Ika-86 taon • Blg. 13 • 19 Set 2008 Philippine Collegian Opisyal na lingguhang pahayagan ng mga mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas - Diliman : ivan reverente N G DESI
E G PA photos: candice reyes, om velasco, kris imperial Kultura >>p.05
Serbisyo Sibil CopyCats September 21, 1977 SUMMING UP Ang kalagayan ng mga President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree 1200, which approved the manlilikod-bayan sa Philippine Five-Year Development Plan (1978-1982). The plan provided, among others, panahon ng krisis for the establishment of Region VI as the site of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV), with an emphasis on the fields of fisheries and marine sciences In commemoration of the University of the Philippines' centennial, the Philippine Collegian looks 03 balita 08 Kultura back on one hundred years of history. 02 Balita Philippine Collegian | Biyernes, 19 Set 2008 Proposed '09 UP budget down by over 50% Toni Tiemsin tional budget to debt servicing. this July and the overhauling of the A decade of meager subsidy Congress is now deliberating Salary Standardization Law (SSL), on the 2009 budget. Both houses which mandates compensation for he seven UP campuses will still meet in a bicameral con- government workers. DBM claimed and the Philippine Gen- ference to finalize their versions that UP is not included in the SSL as Teral Hospital (PGH) may into the General Appropriations expressed in its new Charter. receive less than half of their ac- Act, which will be submitted to Roman said DBM is reviewing the tual needs, as the Department of the President for approval. Mean- draft of a memorandum of agreement Budget and Management (DBM) while, hearings on the UP budget they submitted to DBM on August 29. forwarded to Congress only 47 is tentatively set on September 23. “We are asking... that government will percent of UP System’s proposed continue to provide for our salaries and budget for next year. Low subsidy increases in salaries, and we will con- According to the UP adminis- According to the NEP, DBM tinue to raise funds to raise benefits for tration’s budget proposal, the uni- proposed only P1.7 billion, or deserving faculty and staff.” versity would need P14.35 billion one-fifth of the P6.45-billion For the university’s maintenance and *Does not include the automatic appropriations for Retirement and next year, but the budget agency proposal, for the university’s cap- other operating expenses (MOOE), the Life Insurance Premium for retired UP employees slashed the proposal to P6.69 bil- ital spending for new infrastruc- budget agency granted only 19 percent, **To be deliberated in Congress tentatively on September 23 lion in its National Expenditure ture and equipment. from P3.26 billion to P620 million. Source: Office of the UP Vice President for Planning and Finance Program (NEP) for 2009. Considering the disparity be- According to the recent audit re- Acting Vice President for Plan- tween the proposals of UP and port on UP by the Commission on ning and Finance Joselito Florendo DBM, Roman said the adminis- Audit (COA), UP spent P1.75 billion for said the proposed P6.69-billion bud- tration will have to postpone the MOOE last year, of which only less than 52 kabahayan, gigibain get is higher than the 2008 approved construction of other buildings, half was paid for by the government. funding worth P6.23 billion. which was included in their bud- However, the increase is still get proposal. “This means we Extra income from students para sa Eng’g Complex will just have to wait and see if To augment the lack of government “insignificant” considering the ng serbisyo at bilang ng miyembro ng we can get donations from do- subsidy, Florendo said, UP will rely Richard Jacob Dy actual budget proposal of the uni- pamilya ng isang empleyado. nors,” she said. on its revolving fund collected from versity and the record increases in Saad ni Greogrio, hinihintay na la- The CO funding will go to income-generating revenues such as the prices of commodities such as akatakdang gibain ang 52 ba- mang ang tugon ni Chancellor Sergio acquisition of equipment and tuition and other fees, interest income water and electricity, Student Re- hay sa Area 17 sa UP Diliman Cao ngayong linggo upang maisama completion of buildings worth and land rentals such as the science gent Shahana Abdulwahid said. upang bigyang-daan ang sa relokasyon ang mga empleyadong UP President Emerlinda Ro- P983 million for the Engineering and technology parks. N pagpapatayo ng Engineering Complex hindi nagawaran ng pabahay. Research and Development for Last year, UP earned P1.35 billion man said the university has been (EC) ngayong Oktubre. Aniya, bibigyan umano ng adminis- Technology project and the con- from its income generating projects, receiving increase in subsidy in Ani Vice-Chancellor for Community trasyon ang mga empleyado ng tulong struction of the National Science according to COA. The largest chunk the past three years, but, at least Affairs Cynthia Grace Gregorio, itinakda sa paghahakot ng mga kagamitan at ng Complex worth P700 million. came from tuition collection that rose in the last eight years, the funds ng administrasyon ang halos tatlong materyales sa paggawa ng bahay mula With 99 percent of the whole by 20 percent to P389 million, when amount only to 60 percent of UP’s buwang palugit upang gibain sa kaha- sa Supply and Property Management CO alloted for Diliman, only UP has implemented the 300 percent actual financial requirement. baan ng C.P. Garcia St. sa Area 17 ang Office. P17 million are left for six other tuition hike. Airah Cadiogan, vice chair- tirahan ng 22 mga empleyado ng UP at Ngunit ani Anoos, malabo umanong UP units and PGH. “Positive Other major sources of income person of the University Student ng 30 na mga informal settler. maglabas ng pondo ang administrasyon na ibibigay ang budget para sa for UP are hospital fees amounting to Council, said the inadequate sub- Ani Sonia Lumbre, empleyado ng para magbigay ng materyales. Dagdag engineering and science, pero about P344 million; interest income sidy pushes UP and other state UP na tinatayang 20 taon nang resi- niya, kakaunti ang sasakyan ng Campus maiiwanan ang ibang colleges at from revolving fund, P232.67 million; universities and colleges in the dente ng Area 17, noong Agosto 15 la- Maintenance Office na magdadala ng PGH. Hindi sabayan ang devel- dormitory rentals, P44 million; and rent country to generate revenues on mang ipinaalam ng administrasyon ng mga kagamitan ng mga empleyado. opment,” Abdulwahid said. income, P40.88 million. their own through tuition and UP na saklaw ng tatayuang EC ang ka- Saad ni Gregorio, pinapahintulutan The agency likewise reduced Cadiogan feared that the adminis- other fee hikes, and land rentals. nilang lugar. “Wala kaming tutol dahil din ng administrasyon na magtayo the proposed budget of UP for tration might push through with the Cadiogan said the adminis- para sa [UP] iyon. Yun lamang, hindi sila ang mga empleyado ng sariling tira- personal services or the salaries pending tuition hike this second se- tration must demand for higher nag-abiso nang [mas] maaga” aniya. han sa loob ng UP dahil sa kawalan ng of UP employees from P4.65 to mester, as the university is coping with subsidy instead of resorting to Saad ni Noli Anoos, tagapangulo ng pabahay. ��������������������������Ngunit ani Lumbre, mapapa- P4.36 billion. Florendo said one low government funding. income-generating projects that All-UP Workers Union, ayon umano sa gastos pa ang mga residente sa pagbili reason for the decrease is the In December 2006, the Board of burden the students. She added batas, bago ipaalam ng administrasyon ng mga materyales. disapproval of DBM for addi- Regents approved the annual increase the Arroyo administration must be ang tungkol sa demolisyon, mayroon Aniya, sapat lamang ang kanyang tional PGH employees. in tuition based on the prevailing in- pressed to allocate more funds to na dapat nakahaing maayos na lugar at sahod upang mabayaran ang liman- The agency also excluded UP flation. Last July, year-on-year inflation social services especially education mga tirahan para sa relokasyon ng mga daang pisong upa sa tinitirhan ng ka- from two salary increases: the reached 12.2 percent, the highest since instead of alloting almost half of residente. nyang pamilya ngayon. ��������������“Tatlo ang ak- 10-percent hike earlier approved 1991. n the proposed P1.415-trillion na- Maliban sa geodetic engineering, ing anak at nakatira sa akin ang aking ililipat ang mga kurso ng College of [magulang]. Sana bigyan naman kami On the Charge Engineering sa bubuksang EC sa 2009 ng maayos na tirahan,” dagdag niya. sa tinatayang 8 hanggang 10 ektarya ng Ayon kay Gregorio, nakatakdang n UP Taekwondo jin lupang saklaw ng Area 17. ibigay kay Cao ngayong linggo ang Wynde Legarda forces her rekomendasyon ng komiteng binuo opponent back as she sets Walang tiyak na relokasyon noong Agosto na magbigay ang ad- up another combination Ani Anoos, karamihan sa mga em- ministrasyon ng tulong, maliban sa in the Taekwondo UAAP pleyado ng UP ang wala pa ring tiyak na pinansiyal, sa mga apektadong resi- tournament at the FEU Gym relokasyon sapagkat tinitirhan ngayon ng dente sa Area 17. on September 13. The UP mga informal settler ang mga pabahay women team won against na nakatakda sanang paglipatan ng mga Hiling ng non-UP employees the De La Salle Jins, 5-2. empleyadong residente ng Area 17. Ani Anoos, nararapat din umanong Since this match, she won 5 Dagdag ni Anoos, sa ngayon, apat pa straight matches to win the bigyan ng pabahay ang mga residen- 1st place in the lightweight lamang sa 22 bahay ng mga empleya- teng hindi empleyado ng UP dahil division on September 17. do sa lugar ang nabigyan ng relokasyon karapatan nila bilang mamamayan na Timothy Medrano sa loob ng unibersidad. mabigyan ng maayos na relokasyon. Ani Gregorio, uunahin umano ng Aniya, hinihiling ng mga residente administrasyon ang mga empleya- sa administrasyon ang kanilang pag- dong nauna nang ginawaran ng hous- papalipat sa loob din ng unibersidad. ing award. Iginagawad umano ang pribilehiyo ng pabahay batay sa haba continued on p.10 03 Philippine Collegian | Biyernes,Huwebes, 19 7 Ago Set 2008 BBalitaalita
