the torch TOMO 65 BILANG 3 The Official Student Publication of Philippine Normal University
Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), Progresibong Lupon ng mga Manunulat ng PNU (PLUMA -PNU)
Sa Pambansang Araw ng mga Guro, mas mataas na sahod ipinanawagan “HB 2142 ipaglaban, upgrade teacher’s salaries now!” Ito ang panawagan ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) sa isinagawang mobilisasyon mula Morayta tungong Mendiola sa Pambansang Araw ng mga Guro noong ika-5 ng Oktubre. Dinaluhan ang mobilisasyon ng may 500 na guro mula sa NCR, mga estudyante at iba pang mga sektor tulad ng kabataan, magsasaka, manggagawa at kababaihan sa pangunguna ng ACT upang ipanawagan ang karapatan ng mga guro para sa nakabubuhay na sahod. Naglunsad din ng kaugnay na
mobilisasyon sa Negros na dinaluhan ng 1,300 na guro at 300 naman sa Butuan. Noong taong 2010, inihain ni ACT Rep. Antonio Tinio ang House Bill 2142 para isabatas ang pagtataas ng sahod ng mga guro sa pampublikong paaralan. Nakakuha ito ng suporta mula sa kongreso kung saan 180 na mga kongresista at mga senador, ngunit hindi pa ito naisasabatas dahil sa hindi pag-aksyon ng Pangulo.“Proof of this hindrance is the President’s refusal to line up the issue as among his legislative priorities and his failure to set aside funds for salary increases for teachers and other
state workers in his proposed 2013 budget,” giit ni Rep. Tinio. Samantala, sa pangunguna ni DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro, isang malawakang pagdiriwang naman ang ginanap sa Philippine Sports Arena sa lungsod ng Pasig na dinaluhan d+in ng libo-libong mga guro. Sa kabilang banda, malaking tulong sa mga guro ang mga benepisyong naibibigay sa ngayon. “Sa mahabang panahon, maraming benepisyo ang di natamasa ng kindergarten teachers. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa ACT Teachers Partylist na naggigigit ng chalk allowance at pagtaas ng sweldo ng teachers,” pa-
hayag ni G. Aracely De Ocampo, Pangulo ng Manila Kindergarten Teachers. “We at ACT Teachers Party-list believe that despite the numerous ills overwhelming Philippine education, students can still rely on their teachers to provide the best education obtainable. Public school teachers receive inadequate salaries and benefits, yet endure appalling working conditions such as large classes and insufficient classrooms. In the face of it all, there are those such as you who keep teaching for years, and commit to the calling with excellence,” pagtatapos ni Rep. Tinio.
Epal Gangnam Style
Jolly M. Lugod
Pagtatalaga ng ICUCOs cubicle nakabinbin pa rin Ethel Diana G. Jordan
Daing pa rin ng ilang Accredited at Re-accredited Interest Clubs and University Chapters/Organizations (ICUCOs) ang kawalan ng opisina sa Student Veranda. Ayon kay Dr. Aurora B. Fulgencio, Dekana ng Office of the Student Affairs and Student Services (OSASS), tumagal ang pagtatalaga ng mga opisina sa ICUCO dahil hindi naibigay kaagad sa kanya ang kopya ng opisyal na resulta ng nakaraang accreditation at re-accreditation process na may lagda ng lahat ng miyembro ng Screening Committee (SC). Noong Setyembre 6, nagkaroon ng pulong ukol dito na pinangunahan ni Prop. Sheila Marie B. Adona, Student Coordinator kasama ang Student Government (SG) Executive Body para maipaalam sa mga organisasyon ang pagkawala ng opisyal na resulta ng akreditasyon. “Marso 9, 2012 nang magkaroon ng pinal na resulta ng
akreditasyon na may lagda ng lahat ng committee members. Una itong naipaskil noong Abril sa dalawang bulletin board ng SG ngunit laging nawawala o baka may kumukuha. Kaya kinabukasan naglalagay ulit kame ng bago,” salaysay ni Arsadon E. Vera, miyembro ng SC na dating SG Vice President for External Affairs (A.Y. 2011-2012) at kasalukuyang SG Finance and Logistics Officer. Nabanggit sa pulong na walang naibigay na kopya ng resulta ng akreditasyon kay Dr. Fulgencio at Agosto na nang madiskubreng nawawala rin ang kopya ni Vera. Para solusyonan, nagkaroon ng botohan kung magkakaroon ng re-accreditation o ng reconstruction/reprint ng nasabing dokumento. Nagresulta ang botohan sa 7-9. Sumang-ayon ang karamihan sa reprinting ng dokumento na muling pipirmahan ng mga miyembro ng komite. Setyembre 13 nang maibigay ni Vera sa OSASS ang dalawang kopya ng dokumento
na may petsang March 9, 2012 (kopya ng opisyal na listahan ng accredited ICUCO) at Setyembre 10 (reprinted copy). Ayon sa liham ni Vera kay Fulgencio, “The 1st copy dated March 9, 2012 contains the official list of the accredited ICUCOs, while 2nd copy dated September 10, 2012 is just a reprinted copy. I printed two copies with different dates to show the span of time wherein the softcopy of the document was retrieved. Reprinted and made official through the signatures obtained from September 10 to 13 from the members of the Screening Committee A. Y. 2012-2013.” Samantala, para sa ilang nakapasang ICUCOs hindi naging makatarungan ang naging pasya ng kasalukuyang pamunuan ng SG na panatilihin ang mga organisasyong hindi nakapasa sa akreditasyon sa sundan sa pahina 4..
PITIK B:
P. 8
P.7
10 P. 13
SALITA sa LIPUNAN
Student Handbook still in process Constantine H. Capco Jahlen Tuvilleja
“We’re positive na bago matapos ang school year ay may bagong rebisyon na ang student handbook na maaaring ipresenta sa Board of Regents (BOR).” Due to the preparations for the University accreditations and unavailability of some of the student representatives from different year levels, the revisions in the student handbook initiated since August 2011 was delayed. Student Activity Coordinator and member of the Committee on Student Handbook Revision Prof. Sheila Marie Adona, expressed hope in an interview with The Torch, that the student handbook will be finished at the end of the school year. “Almost three-fourths na ng ating student handbook ang narereview ng committee… but at this point, nakaanim na
meeting na, small and big group ang nagkaroon tayo para sa pagdidiscuss nito,” Prof. Adona explained. One representative from each of the Colleges (COS, CED, CASS, and CLLL), Student Government (SG) officials, 2nd to 4th year level student representatives, officials from the University Press, Office of the Admissions, and Office of the Registrar constitute the committee chaired by Dr. Aurora Fulgencio. According to Prof. Adona, the committee is requesting SG Vice President for External Affairs Algel Balantac to present the revision of the handbook to the student leaders for consultation in the National Convention of Student Leaders on the 3rd week of October including all the SG officers from all PNU campuses. After the student consultasundan sa pahina 4..
4 NEWS MAKABAYAN Coalition holds 2nd Nat’l Con To strengthen the campaigns for a real societal change, amidst the pressing problems brought about by the PNoy’s neoliberal schemes, the MAKABAYAN Coalition held its 2nd National Convention at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Sta. Mesa last September 7. The convention was delegated by 10 party-list groups: Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT); Akap-Bata; ANAKPAWIS; Bayan Muna; Confederation for Unity, Recognition, and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE); GABRIELA; Kabataan; KATRIBU; Migrante
International; and Pinag-Isang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON). The party-lists flagged their commitment to support the candidacy of Bayan Muna Head, Rep. Teddy Casiño in the senate. “Sa matagal na panahon, ang napupunta sa senado ay interes lang ng mga dayuhan at iilan lamang ang itinataguyod,” said Rep. Casiño in an interview with The Torch. “Panahon naman upang interes ng pangkaraniwang tao at bayan ang maipaglaban.” On the other hand, MAKABAYAN Coalition National President Satur Ocampo believed that societal transformation,
mobilized by the masses, must begin within the Local Government Units (LGUs). He also cited the nationalist image created by the former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jesse Robredo. Sen. Coco Pimentel, Jr. and Las Piñas City Rep. Cynthia Villar likewise expressed their valiant opposition against poverty, heightened by 12% Value Added Tax (VAT), budget cuts in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), uncontrolled price hikes of basic commodities and deregulation of oil, among others. On the part of PISTON Party-list National President, George San Mateo, they are in
Ma.Natascha Dhonna Fe Cruz Isabella Krizia Barricante
line with the Coalition’s advocacy to oppose oil price hikes, not only for the motorists but also for the common people directly and indirectly affected by any unreasonable increase of it. As to National Deputy Secretary General of College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Marc Avila, the youth, as they constitute the biggest number in the population, must actively participate in the nation’s struggle for national change. “Tayo, bilang miyembro ng campus press, may capacity tayong magmulat ng+ kapwa kabataan,” he added, emphasizing the role of student publications.
