NEWS Features Culture Editorial

NEW UP PRESIDENT VOX AUCTORITA CHRISTMAS INSIGNIAS THE BLIND JUSTICE

NOVEMBER STORM ELUSIVE CYNICAL FOR CREDIT
MORONG 43 EMPOWERMENT Page 6 to 7 Page 16
Pages 2 to 5 Page 10 to 12

The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila | Volume 24 NumberS 11-12 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2010
 NEWS
Former Alumni Regent
Named 20th UP President
ACE VINCENT PONSECA MOLO & KATHLEEN TRINIDAD GUIANG
F ormer Alumni Regent Alfredo E. Pascual was selected as
the 20th UP president during the special meeting for the
selection of the next UP president on December 3 at Quezon Hall
UP Diliman.
Pascual was chosen through a
plurality of votes for only one
round over his 10 contenders. He
will assume the highest position
in the university when outgoing
UP President Emerlinda Roman
finishes her term in February
2011.
Credentials and
Accomplishments
Pascual is a BS Chemistry cum
laude and a Master of Business
Administration graduate in UP
Diliman. Moreover, Pascual served
as a professor of chemistry and
management in the same unit.
Being in the finance and business
profession, Pascual worked for the
Asian Development Bank for 19
years and held high positions in
several private companies.
Aside from being the UP Alumni
Regent from 2009-2012, Pascual is
also the president of the UP Alumni
Association (UPAA) and a Senior
Adviser at Tusk Investments
Pte., a transaction management
and investment advisory firm in
Singapore.
Along with the other sectoral
regents, he opposed various issues
that disturbed the university such
as the removal of former Student
Regent Charisse Bañez from the
BOR, the proposals of laboratory
fee hikes and Physical Education
fee approval, and the directorship
at the Philippine General Hospital.
When he was nominated for the
UP Presidency, he conceded the
Alumni Regent post to Gladys
Tiongco, and went on leave as the
UPAA president.
Priorities of New UP President
Outlined
In an address he delivered
moments after his proclamation as
new UP president, Pascual initially
laid out his plans for the university,
which focuses on generating
funds for the university and the
reaffirmation of UP’s excellence as
an academic institution.
With regard to the financial aspect
of running the university, the new
administration plans of using UP’s
idle land and assets to address
funding problems of the university.
Meanwhile, Pascual’s response
to the Php1.39 billion budget
cut to UP was “Responsibilidad
2 • 15 DECEMBER 2010 •
Volume 24, Numbers 11-12
ng gobyerno na pondohan ang
unibersidad.”
Another priority of the new
administration is to keep the
minimum tuition fees of the
university. Pascual points out
that tuition and other fees would
not readily experience rollbacks,
yet he assured that there will no
tuition fee increases in his term.
According to Pascual, the UP
president’s primary task is to lead
the university in its pursuit of
becoming a great university and
becoming the best in the country
TAKING THE LEAD. Former Alumni Regent Alfredo Pascual was selected as the 20th President of the Universi-
and in the region.
ty of the Philippines Sytem on December 3 at the Quezon Hall- UP Diliman. Photo courtesy of The Diliman Diary.
Challenges to New UP President
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
November
Anakbayan UPM, League of
Storming the Senate
Filipino Students, League of
College Student Councils, and To further the call for higher
Storm Hits
faculty members, lead the education subsidy, the
students and staff of UPM on groups also stormed the
a protest inside the campus. Senate of the Philippines.
SUCs
Roughly 500 students and They demonstrated proofs
faculty members joined, against the “ghost budget cut”
effectively paralyzing almost claimed by Senator Franklin
all of the classes in the College Drilon and Senate Majority
of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
Series of Protests Staged Against Education Budget Cut Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III.
MARK JASON SANTOS FLORES AND In addition, the said protest “Nagrarally tayo dahil
ALYSSA NICOLE CACHO GRATIL action included programs held nakapag aral tayo...at sinabi
at the CAS Oblation garden and nadin ng pangulo natin na
Philippine General Hospital. binawasan nya talaga ang
S tudents, faculty members and personnel from different
state universities and colleges (SUCs) showed their
vehement resistance against the Php2.127B budget cut
budget ng SUCs ng 1.7%...
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano MERON talagang budget cut…
also joined the rally in UPM so hindi lang tayo nagrarally
to the education sector in the recently held series of and urged his fellow solons o umaaksyon para lang sa
nationwide rallies on November 25 and 26. to amend the 2011 budget wala,”said Ellen Tayag, UPM
appropriations. The day ended CAS Chair.
Dubbed as “November As an initial action to publicize with a sleep-in concert rally
Storm,” the series of protests the cry against budget cut, inside the campus. Convinced by the series of
is a demand to the Aquino student leaders from the protests, Senator Miriam
administration to stop the University of the Philippines Meanwhile, students and Defensor-Santiago proposed
impending budget slash on Manila (UPM) spearheaded a faculty members of UPD and the budget of UP be increased
SUCs. Moreover, the protests campus-based assembly on PUP blocked the entrance to by Php146 Million. The
slam PNoy’s decision of November 25, along with other their respective universities increase, however, is still
increasing appropriations for SUCs such as University of the after marching around the a proposal and currently
defense and debt servicing. Philippines Diliman (UPD), and campus and held a concert- subject to deliberation by the
Polytechnic University of the rally inside their respective bicameral congress.
The protest culminated with a Philippines (PUP).
campus afterwards.
massive mobilization in front As of press time, Senators
of the Senate of the Philippines, The University Student Council, The students then mobilized Francis Pangilinan, Juan
December 1. Alternative Students’ Alliance to the streets and continued Miguel Zubiri, Ramon Revilla
for Progress- Katipunan ng their protest in front of the Jr. and Peter Cayetano have
Campus-based Mobilizations mga Progresibong Mag-aaral Department of Budget and already expressed support to
ng Bayan (ASAP-Katipunan), Management, November 26. the SUCs’ cause.
WEDNESDAY
 Volume 24, Numbers 11-12 NEWS
Peasants Protest Against
Aquino’s Hacienda Regime
ANGELA MARIZ ULEP CAUDAL & YODHIM GUDEL GEPTY DELA ROSA

I n condemnation of President Benigno Aquino’s inability to resolve the Hacienda Luisita Massacre after
his 100th day in presidency, peasants and supporters from various sectors launched a series of protest
rallies in several points of provincial town centers and in Metro Manila.
Marking the sixth year since observance to the Peasant Week “Ang tangkang pagkakampuhan
the killing of 15 peasants in a on October. This year’s theme of ng mga magsasaka sa Mendiola...
clash between the police and the farmers’ march is “Lakbayan ay isang makasaysayang tagpo
the protesters, farmers held ng mga Magsasaka Laban sa para sa mga magsasaka...para
a commemoration rally at the Hacienderong Rehimen ni Aquino” lang maipahatid kay PNoy
Central Azucarera de Tarlac last (Long March of Farmers Against sa pamamagitan ng isang
November 16. Prior to this, the the Hacienda Regime of Aquino). mapayapang pagkilos-protesta
farmers attempted to hold a ang kanilang pagkadismaya dahil
two-day camp-out at the foot of sa loob ng unang 100 araw niya
Mendiola Bridge to demand an Extension of GMA’s Regime bilang pinakamakapangyarihang
end to landlessness, poverty and nilalang sa Pilipinas, walang ayuda
hunger but was violently dispersed University of the Philippines - ni suporta ang nakamit ng mga
by the police, on October 6. Manila NARRA Youth Chairperson magsasaka mula sa kanya,” stated
Galileo G. Burgos, Jr. expressed Burgos.
Led by the Kilusang Magbubukid his support to the peasants who
ng Pilipinas, these demonstration went out on a demonstration rally Burgos argued that the dispersal
assemblies are part of the farmers’ outside Malacañang. measure unwarrantedly taken
annual series of protests in by the police force to call off the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Raps vs Morong 43
Withdrawn CONDEMNING LANDLESSNESS. Peasant farmers from Hacienda Luisita Inc. and
supporters from various progressive groups held a commemoration rally on No-
vember 16. Photo courtesy of Kamz Deligente
People’s Persistent “Free the 43” Struggle Delivers
DEONAH ABIGAIL LUGO MIOLE
UPM Security
A fter more than 300
days in detention, the
“Morong 43” health workers
Three days before their tenth
month in detention, the Morong
10 months have passed since
their arrest, the Morong 43
are still detained for charges
Guards Demand Just
were finally relieved of
the criminal charges filed
43 carried out a hunger strike
in demand for their discharge.
of being suspected members of
the New People’s Army (NPA)
by the military. They were
Compensation
against them.
The illegally-detained health arrested on February 6. MON GABRIEL POSADAS DISTOR
workers, together with their

President Benigno Simeon
Aquino III issued the directive
withdrawing the said charges
on International Human Rights
Day, December 10.
The legal counsels of the
Morong 43 contend that
Aquino’s announcement
proves the health workers are
innocent.
Furthermore, progressive
groups nationwide and
international organizations
have expressed their intent
to intensify the call for the
immediate release of the said
health workers.
Supporters and relatives of
the Morong 43 hope that the
case would be resolved and
the detainees be freed before
Christmas.
Hunger Strike
relatives, had been on fasting
since December 3, the eighth
day of the hunger strike before
Aquino released his order.
Despite the president’s
directive, however, supporters
and relatives of the Morong
43 still criticize the incumbent
administration for the unjust,
slow-paced processing of the
case.
“The Morong 43 have been
detained for ten months already
in two camps. Still, they had to
resort to a hunger strike – the
highest form of struggle they
could wage – before Aquino
acted on their plight,” said
Roneo Clamor (husband of Dr.
Merry Mia-Clamor, one of the
43 detained health workers) in
an interview with Bulatlat.
Vigilance for 43
During their imprisonment,
two female health workers,
Judilyn Oliveros and Mercy
Castro, have already given birth
to a boy on July 22, and a girl on
October 18, respectively.
Health workers, human rights
advocates, relatives and
supporters of the Morong 43
have been urging the Aquino
Administration since day 1 to
free the 43, claiming that the
health workers are innocent,
and that their detention is
illegal.
After the withdrawal of
criminal charges, the lawyers
of the Morong 43 stated that
the legal battle of the health
workers is far from over.
Edre Olalia, National Union
of People’s Lawyers (NUPL)
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
U
niversity of the Philippines Manila (UPM) security guards,
employed under the 168 Security Agency, remain underpaid
despite persistent efforts urging the UPM Admin to address the
issue.
Unjust Treatment
The UPM security guards are
currently receiving 573 pesos a
day for their 12 hour shift, which
is below the supposed minimum
of approximately 630 pesos.
Furthermore, the guards are not
receiving holiday pay, overtime
pay, and a night differential pay.
For the 26 working days per
month, the guards are only
receiving a total of 14,898 pesos
which is below the 16,387
prescribed by the law. “Ang mga
guards sa [UP] Diliman minimum
sila, pero kami dito sa UPM, hindi,”
a guard stated during an interview
with The Manila Collegian.
The UPM Security Guards have
been complaining about their
meager compensation for at least
5 years now.
When receiving their payrolls,
the security guards are presented
with two pieces of parchment, one
on top of the other. The first slip,
which the recipient sees, contains
the salary, based upon the 573
pesos per 12 hour shift, along with
the deductions. A second slip was
concealed below the first, fixed
with a staple. The security guards
are forced to sign both even when
not seeing the second slip. Several
security guards claim that the
second slip contains the amount
prescribed by the law and is being
used by the agency to cover-up for
their unjust auditing.
The guards are not allowed to
take the pay slips. They are only
given a small piece of parchment
about 3x2 inches, containing
a handwritten and unlabeled
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

WEDNESDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2010 • 3

 NEWS
Mga Fulung-Vulungan ng Nagjijisang...
Lola Patola
-INSERT BADING XMAS JINGLE-
H aleeeerr once again,
aking mga beloved
afooowwwsss!!! Izda
time ofda year again, and
nirarayumaloo nanaman
ang inyong favoritech na
lowlaaahhh! But as alwaaayz,
waley paren ang ever
makakapagfigil sa aking sexy
hips from parteying to the
maaaaax! (Partehparteh!)
At sfeaking or parteh, feel ko
nagfarte na rin ako when I
attended the ISTRAYK of my
afows sa CAS! Sufer saksesful
nitechiwa at feel na feel ko
na naging yunayted talagech
ang mga afows ko agenst that
VADVADVAD-get cut ni P(e)
NOY! Congrachumaleyshuns
mga afows ko for a job well
done!
Kaso nga lang, mga dearest
afows, tulad ng evah-
fabulosity na lowlah niyow,
may mga ayaw magpafeegel
na counterbida forces!
Ahayy! Anobaiteyy?
Magfafasko na nga, too many
to menshun pa rin sa YuFiEm
ang mga dumadagdag sa
naughty leest ni Papa Claus
ko. Haynakers, kahit gusto ko
nang tapusin ang Christmas
shopping ko kasama si Lolo
Upo, I will make chismax
muna to you! So eto na, game
na!
A Not So Merry Grinchmas
Chismax Numero Who-Know:
Lubog ang grado kung saan
lumulubog ang araw!
Sumbong sa akechiwa ng mga
taga-Pharmville na afows koh
ay itong si Prof Sunset daw
ay iba ang transmyuteyshen
na ginamit sa pagcompute ng
vonggang-vonggang gradowz!
Kalerx ha! Imbeyz daw na
gamit ay yung istandard
greyding system-chuchu, ivang
transmyuteyshen ang ginamitz
nitechiwa! At ang greyding
system-chuchu na itechiwa ay
sovrang unfeyr dahil itech ay
makapafafavava ng gradowz!
Taruuush! Vavavuuuuht wait,
there’s more! Whendy na-
knows ng students niya last
4 • 15 DECEMBER 2010 •
Volume 24, Numbers 11-12
summer about diz, nagkaroon
ng confronteyshen insayd ng
class nitong si Prof Sunset, at
after magcomment ng jisa kong
afow avout Prof’s greyding
system-char, AVA, may
pagwalk-out ang prof na itey!
Fero fero fero vumalik din siya
And fagbalik ni Prof, dala niya
ang luboowwg na grades ng
mga afows ko, at nagvitiw ng
mga words na: “YOU PEACED
ME OWF!” Grabinaitey, sakit
sa headness! Naku, kung ang
habol mo lang, ay magfahiraf
sa mga afows ko o mamvagsak,
please stop in the namesung
of love! Gumapang ang mga
afowz ko para maka-achieve
na achieve ng maayos na grado,
so fleeeeaaazzz fix yerzelf and
their grades! Or else, Lola P will
intervene! Nyahahahahahaha!
Mmkay? Owrayt! KERI!
A Not So Merry Grinchmas
Chismax Numero Those: Isa
nanamang panirang Dream
About Christmas!
Tsktsk. Aneklavoo na naman
itey nasagap ng aking
majiwagang radar na may isa
na naming prof na hindi rin
fair sa grades?! At contrary sa
mga naririnig ko before, major
terrorization daw itech na prof
na tey! Nag-evolve narin va sya?
Tsk, diziznot good. Zeegurow,
may mizudastandinglang, or
mis-COMMunication na nag-
WEDNESDAY
happen? Vwajajajajaja! Vizto
ka ney! Itech raw mga afows ko
ay nag-study hard na naman za
izang sabjek under the Dream
About Christmas team. Fero
itechiwang professor na itey ay
walang havas na tinapyas ang
kanilang greydsung! Avaaaa
avaaaaa avaaaa. At that’s not
all vecoz namamahiya fa raw
itechiwa sa kanyang klazrum!
Hey you, professor! Umayows
ka nga huh! Wag kang unfeyr
at anrisonabol, wokeh? That’s
baaaad. My afows had been
good to you no! and they
deserve to be treated fairly! Wiz
kita tatantanan until tantanan
mo ang fang-aantagonayz sa
mga afows ko! JUST SAYIN’!
LOLZ!
Naku, ayan na, giniginaw na
si Lolo Upo. O siya sige mga
afooowwzz, I have to warm
him up pa. Aneklavoo kaya
ang gagawin kech sa kanya?
Maybe i’ll give him my
evah-juicy kisses and who
knows, maybe it can lead
to something more. MORE!
MORE! MORE! Ayayayayayay!
Ahlaveeeet! Teehee. Tingin-
tingin from left to right at
ingat sa mga Scrooge this
Christmaaaaasss! Aryt,
vavoo and merry eklavu to
all of you!
COLLEGE BRIEFS
COLLEGE OF NURSING
Prof. Araceli Balabagno is declared as the new dean of the College
of Nursing. Her term as dean started on December 1, 2010 and will
last until November 20, 2013.
UP MANILA shall celebrate Christmas 2010 with the theme,
“Paskong Pinoy: Pagkakaisa, Pagbibigayan at Pag-asa.” The
schedule of events is as follows:
December 1, 2010
Kick-Off Program (Wednesday, 5:00pm) :
- Eucharistic celebration at the PGH Chapel
- Lighting of UPM and College/Unit Lanterns at
the UPM Oblation Plaza
DECEMBER 3, 2010
Raffle Draw (Friday, 2:00pm) at the UPM Boardroom
Deadline for submission of reply slip for Façade Contest
(Friday, not later than 5pm)
DECEMBER 6, 2010 – JANUARY 5, 2011
Display of Façade decorations
DECEMBER 6-15, 2010
Adopt-a-Ward (Gift Giving) (Monday-Friday)
DECEMBER 10, 2010
Deadline for submission of Lantern entries
(Friday, not later than 5pm) at the Office of the Student Affairs
DECEMBER 13-15, 2010
College-based Christmas Activities per college
(Monday-Wednesday)
DECEMBER 14, 2010
Christmas Variety Show:
- “Pamaskong Talento sa PGH” (Tuesday, 3:00pm) at the PGH
Atrium
Deadline for submission of façade entries/description
(Tue, not later than 5pm) at the College of Nursing
DECEMBER 15, 2010
Façade Contest: Judging day
(Wednesday, whole day)
DECEMBER 16, 2010
Simbang Gabi (Thursday, 4:30am) at the PGH Chapel
Lantern Parade and Program:
- Awarding of Façade and Lantern Contest
and Special Awards (Thursday, 4:00pm) at the UPM Oblation
Plaza
Itanong Kay
Isko’t Iska
Anong mensahe mo sa bagong Kung may ireregalo ka kay
BOR? Noynoy, ano ito at bakit?
tandaan nila ang Article XIV babae. para di na sawi ang
section 1 ng 1987 consti -geekbox, pilipinas -geekbox, 09-11676
09-11676
wig. :D well, alam mo na.
good luck. and fuck off with the -zereporhtej
idiotic pranks you guys play on
the UP students. we’re not toys. libro. yung tungkol sa mga
:)) ano daw? -zereporthej SUCs at mga hirap nila.. o kahit
yung mga flyers lang ng mga
Ayusin niyo na yung gusot sa estudyante.. try niyang basahin
PGH Director. Sana sumama from cover to cover.. malay mo,
at tumindig kayo sa laban ng makonsensya.. -champagne03
mga estudyante tutol sa budget
cut na isinasampal ngayon ng Utak. Or at least, isang
Aquino administration sa mga humanitarian na puso. Para
SUCs. -Isabella Vincent, BA BS maramdaman naman niya ang
pangangailangan ng taumbayan
Might does not always make sa mga karapatan na nararapat
right. Please lang, lalo na lang ay natatamasa nila, tulad
sa bagong UP Pres at mga ng sariling lupa, pabahay,
Palace appointees: isipin nyo sahod, edukasyon, at serbisyong
yung libo libong iskolar na pangkalusugan. -Isabella Vincent,
nagpapakahirap mag-aral at BA BS
yung mga mga magulang nilang
kanda-ugaga sa pagpapawis Noy, mura lang ang Mane N
para makabuo ng matrikula Tail. Para hindi na ako mapaisip
bago kayo gumawa ng sa tuwing nakikita kita kung
desisyon/ umabsent sa session. ano bang mas marami ka: utak o
-Beach buhok? -Beach
 Volume 24, Numbers 11-12 NEWS
ORGANEWSATION
Pagtatasa sa Hustisya sa Ilalim The Manila Collegian reserves a space for announcements, gigs,

ng Gobyernong Aquino and rendezvous tidbits of organizations in UP Manila. Submit

your announcements via email to themanilacollegian@gmail.
com. Max of 100 words
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
The UP Manila Chorale presented their Christmas concert for this year,
BEANCA JHANINE MULATO SAMIANO The Nadal. It was held at the Philam Life Auditorium, on December

