highlights was a minute-long scene showing a series of bloodied hands, a horrifying display of how human lives are desecrated in an unimaginable manner.

“The sequence showing juxtapositions of images of bloodied hands against different backgrounds are mostly pseudo-documentations,” Dalena, who studied documentary filmmaking and cinematography at the Mowelfund Film Institute, explains. “However, these are interspersed with authentic photographs of the hands of real victims of human rights violations documented by the filmmakers and human rights workers.”

Theme music includes Utad Arellano’s studio re-creation of “Pulang Landas ng Tagumpay” (Red Path to Victory), a revolutionary song popularized by the underground cultural group Artista at Manunulat para sa Sambayanan (ARMAS or Artists and Writers for the People).

“Other tracks composed for the film are weaved from live on-site audio recordings of local peasants and indigenous peoples singing and chanting, and working the fields,” Dalena recently told Bulatlat.

Prominent filmmaker Nick DeOcampo, after watching Red Saga, commented that the film is “political.”

Natural actors It is a worthy note to have a cast of actors who had actual experience of the roles they played in the film.

One of them is 60-year old Peter “Tata Pido” Gonzales. A veteran activist and chairman of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance) in Quezon province, Tata Pido survived an assassination attempt last May 12 in front of his office in Gumaca town, Quezon province. His body took nine bullets fired by two unidentified assailants. In Red Saga, Tata Pido played the role of a farmer killed in a village massacre.

Siblings Mary Anne and Bochokoy De Los Santos lost their father Nicanor De Los Santos, a Dumagat tribe leader in Rizal province, who was shot to death last Dec. 7, 2000. The killing was believed to be perpetrated by elements of Task Force Panther of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division. Mary Anne was 12 years old while Bochokoy was merely seven during the film production.

The young peasant son who becomes an armed guerrilla was played by Mario, a church worker and activist. The first time I saw his waltzing with the flag was in June 2000 during a cultural skit to commemorate the “bogus” Independence Day held on the streets of Santa Cruz, Laguna. He used to be a member of Sinagbayan-Laguna, a local cultural group.

Work in progress Red Saga was filmed on a staggered basis. Most scenes were shot in the rustic countryside of Quezon and Mindoro.

Dalena recalled incidents where they will have to stop filming and pack up immediately due to military operations in the area. This explains why some scenes were apparently missed. Nevertheless, she hopes to put some final touches to it, like adding more scenes.

Produced by the Mowelfund Film Institute and the Philippine Information Agency, the film is a collective project by filmmakers, namely: Dalena, Claude Santos, Bryan Quesada, Bobby Macabenta, King Catoy, Jomel Lawas, Renato Mabilin, Arvin Viola, Noralee Carandang, Lino Matalang, Paolo Pangan, Bogsi Panaligan and Vivian Limpin.

The title was, in fact, appropriated with permission from an essay with the same title by multiawarded poet Maningning Miclat, who wrote about the diary of a guerrilla fighter that was entrusted to her. The essay appeared in the publication In Transit, a Philippine art journal.

Miclat, who passed away in 2000 at the tender age of 28, was a close friend of Dalena.

“The diary has nothing to do with the film. I just liked the title,” Dalena added. ###

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 275

First published in Bulatlat, Volume 4 Number 24, June 18-24, 2004 issue. Retrieved from http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-24/4-24-saga.html

A ʻcasa’ within the walls After being ravaged by the last world war, Manila’s old walled city—Intramuros—simply refuses to die. In fact, it has risen from the rubbles since, where great strides in the recovery and revival of the country’s cultural heritage have been undertaken decade after decade.

The first thing that comes to mind for many people when Intramuros is mentioned is Fort Santiago, a former military headquarters during the Spanish, British, American and Japanese regimes, whose ruins has been converted into a public park frequented by local and foreign visitors.

Currently, efforts to keep with the pace is being directed by the Intramuros Administration (IA), an agency attached to the Department of Tourism (DOT) tasked to spearhead development and promote Intramuros as a major tourist hub.

“Since IA was created in 1979, we have regulated all the new constructions going on. All new buildings has to follow Filipino-Spanish architecture,” says Sandra Martinez-Ching, chief of IA’s Tourism Marketing and Promotions Division. “There are buildings which have undergone face-lifting, funded b y the respective property-owners.”

Investors who are planning to erect their business establishments within Intramuros will have to consider its historic past.

Ching told this writer: “If there are photos of old structures that once stood at the site, the builders should follow the design of the facade of that structure. Plans should be submitted to us for approval before we give the builders their permits.”

Most of the houses and some churches were already damaged by earthquakes occurred in 1863 and 1880. And in order to replicate those “monoliths” pulverized before and after the war, the IA has inaugurated the Casa Manila.

Located at a commercial-cultural complex called Plaza San Luis, Casa Manila is a “lifestyle museum” whose facades and interiors are based on designs inspired by Spanish colonial period (as with all new structures). It contains bulk of IA’s collection of antique furniture, furnishings, religious objects and art pieces. The walls are made of adobe stones while the flooring are wood which is typical of that era.

From the Palacio del Gobernador, we walked along General Luna Street, getting there in a couple of minutes. The museum, a side of which faces the San Agustin Church, has a Renaissance period style fountain as one passes through the zaguan (corridor) where carruajes (carriages) enter to pick up passengers.

Beneath the stairs, one can’t miss to see the entresuelo (between floors), an area where clients and farmer-tenants wait before being admitted to the despacho or oficina (office). There is also the caida or antesala (anteroom) where leisure activities are held, a sala (living room), an oratorio (prayer room), a comedor (dining room) and a cocina (kitchen). I’ve noticed that the house is completely surrounded by windows made of capiz shells, and there are sliding panels called ventanillas (small windows) used to keep the room airy, especially during summer days.

Before I forget, Ching showed me a portrait of Doña Rafaela de Erenas prominently displayed in an important spot at the entresuelo. It was made by world-renowned Filipino patriot and artist Juan Luna in 1895.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 276

At the blue room, one can find wall paintings of Pompeiian motifs, while at the cuarto principal (master’s bedroom) there is a marble-made lavabo (washstand) which was then a status symbol for the affluent class.

I’ve also discovered that during Rizal’s days, the letrina (toilet) is good for two people, where the bowls are adjacent to each other. I wondered, perhaps the mestizos discuss problems in running their haciendas while sitting on top of the bowl.

Meanwhile, laundry is done at the azotea where rainwater collected from the roof gutters is poured through the stone column which led to a filter of layered charcoal, gravel and sand, and then to a cistern.

On the ground floor, visitors can find shops where they can purchase antiques and souvenir items.

Concluding this brief journey, Casa Manila has further enlivened my consciousness by giving me a rare chance to ruminate on our nation’s past. As a sanctuary situated right in the heart of Intramuros, it is indeed a cultural and historical treat that Filipinos can truly be proud of. ### First published in Insurance World monthly magazine, Volume 6 Number 5, November 2004 issue, page 28

Giving the working class struggle a better tune You may not see or hear this group croon top-hit songs – ever. But this group bears plenty of guts and muscles in pursuit of their lofty goals.

The Kulturang Ugnayan ng Makabayang Sining Anakpawis (Kumasa or Cultural Link of Patriotic and Working Class Art) is set to release soon their first album entitled “Kamtin Ang Tagumpay” (Seize Victory) in celebration of the militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s (May 1st Movement) milestone 25th anniversary.

“Kamtin ang Tagumpay” is a combination of old and new renditions that are acoustic-based with a generally folksy sound.

The problem of joblessness and contractualization was utterly delineated in the blues rendition “Wala” (Nothing) while “One-Two-Five” reverberates with the current demand of workers for a P125 across-the-board daily wage increase.

Significantly, “Kahilingan” (demand), “Daluyong” (tidal wave), and the opener “Kamtin ang Tagumpay” (seize victory) have garnered top prizes at the Gawad Amado V. Hernandez poetry contest in recent years.

Meanwhile, composed by First Quarter Storm (FQS) activist Rafael Baylosis while in detention in April 1976, “Parangal sa mga Rebolusyonaryong Martir” (tribute to revolutionary martyrs) pays homage to martyred comrades Lorena Barros, Lorenzo Lansang and Eugene Grey who were slain by the military in Quezon province. A movie adaptation of Lualhati Bautista’s novel Dekada ‘70 produced in 2002 used some of the lines in this stirring ballad but was sadly played out of tune.

Marching songs like “Bigwas ng Tagumpay” (blow of victory), “Sumulong” (onward) and “Lansagin” (dismantle) evoke the ideological attributes of the working class, highlighting its vanguard role in bringing about revolutionary change in an oppressive and unjust social system.

Using an African dyenbe and a five-layered string harmony made the agitating song “Makibaka, Huwag Matakot!” (struggle, have no fear!) a strong attraction as well, with live audio recordings captured from the recent violent dispersals of the Nestle workers’ picketline.

Kumasa’s choral rendition of “The Internationale” bears lyrics that are nearest to the original written by French composers Eugene Pottier and Pierre Degeyter.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 277

“Eskirol” (scab) on the other hand, with its lines “At kami nga’y naririto ngayon sa labas ng pabrika/Nakikibaka, tuloy ang welga/Arawi’t bagyuhin ‘di bibitaw sa simulain/’Di tulad mong sa unyon ay nagtaksil,” there is bitterness in how a fellow worker treacherously capitulated to their class enemy, the capitalists.