..mula sa ikatlong pahina
Student Handbook... tion, there will be consolidation then the revised student handbook will be presented to the Academic Council. Afterwards, it will be presented to the BOR through the President. “Sana maintindihan nilang hindi madali ang pagrerebyu at pagrerebisa ng laman ng student handbook dahil maingat itong pinag-aaralan,” said Prof. Adona amidst the complaints about the delayed release of handbook.
Pagtatalaga ng ICUCOs cubicle... mga opisina na dapat ay tina “Malaki ang epekto ng kawalan ng opisina. Mahirap mag-convene ng mga miyembro kung wala silang tiyak na pupuntahan para ma-orient. Isa pa, nagsisilbing extension ang office para sa recruitment pagkatapos ng recruitment week,” ayon sa isang miyembro ng Lifebox PNU. Ang ICUCOs accreditation and re-accreditation ay proseso ng pagbibigay-pagkilala sa mga organisasyong pangestudyante na makatatamasa ng ilang pribilehiyo, tulad ng paggamit ng mga pasilidad ng pamantasan sa tuwing magkakaroon sila ng aktibidad, SG
financial assistance, atb. Narito ang nakapasang ICUCOs noong 2012-2013 Accreditation and Re-accreditation: 1. The Thespian Society 2.Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) PNU 3. Red Cross Youth Council 4. PNU Nami 5. ANAKBAYAN PNU 6. Lifebox PNU 7. Student Catholic Action 8. Student Volunteers’ Organization 9. PNU- Mountaineering Club 10. Christian Brotherhood International
11. College Y’ Club 12. Tanglaw Christian Fellowship 13.Alpha Phi Omega – PNU Petitioning Chapter 14. GABRIELA Youth PNU 15. Creative Educators’ Society 16. Annyeong PNU 17. Bible Readers’ Society Hiniling ng mga ICUCO na makapaglabas na ng abiso ang OSASS kung kailan maitatalaga ang kanilang opisina.
PNU hosts the 25th SCUAA “PNU is known for excellence. We are not hosting without substance.” This was the statement of Prof. Lordinio Vergara, Head of the Physical Education (PE) Department and Sports Director of the upcoming 25th State Colleges Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) competition. Prof. Vergara ensured the plans and concepts of the upcoming event. According to him, the preparation is already in its second phase to finalize the se-
ries of meetings of the Board of Directors as they incorporate the theme “Keeping the Solidarity Flame Alive for 25 years and Beyond.” He proudly proposed and conceptualized that the event will showcase its very first Regional SCUAA Competition Manual. Furthermore, he also proposed the event’s official logo in which the solidarity flame spelled out the letters of SCUAA representing its seven members Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology
(EARIST), Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC), Philippine Normal University (PNU), Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PHILSCA), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Rizal Technological University (RTU), and Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) - binded by the Silver Solidarity Ring. “Supposedly, MPC will hold this upcoming event but since it is still a young member of the association, the privilege has come to PNU.” said Prof. Vergara.
The event will open on January 13-18, 2013 through a fun run on its first day expecting 50,000 runners, as well as a field demonstration to be performed by the PNU freshmen students. Vice President Jejomar Binay, a graduate of PNU Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and Congressman Manny Pacquiao are the planned guests for the big event. All students will be required to witness the week-long festivity which ticket costs P25.00.
“Supporting sports and considering the welfare of the athletes are the University’s aim. And as PNU holds the 25th SCUAA season, the budget allotted will be very much used for funding the sports apparel and equipment of the athletes.” Prof. Vergara ended. Elaine Grace Quinto Roland Keno Chua
GAGGED
More than you thought it is. The initial reaction of the public from the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (R. A. 10175), as manifested in the black display pictures in Facebook amongst others, leaned heavily on Sec. 4 (c) [4] of the law regarding online libel as well as Sec. 4 (b) [3] which deals with piracy. This law, however, does not only infringe the usual liberty the netizens1 had of downloadable data but also criminalizes the offenses just by having a prima facie2. To add, this law authorizes Department of Justice (DOJ) Sec. Leila de Lima to be the judge, jury and executioner all at once. Although it could be objectively said that the provisions on piracy, cybersex, child pornography and cyber bullying are really needed to enforce responsible internet usage and respect intellectual property rights, incidentally, other provisions are not of grave connection to its supposed objectives; rather, it actually encroach on other constitutional rights such as freedom of speech and expression as well as the right to due process of law. Further, it only exacerbates the Revised Penal Code (Act No. 3815) where the existence of a crime’s elements must be proven beyond reasonable doubt in order to secure accusation, let alone prove conviction. In connection, anyone caught violating any of the provisions of the said law shall be punished with imprison-
ment, ranging from arresto mayor to reclusion temporal depending on the gravity of the offense, or a fine of P200,000 to P1 million, or both. This is not to mention provisions in Chapter V: Sec. 12 which authorizes the real-time collection of traffic data; Sec. 17 which authorizes service providers and law enforcement agencies to “completely destroy the computer data subject of a preservation and examination” order; and Sec. 19 which authorizes the DOJ to block access to computer data when such data “is prima facie found to be in violation of the provisions of this Act.” These provisions does not only infringe the right of any citizen to obtain a due process but also inhibit the right to privacy of any individual for this law provides the complete access of any electronic data, whether be it an e-mail, video or phone call, without any court warrant—just a ‘go’ signal from DOJ Sec. de Lima. This, hence, poses a threat to netizens including mobile phone users that their personal communications are also sniffed3 at. Worse of this case, protests against the said law was easily dismissed by the senators who approved of it, as well as PNoy’s administration saying through the Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda that freedom of expression is not absolute. Also, R. A. 10175 is vaguely written which opens it to a number of interpretations such Section 4 (c) [4] which criminalizes libel, not only on the Internet, but also on “any other similar means which may be devised in the future.”
This law, then, lacks basis as to who or how a person may be prosecuted. However, this move by the administration can very well be viewed in a different light: this is not of personal cyber responsibility, but an administrative breaching of rights in order to assume the considered enemies of the state guilty. The law, having vague provisions, is further rendered to be abused by the administration. By this, the government’s critics would surely be penalized at once without having to prove anything in the court. With this kind of law taken into effect last October 3, the writ of habeas corpus4 is almost at its point of disillusionment. Accordingly, the law was approved by PNoy last September 12, just in time for the commemoration of the 40th year of Martial Law during the Marcos regime. ANAKBAYAN National Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo even described the suspension of writ of habeas corpus over the Philippine cyberspace as an “E-Martial Law.” This phenomenon over the digital world of the Filipinos poses a so-called “Big Brother effect” wherein the Filipino people in general are subjected to 24/7 surveillance—every move, every click, every like and share would be monitored. This is yet another form of fascism, especially to the critics of government—hiding behind the sheep skin of protecting the rights of netizens from being cyber bullied. True enough,
EDITORIAL the people are now dumbfounded upon its effectivity in fear of the grave sanctions that the law imposes with just a prima facie. Instead of junking the antiquated Libel law and passing into law a more effective Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill which should be very well in accordance to PNoy’s aim of transparency and good governance, PNoy only gave the Filipino people additional burden as netizens are gagged from their freedom of speech and expression. This unconstitutional Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 should be repealed and junked as it also impedes even the provisions of the International Covenant of Human Rights from the United Nations Human Rights Council. And, to quote Noam Chomsky ”The freedom of speech is
5
worthless without the freedom of offensive speech.” Thus, the people should be united to junk the Cybercrime Law to gain their freedom of speech and expression once again through online and offline means.
