Ika-86 taon • Blg. 7 • 28 Hul 2008 Philippine Collegian
Opisyal na lingguhang pahayagan ng mga mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas - Diliman
July 27, 1926 PA(SONA)
Dibuho: aRCHIE OCLOS Disenyo ng Pahina: ivan reverente 02 Balita Philippine Collegian | Lunes, 28 Hul 2008 Without genuine measures ‘Economic crisis to further deepen’ Antonio Tiemsin Jr. and portation, instead of aiming for self-sufficiency. Kabi-kabilang Protesta John Alliage Tinio Morales As of July 12, the prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene espite Gloria Arroyo’s in Metro Manila have risen by declaration that she P12 since January. Guzman Dwas able to produce said this “rapid and steep” the “best Philippine economy” increase in oil prices were in 30 years, the record-level recorded during Arroyo’s ad- economic growth posted by ministration, since the gov- her government is headed for ernment left the control of a great plunge, as the country the petroleum products mar- reels from an economic crisis ket to the private sector. compounded by a global re- Guzman added that the gov- cession. ernment is unlikely to respond This is how independent to calls to lift the 12 percent ex- think-tank IBON Foundation panded value added tax (EVAT) Inc. described the “hollow on petroleum products because gains” of the economy under more than half of the total tax Arroyo in its annual Midyear collections are obtained from Birdtalk on July 23 at the UP this industry. School of Economics. The President is expected Record-level prices to announce today in her Food prices also skyrocketed by an average of 17.4 percent in 8th State of the Nation Ad- n June this year from last year, ac- Nagsagawa ng noise barrage ang All-UP Workers Alliance at ilang mga estudyante sa Katipunan Avenue dress her administration’s noong Hulyo 25. Kinondena ng grupo ang pagpapatuloy ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis at mga panguna- cording to the latest IBON re- robust spending on social hing bilihin. Nakiisa ang ilang mga motorista sa grupo sa pamamagitan ng tuloy-tuloy na pagbusina. programs. But IBON said port. Over-all inflation reached Timothy Medrano her unmatched unpopular- 11.4 percent, the highest since ity “will only continue as the 1994. people’s plight deepens and The research firm also Pagbasura ng amparo, the administration fails to feared that the government’s take both partial economic plan of removing tariffs on relief measures and genuine rice imports and the complete kinundena ng pamilya Burgos measures to address the root privatization of the state- run National Food Authority of the problems.” ang plaka sa loob ng kampo the intent of the writ to be an (NFA) would further endanger Joyce Santander at “Oil price hikes, rice crisis ng militar sa Norzagaray, Bu- effective remedy to prevent food security in the country. Mini U. Soriano and power rates increases— lacan noong 2006. these odious human rights IBON warned that this may these issues are not new but Ayon kay Edita Burgos, violations.” result in heavier rice impor- they are happening simul- agprotesta sa Court dinukot ang anak niyang si Ani Jose Luis, “Remedy [ang tation, which almost doubled taneously while people are of Appeals (CA) ang Jonas, na pinaghinalaan um- writ of amparo] para mahanap from last year, even as the reeling from historic jobless- pamilya at mga anong miyembro ng New ang mga biktima ng enforced ness, worsening poverty and government’s rice inven- N kaanak ng dinukot na si Jonas People’s Army (NPA), ng disappearances at matigil ang tory and production forecasts government neglect,” said Burgos noong Hulyo 24 upang militar sa isang mall sa Que- political killings, pero it looks show sufficiency. IBON Executive Director ipakita ang pagkadismaya sa zon City noong 2006. Mari- like hindi [ito] nagwo-work.” While billions of pesos are Rosario Bella Guzman in her pagbasura ng korte sa kanil- ing itinatanggi ng militar na Samantala, wala pa ring intended to go to importa- report. ang petisyon para sa writ of dinukot at kasalukuyang ha- desisyon ang CA sa writ of tion, IBON disclosed that the IBON’s research head Son- amparo. wak nila si Jonas. amparo na isinampa noong Arroyo government has allo- ny Africa said that the gov- Ibinasura noong Hulyo 21 Hiniling ni Gng. Burgos nakaraang taon ng mga cated a measly P51.2 billion ernment has the resources ang petisyon dahil hindi um- sa petisyon na buksan nina pamilya nina Karen Empe- for the agriculture sector. The needed to resolve the present ano sapat ang mga ebiden- Armed Forces Chief Gen. ño at Sherlyn Cadapan, da- subsidy is only 1.2 percent of crises. “If you want govern- syang inihapag ng pamilya Hermogenes Esperon at Army lawang mag-aaral ng UP na the national budget and 0.7 ment to last, you must [pro- Burgos upang maiugnay sa Chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano mahigit dalawang taon nang percent of the gross domestic vide] long-term solutions,” militar ang pagdukot kay Jo- ang mga kampo na pinagku- nawawala. product. Africa added. nas, ayon sa CA. Hinihingi ng lungan umano kay Jonas. Ani Concepcion Empeño, Moreover, Guzman attribut- The research group added writ of amparo na ilitaw ng Ibinasura rin ng CA noong “Walang ngipin ang writ of ed the power rates increases to that Arroyo must commit militar ang mga biktima ng nakaraang linggo ang mga amparo at habeas corpus [sa the deregulation of the energy to long-term solutions like sapilitang pagdukot. isinampang writ of amparo paglutas ng kaso] dahil na- sector, leaving the pricing to the repealing the Oil Deregula- Posibleng maghain ng mo- ng mga kaanak ng mga sapili- tatakot ang justices sa mga hands of profit-oriented corpo- tion Law (ODL) of 1996 and tion to review ang pamilya Bur- tang dinukot na sina Elizabeth militar.” Dagdag naman ni rations. For instance, according increasing support for agri- gos sa susunod ng mga araw, Principe (2007), Francisco Saez Erlinda Cadapan, “It seems to IBON, Manila Electric Co. culture and food production ani Jose Luis Burgos, nakababa- (2006), at Rose Ann at Fatima that the justice system is de- has added “unacceptable” elec- “in order to start building a tang kapatid ni Jonas. Gumanoy (2008), na pawang fective because they do not tricity charges on April 1, while solid economy and a genu- Inihapag ng pamilya Bur- hinihinala ng militar na mga admit evidence presented by the government has allowed ev- inely strong republic.” gos sa korte ang natagpuang miyembro ng NPA at kinasu- the victims’ families.” ery item in an electric bill to be plaka ng sasakyang ginamit han ng salang rebelyon. Ngayong taon, nadagda- ‘Repulsive policies’ charged with a 12-percent VAT. ng mga dumukot kay Jonas Ani Mary Ghuy Portajada, gan ng 20 ang kabuuang 890 Guzman also criticized Meanwhile, Guzman na nakilalang pag-aari ng tagapagsalita ng Desapareci- bilang ng biktima ng puli- Arroyo for sidetracking the pointed out that millions of militar. Natagpuan ng Komi- dos, “Dismissing the amparo tikal na pamamaslang at isa economic crisis’ “real causes,” Filipinos cannot cope with the syon sa Karapatang-Pantao cases means the courts defeat naman sa 192 naitalang sap- which include economic soaring prices of basic com- ilitang pagdukot mula noong policies geared towards the modities which further erode umupo si Gloria Arroyo country’s import dependency, their already dismal incomes. noong 2001, ayon sa pinaka- deregulation of basic indus- Africa added that the P15- http://kule-0809.deviantart.com huling ulat ng grupong Kara- tries, and aggressive food im- Continued on P.11 patan. n Philippine Collegian | Lunes, 28 Hul 2008 Balita 03 Walang glorya
a gitna ng lalong tumitinding krisis pang-ekonomiya, muling susub- Sakahang tuyot ukin ni Gloria Arroyo na pawiin ang kagutuman ng milyun-milyong Pilipino sa kanyang ika-walong ulat bilang Pangulo ng Republika. magsasaka sa pagkuha nila ng loan: 25 hanggang S Toni Tiemsin 30 porsyento Gaya ng mga nauna niyang talumpati, iuulat ni Arroyo ang kanyang mga Average na ani ng palay sa bansa kada ektarya ambisyosong proyektong pangkaunlaran, ang bilyun-bilyong pisong sub- Bilang ng may trabaho sa bansa noong Abril, ng lupain, mula 2004 hanggang 2006, ayon sa sidyo na kailangan umano upang maibsan ang krisis sa bigas at linggu- ayon sa tala ng gobyerno: 33.54 milyon United Nations: 3.59 metric tons (MT) Bilang ng may trabaho na nasa sektor ng Ideyal na ani kada ektarya ng lupain upang hang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis, at marami pang iba. agrikultura: halos 11 milyon masiguro ang seguridad sa pagkain sa bansa, ayon Sa kabila ng kanyang pangakong matatamo ang “First World status,” hindi ito Bilang ng magsasaka sa bansa, ayon sa House sa International Rice Research Institute: 5.4 MT Bill (HB) 3958: 2.7 milyon mangyayari sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno. Ito ang tunay na sinasabi ng mga Porsyento ng mga mahihirap sa bansa na Pangangailangan sa bigas ng mga Pilipino: numero ng iba’t ibang sektor. n matatagpuan sa sektor ng agrikultura: humigit- humigit-kumulang 25 milyon MT kumulang 60 Dami ng bigas na nakatakdang angkatin ng gobyerno ngayong taon upang mapunuan uma- Porsyento ng gross domestic product na in- no ang kakulangan sa bansa: 2.3 milyon MT iambag ng sektor ng agrikultura noong 2006: Dami ng bigas na inangkat ng gobyernong Minority Report halos 15 Arroyo noong isang taon, ayon sa