Over-all, this 12-track album gives a big sting against those who work to perpetuate the exploitation of workers.

Discipline Formed three years ago, Kumasa is a regional alliance of cultural groups from various local trade unions and initiated by the Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan (Pamantik or Unity of Workers in Southern Tagalog).

It is composed of alternative cultural groups like Alab (Flame), Kalipunan ng mga Progresibong Artista sa Nestlé (Kampana or Association of Progressive Artists in Nestle), Kulturang Minana sa Sining Anakpawis (Kumisap II or Cultural Legacy from the Working Class), Maso (Mallet), Sining at Kultura ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Siklab or Art and Culture of the Children of the People), Sining-Laya (Art-Freedom), and Sining Umusbong sa Bagong Obrerong Kultura (Subok or Art Sprouted from the New Workers’ Culture), among others.

“At first, our purpose was to raise moral and financial support for our strike,” Kumasa’s secretarygeneral Edmund Corteza told Bulatlat in an interview.

Undiscovered artistic potentials would however later unfold before their own eyes.

Members simply joined the singing without needing to pass an audition. “They just volunteered to help,” said activist-musician Marlon Angelo Torres, who is also the group’s coordinator.

Kumasa has performed in various occasions: from picketlines to street demonstrations to theaters.

Torres always told the group that they didn’t need huge talent. “What we need is 90 percent discipline and 10 percent talent,” he said. He also said that they can improve their talents through time, inch by inch.

But right now, he said, teamwork, commitment and discipline are the most important requirements. ### First published in Bulatlat, Volume 5 Number 23, July 17-23, 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/main/2005/07/23/giving-the-working-class-struggle-a-better-tune/

Charting hopes March is the traditional season of graduation, a ritual where an academic degree is conferred to an individual or group. Many consider it as a rite of passage—from grade school to high school to college. Proud parents give a special gift and/or celebration.

It is also an auspicious time to honor a person’s achievements, to make known they’ve done great works and accomplishments that prepare them towards the next stage of life.

Most common activities are the commencement and the baccalaureate. A commencement is when graduates walk across the stage, receive their diplomas with a handshake and flip the tassels on their hats, while a baccalaureate is considered the highlight of the school year where formal recognition is given to student achievers who are in honor societies and have earned academic excellence.

The economy these days have become so hard and having two revels being too expensive and a lot of work, so both of these ceremonies are usually held in sync.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 278

For some people, they take this occasion to begin a legacy—that is when they leave their schools, they put emphasis not only the amity but rather the long-term ideas and programs they have planted and grown.

When a high school graduate moves on the way to maturity, the choices he or she has to make can sometimes turn complicated due to parents’ preferences and expectations. But the first thing to remember is to decide what goals you want to attain over a certain period of time—whether you enroll in a bachelor’s degree or settle for a two-year vocational course. Remember to take some time for yourself to narrow down your options and explore it as much as you can. Consulting a guidance counselor and some career or vocational books may provide you some assistance.

But what if your family does not have the funds to get yourself started in pursuing your dreams?

This is the reason why some Filipinos realize the need to invest in pre-need plans to defray the rising cost of education. Pre-need companies, in some way, can do the investing for them because they don’t have the time or knowledge to do it.

Planning what you want to do in the future entails insight, but once you figure out some goals, you’ll have an improved sense of what to do next and how it can make you feel contented—even if I takes your entire life.

As the American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” ### First published in Insurance Manila magazine, Volume 1 Number 3, February-March 2007 issue, page 19

On tour with caution If you plan to travel, whether for vacation or business, taking care of everything is the key. But there are some concerns that are important to keep in mind when traveling. Here are some tips: Be prepared First and foremost: check your health. Traveling can bring on health problems like jet lag, diarrhea, altitude sickness, insomnia and dizziness. Better seek a doctor’s help if such illnesses persist.

Summer, which lasts from March until May, is fast approaching so it’s better to wear light clothes.

Temperatures at this time average from 78ºF/25ºC to 90ºF/32ºC but expect it to be hotter due to our planet’s depleting ozone layer, El Niño, etc.

Don’t forget to bring your rain gear, shades, umbrella and jackets to protect yourself from the sun or rain or when setting out to mountainous regions. Be cautious and alert to impending danger.

Comfortable yet sturdy footwear is great, especially if you think the trip would take a lot of walking.

When visiting churches and business offices, casual clothing is acceptable. Hotels and restaurants impose no dress code but shorts and slippers are considered improper.

If you’re headed to far-flung areas, come prepared with an insect repellant and drinking water. Be familiar with the route by looking at maps.

Take note of transport schedules if you’re traveling by train, bus, plane or ship. Chances come when trips get delayed or canceled due to bad weather, bomb threats, etc. But if you’re taking a car, keep in mind the number coding ordinance that is being implemented in the town or city your going to.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 279

Explain to children Children are supposed to be innocent; hence, they are vulnerable to travel risks if left unguarded.

Places can be entirely different. Tell them not to panic.

Before you go, discuss rules that would make them feel safe. When you visit parks, museums and other crowded places, choose a central meeting place. Advice them where to go or who to approach if in case they get lost. Remind them to stay away from dogs and other stray animals to avoid being bitten.

Proper identification is needed at all times in case you get separated with your kid. A tag with a name, address and phone number worn over the child’s neck is good. Always bring a clear and updated photograph of your children.

Mingle Filipino is the most widely spoken language and there are over 111 local dialects all over the archipelago. Learning the basic local phrase with the help of a tourist guide should always come in handy.

It is also said that the country is made up of 7,107 different flavors, so never miss to try a sample of native delicacies and regional cuisine.

Become accustomed to local culture. The land is divided into 16 regions where each has its own distinct character and traditions. Don’t miss major festivals and events that are particularly held during summer. And when you go shopping, it is acceptable to bargain for the cheapest price.

But if you’re an alien touring for the first time, however, make sure that you’ve changed your money. Remember that the local monetary unit, the peso, is generally preferred for financial transactions.

You can get in touch with the Department of Tourism (632-5251805) or any of its accredited offices if you need tourist information and assistance. ### First published in Insurance Manila magazine, Volume 1 Number 4, April 2007 issue, page 9

Vegetarian Pinoy style: a book review of Nona Lema’s ‘Gulay’ SILANG, Cavite – Have you tried bagoong (fish paste) made of beans or “eggless” leche flan? If not, perhaps you may want to savor Nona Lema’s “Gulay” (Penchant Publishing, 2005), a product of her more than twenty-five years of integrating vegetarianism into traditional as well as regional Filipino cuisine.

Lema has been writing articles and lecturing on meditation, vegetarian and health issues for over a decade now. She became a vegetarian in 1976 and began offering cooking lessons eight years later.

She defines a vegetarian as “someone who believes in and practices eating exclusively vegetable food and abstains from any form of animal food” whose diet is “made up of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, milk and milk products” and excludes meat, fish and eggs.

But among the practitioners who are either health-conscious or devotees of a religious group, one can be categorized as lacto-ovo vegetarian (milk and milk products, but no eggs), vegans (no eggs, honey, milk or milk products), fruitarians (fruit as main diet) and raw food eaters (do not anything cooked).

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 280

Twist Those who narrowly equate a vegetarian to someone with a pale skin who munches only leaves all day will not get disappointed because this book is far more than that. Aside form the main course (23 recipes) guaranteed meat-free, it also goes with a variation of soups (12), salads/appetizers (12), snacks (12) and desserts (12). The true Filpino fare, Lema says, is a unique blend of east and west “with very strong Spanish and Chinese influences.” The Americans introduced burgers. Later, the Italians brought their pastas and pizzas, the Japanese their sushis and tempuras, the Mexicans their tacos and burritos, the Indians their curries, etc.

So cooking, the vegetarian way “simply means taking all of these influences together and making the gentle, healthy twist.” The original taste and flavor remain basically the same despite using substitutes.

The book also discussed issues regarding nutrition, like where to get protein (as if meat is the only source of it), avoiding cholesterol and saturated fat (and save money from expensive weight-loss programs), “harmful” contents of meat (shouldn’t we boycott fast food chains?), and the problem of food and water wastage (is not rural hunger and water price hike a bigger problem?).

Nowadays, majority of meat products and eggs in the market come from assembly line, massproduced factory farms. And since cows, pigs and chickens are injected with chemicals and artificial hormones before they’re killed and made into burgers, hotdogs or drumsticks, we may be unknowingly ingesting “toxins” into our tummies whenever we eat them, as the author implies.

Start up kit One may easily agree that meditation for self-awareness and being vegetarian should go hand in hand, as Lema suggests; however, the Hindu-inspired belief that “all living creatures are God’s children” (which include house pests that you plan to exterminate), is something not everybody is ready to embrace, or maybe not just yet.

Analyze before you draw conclusions and then make your own choice to carry our some sacrifices; that is, if you care about millions of animals tortured and slaughtered in the name of profit for the fast food industry.

In our society long gripped by a decadent culture, “Gulay” offers an alternative option for Filipinos.

It’s more than just a mere recipe book; with its “Daily Menu Plan” it can also serve as a “start up kit” towards personally adapting the vegetarian diet. And by doing so, one is reminded of the old native hymn “Bahay Kubo” (house hut): “kahit munti, ang halaman doon ay sari-sari (though small, the plants there are wide-ranging).” Nothing about animals or meat diet was ever mentioned in the lines whatsoever.