1.Netizen is an entity or person actively involved in the cyberspace. 2.Prima facie is a fact presumed to be true unless it is disproved. 3.Sniffing pertains to a computer program called packet analyzer or packet sniffer—a computer program used to track and log traffic over cyberspace usually used by hackers and investigating agencies. 4.Writ of habeas corpus requires an accused person to be presented in court before conviction.
Donnadette S. G. Belza, Editor-in-Chief; Ethel Diana G. Jordan, Associate Editor in Filipino; Ma. Cherry P. Magundayao, Associate Editor in English; Geraldine Grace G. Garcia, Managing Editor; Vincent D. Deocampo, Assistant Managing Editor; Elaine I. Jacob, News Editor; Zhen Lee M. Ballard, Features Editor; Emmanuel T. Barrameda, Literary Editor; Ian Harvey A. Claros, Research Editor; Cromwell C. Allosa, Ma. Cristina Barrera, April Mae Carvajal, Robert Gabriel N. Cosme, Paolo S. Gonzales, Staff; Isabella Krizia Barricante, Ma. Natasha Dhonna Fe Cruz, Danielle Marie D. Francisco, John Christopher Ambong,, Ma. Cecilia Alcanar , Krizzia Leanne Beltran, Maricar Berongoy, Catherine Bacuño, Marija Jelena Bongat, Krys Marjorie Cabang, Jonathan Campo, Roland Keno Chua, Camille Limon, Jolly Lugod, Elaine Grace Quinto, Froebel Mae Roguis, Ronald San Pablo, Guiller Jobert Suarez, Nathanielle John Torre, Muriel Grace Viemeza, Correspondents; Franklin A. Amoncio, John Paul A. Orallo, Constantine H. Capco, Mikaela Yap, Lloyd Christian R. Estudillo, Visual Artists; Jahlen Tuvilleja, Graphic Artist; Emmanuel T. Barrameda, Melie Rose E. Cortes, Lay-out Artists; Dr. Jennie V. Jocson, Language Critic in English; Prof. Patrocinio V. Villafuerte, Language Critic in Filipino and Technical Adviser
ink your pen. serve the people The Official Student Publication of Philippine Normal University
since 1912
6
OPINION Who’s Innocent?
While the Philippine netizens battle against the constitutionality of the Cybercrime Law, the Muslims across the globe protest violently against the anti-Islam film entitled “Innocence of Muslims” for a blasphemous attack at their prophet Muhammad. The 15-minute film made in California ignited aggressive actions – demonstrations in front of United States (US) embassies, burning of Obama’s effigy – from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya, Egypt to other Islamic countries where reports post a number of deaths including the US Ambassador to Libya. Alarmed by the consistent uproar brought by the film against America, the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared that the US government has absolutely nothing to do with the film and that it rejects its content and message. But she contradicted herself, saying, “Our country does have a long tradition of free expression which is enshrined in its constitution and our law. We don’t stop individuals
from expressing their views no matter how distasteful they may be.” Seemingly, the US cannot and will not do any means to prevent the spread of the film and/or criminalize its production and the people behind it in favour of what they guise as a “long tradition of free expression.” But they wronged the Muslims because this statement incited more violence in Islamic countries. Just a thought: Does the US consider their ‘humanitarian aids’ of arming rebels, inciting civil wars and provoking nation dependency on them as practices of their tradition of free expression? Just as what I contemplated, it was bad karma creeping into the long-gone US imperial domination, or a sort-of peripeteia – a sudden reversal of fortune. Having threatened international peace and coexistence of cultures, the United Nations General Assembly 67th session called for a serious meeting regarding the issue. In the session, the anti-Islam film gathered many
ESOTERIKA
TANOD
Donnadette S.G. Belza donat.belza@gmail.com
terrible losses of innocent lives.” Clearly, the Islamic countries felt stabbed by the production and spread of the malicious and profane film. Others consider the bloodshed and other antiAmerican acts as justifications for the offence the film put across, whereas others view this as a
Just as what I contemplated, it was bad karma creeping into the long-gone US imperial domination, or a sort-of peripeteia – a sudden reversal of fortune. Likewise, Afghan President Hamid Karzai supported Zardari and stated that over 1.5 billion Muslims were insulted by the film’s contents and that they condemn other acts that offend their faith. However, he added that these provocations “cannot give reason for the genuine protest to be used to incite violence with
stereotypical violence driven by the Muslim countries – leading to a phenomenon of Islamophobia. The Islamic countries generally call for the restriction of any expression of Islamophobia especially from the West and push for Blasphemy Laws, just in time to be chartered in the international laws. Though rag-
ing on this menace, it is still not proper to change the agreements for protecting a single religion or party at the expense of humanity’s right to free expression. And the same goes with our situation in the Philippines in light of the Cybercrime Law. The US, on the other hand, must be consistent in its position regarding free speech so as not to aggravate the repercussions brought by the anti-Islam film. We cannot point blankly and bluntly to who is innocent and who is not, or who is more criminal between the conflicting believers (Christian and Islam) and races (American and Arab). Rather, what the Muslim communities can do is to educate the people of other faith, race, and ideology. In this way, the misconceptions about their religion may probably be lessened and may further harmonize the coexistence of cultures across the globe.
Paro-parong mapolitika:
Ethel Diana G. Jordan
sophia,may9@gmail.com “Marginalized and under-represented sectors” Sila ang sinasabi ng Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party na kinakatawan nila, subalit malaking kontradiksyon ang pinakikita at pinatutunayan ng kanilang mga ginagawa. Kung tunay ang intensyon ng Akbayan sa paglilingkod sa mga naghihirap na mamamayan, nakapagtatakang pumasok sila sa isang kasunduan na pinamumunuan ng Liberal Party, Nacionalista Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, at ng National Unity Party. Ayon kay Alvin Capino ng Manila Bulletin sa kanyang artikulo na inilabas noong Oktubre 5, “As a signatory to the coalition agreement with the country’s major political parties, Akbayan should now be regarded as part of the political mainstream.” Sa ganitong pagtanaw, hindi na sila pasok sa pagiging party-list. Samantala, sa liham na ibinigay ng mga militanteng grupo sa COMELEC noong ika-2 ng Oktubre 2012, hinihiling nilang madiskwalipika na ang Akbayan sa party-list
condemnations especially from the leaders of the Muslim and Arab countries. “Although we can never condone violence, the international community must not become silent observers and should criminalize such acts that destroy the peace of the world and endanger the world security by misusing freedom of expression,” Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said.
system. Ayon sa kanila, ang pagkakaroon ng posisyon sa gobyerno ng mga kinatawan ng Akbayan ay manipestasyon lamang na ang administrasyong Aquino na ang kanilang pinaglilingkuran para matugunan ang kanilang mga personal na interes. Kasama sa liham kay Sixto Brillantes Jr., COMELEC Chairman ang listahan ng mga pangalan ng mga miyembro ng Akbayan na ngayon ay humahawak ng posisyon sa gobyerno. Sila ay sina Ronald Llamas, dating pangulo ng Akbayan, na ngayon ay Presidential Political Adviser with cabinet rank; Etta Rosales, dating pangulo ng Akbayan, Chairperson na ng Commission on Human Rights; Joel Rocamora, dating pangulo ng Akbayan, Chairman na ngayon ng National Anti-Poverty Commission; Percival Cendana, dating Akbayan Chairman, Commissioner ngayon ng National Youth Commission; Barry Gutierrez, dating Akbayan party list nominee, Undersecretary for Political Affairs; at, Angelina Ludovice-Katoh, dating Akbayan party list nominee, Commissioner-in-Charge ng Mindanao
Nakabubulag! and Women Concerns of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor. Kung pahihintulutan na tumak-
no nakasisiguro ang Akbayan na ang bayan ang kanilang pinaglilingkuran kung nakasanib sila sa mismong nagpapahirap sa mamamayan?