S
a panimula ng kampanya ni Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III hanggang sa nahalal
siya bilang pinakabago at ika-15 pangulo ng Pilipinas ay ipinangako na niya ang landas
tungo sa pagbabago. Kataka-takang magpahanggang sa ngayon, ang pagbabagong inaasam-
asam at ang bawat pangangailangan ng mamamayang Pilipino ay tila hindi pa rin lubos na
natutugunan.
Bilang ng Araw na Nasa Kapangyarihan
Bilang ng Pampolitikang Bilanggo*
Bilang ng Pampolitikang Pagpatay
Bilang ng Araw ng ‘Morong 43’ sa Loob ng Kulungan
Bilang ng Araw Simula ng Ipinangakong Ipapamahagi ang
Hacienda Luisita
Kasabay ng kanyang pag-upo
sa puwesto ay ang pagharap sa
iba’t ibang isyu at problema ng
bansa na sa kasalukuyan ay hindi
pa rin nabibigyang-solusyon.
Kapansin-pansin din na matapos
ang kanyang unang 100 araw
bilang pangulo ay mas dumami
pa ang suliranin sa iba’t ibang
kagawaran ng bansa lalong lalo na
sa hustisya.
Narito ang isang talangguhit na
nagpapakita ng kalunos-lunos na
kalagayan ng hustiya sa bansa, sa
kasalukuyang administrasyon.
*315 na inaresto sa ilalim ng
administrasyong Arroyo; 8 naman
sa ilalim ng gobyernong Aquino;
at ang iba ay inaresto simula pa
noong rehimeng Marcos.
Pinagmulan: www.bulatlat.com
Kung susuriin ang talangguhit
sa itaas, makikita ang mataas
na bilang ng biktima ng
pampolitikang pagpakakakulong
at pagpatay. Ito ay isang
matinding indikasyon na ang
karahasan sa bansa ay hindi pa rin
napipigilan at sa halip ay patuloy
na nadadagdagan. Maraming
Pilipino ang nakararanas nito at
kung susuriing mabuti, ang tangi
lamang nilang kagustuhan ay
maipaglaban ang bawat karapatan
na dapat natatamasa ng bawat
mamamayan.
Sampung buwan na ang
nakakalipas simula ng sapilitang
pinosasan at ikulong ang ‘Morong
43’—ang 43 boluntaryong
manggagawang pangkalusugan—
sa Morong, Rizal noong Pebrero
6, 2010. Ang kanilang patuloy
na pamamalagi sa kulungan ay
nagpapahiwatig ng tahasang
paglabag ng kani-kanilang
karapatang-pantao.
Sa kabilang banda, sa paglipas ng
mga araw ay patuloy na umaasa
ang mga magsasaka ng Hacienda
Luisita na maibibigay sa kanila
ang lupang kanilang sinasaka na
noon pa man ay ipinangakong
mapapapunta sa kanila.
Mabagal na Pag-usad ng Hustisya
Ilang araw pa lamang mula noong
pormal na maupo si Aquino
bilang pangulo ay nakapagtala
kaagad ng kaso ng pampolitikang
pagpatay sa bansa. Ang kauna-
unahang kasong naitala ay ang
kay Fernando Baldomero na apat
na beses binaril noong Hulyo 5 sa
harap ng kanilang bahay sa Lezo,
Aklan. Si Baldomero ay konsehal
sa Lezo at miyembro ng Bayan
Muna. Sa kasalukuyan, hindi
pa rin nahuhuli ang bumaril sa
kanya.
Sinundan naman ito ng kaso ng
pagpatay sa 75 taong gulang
na si Jose Daguio na isang
prominenteng tagapagbalita
sa Kalinga. Siya ay dating radio
anchor sa Radyo Natin — Kalinga.
Ang kaso ni Daguio ang unang
midyang pagpatay na naitala sa
ilalim ng rehimeng Aquino.
Kung ang mga bagong kaso na
naitala sa gobyerno ni Aquino ay
hindi pa rin tuluyang nareresolba,
hindi pa rin naman nalulutas ang
mga kaso sa administrasyong
Arroyo. Kamakailan lamang
ay ginunita ng sambayan ang
unang taon ng ‘Maguindanao
Massacre’. Ito ang insidente
na nangyari noong nakaraang
Nobyembre 23, 2009 na kung
saan ay walang habas na
pinatay ang ilang miyembro ng
pamilya Mangudadatu kasama
ang maraming mamamahayag.
Hanggang sa ngayon, ang kasong
ito ay dinidinig pa rin sa Korte
Suprema at di pa tuluyang
napaparusahan ang may sala.
Hinihiling pa rin ng pamilya
160
393
22
309
306
Mangudadatu ang hustisya sa
bagong administrasyon laban sa
angkan ng Ampatuan na siyang
tinuturong utak ng pagpatay.
Sinasalamin ng kawalang
hustisyang ito ang patuloy na
pagbibingi-bingihan ng pangulo
sa mga hinaing para sa hustisya
at kawalan ng interes na tuparin
ang mga pangako niya noong State
of the Nation Address (SONA) na
paparusahan ang mga may sala.
Sinabi ni Aquino, “Nagsimula
nang mabuo ang ating Truth
Commission, sa pangunguna ni
dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide.
Hahanapin natin ang katotohanan
sa mga nangyari diumanong
katiwalian noong nakaraang
siyam na taon.” Kung iisipin,
nakalipas na ang mahigit tatlong
buwan subalit tila wala pa ring
progreso. Maraming araw na ang
nasayang at hindi pa rin tuluyang
napapanagot ang mga nagkasala
sa taong bayan. Nararapat lamang
na ang gobyernong Aquino ay
hindi na nagpatumpiktumpik pa.
Kawalan ng Aksiyon
Ang magkakasunod na militanteng
pagkilos ng mga magsasaka ng
Hacienda Luisita ay lumikha ng
malaking isyu. Matatandaan na
nagprotesta sila sa pangunahing
tanggapan ng Kagawarang
Agraryang Panreporma sa Korte
Suprema noong Agosto 18 at 24
tungkol sa legalidad ng Hacienda
Luisita Inc. (HLI) 1989 Stock
Distribution Option (SDO). Ayon
sa Seksyon 31 ng Batas Republika
6657, “the agricultural land of the
corporate owners or corporation
shall be subject to the compulsary
coverage.” Magpahanggang sa
ngayon, ang hatian sa lupa ay
hindi pa rin sinasagawa. Ang isa
pang naging suliranin ay ilan
sa kanila ay pinapirma sa isang
kasunduan na stocks sa HLI ang
ibibigay na 11 piso ang kita kada
3. The concert featured Manuel Oltra’s Nadal and Leonard Bernstein’s
Chichester Psalms.
•••
UP Manila Indayog Dance Varsity placed third in the recently
concluded Skechers Dance Battle Year 6. The event was held on
November 20 at the Araneta Coliseum.
•••
The University Student Council invites all student organizations to
join the bidding for the upcoming UP Manila Fair Events and booth
slots on December 14, 5pm at the Conference room, 4th floor UP
Manila Student Center. Kindly contact USC Councilor Mudir Estrella
for details through 09161126145.
•••
The Organization of Area Studies Majors (OrgASM) invites everyone
to its 7th anniversary celebration, Kartada Siete, on December 6-10.
Events include Devil’s Threesome, an inter-CAS-based organizations
3-on-3 basketball competition and Kapistahang Timog Silangang
Asya, an exhibit by AS121 students.
•••
UP One Earth encourages everyone to ‘deck the halls with ornaments
made from recycled materials and celebrate a creative and green
Christmas this year’, through making their own Christmas ornaments
and decorations from recyclable materials, such as cardboards,
newspapers, CDs and others, instead of buying new ones.
Linggo sa halip na lupa. Sila ay nasabing isyu ay hindi rin naman
nagpapakahirap na sakahin ang naiiba sa mga binatikos niya.
lupa para sa iba samantalang sila
ay pinagkakasya ang kakarampot Ang bawat mamamayang
na kita. Pilipino ay naging saksi noong
ibinandila niya ang landas tungo
Sa kabilang banda, ang ‘Morong sa pagbabago at umasa na ito ay
43’ ay nakaranas din ng kanyang matutugunan, datapwat
nakapanlulumong sitwasyon. ang mga numero sa talangguhit
Sa kabila ng pagkakaurong ng ay ipinapakita ang mabagal na
mga singil pangkrimen laban pag-usad ng hustisya na taglay
sa kanila kamakailan lamang, ng bagong administrasyon.
nananatiling isang kabuktutan Maraming suliranin at isyu ang
ang katotohanang napiit sila bansa na kailangan ng resolbahin
sa kulungan dulot ng kawalan pero hindi ito nabibigyan ng
ng karampatang aksyon at pansin at ang atensyon ng
hustisya sa bansa. Ang mahigit gobyerno ay nakatutok sa mga
sa 300 araw na inilagi nila sa isyung hindi naman tunay na
kulungan ay isang napakalinaw mahalaga. Nararapat lamang
na manipestasyon ng pagkikibit- na mas maging mapagmatyag
balikat ng administrasyon sa mga at matutong kumilos ang bawat
paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa Pilipino upang mas mabigyang-
bansa. diin ang mga bagay na ang
mga mamamayan ang dapat
Kapwa ang magsasaka ng nakikinabang.
Hacienda Luisita at ‘Morong
43’ ay nakaranas ng matinding
hirap at pasakit. Ang kanilang ITANONG KAY ISKO’T
naging sitwasyon ay nagpapakita ISKA FOR NEXT ISSUE
ng kawalang-aksyon at patuloy
na pagbibingi-bingihan at
pagbubulag-bulagan ng Sinong kasama mo
kasalukuyang gobyerno. nung nagputukan
noong bagong taon?
Sa madaling sabi, ang salita
ng pangako ay walang saysay Ipadala ang mga sagot
at mapapako lamang kung sa themanilacollegian@
kulang naman sa gawa. Sa gmail.com o i-mensahe
nakaraang SONA ni Pangulong
sa facebook page ng
Aquino ay binatikos niya ang
administrayong Arroyo dahil sa The Manila Collegian.
mga pagkakamali at pagkukulang Pwede na rin sa
nito sa sambayanan noong ito ay 09052917380, pero hindi
nasa puwesto pa. Sa kabila nito, kami tumatanggap ng
ang kanyang pagkikibit-balikat textmates. :)
at kawalan ng aksyon sa mga

WEDNESDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2010 • 5

culture
We
m ay
b e
the
country that can celebrate the
longest Christmas season. But
it may be such an irony to practice
a five-month festivity every year
for a country filled with problems
due to the irresponsibility of some
people in power. They neglect
their duties regarding the concern
of the people, not to mention the
anomalies going on inside the
system. It may be hard to cope up
in such situation, but since this is
a custom for us Filipinos running
hundreds of years ago, we still find
solutions on how to allot money in a
tight budget to celebrate Christmas.
We are but too hesitant to not just
celebrate the most-awaited time in
the Filipino calendar.
Yet, when people start delving in
a different viewpoint, Christmas
would not only be seen as a
celebration of giving and sharing
of love. Instead, it would depict the
conditions in the society that are far
more festive than Christmas. And
being aware in this account would
be an important wake-up call in
what the society really must look
forward to celebrate rather than
Christmas.
Christmas Tree: The Social
Triangle
This tree maybe is the most popular
one during this season, but it
might be that the Christmas tree’s
amusing physique is a bigger and
more serious social stature.
From its triangular facade, the
Christmas tree interprets a different
dimension of understanding that
only a few people are able to realize.
It illustrates a case in the society
where the people are encapsulated
inside a triangle and classified
depending on their influence and
income. This is popularly known
as the “social triangle”. Similar to
the Christmas tree, the decorations
may be placed somewhere different
from where it was from its last
placement. The same case happens
with the lower classes of the society
where they stay in their situation
for generations and generations
without progress seen. Though
the farmers and the workers triple
their energy to get their jobs done,
they would always end up receiving
the least benefits in their efforts.
On the other hand, the only thing
that would always be the focus of
everybody in the tree would be
the big star on the top. Akin to this,
everyone in the society regards the
power attained by the landlords,
the highest class in the society. Like
the star up the tree, those people
in power are always meant to be
looked up than any other classes
in the society. But if the desire for a
change in this system were to be put
into action, the higher the chance
that the “Christmas tree” would
have a new look for the better.
6 • 15 DECEMBER 2010 •
Volume 24, Numbers 11-12
T
he nearer the Christmas season
gets, the more prone the situation
go into sarcasm.
Christ
mas Insignias
The State of Society in Christmas Symbolism
JOHN VHERLIN CANLAS MAGDAY
In reality, we are living in such a
structured triangle. The triangle
has been imposed through several
conditions, but we must not
forget that as a part of the society,
we can make a difference. We
must gradually make an action
and transform the triangle to its
new shape. If everyone is only
in a parallel mindset with no
misled exceptions and abused
superiorities, everyone will be
noticed and seen indifferently. No
stars and other decorations like the
Christmas tree, just a better living
society.
Santa Claus: Icon of the
Naughty and Nice
The most popular being during
Christmas, Santa is loved for
the presents he gives to people,
especially the children. Only, the
least that we may presume is that
our dear Santa is not everybody’s
nice old man and must have more
intentions than just “coming to
town”.
Santa Claus personifies hope and
happiness during Christmas thru
giving gifts to everyone especially
the children. We as Filipinos who
were once oppressed in the past
still sometimes hope that a Santa
would come and bring out hope to
us: a benevolent person. We still
believe that there exist a being like
Santa although we know that he
really is not.
WEDNESDAY
ILLUSTRATED BY MARION BIOLENA
However, Santa cannot always be
the nice old man that everyone
loves. In the society, politicians may
showcase generosity to the people,
but their “good acts” only come like
dear Santa, seasonal. Christmas
season for them is the election
period, where these officials
suddenly become like Santa—they
would do all sorts of things just to
be loved by the people and get their
votes. Albeit, after they succeed
in doing so, they would just be
invisible and neglect their duties to
their constituents, like Santa Claus
disappearing after Christmas and
would wait until the season comes
again.
Another resemblance that can be
seen would be the existence of
U.S. imperialism in the country. It
can be said so for firstly, Santa was
originally introduced to us by the
Americans during their occupation,
not only as an insignia of hope
and happiness, but also for them
to control our then undeveloped
independence. Secondly, the
Americans easily got the Filipinos’
hearts for we thought that they
were our only hope from the
country’s devastation. Yet little
did we know is that the American
stepped in our country prepared
with hidden agendas. Further,
many among us are still locked in a
mentality where we see America as
our last resort for progress.. This is
akin to the reality that Santa Claus
only embodies the spirit of hope
but not an actual person who would
grant everyone’s wish in an instant.
It is evident that Santa Claus, with
all his gifts and promises, does not
exist. Still, there are those who
naively wait for the unconditional
goods that Santa mythical delivers.
Santa’s fabled existence was
“brought to life” not to cripple
everyone’s expectations, but to
remind everyone that Santa is only
an inspiration for us to uplift our
hopes and for us to realize that we
must strive to succeed.
Carolling: Call of the Deprived
How would you entirely appreciate
Christmas if there were no
Christmas music that will soothe
your ears? This is what carolling is
all about.
As the month of December
approaches, hearing groups of
youth (and even the older ones)
singing different Christmas songs
from house-to-house is a candy to
the ear but sometimes pain in the
pocket. These carollers do not only
sing for nothing but because it is
their way to get some money for
the Christmas season. If given luck
and patience, the carollers get from
right to huge amount of money. But
oftentimes, these carollers hear the
famous word, “Patawad!” from the
people where it is a sign that they
refuse to give.
Although it is timely and may also be
pleasant to hear, carolling may also
be a portrayal of such situations in
In some ways,
it only serves
as a band-aid
in the society.
It may be able
to heal and
make us forget
the wounds of
society for the
meantime.
the society. For example, situations
like rallies where those who are
brave enough to articulate their
oppressed condition voice their
concerns out into the public are
ignored by the government. The
government suddenly becomes
deaf and blind as the people cried
for their concerns. These are such
obvious depictions of unheard
carols in the society. Like the
carollers, the people aim to have an
outcome of their efforts; only that it
is not money that they are seeking
but an action from the government
that would answer the people’s
concerns. Like the carollers,
the oppressed are in sight that
someone from the people listening
to them, especially those in power,
would pay back for their efforts.
And like the carollers that are in
help with one another to sing their
carols out, the collective approach
of the oppressed can build a better
ground for the higher power in
the society to hear their massive
movement.
Carolling uplifts the spirit of
Christmas in the sense that some
people still regard walking on
streets and sing Christmas songs
to serenade the people, whether
these people will like it or not.
But analogous to carolling, the
movements done by the oppressed
people intend to express what really
is inside their hearts and seek to
be heard by the concerned people
for them to receive something for
“Christmas”, a just and a considerate
government.
Christmas Lights: A Lost
Symbol
Definitely, Christmas season is
getting nearer. Wherever you look,
from the grandest subdivisions to
the poorest communities would
make you feel that the season is
being celebrated.
Those twinkling Christmas lights
are an example for people to
believe that the yuletide season is
nearby. It may bedazzle the eyes
of many people, and has become
a means for distinguishing which
houses are more decorated and
therefore, distinctly wealthy. Here,
the decoration serves a purpose
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