But one nice thing about this book is you don’t have to give up your sinigang, kare-kare and menudo all through Holy Week’s abstinence. ### First published in Insurance Manila magazine, Volume 1 Number 8-9, August-September 2007 issue, page 25

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 281

PART NINE: ELECTIONS “Despite having a short memory as a nation, Filipinos have a way of recalling past ‘sins’ during election season.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 282

Joaquin, Matibag duel for Laguna rep post SANTA ROSA, Laguna – The congressional fight in Laguna’s First District is being fought by only two contenders: Rep. Uliran T. Joaquin, the reelectionist candidate of the National People’s Coalition (NPC), and the lawyer Melvin Matibag of the administration’s Lakas-CMD party.

Rep. Joaquin told a cheering crowd of 1,000 women supporters on Thursday that she would continue the services for the poor she has been giving when she gets reelected.

After giving her supporters a lot of peppy promises, she addressed her foes with these words: “I will be reelected as the representative to Congress, whether you like it or not!”

If elected in May, Joaquin will be on her second term as congresswoman.

Matibag, in his campaign speeches, has been telling voters that he would be the “real voice ” of the district’s constituency in the House of Representatives if elected.

Matibag points out that among his “legal advocacies” are his opposition to the Power Purchased Adjustment (PPA), which ranges him on the side of the opposition KNP’s senatorial candidate, Juan Ponce Enrile.

Matibag champions the continued operation of the Southwoods-Halang interchange despite an impending closure order by the Toll Regulatory Board.

He also supports the creation of ten new barangays to be carved out of Barangay San Vicente, the largest barangay in San Pedro with a population of more than 70,000 people.

The records of the local offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) show that 94 accredited individuals are seeking seats as mayor, vice-mayor and councilors within the municipalities of San Pedro, Biñan and Santa Rosa. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 212, Sunday March 28, 2004 issue, page A8. Also published with the title “Rival told: I’ll be reelected whether you like it or not” in The Manila Times, Volume 505 Number 213, Monday March 29, 2004 issue, page A10

Young NPC candidate campaigns to retain SK SAN PEDRO, Laguna – Michael Casacop, a young architect running for municipal councilor under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) banner, defended the Sangguniang Kabataan on Thursday against lawmakers proposing its abolition.

“The youth is the hope of the nation, said our national hero Jose Rizal. Yet in matters of public governance, they are marginalized. Abolishing the SK will marginalize the youth even more,” Casacop told The Times.

Casacop’s strong reaction to calls for the Sanggunian Kabataan’s abolition stems from his own experience. He was, until recently, SK chair of Barangay San Antonio, the second largest barangay of San Pedro.

“The SK is a major training ground for the country’s future leaders. To be an SK voter one has to be at least 15 and not more than 18 years old. That means we Filipinos have the world’s youngest registered voters,” Casacop said.

“Para sa ‘kin, ang SK ay dapat idebelop, huwag buwagin [My view is that the SK should be developed, not dismantled],” Casacop said. He added that one of the constraints SK leaders face is that funds allotted for youth development are sometimes diverted to other projects of the barangay.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 283

Who does the diverting? The older members of the barangay council!

“Ang problema, nagkakaroon ng barrier. Lalo na kapag napagkasunduan ang isang project, minsan di natutuloy kasi hawak ng kapitan ang pondo... Sanggunian ang tawag sa inyo pero wala namang hawak na pondo [The problem is that a barrier is raised. This especially happens when a (youth) project has been approved. Sometimes it doesn’t go through because the captain holds the funds. They call you the (Youth) Sanggunian but you don’t hold the funds],” Casacop explained.

Casacop told The Times that if elected councilor, he will propose an ordinance—and work hard for it to pass, mandating the automatic transfer to the SK of the 10 percent allotment for it from the barangay’s general fund.

This, he said, will help boost the morale of SK officials and make them effective youth leaders.

Casacop and his fellow NPC partymates are led by its mayoralty candidate Celedonio “Boy ” Tayao who is challenging the incumbent mayor, Felicisimo Vierneza of the Laks-CMD and Nicanor Gilbuena of the PDP-Laban Party.

In an NPC campaign sortie in Barangay Laram on Wednesday night, more than 1,500 supporters attended the rally. Tayao expressed confidence that he will win the mayorship from Vierneza because the majority of the people of San Pedro want genuine change. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 217, Saturday, April 3, 2004 issue, page A3

Calamba opposition bets back wage hike CALAMBA, Laguna – The labor sector’s appeal for a P125-wage increase received backing from two opposition candidates for governor and Cabuyao mayor who urged the workers to unify their ranks so their petition would ring louder come Labor Day next month.

In a forum sponsored by Southern Tagalog-Wage Increase Solidarity (ST-WINS) together with Anakpawis Party-list group on Saturday, Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) gubernatorial bet Rodolfo “Boying” San Luis Jr. acknowledged that legislators, mostly businessmen themselves, are not too keen on backing a nationwide wage increase. Anakpawis national chairperson and former representative Crispin Beltran led a covenant signing calling for an immediate wage relief.

“The problem is that in Congress, about 80-90 percent of the members are businessmen or are supported by businessmen. Personal interest is a big factor,” explained San Luis.

Meantime, Cabuyao reelectionist Mayor Anastacio “Jun” Alimagno Jr., under Aksyon Demokratiko Party, pledged to continue mediating between the management and the workers to speed up the resolution of labor disputes. Alimagno said he’s done it before and there’s no reason to stop now. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 221, Tuesday April 6, 2004 issue, page A5

GMA hits back at Poe SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna – President Arroyo took another swipe at her chief rival in the May 10 election as she wooed voters in this province Sunday night.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 284

“Kung mag-iba ang pangulo at di na siya bilib o wala na siyang kumpiyansa dahil walang karanasan ang pangulo, manatili kaya sila dito sa bansa? Mag-expand kaya sila dito? [If we elect a new President and investors do not have faith in an inexperienced president, will they remain in the country? Will they still expand their businesses here?]” Mrs. Arroyo told a crowd of 500 people.

It was no easy job, the President said, to convince Japanese automobile companies like Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Mitsubishi to set up their manufacturing facilities and eventually expand their markets in the country and the Asian region.

According to the President, it took three years before she was able to convince the American car company Ford to invest $50 million in Santa Rosa, now dubbed “Detroit of the Philippines.”

She also told her audience that her efforts to bring foreign investments into the country created about one million jobs annually for Filipinos even as she reminded her listeners that the investors generally chose Santa Rosa as the site for their projects.

The President had just come from a three-day vacation in Baguio City before resuming her barnstorming in Laguna when she visited the town of Biñan and this city.

The President’s running mate, Noli de Castro, and administration senatorial candidates Richard Gordon and Orlando Mercado were also at the rally where they endorsed the mayoral bid of Leon Arcillas, the reelection fo Gov. Teresita Lazaro and Rep. Uliran Joaquin of Laguna’s First District.

Local candidates, meanwhile, lauded the President for supporting a law that formally converted Santa Rosa’s status into a city, adding that such a development would lead to better opportunities for Santa Rosa’s people. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 225, Tuesday April 13, 2004 issue, A2

‘Overpriced’ bikes, typewriters hound aspiring Laguna governor BIÑAN, Laguna – Despite having a short memory as a nation, Filipinos have a way of recalling past “sins” during election season.

The set of supposedly overpriced purchases made during the administration of Gov. Teresita Lazaro is now hounding her then vice governor, Danilo Ramon Fernandez.

The Laguna Crusaders Against Graft and Corruption recently published a newsletter detailing the overpriced purchase of dental chairs, rice, bicycles and typewriters that Fernandez, now the gubernatorial candidate of the PDSP, allowed under his watch.

Fernandez refused to take the allegations seriously, though.

“If you read the newsletter, you’d realize that I didn’t sign the vouchers or purchase requests. What I attached my signature to was the resolution directing an investigation of the transactions,” he told The Times.

Among the alleged overprices deals Fernandez is being linked to include the purchase of two dental chairs worth P700,000 to be used by the Laguna Provincial Hospital and the San Pablo City District Hospital; rice worth P20 million supposed to be distributed to indigents; 150 bicycles worth P400,000 for distribution to barangays and municipalities; and 20 second-hand typewriters worth P183,000.

A copy of the newsletter, Laguna Exposé, obtained by The Times showed that the names of its publisher and editors were omitted.

Acknowledging that the deals appear fishy and that certain people need to be made accountable, Fernandez said these are exactly the reasons why he agreed to run for governor.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 285

Board Member Benjamin Agarao, who is running for congressman in Laguna’s Fourth District under the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP), was the first to expose the supposedly anomalous deals.

Agarao’s privileged speech prompted the passage of a provincial resolution in November 2001 enjoining the governor and the provincial auditor to file criminal and administrative charges against several involved individuals.

To underscore his dedication to public service, Fernandez said he filed criminal charges against eight board members for insisting on the passage of an “anomalous” budget in 2003 that supposedly included “illegal insertions.” The case is now investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Fernandez suspects that the allegations thrown his way came from his rival candidate, Rodolfo San Luis Jr. of LDP-KNP. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 228, Friday April 16, 2004 issue, page A9

FPJ rallies supporters in Laguna SAN PEDRO, Laguna – “I will enter the eye of the needle for your sake.”

This was the vow of Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. during a rally here on Saturday night.

As in his past speeches, Poe used lines from his hit movies.