“Marginalized and under-represented sectors” Sila ang sinasabi ng Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party na kinakatawan nila, subalit malaking kontradiksyon ang pinakita at pinatutunayan ng kanilang mga ginagawa. bo pa ang Akbayan bilang party-list, para na ring hinayaan ang Malacañang na punuin ang Kongreso ng mga tauhan nila na hindi naman tunay na magsisilbi at tutugon sa pangangailangan ng mamamayan. Nakatatawa lang ang sinabi ng Akbayan Youth na ang pagkakaroon ng posisyon ng mga opisyal ng Akbayan sa gobyerno ay masasabing isang patunay na matagumpay ito bilang organisasyong politikal na kumakatawan sa mga mahihirap. Tila nawawala sila sa lohika ng tunay na paglilingkod sa bayan. Ang ganitong tagumpay ay hindi para sa mamamayan. Paa-
Hindi makatwiran ang pinangangalandakan nilang tagumpay pagkat sa mga pangunahing isyu pa lamang tulad ng budget cuts, tuition and other fees increase, reporma sa lupa, pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, kontraktwalisasyon, P125 dagdag sweldo para sa mga manggagawa, extra judicial killings, at katiwalian sa gobyerno ngayon ay hindi na sila makatindig para sa mamamayan. Bagkus ay isa pa sila sa mga sumusuporta at nagsusulong ng mga anti-mamamayang mga programa ng gobyerno. Sa kabilang banda, dahil papalapit na rin ang eleksyon, nagsi-
simula nang magsala at mag-ayos ng Partylist system ang Commission on Elections bilang paghahanda. Labinpitong partylist groups ang diniskwalipika na ng COMELEC habang 26 naman ang tinanggal sa opisyal na listahan dahil sa hindi na natutugunan ng mga ito ang mga rekisito sa pagiging partylist. Noong 2010, mayroong 187 part-list ang accredited. Nakatutuwang malaman na nagiging kritikal na rin kahit paano ang COMELEC para maitaguyod ang mahusay na eleksyon. Pero sa isang banda, maaaring tingnan ito na pagsang-ayon lamang din sa namamayaning kapangyarihan. Karamihan ng partylist na tinanggal ay mga partylist na lumabas sa panahon ng pagkapangulo ni Kong. Gloria Arroyo na halos pinondohan ng kanyang administrasyon noon para guluhin ang isipan ng mamamayan sa pagboto. Botante na rin ako kaya sa pagboto ko at syempre kayo rin, tiyakin at kilatisin nating mabuti na ang ating mga iboboto ay tunay na kakatawan sa ating mga walang tinig at lakas na ipaglaban ang ating mga karapatan.
FLAMBEAUX Ma. Cherry Magundayao
mcp.magundayao@ymail.com Perhaps, it is just a plan. For a period of time, it had only been a plan—until two days before that concert which was a project of that certain organization, the equipment for the said ‘plans’ suddenly came into being. Students won’t clamor for a more subdued and moderated noise if it was planned as it appeared from the time when the Ushirt’s price was such a big issue just a couple of months ago. It won’t be conspicuously and offensively loud if only it was really planned as it should be. And to top this off, it won’t be offensive for most students, and some other university stakeholders, if not for those selfaggrandizing people in power brandishing that we should not loiter or stay at the veranda if we do not want the excessive noise to be heard. Yes, it is the music studio pertinent to the aforesaid incidences. First off, the means did not justify the end. The ways and reasons for ‘planning’ this
OPINION
Pseudo Project
project are not enough for it to continue. The music studio, although beneficial for some, may not at all concern even 80% of the PNUans. Also, the means
from the inevitable noise, there was also the quaking of the floorings. But it did not just end in the noise and the quake. An anonymous posted a piece of manila paper on the door of the
I daresay this music studio project only represents mediocrity and foolery. If not, why then it incited that thread of conversation on just a piece of paper? now music studio (old ecumenical chapel) asking if those in the studio could have consideration for other students staying at the veranda. Until that point, another student posted a reply saying rather rudely, “Edi wag kang tumambay sa veranda!!” This stirred a series of other replies against the latter. Well, if those who ‘planned’ for this project ‘really planned’ for it, they should have weighed everything, and not only considered what they ‘think’ is a good
used in order to carry out this project was actually passed on the burden of the students. It can be recalled that PNUans had to pay an additional P32 (not P20 as perceived earlier) from the original shirt price of P88 from the winning bidder of the Ushirt. After dismissing it as a first warning, here goes another incident against that project. Students had been complaining of the din at the veranda, as well as the surrounding places which includes BPS Hall. Aside
project. I daresay this music studio project only represents mediocrity and foolery. If not, why then it incited that thread of conversation on just a piece of paper? For one, an entity su\ch as those who pseudo-planned for this project should have utilized the money paid by the students during the enrolment which accounts for approximately a quarter of a million each semester. Aside from this, a reliable source revealed that they did not really utilize the supposed collections from the Ushirt earnings; in fact, being part of the student body, they were able to request for a fund from the Student Development Fund, a special trust fund which is annually appropriated by the university. Thence, they did not really finance the project in contrast to what they told the students. A comprehensive financial report must also be issued to the students for their perusal.
Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño na bago maghain ng kandidatura sa pagka-Senador ay literal munang tumakbo kahit pa bumubuhos na ulan. Iba-iba man ang atake sa pagpapabango ng pangalan at pagpapalapad ng papel sa bawat mamamayang botante ngunit isa lamang ang tunguhin: ang ipakita sa bawat Pilipino na sa punto ng paghahain ng kanilang kandidatura, anumang pakulo ang kanilang ginawa, ay nagpapakita ito ng kanilang determinasyon at hangaring tapat na maglingkod sa ating bayan at sa buong sambayanan. “Right to vote and right to be elected,” ito ang dalawang mahalagang karapatang habang kasalukuyang tinutugunan para sa mamamayan ng buong bansa ay mistula namang ipinagkakait sa bawat mamamayan ng ating pamantasan. Matatandaan na noong Setyembre ay muli sanang magkakaroon ng halalan para sa Sangay Lehislatibo ng Pamahalaang Pangmag-aaral sa bisa ng inilabas na kalendaryo ng Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Subalit nang ang isang partidong
kalahok sa halalan ay mag-withdraw ng kandidatura ng kanilang mga kandidatong nakapasa sa screening process na itinakda ng Komisyon, direkta nitong naapektuhan ang dapat sana’y maayos na daloy ng mga naiplanong gawain tulad ng iskedyul ng pangangampanya maging ang meeting de avance hanggang sa hindi na ito
Algel L. Balantac
gelbalantac21@gmail.com at ngayon sana’y nagsisilbi bilang ating mga kinatawan sa bawat taon na makakasama natin sa ating paninindigan para sa ating mga interes at kapakanan bilang mga mag-aaral. Higit sa lahat, pansamantalang hindi natin naisabuhay ang ating karapatan
Habang nagsisimula na sa ngayon ang mga paghahanda para sa Eleksyon 2013, maging mapagbantay naman tayo sa pagpapatuloy ng halalan para sa ating Sangay Lehislatibo. At sa puntong maganap ito, sama-sama tayong tumindig para sa ating karapatang maiboto at bumoto. nagawang maituloy pa. Setyembre 10 nang ilabas ng COMELEC ang Board Resolution 12-006 na pormal na nagdedeklara ng Failure of Elections para sa 2012 Special Legislative Body Elections. Bunsod nito, hindi natamasa ng mga kandidatong nanatiling masigasig na matuloy ang halalan ang kanilang karapatang maihalal
Also, if the music studio is really a project meant for PNUans, why then is it inciting violent reactions? Why then is it antagonizing the students? I, for one, am a resident of the ‘Student Center Building’ (veranda) being a member of the student publications. Now, tell me, should I leave our office just because I am disturbed by the noise coming from the opposite door from ours? Am I not a student to be entitled to stay or, even loiter, at the building made for the students? A project not really planned and not really meant for the general patronage of the PNUans would really receive many questions, comments, suggestions and violent reactions. This is not to mention the dubious financial matters regarding this project. Anyway, critics are meant to build you up. It is, thus, never too late to stop “pseudo acting” for the students. P.S. By the way, don’t wallow too much in your superbia—you might drown.