ahensiya],” dagdag ni Domingo. puwesto), tatanggalin mo, just be- Ayon sa EO 366, kung maaa- cause walang eligibility?” Serbisyo sibil pektuhan ng reorganization ang Ngunit sabi ni Domingo, “Espe- posisyon ng isang manggagawa, cially those who have been doing Ang kalagayan ng mga naglilingkod-bayan sa panahon ng krisis ililipat siya sa ibang posisyon, na the work for a long time have hi- maaaring nasa ibang ahensiya o gher qualifications, but they don’t opisina, nang walang bawas sa get appointed. It is also a reality that sahod. Kung tanggihan niya ang they are demoralized... Respect for bagong posisyon, makapamimili the merit system talaga [ang kailan- siya sa alinman sa mga insentibo- gan]. If there is very low respect for ng magmumula sa naging kontri- the merit system, ano’ng magagawa busyon niya sa Government Ser- mo ay siya ang presidente?” vice Insurance System o maagap Nagbubunga rin umano ng na pagkuha ng benepisyo sa pagr- mga suliranin sa aktuwal na op- eretiro mula sa pamahalaan. erasyon ng mga ahensiya ang “Ang kailangan ng mangga- pagkakaroon ng mga pinunong gawa ay hindi incentives, kundi walang kahusayan at hindi pa regular income para tustusan ang sanay sa pamamalakad ng isang araw-araw niyang pangangail- tanggapan ng pamahalaan, angan... Nakakakuha ang iba ng dagdag ni Gaite. mga P300,000, na relatively maliit pa rin. Sa taas ng [presyo ng] mga continued on p.11 bilihin ngayon, pansamantala lang ito,” pagsalungat ni Gaite. Sidebar 1 SUMA Timothy Medrano Gayunman, napipilitan umano man. Walang malaking pag-unlad increase, ang nominal increase ang mga kawani sa apektadong Mula sahod posisyon na tanggapin ang mga tungong Melane A. Manalo sa pang-ekonomiyang kalagayan [sa sahod mo] ay maliit. On the ng manggagawa... Sa pagitan la- other hand, kapag ikaw ay depart- insentibo dahil magastos para ka- gastos Pinaka TOTAL mang ng 2000 at 2007, ang prices ment secretary, mas malaki.” nilang mga pamilya ang paglipat ng trabaho sa ibang tanggapan. m a b a b a n g ula sa pagpapanatili ng se- ng commodities at basic needs, ang Dagdag ni Saludo, sa paghahamb- salary grade (SG) ng mga guro at guridad, pagbibigay ng mga tantiyang itinaas ay 35 percent. Pero ing ng mga paraan ng pagbibigay ng nars: SG-10 lisensiya sa mga propesyu- Pulitika ng pagtatalaga M ang suweldo ng mga kawani, tu- dagdag na sahod, “Ang bottomline sa sa puwesto Katumbas na sahod, kasama ang nal, pagsasaayos ng daloy ng trapiko, maas lang ng 15.5 percent.” amin ay maipasa ang isang panuka- 10 porsyentong umento: P12,026 Samantala, sa pagtatalaga ni pagbibigay ng murang serbisyong Bago ang umento nitong Hulyo, lang maglalapit ng suweldo ng mga bawat buwan Arroyo ng mga hindi kwalipika- pangkalusugan at pang-edukasyon, huling itinaas ang sahod ng mga kawani ng gobyerno at opisyal doon Tinatayang magagastos na sa- dong tao sa mga posisyong hanggang sa pagsasaayos ng mga kawani noong Hulyo ng nakaraang sa tinatanggap ng kanilang mga kat- hod, pagkabawas ng buwis at mga managerial, nakikita umano ang kontribusyon: P9,400 sigalot sa pagitan ng mga mamama- taon ng 10 porsyento rin para sa lahat apat sa pribadong sektor.” “kahungkagan ng sinasabing pag- Tinatayang katumbas na sahod yan, monopolyo ng pamahalaan ang ng nasasakop ng Salary Standardiza- Puna naman ni Gaite, ang living professionalize sa burukrasya.” bawat araw: P430 kalakhan ng mga serbisyong hinihingi tion Law (SSL), ang batas na nagtat- wage pa rin ang mainam na pag- Ani Gaite, “Patronage politics ang Living wage* sa National Capital ng araw-araw na pamumuhay. akda ng pamamaraan ng pagpapa- batayan ng tamang sahod para sa nagiging batayan para mailagay Region noong Agosto: P911 Iniaatas ang mga tungkuling ito sa sahod at katumbas na sahod para sa mga kawani, dahil hindi rin umano sa critical positions sa gobyerno. aabot sa 1.47 milyong manggagawa bawat posisyon sa pamahalaan. sapat ang ibinibigay sa mga nasa prib- *Living wage = gastos sa pagkain Kaya nakikita natin ang pagdaus- ng pamahalaan, ayon sa tala hang- Ani Gaite, dapat ibatay ang pagtataas ado, na humihingi rin ng umento. + gastos sa pangangailangang hindi dos ng serbisyo, ang direksyon ay gang noong Hunyo ng Civil Service ng sahod para sa lahat ng manggagawa Nauna na ring ipinahayag ng pagkain + 10 porsyento ng kabuuang hindi patungo sa genuine servic- gastos sa pagkain at di-pagkain (para Commission (CSC), ang pangunah- sa kasalukuyang living wage, tulad ng mga manggagawa ng pamaha- es kundi [sa] kung paano lamang sa pamilyang may 6 na miyembro) ing ahensiyang tagapangasiwa sa itinatakda ng Konstitusyon. Sa pagtu- laan na kailangan nang ibalik ang magsisilbi sa interes ni Arroyo at mga nagseserbisyo sibil. Para sa 2009, koy ng National Wages and Productiv- pagkakaloob sa kanila ng cost of Sidebar 2 ng kanyang mga kasapakat.” panukalang ilaan sa kanilang sahod ity Commission, ang living wage ay ang living allowance, bilang pagsunod Noong Enero, isiniwalat ni at mga benepisyo ang P429.7 bilyon halaga ng kita ng pamilya na kailangan sa desisyon ng Korte Suprema na Pagbuo ng unyon dating CSC chair Karina Con- Bilang ng rehistradong unyon o halos isang-katlo ng kabuuang ga- upang matustusan ang mga pangunah- nagsabing hiwalay itong benepisyo stantino-David na itinalaga ni sa buong pamahalaan, hanggang gastusin ng pamahalaan. ing pangangailangan, kasama ang sapat at hindi kasama sa batayang sahod Arroyo ang mga indibidwal na noong Hunyo: 1,630 Ngunit, natatangi man ang posi- na palugit para sa ibang pinaglalaanan na itinakda ng SSL noong 1989. walang eligibility sa aabot sa 60 Bilang ng mga unyong accred- syon nila bilang mga lingkod-bayan, ng pamilya gaya ng ipon. (Sumangguni Walang seguro sa trabaho porsyento ng 3,500 posisyong ited: 703 “Ang sitwasyon nila ay hindi nala- sa sidebar 1 para sa mga halaga.) Bukod sa mababang sahod, Bilang ng nakabuo ng collective ang pagpili ng uupo ay nasa ka- layo sa pangkalahatang kalagayan Dahil hindi pa rin umano masasa- nahaharap din umano ang mga negotiation agreement: 282 pangyarihan ng Pangulo. Upang ng mga mamamayan, na huma- patan ng mga 10 porsyentong umen- kawani ng pamahalaan sa kawa- Proseso para sa pormal na pag- magkaroon ng eligibility para harap ng hagupit ng krisis sa pin- to ang halagang kailangan ng mga lang kasiguruhan sa trabaho at kilala sa isang unyon sa pamahalaan: mga posisyong managerial sa ansiya, ekonomiya at pulitika. Tulad pamilya, ayon kay Gaite, ang malaon nakaambang tanggalan mula sa pamahalaan o iyong sakop ng 1. Pagpaparehistro ng mga manggagawa [sa pribadong na nilang isinusulong na P3,000 serbisyo, alinsunod sa Executive Career Executive Service, kail- Ginagawa sa Bureau of Labor Re- sektor], dumaranas sila ng malalak- dagdag sa suweldo ang makapag- Order (EO) 366, na naglalayong angang kumuha at maipasa ng lations ng Department of Labor and ing suliranin sa usapin ng sahod, bibigay ng pansamantalang alwan sa i-streamline ang burukrasya, ani isang tao ang mga pagsusulit Employment. Kailangang magbigay trabaho at karapatan,” ani Ferdinand mga kawani ng pamahalaan. Gaite. Sa pagtaya ng Courage, ng patunay ang unyon na kasapi nito at panayam ng Career Service Gaite, pambansang tagapangulo ng libo na ang tinanggal sa kanilang ang pinakamababang 30 porsyento Executive Board sa kaalaman at samahang Confederation for Unity, P3,000 dagdag sa suweldo puwesto sa pamahalaan, kasama ng kabuuang bilang ng rank-and-file kasanayan sa pamamahala. Recognition and Advancement of Dahil sa magkasunod na taunang ang may 400 kawani ng tangga- na kawani sa kanilang tanggapan. Ayon sa batas, pansamantala Government Employees (Courage). pagtataas ng sahod, masasabing nai- pan ni Gloria Arroyo. lamang maaaring