“Lahat ng kanilang paninira at pang-aari ay ginawa nila sa mamamayan, sa aking pamilya at sa aking pagkatao. Ang ginagawang ito’y kaya ko pang tiisin. Hindi pa naman puno ang salop. Pero kapag kayo na ang inapi, talagang mapupuno na ang salop!” Poe said.

Poe told his audience that since the Arroyo administration was ignoring the needs of impoverished Filipino families, they should elect him as president on May 10 to put an end to the culture of corruption and patronage in government.

The rally, which was held to endorse the KNP’s local standard-bearers namely gubernatorial candidate Rodolfo San Luis Jr., reelectionist Rep. Uliran Joaquin, mayoral candidate Celedonio Tayao of San Pedro, mayoral candidate Cookie Yatco of Biñan and several councilor candidates.

Poe was joined by KNP senatorial candidates Digs Dilangalen, Alfredo Lim, Juan Ponce Enrile, Ernesto Maceda, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Jamby Madrigal, Jinggoy Estrada and Salvador Escudero.

Pimentel, who spoke before Poe’s arrival, said the San Pedro rally was by far “the largest ever attended.” A crowd of about 10,000 people reportedly went to the rally to see Poe, who arrived at around 11:45 p.m.

Early in the morning, Poe went to Pacita Complex motoring to the towns of San Pedro, Bi ñan, Santa Rosa, and Cabuyao to whip up support for his bid to win the presidency on May 10.

A local candidate of the administration’s Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats Party, Ramon Lijauco, downplayed Poe’s visit to Laguna.

Lijauco said Poe’s visit was meant to shore up the sagging morale of his supporters in the province. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 231, Monday April 19, 2004 issue, front page and page A2

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 286

Vice mayor fears massive fraud in Santa Rosa election SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Reelectionist Vice Mayor Jose Catindig Jr. predicts that massive votebuying and other fraudulent schemes would be the rule come the May 10 elections unless the government agencies concerned acts early to prevent them.

Catindig explained that there are reports that a rival for the position is planning to buy votes, and on installment at that.

The position for vice mayor is being contested by Catindig, independent Dr. Luisito Algabre, Manuel Alipon (Lakas-CMD), Vergil Manalac (Divine Government Independent Party) and Eric Puzon (Kampi).

Catindig said he has already notified election officer Maria Almejorada through a letter sent on Monday about the possibility of cheating.

“I’m wary of the collusion between some candidates and some agencies of government,” he said.

An independent candidate, Catindig was elected as vice mayor in 1995 and again in 2001.

He is not affiliated with any traditional political party but admits having an alliance with different sectoral organizations, including the progressive Party-list Bayan Muna, which has been accused of being a front for the communist guerillas.

Three independent surveys showed that Catindig is leading the race for the vice mayor position.

The weekly community newspaper Southern Tagalog Laguna Journal, on its April 9 issue said Catindig led the race while Puzon ranked second.

Political observers said that efforts to minimize Catindig’s lead will most likely be undertaken by the administration camp since they have at their disposal the resources of the government.

Catindig is hopeful, however, that the voters of Santa Rosa would be more discerning.

“Don’t fall prey to candidates you don’t know, they might just lead you astray,” he warned. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 233, Wednesday April 21, 2004 issue, page A2

Cabuyao laborers paid below minimum wage, says Cawal CABUYAO, Laguna – About 16 percent of local employers are complying with the minimum wage law, according to the local labor group, Cabuyao Worker’s Alliance (Cawal).

Those factories who comply with the minimum wage requirements, meanwhile, recover the expense by depriving the workers of rest, even only for 15 minutes, Noel Alemania, Cawal’s spokesperson, said on Sunday.

Many of the locals are factory workers; they shifted from farming as early as 1980s after the area was developed into an industrial park. There are already 75 factories in Science park in the barangays of Diezmo and Pulo.

“If they get minimum wage but they are made to pass up on break time, they’re still being given less wages than they should because they work longer,” Alemania said.

Another problem facing local workers is labor-only contracting, especially the “piece-rate” scheme, where employees need to comply with a particular volume of finished products before they are paid.

The local government support for the labor sector is a major factor why the factories have been able to get away with these practices, but Cawal hopes to correct this through a covenant with reelectionist

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 287

Vice Mayor Isidro “Jun” Hemedes Jr. (Lakas-CMD) and aspiring councilors Joseph Lauguico and Pol Hain. Hemedes was a labor organizer before joining politics.

The initiative includes the creation of a labor welfare desk, which would handle labor cases, and more pro-labor legislations.

Hemedes, Lauguico and Hain also promised to help settle labor disputes so that the impact on production and the laborers is minimized. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 239, Tuesday April 27, 2004 issue, page A3

Black propaganda soars in San Pedro, Laguna SAN PEDRO, Laguna – Campaign funding support in this town goes not only to promote a candidate but to demolish their rivals as well.

Unsigned propaganda materials denouncing reelectionist Rep. Uliran Joaquin as coming from a family of drug lords literally rained over the town on Monday afternoon.

The materials came from light planes seen hovering over Barangay San Antonio, San Vicente and Poblacion around mid-afternoon until dusk.

The bondpaper-sized leaflets, a copy of which was obtained by The Manila Times, also has a caricature of presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. (Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino) and listing his supposed weaknesses; the leaflets also warned that Poe’s inexperience will lead the nation to misery.

The torrent of propaganda materials against a candidate is a new gimmick, although the accusation on Joaquin wasn’t.

In May 2001, Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) mayoral candidate Celedonio Tayao was tagged as a “drug lord.” Tayao’s wife, Diwa, is the daughter of Joaquin.

Despite the money used to dirty the legislator’s name, however, the allegations against Joaquin apparently hasn’t shaken the support he is enjoying.

Aspiring councilor, Michael Casacop, told The Manila Times that the charge is without basis.

Casacop said Tayao had been recognized for his anti-drug abuse campaign by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“That’s clearly black propaganda, They should have had Joaquin arrested a long time ago. She’s been with Congress for six years, she hasn’t been hiding,” Casacop said.

Local candidates recently signed a peace covenant where they agreed not to resort to black propaganda. The covenant was signed by reelectionist mayoral candidate Felicisimo Vierneza (LakasChristian Muslim Democrats) with some partymates, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting-Vicariate of San Pedro Apostol and the Rotary Club of San Pedro East.

The signatories of the peace covenant are now reiterating their call for local candidates to observe fairness and avoid resorting to black propaganda.

The KNP apparently enjoys the support of many from the province. The party’s rally, which Poe attended, on March 17 was attended by an estimated 10,000 people, who trooped to the town from neighboring areas. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 241, Thursday April 29, 2004 issue, front page and page A2

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 288

Presence of US poll observers denounced SAN PEDRO, Laguna – A left-leaning news organization suspects that the real purpose of the American team sent to observe the May 10 election is to protect US interest in the Philippines.

The observation came out in a report by the People’s Media Center, a source of alternative news and views based in Manila.

The 100-member team, who arrived last Monday, is being supervised by the United States Agency for International Aid in cooperation with the Consortium for Elections and Political Processes Strengthening (CEPPS).

CEPPS is composed of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), International Republican Institute (IRI) and International Foundation for Electoral Reforms (IFES).

According to Alexander Martin Remollino, a researcher of the PMC, NDI is affiliated with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), an organization funded by the US government. Since NED is known for backing authoritarian governments and toppling duly elected ones in Asia and Latin America, Remollino believes the observer team’s real purpose is to make sure that the US control of the Philippines is not broken.

“For all its pretensions to safeguarding democracy, the observer team which will monitor the May 10 elections will be doing so with the objective of protecting the US agenda of continuing its domination of the Philippine economy, politics and military; and ensuring that whoever will next sit in Malacañang will be a loyal accomplice in its quest for global ‘leadership’. That is clear from the NDI’s affiliations,” Remollino said.

Anakpawis partylist chairman Crispin Beltran had earlier spoken against the participation of the US team.

“The US can only be up to no good by sending its observers who are, no doubt, operatives of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency). They have an ulterior agenda, and no doubt this agenda is in line with the US efforts to maintain its stranglehold and influence over Philippine politics and government,” Beltran said. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Volume 105 Number 250, Saturday May 8, 2004 issue, page A5

Laguna town residents disfranchised BIÑAN, Laguna – An undetermined number of voters here were disfranchised as a result of “irregularities” and alleged fraud over the conduct of Monday’s electoral exercise.

It was found that a person who is not a staff of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was issuing copies of “fake voter’s certificate” for those who failed to enlist during the registration held on December 5 to 20, 2003.

The incident reportedly took place in the 12 precincts of Tomas Turalba Elementary School in Southville, Barangay Santo Tomas. The barangay has a total of 12,929 voters.

A copy obtained by The Manila Times, was presented to acting Comelec officer Telesforo Descallar, who later said that the true copy being issued by his office should have a distinct “red mark” on his affixed signature.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 289

The registration of voters in this town took place twice—December and July 2003. Bi ñan has a total of 96,000 voters registered by the Comelec, who ruled that only those who have registered in December will be allowed to vote.

The source, a poll watcher of a political party who requested anonymity, said that the scheme aimed to add votes in favor of an administration candidate.

People who have not yet cast their votes as of press time were irked and confused, saying they were assured earlier by the Comelec that they’ll still be able to cast their votes despite not having joined last December’s registration.

