The Varsitarian P.Y. 2021-2022 National Elections Special Issue

VOLUME XCIII / NATIONAL ELECTIONS · MAY 8, 2022 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines

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Once more in 2022: Heed bishops; vote wisely; junk ‘Bongbong’

Analysts say ’V’ election survey shows youth disapproval of Duterte admin

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The dangers of disinformation in the elections

THE VARSITARIAN

MAY 8, 2022

2

NATIONAL ELECTIONS EDITORIAL

Once more in 2022: Heed bishops; vote wisely; junk ‘Bongbong’ In 2016, when Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the only son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator, was running for vice president, the Varsitarian (‘V’) published an editorial, titled, “Heed Bishops, Vote Wisely, Junk ‘Bongbong’” In the editorial, our publication called on Catholic voters in the 2016 elections to take electoral guidelines issued by their bishops to heart, vote according to prayer and conscience, and not join the bandwagon and vote for the most popular candidates.

The ‘V’ also urged “outright rejection” of the candidacy of Marcos in the 2016 editorial with the following reasoning: “It is a sign of our worsening moral debasement as a people that many of us look with longing to the Marcos years when supposedly many majestic buildings and infrastructure were built while paying lip-service to or forgetting entirely about the depredations of the conjugal dictatorship and its cronies.

Many of us seem to have overlooked that those buildings were built through public funds (by the taxpayers themselves) and bilateral and multilateral loans, and no thanks to the Marcoses and their close associates, many of those buildings were constructed defectively or weren’t erected at all, and much of the public funds and the loans ended up in the pockets of Marcos and his cronies and in their Swiss and other offshore accounts. With public money and loans sucked by Marcos leeches, the Philippines was sunk into bankruptcy. Up to now, the nation is still paying for the lost billions!

Above all, the Marcos dictatorship institutionalized official violence and abuse that resulted in the killings of dissidents and innocent people, the cronyism and nep-

ni tah t i s y h W 21s e h t yr u t n e c t o t lu cif d l its ’ti ,nemo w ni e v eil b nemo w y l a i ceps ro f e ripsa oh w ?re w op fo snoit sop w ohs nemo w neh W re v iled na s e c us , se imo rp ieh t no tsomla s ’e r h t eno tsael ta s y a w la eh t no gnit a w nam tide r csid o t seniledis eh t siw t ro meh t .e v ita r an

otism that continue to bedevil our political economy, along with military corruption and adventurism, police graft and roguery, and wanton warlordism. Martial law left the Philippines a nation brutalized—physically, psychologically, economically, socially, morally.

Marcos Jr. has declared he should be taken on his own record of accomplishment. But there’s the rub. His legislative record is pedestrian. Children coming from political dynasties hardly measure up to the brilliance of the patriarchs: one more reason why dynasties should be abolished.”

Bongbong, thankfully, lost in 2016. But six years later, the dictator’s son is attempting to change history again, this time equipped with a larger army of trolls and, sadly, a horde of supporters willing to return the presidency to a Marcos, ironically in the 50th year of the declaration of Martial Law. It is unfortunate that a large number of Filipinos suffer from short-term memory loss. It is more appalling how the Marcoses continue their deception of the nation. If current polls that show the dictator’s son leading the presidential derby prove correct, then history will keep repeating itself in poor Philippines since Filipinos don’t seem to learn from their mistakes. They might have mounted the EDSA People Power Revolution 36 years ago that triggered the pro-democracy wave across the globe, yet the Philippines continues to fail to eradicate the notorious anti-democratic Marcos “legacy” for good.

In this year’s elections, we again urge outright rejection of the candidacy of MarEDITORIAL PAGE 9

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Leni Robredo the most qualified to be next president Eye Level LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

IN HIS HOMILY during the funeral mass for former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas called on the public to pay tribute to Noynoy by bringing back dignity and decency in public service, just as how the former chief executive led during his term.

Villegas said: “The best eulogy tribute we can pay to our dear President Noy is to bring back, recover, preserve, safeguard, and never again to compromise our dignity as a people and the decency of our leaders as servants, not bosses.”

Now, almost a year after that homily, the country is finally given a chance to bring honesty and integrity back to Philippine politics as we elect our new set of leaders.

As an aspiring journalist, I am well aware of the fact that it is crucial for journalists to remain impartial during election season––to steer clear from discourses that could disclose their votes and political views as it could compromise their integrity and impartiality.

However, the times have changed. With disinformation plaguing and jeopardizing this election, I am convinced that my silence and neutrality are no longer benefitting anyone but the men behind these chicaneries.

After considering all the facts, I am writing this letter––breaking that long-standing journalistic standard and publicly declaring Vice President Leni Robredo as the most qualified among the presidential candidates.

Leni Robredo first appeared on the public’s radar as the widowed lawyer of the late Jesse Robredo, a former interior secretary and Naga City’s longest-serving mayor. The death of her husband propelled her to enter the life of a public servant––it forced her to continue his legacy of good governance.

In 2013, Robredo began her career as a legislator after winning as Camarines Sur’s third district representative, ending the nearly 40-year-rule of the Villafuerte clan in the province.

In her three years in Congress, Robredo accomplished many remarkable things, authoring some notable bills such as the Anti-Discrimination Bill, People Empowerment Act, and the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act. Robredo also distinguished her first term as congresswoman by co-authoring the Philippine National Railways Charter Extension law, Graphic Health Warning Law, and the Decriminalizing Premature Marriage Law. Robredo’s committee leadership and membership also reflected her advocacies. She was vice chairman of two committees: Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability, and Committee on Revision of Laws, and was a member of the following committees: Committee of Appropriations, Bicol Recovery and Economic Development, Climate Change, Human Rights, Land Use, Local Government, People’s Participation, Rural Development, Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Welfare of Children, and Women and Gender Equality.

EYE LEVEL PAGE 11

FOUNDED JANUARY 16, 1928

John Ezekiel J. Hirro Editor in Chief Miguel Louis M. Galang Associate Editor Laurd Menhard B. Salen Acting Managing Editor Jacqueline B. Martinez Acting News Editor Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr. Sports Editor Ahmed Khan H. Cayongcat Special Reports and Science & Technology Editor Jiselle Anne C. Casucian Features Editor Mariel Celine L. Serquiña Witness Editor Samantha Nichole G. Magbuhat Patnugot sa Filipino Nolene Beatrice H. Crucillo Circle Editor Renzelle Shayne V. Picar Chief Photographer Jan Kristopher T. Esguerra Art Director

News Jamilah Mae B. Angco, Justin Benedict T. Lim, Christine Joyce A. Paras Faith Yuen Wei N. Ragasa, Joanne Christine P. Ramos Sports Anna Clarissa M. Barlam, Nicole Anne D.G. Bugauisan, James Paul R. Gomez, Jose Ama Alberto B. Rosario, Mark Ernest V. Villeza Special Reports Eduelle Jan T. Macababbad, John Aaron C. Pangilinan Features Judd Ericka Marie F. Crescini, Nina Angela Mikaela Cruz, Faith Nicole S. Gelacio, Jade Veronique V. Yap Literary Samantha Fatima C. Creencia, Alexandra L. Mangasar Witness Ma. Alena O. Castillo, Allyssa Mae C. Cruz Filipino Caitlin Dayne A. Contreras, Matthew G. Gabriel Science and Technology Louise Marie Therese B. Padillo, Adrian L. Parungao Circle Allaine Nicole C. Cruz, Charm Ryanne C. Magpali, Larissa Mae C. Tan

Art Karl Joshua L. Aron, Zymon M. Gailo, Athea Monique Z. Gala, Gwyneth Fiona N. Luga, Jerome Carlo D. Macanaya, Christine Angelie P. Orines Photography Francia Denise M. Arizabal, Joselle Marie B. Reyes, Gillian Kin Q. Robles Camille Abiel H. Torre, Marvin John F. Uy, Arianne Maye D.G. Viri Editorial Assistant Jessica C. Asprer

Felipe F. Salvosa II, Christian V. Esguerra Assistant Publications Advisers

Joselito B. Zulueta Publications Adviser

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THE VARSITARIAN

MAY 8, 2022

NATIONAL ELECTIONS

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Analysts say ’V’ election survey shows youth disapproval of Duterte administration

By John Aaron Pangilinan and Eduelle Jan T. Macababbad

The results of the recently published Varsitarian survey showing Thomasians’ preference for Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and opposition senators in the 2022 elections are manifestations of their disapproval of President Rodrigo Duterte’s style of governance, a political science professor said.

