Tomo 36 Bilang 4 Setyembre-Oktubre 2009 Mapagpalayang Kaisipan sa Malayang Pahayagan Opisyal na pahayagan ng mga mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas -

PlarleneJuliane PepengAfter leaves 333 killed in Cordillera ValentosM Region including 288 death tolls in alone, according to theassive National landslides Disaster caused by Coordinating Counciltyphoon (NDCC). Pepeng leave at least 333 people in cold blood in Cordillera dead victimsNDCC said caused that by out Pepeng of 419 nationwide, total figures of most of them were buried alive by landslides the in Baguio City and in Mountain Province.

were evacuated Meanwhile, after moreBaguio than City 150 was families isolated due to the closure of three major highways – Marcos Highway, and Naguillan Road – to and from the city, according Northern Dispatch Weekly (NORDIS).

landfallNORDIS of Pepeng, also residents reported within that during the the Wrath City Camp lagoon area flock to evacuation PNB Village in Marcos Highway, and centers after it was flooded. The flood left Pinsao. five dead after a landslide occur in Upper CordilleraIn Benguet, Peoples according Alliance (CPA), to thethere report of are at least 15 dead and 2 persons missing Rock Quarry above the said lagoon, in Sto. Niño; 28 bodies were recovered in Guinaoang, Mankayan; 17 families were while in Trancoville, one male evacuated into safer grounds from the sinking area of Poblacion; and, over 60 teenager was reported drowned. bodies out of 84 left dead were retrieved in Puguis, La Trinidad.

Other affected areas in the that 53In bodies Mountain in total Province, were retrieved CPA reported in city were Barangays Irisan, Kayan, East Tadian; 12 households were ruined in Betwag and one in Capinitan, Upper Rock Quarry, Sabangan. The local government unit of Abra meanwhile estimates around 90 Brooks Point in Aurora million worth of infrastructure damaged in the province. Hill, Bengao, Lower interviewAccording with Gov. Teddy to the CPA in an Kitma, Bakakeng, Baguilat of Ifugao province, the estimated cost of damages C res en cai infrastructurefor amounts P110 to Village and million while damaged crops Bokawkan are estimated at P90 million R o a d , worth.

02 Balita UPB Outcrop Tomo 36 Isyu 4 Setyembre - Oktubre 2009 UPB Outcrop Tomo 36 Isyu 4 Setyembre - Oktubre 2009 Balita 03 mula sa pahina 2, “Panawagan ng mga guro...” naglalaman ng presentasyon Sa muling pagpupulong ng BOR hinggil sa mga progresibong National Artist Awards in Uproar organisasyong inaakusahan bilang mga terorista, dagdag pa Former awardees for visual arts. Then, resorting him down.” bound by the recommendation” ng rehente ng mga estudyante petition NCCA decision with the traditional presidential The Concerned Artists of of the joint NCCA and CCP Kabilang sa mga prerogative, Malacañang dropped the (CAP) led the boards. “She (Arroyo) is still the Panawagan ng mga guro Pauline Gana the name of Santos and added artists’ community in expressing authority who will designate the organisasyong inaakusahang Pamela Peralta the names of Alvarez, Caparas, their indignation over President national artists.” However, film mga terorista ay ang Anakbayan, Mañosa, and Moreno. Arroyo’s “insertion” of four director Eddie Romero, himself Center for Nationalist Studies, he Order of National National Artists Virgilio persons in the roster of National a National Artist for Film and League of Filipino Students, Artists is the highest Almario (literature); Bienvenido Artists recommended by the the Broadcast Arts, noted that Gabriela Youth, College Editors Tnational recognition given Lumbera (literature); Benedicto boards of the NCCA and the it seems to be the first time “the at kawani, tampok na usapin at to Filipino individuals who had Guild of the Philippines Cabrera for visual arts (painting); CCP last August 03. It says that presidential prerogative was used Plarlene Juliane Valentos National Union of Students of made significant contributions to Napoleon Abueva for visual the removal of Santos from the to declare four artists. It’s like a the development of Philippine aging tampok na usapin ang Student Code, handa ang the Philippines. arts (sculpture); and Arturo Luz list is contrary to what the law wholesale declaration.” “[Maging mapagmatyag] arts. It is awarded every three for visual arts (painting and