“Sabi nila noon, puwede na daw ‘yung old registration form, ‘yun pala hindi. Hindi na kami nagregister ulit kasi conflict na sa schedule,” a woman complained.

As of this writing, some precincts in Barangay San Vicente ran out of ballots to be used by at least 296 voters. It was also reported that a man took a ballot box out of a precinct which poll observers suspect is a case of ballot-switching.

Oki Doki, a popular commentator of local radio Manila Broadcasting Company-RNB 92.7 FM, who was holding a two-day media coverage, said he has monitored “rampant vote buying” especially in the barangays of Malaban and Dela Paz. “Despite having their Comelec-signed stubs, many of our townsfolk found that their names were omitted from the precincts’ lists,” Oki Doki said in dismay on the air, who expected this to occur months earlier.

“They [Comelec] are understaffed and its clear that they’re not really prepared for this election,” he added. ### First published in The Manila Times Southern Luzon Edition, Tuesday May 11, 2004 issue.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 290

PART TEN: LECTURES AND MESSAGES “Your mission is to expose and oppose their anti-human and antipeople policies and schemes. It’s your turn to slay the evil monsters and pull the plug of this rotten system just like we, your predecessors, did during our time. Struggle never fails to bring out the best in every bearer of truth.”

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 291

Pagtibayin ang tradisyong maka-mag-aaral ng Gazette Enero 14, 2007 Ipinagmamalaki ko na maging alumnus ng Gazette. Di maitatangging malaki ang naiambag ng organisasyong ito para marating ang kinalalagyan ko ngayon.

Higit kailan man, napapanahong talakayin ang mga karanasan, tungkulin at panawagan.

Buhay-Gazette Kung tutuusin, mahirap nguni’t kasiya-siya ang buhay ng isang mamamahayag pangkampus.

Nagsisimula ang trabaho sa pagpaplano at brainstorming na susundan ng pananaliksik at pangangalap ng datos, paghahabol sa mga source para mainterbyu, pagsusulat ng artikulo, “pagkatay” ng editor, pagrerebisa, press work (lay-outing at proofreading), press run, delivery at circulation.

Nguni’t di dito natatapos ang tungkulin. Higit sa lahat, tungkulin niyang isulong ang interes ng kanyang pabliser, ng kanyang mambabasa.

Mula sa pagiging payak na bulitin noong unang hati ng dekada ʻ80, tungo sa kampanya para sa “independyente at propesyunalisasyon ng publikasyong pangkampus” noong 1988, hanggang sa prinsipyo ng “eksklusibong pag-aari ng mag-aaral” noong 1995 at “pagtataguyod sa malayang pamamahayag” noong 1997, sadyang hitik sa aral ang kasaysayan ng Gazette.

Napakahalaga ng publikasyon ng mag-aaral dahil dito naisasakongkreto ang malayang pamamahayag sa kampus, bagay na tinitiyak ng Saligang Batas.

Di ba dito natakot ang administrasyon (admi) kaya ito nanghimasok para palitan ang Gazette editorial board noong Setyembre 12, 1997? Nais kasi nilang manahimik ang Gazette sa pahirap na tuition fee increase at komersyalisasyon ng edukasyon. Nais nila ng isang Gazette na magbubulagbulagan sa paglabag ng mga karapatang pantao. Nais nila ng isang Gazette na magkakalat ng paninira laban sa mga puwersang maka-mag-aaral.

Pero bigo ang pagtatangka nilang buwagin ang tradisyong ito. Ang munting ningas na sinindihan ng mulat na mag-aaral ay naging isang apoy.

Ang Gazette ay hindi bulletin board o photo album para sa sariling kapritso. Hindi ito pangingiliti sa mambabasa ng mga pinausong mukha, porma, gamit o trip. Hindi ito nasa ilalim ng konseho ng magaaral. At lalong hindi ito kasangkapan ng admi para sa magaganda nitong publisidad.

Nais kong linawin na ang Gazette ay hindi anti-admi. Ang papel nito’y maging daluyan ng pananaw at hinaing ng mag-aaral.

Di ba mag-aaral ang kliyente ng admi? Di ba binibili nila ang serbisyo ng unibersidad? Dapat serbisyo sa mag-aaral ang inuuna ng admi; di ang gawin silang tanga o papet.

Limang punto Dahil nasagot na ang tanong na “para kanino magsisilbi?”, posibleng magkaisa ang lahat sa tungkuling maglalaman ng sumusunod na punto: Una, paglingkuran ang mga mag-aaral ng unibersidad. Sa paglalathala ng Gazette, dapat na isinasaalang-alang ang interes at kapakanan ng mag-aaral. Kailangan nang itakwil ang ilusyon ng pananatiling nyutral ng publikasyon.

Ikalawa, bilang publikasyong may alternatibong tipo, dapat gamitin ang pagkakataon upang matamo ang dakilang layuning paglingkuran ang mga manggagawa, magsasaka, maralita at iba pang mga walang tinig na sektor.

Ikatlo, dapat itong magsilbing instrumento sa pagmumulat ng kapwa mag-aaral sa tunay na kalagayan ng unibersidad at bansa. Kailangang maikintal sa kanila ang mga progresibong kaisipan upang maging epektibo silang puwersa sa pagsusulong ng makabuluhang pagbabago.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 292

Ikaapat, kailangang itaguyod ang etika ng pamamahayag (ethics of journalism). Kabilang dito ang fairness, balance at paninindigan sa mga isyu. Moral na obligasyon ng mamamahayag na isiwalat ang kanyang pananaw sa mga usapin mula sa panig ng mag-aaral.

Panghuli, tungkulin ng mamamahayag pangkampus na bakahin ang anumang hakbangin o kaisipang sasalungat sa mga tungkuling ito. Dapat labanan ang mga pagtatangka na busalan ang publikasyon.

Komitment at dedikasyon Komitment at dedikasyon ang hinihingi ng kasalukuyang panahon.

Talino, oras, pawis at luha ang sinakripisyo ng mga naunang editor at staff. Sa pagbabalik-tanaw sa mahigit 20 taon, walang mas makabuluhang parangal sa kanila kundi ituloy ang simulain.

Sa aklat na “Martial Law Diary” (2003), sinabi ni retired Philippine Navy Captain Danilo Vizmanos: “Frankly speaking, to say that children are receiving an education today under present totalitarian atmosphere is an insult to the intellect. Why? Because a fundamental requirement of education is academic freedom and this definitely we do not have today...What then are Filipino children receiving? Training perhaps but certainly not education. And this kind of training is exactly what domesticated animals get!”

Mas masahol kaysa nakaraan ang pagsasamantala’t panunupil ng mga negosyanteng nagpapanggap na edukador. Uupo na lang ba kayo at hahayaan itong mangyari? Kung nagawang tumindig nang walang takot ng mga naunang kabataan, kaya niyo rin. Itaguyod niyo ang kanilang pamana. Gamiting gabay ang aral at karanasan para maging mas masigasig sa pagkilos. ### Unang inilathala sa QC Indymedia noong Enero 14, 2007 sa 4:00 PM. Muling nakuha sa http://qc.indymedia.org/news/2007/01/13271.php. Inilathala sa antolohiyang “Unibersodad: Literaturang Perpetualista”, Hunyo 2009, pahina 37-39

Nagpapatuloy ang panunupil at karahasan sa ilalim ng “Strong Republic” Agosto 21, 2004 Sa ngalan ng National Union of Journalists of the Philippines o NUJP, nakikiisa ako sa pagtitipon ngayon sa Calamba City ng iba’t ibang sektor hinggil sa usapin ng political repression at press freedom.

Ang NUJP ay isang organisasyon ng mga taga-media na nangunguna sa pagtataguyod ng kalayaan sa pamamahayag sa Pilipinas.

Ginugunita natin ngayon ang brutal na pagpaslang sa dating senador Ninoy Aquino, ang bantog na katunggali sa pulitika ng diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos.

Nawala na ang kontrol ng diktaduryang Marcos sa media ngunit hindi pa rin nagiging lubos ang ating demokrasya. Sa ilalim ng “Strong Republic” ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, patuloy pa rin ang panunupil at karahasan hindi lang sa mga lider-aktibista kundi maging sa mga peryodista at brodkaster.

Sa pag-aaral ng NUJP, limampu’t limang mamamahayag na ang naging biktima ng karumal-dumal na pamamaslang mula pa noong 1986. Sa taong 2004, 7 mamamahayag na ang napatay. Noong nakaraang dalawang linggo, 4 na mamamahayag ang pinatay kung saan dalawa dito ay mula sa Timog Katagalugan. Wala pa kahit isa sa mga salarin ang nahahatulan sa mga hukuman.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 293

Noong Lunes (Agosto 16), lumahok ang mga mamamahayag mula sa Laguna, Batangas at Quezon sa pambansang kilos-protesta sa pamumuno ng NUJP sa harap ng Camp Crame upang kondenahin ang kawalang aksyon ng Philippine National Police sa mga kaso at sa plano ng militar na magtalaga ng sundalo para maging miyembro ng media.

Bagamat nangako na mag-iimbestiga ang pulisya at mga kongresista, nananatili ang takot sa pamilya at kasamahan sa trabaho ng mga biktima. Kahapon lamang nakilala ng mga awtoridad ang suspek sa pagpatay kay Arnel Manalo, correspondent ng tabloid na Bulgar at reporter ng DZRH sa Bauan, Batangas. Si Manalo ay pinaslang noong Agosto 5.