manatili sa 2. Pagpapa-accredit bigay na umano ng pamahalaan ang Paliwanag ni Prop. Oliva Domin- puwesto ang mga hindi eligible Pagpapatunay ito na kasapi Mababang sahod hinihinging P3,000 dagdag ayon sa go, nagtuturo ng public personnel na itatalaga sa mga posisyong hu- ng unyon ang mayorya ng mga Sa kabila ng pinakahuling pag- Department of Budget and Manage- administration sa UP, kailangan ang mihingi ng eligibility. Magiging rank-and-file na kawani.K ung ma- tataas ng sahod ng mga kawani ment, paliwanag ni CSC Chair Ricar- reorganization ng burukrasya ayon pagtibay ito ng CSC, ang unyon permanente lamang sila kung ng 10 porsyento, maituturing um- do Saludo sa panayam ng Collegian. sa EO 366 upang tanggalin ang ang kikilalaning “sole and exclusive makakukuha sila ng eligibility. anong napababayaan pa rin ng Ngunit ani Gaite, nakakiling mga posisyong gumagampan sa collective negotiating agent.” Bagaman kinilala umano nila pamahalaan ang antas ng kanilang ang porsyentong pagtataas ng sa- mga gawain ng higit sa isang ahen- ang kahalagahan ng eligibility, ani 3. Collective negotiation mga sahod. Para sa mga kawaning hod sa mga nakatataas na opisyal siya. Bagaman normal umano ang Saludo, “Sa palakad ng gobyerno, agreement tumatanggap ng pinakamababang ng pamahalaan, na nakakukuha pangamba ng mga empleyado sa binibigyan ng lawig ang nag-aap- Kontrata ito sa pagitan ng na-ac- sahod sa pamahalaan na P5,590, pa umano ng mga hindi tinatang- kanilang seguridad, ipinalalagay ni- point, iyong mga mismong inihalal credit na unyon at ng pamunuan ng tulad ng mga utility worker, ka- gap ng karaniwang kawani gaya yang magiging maingat ang pama- ng tao para mamahala ng gobyerno, kanilang tanggapan. Matapos mabuo tumbas lamang ang dagdag na sa- ng allowance para sa sasakyan halaan sa pagtatanggal ng kawani ito man ay presidente, alkalde, na ang isang CNA, kailangan itong mara- hod ng P500 bawat buwan, o P25 at telepono. “Kapag ikaw ay low dahil “dapat majustify na most ef- tipika ng mayorya ng kawaning rank- piliin ang gusto nila... Kung maga- bawat araw, paliwanag ni Gaite. wage employee, since percentage ficient ang maiiwang [structure ng and-file bago tuluyang magkabisa. “Negligible iyan, hindi naramda- ling ang trabaho nila (itinalaga sa 04 Balita Philippine Collegian | Biyernes, 19 Set 2008 Komprontasyon Sa patuloy na militarisasyon sa kampus Mga mag-aaral ng PUP, kinasuhan ng rebelyon Mini Ugali Soriano noon?” Samantala, saad ni Obligar, hindi umano sila bahagi ng rebeldeng grupo, atlong mag-aaral ng Polytech- kundi mga mag-aaral na mariing bum- nic University of the Philip- abatikos ng mga «anti-mamamayang» Tpines (PUP) Lopez sa Quezon, palisiya ng pamahalaan. Miyembro na pinaghihinalaang kasapi ng New ng National Union of Students of the People’s Army (NPA), ang kinasuhan ng Philippines (NUSP) si Obligar, habang salang rebelyon. kasapi naman ng College Editors Guild Nagsampa ng pormal na reklamo la- of the Philippines (CEGP) si Rufo, at Ka- ban sa mga militar noong Setyembre 15 bataan Pinoy si Nollas. sa Commission on Human Rights sina Ani Obligar, nagkalat na umano sa n Hinarap ni Leila De Lima, Chairperson ng Commission on Human Rights, ang mga estudyante mula sa Eugene Nollas, Jerom Obligar, at Cath- lalawigan ng Quezon ang mga “black PUP-Lopez, Quezon, PUP Sta. Mesa, at UP Diliman noong Setyembre 16. Nanawagan ang mga grupo para sa erine Rufo, na kritiko ng pamunuan ni propaganda” ng militar laban sa mga agarang aksyon laban sa tumitinding represyon at “military presence” sa kanilang mga campus. Humingi rin ng Arroyo. Kasama rin ng tatlo ang kapwa mag-aaral gaya ng mga plakard na nag- proteksyon ang tatlong estudyante ng PUP-Lopez na sinampahan ng PNP Quezon ng kasong rebelyon. Tugon ng mag-aaral sa PUP na sina John Michael sasabing NPA ang tatlong mag-aaral. CHR Chairperson ang pagpapadala ng fact-finding commission upang imbestigahan ang kaso. Om Narayan A. Velasco Panganiban, Donnavie Pascual, Alain Ayon kay Vijae Alquisola, pamban- Mark Zamora, at Justine Ahmir Bansil, sang tagapangulo ng CEGP, “Known na naghain din ng reklamo laban sa student leaders and activists who led Chacha consultations raise fears “military harassment.” protests against issues ranging from Nakatanggap ng kanya-kanyang local (tuition increase and campus pub- subpoena mula sa pulisya ng Quezon lication repression) to national (charter of ‘deceptive schemes’ sina Nollas, Obligar, at Rufo noong Set- change and economic crisis) are almost said that charter change was a ploy by man lang din ang magfa-facilitate yembre 3. always the targets and victims (of mili- Mark Pere Madrona President Gloria Arroyo “in her aim to nito, paano tayo makakasiguro na Unang humingi ng tulong sa ad- tary harassment).” stay in power beyond 2010.” kino-konsulta nga nila ang kanilang ministrasyon ng PUP Lopez ang tat- Ayon sa ulat ng CEGP, mula noong The district consultations, initiated mga constituents? Very informal ang long mag-aaral, ngunit pinayunahan kinilalang NPA sina Nollas, Obligar, at tarting this month, House rep- by House Speaker Prospero Nograles, mechanisms nila dito at wala ring na lamang sila ng mga opisyal ng pa- Rufo, maging ang iba pang mag-aaral resentatives will meet with their can be easily manipulated by some rules,” he said. mantasan na makiusap sa mga militar ng PUP Lopez noong Styembre 3 nag- Sconstituents to consult them lawmakers, Ocampo added. “Posible The proposed amendments to the at makipagkompromiso, ayon kay Ob- tayo ng himpilan ng militar malapit sa regarding the proposed amendment ring hindi naman fully informed ang 1987 constitution include lifting the ligar. tarangkahan ng PUP Lopez. of the 1987 Constitution, amid fears mga tao sa mga pagbababagong ipa- provisions which protect national pat- Sa pagpupulong kamakailan na ipi- Ani Alquisola, nalalabag ang karapa- by militant lawmakers over possible panukala nila during those consulta- rimony. Economic provisions which natawag ng pamunuan ng PUP Lopez tan ng mga mag-aaral sa pag-oorga- deceptive schemes meant to ensure tions.” bars full foreign control of businesses kasama ang ilang kasapi ng 76th In- nisa dahil sa pananakot ng mga militar. support for the move. Administration-allied lawmakers should be amended, said Romblon fantry Batallion, idiniin ng mga militar Dagdag niya, “We shall hold the Armed In a September 9 hearing, mem- are pushing for a constituent assem- Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona of na bahagi umano ang tatlo sa “youth Forces and the government who have bers of the House committee on bly (ConAss) if people respond favor- Lakas-CMD. service” ng NPA, ani Obligar. “Mayroon been practicing systematic harassment, constitutional amendments voted ably to proposals for charter change. Alvin Peters, national chair of the daw rebel returnee na hawak ang militar repression, and political persecution of 12-4 on an order instructing all law- Under ConAss, Congress would con- National Union of Students of the na nagtuturo sa amin bilang kasapi ng its critics accountable.” makers to conduct district consulta- vene as an assembly with the power Philippines, said the administration NPA.” Hindi lamang sa PUP nanakot ng tions about the charter change (cha- to amend the 1987 Constitution. may force the people to support the Ani Rufo, “Sabi ng mga militar may mga militar kundi maging sa ibang cha) until November 30 this year. Renato Reyes, secretary general of charter change through massive dis- mga ebidensya sila sa amin. Mayroon mga pamantasan, ayon sa CEGP. However, the committee has yet to the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan information and limiting access to daw kaming pag-aaring laptop na gina- Simula 2006 hanggang 2007, na- draft rules or finalize funding in order (BAYAN), raised questions about the information. “Marahil, ang lihim na gamit namin sa pag-oorganisa at 45 kapagtala ang Tanggulan Network, to facilitate the implementation of the procedure. “This is all for show. Para pagkakabalangkas sa Memorandum kalibre ng baril.” Subalit ani Nollas, “Ni samahan ng mga organisasyong nag- order. lang masabing suportado ng mga tao of Agreement on Ancestral Domains hindi nga kami marunong gumamit continued on p.10 Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo itong cha-cha. Kapag mga congress- continued on p.10 ng laptop, paano kami magkakaroon