HABAGAT
Matamang Bumoto Pitong buwan na lamang ang nalalabing mga araw na bibilangin bago dumating ang araw na masasabi nating tayo ay may karapatang bumoto at maiboto. Isang araw lamang tayong makakaboto ngunit kung tutuusin malaki ang nagiging ambag nito sa pagpapatunay ng pagkakaroon ng demokratikong katangian ng ating lipunan. Habang sa ating pamantasan, nakaraang buwan lamang nang hindi naganap ang halalan sa Pamahalaang Pangmag-aaral at naudlot ang ating karapatang maiboto at makaboto. Eleksyon 2013 na, handa ka na ba? Ngunit halalan sa Sangay Lehislatibo, matutuloy pa kaya? Sa pagsisimula ng pagpapasa ng mga sertipiko ng kandidatura para sa lokal at pambansang halalan, naging laman ng mga balita ang iba-ibang personaheng nagnanais maglingkod at maging ang mga nais maipagpatuloy ng serbisyong nasimulan. Dala-dala’y kanyakanyang pakulo bago pormal na ihayag ang kandidatura: karaniwan nang mistulang piyesta sa ingay ng mga tugtugan ng banda ngunit may ilang naging kakaiba ang itineraryo ng pagpa-file gaya ni
7
sa pagboto. Hindi nalalayo ang mga kaganapan sa loob ng pamantasan sa mga mas malawak pang pangyayari hinggil sa pambansang halalan. Sa mga pagkakataong ganito, higit na dapat tayo ay maging tutok sa pagtatamasa ng ating mga karapatan lalo pa’t nakasalalay rito ang pag-unlad ng
ating pamantasan sa partikular at ng bansa sa kalakhan. Kung ang bawat isa ay aktibong makikibahagi sa mga sosyo-pulitikal na diskurso gaya ng pagsubaybay sa mga kaganapan kaugnay ng halalan, sa buong bansa man o sa pamantasan at ang pagbibigaypansin sa mga plataporma ng bawat mga kandidato o ang legasiyang mayroon ang kanilang partido sa kanilang progresibong paglilingkod; hindi nalalayong magbunga ito ng isang mas maayos na komunidad at lipunang ating ginagalawan. Habang nagsisimula na sa ngayon ang mga paghahanda para sa Eleksyon 2013, maging mapagbantay naman tayo sa pagpapatuloy ng halalan para sa ating Sangay Lehislatibo. At sa puntong maganap ito, sama-sama tayong tumindig para sa ating karapatang maiboto at bumoto.
Ano ang palagay mo sa “Innocence of Muslims” na nagresulta sa kaguluhan sa mga Muslim community?
Pabor ka ba sa “music studio” na proyekto ng PNU-SG sa dating Old Ecumenical Chapel ng Student Center Building Student Veranda)? Bakit?
>>Egggy, II-23 Mahirap talaga pagtalunan ang paniniwala ng bawat isa. Anyway, this is a free wountry. You can do whatever you want. Respetuhan na lang para masaya. >>no name Pambabastos sa posisyon ng mga Muslim, nararapat na alamin ang mga paniniwala ng hindi nakakabalahura ang ibang paniniwala >>Ose Hindi maganda ang ginawang itonng Amerikano. Bawat bayan ay may kultura’t relihiyon na dapat irespeto. >>Shiva It’s all fine because sometimes we need to expose the reality of religion—that it is not always the positive side of beliefs. >>Nikko Napaka OA ng mga reactions sa pelikulang ito. Hindi na dapat ito pinapansin. >>Juan Bautista Ang innocence of the Muslims ay isang pelikulang umiinog sa pagka ignorante ng mga tao sa kanilang nalalaman ukol kay propeta Muhammad (PBUH).
>>Jeraldine Gonzales, II-13 Hindi ako pabor para sa Music Studio Nakalimutan yatang mag-PRIORITIZE. Ano ba talaga ang kailangan ng mga PNUans? Music Studio ba? >>Mishel Niñalga Hindi ako pabor, dahil unang una ay hindi man lang binigyang pansin yung mga petition letters at position papers na pinadala sa opisina ng SG EXEC; ikalawa, hindi pa man tapos ang construction ay ginamit na ito at sobrang ingay talaga sa Veranda. Hindi lamang sila yung tao doon. >>Mara Luarte Pabor somehow kase its for the welfare naman ng bawat isang PNUan ang music studio.. At least diba, magkakaroon tayo ng ganun na bibihira sa ibang SUC’s. Hindi naman ako pabor kase budget na naman yan. Sana mailaan nalang sa ibang bagay ang pera na gagamitin para dyan. Kung ako ang tatanungin mas gusto ko pang madagdagan ang mga libro library para mas marami tayong mgamit. >>Yna Mae Barron, IV-14 AB/BSE Literature Useless for most of the PNUans. Gastos lang.
Epal Gangnam Style
PB#1 Sila na naman?? Bumibinggo na, ha! Naku! Di talaga marunong tumupad sa kasunduan. Puro traditional projects ang ginagawa, tapos hindi pa maayos. Balita ko may bantang pagtataas na naman ng tuition next year, wala ba kayong gagawin? Hmmm.
PB#3
PB#2
Eywan ko na lang mam, ha? Katatapos lang ng Teachers’ day pero I’m so sorry to tell that you’re not worth of good appraisal. Tama bang ipagmayabang na di required ang isang bagay tapos sa kadulu-duluhan ay irerequire kina isko’t iska? Eywan ko ba, uso pa pala sa mga guro ang modang walang isang salita. Marami na ngang bayarin and everything tapos nambibigla ka pa. Eywan naku, eywan ko, masakit sa kilay!
Ang ingaaay?! Kala namin sound proof yan, yun pala eh isang proof ng ingay. Nakabubulabog kaya! Nakaiistorbo lang ng mga opisinang kapitbahay nyo, eh. Di ba isko’t iska? (sad face/angry face/ugly face at tatango sila) Di pa rin talaga natuto ng tamang consultation! Hindi lang kayo tao dito, noh. Hiyanghiya naman ako sa inyo!
Hey! Watsup? Ohmy! Antahimik naman ng environment here sa Normal. Anunebey nangyayarey? Ep…ep…ep, ep, ep…epal gangnam style! (Mapapalingon si Ka Bute). Ambahoo naman ng kantang ‘yan! (Dadaan ang mga fans ni Psy, sasayawsayaw ng bagong dance craze) Homay! Kelerkey. Enwei, here na naman po ang mga Eepaaal sa Normal! (Sigaw ng fans). Chendereren!
PB#4 Bakit kaya lagi’t laging inconsistent ang mga nilalang na ito sa pagpapatupad ng batas sa loob ng Normal? Dahil bas a Malabo na ang sinusunod nyong batas? Naku ah! Di dapat ganyan. Kung ngdedemand kayo ng pagsunod, mauna rin dapat kayo sa pagpapatupad at consistent sana para di nakalilito kung ano na ba talaga ang pwede at hindi. Di ba? Di ba? Amp!
CULTURE SALMO SA MAKABAGONG MUNDO
Sabi ng yano banal raw ang aso at santo ang kabayo.