imply plagiarism.
Although plagiarism does not
come with a sanction that can be
as heavy as lifetime imprisonment,
committing it and being proven
guilty for it can define what a person
is for giving in to the temptation of
having to copy another person’s
work. We have the tendency to
regard our thoughts as our own,
fictitiously distancing ourselves
from intellectual piracy, never
realizing that our thoughts may
have been derived from others’ or
a product of the collection of what
we have learned from others’ ideas.
In our country, we can already
observe the similarities of cultures,
and even television shows. Just like
the Koreans, we are attracted to
television series that involve two
or three characters falling in love.
Even our dishes and delicacies have
a similarity to other dishes abroad.
Somehow, this could show that a
Filipino is, in our own language,
“manggagaya”. However, there
exists a concept that is known as
cultural assimilation, that due to
our interaction with people from
different countries as a result of
colonization, we were able to derive
their culture and our original
culture into one. This prompts the
notion that no culture is superior to
all others. In the matter of thoughts,
we are able to create an idea that
encompasses all ideas that we were
CYNICAL
able to conceive in the course of our
study or observation.
To be marked as someone who has
plagiarized weighs almost the same
as someone who has been marked
FOR CREDIT
as someone who has been proven
guilty of stealing. It will not be the
cause for extreme punishments,
but it will still let you carry along a
RUTH GENEVIEVE AUSTRIA LUMIBAO bad reputation. And just like what
ILLUSTRATED BY KATRINA JOY CAPULONG Friedrich Nietzsche said, “It is easier
to cope with a bad conscience than
T
with a bad reputation”.
he controversies concerning the Supreme Court and
Willie Revilliame, which have been roused recently, Plagiarism in the
only emphasizes how plagiarism is a big issue that can pages of history
overshadow other issues. Plagiarism can cause the wavering of
credibility of an institution, to the questioning of the morality Copying was more than tolerated
before, when people highly praised
of a graduating student--making us wonder how penitent its someone who could exactly copy an
implications could be in our society. Now, we can see plagiarism artwork, or even play a musical piece
as an issue that comes like an eclipse in the midst of many other with the same beauty as the original.
political arguments, and its implications that could rival such However, this is only a rendition, for
other issues. when you play a musical piece, it
would be like paying tribute to the
that all human beings share. If we original composer.
accept this theory by Chomsky, we Tolerance, even in the field or
Implications and can conclude that it is possible for arts, has ended when a sense of
Identities us to have the same thoughts with individualism started to spring
another person, with only slight into the consciousness of mankind.
Our thoughts reflect our own dissimilarities in the usage of terms. This sense of individualism started
personality; what we do about during the Age of Enlightenment,
our thoughts reflects our own The greatest to the simplest ideas when science and logic fluorished.
creativity. Among the many people that we have are actually introduced Today, we value our artwork, ideas,
in the world, our differences and to us by someone that we have thoughts, and written outputs that
even our similarities become the encountered, like in a random we do not want someone to just
basis of comparison. However, conversation or a TV ad. Our steal it away from us, may it be just
according to a theory by Noam uniqueness is what separates us a coincidence or not. An individual is
Chomsky, we have some kind of from all others—it is what defines put on a pedestal if he or she comes
universal language that enables us us. We may have several similarities up with an idea by himself of herself,
to understand a statement without with other people, but not all our and that idea will become his or her
having to dissect it. Sentences may thoughts can intersect with each possession.
be derived, with words arranged, other at one point. Nevertheless, Somehow, it shows how much
added or deducted, but would to present our ideas just the same people value their success in being
still have the same thought. This way as we saw it without giving able to think of ideas ahead of others,
manifests a common language acknowledgment or recognition to and how much they value their ideas
its original author or creator can reflects on being against plagiarism.
Volume 24, Numbers 11-12
There exists a proud feeling when
being cited or recognized for
something you have done. This sense
of individualism has enabled us to
construct an attachment with our
belongings – and that includes our
ideas and thoughts.
People exclusively claim to what
they were able to think about – and
they want to own it, because it gives
them a feeling of having superior
knowledge. This could be in favor
of the researchers, for they devote
their time in a study, working for
what could be the solutions to the
problems we have today. In this case,
the basic contradiction between
collectivism and individualism comes
to fore: who shall serve to benefit
the products of this knowledge? A
related controversy illustrating this
explores the case about Monsanto,
a multi-national agriculture
biotechnology company, wherein
the farmers using their products are
forced to buy seeds each year rather
than utilizing the newly produced
kernel because of copyright clauses
of use. In this sense, the knowledge
of the researchers and the and its
products are profiting an elite few
from the exclusivity provided by
them by patenting. Knowledge is not
shared and thus, becomes stagnant
and profitable tools for oppression.
So, the question remains: should
plagiarism really be condemned?
Today’s technology provides us easy
ways to commit plagiarism, and as
a norm, it is known that we have to
avoid committing plagiarism.
I ne q u ity ,
commonality and
individuality
Even in the aspect of plagiarism,
inequity in the aspect of education
also exists. Not all of us can afford to
go to good schools and universities
to be intellectually equipped to
compete with one another. The
consideration for material factors
just like wealth could greatly alter the
capacity for one to be academically
competitive. This could also affect
the ability for one to creatively think
up ideas.
For instance, theses, dissertations,
and other sources we could use are
available online and in different
sources that require us to pay a
certain monetary amount before
usage. This presents to society some
kind of agreement to plagiarism as
long as you can pay for the document.
Therefore, even though some writers
are strictly against plagiarism, this
kind of activity shows a tolerance to
those who can pay the price – as if
buying the knowledge of the original
author.
There are so many thoughts that we
could create, so many ideas that we
can think of, but we can only think of
so much. One discovery can answer
a lot of questions, but can also raise
more questions. This manifests
that our learning is incessant, and
yet we are bounded by the limited
rationality that exist around us. By
then, we will have to borrow again
from other people, thus creating a
possibility of plagiarism.
So, to whom do thoughts belong?
WEDNESDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2010 •
culture
It is possible that the others were
able to create such thoughts only by
compiling the thoughts of others as
well. It becomes a cyclical procedure,
and it will continue on as man lives
in the universe, aware of what is
happening around him.
To be safe from the criticisms of
today’s society, it is considered that
plagiarism should not be tolerated to
improve individuality and creativity
among us. Writers, and all those
creating written outputs, should
have that sense of responsibility
to check out the ideas in his work,
and carefully inspect which can be a
possible proof of plagiarism.
Plagiarism just shows that when
ideas are circulated, it can stay in
the minds of people, and when it
stays there, it will seem as if it is
the person’s own. Our value for
individual uniqueness still prevails
to let us have that feeling of pride
when we find out that we have been
cited because of an idea we were
able to create. In today’s society, it
is considered as cheating or stealing
because we consider our ideas,
thoughts and words to be our own.
The concept of intellectual property
induces a thought in our minds
that plagiarism can actually be
associated with stealing, since it
enters the question: “Can thoughts
be a part of our possessions?” If
asked to a researcher, we might find
that an idea can be a possession, and
this is where we are challenged to be
intellectually honest. Researchers
worked hard for a project, and it
isn’t only about being credited as
someone who was able to formulate
an idea. It is also about being credited
for the hard work the researcher
dedicated to his or her work. It is
about giving credit to where it is due,
and recognizing the genius behind
man’s innovation of very primitive
ideas into phenomenal ones.
Nevertheless, being accused of
plagiarism also shows that we can
only think of so much. People who
have the capability to think of ideas
extracted from what is not visible
can contribute to the knowledge of
the society, and from that point, it
will create a series of similar ideas
and be developed by another person.
And when another individual gets
hold of those ideas, he will put the
pieces of the jigsaw puzzle into the
right place, and create one to be
presented as a whole.
Therefore, what does plagiarism
tell about our society? Culture has
changed, and today, it is considered
as a norm to give acknowledgment
to the authors of original works.
Think about their hard work. Think
about the time they have given and
the dedication they have poured
on to their work. But plagiarism
will be one of those issues that can
make you see the different sides,
the pros and cons – because it will
also depend on whose side you are
looking on. And when you over think
such issues, all you might end up
with is the question that intrigued
you in the first place.
7
 Volume 24, Numbers 11-12