utusan siya ng biktima na kumuha ng Sasakyan ng Educ Tinutukoy pa rin ng UPDP hang- of Library and Information Science Police Briefs yero. Pagbalik niya, nakita na lamang prof, pinagpapalo gang sa ngayon ang pagkakakilanlan at ang pinuno ng PS na si Kristoffer niya ang biktima sa unang palapag na Pinagpapalo ng isa umanong ni Paco. Kung makilala, maaari siyang Mark Castillejo, third year sa College duguan. estudyante ng UP ang sasakyan ng maharap sa disciplinary action para of Social Sciences and Philosophy. Dagdag ni Merano, maaaring na- propesor sa College of Education (CoE) sa gross and deliberate discourtesy sa Kasama rin sa mga nakuha ng dulas sa bubungan ang biktima dahil nang dumaan ang guro sa bike lane sa propesor ng unibersidad. n UPDP ang tatlong itim na backpack Trabahador, nahulog maulan umano noong tanghaling tapat ng Vinzons Hall noong Setyem- na naglalaman ng mga bakal na tubo mula sa bubong kinukumpuni nila ito. Wala rin um- bre 11. Tatlong fratman, inaresto at truncheon, ayon sa ulat ng UPDP. Tatlong miyembro ng Pi Sigma ng Main Lib anong suot na harness o anumang Ani Prop. Mabuhay Alonzo, prope- Samantala, isa lamang sa tatlong pill- (PS) fraternity ang hinuli ng mga mi- Isang construction worker ang security equipment ang biktima, sor ng social studies sa CoE, dinala niya box ang sumabog, dagdag ng UPDP. yembro ng UPDP at Special Services namatay nang mahulog mula sa aniya. ang kaniyang minamanehong kotse Itinanggi ng mga nadakip na Brigade sa may UP Faculty Center bubungan ng ika-limang palapag ng Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan ng sa bike lane upang umiwas sa trapik, miyembro ng PS na naghagis sila ng matapos umanong maghagis ng pill- UP Main Library bandang tanghali UP Diliman Police (UPDP) kung nag- na ikinagalit ng isang nagpakilalang pillbox sa tambayan ng Upsilon, at na box malapit sa tambayan ng Upsilon noong Setyembre 10. pakamatay, itinulak o aksidenteng na- “Paco.” Pinagsusuntok at pinagsisipa pag-aari nila ang mga sinamsam na Sigma Phi fraternity bandang alas- Dead-on-arrival si Edison Fedelin, hulog ang biktima. Noong nakaraang rin umano ng estudyante ang kanyang gamit. diyes ng umaga ng Setyembre 5. 52-taong gulang at foreman ng TMQ Enero, isang empleyado naman ng sasakyan. Ani Castillejo, noong Setyembre Inaresto sina John Richard Ar- Construction, sa UP Health Service. Main Library Archives ang namatay Dagdag ni Alonzo, sinigawan uma- 4, tatlo sa kanilang kasamahan ang danas, third year sa National College Ayon kay Joey Merano, welder ng matapos mahulog mula sa ikatlong no siya ni Paco ng “Bakit dito ka sa bike hinamon umano ng away ng tatlong of Public Administration and Gover- TMQ Construction, abala si Fedelin palapag ng gusali. n lane? Muntik na akong masagasaan.” miyembro ng Upsilon nang may da- sa pagkukumpuni ng bubong nang nance, Ian Gonda, fifth year sa School lang mga tubo. n 05 Philippine Collegian | Biyernes, 19 Set 2008 Kultura
tems of everyday life now come in small, cheap, and Iconvenient packets. A 3-in-1 sachet of coffee starts everyone’s day. In the bathroom, somebody rips open a twin-pack sachet of shampoo and conditioner. Meanwhile, lunch for a family of six consists of corned beef poured from a conventional packaging to man- ufacture. In the case of sardines, tetra pack and sautéed in cook- the rise in prices of tin cans has ing oil from a 100-mL pack. At prompted the marketing of sar- the end of the day, the neigh- dines in tetra packs. borhood drunkard sips gin from To sell more, a product’s packag- fruit juice is purchased in liters. a 10-mL sachet, resembling a ing itself poses as an advertisement. crises spurs Back in the Philippines, govern- kid drinking orange juice. Promotional tags like “20% more” innovations ment policies, oddly enough, seem and “3-in-1” reinforce notions of in sachet The smallest of things make life to be inspired by sachets. Its mea- greater value in sachets. Improve- m a r k e t i n g . easier in the Philippines. Size, at sures to alleviate the crisis prove ments in appearance and features Selling in small least for product packaging, does to be as unsustainable as the con- such as resealable flaps also add to portions prevent matter. More and more com- tents of a sachet. Dole-outs like the the convenience and seeming eco- consumers from P500 for electricity underline the modities are reducing their sizes nomic value of sachets. feeling the brunt mismatched short-term solutions to fit tetra packs and sachets. The latest shrinking trend could of perpetual and to long-term afflictions. Similarly, not have come at a better time for worsening crises. people clamor for inadequate so- Big things, small consumers. Adapting to the various As UP Professor packages cial services since the scale of gov- crises, after all, is everyone’s concern. Roland Tolentino With a record high inflation ernment appropriations resemble points out, “You are rate of 12.5 percent in August, ‘Sachet economics’ easily dried-up sachets. still given access. It Filipinos have experienced the Sachets, in a way, have become Sachets, somehow, have come to is very important for rapid price hikes of almost ev- one-way tickets for survival – a reflect the Third World condition. you to continue buying The tiny packaging manifests the ery basic good. Oil prices have matter of making ends meet one products.” scramble for everyday survival and climbed to P50 per liter. Rice and day at a time. After all, ten grams Sachets render an il- the absence of any stable, long-term lusion that despite peo- basic food items have followed of coffee can only make as many as two cups. A single sachet of system to sustain oneself. It is simi- ple’s meager spending suit, increasing by almost 14 shampoo cannot be used to wash lar to the country’s lack of national power, commodities percent. To cope, some families hair twice. A hundred mL of industries and the prevalence of are still available and af- have to skip a meal every day. cooking oil cannot last the week. piecemeal and skewed trade poli- fordable. Everybody remains With the prices of goods A family of six, for instance, cies. In the grander scheme, the happy at being able to satisfy at an all time high, it is not needs at least P800 to get government’s economic policies their daily needs. The coming surprising that micro packag- through a day, according to the seem to resemble sachets – enough weeks or months, however, to sustain the country for a year or ing has such a large market National Wages and Productivity are left to chance. so, but not for the subsequent years in the country. This method, Commission. Minimum wages, In the process of con- and decades. stantly adapting to perpetually however, has flourished here at their current national average Lacking ca- worsening crises, the economic even before the onslaught of of P200, do not Sachets render pacity for long- quandary of unsustainable state the oil and rice crises. even meet half an illusion that de- term sustenance, policies tend to be rationalized In wet markets and sari-sari stores, of it. Families spite people’s meager people from instead of criticized. Customers for instance, base food items like salt, earning such impoverished remain complacent as long as vinegar and soy sauce have long can only resort spending power, com- countries rely on they can survive for the day. been sold in “tingi”. Small quantities to buying in modities are still avail- sachets for sur- The question, however, is: how of such products are dispensed from tingi, tetra packs, able and affordable vival. Tolerance small should commodities be be- larger containers depending on the or sachets to get for the worsen- fore people realize the gravity of need of buyers. Meanwhile, “takatak” by. Indeed, a ing crises, among their situation? boys along major avenues sell ciga- pack of sardines other things, en- As long as people are con- rettes and candies per piece. Even can barely suffice for one meal. sures continued reliance and com- strained to merely survive on a prepaid cellphone loads reflect the Such a scenario is unthinkable placency. daily basis, sachets will continue predominance of small packaging. in developed countries. Balik- to proliferate. While various crises Packaged deal Consequently, companies bayan relatives often brag of the make themselves felt, commodi- The sachet, despite its meager sell products in sachets to keep sheer scale of products from the ties become smaller and smaller. size, can inflict certain illusions up with the dwindling spend- United States, where everything After all, buying a tetra pack of on its avid consumer. Sachets ing power of consumers amidst seems to be sold in their default sardines sounds better than skip- draw an image of seeming afflu- escalating prices of basic goods. jumbo size. Laundry detergents ping a meal. For the moment, ence which belies the consumers’ Besides ensuring continued are always bought in two-kilo sachets are enough to effectively impotent purchasing prowess. consumer spending, sachets are containers, canned goods are keep dissent at bay. n The necessity of adapting to also profitable, costing less than always packaged wholesale, and
Article Photo Page Design Ivan Reverente Dianne Marah E. Sayaman Candice Reyes and Kris Imperial 06-07 Lathalain PhilippinePhilippine CollegianCollegian || Byernes, Biyernes, 19 12 Set Set 2008 2008
Sidebar : Contentious Provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement of 1998
Article Terms and Conditions
US military personnel are exempted from Article III: Entry and Departure visa and passport regulations.