“The survey results [...] show their disapproval to the Duterte administration as shown in the exclusion of the national candidates who are identified with the president,” Asst. Prof.

Dennis Coronacion, chair of the UST Department of Political Science, told the Varsitarian.

“It can also mean that they do not like the president’s authoritarian tendencies, his brand of populism, his strongman image and his misogynistic attitude.”

Robredo was the choice of 90.3 percent of UST students, according to the Varsitarian survey. Pangilinan, her running-mate, topped the vice-presidential survey, being the choice of 82.5 percent of the 4,401 respondents.

Lawyer Chel Diokno, meanwhile, topped the senatorial survey with 92.3 percent.

Ten other senators either running under the Robredo-Pangilinan ticket or supporting the tandem were in the top 12: Senators Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima, former representatives Neri Colmenares and Teddy Baguilat, former senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Antonio Trillanes IV, lawyer Alex Lacson, Sen. Richard Gordon, labor leader Sonny Matula and Sen. Joel Villanueva.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who was initially included in the Robredo-Pangilinan senatorial slate until he started openly campaigning for former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., was No. 12 in the senatorial survey.

Year

2004

‘V’ Survey Topnotchers

Election Winners

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

NOLI DE CASTRO

NOLI DE CASTRO

BENIGNO AQUINO III

BENIGNO AQUINO III

MAR ROXAS

JEJOMAR BINAY

MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO

RODRIGO DUTERTE

BONGBONG MARCOS JR.

LENI ROBREDO

(President)

(President)

(Vice President)

2010

(Vice President)

(President)

(President)

(Vice President)

2016

(Vice President)

(President)

(Vice President)

(President)

(Vice President)

LENI ROBREDO 2022

(President)

TBA

KIKO PANGILINAN (Vice President)

The survey was conducted between Feb. 20 and Mar. 20, with a +/- 1.7 percent margin of error at a 98.3-percent confidence level.

Duterte and Robredo have had a frosty relationship over the past six years, with the latter heavily criticizing some of the administration’s cornerstone policies including the deadly war on drugs.

While the president insisted on remaining “neutral” in this year’s elections, a faction of the ruling PDP-Laban he currently chairs has endorsed the candidacy of Marcos, the son of the late dictator whom Duterte had called a “weak leader.”

Duterte has been vocal about his support for the vice-presidential bid of his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is Marcos’s running-mate.

‘Issue-oriented’

Jazztin Jairum Manalo, a lecturer at the UST Department of Political Science, was not surprised at the survey results as they reflected that “Thomasians prefer candidates that have a clear platform and track record for the betterment of the country.”

“Based on the survey, I think Thomasians are fully aware in terms of what are the necessary conditions and/or characteristics of what a candi-

date should be. Additionally, the utilization of social media and promotion of a deeper analysis for each of the presidential and vice-presidentiables are evident,” he told the Varsitarian.

“One thing that we can see here is that there is transparency in these two candidates and that they are pretty much aware and clear with their platforms for their presidency. Also, their presence in social media through their campaign teams and volunteers seem to have been able to amplify their platforms and advocacy for the millennials and Gen Z.” Coronacion said the survey results reflected Thomasians’ issue-orientedness.

“The majority of the less-educated youth, for instance, do not give a premium on the candidates’ performance, stand on issues, and policy preferences. Also, they often fall victim to the disinformation campaigns of the unscrupulous politicians because they depend on the various social platforms for their political education,” he said.

Marcos has topped most pre-elections surveys in the Philippines, with Robredo a far second.

For the May 2022 elections, 56 percent of the 65.7 million voters in the country are from the youth sector aged 18 to 41 years old, according to the Commission on Elections.

Can the party-list system be saved?

ART BY JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

By John Aaron Pangilinan and Eduelle Jan T. Macababbad

THE COUNTRY’S party-list system has been hijacked and exploited over the years by political clans and interest groups, prompting calls to either reform it or to abolish it altogether.

The space for party-list groups representing genuine marginalized sectors is getting narrower each election season as political dynasties, parties and prominent families dominate the current party-list membership.

Article VI, Section 5 of the Constitution allocates 20 percent of the House membership to party-list groups that would represent the “labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth and [...] religious sector[s].”

But recent Supreme Court decisions have loosened the requirements for a group to qualify in the party-list race, causing a deluge of applications even from political figures with no direct involvement with the sector

they’re supposedly representing.

It is evident this 2022 election, where a whopping 177 party lists will vie for 63 House seats.

In the 2001 elections, the 12 party-list groups that clinched seats in the House represented marginalized groups, including farmers, electric cooperatives, laborers, fisherfolk and coconut producers.

That year, the top vote-getter was Bayan Muna, a progressive party-list railing against the “traditional, elitist and pro-imperialist” politics permeating past governments, winning three seats.

Six elections later, Bayan Muna is still standing strong, notching three seats in the House after landing second in the party-list race in 2019 despite the massive vilification campaign against it from administration.

“Siguro, isa na lang sa mabibilang mo sa daliri na nagsimula in 2001 na hanggang ngayon ay nasa Kongreso [ay ang Bayan Muna],” Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate told the Varsitar-

ian. Nare-reelect at na-re-reelect siya dahil na rin sa kaniyang track record in representing the marginalized sector. At talagang ipinagtangan niya ang prinsipyo at boses ng mga constituents niya.”

How it began

The party-list system is anchored on the premise of “proportional representation,” a practice commonly seen in Europe, according to Amr Solon Sison, lecturer at the UST Department of Political Science.

“The whole point here is because of the different identities in many European states, it was imperative for them to practice a more balanced political system that represents the different interests and identities of their countries or their nations,” he told the Varsitarian.

The establishment of the party-list system was the subject of some heated debates when the 1987 ConstituPARTY-LIST PAGE 10

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MAY 8, 2022

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NATIONAL ELECTIONS

The 2022 Preside

ABELLA, ERNIE

DE GUZMAN, LEODY

DOMAGOSO, ISKO MORENO

GONZALES, NORBERTO

LACSON, PING

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • B.A. in Pre-Medicine, Ateneo de Davao University (1968) • Masters in Divinity, Siliman University (1984) • Masters in Social Development, Asian Institute of Management (2005)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration, Philippine Maritime Institute

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • Public Administration; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila • Bachelor of Laws; Arellano University • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; International Academy of Management and Economics • Courses in Local Legislation and Local Finance; University of the Philippines, Diliman • Executive Education Program; Harvard University • Strategic Leadership Program; Oxford University

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine, Ateneo de Davao University (1968) • Master in National Security Administration, National Defense College of the Philippines (2006)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Secretary of the Department of National Defense (Nov. 2009 - Jun 2010) • Acting Secretary of the DND (July Aug. 2007) • National Security Adviser and Director General of the National Security Council (Feb. 2005 - June 2017) • Political adviser, officer-in-charge of the Office of Political Coalition Affairs • Presidential chief of staff (Aug. 2004 - Feb. 2005) • Presidential adviser for special concerns, Arroyo administration (Feb. 2001 - Jan. 2004) • Principal senior official in back-channel efforts in talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the National Democratic Front • Peace Panel member, Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (1996) • Chairman, Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Undersecretary of Strategic Communications and Research, Department of Foreign Affairs (Oct. 2017 to Oct. 8, 2021) • Presidential spokesperson (Oct. 2016 to Oct. 2017) • Founder, One ACCORD Credit Cooperative • Founder, Southpoint secondary school • Columnist, Sunstar Davao • CEO, F&P Agri-inputs (2011 to 2013) • CEO, AZ Agri-Products (2004 to 2007) • Columnist, San Pedro Express • Professor, Ateneo de Davao University PLATFORMS: Governance Participation by ordinary or private citizens and small entrepreneurs in government

Access to services Provide children. senior citizens better access to food and healthcare services