provides— that the President According to NCCA Chairman sa nakaraang pulong ng BOR na makinig. Pinatunayan years and is jointly administered Board of Regents nitong niya na sa pamamagitan ng 19 Kasama sa UP student convention held tayo sa usapin [ng sculpture) petitioned against the could only add but not subtract and Education Undersecretary N militarisasyon], tuloy-tuloy by the National Commission for action of the president. from what the NCCA and CCP Vilma Labrador, the President’s Setyembre 25 sa Unibersidad ng na konsultasyon, naipapakita Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and The petitioners said there boards had recommended. choices were not limited to those Pilipinas Baguio ang pagtugon sa ang kanilang pakikinig sa mga ang ating pakikibaka at ating Cultural Center of the Philippines was no explanation given for the recommended by the NCCA- mga hinaing ng mga kawani at tumututol. UPB students’ demands raised tiyakin na mamumulat ang Ruel Caricativo (CCP) and conferred by the dropping of Santos from the final The administration in defense CCP selection committee. She Ipinanukala lamang ang sambayanan,” panawagan guro sa unibersidad, maging ang President of the Philippines list. They also noted that Caparas, On August 31, 2009, Butch said Fr. James Reuter, a National o tackle the students’ Tuition and Financial Assistance Tuition and Other Fee Increases ni Banez sa harap ng mg badyet na inilaan para sa UP sa Student Code sa UP Diliman dahil upon recommendation by both Moreno, and Mañosa did not Dalisay claimed in his column Artist for Literature, Alejandro issues in the University of Program (STFAP) grantees. (TOFI) and called for 3-year estudyante ng UP Baguio. susunod na taon. sa mga problemang kinakaharap institutions. make it to the final stage of the in The Philippine Star that the Roces and Sen. Edgardo Angara the Philippines System, the Aside from the demands on tuition increase moratorium. Sa kabilang banda, nilinaw Ayon kay Faculty Regent ng unibersidad hinggil sa mga T The Malacañang Palace screening process, thus they were NCCA webpage regarding the had recommended Alvarez, and Judy Taguiwalo, inaprubahan organisasyon doon, ani Banez. Kalipunan ng mga Sangguniang student benefits, they pressed naman ni Roman na hindi announced the awardees of the [maaaring] maapektuhan ang not included in the list submitted selection process for national their peers in their respective na ang Php 5000 taunang merit Mag-aaral sa UP (Kasama sa UP) for the advancement of the On institutional and community Order of National Artists last July to Malacañang. artists had been changed. fields recommended Caparas, UP Baguio ng militarisasyon, incentive para sa mga guro, Mga militar sa kampus organized a Luzon-wide Student democratic rights in UPB. These concerns 30, 2009. This year’s list include: “What makes this even more “When I looked up the Mañosa and Moreno. Sen. Kiko dahil hihingi ang BOR ng kawani, at research, extension Sa kabilang banda, ayon kay Convention in UP Los Baños last include the availability of school Aside from the demands that actor and filmmaker Manuel outrageous is that Ramon Santos, National Artists page on the Pangilinan proposed that if the and professional saffs (REPS) ng Banez, mula Hulyo pa lamang ay August 28. facilities, removal of the school concern the students of UPB, they kumpletong ulat ukol sa banta Urbano, a.k.a. Manuel Conde, who received a good number NCCA website, the rules had national artists recommended by buong unibersidad. Naipatupad nagsasagawa na ng mga aktibidad University of the Philippines curfew, actualization of the reiterated the need for recognition ng militarisasyon mula sa for film and broadcast; novelist of votes in the panel selection, suddenly changed — now there Arroyo feel they do not deserve Lazaro Francisco for literature; na rin ang salary standardization ang mga militar sa loob ng UP Baguio -University Student construction of the UPB Student of the autonomy of the student mga Chancellor ng bawat UP was dropped from the list. The was a mention of Executive Order the award, then they should just Federico Aguilar Alcuaz for law na nagsasaad ng dagdag sahod Los Banos gaya ng Lakbayan Council Chairperson and the Alumni Center, and increase of council. Also, they pushed for the unit at muli pag-uusapan ang basis for