Upon the request of the US, the Philippines shall waive their right to exercise jurisdiction he grinding wheels of political machinery have churned Divergent perspectives Important provisions on martial law and the writ of habeas over offenses committed by US personnel. out yet another attempt at Charter change (cha-cha). corpus will also be subject to amendment, opening the possibil- The US could also request for the custody In the Philippines, the government has argued that decen- Article V: Criminal Jurisdiction Cha-cha received renewed attention when President tralization of power will increase efficiency and hasten econom- ity of abuse by a President of his powers to declare martial law of a US personnel in trial. In the event that T the Philippine judicial proceedings are Gloria Arroyo emphasized that federalism is the “way to ensure ic growth. and suspend civil liberties. Additional modifications may lift the long-lasting peace in Mindanao.” Subsequently, Sen. Aquilino However, the division of regions into federal states may ex- constitutional ban on the entry of nuclear weapons and the pres- not completed in one year, the US shall be relieved of any obligation. Pimentel filed Senate Resolution No.10 (SN 10), which calls for acerbate the already uneven distribution of wealth and services ence of foreign troops and military bases in the country. the creation of 11 federal states in the country, including the in the country. In 2006, Metro Manila’s regional gross domestic Such proposals are geared towards accommodating foreign State of Bangsamoro or the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE). product (GDP) accounted for 37 percent of the entire country’s interests, says Araullo. Indeed, it can be argued that the cha-cha Vehicles, vessels, and aircraft operated by or To facilitate this shift to federalism, the administration claims, GDP, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board. initiative is not simply a pending program of Arroyo, but also a for the United States armed forces shall not Article VIII: Movement and be subject to the payment of landing or port cha-cha is necessary. This is a far cry from the GDP contributed by the country’s poor- longstanding contrivance of powerful countries, particularly the Vessels Aircraft Federalism is a mainstay of Arroyo’s political agenda (see est regions. Thus, if political power and responsibilities are fur- US, says IBON Foundation. fees, navigation or overflight charges, or tolls sidebar 1). In 2004, defending her plans to lobby for a federal ther decentralized, the existing disparity of resources among or other use charges while in the Philippines. system with a parliamentary form of government in the Philip- regions may become even worse. External agenda pines, she called the present form of government a “hindrance Furthermore, SN 10 proposes that constitutional amendments In the era of the US-led “war on terrorism,” Arroyo’s push for to our socio-economic growth.” be determined by a constituent assembly composed cha-cha has aligned the country with the US global geopolitical All attempts to change the constitution after EDSA 1, have of the current members of Congress strategy of “US expansionism and disarmament of rogue states,” been rejected by the public. However, while Arroyo is not the (see sidebar 2). The result- ing revisions, according to a study from Centre for Research on Globalization. first President who proposed to amend the 1987 Constitution, then, will likely protect and a d v a n c e In Iraq, for instance, which is still occupied by US troops, the con- she holds the record for the most attempts at cha-cha. the interests of the landed elite who stitution is being amended to provide for a shift to federalism. dominate Congress to- day, says On the local level, the rich resources and strategic location of Federal route Bagong Alyansang Maka- b a y a n Mindanao make it an opportunity for the US to advance its global The first efforts to establish federalism in the Philippines date (BAYAN) Chair Dr. Carol Araullo. interests — and cha-cha is one way for the US to gain a foothold back to colonial times. As early as 1899, a draft constitution for Thus, the decentralization of govern- in that region, observes BAYAN Sec. Gen. Renato Reyes, Jr. a Federal Republic of the Philippines was submitted to the US- ment will not make the sys- tem more In shooting down a 2006 attempt at charter change by Arroyo’s appointed Philippine Commission, a five-person group headed democratic, says Araullo. More likely, he allies, the Supreme Court called the initiative a “deception” and a Tagging the US military presence in Mindanao by an American. Working closely with the Commission, wealthy notes, the established self-ruling states will “giant fraud.” Public response towards this latest attempt echoes ilustrados established the Federalista Party, which advocated state- only tighten the stronghold of landlords the same sentiments. Indeed, under this administration which hood for the Philippine islands under the US Federal Republic. and oligarchs over their territories. T e r m has shown no hesitation in putting personal, political, and foreign Federalism is a political system in which power is divided extension is also a possibility, since “ a l l interests before those of the nation, cha-cha will never prosper. saying goes that promises are made to American troops intensified their operations The MBA and MDT exempted US military soldier Daniel Smith was convicted of raping between a national government and constituent state govern- elective officials, including the pres- References: be broken. in the country. personnel from the criminal jurisdictions of a Filipina. Todaro, M. et al (2003). Economic Development. Pearson Edu- ments. With their own legislative, executive, and judicial branch- ident, are given the chance to run Two decades ago, massive public re- US soldiers flocked to Mindanao, after Philippine law, making Filipinos vulnerable cation South Asia Pte. Ltd. Phils. A Masked intentions es states are authorized to pass, enforce, and interpret laws in again once the nation adopts a new sistance led to a rejection of the Military Bases its proclamation as the “second front in the to abuse by American soldiers. These agree- Brillantes, A.B., & Moscare, D. (2002). Such “negative externalities” are ex- accordance with the Constitution. A federal system provides form of government,” states Negros Agreement (MBA) between the United States Global War on Terror” in 2002. And in recent ments met with popular opposition from a Decentralization and Federalism in perienced not only in the Philippines but room for diversity because “it allows fragmentation while at the Oriental Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong. the Philippines. Retrieved Sep- and the Philippines, as the Filipino govern- years, the US has also actively participated in public which saw the treaties as an infringe- throughout the world, for American troops same time promoting national interest,” according to a study by Moreover, the administration’s tember 11, 2008 from ment vowed to ban the presence of US troops the region’s affairs — for instance, the abort- ment on national sovereignty. Both treaties are scattered in many countries. Dr. Alex Brillantes and Ms. Donna Moscare of the UP National proposed cha-cha amendments http://www.geocities. on Philippine soil. Yet, a few years after the ed signing of the Memorandum of Agree- finally expired by 1991. The US military presence in key regions College of Public Administration and Governance. It accommo- include deleting provisions for com/clrgncpag/ MBA of 1991, US troops made their way back ment on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was In 1999, the Visiting Forces Agreement worldwide is aimed at “power projection” — a dates differences in geography, demography, culture, resources, national patrimony and eco- dec-fed.doc through contentious schemes like the Visit- attended by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney. was deliberated and ratified by the Philip- technique that provides “the earliest feasible and industry by allowing local governments to tailor policies nomic sovereignty because they ing Forces Agreement (VFA), the Balikatan In addition, the US launched the Philippine pine Senate. Under this new agreement, US opportunity to defeat opponents,” explains suited to their constituents’ needs. “hamper the entry of foreign capi- exercises, and the Global War on Terror. Facilitation Project in 2003 shortly after the armed forces were again allowed to stay in Paul Walker, a national security analyst. Meanwhile, a parliamentary form of government is typi- tal.” Once protectionist revisions Today, the escalation of conflict in Mind- late MILF leader Hashim Salamat wrote US the country for as long as six months. And in With the Filipino troops’ participation fied by a fusion of powers between the legislative and executive are removed, however, public utili- anao has once again aroused suspicions of US President George Bush for help in the peace 2002, Gloria Arroyo signed the Mutual Logis- in US-instigated wars in Iraq and Lebanon, branches of government. Proponents argue that this can reduce ties and natural resources may be intervention in what is otherwise an internal process negotiations. tics and Support Agreement (MLSA), which OUT NOW affirms that Arroyo “has made it legislative gridlock and pave the way for quicker law-making ac- controlled by foreign bodies. This affair, as pictures of American soldiers in the Kenney explains that the US merely wants seeks “to facilitate the reciprocal provision of easier for the country to be dragged into wars tion in the Philippines. will absolve what little protection region seemingly indicate the increased pres- “peace, development, and prosperity in Min- logistic support and social services” between not of our making and not to our national in- In contrast, the presidential system is now criticized as a “de- the Constitution affords the lo- ence of US troops. Locals spotted American danao.” However, such platitudes may be a the US and the Philippines. terest.” Arroyo was one of the few state heads terrent to the country’s effective governance,” whose “days are cal economy, and open the door soldiers in various military operations, par- smokescreen. As a BAYAN statement asserts, “The MLSA opens the door…to unham- who first declare support for the US War on numbered,” says Pimentel. for transnational corporations to ticularly in Sulu, in which eight civilians were the real goal of the US is to seek out invest- pered military presence and armed interven- Terror campaign. fully exploit the country’s resourc- killed. Supposedly, the VFA limits the actions ments and seize “basing opportunities” in tion in internal armed conflicts,” argues the Besides enhancing American interests es and labor, according to IBON of American troops to training and humani- Mindanao. Other US interests in the region US Troops Out Now! Coalition (OUT NOW). Sidebar 1 around the globe, US military bases also al- Foundation. tarian activities, and prohibits participation in include oil routes, and gas and gold deposits. Under the MLSA, the Philippines receives Tr a c i n g Ar r o y o ’s Ch a -c h a a tt e m p t s any combat. Already, there are plans for transnational oil large amounts of military assistance, ranging lows the containment of perceived threats. July 6, 2004- Arroyo advocated “charter reform as our strategic Sidebar 2 “[The White House] has no bases or plans firm Exxon Mobil to engage in a $100-M off- from $20 to $30 M yearly, excluding millions Currently, US bases are strategically strewn hope for change.” Mo d u s Op e r a n d i to base in the Philippines,” says US Embassy shore exploration near Sulu. worth of military equipment donated by the across the Asian region, surrounding an August 19, 2005- Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 453 “cre- People’s Initiative (PI)- Allows Arroyo to bypass both Spokesperson Rebecca Thompson. Yet, US interests are not limited to Mind- US. OUT NOW says, “National sovereignty emerging superpower – China. ating a consultative commission to propose the revision of the the Senate and the House of Representatives , through The fixed permanence of American troops anao alone; their ulterior motives extend to and territorial integrity are being sold out in Amidst popular opposition to the foreign 1987 Constitution in consultation with various sectors of society.” a PI by gathering signatures from at least 12 percent of the is already “virtual basing,” counters Renato the whole Philippines. exchange for vague promises of paltry sums military presence in Mindanao, the admin- January 23, 2006- Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 495 that country’s registered voters, including at least 3 percent of every Reyes Jr., secretary-general of militant group of economic and military aid.” istration still remains “subservient and sup- created a Cha-cha Advocacy Commission. congressional district in the country. October 25, 2006- The Supreme Court junked the Union of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN). Lopsided arrangement With the presence of the US military bas- portive of US interests,” says Reyes. Constituent Assembly (“Con-ass”)- Members of Congress may US military bases have been present in the In the end, the “lasting peace” which the Local Authorities of the Philippines and Sigaw ng Bayan’s petition convene into a Con-ass upon a vote of 3/4 of all its members, and is BAYAN and other critics argue that the con- es, not only national sovereignty is at stake as country since 1898. Shortly after the Philip- US government and Arroyo administration to amend the 1987 Constitution via the People’s Initiative. give plenary powers to introduce changes on any and all provisions of tinuing presence of US military power on they also cause “negative externalities includ- August 12, 2008- Press Secretary Jesus Dureza announced the the Constitution. Philippine grounds is a violation of national pines gained independence from the US in ing prostitution, insurgency, risk of nuclear claim to seek for the region might just turn President’s support for moves to revise the Constitution and adopt Constitutional Convention (“Con-con”)- Congress can call for a Con-con sovereignty. 