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Chairman, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino • Spokesperson, Paggawa Labor Alliance • Member, Kilusang Mayo Uno • Councilor, International Council, International Center for Labor Solidarity • Vice President, Asia Regional Organization of Bank, Insurance and Finance Unions • Member, Board of Trustees, PhilRights • Member, Board of Trustees, Bulig Visayas PLATFORMS: Workers’ rights and welfare Mass public employment program Increase to minimum wage to P750/day Ban on contractualization employees

Health; pandemic response Demilitarized pandemic response Increased wages and benefits for healthcare workers Climate Uphold climate justice by demanding reparations from rich countries Transition to a low carbon economy Security Immediate repeal of Anti-Terrorism Law Disbanding of Duterte’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Pursue independent foreign policy Economy; income inequality Reorient the economy to meet domestic needs Seizing the P126 billion Marcos ill-gotten Repeal the rice tariffication law

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Mayor, Manila (2019 to present) • Undersecretary for Luzon Affairs, Department of Social Welfare and Development (2018) • Chairman of the Board, North Luzon Railways Corporation (2017) • Vice Mayor of Manila, three terms (2007 - 2016) • Councilor, Manila 1st District (1998 – 2007) PLATFORMS: Public infrastructure for basic needs, social services and health Socialized housing program under Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program Address food security through advanced technology

Covid-19 response; Vaccine hesitancy Countryside development and construction of tourism circuit Creation of Department of National Culture and History Education in far-flung areas Provide public schools with gadgets and free broadband connection Peace and order Continue war on drugs sans EJKs Cooperation with the International Criminal Court

PLATFORMS: Agriculture Reform DA to boost food production and increase farmers’ income Modernize rice production

Health; Covid-19 Treat the Covid-19 pandemic as a national security threat Strengthen pharmaceutical and drug industry Administrative priorities Cleaning up urban areas Decongesting crowded communities National security Increase reserve security forces

• Bachelor of Science, Philippine Military Academy (1971) • Master in Government Management, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (1996) • Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (2019)

• Senator (2001 to 2013; 2016 to present) • Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery (2013 to 2015) • Director General, Philippine National Police (Nov. 16, 1999 to Jan. 20, 2001) • Chief, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (June 26, 1998 to Jan. 21, 2001) • Project Officer, Special Project Alpha (1996 to April 1997) • Chief, Task Force Habagat, Presidential AntiCorruption Commission (1992 to 1995) • Provincial Director, Laguna, PC, February to July (1992) • Commander, Cebu Metrodiscom (1989 to 1992) • Provincial Commander, Isabela PC (1988 to 1989) • Philippine Constabulary Integrated National Police Anti Carnapping Task Force (1986 to 1988) • Metrocom Intelligence and Security Group (1971 to 1986)

PLATFORMS:

Anti-corruption; Budget reform Elimination of pork barrel allocations Establish annual Local Development Fund to assist LGUs Full automation of BuCor operations and punish all erring personnel Anti-insurgency Enforcement of the law against all offenders Peace talks with rebels Economic recovery; Support for industries Targeted fiscal stimulus packages to businesses Support to MSMEs “Filipino First” policy Digitization More efficient rollout of the National ID system Improve broadband service and access Health; Covid-19 pandemic Economic recovery and strengthen health sector Enforce the Universal Health Care Law

THE VARSITARIAN

ential Candidates

MANGONDATO, FAISAL

MARCOS, BONGBONG

MONTEMAYOR, JOSE JR.

PACQUIAO, MANNY

ROBREDO, LENI

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • B.S. Medical Technology, Philippine Women’s University

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • Secondary School, ​​Worth School England (1970-1974)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Senator (2010-2016) • Congressman (Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep.) (2007-2010, 1992-1995) • Ilocos Norte Governor (1998-2007, 1983-1986) • Ilocos Norte Vice Governor (1981-1983)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Exam (2007) • 10-day crash course on Development Legislation and Governance, Graduate School of Public and Development Management at the Development Academy of the Philippines (2010) • Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science Majoring in Local Government Administration through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), Philippine Councilors League-Legislative Academy (2019) • Honoris Causa, Doctorate of Humanities, Southwestern University (2009)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • B.A. in Economics, University of the Philippines-Diliman (1986) • Juris Doctor, University of Nueva Caceres (1992) • Passed the Bar Examinations (1996), admitted to the Philippine Bar Association (1997) Honorary Degrees: • Doctor in Public Administration, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (2015) • Doctor of Humanities, University of Saint Anthony in Iriga City (2017) • Doctor of Laws, University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City (2017)

Economy; labor Crime; justice Family; social issues Environment

PLATFORMS: Health; Covid-19 pandemic Expand home care for mild Covid-19 patients Free medicine and vitamins to immediate relatives of healthcare workers

Anti-insurgency Prioritize fighting rebellion Funds to “suppress insurgency” Law and order Continue administration’s war on drugs but with focus on prevention, education, and rehabilitation Environment and climate change Preparedness for typhoons and other disasters Reforestation Disaster risk reduction and management More evacuation centers

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:

• President and Member, Board of Trustees, Philippine Society of Cardiac Catheterization and Interventions (2010-2012) • Consultant in Clinical Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology: St. Luke’s Medical Center National Kidney Institute Philippine Heart Center • Consultant in Internal Medicine and Clinical Cardiology, National Kidney and Transplant Institute • Legal Counsel and Legal Officer, Philippine Heart Center Professor of Law: San Sebastian College University of Manila Polytechnic University of the Philippines Philippine Christian University University of the Philippines (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education) New Era University • Professor, Graduate Studies (MBA, LLM, Ph.D.): San Sebastian College Palawan State University San Beda College

PLATFORMS:

Anti-crime Address criminality with compassion Restructuring of the justice system Covid-19 response Increase the salaries of healthcare workers End lockdowns Abolish IATF-EID

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Professional Boxer • Representative Sarangani Province, 15th Congress (2010 to 2013) • Representative Sarangani Province, 16th Congress (2013 to 2016) • Senator, 17th Congress (2016) PLATFORMS: Covid-19 pandemic Mass testing and effective contact tracing

Anti-corruption Eradicating corruption in government Jail corrupt officials

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Vice President of the Philippines (2016) • Representative of the 3rd District of Camarines Sur (2013 to 2016) PLATFORMS: Restore trust in government Remove “palakasan” system

Boost strength of Philippine industries End workplace discrimination Pass the Anti-Discrimination Bill Support small businesses Prioritize MSMEs for government requirements Modernization and digitization to eliminate red tape Support the unemployed and out of work Retraining and skills-matching program Unemployment insurance

Efficient governance Creative and lean system of planning use of government funds Promote a Christ-centered government West Philippine Sea Strengthen ties with ASEAN countries and other states Cut ties immediately and totally with China Sectoral reforms Smart agricultural technology Equipping and assistance to OFWs

ART BY JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

PLATFORMS: Improve political system Federalism

• Master of Divinity, Farcorner’s International Theological Seminary (2016) • Phd Public Health, Ruggero Univ., Italy (2014) • International Master of Laws (LL.M. Cand.) - Human Rights, Ateneo de Manila University, (2011 to 2014) • Masters in Business Administration, University of the Philippines (2005 to 2007) • Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Philippine Law School (2004) • Research fellow in cardiac catheterization, St. Luke’s Heart Institute (1993 to 1994) • Fellowship in adult cardiology, St. Luke’s Heart Institute (1991 to 1993) • Post graduate internship and residency in internal medicine, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, (1986 to 1997, 1988 to 1991) • Doctor of Medicine, Far Eastern University (1982 to 1986) • B.S. Medical Technology, Far Eastern University (1978 to 1982)

MAY 8, 2022

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NATIONAL ELECTIONS

What we learned from the CNN debates at UST NINE PRESIDENTIAL candidates and seven vice-presidential bets revealed a glimpse of what their six-year leadership could hold for the nation during CNN Philippines’ debates held at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Feb. 26 and 27.

If elected, Sen. Manny Pacquiao said he would build a prison for corrupt officials within the first 100 days of his presidency, while former palace spokesman Ernie Abella will push citizens to join local government sectors’ health, education and law enforcement efforts.

Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson both emphasized immediate action to increase government transparency, but did not give specific time frames.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, labor leader Leody de Guzman, businessman Faisal Mangondato and former defense secretary Norberto Gonzales also did not specify time frames but pushed for a shift to a parliamentary government, labor policy reforms and livelihood opportunities.