8 • 15 DECEMBER 2010 • WEDNESDAY

Volume 24, Numbers 11-12

WEDNESDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2010 • 9

features
Auctorita*:
Volume 24, Numbers 11-12
Vox
PROFILING AQUINO’S SET OF THE UP BOARD OF REGENTS
Power
ARIES JOSEPH ARMENDI HEGINA
ILLUSTRATED BY NEIL GABAYERON
in its most absolute form, is dominance.
The fate of the University of the
Philippines’ fate rests on the hands of 11
people―the Board of Regents. Having the
clout to concoct decisions that can affect the
lives of its constituents, it would make them
liable for the institution’s present and future.
Recently, the election of a new president
and Student Regent, and the appointment of
three regents by Malacañang create a new
playing field in which rules are again to be
created and the fate of the Iskolar is going
to be decided upon. Furthermore, there are
renewed hopes that the university’s governing
body would function effectively its vested
mandate- that is to uphold the welfare of UP
and safeguard its image as an untarnished
institution for the people—something that has
been forgotten by those who were previously
in the seat of power.
As stated in the RA 9500, the Board of
Regents (BOR) is UP’s highest governing
and policy-making body and consists of 11
members which are lead by the Commission
on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson and
co-chaired by the university’s president. The
Chairpersons of the Committees of Higher
Education of the Senate and the House of
Representatives are members of the UP
Board of Regents which are concurrent with
their functions as committee chairpersons.
Three regents represent the three large
sectors of the university in the board― the
students, the faculty and the professional
and administrative personnel by the Student
Regent (SR), Faculty Regent and the Staff
Regent, respectively.
These offices which are representative of
the greatest stakeholders in the university,
however, have not prevented the passing
of laws detrimental to the welfare of the
University of the People during the past
administration. That the BOR was able to
approve of such decisions as the 300%
increase in the students’ tuition and other
fees, the dismissal of former SR Charisse
Banez and lecturer Sarah Raymundo despite
the vehement opposition of the sectoral
regents only emphasize how the composition
of this body is very critical to the future issues.
Rather than upholding reforms for the greater
good, the BOR during the Arroyo regime has
10 • 15 DECEMBER 2010 • WEDNESDAY
turned blind on seeing the real score and
needs of its constituents.
In an attempt to bring back the UP to its old
glorious days, Aquino has composed himself
a “dream team” that could be able to realize
such goal. To scrub off the stains that have
tinged deeply in UP’s history would be the
greatest challenge that the Aquino’s BOR
must overcome. Below are the members
of the 11 member governing body in which
in their hands, lies the life of the whole
UP student body and that of the whole
institution.
PATRICIA B. LICUANAN,
PH.D., CHAIRPERSON
Chairperson of the Commission
on Higher Education
An Aquino-appointee, she
was the president of Miriam
College before she was in
the Commission’s top post. Her
career record includes of being
a Psychology professor and
academic vice-president of the
Ateneo de Manila University. She
is also regarded as a leader in
advocating gender equality in
the Asia-Pacific region.
Her appointment in the
Commission’s post has been challenged because it is
said that she hails from private schools and thus, cannot
sympathize with the predicaments of those belonging
in the public tertiary sector. For one, she may not
be able to interpret the dangers of privatization and
commercialization in a public system like UP. She could
see it in a visage that these “dangers” would aim to help
generate income for the university.
ALFREDO PASCUAL, CO-CHAIRPERSON
President of the University of the Philippines
Former Alumni Regent and 20th President of the
university, Alfredo Pascual was elected to the post last
December 3, 2010. His vision for UP includes
remaking it to a great university by making
advances in its research and expanding its
programs to be relevant in the global context.
He also wants to democratize admission to the
university and plans to give incentives to its
working staff.
Pascual has already immersed himself in the
pressing issues that are facing UP. He said that he
is in favor of using the university’s assets but stresses
that commercialization of assets is different from
commercializing education― which has been the complete
opposite of what has happened in Roman’s regime. To
be able to solve UP’s recurrent problems, he aims to gear
extra funds for the welfare of students, establish programs
and partnerships with different institutions― all for the
attainment of his goal of remaking a great university.
Yet, these goals though valiant and laudable, should be
constantly watched by the Iskolar ng Bayan for UP could not
afford to have a reincarnation of the dreaded Roman empire
in the hands of Pascual.
His term would start on February 10, 2011 where he will
succeed Emerlinda Roman.
EDGARDO J. ANGARA,
MEMBER
Chairperson, Senate Committee on
Education, Arts and Culture
The former UP President and the
longest serving senator in the post-
EDSA era (four terms), he is more
known as a politician. He got his
Bachelor and Master of Laws
degree in UP. He also ran for vice-
presidency in 1998 where he
lost to the then senator, Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo.
Being a former UP President, he is expected to know the
twist and turns of leading the institution, which includes
primarily fighting for the interest of UP’s constituents. Also,
through his power as a senator, he can relay the quandaries
of the UP system in senate sessions which evidently, he has
not done in recent times. This claim is supported by the fact
that he did not vote against the 1.6 trillion Peso “reform
budget.” If he sympathizes for the institution that he once
led, he should have at least voted against its passage. Ergo,
being a former UP president would not give the assurance
that he is a pro-student member of the BOR.
JUAN EDGARDO M. ANGARA, MEMBER
Chairperson, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education
He is the son of Senator Edgardo Angara and currently
representative of the lone district of Aurora. Some of his

authored laws concerned such as
women’s rights, economic and fiscal
reform, and good governance. His
abilities as a lawyer have bore the
UP Charter of 2008. The Charter
upholds the role of UP not merely
as the state’s premier university
but the national university of the
archipelago.
Being able to spearhead its creation,
Congressman Angara could still pass
laws that are for the welfare of the
students. Some of his laws that
still need to be passed are the
Schoolbuilding Act, Student
Transport Discount Act and
Expanded Students Voucher
System.
GLADYS SJ TIONGCO, MEMBER
President, UP Alumni Association; Alumni Regent
She succeeded the incoming UP President Alfredo Pascual
as the president of UP Alumni Association. By being the
Alumni Regent, she can tap a vast resource of funds for the
university—the alumni. Yet, it is evident that on the present,
more and more UP alumni are “forgetting to repay” their
education to the university. It can be seen that the changing
tides of time have change the UP graduates’ line of thought.
Such thinking however should cease and such would serve
as a challenge in Tiongco’s service in the BOR.
REYNATO S. PUNO, MEMBER
Nominated by the President of the
Philippines
Former Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court, he is one of the three
Malacañang appointees and replaced
Regent and former Associate Justice
Abraham F. Sarmiento who passed away
last October 3, 2010. He is described by
colleagues as a “man of law, prose and
religion.” It is supported by his high
trust ratings when he was still the
Chief Justice, being awarded the
2008 UPAA Most Distinguished
Alumnus and in the international
level, he was given the 2008 World Peace Prize Award-
Human Cultural Asset International. As a regent in his alma
mater, he will serve as a beacon of integrity and can be
counted as a watchdog if all the proceedings and decisions
in the BOR go through a righteous process.
MAGDALENO ALBARRACIN,
JR., MEMBER
Nominated by the President of the
Philippines
Former UPD College of Business
Administration Dean and also an
Aquino appointee, he is the President
and Director of Holcim Philippines,
Inc. formerly Union Cement
Corporation, a Philippines-based
cement manufacturer. He is also the
Senior Executive Vice President
and Director of Bacnotan
Consolidated Industries, Inc.
(BCII), a Philippines-based
company that investments in shares of various subsidiaries,
associates, affiliates and other marketable equity securities.
The regent’s profile mostly includes his affiliations in the
private sector which may send wrong messages regarding
him being pro-privatization. But he would be effective in
Volume 24, Numbers 11-12
his job as one of the members of the BOR if he does not turn
his ears deaf to the studentry. And only on that circumstance
would he function his role well as a purveyor of change in
the governing body.
ELIZABETH O. SIGUION-
REYNA, MEMBER
Nominated by the President of the
Philippines
Last of the three Malacañang
appointees, she is the daughter
of veteran singer-actress Armida
Siguion-Reyna. She graduated from
the Institute of Creative Writing
in 1976. Little is known about
Siguion-Reyna but it is deemed
that she would serve as one of the
Palace’s instruments in relaying
its concerns for the university.
Yet, if she believes in the
ideals of UP, then she must
start lobbying for student’s
rights and uphold pro-student
policies, not just those that are spoon-fed to her by the
Aquino administration.
IDA DALMACIO, MEMBER
Faculty Regent
The incoming Faculty Regent, who represents UPLB, is a
researcher and Executive Director of the Philippine Council
for the Advanced Science and Technology Research and
Development (PCASTRD) and has served for 35 years
at the university. She has a seven point program which
mostly upholds the rights of the faculty regarding faculty
and promotion, making of income generating programs
and working closely with the Staff and Student Regents.
Dalmacio must prove her stand as a supporter of the
students and faculty, just what her predecessor Judy
Taguiwalo has done.
CLODUALDO E. CABRERA,
MEMBER
Staff Regent
The first Staff Regent in the history of
UP, he worked in the university for the
past 19 years as a buyer and a property
custodian. He lobbied in Congress for
sufficient budget allocation for UP and
a representative of professional and
administrative personnel in the BOR
in which it was eventually granted.
He is always one with the other
two sectoral regents in voicing out
against issues that would greatly
inflict harm to the UP studentry.
JACQUE EROLES, MEMBER
Student Regent
She was instated last November 27, 2010
as the new Student Regent after the
BOR disqualified Former Student
Regent Cori Alessa Co due to her
academic standing as a UP student.
Upon Eroles’ appointment, Taguiwalo
assured the whole UP student body that
she will be “a militant representative of
the students in the Board of Regents and
will advance democratic governance in
theuniversity and in opposing policies
that will further erode the public
character of UP.”―as proven by
her track record as a former UPD
WEDNESDAY
Features
THE TRUE MANDATE OF
THE BOARD OF REGENTS
IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE
ISSUES OF GOVERNANCE
AND POLICY MAKING. BUT,
THEY ARE FOUNDED SO
THAT THEY MAY BE ABLE
TO DEFEND THE PUBLIC
IMAGE OF THE STATE’S
PREMIER UNIVERSITY
AND TO SUBDUE ALL
THREATS THAT WOULD
HARM THE INSTITUTION’S
CONSTITUENTS.
USC Vice-Chairperson. Eroles, through her office seeks to
take into consideration three issues: the issue of democratic
access in the University, the democratic participation
of students in University affairs, and the university
participation in important national and international affairs.
***
The composition of the Board of Regents is
said to comprise of different people from the
government, the public and private sector.
However, the majority of the anti-Iskolar
members has disregarded the pro-student
minority that is evidence by upholding policies
that are privatization-oriented, such as proven
by privatization of UP’s assets and the 2007
TOFI. With such measures, the essence of UP
as a public university was put into shame.
As the Aquino administration comes into
the picture, it is interesting to note how
the Palace’s revamp would affect the
implementation of policies in the UP System.
The role of UP as the University of the People
is still caught in a private-public tug-of-war
of ideals, the Iskolar must remain vigilant
for how would the revamped BOR solve this
predicament.
Power is not only about exercising dominance
but also executing the vested mandate for
the common good of the people whom they
are compelled to serve. The revamped BOR’s
case is not an exception. The true mandate
of the Board of Regents is not just about the
issues of governance and policy making. But,
they are founded so that they may be able to
defend the public image of the state’s premier
university and to subdue all threats that would
harm the institution’s constituents. For it is
only the Iskolar’s voice that who they should
listen to; nothing more, nothing less.
*Vox Auctorita is latin for Voice of Authority
• 15 DECEMBER 2010 • 11
A
Features Volume 24, Numbers 11-12

A
young minds and shaping barangays. Other than the usual empty promises
venue for youth representation in governance, and band-aid solutions, the SK should promote concrete action to not only
the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) spearheads prove the worth of a citizen’s taxes, but also to remind everyone the
youth engagement in social change in the country. importance of the youth sector in society.
However, the SK system itself poses problems which To ensure the efficient performance of the SK, the Local
negates its true essence, and instead further separates Government Code stipulates that regular training for SK officials
the youth from its much needed empowerment. should be provided by the two supervising agencies to the SK,
the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the
National Youth Commission (NYC). But it seems that this duty is hazy
Debates regarding the abolition of SK sprung particularly from its
to both factions, as it is unclear which agency has direct control or
vacillating performances and lack of public recognition within its
monitoring duties over the SK. The NYC acts as a mere assistant to
eighteen years of existence. For years, their image has been tainted with
the SK National Federation (SKNF), acting with limited powers over
a system of sham management and unsuccessful reorganization of the
the SK and providing whatever the SK deems necessary. On the other
youth sector. Fraudulent schemes should never be blamed on the youth,
hand, the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO), a division in
since the irony is in the national government itself. As this is the case, it is
the DILG, is in charge of providing technical assistance to the SK
questionable how rightful and efficient young politicians will thrive in a
and ensuring the adherence to the SK by-laws. Although its duties
system brimming with corruption and deception.
are highly important, the NBOO nevertheless fails to deliver
successfully in the area of disciplinary action.
It is highly alarming that the SK has become the youngest manifestation of
The youth is not the problem. The system undeniably contains
the culture of misgovernance in the Philippines. The problems associated
irregularities, scandals and even chaos, despite the fact that the
with it present a smaller fraction of the bigger political picture. And this
jurisdiction of the SK and that of other barangay officials cover
indicates how much more this society needs change.
only a relatively small territory and few constituents–a fact
Beyond Offices and Services that is all too troubling. But these problems can be overcome,
with enough substantial reforms. It all boils down to a change
The Sangguniang Kabataan traces its roots from the first youth council
in the system, a difference in society, as those who hold SK
launched by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1975. Structural reforms, for
positions should initiate this change and not perpetuate
the past two decades, paved the way for reorganizing this system into
tradition. This seemingly small yet significant position should
what it is currently known. Still, the essence of SK remains as a venue
be used as the venue for youth empowerment, not youth
for youth representation in governance. The Philippines, being the sole
degradation. The chance of representing the youth is wasted if
country that has a mechanism of involving the youth in administrative
the position is used for illegalities and more so, corruption.
reforms, earns the regard of liberalizing conventional system into a
contemporary governmental setup. However, discrepancies regarding
The SK should not be placed in effect to suffice it to say that there is
the whole SK system are facing destabilizing feedbacks. The answer lies
a position which caters especially to the youth. It is not there simply
on real SK projects.
to say that the country is moving forward, in placing young citizens in
positions that will enable them to better their respective communities.
While lauded as a venue for youth representation, the SK system
As time progressed, the expectations from SK officials drastically
nevertheless cannot escape the contagious nature of traditional politics.
changed. The position underwent a transition from simply being a
The SK and Kabataang Barangay (KB) have been abused, deterring its
government official with a specific set of duties but to a purveyor of
intended goals and proliferating corruption further down the government
youth participation, the torchbearer of youth empowerment, and the
hierarchy. Large scale corrupt schemes are heavily popularized and
effervescent symbol of the significance of youth representation
practiced by national officials, so much so that even positions in the
in society.
smallest unit of government, are used for such heinous processes of
injustice.
Setting tracks for genuine reforms
As worsening social dilemmas primarily strike the youths, it
What is expected of the SK in theory does not necessarily translate into
is indeed a big challenge for the entire nation to resolve these
reality. It has become the breeding ground of corruption, rather than
issues hand-in-hand with the government. The youth sector
that of developing young minds to become the leaders of tomorrow. SK
constitutes half of the country’s entire population; thus, urging
candidates are indirectly influenced by their elder fellow candidates to
better provisions and support. But due to government financial
commit election fraud, just by seeing how far these candidates will go
austerity, SK faces severe blows on its budget.