1946, the MBA of 1947 and the Mutual De- accidents, the spread of AIDS, and environ- into another broken promise. And mean- federalism. by a vote of 2/3 of all its members or, by a majority vote of all its members. fense Treaty (MDT) of 1951 allowed US mili- mental neglect,” states Eduardo Gonzales, while, the very presence of US troops in the Source: GMA News Research. (2008). Gloria and cha-cha Re- The Con-con is made up of delegates elected by the congressional district. Subtle intrusion tary bases to remain in the country for 99 an economics writer. This was particularly region further foments the conditions inimi- trieved September 16, 2008 from http://www.gmanews.tv Source: The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Article 17. In the aftermath of the collapse of the years. This was later shortened to 25 years in evident in the Subic Rape Case, wherein a US cal to genuine peace. n World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, a 1959 amendment. Article Illustration Page Design Article Illustration Page Design Samantha P. King Janno Gonzales Marinelle O. Garcia Katherine Elona and Mila Polinar Ivan Reverente Ivan Reverente 08 Kultura Philippine Collegian | Biyernes, 19 Set 2008
he first few head-bopping beats are toriety. The case of localized foreign songs, familiar. A few months ago, this song Professor Rolando Tolentino of the College of Twas unavoidable. It hogged radio Mass Communication notes, simply prolongs airwaves, showing no signs of going away. It the life of the original cultural product. is the same with these kinds of songs: flash- “Ginagawa iyan precisely because in-the-pan tunes that stick to your head no laos na ang original,” says Professor matter how incomprehensible the lyrics, Copy cats Tolentino. “Dahil inuulit pa ang wedging itself into a slice of pop culture. and kanta, nagiging relevant ulit ito.” For instance, as Soulja boy’s song personal consump- Sampling, however, is dif- Crank That rolls to its catchy but un- tion of music. And with the development of ferent from copying the en- fathomable first verse, the lyrics pass user-friendly music software, listeners can now customize music tire song and putting one’s through the ears, sounding foreign yet to fit their personal tastes. own lyrics and name on familiar. It is not until the chorus plays The issue of customizing existing music is controversial. While it. Local artists who that the words start to make sense and it gives music listeners control over what they listen to, some argue take part in this pique one’s attention. that manipulating music, the way these local hip hop artists do, in- – from the DJs Rugby boy sumisinghot/ kaya utak ay fringes on international copyright laws. hardly anyone natuyot/ rugby boy lumilipad parang si su- has ever heard perman/ sige pa, sige pa, singhoooot Name that tune of to music Wait, what? The same laws were cited a few years ago with the popularity of lo- heavyweights cal rap group Salbakuta’s song Stupid Luv which featured samples from like Parokya ni Neither second rate the song Evergreen by American singer Barbara Streisand. While it nor trying-hard Edgar – seem to remains unclear what had happened regarding that case, the hip bank on the Phil- Filipino rapper RDA’s hip hop song hop community – both local and international – seem to posses featuring Oneway and G’Blox of Doz ippine music in- the same nonchalant view on the potential copyright prob- dustry’s anonymity Garraz, Rugby Boy, has been playing on the lems posed by music sampling. radio for months,following the echoes of in the international Music sampling is a cornerstone in hip hop tradition. music scene to elude its parent song, Crank That by American It refers to taking portions from audio records and rapper Soulja Boy. This hit is not the first the attention of foreign splicing it with another to create an entirely new artists and their lawyers. of its kind, nor is it the only local spin-off record. Most modern hip hop songs have of that particular song. There is another When that fails, there is ‘hooks’ or chorus comprised of samples. always immunity through version with the same music doing its Traditionally as well, hip rounds on Youtube, en- feigning ignorance of hop as a genre has copyright laws. titled Batang Sundalo. The familiarity of the nearly always got- There is also a goldmine popular foreign songs ten away with it. Keepin’ it real of both Visayan and The rationale Apart from a catchy cho- Tagalog versions of Flo becomes a backdrop behind sampling, rus, the allure of hip hop is its Rida’s Low, Sean Kings- for unavoidable social besides giving an defiance of polished popular ton’s Beautiful Girl, and realities otherwise barrage music. While pop has a tendency Rihanna’s Umbrella, to of rhymes a chorus to sing about mass-consumable top- name a few. that can be sung, is to blatantly ics like dreamy-eyed love, hip hop never The replicas are clean, professional ride on the popularity of another shied away from talking about street or sounding, with no note out of place besides song. Listeners’ familiarity with ghetto culture. The attitudes and top- the altered lyrics. Reasonably cheap technol- the song samples en- ics expressed in hip hop has prided itself ogy has made music handling accessible, sures word-of- with “keeping it real”, which is slang for generating a legion of bedroom DJs and MCs mouth addressing issues that beset the social almost overnight. This technology is proving no- class the music originates from. to be the bane of the music industry, demon- While the songs Crank strating the rapidly irrelevant roles of manager, That, Low, and Um- studio executive, advertising department, and brella may not be the music label altogether. This same technology best candidates for “keep- drains millions from the music industry’s ing it real”, the local versions profits because of illegal file-sharing and fare better in that regard. downloading of music from the internet. Although the localized ver- Despite this, never before in history has sions of foreign hip hop songs, the music experience been this interac- not unlike novelty songs, usually tive. Before recording devices, music have a humorous slant, the topics could only be enjoyed at a time and hit closer to home. Rugby Boy tack- place determined by the artist. With les addiction to the hardware adhesive the advent of the phono- turned cheap inhalant drug, Batang Sundalo graph record, it be- raps about child soldiers fighting the Armed came possible for Forces of the Philippines, the Visayan version of people to own Low is about accidental food poisoning, while the Taga- copies of mu- log version is about old men preferring underage girls – all sic, allowing of which is within the realm of Philippine social reality. audiences This then ceases to be an issue of novelty language transla- to listen to tion or even copyright, but of cultural appropriation. The familiar- their records ity of the popular foreign songs becomes a backdrop for unavoidable in their own social realities. The catchiness of the tune remains intact while replacing terms. The incomprehensible lyrics with lines Filipinos can relate to. This act of cul- personal ste- tural ownership, in the true spirit of hip hop, trumps legal protestations. reo common- The familiar head-bopping beats die down, but the song is bound ly known as to play again and again in one radio station or another. It is the same the Walkman with these kinds of songs: it latches on to people’s heads for weeks, and its sci-fi- unwilling to relinquish its grip on its slice of pop culture. In a handful of like descen- years, these songs will either be the source of either nostalgia or shame. dant, the iPod, It may be just be some flash-in-the-pan tune now, but it is never too late allows portable to learn the words. n
Article Illustration Page Design Mixkaela Villalon Nico Villarete Marinelle O. Garcia 09 Philippine Collegian | Biyernes, 19 Set 2008 Opinyon Sa paminsan-minsan ko noong pag- uwi, nahiyaw ako sa may terasa sa labas ng Survival Pagbabalik sa simula aking kuwarto para ayain kang makipag- of the Melane A. Manalo takbuhan sa akin, pabilisan. Hindi ko alam Fittest kung bakit, ngunit ngayong linggu-linggo na akong nasa bahay namin, hindi na kita nakakawayan man lamang. Diana Kaye Precioso ula sa ngayon, nagbabalik ako, nawawala na ang katulad na mga pag- Pinili kita noon, sinadyang tagpuin at tinatanaw na simula ang bawat kakataon, dahil napapagod na tayo sa pag- pagpakilanlan, dahil ramdam kong hindi Collision Course Mnakaraan. pilit mairaos ang bawat linggo, mabigat ikaw ang lalapit, kung hindi ako, at ang Noon, tinatawagan ninyo ako nang dahil hindi na tayo gaanong nasisiyahan marami pang iba sa iyong paligid. Minahal here is an enormous circular tunnel hindi na dadalang kaysa sa isang beses sa kuwartong ating ginagalawan. located around 100 meters below ko ang ating mga ginagawa, hindi ginawa, isang araw, inis akong sasagot sa telepono Mahirap para sa iyo ang mang-iwan, at mga inisip sa pagitan ng alinman sa France and Switzerland. It cost $6.4 at magsasabing saka na ulit kayo tumawag nasabi mo, kaya hindi ka billion to build. It is literally colder mga sandaling ito. Makali- kapag hindi na ako abala. Kailan lamang, na minsan nagtatangkang pas ang mahabang tala ng and emptier than outer space. isang madaling araw, tinawagan ko kayo, maging malapit sa iba, at O baka naman wala On September 10, a beam of protons ating kasaysayan, hindi ko T at binungaran ng “Tawagan naman ninyo kaya rin, hindi ka basta-bas- talaga gaanong inakalang, sa hindi malay- was sent successfully around the whole ako. Saka na lamang kayo natawag kapag ta mawawala sa hinaharap. nagbago. Masaya ong hinaharap, sa ganito 27-kilometer circumference of the tun- may kailangan.” Ngunit, bukambibig mo na nel. A few weeks from now, two such lamang ako noon, tayo maaaring magtapos: Ikaw, panay ang pagpapauwi mo noon ngayon ang pagpunta ng sa pagsasaulian, sa hindi beams will be fired in opposite direc- sa akin sa bahay para maturuan kita sa ibang bansa kapag nainis at malungkot na tions into the circle. ngayon magandahan o palagayang mga aralin mo, lalo na sa math, at para ka na sa takbo ng buhay mo loob, sa isang malamig na The resulting collision of particles makapamasyal din tayo minsan. Nitong sa bangko. would be a recreation of the Big Bang paalaman. huling linggo, kagaya ng ilan pang nauna, Hindi pa malayu-layong panahon, Matapos tumigil ang aking orasan apat itself, a widely accepted theory explain- magkasama nga tayo, ngunit may sarili ka madali para sa atin ang magsamang lu- ing how the universe began. na araw na ang nakalilipas, nasa mabagal namang pinagkakaabalahan, at naiiwan migid sa kampus, kumain ng ice cream o na biyahe mula Batangas puntang May- The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has akong tahimik na nakatanod sa iyo. uminom ng shake, o