Cardiologist and lawyer Jose Montemayor Jr. set a one-year deadline for lowering the unemployment rate to pre-pandemic levels.

Moderators opened the debate by asking the presidential candidates if they had an instance of corruption happen under their watch and how they dealt with it.

“Pasensya na kayo, hindi ako naging opisyal ng gobyerno kaya walang nagaalok sa akin. At kung mayroon mang mag-aalok sa’kin, siguradong ire-reject ko [...] Makukulong ‘yung mag-o-offer sa’kin, kaya ’wag niyong gagawin,” de Guzman answered.

Robredo recalled the bills she had filed for disclosure, transparency and accountability measures in the government, pointing out that bills like these

THE VARSITARIAN

► Nine presidential candidates attend CNN Philippines’ Presiden-

tial Debate at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Feb. 27.

—PHOTO BY RENZELLE SHAYNE V. PICAR

could lessen corruption.

“Hindi enough for a public official to be good, but there has to be a system that will force him to be good. Kung noong ako ay member ng House of Representatives, ‘yung mga panukalang batas na finile ko, lahat anti-corruption measures,” Robredo added.

Lacson boasted of his clean record, saying that he had steered clear of pork-barrel schemes and had been an avid critic of corruption, while Montemayor said he had filed cases against corrupt officials in the healthcare system as a lawyer.

All candidates except Pacquiao said they wanted to investigate the Bureau of Customs for alleged corruption.

Pacquiao said he would probe the Department of Health.

The candidates were also asked about their whereabouts when the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown was declared on March 16, 2020.

Montemayor, who is a physician, recalled that some of the first recorded Covid-19 deaths were his colleagues.

He then said that he served as a medical frontliner during the first surge of Covid-19 cases.

Abella, a former foreign affairs secretary, said he worked to repatriate some 400,000 overseas Filipino workers.

Moreno said he “immediately implemented” the British government’s Covid-19 response in Manila, which he said he learned after visiting London.

Pacquiao claimed he donated P200 billion worth of pandemic supplies to the Philippine government, including

face masks, face shields, and personal protective equipment.

Ukraine-Russia crisis

Only Abella, Moreno, and Mangondato agreed with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s stance that the country should remain neutral on the issue of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Lacson argued that the invasion is “clearly an aggression” and should be condemned, citing Article 1 of the United Nations (UN) Charter in which the Philippines is one of the signatories.

“While we renounce war as an instrument of foreign policy, nasa Constitution natin ‘yan, pero meron naman tayong pakialam dahil signatory tayo sa UN Charter,” Lacson said.

In response, Moreno said that the Philippines should remain neutral as of now and prioritize evacuating the Filipinos in Ukraine. “I think, before going to other things, we should attend, at bigyan muna natin ng panahon, kung paano natin itatawid ‘yung mga kababayan natin sa pandemyang ito,” he said.

“While it is true, all at the same time, we recognize treaties and agreements and I respect that, in fact, tama po si Senator Lacson, but first things first, Filipino first. Mga kababayan muna natin dahil ‘yun ang pangunahing trabaho ng isang presidente,” Moreno added.

West PH sea

An increased military build-up was proposed by Moreno as a plan B if Chinese incursions in the West Philippine

Sea continued and diplomatic means did not work.

“Hindi tayo titigil na makipag-ugnayan sa mga kakampi nating bansa.

We have allies and long standing relationship [with] other nations, but we must pursue peaceful means,” Moreno said.

Gonzales, however, said national mobilization was needed before seeking help from other countries.

“Mahirap na hindi handa ang ating mga kabataan kung sakaling magkaroon ng kaguluhan. Hindi tayo maghahamon ng giyera, pero dapat ipinakikita natin na tayong mga Pilipino, kung sakaling icha-challenge, [tayo ay] nagsanay, handang tumindig sa ating ipinaglalaban,” he said.

Robredo also presented a fourpoint strategy to resolve the conflict: strengthening relationships with allies, pushing national consensus, funding military defense and strengthening the economy against predatory contracts and loan agreements with other countries.

Foreign debt

Robredo said incurring foreign debt was not totally bad, but the government needed to ensure that these funds would be properly used.

“Hindi ito magiging makatarungan kapag ang ating inutang ay mapupunta pa sa korupsyon [...] Luging-lugi ang taong bayan na nagbabayad ng buwis pag sa iba napupunta,” she said.

To addressgrowing debt, Abella said he would “develop agriculture” into a mega-industry.

“Dapat nakadikit doon, for example, universities, researches and development, manufacturing, all the way to marketing, all the way to post-harvest securities and construction,” Abella explained.

Montemayor disagreed with the two and said there was no good debt.

Meanwhile, de Guzman proposed fixing the economy by strengthening local production: “Kung ang sistema ng ating ekonomiya ay import-dependent, export-oriented, na lagi tayong lugi sa pag-e-export, talagang mangungutang tayo lagi. Kaya paunlarin natin ang ating sariling industriya.”

National government debt hit P11.7 trillion by the end of 2021, according to the Bureau of the Treasury.

LGBTQ+ matters

Pacquiao remained firm on his stand against same-sex marriage, saying that he admired the LGBTQ+ community but could not force himself to agree with same-sex unions. “‘Yung mga LGBTQ+, saludo ako sa kanila, masisipag ‘yan sila magtrabaho […] Pagdating sa personal na pagdedesisyon, ay hindi po natin sila mapipigil, hindi po natin sila mapipilit. Ang atin lamang po ay paalala. […] Mahirap naman na pipilitin ‘yung sarili na sang-ayunan mo sila na magkakasala ka naman sa Panginoon,” he said.

Robredo countered the statement, saying that the LGBTQ+ community should not be punished due to the choices that they make.

She added that all opportunities available to other people should also be

available to them.

“Naniniwala po ako na lahat dapat binibigyan ng pagkakataon na maenjoy ‘yong mga karapatan na naeenjoy ng iba. I am all for civil unions, pareho po ako ng paniniwala kay Pope Francis, na may karapatang lumigaya kahit sino.

‘Di dapat sila pinaparusahan because of the choices they make,” she said.

Robredo and Pacquiao also maintained their stance against divorce.

“Ang pag-aasawa ay hindi po yan birong papasukan mo na. Dapat i-educate sila bago sila mag-asawa dahil hindi po biro na mag-aasawa ka tapos wiwithdraw ka lang,” Pacquiao, a former Catholic turned evangelical, said.

Robredo defended her stance by citing new developments in the law that made the nullification of marriage more accessible, especially to the poor.

“Merong bagong Supreme Court ruling na ito may bagong mukha na, magiging accessible na siya,” she said.

VP bets

Pandemic and economic plans, corruption and political dynasties and the war on drugs were issues discussed in the vice-presidential debate.

Former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello, Rizalito David, Manny SD Lopez, Willie Ong, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Carlos Serapio, and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III attended the debate.

Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza skipped the debate due to a knee replacement surgery, while Davao City Mayor Sara DEBATES PAGE 11

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THE VARSITARIAN

MAY 8, 2022

8

NATIONAL ELECTIONS

The 2022 Vice-Presidential Candidates

ATIENZA, LITO JR.