Sabi naman ng paring Cebuano, sungay ng elepante ang mas mainam na anito. Alfonso Sabado
SOTTO-COPY SPOT THE DIFFERENCES:
10
NEWS
COMELEC declares failure of election
PHOTO NEWS
Elaine Jacob and Maricar Berongoy
As stated in their Board Resolution 12-006, Student Government Commissions on Election (SG COMELEC) announced a failure of election for the Special Legislative Body Election 2012, dated September 10, 2012. The Student Union and Leadership Onwards (SULO) and Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in Philippine Normal University (STAND-PNU) were the aspiring parties that undergone the screening process for the Legislative Body Election which includes oral and written examinations. Based on the results posted by the COMELEC, only 13 out of 20 SULO candidates passed and 18 out of 19 candidates from STAND-PNU passed the screening process. Some of the
aspiring candidates failed to meet the passing grade of 75% set by the COMELEC. According to Mark Mosquito of I-21, former SULO candidate, “Hindi ako aware sa nangyari kung bakit hindi natuloy ang eleksyon.” As to Jean Cariaga of I-3, former STAND-PNU candidate, “Hindi natuloy ang eleksyon dahil nag-withdraw ang SULO, konti lang ang nakapasok sa party nila kaya gusto nila [SULO] ipa-reconsider yung mga hindi nakapasa pero hindi pumayag ang COMELEC. Sa STAND naman, hindi pwede i-elect kahit nag-withdraw na ang SULO dahil kulang ang members [namin] para sa Legislative Body, sinubukan naming magpa-reconsider pero hindi rin pumayag ang COMELEC.”
Though STAND-PNU petitioned for the revision of election calendar and/or postponement of election, the COMELEC decided that it is not possible because the extra-curricular activities are banned in October based on the Board Resolution that they released. The Torch tried to hear the side of the COMELEC for other details about the election, but the Chairperson and/or the Executive Body failed to set for an interview.
???? Chatbox. Nagmistulang chatbox ang kapiraso ng manila paper na idinikit ng isang anonymous individual sa pinto ng Old Ecumenical Room (a.k.a Music Studio) sa Student Veranda. (Photo credit: Ma. Dhonna Fe Cruz)
Ika-30 anibersaryo ng ACT, ipinagdiwang Idinaos ang ika-30 anibersaryo ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) na may temang “Ipagbunyi ang Tatlong Dekada ng Walang Humpay na Pakikibaka para sa Guro at Bayan” sa Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), North Ave. Quezon City, noong ika-29 Setyembre. Binigyang parangal at muling sinulyapan ang tatlong dekadang walang humpay na pakikibaka para sa Filipino at guro ng bayan. Itinampok ang pagpaparangal sa mga gurong nagbuwis ng buhay para sa bayan tulad nina Victoria Samonte, Napoleon Pornasdoro, Leima Fortu, Prop. Jose Maria Cui, Danilo Hagosojos, Maria Luisa Posa Dominado, Rodriga Apolinar, Lingkuran, Rodrigo Catayong, Joel Ramos at Roval Velayro na mga kapwa pinatay sa ilalim ng panunupil ng estado sa ilalim ng panunungkulan ng administrasyong Arroyo. Ilan pa sa mga binigyang
parangal sina Bayani Abadilla, Lourdes Crisostomo, Luzviminda Galang, Prop. Monico Atienza, Nicanor Gonzales Jr. at Joselyn Bisuna na mga pumanaw bunsod ng karamdaman. Binigyang-pugay din ang mga gurong patuloy na nagsusulong ng mga makabayang interes para sa bayan. Kabilang dito sina Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, Rogelio Ordonez, Dr. Elmer Ordonez, Benjamin Valbuena, Rolando Bajo, Abunancio Bulac, Charity Dino, Atty. Gregorio Fabros, Fabian Hallig, Gloria Arsenas, Dr. Judy Taguiwalo, Romeo de Vera, Raul Segovia, Dr Edberto Villegas at isang natatanging pagkilala sa ambag sa kilusang guro at sambayanan kay Prop. Jose Maria Sison (Joma Sison). Kasabay nito, idinaos din ng ACT ang ika-13 Pambansang Kongreso nito. Tinalakay rito ang mga nagdaang aktibidad at mga sumunod pang mga plano sa mahahalagang isyu na nakaapekto sa sector
ng edukasyon tulad ng badyet, sahod ng mga guro at problema sa Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Naihalal si Benjamin Valbuena bilang bagong pambansang tagapangulo kasama sina Joselyn Martinez bilang ko-tagapangulo; Francisca Castro, pangkalahatang kalihim; Vladimir Quetua, ikalawang kalihim; Sarah Reymundo, ingatyaman; Cong. Antonio Tinio at Prop. Emmanuel de Guzman bilang mga miyembro ng pambansang konseho
Matapos ang pagpaparangal, nagkaroon ng cultural night presentations na pinangunahan ng mga makabayang grupo: Inkantada, Talahib People’s Music, Sining Bulosan, Plagpul, BLKD, kasama ang tanyag na sina Chickoy Pura at Karl Ramirez.
Vincent Deocampo Froebel Mae Roguis
At the Thirteenth Congress of ACT and celebration of its 30th anniversary in Quezon City, attended by an unprecedented number of delegates from our regional chapters.
Photo credit and caption: ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Rolando Tinio
FEATURES
11
NASAAN KA HUSTISYA?
Tapos na ang panahon ng martial law ngunit hindi pa rin natatapos ang kawalang katarungan. Kasabay ng pagkawala ng mga desaparicidos ay ang patuloy na pagkawala ng hustisya sa bansa. May mga kasabihan tayo…
“Mahirap hanapin ang ayaw magpahanap.” Totoong mahirap hanapin ang mga taong ayaw magpahanap ngunit para sa mga pamilya ng mga desaparacidos, mas mahirap hanapin ang mga taong hindi mo alam kung saan mo hahanapin. Nitong nakaraang Agosto 30, ginunita ng mga kasapi ng iba’t ibang organisasyong nagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao ang Pandaigdigang Araw ng Desaparacidos. Ayon kay Aya Santos, Pangalawang Pangkalahatang Kalihim ng Desaparacidos, umaabot na sa 11 ang biktima ng pagdukot sa dalawang taong panunungkulan ni Pang. Benigno Aquino III. Kinabukasan, pinasinayaan sa bayan ng Oton, Iloilo ang tatlong kongkretong iskultura na sumisimbolo sa pakikibaka ng 202 biktima ng pagdukot sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo. Sa lugar na ito mismo dinukot ng mga armadong ahente ng estado sina Luisa Posa-Dominado at Nilo Arado noong Abril 12, 2007. Tagapagsalita ng Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA)–Panay si Dominado habang si Arado ay Tagapangulo ng Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Panay at namuno sa Pamanggas, isang samahan ng mga magsasaka sa Panay at Guimaras. Samantala, hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin nakikita ang dalawang estudyante ng University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD) na sila Karen Empeño at Sherlyn Cadapan na naulat noong taong Hunyo 2006 pa. Sa kabila nito, nanatiling walang ginagawang aksyon ang Malacañang upang solusyonan ang mga kaso ng desaparecidos. Sinabi ni Ritz Lee Santos III, Amnesty International Chair na, “It’s obvious from Aquino’s three SONA’s that human rights is not part of the priority legislative agenda of this administration.” Hindi lang dapat pagsugpo sa korapsyon ang dapat pagtuunan ng pansin ng administrasyong Aquino kundi maging ang mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao na patuloy na niyuyurakan ng mga nasa kapangyarihan. “Ang di marunong lumingon sa pinanggalian, hindi makararating sa patutunguhan.” Pinangangalandakan mang naibalik na ang demokrasya sa bansa sa ilalim ni Pang. Corazon Aquino, hindi na maibabalik ang nawalang buhay at katarungan. Tila hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ang ating mga pinuno dahil sa halip na matuto sa mga karahasan na dinanas ng mga Pilipino sa ilalim ng batas militar at iwaksi ang mga ito, lalo pa itong lumala. Isa sa pinakakilalang biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao noong panahon ng batas militar ay ang pamilya Aquino, lalo na ang bayaning si Ninoy Aqui-