magpakaupo lamang been called the most complex scientific nila, nakamasid sa marahang paglubog ng Hanggang kailan lamang, pinipigil sa kalye sa kagabihan man. Madalas na araw sa kaliwang bintana, nagpaluwag sa instrument ever built. I myself had never mo ako sa labis kong pagtutulak sa aking ngayong masasabi ang magkasalubong, heard of it until its initial test run. When isang matiim na pagkahalukipkip, naging sarili tungo sa naging katuparan ng mga magkaharap at magkausap tayong saglit malinaw sa aking marami nang nagbago, I began reading about it in the news, the tagumpay sa loob at labas ng paaralan, minsan sa isang linggo. first thing I thought was — sa akin, sa iyo, sa inyo, sa atin. para mapangalagaan naman ang aking Paborito kita noong pagkuwentuhan tu- O baka naman wala talaga gaanong “Is ‘presidentiable’ really a word?” sarili. Ngayong unawa mo nang kailan- wing hapon ng mga nangyayari at mang- Unfortunately, I had been distracted nagbago. Masaya lamang ako noon, at gan kong tuntunin ang aking mga gusto, yayari sa akin, dahil alam kong hindi ka malungkot na ngayon. from my perusal of the LHC article by kasama ang hirap, wala kang ibang sina- mananawang saluhin ang laksa kong mga the headline of another daily newspa- Kung hindi na mapangyayaring maka- sabi kung hindi ang makakasama kita, ha- reklamo, pintas sa mga kaklase at katraba- babalik tayo sa kung saan tayo nagsimula, per. It seemed that a ‘road to nowhere’ bang parang nawalan na ako ng ganang ho, at litanya ng mga gawaing naghihin- was raising blood pressures and ten- pagpapaulit-ulitin ko sa aking gunita ang sumulong pa. tay na aking matapos. Nitong bakasyon, maliliit na tanda ng makulay nating mga sions among those senators who plan Nakaraan, binubuhay natin ang pagitan na nagkaroon ka ng panahon para mul- to run for President in 2010. I instantly hapon at gabi, taglamig at tag-ulan, hiwa- ng ating pagsusulat at paggampan sa iba ing makinig sa akin, nagpakalayo ako at layan at tagpuan. Ngunit hindi naman ako ditched nuclear physics for the political pang hinihingi ng ating tungkulin sa pa- pinaging-abala ang sarili sa hindi maha- soap opera unfolding in Senate — it’s tinatakasan ng pag-asa, inaalala ko kayo, mamagitan ng maiingay na mga usapan halagang bagay, nang waring tinatakasan kita, habang nagtatangka pang gumuhit always funny when politicians hurl dark tungkol sa pinakahuling moda o isang ang iyong paghihintay sa aking munting accusations of corruption at each other. ng higit na maliligayang tagpong muli masungit na nakasalubong. Ngayon, mga talumpati. n Of course, when I realized that the nating pagsisimulan. senators’ argument led to an even emp- tier nowhere than the road they were contesting, I decided it would be bet- whipped around the room to stop a few ter to just tune out politics and focus Gun-metal Blues feet from my face, I froze. Street-smarts on science. Particularly, the LHC, which and book-smarts flew out the window, tak- Mixkaela Villalon may reveal a great deal about the work- ing any survival instincts I might have had ings of the universe. along with it. The library was going crazy, Doomsayers criticize the LHC as a dan- people were shouting for the guards, but I gerous experiment which could destroy us was kept silent with the fear of the Cosmic hese days are packing. bilities. It’s practically vintage. all. The popular theory is that the proton Librarian put into me. The build up of academic work and I’ve never seen a gun before. Not up collision will create a tiny black hole that But all’s well that ends well and I’m extra-curricular responsibilities have close and personal. There was one time, will swallow up the world and everything T still here. No, I don’t know why anyone taken the shape of the perfect storm, and I very briefly, on a memorable night in a in it. However, the over 8,000 scientists who would pull a gun out in a library, or what find myself caught in its eye. My brother’s so- packed FX, when I might have caught a worked on the LHC reply that if a black hole happened to the people involved besides lution is simple: ride the lighting. But I’ve wo- glimpse of cold steel. But I was busy mak- forms, which calculations show is highly myself. Was it a scene for film or televi- ken up too many times to the chorus of “oh, ing like Gandhi and divesting myself of unlikely, it would be too small to swallow up sion that I had somehow walked into by what fresh new hell is this?” and I’m looking earthly possessions to pay close attention. even a single proton, much less the world. mistake? If it was, then check the byline for the emergency exit, the panic button, the Then two weeks ago, I found myself star- “If my life and world are not placed of this column—I expect my name on the eject lever. I wonder where I can get a gun. ing down the barrel of one. It wasn’t even in immediate danger by the LHC, then credits. Snatches of conversation in the Kule of- a robbery of any sort. why should I care about it?” you may After days and bottles of fice has revealed that a considerable percent- I could get lost in the de- when that gun ask. “I don’t give a crap what it can ex- self-reevaluation, I am back age of Filipino families keep a gun at home. tails. It was a Monday after- pose about Higgs boson particles and whipped araound to work with renewed vim There are rumors of gun-toting professors noon inside the quiet space string theory and all that jazz.” the room to stop and vigor. My perfect storm in this university --something everyone of the National Library Well, the LHC is worth studying, if of stress shows no sign of should keep in mind the next time they feel in Manila. The line to the a few feet from only for its eerie parallels with the world weakening. Deadlines for fi- like giving some cheeky quip in class. You photocopy machine was my face, I froze. of politics. The LHC is like the Senate. In nal papers keep coming from don’t have to see it, you just have to suspect comprised of a small but Street-smarts and the LHC, unpredictable particles collide, left and right, stirring things its existence to keep in line. For protection rowdy group of students, a and no one really knows what will hap- book-smarts flew up to signal number 4. I’ve or as a weapon, it’s the invisible phallus of man with a motorcycle hel- pen, but it will tell us a great deal about out the window learned to tell myself: you take power, enough to make Freud giddy. met under his arm, myself the properties of the particles. So every- it in stride. Certain experi- We don’t have a gun at home. This could clutching aged copies of one’s waiting to see. In the Senate, ‘pres- ences can do that to a person, be an open invitation to any enterprising Kenkoy comics, and a nun. Three guesses identiables’ are meeting head on, and no shuffle one’s priorities, refresh outlooks in ruffians, but we have a couple - ofmal on which one pulled the firearm, and the one is sure of the outcome. But, as in the life. I tell myself: You take everything they nourished dogs and a small army of stray first two don’t count. Clue: the gun came LHC, everyone’s watching closely. throw at you and ride the lightning. Like cats for a security system. Besides, there’s with a shout of “Lalaban ka? Pulis ako!” And isn’t it hard to concentrate on sci- the fear that comes from a gun to the face, nothing there worth stealing unless you like a free toy in a Happy Meal. ence when politics is such a distraction? n you walk it off. You take a deep breath and want the 11-inch TV with no cable capa- Long story short, when that gun bite down hard on the bullet. n 10 Opinyon Philippine Collegian | Biyernes, 19 Set 2008
Write to us via snail mail or submit a soft copy to Rm. 401, Vinzons Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. ••• Email us [email protected]. Save Word attachments Contact us! in Rich Text Format, with INBOX, NEWSCAN or CONTRIB in the subject. ••• Fax us 9818500 local 4522. Always include your full name, address and contact details. ••• Contributions We are open for contributed articles from student writers, subject to the approval of the Editorial Board. All submitted articles should have a maximum length of 900 words. pendently produced and human rights Eng'g from p. 2 of deceased and nonexistent persons themed short films/public service adver- allegedly appeared in the petition, while tisements, originally initiated by artists Dagdag ni Lumbre, ayon umano sa some signatories later claimed they NEWSCAN of the Southern Tagalog Exposure and the Free Jonas Burgos Movement. It will mga residente, hindi sapat ang ilang were unaware of its contents. Get free publicity! Email us your press be held on Sept.19, 2008, at the UP Col- linggo lamang na palugit na ibinigay sa A 2007 survey by Social Weather Sta- releases, invitations, lege of Mass Communication, Media kanila upang umalis. tions found that 67 percent of Filipinos etc. DON’T TYPE IN Center. 6-8 pm. Admission is free. ALL CAPS and, go Saad ni Gregorio, “We have to bear were against charter change. n easy on... the punc- in mind the welfare of these people tuation!? Complete UP Writers club @ 81 even if they’re not UP employees.” sentences only. Dnt We invite everyone to the week-long PUP from p. 4 use txt lnguage pls. celebration of UPWC's 81st anniversa- Saad ni Anoos, nauna na umanong Please provide a short ry. On Sept. 23, 2008, there will be an susulong ng karapatang-pantao, ng title. Be concise, 100 exhibit opening at the Galeria 1, Fac- sinabi ng administrasyon na nararapat words maximum. nang umalis ang mga informal settler mga kasong pananakot ng militar. ulty center, 10 am. On Sept.24, there will be a whole day Literary Conference sa Area 17 dahil sa hindi paghingi ng Kabilang dito ang paniniktik ng mili- Signal No.5: Damhin ang Lupit from 10am-5pm at CM Recto Hall. pahintulot sa pananatili sa lugar sa loob tary surveillance ng mga mag-aaral sa And on Sept. 26, we hold a Cultural PUP noong Pebrero 2007, pagtatayo The UP School of Statistics Stu- Night, 6pm onwards, which will feature ng maraming taon. n dent Council and Havaianas in co- ng kampo ng militar sa UP Mind- performances by the UP Underground ordination with the National Sta- Music and the UP Asterisk. Winners of Chacha from p. 4 anao, at ‘red-baiting’ kay Criselda Do- tistical Coordination Board present the Flash Fiction Contest will be award- cena, punong patnugot ng Tandem, SIGNAL NO. 5 : DAMHIN ANG LU- ed on this night. See you there! (with MILF) ay isang halimbawa kung PIT (The UP School of Statistics 55th opisyal na pahayagana sa University year Anniversary). paano balak ilusot ng administration sa of Northern Philippines. Lined-up activities include SPSS Cliptomania tao ang Cha-Cha,” he said. Magkakaroon ng pagdinig sa Seminar (Sept. 15), Exhibit Opening The UP 49ers invites you to the Arroyo first called for the charter and Thanksgiving Mass (Sept. 16), much awaited anniversary event of the
korte ukol sa kaso na isinampa laban in PDF! Grandest Pakain (Sept. 17), Skewed change in 2004, with an aim of unit- year - Cliptomania, a movie title guess- sa tatlong mag-aaral ng PUP sa dara- Pair (Sept. 18), Tribute Day (Sept. ing game that will be held at Cinema ing the Senate and the House into a ting na Setyembre 26 sa lalawigan ng Ph i l ippi n e C o ll e g ia n 19), Sportsfest (Sept. 20) and Medi- 4, SM North Edsa on September 25, cal Mission (Sept. 27). 2008. Big prizes await for the winners! unicameral legislature. In 2006, the Quezon. n Supreme Court dismissed a people’s Form a group of three movie enthu- Download it at Rights v.2 siasts and register now! Contact Mint initiative declaring support for cha-cha, (09154851610) for more details. http://kule-0809.deviantart.com RIGHTS is a film showing of inde- calling it a “grand deception.” Names pambatang Buklatan kitang-kitang andami nlng mali!mgnda made us really brag about ng UP Lakan Sa tingin mo, bababa nman prf0rmance nla,kso hndi pngchm- ourselves being UP stu- sa puwesto si Gloria May children story books o color- pion.ngmukha 2loy n pngbgyan lng tau kc dents. But more than TxT Send in your opinions and feedback via ing books ka pa ba? Ibigay na lang Arroyo sa 2010? centnial ntn. 06-54283 that, we must have real- back SMS! Type: KULE
Kakaunting may unyon “Ang pinakaepektibo pa ring paraan para maisulong ang interes ng mga kawani para sa mga mamamayan ay sa pamamagitan ng organisadong lakas,” ang sabi ni Gaite. Ngunit, tinataya niyang nasa isang-kapat pa lamang ang mga kawaning kaanib ng mga unyon, at higit na kakaunti pa ang nakapapaloob sa sa- ma-samang pakikipagtawaran sa pamu- nuan ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan. all.