BELLO, WALDEN

DAVID, RIZALITO

DUTERTE-CARPIO, SARA

LOPEZ, MANNY SD

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, University of Santo Tomas

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • PhD in Sociology, Princeton University (1975) • MA in Sociology, Princeton University (1972) • BA in Humanities, Ateneo de Manila University (1966)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • Sociology and Environmental Science (minor in Rural Development), University of the Philippines - Los Baños

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, San Pedro College (Batch 1999) • Bachelor of Laws, San Sebastian College - Recoletos (Batch 2005)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • University of the Philippines majors in Economics and Political Science (1981) • Graduate studies in Management at the University of California in Los Angeles (1981 - 1983) • Juris Doctor studies at the Pacific Coast University School of Law in Long Beach, California

PLATFORMS: Good government; Anti-corruption

Anti-death penalty; Anti-artificial contraceptives

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Akbayan Representative (2009 - 2015) • Board of Directors, International Forum on Globalization • Board of Directors, Center for Economic and Policy Research • Member, Greenpeace Southeast Asia PLATFORMS: Demilitarized pandemic response

Workers’ rights and welfare Climate justice Immediate repeal of Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 Address income inequality

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Former chief of the Strategic Planning section, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (1990 - 1992) • Former executive assistant and political affairs director of then Sen. Francisco Tatad (1993 - 1995) • Consultant on political affairs and head of the political operations for Mindanao under the Office of Deputy Speaker Hernando Perez at the House of Representatives (1997) • Former Sen. Robert Jaworksi’s head executive assistant and concurrent director for political affairs (1998 - 2004) PLATFORMS: Faith revolution Push for the creation of a national commission on moral regeneration and cultural restoration

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Mayor, Davao City (2016 - present, 2010 - 2013) • Vice mayor, Davao City (2007 - 2010) • Reserve officer with rank of Colonel, Armed Forces of the Philippines (2020 - present) PLATFORMS: Changing system of government Federalism

Healthcare system Mandatory military service For Filipinos aged 18 years old Disaster preparedness

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Vice Chairman, National Advisory Board, Labor Party of the Philippines • CEO, CISCI Technology Solutions, 2019 • Managing Director, The Lincoln Place • President and General Manager at NFA Grainscor PLATFORMS: Three-pronged economic recovery plan Create a New Omnibus Investment Code Pass a bankruptcy law Low-interest loans

Anti-corruption Establish a truth commission

Agricultural reform Integrated agro-industrial-resource development program Optimize local production

Covid-19 response Not in favor of mandatory vaccination Push for science-based response

Disaster management Science-based, cost-effective disaster and pandemic management program

ONG, WILLIE

PANGILINAN, KIKO

SERAPIO, CARLOS

SOTTO, VICENTE TITO III

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • Masters in Public Health, University of the Philippines - Manila • Medical degree, De La Salle University College of Medicine • Bachelor of Science in Botany, University of the Philippines - Diliman

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • Masters in Public Administration, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA • Bachelor of Laws, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City • Bachelor of Arts in English, Major in Comparative Literature, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • LLB,University of the Philippines (1975) • AB Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University (1970)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • AB English, Colegio de San Juan de Letran

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Chief Fellow, Cardiology Fellowship, UP - Philippine General Hospital • Chief resident, Manila Doctors Hospital PLATFORMS: Health Establish a cancer center Upgrade 16 regional hospitals Increase support for the National Center for Mental Health

Covid-19 response Free testing Better pay for health workers Appoint a doctor to head the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Majority Floor Leader, Senate of the Philippines (2004 to 2008) • Senator of the Philippines (2001 to 2013; 2016 to present) • Secretary, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agriculture Modernization (2014 to 2015) • Councilor, Quezon City 4th District (1988 - 1992) PLATFORMS: Food security Sufficient, affordable and nutritious food for each Filipino and family

Strengthen agricultural sector Increase the revenue of farmers Increase support for the agricultural sector

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Serapio & de Castro Law Offices • Office of the Executive Secretary of President Benigno Aquino – Lead of Consultant Pool • Office of the Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs – Consultant • National Coastwatch Center – Office of the President – Consultant • United Nations Development Programme Local Democracy Project in Asia – Consultant • USAID Inventory and Database Project for the Court of Tax Appeals - Project Manager • Chair and operator, LABAN Poll Watching Operations Center (1978) PLATFORMS: System of government Federalism

Covid-19 response Push for localized, particularly indigenous, approaches to treating symptoms

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Senate President (2018-present) • Senate Majority Floor Leader (2016-2018) • Senator (2013-2016) • Senate Majority Floor Leader (2010-2013) • Dangerous Drugs Board chairman (2008-2009) • Senator (1998-2004) • Senator (1992-1998) PLATFORMS: Anti-illegal drug campaign Continue the Duterte administration’s campaign vs illegal drugs with a focus on prevention and rehabilitation

Anti-insurgency Supports the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict but dismiss irresponsible officials Budget reform For the proposed Budget Reform for Village Empowerment (BRAVE) Act

ART BY JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: • Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives (2020 - present) • Buhay Party-list Rep., House of Representatives (2019 - present; 2013-2016; 2016-2019) • Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (2007 - 2009) • Mayor, Manila City (1998 - 2007) • Vice mayor, Manila City (1992 - 1998)

THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

NATIONAL ELECTIONS

9

The dangers of disinformation in the elections

Tatiano Maligro, editor-in-chief of Ateneo de Manila University’s The GUIDON, told the Varsitarian that becoming watchdogs inside and outside the campus has become a responsibili-

ty for student publications.

“Since student publications like us are not constrained in the same way as the mainstream media, we treat the watchdog role as a responsibility to actively seek out narratives of systems failures or justice failures that have been buried in the back-and-forth between politicians in the mainstream news cycle,” she said.

This is done by establishing connections with local communities

despite the pandemic and through experimental story-telling in digital media, she added.

For Polynne Dira, editor in chief of UP Diliman’s Philippine Collegian, student publications can go beyond just observing and reporting from the sidelines.

“I think a student publication can be more than a watchdog. Instead of just keeping guard, observing from the sidelines, we can actually actively participate in campaigns, protests, and struggles of our subjects,” Dira told the Varsitarian.

Campus papers have also contributed to the fight against mis- and disinformation during the election season through various initiatives and projects.

The Varsitarian, for its part, is a member of the Pintig.PH fact-checking collective with the UST Journalism Society and The Flame.

TomasinoWeb President Brin Isaac told the Varsitarian that student publications must get as creative, accessible and factual as much as possible because they are the primary information spreaders within their institutions.

However, living up to these expectations is difficult with bureaucratic challenges with face-to-face classes still limited. “[T]here’s always another paper before you can get things done, which later prolongs everything when it comes to manpower,” she said.

Maligro said the shift to virtual learning was a “double-edged sword” for The GUIDON as its members could not meet in person, but were presented the opportunity to cover the polls in the hyperlocal context.

According to the Commission on Elections, 37,015,901 Filipinos aged between 18 and 41 years old, classified as the “youth vote,” had registered for the national elections. The age group accounts for 56 percent of the total voting population.

The national elections are slated for May 9, 2022.

We also invoke the CBCP’s “suggestions” to guide voters in its official pastoral on the 2022 elections dated March 27: Let us continue with our conversations, scrutiny and evaluation of the political and social situation; and national and local candidates.

Let us continue with our voter’s education towards voter empowerment in view of electing freely and towards greater political and social engagement of every citizen. Let us remember: Our engagement and concern for others do not end with the election.

Let us uphold and not compromise our moral principles in the task of political engagement and nation-building. Let us follow our conscience, striving to maintain an informed and correct conscience.

Let us be on guard against the suspicious and the dubious. Let us be

vigilant and call out those who use violence, money and power, or other forms of cheating; those who spread lies and hatred; those who manipulate people for their own personal interest; and those who take advantage of the weak and the vulnerable.

Let us continue praying, doing good to our neighbor, offering sacrifices and begging God for the grace of a credible, peaceful and successful election for our common good.

We urge our readers to participate in the elections. This is no time to be apolitical. As St. Thomas said, human beings are by nature social and political, living in community even more than every other animal. The outcome of the elections will undoubtedly touch all of us, regardless of our differences.

We pray that the Filipino voter will make the right decision on May 9.

Together with the CBCP and the Parish

Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, we recite the “Prayer for the 2022 Elections”: “Deliver us, Lord, from coercion, intimidation, violence and terrorism, from dishonesty, lies and all distortion of truth, from bribery, graft and all conspiracy for fraud, from gullibility to the deceptive and blindness of perspective, from threats, intimidation and perverse language.”

“Hear us, Lord, that conscience may always be our ultimate norm, that the common good may always be our highest goal, that human dignity may be respected all the time, that the poor and the weak may always have the priority, that care for creation may never be ignored, that solidarity may guide the path of peace and development, that genuine fear of God and love of neighbors may guide those who seek public office.”.

By Eduelle Jan T. Macababbad and Jamilah B. Angco

Disinformation campaigns rob voters of their ability to choose their next set of leaders intelligently and can lead to undeserving candidates winning the elections because of fake news, a media expert said.