him being scrapped, 236 empowering an Honors return the award. visual arts, painting, sculpture para sa mga gurong kawani ng at nagpapakalat ng kanilang incumbent Chairperson of security measures within the restoration of the Fraternity and gagawing aksyon sa susunod one doesn’t know,” Lumbera Committee to make up its own list Three of the awardees will be Kasama sa UP Cori Alessa Co, vicinities of the university. Sorority Council in UPB. na pagpupulong ngayong and mixed media. And the expressed indismay. of NA nominees to the President. awarded posthumously including gobyerno. Subalit aniya, hindi pa propaganda laban sa mga Presidential awardees namely: rin sapat ang itinaas sa kanilang progresibong organisasyon. together with the members of UPB The UPB- USC also pushed They also vied for darating na Oktubre 21. He also remarked that Caparas’ That wasn’t there before the Francisco, Conde, and Alcuaz. USC presented the basic demands for transparency of the increased student representation on the Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa for sahod. Maigting din ang mga militar Ang BOR ang pinakamataas nomination was twice rejected recent [National Artist] scandal However, until the issue has been of UPB in the said convention. laboratory fees in the College reconfiguration of the Program architecture; Jose “Pitoy” Moreno by two NCAA panels. “[Caparas] blew up — neither the rule nor resolved, the conferment and “Ang average na dumadagdag sa paglulunsad ng mga counter- na lupong naghahapag ng mga of Science. They also raised for Indigenous Culture (PIC). The for fashion design; Cecilia was first proposed as a nominee the role of the committee in the gratification of the award will sa sahod ng bawat government insurrection educational activites desisyon para sa mga usapin ng Availability of student benefits the proposed laboratory fee UPB-USC called for an intensified Guidote-Alvarez for theater; and for literature, but the committee NAA [National Artists Awards] be put on hold by the Supreme employee ay P600 lamang, para sa mga estudyante ng buong UP system. The UPB- USC pushed for the increase in the College of Social campaign to stop the negotiation film director and producer Magno rejected him. He was again process,” he lamented. Court. [With reports from Nikki samantalang sa mga propesor, UPLB, halimbawa na lamang ang Jose “Carlo” Caparas for visual availability of student benefits Sciences and College of Arts and between SM Investments proposed as nominee for visual Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Camille Malabad] mula Php 6000 hanggang Php pagpapalabas ng dokumentaryong arts and film. that include those that concerns Communication. Corporation and Government artist but the panel again turned Bello III said Arroyo “cannot be 7000 lang ang itinataas,” ani Knowing your Enemy, na the university’s varsity players, Moreover, they demanded Insurance System to develop a Erratum Taguiwalo sa isang panayam. In the article Discussion on PIC Awards in the Midst of ituloy sa pahina 3 student assistants, and Socialized to junk the existing policy on residential area in front of UPB. Inilahad din ni Taguiwalo na restructuring raises concern published Controversy ang panukalang Php 18 bilyong in the August issue, it was Prof. According to NCCA Charter change to push through kaukulang badyet para sa UP ay Teofino Macabiog, not Prof. commissioner Elmar Beltran Wilfredo Alangui, who said that hindi naaprubahan, bagkus ay Ingles, the committee that the PIC members are ‘alienating selected the current crop of Constitutional Convention eyed Php 5.2 bilyon lang ang nailaan Jalandoni raises updates themselves from other students, National Artists had submitted ng gobyerno para sa Unibersidad Ruel Caricativo most particulalry during breaks and only four names: Santos for ng Pilipinas. activities.’ We apologize for the music, Francisco for literature, Ipinanawagan naman ni Noli error. harter change will still plenary session. Initially, he said Commission on Elections Conde for film, and Alcuaz Anoos, tagapangulo ng All-UP on NDFP-GRP peace talks push through next year. that the committee members Commissioner Elias Yusoph Workers Union sa buong UP Amidst the uncertain proposed the election of one warned against the simultaneous Kaliwang Sulok Kuha ni Santiago Tiongco. Simpleng Ligaya. Kuto, baha, at mga bata sa labas ng paaralan. C system, na dapat tanggalin ang Plarlene Juliane Valentos condition of House Resolution delegate per district. There holding of the presidential pribadong interes sa unibersidad 1109, the House Committee on was a proposal to have six elections and the election of Con- gaya ng napipintong pribatisasyon ational Democratic Outcrop, University Student including the P 10 million and active and carries out social and Constitutional Amendments sectoral representatives in the Con delegates for it might create ng Philippine General Hospital, Front of the Philippines Council and the Cordillera P5 million bounties against economic reforms beneficial managed to open another route constitutional convention to be confusion among the voters at dapat na sa gobyerno kukunin N(NDFP) negotiating panel Ecumenical Movement for Action Professor Jose Maria Sison and program, health, education for charter change (Cha-cha) elected per region. during the 2010 elections. ang badyet para sa edukasyon. Chairperson Luis Jalandoni and Transformation. Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal should and culture. This significant last August 26 – through a Tañada said they are However, the House “Hindi kailangan ang GSIS gave the updates on the peace be withdrawn. and growing strength of the Constitutional Convention (Con- contemplating the election of Committee on Constitutional (Government Service Insurance negotiation in a forum entitled Failure to comply on agreements As of September 2, the NDFP revolutionary movement and the con). six sectoral representatives for Amendments agreed to hold System) sa UPB, ang Ayala “Prospects and Developments “Until now, the GRP has failed Panel reiterated its proposal deepening economic crisis are every region. If the resolution the election of the delegates to (Technohub) sa Diliman, [at dahil of the Peace Talks between the to release any of the detained for a meeting in Oslo as soon the basis for peace negotiations Convening the Con-con is approved, there will be 303 the Constitutional Convention sa mga ito] kailangan nating Government of the Republic of the NDFP consultants and to quash as possible. However, despite between the two panels. The House Committee headed delegates to the constitutional in October next year. The panel sama-samang magmartsa para sa Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP” charges against those with the attacks from GRP officials, However, the prospect for by La Union Representative convention from 219 legislative amended the date of the election [sapat na badyet] para sa UP,” ani via video conference held at the warrants of arrest,” Jalandoni the NDFP, he said, has been the continuation of formal talks Victor Ortega, voting 6-1 in districts and 14 regions. of Con-con delegates to October Anoos. University of the Philippines stated. preparing for serious negotiations under Arroyo regime is weak favor, approved a resolution that “Whereas, calling for a 25 from May 10. Baguio Multi-purpose Hall, last According to Jalandoni, by October or November on safety as Arroyo appears to be more seeks to hold the Constitutional constitutional convention to According to House Speaker Hindi pa pinal September 16. representatives of the GRP and and economic reform especially concerned in staying in power. Convention that will amend propose amendments to the Prospero Nograles, the Con-con Matapos ang pangamba ng Since 1992, Jalandoni has been NDFP made an agreement that because of the grave consequences According to Jalandoni, the certain provisions of the present Constitution is the least divisive will be the second option for mga organisasyon, kapatiran, at involved in the peace talks with the Joint Agreement on Safety and of the economic and financial Arroyo administration does not Constitution. In his statement and the most transparent, charter change if the Con-ass bill mga estudyante hinggil sa Student GRP. He has been active in joining Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) crisis on the Filipino people. demonstrate any political will published in The Philippine Star, exhaustive and democratic means fails. The resolution proposing Code, nilinaw naman ni Student the revolutionary movement and -- an agreement to provide to address the roots of armed Quezon Representative