Bureau of Ag- Porsyento ng pambansang badyet na inilaan ricultural Statistics: 1.7 milyon MT Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas: 4.2 mily- para sa agrikultura ngayong taon: 1.2 Dami ng bigas na inangkat ng gobyerno Mini U. Soriano ong ektarya Porsyento nito sa GDP: 0.7 noong 2000: halos 640,000 MT Bahagdan ng lupang masasakop ng mga Dami ng bigas na inangkat noong 1994: 0 proyekto ng pagminina sa kabuuan ng lupa sa Lawak ng lupain sa bansa na dapat ipinamah- Bilang ng mga pangkat-etniko sa bansa: 110 Pilipinas: 40.65 porsyento agi sa mga magsasaka alinsunod sa Comprehen- Bilang ng mga katutubo sa Pilipinas ngayong Bahagdan ng lupain ng mga katutubo na na- Porsyento ng inaning palay sa bansa na da- 2008: 8.3 milyon sive Agrarian Reform Law: 8.2 milyong ektarya pat binibili ng National Food Authority batay sa sakop para sa pagmimina mula 2006: 53 porsy- Porsyento ng naipamahaging lupain, 19 na ento mandato nito: 12 Sukat ng kabuuang taon matapos ipatupad ang nasabing batas, ayon Porsyento ng inaning palay sa bansa na binili sa ulat ng Presidential lupa ng Pilipinas: 30 mily- Bilang ng mga prayoridad na ng NFA mula 2001 ong ektarya Agrarian Reform Coun- hanggang 2006, ayon proyekto sa pagmimina simula cil: halos 84 Sukat ng lupang ila- noong 2006: 24 sa IBON: 0.5 laan bilang ancestral do- Bilang ng mga Porsyento ng bi- Bilang ng mga proyektong magsasakang wala pa main ayon sa Indigenous pagmimina na sinimulan noong gas sa bansa na nasa People Rights Act of 1997: ring sariling lupang kamay at ibinebenta 2006 sa mga lupain ng katutubo: sakahan, ayon sa IBON: 6 milyong ektarya 18 ng mga lokal na nego- Sukat ng lupang nai- 7 kada 10 syante: 85 porsyento Tinatayang kikitain ng Pilipi- Interes na binaba- bigay ng National Com- nas mula sa pagmimina hang- Porsyento ng dami mission on Indigenous yaran ng mga mag- ng bigas na hinihinal- gang 2013: 8 bilyong dolyar sasaka bilang upa sa People (NCIP) hanggang Halaga ng buwis na kinikita ang nasa kamay at ib- 2007: 1 milyong ektarya sakahan: 75 hanggang inebenta ng “Binondo taun-taon mula sa pagmimina: 2 90 porsyento ng hala- Bilang ng Certificate milyong dolyar cartel”: 45 porsyento of Ancestral Domain Title ga ng ani n Halaga ng interes (CADT) na naibigay ng Bilang ng mga katutubong na binabayaran ng mga NCIP hanggang 2007: 56 biktima ng pulitikal na pama- maslang hanggang 2008: 130 Sukat ng lupa ng mga Bilang ng mga katutubong katutubo na maaaring sapilitang dinukot hanggang mapabilang sa proyektong 2008: 179 n Ginipit na mangingisda pagmimina at agro-forest ayon sa Kalipunan ng mga
mangingisda: 45.6 porsyento Jodee Agoncillo Pangkalahatang kita mula sa pangingisda noong 2000: P1.74 milyon Bilang ng mga Pilipinong pangingisda ang Derailed Dreams Bahagdan ng kita ng komersyal na panging- pangunahing kabuhayan noong 2006: 1.43 mi- isda: 66.9 porsyento lyon Ratio of Filipinos aged 10-64 years old who Bahagdan ng kita ng lokal na mga manging- Joyce Santander cannot read and write, according to latest 2003 isda: 33.1 porsyento Average na kita ng isang mangingisda sa ba- survey: 1 in every 10 Number of out-of-school youth (OSY) aged wat araw noong 2004, ayon sa Pamalakaya: P50 Kabuuang lawak ng pangisdaan sa Pilipinas: Number of students in the elementary and hanggang P150 7-24 years old in 1994: 3.8 million mahigit 1.7 milyong kilometro kwadrado secondary levels in 2007: 19.5 million Number of OSY in 2008: 8.9 million Dami ng nahuhuling isda kada palaot: 2 kilo Lawak ng katubigang maaaring pangisdaan Percentage of students enrolled in the public ng mga lokal na mangingisda, ayon sa Fisheries school system in 2007: 88 percent Amount necessary to annually finance basic Bilang ng munisipalidad na nakabatay sa sek- Code of 1998: 17 bahagdan Percentage of students enrolled in private tor ng pangingisda: 943 education in low-income countries according to Lawak ng katubigang maaaring pangisdaan schools in 2007: 12 percent the United Nations: P2 trillion Kontribusyon ng pangingisda sa gross do- ng mga komersyal na mangingisda: 83 bahag- mestic product: 2.3 porsyento o higit P76 bilyon Budget allocation for the Department of Edu- dan Average ratio of elementary students who cation (DepEd) in 2003: P95.4 billion dropped out of school from 2002 to 2007: 2 in Budget allocation for DepEd in 2008: P138 Lawak ng katubigan na itinuturing na produk- Bilang ng komersyal na basalyong pangisda every 5 tibo: 2 milyong metro kwadrado billion sa bansa: 3,278 Average ratio of students who enrolled in Budget for state universities and colleges Lawak ng mga anyong tubig-tabang sa bansa: Bahagdan ng pangisdaang hawak ng mga high school: 3 in every 5 106,328 ektarya (SUCs) in 2003: P16.7 billion korporasyon at fishpond landlord operator: 94 Average ratio of students who dropped out Budget for SUCs in 2008: P19.6 billion Dami ng iniluluwas na produktong gawa sa porsyento from high school: 1 out of 10 isda: halos 200 tonelada Bahagdan ng water fishpond sa tubig-alat na Ratio of high school graduates who pursued Number of working minors aged 5-17 years hawak ng mga pribadong may-ari: 77 porsyento college in 2003: 9 out of 10 old, according to the 2001 NSO survey: 4 million Average na huli ng isda kada taon: 2.1 milyon Lawak ng fishpond na hawak ng Dole Philip- Number of college students in 2003: 2.42 mil- metriko tonelada Number of child laborers working in the agri- pines, San Miguel Corp. at Victorias Inc. : 64,669 lion culture sector in 2001: more than 2 million Bilang ng mga komersyal na mangingisda, ektarya Number of college students in 2005: 2.4 mil- na ang huli ay binili ng mga korporasyon, noong Number of overseas workers below 20 years lion old in 2001: 167,870 n 2001: 375,984 Bahagdan ng sektor ng pangingisda na na- Bahagdan ng dami ng isdang nahuhuli sa ko- kakukuha ng tulong sa pamumuhunan mula sa mersyal na pangingisda: 54.3 porsyento gobyerno: 10 porsyento n Bahagdan ng dami ng nahuhuli ng lokal na Sanggunian: National Statistics Of- fice,IBON Foundation Inc., Pamalakaya, Karapatan, Kalipunan ng mga Katutu- Percentage of workers in increase demanded by labor bong Mamamayan sa Pilipinas, National the industry sector: 14.9 per- unions: P80 to P125 Commission on Indigenous People, Bu- Overworked cent or 5 million reau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Total number of Filipinos Department of Labor and Employment, Daily minimum wage abroad in 2007: 8.7 million Philippine Overseas Employment Ad- nationwide, except in the Number of overseas Fili- ministration, Department of Education, Richard Jacob Dy National Capital Region (NCR): P285 pino workers (OFW): 5 million Commission on Higher Education, De- to P320 Number of Filipinos leav- partment of Budget and Management, Daily minimum wage in NCR: ing everyday to work abroad: United Nations International Children’s Unemployment rate as of April, ac- P382 3,000 Emergency Fund, International Labor cording to the National Statistics Of- Amount of recent increase in mini- Total amount of OFW Organization, Department of Environ- fice (NSO): 8 percent mum wage in NCR: P20 remittances from January ment and Natural Resources, Medium- Number of unemployed Filipinos: Actual minimum daily wage in to May 2008: $6.8 billion or Term Philippine Development Plan 2.9 million Central Visayas, according to the Na- about P300 billion 2001-2004, House Bill 3958 (The Rice Number of underemployed, or tional Wages and Productivity Com- Industry Development Act), Impact As- those working less than 40 hours a mission: P156.25 Percentage increase in sessment of the Comprehensive Agrar- week: 6.6 million Amount of minimum wage increase the prices of basic goods and ian Reform Program ni UP School of in Central Visayas effective June: P17 commodities since 2001: 37.5 Economics Prof. Arsenio Balisacan, Number of employed Filipinos: 33.5 percent Coastal Research Management Project, million Total number of labor unions: Percentage increase in Asia Pacific Research Network, United Percentage of workers in the servic- 17,021 with 1,918,000 members minimum wage since Glo- Nation International Children’s Emer- es sector: 49.6 percent or 16.6 million Number of labor unions that were ria Arroyo assumed office in gency Fund, US Department of Labor, Percentage of workers in the ag- able to secure collective bargaining 2001: 18.6 percent n Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Times, riculture sector: 35.5 percent or 11.9 agreements in 2007: 1,542 www.inquirer.net, at www.childprotec- million Total amount of minimum wage tion.org.ph. 04 Balita Philippine Collegian | Lunes, 28 Hul 2008 Faces of Evil / Work of Art and Anger Students decry CHE tie-up with fastfood chains, coffee shop Jodee Agoncillo positions and the companies’ gan stressed that CHE should expectations from them in have first secured the students’ the workplace, said Germaine opinion and approval before tudents from the College Salvador, project coordinator implementing the project. of Home Economics of the partnership program (CHE) decried their ad- Food Services Professional Longer shift, S minimal allowance ministration’s partnership with Development (PFFD). three giant food companies for PFFD, which started on July According to Salvador, the training-related courses, say- 1, will cover four semesters of students will work on service- ing the project did not undergo the students’ training in both related tasks with the three proper consultations