no. Sa kabila nito, sa pamumuno ni Pang. Cory, mas dumami ang bilang ng kaso ng pagkawala at paglabag sa karapatang pantao. Nilagpasan ng Oplan Lambat Bitag ni Pang. Cory Aquino ang bilang ng mga kaso ng desaparecidos na umabot sa 1,500 ang Oplan Kalatagan ni Marcos na may 770 na kasong naitala. Sinundan pa ng yapak ni Pang. Ramos ang Oplan ni Cory na may naitalang 19 na kaso. Samantala, napalitan man ito ng Oplan Makabayan ni Pang. Estrada, hindi pa rin napalitan ng hustisya ang paghahanap sa mga biktima at umabot pa sa 38 na kaso. Ipinagpatuloy naman ni Pang. Arroyo ang pagsupil sa karapatang pantao nang ipatupad niya ang Oplan Bantay Laya. Upang supilin ang mga kumakalaban sa pamahalaan, naglaan ang kanyang administrasyon ng P1.2 bilyong pondo para sa mga intelligence units noong 2008 at isa ito sa mga pinakamalaking bahagi sa alokasyon ng pondo. Dahil sa kanyang pagpupursigi, nagtagumpay siya nang may maitalang 194 na tao na ang nawawala sa unang kwarter pa lang ng taon, Mayo 15. Ayon sa Karapatan, isang lokal na grupong nagsusulong ng karapatang pantao, ilan lamang ito sa mga kaso ng desaparecidos, lahat ng mga ito ay pawang hindi na nakita pang muli kahit na mga bangkay at hindi pa rito kasama ang mga kaso ng mga nasa liblib na lugar at mga kabundukan. Bagamat may mga batas na isinusulong noon pa man ay hindi pa rin nareresolba at nasusupil ang paglobo ng bilang ng mga desaparacidos dahil mismong ang gobyerno ang pasimuno nito. “Ang batang makulit, pinapalo sa puwit.” Ayon sa imbestigasyon at pagsusuri ng Human Rights Now (HRN), isang Tokyo-based International Human Rights Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), may mga pagkakapareho ang mga kaso ng desaparecidos sa Pilipinas at ilan rito ang mga sumusunod: (a.) the victims are limited to certain groups, (b.) victims were condemned by the government or AFP as “enemy of state” or NPA front, (c.) victims were publicly exposing the human rights violations allegedly committed by the AFP, at ang huli, (d.) victims were harassed, threatened with death, encouraged by the military to stop their leftist activity, or under persistent surveillance. Samakatuwid, isang dahilan kung bakit hindi nabibigyang hustisya ang pagkawala ng mga nasa kategorya at nagpapatuloy ang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ay dahil mismong sangay ng pamahalaan ang gumagawa at dahilan ng kanilang pagkawala. Sabi nga nila, “Walang taong gustong lumabas ang kanyang baho.” Ngunit, hindi pa rin tumitigil ang mga kritiko sa pagbatikos sa mga politiko. Gayundin ang mamamayan na patuloy sa pakikipaglaban sa kanilang karapatan kahit na buhay pa nila ang kapalit. Minsan nga nasabi ng isang kasama, bawat isang nawawala ay magsisibol ng sampu na siyang magpapatuloy ng kanilang nasimulang laban para makamit ang lipunang makatarungan, payapa at may pagkakapantay-pantay. Kahit na mas malala pa sa pagpalo ng kanilang mga puwit ang parusa sa paglalantad ng katotohanan, patuloy pa silang mangungulit makamit lang ang kumakawalang hustisya. Tuloy tuloy pa rin ang laban! Zhen Lee M. Ballard at Ma. Cristina Barrera
12
LITERARY
Ikatlong Kabanata Makalipas ang isang buwang pagkakasuspinde ng klase dahil sa pagpa-power trip ng hanging Habagat, humupa na rin sa wakas ang tubig. Lumitaw ang bahaghari at nangako ang Diyos na hindi na niya muling gugunawin ang mundo sa pamamagitan ng tubig. Muling tumingkad ang Haring Araw kasabay ng pagpasok ni Prop. Salazar kasama ang iba’t ibang pares ng mga hayop. Gulantang pa rin ang lahat sa nagdaang delubyo sa kamaynilaan. Natatakot sila lalo’t papalapit na ang prinidiksyong araw ng katapusan ng mundo ng propetang si Simsimi. Dagdag pa ang pamatay na anunsiyong lingguhan na ang magiging pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pagkain sa cafeteria sa pamantasan dahil umano sa kanilang pagkalugi. Lalo na ng pumasok ang mga pribadong kompanya gaya ng Bestfriend Food Industry at Malamig ang Drinks Inc. “Class, I’ll be out today to attend Global Socio-Political Trend seminar (G-SPOT).” bungad ng matandang propesor. Nagdiwang ang buong klase. May mga napasuntok sa ere. Naiyak sa tuwa. Napatalon. Napahiyaw at napakain ng buhay na manok. Subalit pansamantalang inantala ng matandang propesor ang kanilang selebrasyon. “Wait there’s more… you’re classmate Lex will check the attendance. Next meeting we’ll start the reporting. See yah!” At mabilis na nilisan ang silid sakay ng malaking elepanteng nawawala ang ivory tusk.
Si Lex ang atribidang pangulo ng klase. Ang dakilang tagapagpa-excuse tuwing may practice ng street dance, cheering, dulaan, film showing at mall hopping ang klase. May kalakihan ang kanyang pangangatawan, sasapat na para okupahin ang dalawang upuan sa unahan at saluhin ang sariwang laway ng mga propesor all day long. Muling nagdiwang ang buong klase. Isinabit ang mga banderitas. Inilabas ang litson at nagpaunahan sa pag-akyat sa palo-sebo. Sa gitna ng kasiyahan naiwang nakatunganga si Loren na nagkukuyakoy. Hindi mapakali, parang gustong makipag-tele-conference sa mga kaibigan niyang guni-guni mula sa outerspace. Kinalabit niya si Lito at kahit na walang lumingon, de susing makina pa rin itong otomatikong nagsalita. “Lilipat na ako ng school.” Naubos na lahat ang litson, pero wala pa ring Litong sumasagot. Napatitig si Loren kay Lito na aliw na aliw sa pagkain ng cotton candy na kulay turquoise. Natuhog na ang kaluluwa nito’t natumbok si Ni Hao Ma na abala sa pagsipol ng kantang Pusong Bato. “Nagbago na siya. Hindi na siya yung dating Litong nakilala ko. Bakit ngayon pa? Kung kalian…” binulong niya sa bangko na may vandal na NO TO CYBER CRIME LAW. Tsaka umakyat sa helipad para manghuli ng alitaptap. “Classmates! Malamig ang drinks. Kompleto yan. Malamig na may yelo pa! Classmates malamig ang drinks! Malamig na malamig ang drinks.” Paulit-ulit na
pag-aanunsiyo ng malaking teddy bear na maskot na si Sofi. Aliw na aliw ang mga estudyante at may mga nagpapa-picture pa. Mula sa kartilya ni Bonifacio, kumalat na sa buong bansa ang sarap ng kanyang panindang malamig na softdrinks. “Matsalap! Matsalap! Bili na kayo ng ulam na matsalap!” Sumasayaw ang kambal na maskot ng dinuguan at menudo na si Dinugs at Menuds habang hawak ang plakards. Sa kabilang panig naman ng Ogena Stadium sila matatagpuan. Sumasayaw sila sa tarangkahan ng Bestfriends Food Industry. Marami ring tumatangkilik na estudyante. Maliban sa dalawang kainan, ang iba’y nilalangaw na. Extinct na ang mga pansit combo with melon juice. Naipasara na rin ang tindahan ng mga boracay juice, sjora, apple freeze at tropical dahil sa water shortages sa pamantasan. Biglang tumigil ang tugtog at ang mga nagsasayawan. Napanganga ang lahat ng kumakain at namutawi sa mga speaker ang isang malalim na boses. “Pag tinawag ko ang inyong pangalan, sumagot kayo ng present at umakyat kayo sa stage.” Natahimik ang klase’t nagabang sa mga susunod na tagpo. “Apolonio” (present po) “Asido” (present!) “Calibugran” (present) “Cortez” (present) “Domingo” (present po sir)