Noong Agosto 19, nagtirik ng kandila at nanalangin ang ilang mga mamamahayag upang gunitain ang ika-isang taon ng pagpaslang kay Noel Villarante ng Laguna Score at DZJV radio na taga-Santa Cruz, Laguna.

Samantala, wala pa ring malinaw sa kaso ng Radyo Veritas correspondent na si Fernando Consignado, na pinatay nitong Agosto 12 na ang sinasabing dahilan ay ang paglalantad niya ng mga maanomalyang proyekto sa Nagcarlan, Laguna.

Ang dumaraming bilang ng pamamaslang sa mga mamamahayag ay isang malaking dagok sa press freedom. Ang mga taga-media ay nagmimistulang mga “endangered species”. Subsob na sa trabaho, maliit na ang sweldo, tapos hinaharass at pinagbabantaan pa.

Paano patutunayan ng gobyerno na may kalayaan sa pamamahayag sa ating bansa kung ang mga miyembro ng media, na tumutupad lang sa kanilang trabaho, ay binabaril?

Habang nabubuhay sa takot, kahirapan at korupsyon ang mga mamamahayag, tila isang ilusyon ang press freedom. At sa harap ng ganitong atake, may kagyat na pangangailangang magbuklod ang lahat ng mga media professionals sa buong Timog Katagalugan para aktibong maipagtanggol ang kanilang hanay laban sa tumitinding intimidasyon, panunupil at karahasan. Dapat ding itaas ang kanilang antas ng propesyunalismo, pukawin ang sarili at ang sambayanan sa tunay nilang kalagayan sa lipunan.

Ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag ay isang karapatang pantao na ginagarantiyahan ng ating Saligang Batas. Ngunit ang karapatang ito ay makakamit lamang sa pamamagitan ng sama-samang pagkilos ng iba’t ibang inaaping uri at sektor.

Sa puntong ito, ating bigyan ng pagpupugay ang mga kasama sa kanilang paglalantad at pagbibigay-liwanag sa katotohanan hinggil sa korupsyon, kabulukan ng pamahalaan at kawalan ng katarungang panlipunan, kapalit man nito ay buhay.

Katarungan para sa lahat ng pinaslang na mamamahayag!

Ipagtanggol ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag! ### Unang binigkas sa multi-sectoral rally sa Lungsod ng Calamba, Laguna noong Agosto 21, 2004 sa 6:54 p.m. Isinama sa librong “Mga Talumpati Ng Ating Kasaysayan” na tinipon ni Vivian L. Balaris-Tica at inilathala ng Isa-Jecho Publishing, 2006.

Edukasyon, masmidya at mga alternatibong hamon Setyembre 15, 2004 Sa mga estudyante at kasama...

Nais kong magpasalamat sa Radyo Natin-Biñan (RNB) para sa imbitasyong magsalita sa lectureseries na ito.

Ang paksang tatalakayin ko ngayon ay hinggil sa umiiral na sistema ng edukasyon, ang kalagayan ng masmidya at ang hamon sa inyong mga estudyante ng Mass Communication, lalo na ng University

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 294

of Perpetual Help System-Laguna (UPHSL), na isulong ang isang alternatibong sistema tungo sa tunay na kaunlaran ng mga mamamayan.

I. Edukasyon Una sa lahat, tunghayan natin ang kalagayan ng sistema ng edukasyon kung saan hinuhubog ang mga susunod na mga propesyunal sa masmidya, peryodismo, relasyong publiko at adbertaysing.

Sa kasalukuyan, milyun-milyong kabataang Pilipino ang nasasadlak sa karukhaan at patuloy na ninanakawan ng kanilang kinabukasan.

Sa taun-taong pagtaas ng matrikula, sino pa’ng maniniwala na ang mga kapitalistang edukador at may-ari ng paaralan ay hindi nagkakamal ng supertubo?

Gayong itinakda ng Konstitusyon ng Pilipinas na ang edukasyon ay karapatan ng mamamayan, para sa mga kapitalistang edukador ito’y isang malaking negosyo. Mapatutunayan ito sa kalagayan ng UPHSL at iba pang eskuwelahan dito sa lalawigan ng Laguna, kung saan dumarami ang bilang ng mga drop-outs. Kabi-kabila rin ang mga kilos-protesta ng estudyante at guro para ilantad ang pagsasamantala at kalunos-lunos nilang kalagayan.

Iniulat ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) na may 370 o 28% ng kabuuang bilang ng mga pribadong kolehiyo at unibersidad sa buong bansa ang nagtaas ng matrikula nitong taon. Ang national average percentage increase nito ay aabot sa 11.09%.

Ayon pa sa ulat, may 70 paaralan ang nagtaas ng matrikula sa rehiyong Timog Katagalugan, kung saan tinatayang 14.26% o P39.39 kada yunit ang halaga ng itinaas.

Kung pagbabatayan naman ang Report on Higher Education Institutions with Tuition Fee Increase, Region IV-A and B, Office of Student Services, CHED as of June 4, 2004, lumalabas na ang De La Salle School of Health Science ang may pinakataas na halaga ngayon ng 21-unit load sa halagang P17,913 (14.04% of tuition hike). Sa Siena College, nagkakahalaga ito ng P7,581-P17,682 (4.995.25%); De La Salle University-Dasmariñas – P13,839-P15,351 (8.01-8.14%); University of Perpetual Help System in Laguna – P11,907-P14,721 (14.81%); St. John College of Calamba – P14,427 (9.92%); Laguna Northwestern College – P14,364 (14.96%); Sacret Heart College of Lucena – P10,731-P12,831 (14.83-15.16%); San Pablo Colleges – P11,109 (9.98%); at Divine Word College of Theology in Tagaytay – P10,584 (20%).

Mula noon hanggang ngayon, hindi natutupad ang gasgas nang pangako na ang pagdaragdag sa matrikula ay mangangahulugan daw sa pagtaas ng sahod ng guro’t kawani, mahusay na pasilidad, libro at kagamitan sa pag-aaral.

Bakit ba kayo pinadala dito ng UPHSL para mag-on-the-job-training? Bukod sa pagsasapraktika ng inyong kaalamang teoretikal, ito’y dahil na rin sa kawalan ng Masscom Department ng mga teknolohiyang audio-biswal para sa inyong aktwal na pagsasanay sa kabila ng pagbabayad ninyo ng malaking halaga taun-taon.

Ano pa’ng maaasahan ninyo? Kung tutuusin, hindi naman interes ng ganid at suwapang na mga kapitalistang edukador ang paunlarin ang kalidad ng ating edukasyon.

Naging komersyalisado ang katangian ng edukasyon dahil sa kolonyal nitong pinagmulan. Noong 1900s, naitatag ang isang malawakang sistema ng pampublikong paaralan bilang instrumento ng panlilinlang sa masa at para suportahan ang mga kampanyang pasipikasyon at pananakop ng gubyernong militar ng US. Pinatotohanan ito ng dating senador Claro Recto, nang sabihin niya na ang pagkatalong militar ng rebolusyong Pilipino ay sinundan ng isang henerasyong inalipin ng imperyalistang indoktrinasyon.

Ginamit ang Ingles bilang midyum ng pagtuturo sa mga eskuwelahan. Ito’y upang makapagsanay ng sapat na bilang ng mga Pilipinong propesyunal na siyang gagamitin para patakbuhin ang transportasyon, komunikasyon, komersyo, at industriyang kontrolado ng mga dayuhan. Ang talino ng mga abugado, doktor, siyentipiko, at inhinyero ay pawang mga dayuhang interes din ang nakikinabang.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 295

Samantala, ang mga nakatapos lamang ng elementarya, hayskul o ‘yung mga ‘di nakatuntong sa eskuwela ay nagiging biktima ng siil, mura at pleksibleng paggawa sa maraming pabrika gaya ng sa Laguna Technopark.

Ang bayan ay naging isang malawak na palengke ng labis na produkto at kapital ng mga kapitalistang dayuhan na siyang tagatustos sa ating burges na panlasa, paniniwala at estilo ng pamumuhay. Pinagpasasaan ng mga monopolyo-kapitalistang US ang yamang likas at pantao ng ating bansa, habang nagdurusa sa matinding kahirapan at krisis ang mga mamamayan.

Upang mapanatiling umiiral ang dati nang komersyalisado at kolonyal na sistema ng edukasyon, ipinatutupad ng gobyerno, mga kapitalistang edukador at may-ari ng eskuwelahan ang panunupil sa kampus. Laganap ngayon ang paglabag sa demokratiko at konstitusyunal na mga karapatan ng estudyante tulad ng pagbabawal sa kalayaang magpahayag, mag-organisa at sa sama-samang pagkilos.

Naririyan din ang pagkontrol ng mga administrador ng paaralan sa mga student councils at publications.

Kung sa eskuwelahan pa lang ay sinasanay na ang mga estudyante ng Masscom ng pag-aasal-alipin at pagiging kimi sa gitna ng pagsasamantala at kawalang hustisya, paano natin mabisang maihahatid sa madla ang katotohanan ng tunay na nagaganap sa ating lipunan? Paano ninyo aaliwin ang masa na palagiang biktima ng karahasang militar, maliit na sahod, kawalan ng serbisyo at pandarambong sa ating kabang-yaman? Paano ipalilimot sa inyong awdyens ang kumakalam nilang sikmura dahil sa gutom?