and forces service and managerial tasks, companies in the first two them to work longer hours with according to Salvador. semesters, while the last two minimal allowance. semesters will be for mana- The CHE administration No consultation gerial functions. Students will tied up with fast food chains The administration only receive a P290 training allow- Jollibee and Shakey’s, and coffee held an “orientation” but ance per day starting the sec- shop Figaro to serve as train- failed to hold democratic ond semester, she said. ing venues for third year Ho- consultations with the stu- “The [first phase of the] pro- tel, Restaurant and Institution dents prior to the project’s gram includes doing kitchen Management (HRIM) students implementation, said an and bar work, mopping the taking laboratory courses. HRIM student who request- floor, washing dishes and all The three companies ed anonymity for fear of ad- other aspects of operation,” n An activist artist works on an effigy ofG loria Arroyo for the People’s asked to be the CHE”S train- ministration reprisal. Salvador said. She pointed State of the Nation Address mobilization. The face is a part of a center- The student added that out that a student should also piece effigy with a sinking boat depicting the Philippines in crisis and ing venues to “fill the gap” the practicum demands too experience the service aspects an airplane where GMA is trying to escape to the US. Om Narayan A. between the quality of gradu- Velasco ates applying for managerial much time, as they are re- of the profession before be- quired to work 80 hours per coming a manager. establishment and another Other HRIM students 40 hours in the Tearoom per who also requested anonym- Nat'l chair ng LFS at Anakbayan, semester. “Ang ini-impose ity, however, complained that nila sa aming program forces some shifts extend until week- 2 pang estudyante, inaresto us to compromise (our) stud- ends and end with the clos- ies,” the CHE student said. ing hours of the store, even Toni Tiemsin tions Ave. patungong embaha- negosasyon doon [para sa da nang harangin sila ng mga rally permit].” The Tearoom inside the when they do not receive the pulis noong nakalapit na sila sa Ani Crisostomo, may pa- CHE used to be the sole training allowance yet. The naresto ang mga pam- gate nito dakong alas-dos ng takaran umano ang gobyer- training venue, but it does students also said that one of bansang tagapangulo ng hapon. Dito umano sila “dina- nong Arroyo na dahasin ang not provide the students with them was made to mop the League of Filipino Students has” gamit ang anti-riot shields, mga pagpapahayag laban enough practical experience floor for the entire shift. I in the industry as only around (LFS) at Anakbayan, kasama at dinakip sina Crisostomo at sa mga palisiya nito. Pini- 100 customers dine in the Yielding to corporate ang dalawa pang estudyante, dating UP Student Regent Ken lit umano silang ikulong sa intrusion sa kanilang protesta sa May- area, according to Salvador. Ramos, pambansang tagapan- WPD, ngunit sinabi nilang Jacqueline Eroles, head nila noong Hulyo 24 laban sa gulo ng Anakbayan. hihintayin nila ang kanilang University Student Council patuloy na panghihimasok ng Inaresto rin para umano abogado. n (USC) Vice Chair Airah Cadio- Continued on p.10 Estados Unidos (EU) sa pama- sa “interogasyon” sa Western malakad ng gobyerno, na san- Police District (WPD) sina Kamay na bakal hi umano ng lumalalang krisis Marvin Serrano, miyembro pang-ekonomiya sa bansa. ng Anakbayan, at si EJ Aguho, Nasugatan naman ang li- miyembro ng LFS mula sa mang estudyante dahil sa Polytechnic University of marahas na dispersal ng mga Philippines. Nasugatan na- pulis, matapos tangkain ng man sa paa at mukha ang may 55 raliyista na makalapit mga estudyanteng sina Aaron at magprotesta sa harap ng Castil, Jeffrey Domingo, Ka- embahada ng EU sa Roxas trina Andres, Alex Belmonte, Boulevard. at Liberty Sardina. Pahayag ni Vencer Crisos- Pinalaya rin ang mga dinak- tomo, inarestong pinuno ng ip na estudyante bandang 5:30 LFS, “The globalization poli- ng hapon. cies encouraging deregulation, Ayon kay Police Captain liberalization, and privatiza- Cresencio Viray, na magsisil- tion have caused greater harm bi sanang tagapamagitan ng to our economy. The United mga estudyante at kapulisan States and the big monopo- bago ang dispersal, naging lies [keep] pushing for these marahas umano ang disper- policies because they intend sal at inaresto ang apat na to profit out of the misery of estudyante dahil nagpumilit our countrymen.” silang makapagprotesta sa Ayon sa pahayag ng LFS, isang “no rally zone.” n Marahas na itinaboy ng mga pulis ang mga estudyanteng nagprotesta malapit sa Embahada nagmartsa ang mga estudyante Dagdag niya, “Yung US ng Estados Unidos sa Maynila noong Hulyo 24. Panawagan ng mga nagprotesta ang pagpa- sa kahabaan ng United Na- embassy, absolutely walang pabagsak sa rehimeng US-Arroyo. Rouelle Umali 05 Philippine Collegian | Lunes, 28 Hul 2008 Lathalain
Realpolitik — politics detached from the bounds of ethics, mo- rality, and the rule of law — has intensified in the Philippines in direct proportion to the length of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s stay in power. Under Arroyo’s rule, the considerations of private interests and political survival have become all-important, spawning relations Esperon, hinting at his pos- and arrangements that buttress even this bankrupt regime. And sible involvement in the al- where there is a lack of an effective justice system, democratic gov- leged vote-rigging. ernance and government transparency, it is the Filipino people who Arroyo’s payback does not Marvin lim are certain to suffer the most. Mila Ana Estrella S. stop with appointments to ananatili ang ka- The cornerstone of politics is morality. When leadership is de- void of virtue, it is just cause for outrage. Polinar key positions. Political pa- pangyarihan sa ka- tronage also determines the may ng iilan lamang. allocation of the country’s N or every military action Sa lahat ng naging presi- oposisyon na pinangunahan Higher Education (CHED), undertaken in support national budget. Out of the dente ng Pilipinas pagkata- sila ng Malacañang upang kahit wala siyang Doctorate of her regime, there P1.227 trillion proposed for pos ng diktatura ni Marcos, F the 2008 national budget, tanging si Gloria Arroyo pa harangan ang iba pang mas degree na kinakailangang awaits a government posi- P51.05 billion is distributed lang ang nakakuha ng nega- matitibay na kaso. At da- kredensyal upang mamahala tion, or so declares Gloria to the Department of Na- hil malaking bilang ng mga sa CHED. Arroyo’s track record for her tive approval rating, ayon sa tional Defense, under which saliksik ng Social Weather kongresista ang kapartido ni Kapalit ng suporta, gina- seven-year-stint in power. the AFP is subsumed. This al- Stations. Ngunit sa kabila ng Arroyo – 168 na mambabatas gamit ni Arroyo ang kan- According to newspaper location is even greater than pagkawala ng tiwala ng pub- ang nasa ilalim ng partidong yang panunungkulan upang reports, Arroyo distributed the amount allotted for social liko sa kanyang pamamahala, LAKAS-CMD, KAMPI, Na- suklian ang mga tulong na government posts to over 50 services — the Department patuloy pa rin siyang nanatili tional People’s Coalition, at ibinibigay ng kanyang mga retired Armed Forces of the of Agriculture received only sa kanyang posisyon sa tu- iba pang partidong maka-ad- kaalyado. Sa isang pulong Philippines (AFP) officials in the P24.71 billion; the Depart- long ng kanyang mga kaaly- minsitrasyon —binabasura ng mga lokal na opisyal ng first two years of her presidency ment of Health, P19.77 bil- ado sa pulitika. ng Kongreso ang isinampang bansa, isiniwalat ni ng gober- alone. Some of the political ap- lion; and State Universities Malaking papel ang gina- mahinang reklamo. nador ng Pampanga na si pointments are announced in and Colleges, P19.64 billion. gampanan ng mga kakampi Bukod sa Kongreso, Eddie Panlilio ang pagkaka- her yearly State of the Nation Former opposition Sen. ni Arroyo sa pulitika upang maraming miyembro rin ng tanggap niya ng P500,000 sa Address, including the appoint- Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. argues mapanatili siya sa kanyang gabinete ang malapit o di Malacañang. Nakatanggap ment of former AFP Chief An- that “Arroyo surrounds her- puwesto. Mula sa mga ahen- kaya’y kapartido ni Arroyo. rin ng nasabing halaga ang gelo Reyes as secretary of the self with people of military sya ng gobyerno hanggang Gamit ang kapangyarihan ng 238 kongresista at goberna- Department of Energy. backgrounds, clearly one of sa Kongreso, paulit-ulit nang isang pangulo na makapagta- dor na dumalo sa naganap Arroyo commended for- her strategies in strength- binigyan ni Arroyo ng ka- laga ng magiging miyembro na pulong. Tiinatayang P119 mer Maj. Gen. Jovito Pal- ening her hold on power.” pangyarihan at benepisyo ng gabinete, nakukukuha ng milyon ang kabuuang hala- paran, dubbed as “the butch- Meanwhile, the military has ang kanyang mga kaalyado, mga kapartido ni Arroyo ang gang ipinamigay sa lokal ng er” for allegedly leaving a trail been condemned for com- tulad ng imunidad sa pagdalo matataas na posisyon sa mga pamahalaan. of human rights violations mitting HRVs against gov- sa mga pagdinig ng senado ahensya ng gobyerno. Nagsisilbing banta naman (HRV), in