“OK! YOU ARE ALL UNDER ARREST!” Lumabas mula sa touch screen na backdrop ang balbas saradong pulis. Nabulabog ang buong pangkat. Nagkalat ang paulit-ulit na tanong na “Paanong nangyari yun?” “Ang mga kaklase niyong ito’y ikukulong sa paglabag sa Cyber Crime Prevention Act of 2012.” “Paano po nangyari yun?” usisa ni Lex habang nagte-take down ng notes sa lahat ng sinasabi ng panot na pulis. “Ganito yan, si Apolonio ay nag sad face sa Facebook account ni Pangulong Baby James. Naglagay naman ng WTF si Asido sa profile picture ni Justin Bieber III. Itong si Cortez naman e palaging nakasimangot sa mga photo ops. Si Domingo, e panay ang pagpopost ng mga vain picture,” paliwanag ng balbas pulis. “Eh Ako po? Bakit po ako kasama?” pagtatanong ni Calibugran habang napapakamot sa ulo. Nagtaka ang pulis at tumingin sa bolang Kristal na hawak niya at muli siyang sinipat mula sa ulo hanggang sa paa. Naiwang nagtataka si Calibugran. “A… E… Kinakasuhan ka ng habang buhay na pagkakakulong dahil sa…” “Dahil saan? “Sa pangit mong apelyido.” Pigil ang tawa ng pulis. At nanumbalik ang tugtog. Naging abala ulit ang lahat sa kani-kanilang mga gawain. Muling sumayaw si Sofi, Menuds at Dinugs. (N.P. Oppa Gangnam
Style) Abala ang pulis sa pagpapapila sa mga naarestong estudyante para ipasok sa touch screen na back drop. Hinawakan niya sa balikat si Lito subalit nagpumiglas ito at tumakbo pababa sa stage. Nagulat ang pulis at mabilis na hinipan ang pito. “Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt!” “Takbo-dali-takbo-dali!” Bulong ni lito sa kanyang sarili. Kumuha ng torotot ang pulis at hinipan ito. “Toroooootooootooooot” “Takbo pa-dali pa-takbo padali pa!” Bulong ulit ni lito sa kanyang sarili. Inilabas ng pulis ang paputok, sinindihan at ibinato “PIK-PAK-BOOOOOOM!” “Unti pa. Malapit na. Takbo pa!” huling bulong ni Lito sa kanyang sarili. Sinindihan ng pulis ang nakuhang lucis. At sinamahan siya sa stage ni Sofi, Dinugs at Mends at sabay-sabay na umawit. “Baby, youre afirework...” Hinihintay niyang magbukas ang elevator. Hingal na hingal at pawis na pawis siya. Nakayukod. Nang magbukas ang elevator mabilis siyang pumasok at nabamgga ang papalabas na babae. Nalaglag ang dala nitong hawla ng alitaptap at pareho silang nakasalampak sa sahig. *Awkward* Hindi na nahabol ni Loren ang sumasarang pinto. At umakyat ang elevator paakyat sa ika-35 na palapag.
“Ang Paglabag at Pagtalima ng mga Manunulat sa Ikalimang Utos ng Diyos: HUWAG KANG PAPATAY!
28… 29…30… BROWN-OUT (itutuloy)
Gusali’y Gumuho Kalsada’y Baku-bako Kayrami Nang Winasak Na Tahanan
Lokal Na Gobyerno
Ako’y Pinoy Sa Puso’t Diwa
Kayrami Nang Pamilyang Walang Matitirhan #Eva(Kweyt)Eugenio -Reymart G. Quiñones
Magdasal Tayo Ng Por’Diyos Por’ Santo Kanilang Makukuha Ang Diyes Porsyento #Ikapu -Diosa Fe E. Garcia Sambahin Ang Anito Sto. Nño Sto. Kristo At Ubusin Elepante Ng Mundo #Ivory -Emmanuel T. Barrameda
Pinoy Minamaltrato Sa Sariling Bansa #alipingpinoy -Lea L. Bañas Mahal Kita! Mahal Kita! Huwag Mo Naman Ako Gawing Bola. #Domestikado -Kevin P. Armingol
Walang Tawiran May Namatay na Dito!
Siguradong May Tubo Ang Tatay Ng Anak Ko Ang Manyak Niyang Lolo
#Tong-pats -Myla I. Eusebio
#Grandpa -Jacky T. Tuppal
Juang Namamangka Sa Sariling Luha Tindang isda Inagaw ng Buwaya #Ginahaman -El Krissa P. Postrado
Sino manok mo?
BOOOOOGSH...
Ikaw lang mayor!
Muling Humalakhak si Kamatayan
O sige ito 500
#pedxing -Krizzia Leanne R. Beltran
#KalawangingBalota -Joanna Pauline Macatangay
Behind every drop of perspiration is a story. Running through the ages, State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) has been a race for a university pride. It has produced athletic gods that a campus reveres and idolizes – an athlete of sweat and strength. 1939 gave birth to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), it aimed to build unity among the private collegiate institutions of the country namely Adamson University (ADU), Ateneo de Manila University(ADMU), De La Sallle University (DLSU), Far Eastern University (FEU), National University (NU), University of the East (UE), University of the Philippines (UP), and University of Sto. Tomas (UST). These universities temporarily set aside the thick academic mood and gives way for a seasonal battle of strength. Through the years, it created a healthy relationship of the top schools of the country. It also promoted a holistic education, giving importance to physical health. Fifteen years after, three higher learning institutions, including Central Luzon Agriculture College (CLAC), Philippine College of Commerce (PCC, now Polytechnic University of the Philippines), and Philippine Normal College (PNC, now Philippine Normal University), connived to forge the ties patterned from the UAAP. Since these institutions do not belong to the university level, they agreed to set up a different pack that catered their institutional status. They coined the association as State Colleges Athletic Association (SCAA).
This catered athletic programs such as basketball, badminton, chess, lawn tennis, table tennis, and volleyball. In 1953, through the effort of PNC Pres. Macario Naval, the pioneering triumvirate had a new member - Philippine College of Arts and Trades (PCAT, now Technological University of the Philippines). In 1971, the member schools ballooned to 19 members encompassing Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Bulacan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Isabella, Cagayan and Mountain Province. Upon the elevation of PCAT as university, SCAA collectively decided to change the association’s name to SCUAA. This cordially accommodated PCAT and the upcoming institutions to be promoted. Due to the declaration of Martial Law, the athletic alliance became dormant. There was a bumpy change of SCUAA’s reorganization. Its name even changed from SCAA to SCUAA, SCUAA to SCUAA II, then back to SCUAA. In 1974, SCUAA revitalized with a reorganization of its structure spearheaded by PUP Pres. Isabelo Crisostomo. The series of meetings between TUP, PUP, EARIST, Isabella State University (ISU) and PNU who served as governing bodies, lasted for four years By this time, the athletic programs were not solely offered to students but to ad-
ministrative staff and faculty as well which is commonly known as AFDA (Administrative Staff and Faculty Association) competition. Member schools also took turns in hosting the competitions every year. But, due to economic incapacity, some schools failed to host like Rizal Technological University (RTU) in 1982. In 1985, the SCUAA Executive Board came to an innovation of its organizational structure. They came up to a concept of establishing SCUAA regional satellites. In the succeeding years, SCUAA accepted six additional member schools like Philippine Merchant Academy and Philippine State College and Aeronautics (PHILSCA). On February 16-20, 1987, TUP hosted the first National SCUAA. It was actually scheduled in 1986 but was canceled because of EDSA I and an unfavorable climate interruption. Two SCUAA regional satellites, namely Region I & III, withdrew their participation leaving only five SCUAA divisions: Regions I, IV, V, VIII and NCR. Nowadays, SCUAA has been consistently gaining affirmative recognition nationwide.
Like any other athletic member, each school possesses a symbol that represents their character. PHILSCA, EARIST, Marikina Polytechnic College, PUP, RTU, and TUP carry Iron Eagles, Red Foxes, Bear Cats, Mighty Maroons, Blue Thunders and Gray Hawks, respectively. PNU makes pride of the Torch Bearers which carries the university’s main goal of lighting the nation through education. Joining such activities manifests that PNUans are not clustered in the four corners of the classroom. As “Torch Bearers”, PNUans should continue in achieving a holistic education. Research Team