Rachel Khan, associate dean at the University of the Philippines and coordinator of the fact-checking collective Tsek.Ph, said the proliferation of fake news begins with the delegitimization of the mainstream media.

“When legacy media is discredited, then it’s easier for the authors of disinformation to come in and replace them,” she told the Varsitarian. People will be looking for alternative sources of information.”

“Now, if you’ve destroyed their trust in the normal sources of information, e di may gap, may butas na puwedeng pasukan ng iba, and that’s the primary strategy,” Khan said.

Khan said the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the disinformation problem, as Filipinos became more reliant on social media for news.

Globally, Filipinos spend the most time using the internet and social media, according to a study by advertising firm We Are Social. “[T]hat increased dependency on social media has, of course, facilitated the spread of disinformation. It made us more gullible in that sense, of not being able to discern what should be believed in, and what should not,” Khan said.

“If our decisions are based on what is being fed falsely, […] then we are being robbed of our ability to choose intelligently,” she added.

For the 2022 elections, Tsek.Ph found that Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, the opposition standard-bearer, was the “biggest victim” of disinformation campaigns, while the son and namesake of the late dictator, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., was the biggest beneficiary.

Khan cited the ongoing efforts by Tsek.Ph to counter the disinformation circulating on social media.

Editorial

‘‘ If our

decisions are based on what is being fed falsely, then we are being robbed of our ability to choose intelligently.

Rachel Khan

TSEK.PH COORDINATORX

ART BY GWYNETH FIONA N. LUGA

“[W]e have a whole set of trained, ethical fact-checkers who are already doing all the fact-checking for you, and, you know, sometimes, it takes a lot of skill,” she said.

Launched for the 2019 midterm elections, Tsek.Ph is a collaboration of 40 media organizations, academic institutions and civil society groups to provide the public with fact-check articles on the candidates’ platforms, statements and posts. The UST Jour-

nalism Program is a partner institution of Tsek.Ph. The group hosts a common website where fact-checks of all partner organizations are collated.

which comprises more than 80 percent of Filipinos, does not endorse political candidates. As Bishop Pablo David of Caloocan said in the pastoral, “(W)e have no ambition of appropriating for ourselves your distinct role as laity in the just ordering of society, nor do we intend to usurp the role of the government. We are here to provide moral and spiritual guidance, in accord with our mission of proclaiming the truth from our faith.” After all, as St. Thomas said, the greatest kindness one can render to any man consists in leading him from error to truth.

The Varsitarian, like the Catholic Church, is not endorsing any candidate for president or vice president, but as the official student publication of The Catholic University of the Philippines, we call on our readers to consider the core values of UST in voting: commitment, competence and compassion.

Student efforts

► FROM PAGE 2

cos. With the looming threat of another Marcos presidency, we urge our readers to be reminded of what sparked the historic protest 36 years ago. To elect Bongbong is to condone all the miseries and vices endowed by the Marcos family to the nation and to trivialize the sufferings of millions of Filipinos under the late strongman’s rule and deadly Martial Law. We owe it to the heroes of EDSA to protect the values they fought for and the democratic institutions they restored.

We urge Catholics to heed what the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said in their Feb. 25, 2022 pastoral: seek the truth by way of reason and faith, by common dialogue and discernment, prayer and action, that we may do what is right and avoid evil.

Unlike other significantly smaller religious groups, the Catholic Church

THE VARSITARIAN

MAY 8, 2022

10

NATIONAL ELECTIONS

No classes in UST on May 9, 10

By Faith Yuen Wei N. Ragasa

THE UNIVERSITY will suspend classes and office work on May 9 and 10 to encourage Thomasians to participate in the 2022 national and local elections.

“As responsible citizens, all members of the Thomasian community who are eligible to exercise their right of suffrage are enjoined to actively participate in the 2022 national and local elections

Party-list

on May 9, 2022,” UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel O.P. said in a circular.

“Considering the sacredness of our votes and our participation in the electoral process, let us dutifully and wisely exercise our right to vote for the sake of the common good of the Filipino nation,” he added.

Coronel also cited Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis in saying that citizens should actively “promote the common good,” and that responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation in political

life is a moral obligation.

Several groups and members of the Thomasian community have endorsed Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan for president and vice president.

The Robredo-Pangilinan tandem also topped the Varsitarian’s presidential and vice-presidential surveys.

The Philippines has 65.7 million registered voters for the 2022 elections, 56 percent of which are aged 18 to 41 years old.

ipation of parties and organizations that supposedly do not represent the marginalized and underrepresented sectors.

On July 26, 2001, the Supreme Court, in Ang Bagong Bayani OFW v. Comelec, ruled that the party-list system encourages “proportional representation” by allowing underrepresented groups and persons with no defined constituencies to help draft meaningful legislation.

It also stated that Comelec committed a “grave abuse of discretion” in accrediting certain groups. The decision also laid down several conditions that parties and organizations must meet to run under the party-list system. Among the key conditions were: “[T]he political party, sector, organization or coalition must represent the marginalized and underrepresented groups identified in Section 5 of RA 7941”; “[M]ajority of its membership should belong to the marginalized and underrepresented. And it must demonstrate that in a conflict of interests, it has chosen or is likely to choose the interest of such sectors”; and “[W]hile even major political parties are expressly allowed by RA 7941 and the Constitution to participate in the party-list system, they must [...] show, however, that they represent the interests of the marginalized and underrepresented.”

Religious sects and parties that are adjunct, funded or assisted by the government were barred from participating in the party-list race.

“Surely, the interests of the youth cannot be fully represented by a retiree; neither can those of the urban poor or the working class, by an industrialist. To allow otherwise is to betray the State policy to give genuine representation to the marginalized and underrepresented,” the decision, penned by former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, read.

The Court stressed that nominees must not only represent a particular district and must be “able to contribute to the formulation and enactment of appropriate legislation that will benefit the nation as a whole.”

In 2013, the Supreme Court reversed the major conditions it provided in the 2001 decision.

This time, the Court ruled that the Constitution’s party list system “is not for sectoral parties only, but also for non-sectoral parties,” thus allowing even parties or organizations that do not represent the underrepresented and the marginalized to participate.

It also emphasized that RA 7941 “broadly referred to ‘marginalized and underrepresented sectors, organizations and parties,’” and that the specific implementing provisions of the said law “do not define or require that the sectors, organizations or parties must be “marginalized and underrepresented.”

The decision cited Christian Mon-

‘‘

‘‘

Considering the sacredness of our votes and our participation in the electoral process, let us dutifully and wisely exercise our right to vote for the sake of the common good of the Filipino nation.

Fr. Louie Coronel O.P.

UST SECRETARY GENERAL

► FROM PAGE 3

tion was being drafted. At the time, the framers contended about whether traditional political parties would be allowed to participate, with one saying that their presence would “only exacerbate the frustrations of the marginalized sectors.”

“I question the assumption that sectoral candidates will have an equal chance of winning a party-list election when they compete with the politicians who belong to the traditional political parties. I question this assumption because even if the sectoral groups were forced to organize, their machinery would not be as well-oiled or as well-funded as those of the traditional political parties,” Dr. Wilfredo Villacorta said on July 25, 1986.

As an alternative, then-President Corazon Aquino proposed the “perpetual reservation” of those seats to marginalized sectors.

“Now is the time and the unedited opportunity for us to transfer the center of gravity of socioeconomic power from the people on top to the people below,” she said at the time.

In the end, the framers voted to allocate 20 percent of the House’s seats to party lists, allow traditional political parties to participate and permit representatives to run for three consecutive terms.

The enabling law, Republic Act 7941, was filed in the House by Michael Mastura, former representative of Maguindanao’s First District and in the Senate by former senator.John Henry Osmeña. Former President Fidel V. Ramos signed it on March 3, 1995.

Under the law, sectors permitted to join include “labor, peasant, fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, elderly, handicapped, women, youth, veterans, overseas workers and professionals.”

Sison said the law’s ambiguities on who is eligible to be represented gave an opening to petitioners to challenge it to the Supreme Court, which, in its two decisions, would pave the way for significant changes – and complications – to the party-list system.

The verdict and ramifications

The first party-list election held in May 1998 had a low turnout and a high number of “lost votes.” Out of the 50 seats available for the party lists, only 14 were filled.