II. Masmidya Konserbatibo vs. progresibo Sa proseso ng ating kasaysayan, lumitaw ang dalawang magkasalungat na tradisyon sa masmidyang Pilipino: una, ang konserbatibong tradisyon (mainstream) at pangalawa, ang progresibng tradisyon (alternative).

Sapagkat dominado ng maka-imperyalistang mga interes, itinataguyod ng konserbatibong masmidya ang paghahari ng mapang-aping mga rehimen. Mahigpit nitong tinutulan ang reporma sa sistema at demokratisasyon ng mga istrukturang panlipunan. Bukod dito, ipinalalaganap nito ang mga impormasyon o mensaheng dekadente, walang kabuluhan (trivial), ‘di lubos na makatotohanan (inaccurate) at naghihikayat ng pagtakas sa reyalidad (escapism).

Bago pa ang monopolisasyon ng rehimeng Marcos sa buong masmidya sa panahon ng Batas Militar, umiral na ang ganitong tradisyon sa mga pahayagang Espanyol na walang ibang laman kundi mga papuri sa prayle at mga kolonyal na opisyales, mahigit ‘sandaang taon na ang nakakaraan.

Dahil na rin sa maimpluwensyang kapangyarihan nito, naging daluyan ang konserbatibong masmidya ng kulturang popular (pop culture) kung saan todo-todong pinasisikat ang mga imahe sa udyok na magkamal ng supertubo.

Habang may emosyonal na kapit ang mga tumatangkilik na awdyens, patuloy ang panatisismo at pangangalakal sa imahe. Halimbawa, kahit hindi direkta o personal na kilala ng mga manonood ang grupong Taiwanese na F4, kapansin-pansin ang lubusang pagkakahumaling nila sa imahe nito.

Ipagpapalit ng fan ang klase para makapanood ng TV o konsyerto, susuwayin ang kanyang pamilya at guro, at makikipag-away sa sinumang may ibang iniidolo sa ngalan ng F4. Pero walang libreng tiket sa konsyerto ng F4. Kailangang bumili ng panyo, notebook at bag na may larawan ng F4 para matangkilik sila. Naiisip ba natin kung gaano ang sakripisyo at halagang ginagasta ng mga fan?

Ang progresibong masmidya, sa kabilang banda, ay umusbong sa sinapupunan ng masa, na noong huling bahagi ng ika-19 siglo ay nanawagan ng reporma at nang lumaon ay naging instrumento para kamtin ang hinahangad na panlipunang pagbabago. Ipinalalaganap nito ang impormasyon o mensaheng nagpapalaya ng ating kamalayan sa gapos ng kamangmangan, naglalantad ng sosyalreyalidad at nagbibigay ng gabay sa pagkilos.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 296

Kinabibilangan ito ng mga peryodista at propesyunal na nagsasaliksik ng mga impormasyong makakatulong para higit na maintindihan ng madla ang lipunan at mga problema nito, gaya ng awtoritaryan na pamamahala, dayuhang dominasyon at krisis pangkabuhayan.

Mula sa mga makabayang dyaryo tulad ng La Solidaridad, Kalayaan at La Independencia noong panahon ng unang kilusang propaganda hanggang sa We Forum at iba pang alternatibong publikasyon noong Batas Militar, patuloy na nagsisikap ang progresibong masmidya na makapanaig sa gitna ng kakulangan ng rekurso at mapanupil na sitwasyon.

Suriin ninyo ang bawat dyaryo, magasin, aklat, billboard, poster, programa sa telebisyon o radyo, sine at website sa Internet na tinatangkilik ng masang awdyens. Sadyang hindi maiiwasang ihanay ang bawat isa sa mga ito, alin man sa konserbatibo o progresibong masmidya.

Kahit pa sabihing walang batas na nagrergulisa sa masmidya, ito’y maaaring busalan sa pamamagitan ng mapaniil na instrumento ng gobyerno, kapangyarihan ng mga nagmamay-ari ng midya, istakholder at adbertayser, at ng ideolohiyang pagkagapos ng kalakhan sa mga propesyunal.

Nagaganap din ang iba’t ibang tipo ng panunuhol ng mga malalaking negosyante’t pulitiko sa mga reporter at brodkaster.

Hangga’t hindi nagaganap ang radikal na pagbabago sa lipunan, patuloy na mamamayani ang dalawang magkasalungat na tradisyon.

Lumalalang panggigipit at pamamaslang Tumitindi ngayon ang intimidasyon at karahasan na dinaranas ng mga tagamidya, bagay na hindi gaano tinatalakay sa mga eskuwelahan.

Ayon sa National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), mula nang bumagsak ang diktadurang Marcos noong Pebrero 1986, di bababa sa 55 mamamahayag na ang pinatay sa bansa.

Samantala, sa hiwalay na listahan ng Bulatlat.com, isang news-feature website, aabot na sa 78 mamamahayag ang napapatay mula noon. Kung isasama ang mga pinatay noong panahon ng batas militar, 110 na lahat-lahat ang mamamahayag na biktima ng pamamaslang. Dalawampu rito ay pinaslang sa ilalim ng administrasyong Arroyo.

Sa ginanap na kilos-protesta noong Agosto 16 ng may di bababa sa 200 mamamahayag mula sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas sa pambansang himpilan ng pulisya sa Camp Crame, binatikos ng iba’t ibang organisasyon ng midya, sa pangunguna ng NUJP, ang kainutilan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na lutasin ang maraming kaso ng pamamaslang sa mga mamamahayag.

Inihayag sa rali na pumapangalawa na ngayon ang Pilipinas sa mundo (nangunguna ang Iraq na patuloy na ginigyera ng Amerika) sa bilang ng mga mamamahayag na pinaslang habang gumagampan ng kanilang trabaho.

Hanggang sa mga oras na ito, mayroong anim na mamamahayag ang pinatay kung saan apat sa kanila ay sa buwan lamang ng Agosto. Pitong mamamahayag naman ang pinatay noong 2003.

Malinaw na kilala ang mga biktima sa pagbatikos sa kurapsyon at krimen na kinasasangkutan ng mga pulis, militar, matataas na upisyal ng gubyerno at malalaking negosyante.

Hayaan ninyong isalaysay ko ang detalye ng mga kaso. Dito sa rehiyong Timog Katagalugan, ang mga biktima ng pamamaslang ay sina: Sonny Alcantara, news presenter ng City TV sa San Pablo, Laguna, na pinagbabaril noong Agosto 2002 pagkatapos niyang batikusin ang isang lokal na upisyal ng syudad; si Noel Villarante, kolumnista ng Laguna Score at komentarista sa DZJV na pinaslang noong Agosto 19,2003 dahil sa kanyang paglalantad sa mga anomalya; si Arnnel Manalo, korespondent ng dyaryong Bulgar at DZRH matapos niyang ihayag ang panig ng kaaway ng isang makapangyarihang negosyante sa Bauan, Batangas; at si Fernando Consignado, korespondent ng Radyo Veritas na pinaslang noong Agosto 12 dahil sa paglalantad din ng mga anomalya sa Nagcarlan, Laguna.

Bukod sa pamamaslang, maraming mamamahayag ay naging biktima ng harasment, pananakot, pambubugbog at iba pang tipo ng panggigipit at paglabag sa karapatang pantao.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 297

Noong Mayo 31, pinagbubugbog, ininteroga at pinagbantaang papatayin ng mga elemento ng 20th Special Forces si Melvin Mamis, cameraman ng Southern Tagalog Exposure, matapos niyang kunan ng bidyo ang isang human rights fact-finding mission sa Rosario, Batangas.

Samantala, noong Hunyo 23 ay puwersahang pinatatanggal sa ere ng mga militar ang Radyo Anakpawis, lingguhang programa ng Katipunan ng Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA-TK) sa DZRB sa Batangas City. Pinaratangan ng mga militar at pulis na pinatatakbo umano ng New People’s Army (NPA) ang naturang programa. Nagbanta silang rereydin ang istasyon kung hindi ititigil ang programa.

Matapos ihayag sa isang interbyu nitong Agosto na alam nila kung sino ang nagpapatay kay Arnnel Manalo, nakatanggap ng pagbabanta sa buhay at pagmamanman ng mga di-kilalang lalaki ang isang katrabaho ni Manalo. Samantala, napilitang nagtago nang ilang araw ang isa pang taga-midya.

Noong Oktubre hanggang Nobyembre 2002, anim na kaso ng pagdukot at panghaharas ng pulis, militar at paramilitar sa mga taga-midya ang naitala ng NUJP. Si Edu Paringit, isang cameraman ng Tvnet, isang lokal na istasyon ng telebisyon sa Calapan City, ay nakatanggap ng harasment mula kay Gen. Jovito Palparan, dating pinuno ng 204th Brigade, dahil lamang sa pagkober niya sa marahas na demolisyon sa lungsod. Sa taon ding ‘yon, isa si Ferdie Roldan, reporter ng dyaryong Newsflash sa daan-daang naging biktima ng madugong pandarahas ng mga pulis at goons laban sa mga manggagawa ng Nestle na mapayapang nagwewelga d’yan sa Cabuyao, Laguna.