her 2006 SONA, at ernment critics and activists. at mas malaking alokasyon Halimbawa, sa kabila sa mga kumakalaban kay Ar- the height of protests against According to human rights ng pork barrel. ng pagtutol ng ilang grupo royo ang kanyang desisyon sa political killings. In the same organization Karapatan, there Mula ng lumabas ang Hel- pangkalikasan, nakuha pa rin alokasyon ng pondo sa bawat year, she appointed Palparan has been more than 900 po- lo Garci tapes noong 2004, ni Lito Atienza, dating alkalde taon. Sa paguusap ng senado as the deputy of National litical killings under the Ar- tatlong kaso ng impeach- ng Maynila at pinuno ng Lib- tungkol sa Priority Develop- Security Council (NSC) for royo administration, most ment na ang naisampa laban eral Party, ang posisyon bil- ment Assistance Fund para counter- insurgency opera- of which occurred under the kay Arroyo — isa kada taon ang Kalihim ng Kapaligiran sa 2007, sinabi ni Sen. Man- tions. And this year, she ap- terms of Esperon, Palparan, mula 2005-2007. Dalawa at Likas na Yaman. At bago ny Villar na, “The truth is, not pointed retired AFP Chief and former Gen. Generoso sa mga kasong ito ang isi- matakda bilang tagapamaha- everyone’s [pork barrel] is Hermogenes Esperon as the Senga. nampa ni Atty. Oliver Lozano la ng Social Security System released. Sometimes, Arroyo presidential adviser for the History shows that military sa magkahiwalay na taon ng matapos ang kontrobersya sa Continued on p.08 peace process despite wide- allies figure prominently -dur 2005 at 2006, at isa ang nag- National Broadband Network spread criticisms of Esper- ing periods of social unrest. To- mula kay Atty. Roel Pulido deal, pinamunuan muna ni on’s capability and suitability day, with the imposition of the noong 2007. Romulo Neri ang Commis- for the position. State of Emergency, Calibrated Ngunit pawang mahi- sion on A resolution filed by so- Preemptive Response, and other hina ang mga nasabing lons from Bayan Muna, Ga- presidential declarations attack- kaso, na inendorso briela, and Anakpawis de- ing civil liberties, the AFP has ng mga kaalyado scribes the appointments of sought to quell the growing ni Arroyo sa military officials to lucrative protest against the Arroyo ad- Kon- positions despite insufficient ministration. In addition, at the greso. qualifications as one form of peak of the National Broadband Sinas- “political patronage.” Network scandal last February, abi ng Reyes and Esperon, for officials of the military joined instance, are staunch allies Arroyo in a unity march, as a of Arroyo, ensuring military show of loyalty to the President. support for her regime de- The politicized mili- spite the administration’s tary succinctly illustrates record plunges in credibility how political patronage and popularity. Moreover, a operates in the country. report from the Philippine Yet the Arroyo regime’s Center for Investigative continued reliance on Journalism states that Es- the military is more of peron was instrumental in a weakness than a sign “ushering Arroyo to victory of strength. Clearly, in in the 2004 elections.” The the absence of moral wiretapped conversations authority, the regime between Arroyo and former can only resort to force Comelec Commissioner to maintain its hold on Virgilio Garcillano mention power. ■n four AFP generals, including
Illustration Page Design Nico Villarete Noe Baccay 06-07 Kultura Philippine Collegian | Lunes, 28 Hul 2008
iguradong nag-abala ang Pan- Kung naka-makeup ang pangu- mayan at wala na silang balak magpa- Accessories Imbitado ang lahat sa gimik sa Commonwealth ngayong lunes. Araw na naman kasi ng pinakaaabangang gulo para sa kanyang SONA. lo, may face paint na pantapat dito. tumpik-tumpik sa paghingi dito. state of the nation address (SONA) ni Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Ngunit, kaiba marahil sa mga nakaraang SNagpa-makeup at nagsuot pa Maaaring ipinta ang “Oust GMA” sa Dapat kumpleto rin ang mga talumpati, may partikular na diin sa isang ito. Sa gitna ng tumitinding kahirapan at ‘di mapigilang pagtaas ng magarbong gown at alahas para mukha. Tulad ng mga kumikinang gagamiting props. Huwag kal- ipakitang pinaghandaan niya ang na alahas ng Pangulo, marami ring imutang bitbitin ang mga plakard, ng presyo ng bigas at mga produktong petrolyo, samu’t-saring pakulo’t pantasya na naman ang sasambitin mga nagpipitikang kamera. Oras mga accessories na patok suotin sa banner, streamer at bandila ng or- ng pangulo. Pangwalong episode na ng taunang telenobelang ito, ngunit matagal nang nagsawa ang mga na para ibida ang sarili. Kaya naman rali. Nariyan ang mga arm bands ganisasyong kinabibilangan. Nag- manonood. Sa halip, taunan na rin silang nagtatanghal ng sariling programa sa gitna ng Commonwealth. At nakakahiyang sumugod sa kalsada at button pins, na maaaring may sisilbing talumpati ng mamamayan sa pinakahuling SONA ng pangulo, narito ang pitong kagamitang pinapayong dalhin ng mga beterano para nang walang paghahanda. imahe nina Che Guevara at Bob ang nilalaman ng mga ito. Sa bawat sa isang matiwasay, ligtas, at makabuluhang SONA ng bayan. Hindi porke’t ralyista, wala nang Marley, na ikinakabit sa mga bag at hungkag na pangungusap ng Pan- pakialam sa hitsura. Mas mainam damit. gulo, may alternatibong mababasa kung isang tingin pa lang, alam na Nilalaman ng mga munting pa- ang publiko. ang iyong paninindigan. Bukod sa lawit ang mga panawagang maiikli at Bawal pumunta nang hindi Payong naasahang makulimlim ngay- Batasan, mananalasa ang lam- para mas marami ang makina- ong Lunes na may kalat-kalat pas isang oras na pagbugso ng bang. Sapagkat hindi lang ulan pagsigaw at pagsabay sa mga chant, madaling basahin – “Itaas ang Sahod”, handa sa SONA. Tandaang sa oras na pag-ulan, pagkulog at pag- mainit na hangin. Ayon sa mga at hangin ang sasalanta sa araw maganda tulad ng mga mandirig- “Rollback tuition” , “GMA must go ng matinding panawagan, ang I ma sa mga tribo, ito ang marka ng now.” Sa ganitong porma ipinapakita pinakamatatapang ang unang na- kidlat sa Metro Manila. Noong ulat, may kakayahan itong sum- na ito. Bubuhos din ang san- nakaraang linggo, ang active low ipsip ng dumadagundong na laksang pambobola, pautot, at katapangan sa pakikipaglaban. na iisa lang ang nais ng mga mama- papakinggann pressure area na natagpuan sa pagkulog sa loob ng Batasan sa paninipsip. agkakakilanlan, kung tu- habang pinapa-alala sa atin ang dahas upang mapanatiling diu- silangan-hilagang silangan ng tuwing tumitila sandali sa pagi- Pinapayuhan ang mga mo- I.D. at Cellphone tuusin, ang ugat ng waring mga nagawa at balak gawin manong “payapa” ang pagkilos. Basco, Batanes ay tuluyan nang tan ng mga pagbugso. Dagdag torista na umiwas na sa Com- malinis na pagkakahati ng bilang pangulo. Halos lahat Kung mangyayaring madampot naging isang tropical depression. pa, magdudulot diumano ito ng monwealth, at kung maaari’y P bansa tuwing SONA ng pangulo. Sa ng nasa loob ay ganun din. Sa ka ng pulis, ang iyong ID (eskwelah- Ngayong Lunes, may posibilidad malubhang pagbaha sa Com- lumusong na lang sa bahang kanyang ika-walong ulat sa bayan, walang tigil na pagpalakpak at an man o ano) ang tanging patunay na sumulong ito pahilagang- monwealth, kung saan magti- lilikhain ng pagbugso ng main- madali nang tukuyin ang mga la- paghalakhak, buong pagma- na lehitimo kang nagpoprotesta. kanluran, sa distansyang 520 tipon ang poot ng libu-libong it na hangin mula sa Batasan. lamanin ng kanyang talumpati, malaki ang kanilang paglalahad Mas mainam rin kung may bitbit kilometro mula sa Batanes. Sabi mamamayan. Inaasahan ang pagkansela ng maaari nang hulaan ang mga ka- ng pagkiling sa nagtatalumpati. na cellphone para mapanatili ang ng mga ulat, walang tuwirang Hindi na nakapagtataka ang klase, ngunit hindi para umiwas tahimikang pupunan ng masunur- At para sa mga mangangahas komunikasyon sa mga kasama. epekto ang tropical depression sa pagsama ng panahon tuwing sa pag-ulan at pagbaha, kundi ing palakpakan, at, sa labas, nagging na ‘dungisan’ ang okasyon at tu- Sakaling gumamit ng water can- kalakhan ng bansa, ngunit inaa- SONA. Kung kaya, pinapayuhan para suungin ito at lumikha ng regular na rin ang sama-samang mungo sa lansangan, pagkakak- non o biglang bumuhos ang ulan, sahang magdudulot ito ng pana- ang lahat ng sasama na magda- sariling kulog at kidlat sa taghoy ng mga iyong malaon ilanlan pa rin ang magiging mainam din na magdala ng supot kanakang pag-ulan at bugso ng la ng kaniya-kaniyang payong labas ng Batasann nang itinali, simboliko man o mabisang sandata sakaling may kung saan pwede itong ilagay. hangin mula sa timog-kanluran. at sombrero. Mas mainam kung literal, sa labas ng tore. maganap na kumprontasyon. Dahil sa huli, kahit pira-pira- Mula naman sa loob ng mas matibay at mas malaki Maliit ang 5,000 armadong pu- Sa loob ng Batasang song identidad ang magtutungo lis bilang pantapat sa mga ra- Pambansa, isang dam- sa lansangan para sa SONA, iisa inhawa ang numero un- makilala sa TV ng iyong nanay. paglalakad sa park, lyista, at sa nakalipas na pitong T-shirt buhalang nametag ang lang mukha ng protesta – pan- ong batayan ng bihis- Samantala, ang sun glasses magsuot ng bagay na SONA, saksi ang lahat na hindi bitbit ni Gloria Arroyo gahas, galit, at diskuntenton Grally kaya kalimutan ang na proteksyon sa ultra-violet rays hindi ka mag-aalangang sila mangingiming gumamit ng mga floral skirts, tube tops at ay mainam