Only one party-list group, the Association of Philippine Electronic Cooperatives (APEC), got two seats at the time.

The second party-list election held in May 2001 saw improvements, particularly in the total number of votes cast for party-list groups. This election also saw the entry of new parties and organizations, some of which were questioned due to their connection with religious groups and major political parties.

Protests were filed at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Supreme Court against the partic-

We should not be voting for individuals but voting for political parties that you have in matured democracies.

Atty. Tony La Viña

FORMER DEAN OF THE ATENEO SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT

sod, the main sponsor of the party-list system, in saying that “the party-list system is not synonymous with that of the sectoral representation.”

Monsod said in the Constitutional Commission that there was a problem of “which sector” would be allowed to have a seat in the lower house, especially as Proclamation No. 9 of the Freedom Constitution only named nine sectors, namely “farmers, fishermen, workers, students, professionals, business, military, academic, ethnic, and other similar groups.” “[T]he longer we make our enumeration, the more limiting the law become because [...] we exclude those who are not in the enumeration. Second, we had the problem of who comprise the farmers [...] These days, there are many citizens who are called ‘hyphenated citizens.’ A doctor may be a farmer; a lawyer may also be a farmer. And so, it is up to the discretion of the person to say ‘I am a farmer’ so he would be included in that sector,” Monsod said.

For Enrique de la Cruz, lawyer and faculty member at the UST Faculty of Civil Law, the 2013 ruling drastically changed the party-list system because it allowed “traditional and elitist politicians to form or join party-list organizations that would allow them to retain their positions of power and influence in Congress” “The biggest change on how the party-list system is implemented was brought about by the ruling in the case of Atong Paglaum v. Comelec where the Supreme Court declared that party-list representatives or nominees need not actually belong to the marginalized and underrepresented sector that they seek to represent as long as they ‘advocate’ its principles,” he told the Varsitarian.

“The party-list [system] has been dominated by elite politicians and members of political dynasties that do not actually belong to the sectors they supposedly represent. The party-list system has become a joke, for instance,

to hear of Mikey Arroyo, son of former President Gloria Arroyo, elected as the representative of a party list for security guards and tricycle drivers,” de la Cruz added.

De la Cruz noted that in 2010, three more Arroyos were in Congress aside from Mikey: his brother, Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo; Gloria Arroyo’s brother-in-law, Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo; and her sister-in-law, Kasangga party-list Rep. Ma. Lourdes Arroyo.

De la Cruz also noted that certain “sector-based party-list groups have also been co-opted by the traditional political system or have become the training ground for future influence-peddling traditional politicians.”

In 2019, a political organization called Dumper-PTDA (Drivers Unite for Mass Progress and Equal Rightsthe Philippines Taxi Drivers Association), won a party-list seat.

“It is ostensibly a party of and for taxi drivers. However, its first nominee is Claudine Diana Bautista, daughter of Davao Occidental Rep. Claude Bautista. More than 80 percent of the votes that Dumper-PTDA received in May 2019 came from Region XI. It is obvious that the governor’s daughter does not drive a taxi as a profession,” De la Cruz said.

Major revamps necessary

Tony La Viña, a lawyer and former dean of the Ateneo School of Government, gave three main issues hounding the party-list system: the problem of representation, calculating representation and whether what the country needed was proportional representation and not party-list representation.

He stressed that under the party-list system, people should choose “on the basis of political parties and political platforms, and not on the basis of personalities, celebrities or families.”

“What we have in the Philippines is proportional representation. Meaning to say, the whole Congress should be party-list groups. The whole Congress should be party […] We should not be voting for individuals but voting for political parties that you have in matured democracies,” he told the Varsitarian.

La Viña mentioned that the design of the entire Congress was originally intended to be a party-list system where members of Congress will belong to a political party, and people will vote for a political party.

“But ang context ‘non was a parliamentary system. When that did not happen, when they still chose the presidential system, the old system of government, they then said, okay, ganito tayo, balik tayo sa dati. But we want a multi-party system, so let’s have a small part of Congress, [20] percent, vote according to party lists,” he said. “[B]ecause the design of the party-list system [should] be free for all

Congress and not just for [20] percent.

Everything flows from that problem.

Who does that [20] percent represent?

How many seats should you give an organization?” La Viña said.

La Viña also stressed that “in a real party list system,” parties and organizations are given the percentage of the seats they won. “Not just [two] percent, not just three seats even if they win 20 percent of the seats.”

The original formula of proportional representation, proposed by Professor Horst Friedrich Niemeyer for the German Bundestag, calculates the number of seats a party or an organization can get by dividing the votes they obtained by the total number of votes cast for qualified parties and organizations.

In the Philippines, the formula was modified, limiting only three seats per party or organization.

This is why La Viña said it would be wise not to limit the number of seats that party-list groups can earn and increase the minimum percentage of votes required to obtain a seat in the lower house.

“Give the political party the number of seats that they actually earn. [...]

[G]ive only to political parties that get five percent, at least, or 10 percent. [...]

[G]ive it to the ones that earned the most number of votes. So instead of 50 party-lists organizations, you’ll only have maybe 10 party-lists organizations with strong voices,” La Viña said. “[P]rohibit political families, dynasties, [and] celebrities from the party list system. That’s what they should have done in the Constitution, for family dynasties anyway,” he added.

Bayan Muna has been pushing for these amendments to RA 7941, but all efforts went nowhere.

Despite this, Zarate believes that Bayan Muna – and Makabayan Bloc – has performed its duty to produce quality legislation for the sectors they’re representing, amid the polarization gripping the House of Representatives. “[K]ami sa Bayan Muna at Makabayan Bloc, ‘di kami nag-ca-cause ng division. Kami nag-a-articulate ng boses ng mga mahihirap and it makes the debate in the House, committee man yan o sa plenaryo, may quality ‘yung debate. Eh kesa anong Kongreso ma-e-expect mo kung lahat diyan ay yes na lang ng yes sa Malacañang at wala nang debate?” he said.

Until the party-list system is revamped to serve its purpose, expect more questionable party-lists to come upon the ballot and the genuine ones – like Nurses United – to be tossed out on mere technicalities, the three-term congressman said.

“Kung sinu-sino na lang pinayagan nila. May mga partido na Agimat.

Sino ang constituent nila? Mga maligno? ‘Yung mga gumagawa ng bertud? Merong Barkadahan Partylist.

Kung anu-ano na lang ang partylist na pinayagan nila,” he said.

THE VARSITARIAN

MAY 8, 2022

NATIONAL ELECTIONS Debates

► FROM PAGE 7

Duterte was in a campaign sortie in Pangasinan with her running mate, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. David, Lopez, and Sotto proposed a scientific approach to better manage the next pandemic that the Philippines would face should they win, and it happened during their term.

David pushed for a summit that would determine the consensus of the scientific community about pandemics, while Lopez promised a “science-based, cost-effective, and pragmatic approach to pandemic management.”

Sotto wanted to concentrate on prevention measures such as vaccination and maintaining health standards and protocols.

Ong urged the government to establish another infectious diseases hospital to improve its Covid-19 pandemic response. He lamented how the government did not allot money to build one during the pandemic.

Economic recovery

To help micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) struggling from the pandemic, Pangilinan proposed a P100-million budget to provide financial assistance to MSMEs. Bello, taking a jab at Pangilinan and Sotto for passing the “foreign-oriented” Retail Trade Liberalization law, which lowered the paidup capital requirement for foreign retail enterprises, proposed to allot a P250-billion emergency fund for MSMEs. “Pero hindi sapat ‘yan [P250 billion]. We need to bring back a country that really deserves our small and medium industries na nakakain na ng mga foreigners,” Bello said.

Sotto rebutted Bello and explained that the law lowered the threshold for foreign investors to open up the economy. Pangilinan also asserted that there must be a balance between local and foreign investments because both create jobs and contribute to the economy.

Serapio urged the incoming administration to use the budget for these enterprises under the General Appropriations Act, while Lopez vowed to prioritize economic recovery with his three-point agenda should he win: a new omnibus investment code, a legal framework for MSMEs, and low-interest loans.

“Bottom-up budgeting” was also pitched by Sotto to help local gov-

Eye Level

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ernment units in urban and rural areas implement comprehensive development plans.