H Ayon kay Director Menchie Bullas ng Personnel Relations Office (PRO) ng CSC, kapwa nakaaapekto sa tagumpay ng pag-uunyon sa pamahalaan ang pa- munuan at ang unyon. Aniya, itinutur- ing ng ilang pamunuan na sagabal sa mga gawain ng tanggapan ang pagka- karoon ng unyon, habang hindi naman umano maparaan ang ilang liderato ng unyon upang mapaupo ang pamunuan sa collective bargaining. (Sumangguni sa sidebar 2 para sa mga datos ukol sa pag- uunyon sa pamahalaan.) W ING SA UP? Dagdag ni Director Carlo Sematio ng PRO, nangyayari ring pinangungu- nahan ng pamunuan ng isang ahensi- ya ang pagtatayo ng unyon sa kanilang Magdala ng portfolio at drawing materials. ng portfolio at Magdala tanggapan, gaya sa isang pampublikong Exams can be taken anytime, 401Vinzons Join the Philippine Collegian's G raphics section! the Philippine Join kolehiyo. Kasalukuyan umanong may kasong unfair labor practice sa CSC ang pamunuan ng paaralan. “Union negotiations often involve resources which government does not have. You cannot even negotiate sal- ary because it is covered by a law (SSL), which is the most important for an em- ployee. Peripheral concerns lang talaga ang mainenegotiate,” ani Domingo. Dagdag ni Gaite, bukod sa limita- MAG-DRO
A L A N A B A N G do M ang A Hmga I Lbenepisyong I G maaaring ipagtawaran sa pamunuan, nakatali rin sa halagang matitipid ng ahensiya ang pagbibigay ng mapagkakasund- uang benepisyo. “Paano kung hindi Paubos (University Food Service, UP Diliman) - sa kontrol nila (mga kawani) ang SIPAT Om Narayan Velasco kawalan ng savings, na kahit nagtra- baho na sila para ayusin ang serbisyo ay hindi pa rin sapat ang natipid?” Bukod dito, hindi pa rin kinikilala ang karapatang magwelga ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan, sa kabila ng pagkakaroon ng probisyon para rito sa Konstitusyon ng 1987, ani Gaite, dahil iginigiit umano ng pamahalaan na kailangan pa ng batas upang ipatupad ito. Aniya, tinanggal sa trabaho noong 1990 ang mga gurong nagsagawa ng mga mapayapang pagkilos. Sa harap ng kawalang katiyakan sa kalagayan ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan, paglalahat ni Gaite, “Epektibong paraan ang unyon para mailagay sa tamang direksyon ang kalagayan ng kawani at paggiit nila ng mga programa ng pamahalaan tungo sa mga batayang serbisyo... Of course, wala naman kaming ilusyong mababago namin ang sistema from within dahil alam nat- ing systemic at structural ang kabu- lukan ng pamahalaang ito. Pero may pagkakataon pa rin kaming ilantad ang mga [kabulukan] at labanan sa pamamagitan ng organisadong la- kas, at maipagtanggol din ang ating mga pang-ekonomiya, pampulitika at demokratikong karapatan.” n 12 Opinyon Biyernes, 19 Set 2008 Philippine Collegian
opisyal na lingguhang pahayagan ng mga mag-aaral ng unibersidad ng pilipinas - diliman
Punong Patnugot Larissa Mae R. Suarez Mga Kapatnugot Jerrie M. Abella Melane A. Manalo Tagapamahalang Patnugot Frank Lloyd B. Tiongson Patnugot sa Balita John Alliage T. Morales Patnugot sa Lathalain Alaysa Tagumpay E. Escandor Mga Patnugot sa Grapiks Piya C. Constantino Ivan Bryan G. Reverente Candice Anne L. Reyes Tagapamahala ng Pinansiya Piya Constantino Ma. Rosa Cer M. dela Cruz Mga Kawani Editoryal Louise Vincent B. Amante Glenn L. Diaz Janno Rae T. Gonzales Timothy Medrano Archie A. Oclos The problem with politics Jan Marcel V. Ragaza Antonio D. Tiemsin Jr. he present cannot be claim that, while the law prohib- the two political figures is invari- global oil prices have dropped, ba- Om Narayan E. Velasco ignored in order to fo- its them from early campaigning, ably tainted with politics, as Villar sic commodities remain pegged Mixkaela Z. Villalon cus on the future. there is no law which bans them has been open in his intention at high prices. Poverty alleviation The national elec- from endorsing certain products. to run for presidency in the 2010 measures remain at the paltry Pinansiya tions are two years That politicians would stick to elections, while Lacson will likely subsidization level, without mo- Amelyn J. Daga Taway, yet politicians are already technicalities, in violation of the declare his decision come mid- tions to pass real, lasting solu- gearing up for the event, armed clear intentions of the law, is dis- 2009. Thus, accusations of corrup- tions. And now, with the impend- Tagapamahala sa with premature campaign ads dis- maying, but not surprising. tion become a sword, wielded not ing price hikes in water and basic Sirkulasyon guised in the form of commercial Furthermore, the funding of against wrongdoing, but against utilities, the plight of the nation is Paul John Alix endorsements. Faces of promi- some ad ma- each other, bound to get worse. nent political figures are every- terials is ques- as politicians Furthermore, the recent melt- Sirkulasyon As politicians turn Gary Gabales where — plastered across walls, tionable, espe- attempt to down of the US financial systems, Ricky Icawat newspapers, television screens, cially for those their attentions to the destroy the particularly the collapse of giant Amelito Jaena even billboards. who hold reputations investment bank Lehman Broth- Glenario Omamalin For instance, the larger-than- positions in impending national and presi- ers, is bound to affect Philippine life posters of MMDA chair government dential as- financial systems. Especially since Mga Katuwang na Kawani Bayani Fernando are scattered offices. In par- elections, however, they pirations of the Philippine economy is so Trinidad Basilan not only along EDSA, but in areas ticular, Fer- their rivals. closely intertwined with that of Gina Villas no longer under the jurisdiction nando’s post- turn away from the As politi- the US. of the MMDA, like Rizal province. ers are part cians turn Yet, instead of discussing and Pamuhatan Meanwhile, the face of senator Lo- of the “Met- harsh conditions which their atten- addressing these pressing issues, Silid 401 Bulwagang Vinzons, Unibersidad ng ren Legarda showed up on a bill- ro Gwapo” currently confront the tions to the politicians engage in the further- board in EDSA, endorsing a whit- project of impending ance of their political ambitions Pilipinas, Diliman, Lungsod Quezon ening product, at least until said the MMDA, people they have sworn national elec- and preparations for the national product gained a bad reputation. meaning that tions, howev- elections. Telefax Incumbent senator Mar Roxas has such materi- to serve er, they turn This insensitivity to the prob- 9818500 lokal 4522 appeared in several endorsements als are funded away from lems of the nation reveals the true of laundry detergents, building up by taxpayers’ the harsh agenda of these public officials: Email his image as “Mr. Palengke.” while money. conditions which currently con- not the betterment of the country, [email protected] Richard Gordon has endorsed a Yet, even beyond the issue of front the people they have sworn as they will invariably claim dur- bath soap brand. And Vice Presi- premature campaigning in the to serve. It seems that our elected ing the election campaign, but the Website dent Noli de Castro keeps ap- guise of commercial endorse- officials are too busy with puerile advancement of their own ambi- http://philippinecollegian.tk pearing in advertisements for the ments or public service announce- bickering to fulfill their duties as tions. Politicians gain power when http://kule-0809.deviantart. PAG-IBIG fund, the government’s ments, electioneering has found public servants, even as the Fili- they are elected to government com housing program. Even Panfilo another platform in the once- pino people continue to suffer offices, but the people remain Lacson has endorsed a skin treat- hallowed halls of institutions like from rising prices and increasing powerless amidst the mounting Kasapi Solidaridad - ment center on television. the Senate and the House of Rep- poverty. troubles and numerous crises as- UP System-wide Section 80 of the Omnibus resentatives. The most recent ex- These blatant acts of election- saulting them on all fronts. Alliance of Student Election Code of the Philippines ample is the row between Lacson eering should have earned the The present shall determine Publications and Writers’ states that “it is unlawful for any and Senate President Manuel Vil- ire of the public, but Filipinos en- the future. In choosing to pri- Organizations person, whether or not a voter or lar, about an alleged double entry trenched in poverty do not have oritize gratuitous politicking over College Editors Guild of the candidate, or for any party, or as- in the P200-million C-5 extension the luxury of engaging in political the plight of the Filipino people, Philippines sociation of persons, to engage in project. debate. Filipinos cannot concern this batch of would-be presidents an election campaign or partisan The importance of address- themselves with petty politics has already shown the public what political activity except during the ing corruption cannot be denied. while they are struggling to sur- kind of leaders they would be. n campaign period.” Yet politicians However, the debate between vive from day to day, for while