S
for government positions and by witnessing the fact that most veteran
politicians treat their positions as means of business. Kinship is present in
Genuine reforms must be pushed forward despite of financial
most barangays as younger members of political families are introduced
insufficiencies. Plans for the betterment of the youth should be first
to the family business through vying for the position of SK. Bureaucrat
analyzed then drawn into implementation if it passes the criteria for
capitalism pervades even in the smallest governing unit, as political
qualified youth programs. Frivolous expenses must be cut down and the
positions translate into seats of business.
liquidation of accounts must be established so as to ensure transparency
of funds. There is no room for corruption when we are setting the track
An incident in a barangay in Pangasinan, as reported in an article
for a genuine change.
entitled “SK youth’s loss of innocence” in the Philippine Daily
Inquirer, clearly embodies how the SK became associated
To remedy the dilemmas in the SK system, different bills calling for
with corruption. The SK in the said barangay pinched 12
reforms were submitted and deliberated by the Congress. House Bill
percent off of the Php 120, 000-budget allotment for street
1963 or the “SK Reform Bill” submitted in 2010, motions for the
lamps. The SK treated the anomalous transaction as a normal
change of the minimum age requirement for SK candidates from
process in their barangay, even citing that the Barangay
15 to 18 years of age; that SK officials be required to submit a

G
Chairman will gain half of the corrupted money. Indirectly,
quarterly financial account; and that financial independence be given
an elder official influenced the younger one to commit
to SK officials and dues be deposited in a government-owned bank.
the crime by tolerating it, and even participating in it.
While House Bill 0959 or “The Sanguniang Kabataan Reform and
This places into question on how SK fits in the culture of
Empowerment Act of 2007” focuses on the delegation of the KK as
corruption existent in the country: as a mere emulsifier
the highest governing body of the SK, with the right to impeach
of cheating or a starting point of degeneration?
SK officials convicted of misdemeanor, and the creation of the

Elusive
Gearing Towards Concretization Katipunang Kaunalaran ng Kabataan to serve as the “civil society
arm” of the SK, as a division of the KK. Still, there is Senate Bill
The problem with corruption causes another evil to
1478, or “The Sangguiniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2007”which
surface–the lack of transparency and accountability. Most
specifically outlines provisions for the budget appropriation and
SK officials fail to submit records of their initiated programs.
allocation of the SK and is notable in mentioning sanctions for
According to the SK National Federation (SKNF) president,
violations, especially that of the failure to submit the “SK Budgets”.
Jane Cajes, those who do present such documents, submit
These recurring attempts to revitalize and reorganize the SK
scrapbooks filled with pictures of beauty and talent contests
system proves all the more that such is highly necessary. While it
and feeding programs with no apparent elucidation of the

project or event.
The SK and its usually superficial projects are
notorious for being invisible or unremarkable–
an apparent absence from the public eye of its
supposed duty. The position, albeit the small
jurisdiction it holds, can be powerful in influencing
Empowerment
is laudable that the problems of the SK are gaining attention and
measures by which to improve the office are being suggested, the
actual transformation of the SK is yet to be initialized.
The role of the SK in governance is not only confined to the fact
that they are youth representatives. Their involvement in the
JORE-ANNIE RICO AND JESSE NICOLE RUBIO SANTOS country’s political set-up is a milestone in voicing out the
ILLUSTRATED BY KATRINA CAPULONG CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

12 • 15 DECEMBER 2010 • WEDNESDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 11-12 FREESTYLE
NEWS20th UP President...from page 2 NEWSAquino’s Hacienda Regime ...from page 3
student and pro-people UP
According to Student Regent president. We challenge him to “perceived mob scene” that the wherein 42 were arrested and groups proclaimed that the
Jaqueline Eroles, “Hindi inaasa have a stand on national issues progressive peasants were about 11 were injured. To boot, the Aquino administration is merely
sa iisang tao ang pagbabago sa and to strongly demand for greater to begin, at once, only signifies administration also kept its silence an extension of the GMA regime.
UP. Tayo pa rin ang magtatakda state subsidy to UP. I hope that that Aquino is guilty of deceiving in the issue of extrajudicial killings
upang mapabuti ang kalagayan ng he’ll be true to his promise of not the Filipino people in general. of at least 12 farmers within its As stressed by Burgos, Aquino
unibersidad.” commercializing UP education,” first 100 days. gave more importance on
said UP Manila University According to the peasants, consolidating the relationship
“We hope to have a more pro- Student Council Vice-Chair Mark Aquino’s ascendancy to presidency Seconded by Amihan, a national between the Philippines and the
Panganiban. did not make any difference association of peasant women, the United States of America as well as
at all. As there have been no groups collectively denounced the implementing policies that favour
CULTUREChristmas Insignias...from page 6 significant changes in their daily Aquino regime for continuously foreign investors and pushing
to show off, not to celebrate. The would decorate their homes. What life since he won, Katipunan ng depriving them their own forward privatization programs
skyrocketing high electricity bill is important is that the sense of mga Samahang Magbubukid sa lands. This pursuit, according for government - owned and
due to overnight displays of these celebrating this season will not be Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA-TK) to them, is pushed through by controlled companies.
lights, will only make them appear enclosed by consumerist practices. Secretary General Axel Pinpin the misleading policy schemes
wealthier to onlookers. It is better for us to pursue emphasized that “peasants are enforced by the government such “Hindi siya nagbigay halaga sa
happiness during the holiday still landless and landlords like as the Stock Distribution Option, kayang gawin ng TUNAY NA
Christmas lights actually do not seasons through its essence and not Aquino continuously exploit from particularly in Hacienda Luisita, REPORMA SA LUPA upang ibsan
represent anything significant by superficial accessories. their toil.” and the implementation of the ang kahirapan sa kanayunan...
in Christmas. The usage of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform hindi naging aktibo ang
Christmas lights was first done by As the season approaches Furthermore, Pinpin claimed with Extension, to deceive the Malacañang sa pagpapanaig ng
wealthy families to only add the nearer and nearer, we must that peasants were the first to peasantry and profit from them. hustisya pabor sa mga magsasaka
magnificence of their houses. This remember that we are not experience cruelty and brutality nang maghugas kamay ito sa kaso
displays that Christmas lights were celebrating Christmas with the from powerful landlords “under Still continuously experiencing ng HLI Compromise Deal at Land
used to further add the “accent” of splendid decors but the spirit Aquino’s administration” when the previous administrations’ Distribution sa Hacienda Luisita,”
their houses though unimportant, itself. And with that spirit lie they were dispersed on July 3 “ghosts,” the said progressive fumed Burgos.
and therefore considered as an the conditions of the society
accessory for the privileged. And still waiting to be noticed. For
up to now, some families are very no matter how much decoration NEWSMorong 43 Hunger Strike ...from page 3
proud to display their expensive is displayed in your house, we Secretary General, said that addition, demand the Aquino
decors, like they are trying to say must still see the quintessence As soon as the release of the
justice would only be served administration to consider
that they are in capability to buy of Christmas. In some ways, it
luxurious things for their houses. only serves as a band-aid in the when the charges are finally Morong 43 is secured, the the cases of other political
In this account, these people show society. It may be able to heal withdrawn by the Department NUPL also intend to pursue prisoners who are also illegally
what is called the “petty-bourgeois and make us forget the wounds of Justice and the court orders the filing of charges against detained and tortured.
mentality”, where people go what of society for the meantime. their release. the police officer and military
is in the flow among their fellow However, it does nothing to officials involved in the illegal As of press time, there are 369
petty-bourgeois. These people keep uplift the current system of our “The issue of release is not a arrest and torture of the health political prisoners all over the
on buying or showcasing things to society. After all, Christmas is matter of favor but a matter workers. country, including the Morong
brag for. Although in a higher rank, not just about the celebration of of principle and justice. They 43. Most of them are arrested
these people are unaware that they the society but also a significant must right a wrong that the Other Cases of Detention under the Arroyo regime.
are also among the deprived ones in representation of our society.
previous administration has
the society. And all the things that you
may see this season may also foisted,” Olalia added. Supporters of Morong 43, in
There is no problem if people represent something that
affects your life and everyone
around you. NEWSUPM Security Guards ...from page 3
breakdown of their salary. “Wala stated. “Syempre, magpapalakas “Nagkaroon dati ng open forum
kaming pinanghahawakan…ito ka sa Admin para manalo uli sa para iresolba ang issue na iyan.
FEATURESElusice Empowerment ...from page 12 lang,” one guard said. “Kapag susunod na bidding o kaya kapag Kaya nga lang, na-postpone yun
needs of the youths, eventually configuring the consequences of a bleak tinanong sila [agency], may may mga ganitong issue, hindi kasi may media na magco-cover
administration. The call for change does not necessarily emphasize the mga opisyal na papeles silang nalang makikialam.” sana,” one guard said. The forum,
disadvantages of youth participation, but ultimately, on how the agencies pinanghahawakan na nagsasabing “Kaya nga kapag nagsalita kami, which was then moved to another
and government create a system that will foster that participation, thus nagbabayad sila ng tama.” tanggal kami, maraming saming venue, was attended by the UP
making an effective SK and youth empowerment more feasible. “Kaya ang ibang gwardya hindi natatakot magsalita,” one of the Admin, the representatives of
mo masisi, sa liit ng sweldo, guards said, “mahirap maghanap the 168 Security Agency and the
Through the position of SK, the youth officially participates in governance. hindi nagkakasya kaya suma- ng trabaho.” guards themselves. According
While it is true that there are other ways by which the youth can contribute sideline,” the other guard stated. In retrospect, Security Guard to the guards, the tripartite
to nation-building, the SK as a government position is a triumph for the “Karamihan pa sa amin 90 percent Leonito Cabasag was laid off by the discussion still failed to come up
youth. It is in this light that detriments and setbacks should not outweigh ng ATM nakasanla, nagkakautang- 168 Security Agency upon filing with a feasible solution.
the possible benefits this position could create. utang kami.” an official complaint to the UPM As claimed by the Security Guards,
The role of the SK is undergoing a transition from simply being the symbol When asked upon their current Administration last year. Reliable basing upon the Philippine Labor
of youth participation in governance to being an expected agent of change situation, the guard further stated sources stated that SG Cabasag Code, the following violations
and mobilization. The youth should have leaders who are capable of that “Sa ngayon wala kaming was unceremoniously dismissed are still committed by the 168
fulfilling the expected duties of the SK; those who can prove all the more magagawa, may kontrata sila by the Deputy Commander from Security Agency: Non-payment of
why the youth should be represented in governance. It should always be [Security Agency] eh... Ang gusto his duty in the Philippine General legal holiday pay, special holiday
remembered that youth empowerment is an important aspect of societal lang sana namin, ibigay iyong tama Hospital where he was serving pay, night shift differential, 5
development, especially in a country where majority of its population is at nararapat.” his 12-hour shift. Another guard day incentive leave, and uniform
composed with young blood. Apparent Indifference immediately replaced Cabasag. allowance; underpayment of
Most are ready to dismiss the SK entirely, but its great potential to The guards blame the lack of action Cabasag’s concern was the hourly overtime rate; charging
empower the youth must be considered. The abolition of the SK will not of the UPM administration to an withholding of his 13th month pay guards for damages in service
make the slightest difference, as long as the system remains unchanged. alleged “connection” between because of failing to comply with a equipment including repair
Reforms are needed to install what is supposed to be the SK–accountable, them [admin] and the agency. certain condition. According to a costs; collection of 1000 pesos
transparent, responsible, and visible. Solutions should be given when “Hindi ko maintindihan kung fellow guard, he [Cabasag] was just insurance fee per pay day without
problems arise, in the same way that the SK should be strengthened and bakit walang ginagawa ang Admin. absent for a single day and that the the issuance of certificates
not automatically alleviated due to the discrepancies associated with it. Parang ayaw nila makialam,” a 13th month pay was rightfully his. guaranteeing insurance.
Although the drawbacks of the SK are inexcusable, youth representation, guard stated when asked upon Feeble Attempts
which supposedly emanates from the position, is highly valuable. The their views on the UP Admin. Despite several attempts made by
same fact ignites the hope that it would eventually hold true to its “Pag agency ka, normal na yung the UPM Administration to resolve
purpose. kapag birthday ng opisyal, the conflict between the UPM
magpapadala ng lechon, o kung guards and the Agency, the issue
anumang pabor,” one of the guards persisted.

WEDNESDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2010 • 13

Freestyle Volume 24, Numbers 11-12

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL Mangahas na Makibaka,

ON THE CHAIRPERSONSHIP OF MS. CESARIE ANN SANTOS
Our mandate emanates from the students. Thus, it is only they who bear the sole authority to decide
P INT Isulong ang Pambansang
Demokrasya
Mensahe ng Kabataang Makabayan
when our duty starts and ends.

We, the University Student Council, affirm the legitimacy of Chairpersonship of Ms. Cesarie Ann Santos.
BLANK Balangay Juan Escandor Ukol sa Welga
sa UP Manila at sa Pagdiriwang ng ika-46
Anibersaryo ng Kabataang Makabayan

The University Student Council, being at the forefront of asserting democratic rights of the Iskolars ng Bayan,
has been vulnerable to the waves of repression from the seafarers, the ones we call the administration, as they
command their ships down the narrow path they alone deem correct.
P inakamaalab at mataas na pagpupugay ang pinapaabot ng Kabataang
Makabayan Balangay Juan Escandor sa mga Iskolar ng Bayan sa
magiting at mapangahas na paglulunsad ng welga sa Unibersidad ng
Pilipinas Maynila upang tutulan ang malaking pagkaltas sa badyet sa
There have been various irresponsible actions done by some members of the administration to jeopardize the edukasyon at sa serbisyong pangkalusugan!
character of our Chairperson, actions that in effect discredit the autonomy and mandate of the highest body of Tunay na makasaysayan ang inilunsad
student representation in the University of the Philippines Manila. On November 10, 2010, memoranda were na welga ng mga estudyante sa
released by the Office of Student Affairs stating that the Current Vice Chairperson, Mark Panganiban, should iba’t ibang State Universities and
assume the post of University Student Council Chairperson since Chairperson Ces Santos was alleged to be Colleges (SUCs) nitong Nobyembre.
academically unqualified to perform her duties as the Chairperson of the USC. In addition, Chairperson Ces Santos Dumaluyong sa lansangan ang libu-
libong mga estudyante, kasama ang
is banned from entering the university premises. mga magulang, guro, manggagawa at
In this regard, the Chairperson and her legal counsel espoused all legal avenues to address the issue and at administrador ng mga pamantasan,
this point in time, the case is still under appeal through a motion for reconsideration filed to the Office of the at mapagpasyang inirehistro ang
Chancellor. Also, an appeal to the UP Board of Regents will be in order. paglaban sa budget cut at paninindigan
sa karapatan ng mamamayan na
makapag-aral at magtamasa na
Chairperson Ces Santos humbly recognizes her shortcomings in accomplishing all her academic requirements. This serbisyong pangkalusugan.
case, however, was unquestionably blown out of proportion with malicious intent and in the process, Chairperson
Santos was unfairly treated. Ang pagkaltas sa budget ng mga
SUCs ay pag-abandona ng gobyerno
sa tungkulin nitong pag-aralin ang
Despite ardent efforts from our Chairperson and her legal counsel through countless letters and appeals stating mga kabataan. Hinahawi ng budget
valid and legal bases to question her disqualification, the administration has yet to answer through a formal cut ang landas ng papaigting na
dialogue and instead, released memo after memo foregoing the fact that a final decision has yet to be established. kumersyalisasyon ng edukasyon kung
There have also been instances wherein certain faculty members have verbally attacked her in front of students. saan ito ay itinuturing na kalakal na
nilalako at pribilehiyo ng mga may
This very same group of administrators attempted to smear her reputation in a popular social networking site, kakayahang magbayad. Magreresulta
going past the normal duties of a professor by undermining her performance in the USC and transforming it into ang pagkaltas sa budget ng pagtaas
mere gossip and underwater criticisms. ng matrikula at iba pang mga bayarin,
pagbebenta o pagpaparenta ng mga
The University Student Council under the leadership of Chairperson Ces Santos undeniably fulfilled its ideals of lupaing pagmamay-ari ng SUCs at
pagpapapasok ng iba’t ibang porma
genuine service to the studentry and even beyond the confines of our University. ng pribatisasyon upang dito kunin
ang pampuno sa kakulangan sa pondo
In every aspiration and demand of the Iskolars ng bayan, we were always there, always at a halt to trounce back na panustos sa operasyon at iba pang
the storms endangering the students’ welfare. During the plight of the youth, together with the education and pangangailangan ng mga pamantasan.
health sectors before the abominable budget cuts, Chairperson Ces Santos spearheaded the entire student council
Unti-unting nalalantad ang katangian
in actively launching lobbying efforts in the two houses of Congress, and even to the point of personally expressing ng Rehimeng Noynoy Aquino na
to the President of our country, in a dignified and courageous confrontation, the calls voiced not only by the UP pumapaling sa interes ng dayuhan
Manila student body, but of the entire Filipino youth. at naghaharing uri. Hindi lamang
edukasyon ang sentro ng kanyang
pagabandona sa kabataan kundi
The University Student Council, led by Chairperson Ces Santos, was at the frontline of the massive strikes against maging sa lahat ng sektor, magsasaka
budget cuts, hand in hand with the students, parents, professors and health workers. man hanggang maralita. Ang kawalan at
pagnanakaw ng kanilang kinabukasan
We opposed government neglect with our militancy. We bravely took part in history as we symbolically barricaded ay isang malubhang kasalanan sa
and paralyzed the flow of operations in our campus and marched with the tens of thousands of fellow Iskolars ng mamamayan at sa rebolusyonaryong
kilusan. Ang mga neo-liberal na
Bayan as well as other sectors from different SUCs in the parliaments of the streets. patakaran ng globalisasyon ng US ay
direktrang kaugnay ng malawakang
United and decisive, we engaged the state to answer to our calls and have moved the senate to amend the 2011 atake sa mga karapatan ng mamamayan
Budget with the addition of P146-M to the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) Budget of SUCs. sa edukasyon, kalusugan, kabuhayan
at karapatang pantao gaya ng mga
Although we know that this is insufficient, this serves as an initial gain in our fight. Our continued vigilance held at nangyari sa mga drayber ng kuliglig at
standstill our lawmakers, heeding our salient demands and assertions. 43 na manggagawang pangkalusugan.
Still, mammoth task is posed upon us to advance our struggle towards achieving genuine victories. At this critical Hindi pa man umaabot ng isang taon
time, leadership is essential as our crucible intensifies. In the face of attacks to our Chairperson, the University si Aquino sa pwesto ay agad agad na
siyang nagpatuloy ng walang habas na
Student Council is more than ever resolved to affirm and uphold the Chairpersonship of Ms. Cesarie Ann Santos. pagpapalakas ng bulok at naghaharing
sistema ng iilan at ng mga dayuhan.
The University Student Council exists for the sake of the studentry. It is the student we serve, not the whims of Ang usaping ito ay higit pa sa interes ng
political and administrative authorities. The students are the life and blood, the alpha and the omega, the be-all kabataan na makapagaral, kundi ito’y
pagpapakita na mismo ang kabataan
and end-all of our service. For as long as there is a student body to serve, we, the University Student Council, shall ay hindi nabibigyan ng kundisyon
never cease to exist. para tumahak sa landas na “tuwid”
dahil ang panloloko’t pagsasamantala
ay hindi na bago at nakakagulat sa
rehimeng ito. Kung kaya’t sa bahagi
ng Kabataang Makabayan, ang tunay
ang wala nang ibang pamamaraan
para ipagtanggol ang kanayang
kinabukasan kundi sa paglahok
sa digmang bayang kasalukuyang
nagaganap.
Ang pasismo sa mga maralita,
malaganap na pampulitikang
pamamaslang at harassment, at
panghuhuli sa mga miyembro ng
iba’t ibang progresibong grupo,
ay pagpapakita lamang ng takot
ng administrasyon sa taumbayan.
Maging sa mga higanteng pagaalsa
ng kabataan ay nakakapangubos ng
hininga ng administrasyon. Takot
ang bulok na sistema sa daluyong
ng kabataan at mamamayan. Ang
kontra-rebolusyonaryong hukbo ng
AFP ay hindi titinag sa pagiging mga
asong ulol ng naghaharing sistema,
pinatunayan ito ng kasaysayan
at ng nagpapatuloy na mga atake
sa demokratikong mithiin ng
mamamayan maging sa panahong
sinansabing may “pagbabago.” May
tinatayang isang pampulitikang
pamamasalang na nagaganap sa
kada linggo ng rehimeng ito, 16 na
biktima ng tortyur, 23 na pag-aaresto
ng walang warrant, at halos 900
na pinalayas sa mga tahanan dahil
sa militarisasyon. Salamin ito ng
pagpapatuloy ng administrasyong
ito sa patakaran ng Oplan Bantay
Laya mula sa rehimeng Arroyo na
alinsunod din sa Homeland Security
Act ng Estados Unidos.
Marami sa mga kabataan sa iba’t
ibang paaralan, komunidad at
baryo sa buong bansa ang patuloy
na tumutugon sa panawagan ng
paglahok sa rebolusyonaryong
pagbabago. Ang kanilang pagsapi
sa bagong hukbong bayan o New
People’s Army ay pagtupad sa
dakilang tungkulin ng kabataan
na baguhin ang lipunan. Totoo, na
sa gitna ng pag-asa ng marami sa
“pagbabago” ng rehimen, bago pa
man nailantad si P-noy, dinadagsa
na ang kanayunan ng kabataan para
magsilbi sa armadong rebolusyon
dahil hindi sila umasa sa rehimeng
ito. Sa ngayon, makikita natin ang
kawastuhan ng mga ginawa nila.
Kung gayon, totoo din na, kontra
sa sinasabi lagi ng AFP, lumalaki
at lumalawak ang pwersa ng
rebolusyonaryong hukbo.
Napipinto ang masmatinding
krisis ng naghaharing sistema sa
pangunguna ng rehimeng Aquino,
hindi pa natin nakikita ang tunay na
kakayahan sa kalupitan ng rehimeng

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! na landas na matuwid ay tanging sa

rebolusyonaryong pagbabago lamang
pangunahin sa porma ng armadong
pakikibaka. Ang ganitong klaseng
ito. Sa ngayon tinatayang umaabot ng
3 na dibisyon o 9 na brigada o 27 na
batalyon ng pulang mandirigma. Mula
1964, ang unang taon ng Kabataan
terrorismo ng estado ay dapat na Makabayan siya’y nanindigan para
The Manila Collegian is opening its doors for interested tinatapatan ng armadong paglaban sa demokratikong rebolusyon ng
ng mamamayan. Tanging sa ganitong mamamayan, habang napipinto
cartoonists and layout artists. paraan lamang makakamit ang ganap ang krisis, pabagsak lamang ang
na paglaya. Hindi sapat na hayaan direksyon na maari nitong puntahan.
lamang ang mga opisyales ng bulok Ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka
Kung gusto mo ng instant nightlife, instant friends, at instant na estado na diktahan ang kapalaran
ng kabataan, napipihit ang ang
ang magaangat ng krisis na ito para
maging kasaysayan.
coffee, pumunta na sa MKule opis at magtanong sa kahit sinong mayorya ng kabataan sa kalagayan na
tambay doon. Magdala ng bluebook, pencil, ballpen, at eraser.
The Manila Collegian calls upon you to drive straight to the
center of the issue, mark your aim, and deliver the blow at
Ano pang hinihintay mo? Sama na and feel the love. See you :) point blank range.