ding gamitin upang madumihan, dahil mala- glittery sandals. Catwalk mang di agad mamukhaan ng mga mang, pagdating sa abi nga ng iba, Kung romansa naman ang Mas maraming bitbit na kai- Kaibigan maituturing ang kalye, dapat intelligence operatives ng AFP. Commonwealth, ang la- kalimutan na ang trip, maaari ring magdala ng bigan, mas maganda. Kung may- isaalang-alang muna ang pagka- Mahirap na, baka sa susunod na hat ay sasalampak sa ka- Slahat huwag lang kasintahan at doon sa piling ng roon kang mahihikayat na kaibig- kumportable ng suot, kaligtasan slide show, isa ka na sa mga “En- lye upang mapag-aralan ang mga kaibigan. aklasang-masa masusubok ang ang sasama, at siya naman ay may at seguridad. emies of the State”. ang sitwasyon ng bansa. Sa Hatakin ang barkada sa tunay na pag-ibig. Baka doon pa mahahatak na isa pa, at ang pan- Kaya, mahalagang suotin ang Kung ginhawa rin lang ang ganitong mga eksena, maong rally sa SONA. Sa harap matagpuan ang pinakamatamis gatlo ay magdadala rin ng sarili ni- mga nakatala nang di mapag-iwan- pag-uusapan, wala nang mas ang maaasahan. ng nagtataasang presyo na theme song para sa inyo, tulad yang kabarkada—hindi malayong an sa mahabang lakaran at mabilis giginhawa pa sa t-shirt. Manga- Isipin lang na sa panahon ng lahat ng bagay, tuluyan ng Walang Hanggang Paalam ni maging doble o triple ang dami na takbuhan, sa malakas na sigawan has na’t mag-pula at suotin ang ng matinding krisis na bunsod lamang maluluslusan ang Joey Ayala na inangkin na ng san- ng tao sa kalye. Sakali pang i-gate sa gitna ng katirikan ng araw. t-shirt na may pinakamatapang ng inutil at mapaniil bulsa kung laksang tibak na nagmamahalan. crash ng kill-joy na PNP ang rally, Sawal ang tawag sa checkered na panawagan. Ito ang magsisil- na pamahalaan, laos sa mall Habang nagkakalokohan sa kailangang magkapit-bisig ang shawl na nilalagay sa ulo at leeg na bing mega phone na sisigaw ng ang mga nananahimik magpu- loob ng kongreso, tiyak na nasa mga magkaka-buddy para hindi ginagamit na panangga sa sinag ng iyong paninindigan kahit hindi habang pinaka-fash- punta. Doon labas lang ng tarankahan nito ang magkawalaan. May pananagutan araw. Ito rin ang pinakamainam na nagcha-chant. ionable ang naka-taas sa lansangan sambayanan. Siguradong mag- sa isa’t isa ang magkakaibigan. panakip ng mukha ‘pag ayaw mong At, sa pagrarally,‘di tulad ng kamaon magsama-sa- kakaroon ng kantahan, hiyawan, Mula sa pag-chant at pag-martsa ma kung saan at sayawan— kasabay ng paggiit hanggang sa pakikilahok sa mga libre na, kasama pa sa mga karapatang itinatanggi sa makabuluhang educational dis- ang buong bayan. mga mamamayan. Dito, tiyak na cussions, iba talaga ang barkadah- igpitan ang pagkakas- paboritong tsinelas kahit na aral at nagpapalaboy Sapatos makabuluhan ang barkada trip. ang may pinagsamahann intas ng mga sapa- siguro’y manipis na ang swelas. na lang sa lansan- tos. Tiyakin ang kapal Mainam naman ito kung uula- gan hanggang sa H a panahong itong bawal magkasakit, baw- ng swelas ng mga tsinelas. Sa nin sa araw na iyon at baka ma- mga nakakasa- la ang fishballs at kikiam na P10- Pagkain mahaba-habang martsa, sigu- palubog pa sa mga binabahang lubong na al din ang magutom. Kaya iwasan ang 12 kada stick ng mga manininda. raduhing may pantapat ang kalsada. motoristang Skrisis ng tiyan, magbaon ng makakain Gayundin ang sitserya at wheat iyong mga paa. Magsisilbing pananggalang said na ang at maiinom – pati pera, kahit may krisis ang crackers na P6-8 sa iba pang Mainam ang magsuot ng ang mapiling footwear laban sa bulsa sa bulsa – kapag sumasama sa rali: lalo na sa naglalako. May nagtitinda rin ng komportableng sneakers at babolgam, sa bubog, o sa dumi presyo ng SONA. plain at hot fish crackers, itlog ng rubbershoes na pwedeng isa- ng aso na maaaring makasa- langis. Huwag kalilimutan ang tubig. Mahirap na pugo, at sweet corn na P10-15 bak sa matagalang lakaran at lubong sa daan. Gayundin sa H i n d i mauhaw at masayad ang dila sa lupa. Kung kada isa. Puwede rin namang pu- kaunting takbuhan. Maaari rin matinding init ng konkretong m a h a l a g a may Coleman sa bahay, gamitin na’t punuin muslit kahit sandali ng kaunting itong proteksyon ng paa mula daang tatahakin. Ngunit sa anuman ang ng yelo para may malamig na maiinom sa hanging aircon sa Ever Gotesco at sa init. Hindi na lamang ito bawat hakbang ng libu-libong suot ng talam- maghapon. Puwede ring timplahan ng juice para doon kumain sa fast foods. Ingat basta-basta footwear, nagiging mga paa, makakaengkwentro pakan para ta- may asukal na makatutulong sa pagtakbo. Kapag lang sa mga pulis na nakahimpil canvas din ang mga sneakers rin ang mga dahilan kung bakit patan gaano man naubos na’ng baong inumin, may mga naglalako na- sa labas niyon. na pwedeng guhitan at pin- nga ba sila nasa martsa. Mula kainit o kagaspang man ng mineral water. P10-15 ang isa. May P10 buko Kailangang mabuhay kaya’t tahan ng mga larawan at mga sa kahabaan ng road-widening ang sementadong juice din sa tabi-tabi. May softdrinks din na P25 ang in can at huwag magpakamartir sa gu- panawagan. Maaliwalas naman project na nagdulot ng demoli- daan. Higit na mahalaga’y P23 ang in PET bottles. tom. Lagi lang tandaan na sa paa ang pagsusuot ng mo- syon sa maraming komunidad, hayaan kung hanggang saan Magbaon din ng ilang tinapay, kahit tasty bread, para may kapag tiyan ang pinabayaan, jos at sandals. O di kaya’y ang sa mga batang di nakakapag- ka nito maaaring dalhinn makain habang nagmamartsa o nakatayo sa ilalim ng araw. Mag- katako-takot na rebolusyon ang bulsa ng candies at mints. Para sa miryenda, hindi pa rin mawawa- mararanasann
Article Illustration Page Design Kultura Section Ivan Reverente Ivan Reverente 08 Lathalain Philippine Collegian | Lunes, 28 Hul 2008
orders P120 million released them favors. During the 2004 a half-million wage and salary father, from 1961 to 1965 ministration Jocelyn Bolante, to us but if you oppose Mala- presidential elections, for in- jobs were lost. The rise of in- paved way for other family who was Mike’s colleague in cañang, nothing is released.” stance, business tycoons like flation has steadily worsened members to enter the politi- Makati Rotary Central. Bo- Dahil sa tuluyng pagkawala ng cal arena. Holding numerous lante is tagged as the “main Lucia Tan were among the since 2007, Diokno adds. public offices in Pampanga, architect” of the P728-million tiwala ng taong bayan sa kasalu- most generous contributors to Meanwhile, demands such kuyang administrasyon, makiki- Camarines Sur, and Negros fertilizer fund scam, allegedly Arroyo’s campaign. as the long-delayed P125 min- Occidental since 1988, the siphoning money to finance tang ginagawa ni Arroyo ang lahat Arroyo’s ties to powerful imum wage hike increase have Macapagal-Arroyo clan may Gloria’s 2004 presidential upang mapanatili ang kanyang business giants have played a yet to be passed, reportedly due indeed be considered a main- campaign. mga kaalyado sa pulitika sa kani- stay in Philippine politics. Mike isn’t the only one kanilang posisyon. Tanging ang key role in various controver- to pressure from big business House Bill 5925, also called accused of corruption in the mga kaalyado na lamang ang na- sies. Currently, Tan’s Fortune groups and corporations. the Anti-Political Dynasty First Family. Iggy and Mikey titirang tanggulan ni Arroyo mula Company is the biggest player Under the Arroyo admin- Act, defines political dynasty are also charged of receiving sa mga panawagan na patalsikin in the tobacco industry. In an istration, uniform policies are as the “concentration, con- jueteng payola from opera- siya bilang pangulo ng bansa. n interview with online maga- impeded due to the conflicting solidation, or perpetuation tions in Bicol. Moreover, Datu of public office and political spearheaded with Mikey the zine Bulatlat.com, Kilusang business interests of various power by persons related to ouster plot against former Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Sec. oligarchs. As former Director of one another.” The bill further House of Representatives Gen. Danilo Ramos notes that the Bureau of Industrial Coor- states that families have be- Speaker Jose de Venecia, after Tan’s monopoly over the to- dination Wilhelm Ortaliz cites, come so “well-entrenched in his son Joey implicated Mike bacco industry can be traced “Philippine business associa- Philippine politics that they in the NBN-ZTE scandal. Samantha King have monopolized political Aside from promoting to economic concessions giv- tions are notoriously weak and power and public resources abuse of power, Simbulan en by the administration. poorly institutionalized, and its n the Philippines, gover- at all levels of government.” says that political dynasties Other Arroyo allies include members know that the way to Gloria’s ascent to presi- thrive through “the use of nance and business have Negros landlord Eduardo Co- make money is to gain privi- dency in 2001 intensified privileges from the state to much in common. This is I juangco, whose control over the leged access to the government the political power of the benefit private and family evident in the quest for private Macapagal-Arroyo family. business.” Undeniably, “land- Negros electorate also grants and then to exclude informa- gain, which is more often the Presidential sons Mikey and ed wealthy Filipino families him privileged access to top po- tion from each other.” Thus, rule of