David said Petron Corp. should be reacquired from foreign investors to regain control of oil and fuel prices. “Wala kasi tayong control kasi wala tayong sarili nating oil company. Kaya iyon ang nais kong mangyari,” he said.

Oil price control was also the measure proposed by Bello, adding that local corporations must be taxed only 20 percent (from 30), and foreign companies must be taxed 30 percent (from 25). Ong also proposed cutting fuel taxes to 50 percent.

War on drugs, rejoining ICC

Bello, Sotto, Pangilinan, Serapio, and Ong agreed to rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), from which the Philippines pulled out in 2018. The ICC sought to investigate Duterte’s war on drugs in 2021.

“Kami [sa] majority in the Senate pabor na pag-usapan yan at ibalik tayo at kung gusto mag imbestiga ng ICC dito sa atin, hayaan mag imbestiga. Kung walang tinatago, wala tayong dapat katakutan,” Sotto said.

Bello, who promised “full cooperation,” also said: “President Duterte cannot escape this responsibility.

And he should be prosecuted, and I believe he will be prosecuted and brought to a cell in the Hague.”

Serapio said the Philippines should also be part of international organizations that “help promote international harmony, cooperation, and amity that is provided for in our Constitution.”

Ong proposed the public health approach instead of the criminal approach to drug addiction, stating that the solution to the conflict should be science-based.

Lopez said the rejoining in the ICC must be timely. He also expressed support for the war on drugs, saying the country had become a narco-state, but added that “human rights should be protected.”

Online education

Ong said he and his running mate, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, would install fiber-optic internet to make online education more accessible, but did not elaborate on the plan.

The Robredo-Pangilinan tandem plans to allocate P90 billion to give one gadget per student and a P300 Wi-Fi load allowance monthly, Pan-

► Donning pink, members of the group “Bikers 4 Leni” ride their bikes along Dapitan street as they await the

vice president’s arrival at UST ahead of CNN Philippines’ presidential debate on Feb. 27.—PHOTO BY JOSELLE MARIE B. REYES

gilinan said.

Meanwhile, Sotto said there was a lot to be done to provide free Internet access, especially since only P800,000 of the P18 billion budget proposed for it was granted by the government. Sotto also wanted to include a drug abuse resistance program for students.

Serapio, David, and Lopez were asked about sexual abuse and cybercriminals preying on minors in need of money for their education.

Serapio said he would be utilizing technology to track and monitor these crimes, while David said there must be proper implementation of existing laws and political will.

Lopez, who said that policymakers were not keen on technology management, said: “There was a corresponding increase in cybercrime because of the lack of proper guidelines, the lack of proper monitoring, and it bottoms down on the lack of competence. Ayusin po natin iyan because the future is in information technology.”

Graft and corruption

Pangilinan said that filling up the vacancies in the Philippines’s “overloaded courts can combat graft and corruption as it would hasten the judiciary process in the country.

“Dapat [ang paglilitis] mabawasan sa tatlo o dalawang taon na lamang dahil ‘pag mas marami ang napaparusahan sa mabilis na paraan e talagang magkakaroon ng takot at respeto sa ating mga batas,” said Pangilinan.

He added that the process of the criminal justice system, once cases are filed, must be respected and

► Supporters of Manila Mayor “Isko Moreno” Domagoso’s presidency

gather along Dapitan street as they await the presidential candidate’s arrival at UST ahead of CNN Philippines’ presidential debate on Feb. 27. Photo by Francia Denise M. Arizabal.—PHOTO BY JOSELLE MARIE B. REYES

scrutinized properly, particularly in the case of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., which received P10 billion worth of anomalous contracts during the pandemic.

Lopez, recalling his stint as the National Food Authority’s president and general manager, lamented that there was no “political will to fight graft and corruption” in the country.

“Look at graft and corruption in a systemic perspective because it requires systemic solutions,” Lopez urged.

Political dynasties

Serapio pushed for the “Puno Bayanihan Constitution,” a new system that aims to end political dynasties without needing an enabling law.

“The constitution itself will provide that political dynasty should definitely be not tolerated,” Serapio said.

Ong acknowledged that strict laws against political dynasties could not be passed and instead proposed “variations,” such as imposing a gap between the terms of families in politics and electing two senators per region to address the problem.

“Baka pwedeng may gap muna may isang term, para at least hindi gamitin ‘yung resources nung nahalal para tulungan ‘yung anak niya, kamag-anak niya. So kailangan may gap o may limit lang ‘yung dami ng kamag-anak na pwede siguro dalawa o tatlo,” he explained.

Bello also raised his sentiments on dynasties, urging voters not to vote for dynastic families, specifically the Marcoses and Dutertes, as “they represent really the greatest evil of the political system that we have.”

JOANNE CHRISTINE RAMOS, FAITH YUEN WEI RAGASA, C.J. PARAS AND J.B.T. LIM

► FROM PAGE 2

By 2015, Robredo bowed anew to the public’s clamor––to continue Jesse’s legacy of public service and to run for vice president. It was weeks of talks before Robredo agreed to run as the running mate of then Liberal Party’s standard-bearer Mar Roxas.

Robredo went against veterans in the 2016 vice-presidential race. She won against the namesake and son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos by a slim margin.

While Robredo succeeded in her vice-presidential bid, Roxas lost to now President Rodrigo Duterte. Robredo has had an antagonistic relationship with Duterte for the past six years.

Robredo was even removed twice from Duterte’s Cabinet due to what they said were “irreconcilable differences.”

But despite the lack of resources, Robredo was still able to mount programs through partnerships with the private sector. Her office’s flagship anti-poverty

program called “Angat Buhay” was able to send aid to over 600,000 families from 223 cities and municipalities.

During the pandemic, Robredo spearheaded several initiatives such as establishing community learning hubs, provision of free shuttle services, swab tests, and telehealth services to the public. She raised millions of funds for relief operations across the country.

Robredo’s vice-presidency has also remained untarnished and corruption-free. The Office of the Vice President earned the highest audit rating possible from the Commission on Audit from 2018 to 2020.

Robredo’s office has been able to maintain its ISO 9001:2015 quality certification since 2017. The quality certification indicates an office’s compliance with international standards on management.

Aside from her performance over the last decade, Robredo is also the only

presidential candidate with promising and potentially transformative platforms that could help revive the Philippine’s economy.

Recently she unveiled her economic recovery plan, the “Angat Buhay Pilipino” program, where she listed necessary policies she would pursue to alleviate poverty in the country.

Robredo’s plan includes creating more jobs, offering three-month financial assistance to the unemployed, and eliminating corruption in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).

Robredo plans to improve the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), adding mothers and babies to the conditional cash transfer for the first 1,000 days. The vice president also vowed to address food security issues, the woes of farmers and fishermen, and the apparent crisis in the country’s educational sector.

Four research and finance institutions that specialize in macroeconomic analysis, namely Bloomberg, Pantheon Macroeconomics, Goldman Sachs, and Nomura Global Research, also reported that a Robredo presidency is more market-friendly.

The four independent business research institutions said a Robredo government could boost business confidence and attract more foreign investors than an administration at the helm of the allegedly survey-leading presidential candidate, Marcos Jr., whose legislative record as senator is lackluster and whose refusal to participate in the presidential debates should betray his lack of vision and overall intellectual mediocrity.

Beyond discussions of political colors and political ties, no one can deny that Robredo has all the accomplishments and background to prove that she is deserving and the most qualified

presidential aspirant to be the next chief executive.

Do not let the fictional “Golden Age” of Marcos rule and false propaganda about its restoration via its lazy and sub-mediocre scion becoming president rob you of the chance to elect a competent leader and enable yourself and everyone to have a real chance at a better life.

Six years of foul, fascist, arrogant, dishonest, repressive, and murderous politics that the current administration has fostered have already cost this country too much. Let us elect a capable and respectable leader.

On May 9, when you are finally seated in the chair at your polling precinct, and you are about to cast your vote, think beyond the lame and theatrical stunts of the ingenuine politicians and the noise of trolls and vote for your family, friends, the country, and most especially yourself.

ART BY ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA

ART BY ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA AND GWYNETH FIONA N. LUGA