14 • 15 DECEMBER 2010 • WEDNESDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 11-12 Freestyle

CODE BLACK Slacktivism

Jeo Angelo Chico Elamparo

I have witnessed Tumblr change its theme color from blue to violet
in support of the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transexuals (LGBT)
equality campaign, yet it did not stop the United Nations in
declaring that the execution of a homosexual is but morally right. I
saw how Twitter was flooded with tweets of electoral frauds all over
the Philippines, yet those unscrupulous acts persisted without the
slightest hint of remorse from the wrongdoers. Then, Facebook users
changed their profile pictures into their favorite cartoon characters as a
campaign against child violence, but it did not stop our neighbor from
abusing her child verbally and physically.
issues. We campaign because we have to establish an army of people of the same beliefs who
will fearlessly rally these campaign causes in more substantial ways than just slacktivism
itself.
History taught us that we need more than just slacktivism if we want our campaigns to be
noticed. Here is a case in point: 142 million pesos will not be added by the Senate to the still
derelict budget of the state colleges and universities if the students did not hold a strike in
each of their campuses and asserted that education is indeed their right. Though we can
say that this is but a small victory on the part of the scholars, it is still a victory, a significant
one in fact for it proves how powerful a collective action is. And such victories would never
be achieved by merely subscribing to slacktivism. Serious issues like these need direct

‘Slacktivism’, a portmanteau of the words slack and activism, is the general term used to
describe feel-good actions done in support of a greater cause such as online campaigns or
petitions like those aforementioned and wearing awareness shirts or putting on awareness
SERIOUS ISSUES LIKE THESE NEED DIRECT AND IMMEDIATE
ribbons. Without getting off their chair or involving themselves in tangible protest ACTION, NOT JUST A QUICK CHANGE OF PROFILE PICTURE OR
demonstrations, slacktivism, also called armchair activism, gives the slacktivists the illusion DONNING MULTI-COLORED RIBBONS AND TEES.
that they have done enough for a certain cause. But in reality, they did nothing but a little
portion of what has to be done about the matter at hand. The multitude of people who
signed for online petitions or have worn awareness ribbons and shirts of different colors did
not stop gay hate crimes, electoral transgressions and child abuses from happening. To some and immediate action, not just a quick change of profile picture or donning multi-colored
extent, the causes of these slacktivist campaigns are being taken for granted as slacktivists ribbons and tees. In times when threats of injustices and social inequalities loom over,
merely participate in such campaigns because of the bandwagon. nothing beats real activism for a counter.

However, it is invalid to say that slacktivism is wrong, because it is not. Slacktivists only need
to understand that it would never suffice to stop unfortunate events from occurring. Sure it
would not hurt to join online petitions, join awareness campaigns or even make our social
networking accounts socially relevant; it is even beneficial for we may be able to rouse the
consciousness of other people about a certain issue. But we do not make campaigns for the
awareness of people alone; we campaign because we aim to battle social injustices and such
Slacktivism may pave the way for the empowerment of people to act, to make them aware
that they are capable of creating change. But it should not stop there. We can use the aware
and empowered citizenry to create a more active democracy—if only we would start
picking up more tasks than just clicking. We should not dwell on the illusion of power that
slacktivism gives us because we do have the real power: the power to mobilize a whole
collective and rally our causes more audibly and tangibly.

CHATTERBOX
Criselli Lagonoy Endaya
Puting Uniporme
H anggang ngayon ang hirap maniwala na huling semester ko na sa
Huling beses na ako magkaklase sa mga kwarto ng
CAS.
RH at Gab. Maaaring
huling beses ko na makita ang mga propesor na gumabay sa akin sa una kong
linyang naghihiwalay sa dalawang mukha ng estudyante sa UPM. Naging
pamantayan ito para sa nararapat mong gawin at sabihin. Naging nakakainis
na palatandaan na nagtatakda kung sino ka. At kung anong kurso mo. At kung
pagtapak sa UP Manila. Ang hirap isipin na malapit na akong magpaalam sa gaano ka kakaiba. At kung paano ka dapat kumilos.
lugar kung saan ko unang naranasan ang maraming bagay. Lahat ng una kong
alaala sa kolehiyo, maging ang mga una kong kaibigan at karanasan ay nabuo Paano ko man tingnan ang nalalapit na pagdating ng puntong labis
sa pamamalagi ko sa College of Art and Sciences. Totoong nakakalungkot kong inasam noon at maging ngayon, ang pagkakataong ako mismo ang
isipin na ilang buwan na lang ang ilalagi ko sa AS dahil sa susunod na
makakaranas magsuot ng puting uniporme, ay isang anggulo lamang ang
pasukan ay magpuputi na ako.
nakikita ko. Para sa akin, higit sa nakasisilaw na pagkaputi at kalinisan ay

Parang kailan lang ay isang malayong pangarap ang makarating sa puntong

ito. Magkahalong pananabik at pangamba ang nangingibabaw sa akin ngayong
ilang buwan nalang ay magsisimula na ako ng majors ko. Ilang hakbang nalang
ay sa Lara Hall ng College of Public Health na ako magkaklase. Ilang tulog
nalang at pagmulat ko mas matitinding hamon at pagsubok na ang haharapin
ko. Sandali na lang at kailangan ko ng magsuot ng puting uniporme.
Ngunit ano bang napaka-espesyal sa pagsusuot ng puting uniporme? Siguro
nga magmumukha kang ubod ng linis at bango. Siguro nga mangingibabaw ang
puting blouse at pants sa isang klase na puro naka-civilian. Pero ang sigurado,
galing ka sa isa sa mga white colleges ng UPM. Sigurado ring hindi nakakabit
sa pagsusuot ng puting uniporme ang pangako na magiging madali ang mga
darating na taon. Sa halip ay hinuhudyat nito ang simula ng napakaraming
pagbabago.
Hindi miminsang naisip kong naging simbolo na ang puting uniporme sa
NAGING NAKAKAINIS NA PALATANDAAN NA
NAGTATAKDA KUNG SINO KA. AT KUNG ANONG
KURSO MO. AT KUNG GAANO KA KAKAIBA. AT
KUNG PAANO KA DAPAT KUMILOS.
sumisimbolo ito sa lahat ng pawis at dugong iginugol ko sa mga GE subjects ko
at sa pait at suliraning naranasan at napagtagumpayan ko. Hindi ko hahayaang
tumatak sa akin ang palatandaan na kaakibat ng pagtatapos ng pamamalagi ko
sa CAS. Hindi ko isasarado ang kabanata ng buhay ko kung saan malaya akong
nakakapaglakad sa RH at Gab hallways na walang pangamba sa dapat at hindi
ko dapat iasal at ikilos.

WEDNESDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2010 • 15

Editorial Volume 24, Numbers 11-12
The
Blind
Justice
A
society that underestimates
the necessity of justice is a
society that will never rise from its
degradation.
The most important asset of every nation is its
people, and it should deal with no exception from
those who have the most to those who have nothing.
Justice should not take into consideration the exist-
ing disparity for by the time it bases its judgment on
this disparity, this is where power play begins; this is
where injustice strikes as a plague. This country has
been facing with different forms injustices over time
that it seems we cannot rise from this nightmare.
Over the years, we have been deliberately witnessing
our justice system failing its purpose as an institu-
tion that protects human rights and upholds justice
as fairly as possible. It remains blind to the ravaging
inequality existent in every corner of our country
and remains deaf to the loud cries of the victims of
injustice. As another year would end in dismal, it is
imperative to evaluate how our justice system deni-
grates itself in the eyes of its appropriators.
The most brutal crime in the history of journalism
and election-related violence, the Maguindanao Mas-
sacre, had marked its grime in the Philippine political
and judicial system. After a year of injustice buried
along with their bodies, the 36 mercilessly killed
journalists remained in the envelopes of the culture
of impunity. Fellow journalists, media men, and rela-
tives have been in constant uproar to call for justice.
It is then hard to apply justice when those who are
to inform people are hampered, more so murdered.
Justice is not just the absence of crime. Injustice does
not end in death of those who were victims of it.
For the past decade, countless of extrajudicial kill-
ings have been thrown to the faces of those who
try to bring justice back to our soil. These killings
were done from the most occupied cities to the most
remote provinces, from the most prominent figures
to the meekest of activists, from night to the middle of
the day. It abducted, tortured, and murdered people
as if life does not have its value. However, gruesome
these disappearances would be, we cannot deny
that it is a reality. The government made its people
its enemies. They used fear as a tool to terrorize the
drive of the people who try to dig the anomalies of
the current political and economic system.
They are not asking for much, they are just asking
for enough. The farmers of the Hacienda Luisita have
been fighting for their rights more than as workers
but as human beings. After their years of unfaltering
service to the wealthiest of landlords, this was com-
pensated by an abject condition of living that waged
a war between them and their feudal lords. However
strong their backs are to fight, their means of doing so
are held by their enemies. They desperately knocked
on the doors of justice with their hands empty but all
16 • 15 DECEMBER 2010 • WEDNESDAY
they got was merely an importance of attention. This
case of the repression of the Hacienda Luisita farmers
lucidly manifests that those who hold the law hold the
justice. And just as law are only handled by a few, so
as the due process.
The Morong 43 illegal detention made an indica-
tion on how even the most innocuous profession can
be subjects of force subjugation. After their illicit
confinement, justice for them became as obscure as
the reason for their detention. The denial of their due
process in a society which is mandated to foster the
innocent is a direct assault to their rights, and thus
inexcusible even after President Aquino ordered their
release 10 months after. Justice delayed is justice
denied, and the Morong 43 are standing testaments
to this.
We, as citizens of this country, are responsible for the
mechanics that drive our society. From the records of
these unresolved cases, we cannot stand as passive
spectators; we cannot afford to be neutral. In a stand
between right or wrong, it is always the propagation
of the right that requires massive coactions.
If the Aquino administration really advocates for
change, it is, then, imperative to clean and solve the
impending diseases of our society. Change is impos-
sible in a society where its existing drawbacks are still
unresolved.
We, The Manila Collegian, will remain in search for
justice for those who are deprived of it. We will con-
tinue to scrutinize every action of institutions in ac-
cordance to those who are oppressed and repressed.
If the government cannot provide us justice, we
should, by all means, find a way to achieve it. If the
government fails to provide appropriate means to
implement due process, we have to fight for it even if
it takes a revolution.
This is dedicated to the Filipinos, dead or alive, who
are deprived of justice, seeking for it, and will con-
tinue the fight for it.
Justice is a right and it is not, and never should be, a
privilege.
THE M ANIL A COLLEGIAN
Magna est veritas et prevaelebit
ALLANA RUTH GARCIA DELA PEÑA
Editor-in-Chief
A N G E LO LU N A M U R I L LO
Associate Editor for Internal Affairs;
News Editor; Features Editor
M A R I E K R I S T E L A N TO N I O G A B AWA
Associate Editor for External Affairs;
Culture Editor
J OA N N A M A R I E I C ASAS U DA R B E
Managing Editor
M A R I O N C A R L A Q U I N TO B I O L E N A
Graphics Editor
O F F I C E A N D C I R C U L AT I O N S M A N A G E R S
C R I S E L L I L A G O N OY E N D AYA
EHCEL SAÑGA HURNA
NEWS CORRESPONDENTS
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