thumb for both corpo- Datu carried on the family have tried to protect their litical officials. Farmers have de- national industries are stunted, tradition of involvement in interests by occupying public rations and the bureaucracy. nounced Arroyo’s collusion with while small-scale businesses politics when the former won office,” Simbulan states. Crony capitalism, in which Cojuangco in helping him retain are often left unprotected. as vice governor of Pampan- For instance, Iggy co-au- government officials enter ga in 2001 and the latter as thored the Biofuels Act (BfA), control over a much-disputed Arroyo once said that the into dubious business deals Camarines Sur Representa- which requires mandatory P130 billion in coco levy funds. business community is a in exchange for political sup- tive in 2007. Likewise, Iggy, mixing of 1 percent of biod- Yet the aforementioned ex- “highly strategic sector” in the Gloria’s brother-in-law, won iesel and 5 percent of ethanol port, is not unknown to Fili- amples barely penetrate the country’s rapidly moving his- a congressional seat in Ne- in petrodiesel and gasoline pinos. Notorious during the surface of the pervasive corrup- tory. As seen from the way the gros Occidental concurrent for the first 4 years of imple- Marcos regime and prevalent with Arroyo’s declaration as mentation. tion in the Arroyo regime. In current regime has utilized throughout President Estrada’s president. . Sen. Rodolfo Biazon says reports, Bayan Muna Rep. Satur control of the business sector, reign, the practice now sees With the re-election of “biofuel development could Ocampo declares that Arroyo’s this “highly-strategic” sector Iggy and Mikey coupled with compete with the use of land resurgence in Gloria Arroyo’s crony capitalism is far worse of the country has proven to Datu’s victory, the place of for rice production.” Indeed, administration. than Marcos’ as it “allows mo- be a primary factor in Arroyo’s the Macapagal-Arroyo clan in shortly after Gloria signed Political favors usually the Philippine political scene the BfA in 2006, Iggy quickly nopolies to intrude and domi- continued political survival.n take the form of massive tax has spans at least 58 years. filed the requirements for the nate State transactions.” rebates, market monopoly, In 2007 lecture, UP politi- conversion of Arroyo-owned The pattern of cronyism in cal science professor Roland Hacienda Bacan (HB) from government grants, and pref- the Philippines, according to a Simbulan states that political agricultural to agro-indus- erential incentives, often to Gidget R. Estella Dartmouth College study, has dynasties can influence the trial land for ethanol pro- the detriment of the wide ma- ome families go beyond “courts, Congress, and Mala- duction. If granted, the land brought about highly fluctuat- jority of Filipino people. Sub- merely being basic units cañang” and “the most prof- will be exempted from land ing economic policies and con- sequently, businessmen shell of society. For the Maca- itable parts of our economy,” redistribution. The Arroyos tributed to lowered economic S thus encouraging a political are expected to gain at least out enormous capital to pro- pagals and Arroyos, going be- growth. UP economist Benja- system dominated by patron- P3.2 million windfall profits vide political backing to those yond means decades of con- min Diokno notes in a January age and corruption. “Family, on HB once Iggy’s initiatives politicians who have proven solidating wealth and power. not ideology or principle, be- succeed, based on estimates 2008 labor sur- vey willing to grant The presidency of Dios- comes the norm in politics,” of the Sugar Regulatory Ad- that around dado Macapagal, notes Simbulan. ministration. Gloria Ar- Furthermore, the First The Arroyo political dy- r o y o ’ s Family is implicated in vari- nasty sustains itself through ous scandals. For instance, a well-crafted cycle: mem- Mike is accused of appoint- bers of the First Family amass ing cronies into govern- wealth and influence by rid- ment posts, among ing Gloria’s ascent to power, them former Agricul- and in turn, use their accrued ture Undersecretary resources and connections for Finance and Ad- to secure her position. Until this cycle is broken, there can be no relief from the problems brought about by the Arroyo admin- istration. n
Illustration Page Design Nico Villarete Noe Baccay 09 Philippine Collegian | Lunes, 28 Hul 2008 Opinyon
I drove you away A Confession to a Brother whenever I was Survival of with my friends, the Fittest Ibong maya even if you had that look in your eyes that you want- was shocked and disappointed to cut our long tail hair that our ed to talk and play with us. After classes, I always went Diana Kaye Precioso when Nanay told me that you ex-Ananda Margan parents fash- were planning to shift courses. ioned for us. I didn’t want to wear home ahead while you looked for me I all over the school quadrangle, since You only have to finish one last those ethnic-looking clothes that Good news semester before graduating from we put on every time it was civilian you didn’t have the money to pay for the fare don’t read newspapers too much any- a prestigious university. You even day in school. Much — you more. At any given day I can predict what said it was the best in your field to your confusion, I I was not yet equipped with just sat they’re going to contain: some incident of study. I remember my pride at always said that we the maturity to comprehend on my lap of corruption, a rally, a car crash, eco- knowing you got in. Between the were Born Again my emotions, so it pushed whenever nomic trouble, something controversial two of us, you have always been the Christians whenever we took a politician said. New day, same crap. These more brilliant and disciplined. someone asked what me to develop a defense I the jeep- days, reading the newspaper is practically an I tried to understand what was our religion was, so mechanism for my insecurity ney. And act of masochism. running through your head, but I that there wouldn’t by going on the offensive when we So it’s fitting, really, that I’m writing in couldn’t. Then Nanay told me that be follow-up ques- argued or a campus newspaper now, a campus pa- you said you were unhappy with your tions. fought, calling you names and labels per not known for its light content, and life right now, and that you just want- When you are just eight years was always an easy choice of weapon writing always about things either de- ed to be alone and know yourself old, fear is easily obscured by for me to strike deep and hurt you. pressing or trivial. I don’t suppose people more. She said she tried to talk to you hate. I was not yet equipped with Now, twelve years after, we are read my column, either, except for those about your problem but you just kept the maturity to comprehend my worlds apart. You are already living who text back to complain. I think the mum. She asked me to write you and emotions, so it pushed me to de- in a foreign land, and I am left here term is karma. try to talk to you about it, and I think I velop a defense mechanism for to face my own ghosts of guilt. I But anyway. Because I’m tired of feeling need to tell you something. my insecurity by going on the of- have realized how I have wrecked gloomy, and because this entire issue seems When we were young, I was fensive. It was easy for me to hate a part of your life. I want to em- to be full dark and dire commentary about afraid of a lot of things. I was afraid you, especially whenever some- brace you and tell you I’m sorry, the state of Philippine society and politics, I of you — I didn’t want to be near thing effeminate would come out that I didn’t mean anything I did will go against the trend and discuss some to anything that looked unusual to in your movements or behavior. I that made you feel bad. I want you good news. Not individual triumphs like, other people. I didn’t want atten- didn’t want people to know that I to feel that we are still brothers. As ‘someone I knew just gave birth to a beau- tion, and I despised scrutiny be- had a brother that had something I such, I am behind you in whatever tiful baby girl’ or ‘a fellow student won an cause there was something differ- thought at that time was abnormal you want in your life. n international contest.’ Something collec- ent within or around me. I wanted and unacceptable. tively good, as in, ‘there is no longer any poverty in the Philippines.’ angkin sa kanilang So, what recent events fit that crite- mga katauhan. rion? Wala raw akong kalaro Ngunit, higit na Well, some politicians are finally dis- noong bata pa ako nananatili sa akin playing enough guts to go against out- Melane A. Manalo ang araw nang dated Church policies banning the use gawin nating isang of contraceptives. I count it as good news malaking palaruan that some of our leaders are finally stand- Sa aking mga kalaro, mga pindutan, manggigil sa mabi- ang isang pilas ng ing up for free choice, instead of antiquat- Pasulong ang gaod ng panahon, lis na pagpapalabas ng mga “ka- Italya, noong nasa unang taon tayo ed laws dictated by a religion that doesn’t at hindi mangyayaring mababali- pangyarihan” nina Chun Li man o sa kolehiyo. Nagbabakasyon tayo even recognize women as capable of be- kan pa ang nakaraan, liban sa pag- M. Bison, at sumala ang puwit sa doon nang mapagpasyahan nating ing a priest or a pope. Murder, stealing, sakay sa duyan ng mga alaala. pagkakaupo, alang-alang sa pag- pumunta sa Pisa, sa pamamagi- lying — I understand why the Church Wala raw akong kalaro noong iwas sa kalaban. Sa tan ng opposes those, but why would they op- bata pa ako, at kayo lamang ang pagitan ng iringan hindi natatali sa gulang ang pagdaan pose the idea of having less mouths to higit na makapagsasabi kung to- at payabangan sa sa Firenze. too ito. Ang sa akin, hindi natatali kalagayan ng mga kabataan at pakikipaglaro, feed and clothe and educate? Has it es- kung hindi sa pakikisuong N o o n g caped their notice that the Philippines is sa gulang ang kabataan at pakikip- sariling pambato, umagang one of the most populous countries in the aglaro, kung hindi sa pakikisuong nag-iiritan at nag- sa buhay nang parang mga aalis tayo, world, and going more populous every- sa buhay nang parang mga bata: sisigawan tayo nang bata nagising day? Don’t they see that it’s unrealistic to masayahin, bukas sa lahat, at ma- parang wala nang tayo isang expect the people to pick between absti- panuklas. bukas. oras na nence and having a ten-person family? Kaya naniniwala akong hindi ako Kaya naman, isang araw, du- lamang bago ang oras ng tren na Of course, since the Church is throwing kailanman mawawalan ng mga kalaro. mungaw sa atin ang Nanay Tinang ating sasakyan! Tinakbo natin ang all its considerable weight into opposing at sinaway tayo; baka kung ano raw pasikut-sikot ng estasyon ng tren kuya anjo, such governmental initiatives — backed by ang akalain ng iba na maaaring sa Roma, at naiwan pa rin tayo ng Panay mo raw akong kinaka- President Gloria Arroyo, who needs to court nangyayari sa atin. biyahe. musta sa aking kapatid kapag na- the goodwill of the Church and the millions Tumanda tayo, at nag-iba na ang Matapos ang paghihintay, hin- kikita mo siya. Naitatanong tuloy of voters who make up the Catholic popula- minonitor nating bar bago magka- di naman tayo nagkamali ng si- ni Myra, “Talagang close kayo ng tion after ignoring all their pleas for trans- knockout. Nagbilangan tayo ng nakyang tren, narating ang Firenze, Kuya Anjo, ano?” parency and accountability — it’s unlikely dami ng pagkakataong nagsinun- natanaw ang David ni Michelan- Na hindi ko naman masagot that such a commonsense policy will ever galing tayo sa isa’t isa. At nanguna gelo, nakapagkuhanan ng litrato nang madali. Dahil, paano ko get passed into law. ka, pero hanggang ngayon, na- sa may Duomo, at nakatuloy din sa malalagom sa iilang salita ang What else counts as good news, then? kawala sa aking alaala: sino talaga Pisa sakay ulit ng tren. Tangan ang mga panahong ating pinagsamah- Maybe it’s just because I’m tired, but I ang nanalo? isang napakaliit na mapa, narating an? Dadaanan ko muna ang mga think any good news I could come up with natin ang Leaning Tower. Santacruzan na ikaw ang kinuku- mildred, would have strings attached. So much for Umakyat tayo sa may 100 hang konsorte para sa akin, mga Mga manika, bloke ng Lego, good news. There just doesn’t seem to be baitang nito. Isa sa pinakapaborito paglalaro, at noong nasa hayskul at mga damit ang mga piraso ng any. Unless you count Lea Salonga’s stand- kong litrato natin mula sa buong na tayo, mga huntahan. ating kabataan na ating pinagsalu- ing ovation for her concert, a Filipino’s win paglalakbay ang nasa itaas ng tore, Streetfighter ang madalas - nat han. Dadalaw ako sa inyong bahay, in a Sudoku tournament, and so on; all habang hinahangin ang ating mga ing paglabanan, sa aking comput- o, minsan, ikaw sa amin, at doon those things that we pretend matter, so we buhok at nasisilaw tayo sa giting er, at gamit ang iisang keyboard. natin palilipasin ang oras, sa ating can feel better about what’s really happen- ng araw. Naroon ang maghilahan tayo sa pagkatha ng mga tauhan at pag- ing in the world. n Continued on p.11 10 Opinyon Philippine Collegian | Lunes, 28 Hul 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]. Contact us! Save Word attachments 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. zations due to the requirement of Reclaiming the Rights of member quota per department of We welcome questions, college, stringent application pro- constructive criticism, opin- UP’s Student Organizations ions, stands on relevant is- NEWSCAN cess, and the unreasonable ban- sues, and other reactions. t the height of the Marcos dictator- ning on the basis of their political Letters may be edited for Get free publicity! Aship, the Iskolars ng Bayan reestab- nature. brevity or clarity. Due to Email us your press lished student councils, publications, and We assert that tambayans are space constraints, letters releases, invitations, integral in the operations of stu- must have only 400 words etc. DON’T TYPE IN organizations in UP, through collective ALL CAPS and, go militant struggle. Among the rights won by dent organizations, in the same or less. Send the letters to [email protected]. easy on... the punc- the students was the use and possession of manner that student councils and N tuation!? Complete fully-functional tambayans and offices, the publications need their offices sentences only. Dnt free use of university facilities and equip- for their various activities. It is use txt lnguage pls. therefore imperative for the UP assert that no one can dictate which stu- Please provide a short ment, and the relaxation of the procedural administration provide all student organiza- dent organizations may be recognized by title. Be concise, 100 restraints in org recognition. tions fully-functional tambayans. the University, in the presumption that or- words maximum. The university encourages all types of that university policy on the extra-curric- ganizations all engage in lawful and noble student organizations to make their pres- ular student use of facilities and equipment activities with lofty goals and objectives for ence felt, and engages others to form orga- PRESSing Times: A Forum on is misplaced, as it unnecessarily precludes the university and the country as well. nizations based on their own interests and the State of Philippine Media student organizations from fulfilling their It is clear that amongst the most tacit yet advocacies. This is in acknowledgment of The National Union of Journalists of the organizational goals and objectives. While insidious effects of these student orgs poli- the vital role which student activities play Philippines (NUJP), in coordination with student organizations essentially engage cies would be the pacification of critical and in the learning process and training of UP the Union of Journalists of the Philippines in extracurricular activities, these activities collective dissent of students in the Univer- students as future leaders of our nation. (UJP)-UP Diliman and the College Edi- are fully subsumed in the holistic learning sity, not only on UP issues such as the tuition tors Guild of the Philippines, invites you However, the centennial year of UP is marked process that the university seeks to impart and lab fee increases, but also in national to celebrate NUJP’s 22nd anniversary by by the dismal state of student formations. In UPLB, on its students, especially its student lead- affairs such as the present economic crisis attending PRESSing times, a forum to be there is still no student council elections due to the ers. While we concede that these definitely felt by Filipinos today. By precluding student held on July 30, Wednesday, from 9:30 to insistence of UPLB Chancellor Velasco in impos- constitute a cost to the university, this must organizations from being recognized and 11:30 am at the CMC Auditorium in UP ing a UPLB -USC constitution which interferes Diliman. For further details, contact UJP at be viewed as beneficial costs in pursuit of from using school facilities in their activi- with the autonomy of student institutions. Publi- 09156063273. See you there! the holistic development of its students. We ties, their existence as trailblazers of change cations also experienced administrative interven- therefore demand that the University ad- and reforms are ultimately stunted by an in- tions in the past, from the handling of its funds ministration remove rental rates for the use terventionist administration. UP Asterisk presents BOSES to the appointment of its editor-in-chief. And in of all its facilities and equipment not only In the ultimate analysis, the only way for The UP Asosasyon ng Kabataang Artista, UP Diliman, only about sixty tambayans are cur- to student councils and publications, but to students to decisively win this struggle is by Kritiko at Iskolar ng Sining at Kultura (UP rently occupied by university-based organizations, student organizations as well. uniting with each other in principle and in Asterisk) presents critically-acclaimed di- leaving a larger number of organizations without rector Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil’s Cinemalaya Recent events show that the organiza- action. tambayans. And even those who have tambayans 2008 film entry, “BOSES”. tion recognition process by the University It is time to stand up today. In the UP’s have poor lighting, leaking roofs, and continue to A beautiful tale about the abused child administration in its different UP units are centennial year, there is no better time to act face threats of eviction. Onyok, who finds refuge through the being used to curtail the students consti- that today. Join the mobilization to lobby for music wonders of his violinist friend Ar- Aside from these, organizations also face tutional right to self-organization by fully these demands on the July 31 BOR meeting. iel. This touching melodrama introduces the issue of exorbitant rental fees in the use controlling the process itself and even de- UMAKSYON Coke Bolipata and Julian Duque, and stars of university facilities and equipment for termining unilaterally which organizations Ugnayan ng Mag-aaral Laban sa Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano and Cherry their activities. Another concern is the tax- deserve recognition by the university. We Komersyalisasyon Pie Picache. ing recognition process of student organi- Catch it on August 4 (Monday), 5:00 PM, at the UP Film Institute (Cine Adarna). For ticket orders, please contact Darrel - ng kaunti (seryoso, kaunti lang)... To 07-78986: ikaw, 09215117960 or Mara - 09175591318. Ano ang inaasahan mo Madalas, DOTA! 07-42631 unsa man say Send in your opinions and Php 70 only! sa SONA ng Pangulong feedback via SMS! Type: KULE Sagutan prblma nmo? Wa TxT