Sino ang hindi nakakakilala kay Isabela governor-elect Grace Padaca na dating brodkaster? Paulitulit na ipinasara noon ni Mayor Caesar Dy ng Cauayan City ang Bombo Radyo sa Isabela dahil sa pambabatikos nito sa korupsyon at karahasan ng pamilyang Dy. Sa maraming insidente, ang mga elemento ng pulisya ang nasasangkot sa pagpatay o panggigipit sa mga tagamidya. Noong Mayo 2002, pinatay ng isang pulis si Edgar Demalerio, reporter ng Zamboanga Scribe at Mindanao Gold Star at komentarista sa DXKP sa Pagadian City. Kahit natukoy at naaresto na si P01 Guillermo Wapile, pinatakas pa rin siya ng mga kapwa niya pulis. Sa loob ng dalawang taon, pakalat-kalat lamang si Wapile sa Pagadian at iba pang lugar sa prubinsya. Sa katunayan, naging badigard pa siya ng isang pulitiko noong nakaraang eleksyon. Samantala, napilitang magtago ang pamilya ni Demalerio at iba pang testigo.

At ano ang tugon ng awtoridad sa mga panggigipit at pamamaslang? Nagbigay ng “payo” si PNP Dir. Gen. Hermogenes Ebdane sa mga tagamidya na manahimik na lamang para hindi maging target ng karahasan. May adelantadong mungkahi pa na mag-armas na lamang ang mga mamamahayag para maipagtanggol ang sarili. Binalewala naman ni Gen. Angelo Reyes, Secretary ng Department of Interior and Local Government na nangangasiwa sa PNP, nang sabihin niyang wala pang malalang tunguhin sa bilang ng mga pinapaslang na mga tagamidya.

Ang mga pahayag na ito ng mga nasa awtoridad at ang kawalan nila ng aksyon sa lumalalang panggigipit at pamamaslang sa mga taga-midya, ay patunay lang na ang demokrasya at kalayaan sa pamamahayag ay mistulang ilusyon. Ang estado mismo ang sumusupil sa kalayaan sa pamamahayag para protektahan ang interes ng mga naghaharing uri sa ating bayan.

III. Mga alternatibong hamon Kung papawiin ang takot at pag-aalinlangan sa ating mga puso’t isipan, malulutas natin ang mga problemang bumabagabag sa sistema ng edukasyon at masmidya. Mababago lamang ang mundo kung tayo’y magkakaisa at lalaban. “The people united can never be defeated.” Ito ang hamon sa atin.

Sa larangan ng edukasyon, may pangangailangang itaguyod ang isang pambansa, siyentipiko at demokratikong edukasyon.

Pambansa, dahil nais nating ibalik ang karangalan ng ating lahing Pilipino. Dapat imulat ang mga estudyante upang kondenahin ang imperyalistang agresyon at gyera. Gawin nating laboratoryo ang mga eskuwelahan para sa pagpapatupad ng demokratikong pamahalaan, pambansang

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 298

industriyalisasyon, repormang agraryo, independyenteng ugnayang panlabas, makabayang kultura at iba pang kagyat na tungkulin.

Siyentipiko, dahil nais nating ipalaganap ang pag-aaral ng mga kaalamang nakabatay sa pagsisiyasat at pagsusuri sa reyalidad. Umaayon ito sa mga batas ng aktwal na pag-iral, pagbabago at rela-relasyon ng mga bagay at pangyayari.

Demokratiko, dahil hangad nating mangibabaw ang karapatan at interes ng nakakarami sa ating lipunan. Dapat nating igiit ang pagpapatupad ng libreng edukasyon para sa mamamayan sa lahat ng antas.

Kasama ng mga independyente at responsableng propesyunal sa midya, dapat lumahok ang mga estudyante ng Masscom sa puspusang kampanya para itaguyod ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag.

Nangangahulugan ito ng pagtatayo ng mga pangmasang organisasyon na naglalayong lumikha ng opinyong pubiko na sasalungat sa panlilinlang ng mga nagsasamantala at nang-aapi, Pilipinisasyon at pagpapabuti sa kabuhayan ng mga manggagawa sa midya.

Sa aking pagtatapos, nais kong baunin ninyo ang mahalagang mensahe ng International Federation of Journalists (IFJ): “walang kalayaan sa pamamahayag hangga’t nabubuhay ang mga mamamahayag sa korupsyon, kahirapan at takot.”

Maraming salamat at mabuhay kayo. ### Batay sa talumpati para sa Radyo Natin-Biñan (RNB) lecture-series na ginanap sa Biñan, Laguna noong Setyembre 15, 2004. Unang inilathala sa QC Indymedia noong Setyembre 21, 2004. Inilathala rin sa antolohiyang “Unibersodad: Literaturang Perpetualista”, Hunyo 2009, pahina 28-36

Mensahe sa alumni homecoming ng College of Arts & Sciences Mayo 5, 2012 Hello classmates, batchmates, teachers, mentors, at fellow Perpetualites, kumusta na kayo?

Alam n’yo, matagal-tagal na akong di nakakabalik sa Perpetual. Di naman kasi ako naiimbitahan ng mga opisina at organisasyon sa unibersidad, o siguro di nila alam kung pa’no ako kokontakin.

Hanggang nitong huli’y nakatanggap ako ng imbitasyon.

Sabi nila, ang College of Arts & Sciences o CAS ay para daw sa pag-aaral at pagsasanay sa larangan ng sining at agham (kaya nga arts and sciences). Sa palagay ko, ang sining ay repleksyon ng buhay ng tao at lipunan, samantala ang agham ay nagpapabuti sa buhay ng tao at lipunan. Kung tutuusin, magandang pagsasanib ito para makamit ang mas mataas na lebel ng pagiging tao. Ang tanong: natutupad ba ang layuning ito?

Maraming kabataan ang nagtatapos ng Communication Arts, Psychology, Political Science, at iba pang degree o non-degree courses taun-taon. Pero nakakalungkot isiping mabibilang sa daliri ang alumni ng CAS na makasining o di kaya’y maka-agham. Karamiha’y mga adik sa pop culture na imported, mga fashionistang nagpapapansin pero nagbubulag-bulagan naman, at walang kamalayan sa maka-sining na pagpapahayag. Halos lahat ay empleyado o manager na nakatali sa corporate world o di kaya’y piping saksi ng korupsyon sa gobyerno, nagbubuga ng bulok na haka-haka’t lumang mito sa halip na siyentipikong paraan ng pagsusuri o pagsasaliksik sa mga tao, bagay, o paligid.

Habang namamayani ang sistematikong represyon at censorship sa akademya, habang ang mga estudyante’t guro ay pinagbabawalang magpahayag o magsaliksik nang malaya para sa ikauunlad nating lahat, ang sining at agham sa unibersidad ay pangalan lamang. Walang saysay. Walang

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 299

kabuluhan. Sayang ang ginastos, para kang hinoldap o naiskam ng negosyanteng nagpanggap na edukador.

P’wede namang magbalik-tanaw sa nakaraan, sa masasaya’t mapapait na alaala ng buhay-kolehiyo.

Why not? Pero hindi ito sapat. Ang pagbabago’y di maiiwasan. Hindi na kayo sunud-sunurang humihingi ng baon sa nanay noon. Ngayon, kayo na ang kumakayod, kayo na ang nagpapaaral.

Tasahin at suriin n’yo ang sistema ng edukasyon noon at ngayon. May pagbabago ba? May academic freedom ba? Nasaan ang pinagmamalaking “quality education”?

Bilang alumni, maaari kang gumawa ng hakbang alang-alang sa ikabubuti ng pag-aaral ng kasalukuyang henerasyon ng kabataan. Gamitin n’yo ang reunion, homecoming at iba pang klase ng pagtitipon para mag-organisa. Hindi na kayo mga bata, kaya ‘wag matakot magsalita. It’s payback time! ### Inilagay sa Facebook noong Mayo 5, 2012 (Sabado) sa 6:30 p.m.

Advice to Gazette editors and staff November 23, 2012 My general advice to current and future Gazette editors and staff: one, purge all your fears and selfinterests; two, learn from and merge with the students and people; three, study and apply the lessons of the student movement; four, act professionally and with civility when performing your duties and responsibilities as campus journalists; and most of all, safeguard our democracy against the enemies of press freedom and students’ rights. These enemies roam the university with impunity, some wearing decent uniforms and warm smiles. Your mission is to expose and oppose their anti-human and antipeople policies and schemes. It’s your turn to slay the evil monsters and pull the plug of this rotten system just like we, your predecessors, did during our time. Struggle never fails to bring out the best in every bearer of truth. ### First posted in Facebook last November 23, 2012 (Friday) at 9:37 a.m.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 300

Depart from old ways May 13, 2013 More people realize that there is no real democracy in current Philippine elections. Then and now, the electoral system is rotten to the core, still dominated by big warlords and political dynasties with their “guns, goons, gold” tactics combined with defective counting machines, which raise doubts on the credibility of the automated process. Rival factions of the elite compete against each other as they concoct lies and empty promises to voters, narrowing their choices to one that is merely between the primary evil and/or the lesser evil. People need to depart from old ways by empowering themselves to improve their lives. In the final analysis, the only small hope they get from it all is the participation and victory of progressive-minded candidates who truly push for genuine change. ### First published in Facebook last May 13, 2013 (Monday) at 4:36 a.m.

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 301

If you like this book, please send your donations to the following organizations through their official websites, social media pages or active representatives: Bulatlat online magazine Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Protect Sierra Madre for the People

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 302

DENNIS ESPADA | THE EDGE THAT MATTERS | 303