Wala... from P.09 rin ang inabot. Kung sa bagay, sa kama Economic... from P.02 myra, naman natin ito madalas gawin, pagkagis- Beberde kaya uli nang berdeng- ing, kapag sa iyo ako natabi ng pagtulog billion subsidy that the govern- 5.18 percent, slower than the berde ang isang maliit na pabilog sa dahil ayaw ko sa aking kama. Kilitian la- ment allotted to the poor is “too 6.97 percent growth rate a year ating damuhan sa harap ng bahay? mang nang kilitian hanggang hindi nag- little” compared to the chunk of earlier. Isang buwan bago nagkaroon ng litaw kakasakitan. At di nagkakaiyakan. revenues that go to corruption and IBON also said that Philippine na kulay berde doon, sa gitna ng ibang Pero, pareho naman nating alam na military modernization. trade also posted chronic negative tapat na nakakalbo, at iba pang naluluto marami pang makapagpapaiyak sa atin growth as imports, with an annual na sa araw, nagtatangka tayong magla- nang higit na madali kaysa pagkikilitian, Sluggish economy average growth rate of 7 percent, gay ng abono para maisalba pa ang bu- ano? Di ga naiyak tayo minsan nang hiwa- Meanwhile, as early as the first far outpace exports growing an- hay ng damo. Nang biglang, “Whaaa!” lay, at ang idadahilan natin pagkatapos ay quarter of 2008, majority of the nually by 4 percent. Natapon ang laman ng mabigat na wala tayong magawa? economic sectors slowed down “Undoubtedly, despite reduc- wheel barrow na pinagtutulungan nat- and registered growth levels com- ing its deficit, the Arroyo govern- ing isulong, laman ang abono. Hindi Sa aking mga kalaro, parable only to levels in 2005, with ment is still ‘deficit spending,’ natin nasimot ang lahat ng natapong Sa inyo papa, mama, jr, joyi, jerick, ni- the heavy remittances from mi- which is a chronic phenomenon butil, kaya “nagsarili” tuloy ng kulay cole, walter, ma. khristine, karl, ate cyn- grant Filipinos tempering the oth- for a debt-driven and debt-de- ang tapat na iyon. thia, arvin, eruel, maryjane, ser christian, erwise drastic economic downturn, pendent economy,” the IBON re- Hindi naman tayo nagkikilitian amai, jerrie at kuya jr: wala tayong pipili- IBON said. port said. n noong oras na iyon, pero ganoon pa ing panahon. n Domestic economy grew by 12 Opinyon Philippine Lunes, 28 Hul 2008 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 Ma. Rosa Cer M. dela Cruz
Piya Constantino Mga Kawani Louise Vincent B. Amante Mark Angelo V. Ching Glenn L. Diaz Janno Rae T. Gonzales Editoryal Timothy Medrano his year, the tive, and judiciary are increas- Archie A. Oclos collision between ingly dominated by Arroyo’s ap- Jan Marcel V. Ragaza the torrent of lies pointees — and this President Antonio D. Tiemsin Jr. and promises Fighting Back has demonstrated a propensity Om Narayan Velasco from the regime for appointing her allies to key Mixkaela E. Villalon and the flood of protests positions, regardless of their ac- T the surveys held just be- be asked is whether Ar- and dissent from the people tual qualifications for the job. Pinansiya fore Arroyo’s 2008 State of the promises to be the worst in royo has ever been popular, or The effects of a government Amelyn J. Daga Nation Address (SONA), two Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s right, for the current state of af- controlled by Arroyo’s political things can be surmised: not eight years as president. fairs shows that the Philippines allies has manifested itself in Tagapamahala sa Sirkulasyon only is Arroyo the most unpop- Paul John Alix The State of the Nation Ad- under Arroyo has been grossly Supreme Court cases resolved ular president since the dictator dress (SONA) has always been misled. in her favor, in the passage of Ferdinand Marcos, practically Sirkulasyon a lightning rod for activists and The combined cost of a wors- bills and policies which further no one trusts her to be honest Gary Gabales the political opposition, who de- ening economy and a corrupt her own ambitions, and in the in her upcoming SONA. Yet Ricky Icawat scend upon Congress in droves administration has taken its toll growing power of local politi- these surveys only cast as sta- Amelito Jaena as the President lays out assess- on the people. Critics of Arroyo cians. The marginalized Fili- tistics what has been evident Glenario Omamalin ment of the past year and her and her cohorts have grown pino people have no one to turn since the first of numerous im- plans for the year ahead. While ever more numerous and vo- to, for all legal avenues have led Mga Katuwang na Kawani peachment cases and rallies be- the SONA, historically, was ini- cal. And, following the logic of to dead ends constructed by Ar- Trinidad Basilan gan cropping up in the wake of tially used to emphasize govern- a president who goes with her royo and her cohorts. Gina Villas the 2004 mental failures in order to spur favorite A cornered people have no Hello corrective legislature, recent A cornered people have con- choice but to express their dis- Pamuhatan Garci presidents are more inclined to gress- satisfaction with this violent and Silid 401 Bulwagang Vinzons, contro- Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, Dili- praise their own achievements, no choice but to express men on oppressive regime, by any means versy: man, Lungsod Quezon whether real or imaginary, in a junket possible. For Arroyo has proven Arroyo’s order to win the approval of a their dissatisfaction with to the that she too will resort to any presi- Telefax wider audience than the Con- United means in order to maintain her dency this violent and oppressive 9818500 lokal 4522 gress: the Filipino people. S t a t e s hold on power, including lying is ille- Arroyo, however, will find w h i l e and cheating. And all signs indi- Email gitimate regime, by any means winning public approval a hun- cate that she will continue to do [email protected] and in- more daunting task than most, d r e d s so. The people do not have the effec- possible for reality stands as a bleak of Fili- podium in Congress which Ar- Website tive. And counterpart to her version of p i n o s royo has utilized in waging her http://philippinecollegian.tk as the the state of the nation. die and battle for power, but they can http://kule-0809.deviantart. state of the nation deteriorates, In past SONAs, Arroyo has thousands more are driven fight back by refusing to settle for com largely due to the rule of the Ar- relied on statistics and numbers from their homes by the tropi- Arroyo’s corrupt, violent, and ille- royo administration itself, the Kasapi to present the Philippines as a cal storm Frank, Arroyo has re- gitimate regime for any longer. glaring flaws in her regime are Solidaridad thriving economy. Today, other sponded to her critics typically. This SONA is Arroyo’s made even more apparent. -UP System-wide Alliance figures reveal a grimmer picture. Instead of dealing with the eighth. There can be a ninth, a The most pervasive, certainly, of Student Publications and The House of Representatives, for problems they point to, she has tenth, even an eleventh SONA is corruption, at a scale that mea- Writers’ Organizations instance, has shelled out P200 mil- tacitly condoned and even en- — or this one can be her last. sures the kickback from a single College Editors Guild of the lion to prepare for the SONA. Such couraged the widespread kill- The choice is with the Fili- Philippines skewed deal at millions of pe- measures include the renovation ings of journalists and activists pino masses, who have borne sos for each involved politician. of Congress, and the deployment under her regime. the brunt of the Arroyo ad- Furthermore, food, energy, and of six thousand policemen, as the While the criticism grows ministration’s corruption and oil crises have sent prices and state prepares to protect its leaders more strident, however, it has flawed policies. Six thousand poverty rates spiraling upwards. from its people. found few legitimate outlets. policemen and an obsequious “I would rather be right than Indeed, it looks like Arroyo Under one of the longest-serv- Congress cannot contain the be popular,” she declared in needs the protection. From ing presidents in its history, the nation’s fury. n 2007. The question begging to Philippines’ legislature, execu-