Lorenzo of implementing constitutional for Con-con needed the approval Regent Charisse Bernadine Banez Tañada III said that the resolution reforms, among the three modes of majority of the members of the various mass actions of workers immunity for NDFP consultants -- Optimal views on peace talks conflict because her regime eyes at UP President Emerlinda Roman consolidated 12 versions of a of amending the Constitution House of Representatives (HoR). and peasants. would be respected and complied “I would say that the militarist solution by means of sa isang panayam na hindi lahat proposal for a Con-con filed by as provided under Sections 1 The resolution for the In accordance with the on. prospects are fairly good [due beating the armed revolutionary ng UP units ay apektado nito. Ani different lawmakers. and 2, Article XVII of the 1987 Constitutional Convention was celebration of its 32nd national He said that NDFP gave GRP to] the increasing strength of the movement. Banez, nasa UP Diliman lamang The committee discussed Constitution,” according to the passed nearly four months ang panukalang ito at nasa lebel anniversary, the League of the the list of 71 political prisoners revolutionary movement and He also stated that if the the resolution’s implementing concurrent resolution. after the HoR approved House pa lang ng drafting ang naturang Filipino Students sponsored that should have been released the worsening of the economic Arroyo regime refuses to negotiate guidelines, including how to Resolution 1109, which received code. the forum in cooperation with last 2004 in the Oslo Joint crisis,” he also said. further, the NDFP would continue elect the sectoral representatives, Another election after May 10 widespread protests from various Sinabi naman ni Roman na Alliance of Concerned Students, Statement II of April 3, 2004. Jalandoni also stated that the for peace talks with the next last September 8 subject for During an earlier hearing in sectors in the country after it was sakaling tutulan sa UP Diliman Anakbayan, Council of Leaders, Charges against NDFP personnel revolutionary movement is now administration. deliberation on the subsequent the House of Representatives, railroaded last June. 04 Lathalain UPB Outcrop Tomo 36 Isyu 4 Setyembre - Oktubre 2009 UPB Outcrop Tomo 36 Isyu 4 Setyembre - Oktubre 2009 Lathalain 05

Underneath the one hundred years society organizations and involved in the legal State of Non-protection of Baguio City lies a buried concern of democratic movement. Human Rights Watch its almost 300,000 populace — never- Some of these cases are from Baguio City: writes that the police or other Behind Baguio City’s Centennial ending issues concerning human rights James Balao, member of the Cordillera People’s government agencies rarely violation in the city. While celebrating Alliance (CPA), is still missing; Ernie Villajuan, investigate the murders, kidnappings AGUIO CITY. A highland retreat in the Grand Cordillera Region, with its centennial, victims of human rights together with other thirteen peasants from and HRVs; they often go unreported pine trees, crisp cold breezes and low lush hills and mounds. Along violations are clamoring for justice, their the Alliance of Peasant Workers of Central because of fears of reprisal against the with its centennial celebration, Baguio has morphed from what was families unceasingly calling out to the public. Luzon (AMJL) were imprisoned in the city victims or their families. An extremely weak B once a grassy marshland into one of the most highly urbanized cities in the jail; Romeo Sanchez, a Regional Coordinator witness protection program exacerbates this Vanity country. Civilian Oppression of Bayan Muna, was killed in Baguio City last problem. However, behind the gleaming signs of modernization lies the primordial In the previous years, extrajudicial killings March 9, 2005; and, Romy Sanchez and Rafael These entire situation boils down to one core

O and enforced disappearances showed sharp Markus Bangit, human rights advocates were fact—that our city, despite of its beautification concern that calls on the city to safeguard its niche – adavancement of basic escalation rate and have put the Philippines also killed here. Most of them are members of projects and development plans beyond 2009, is human and inidgenous rights, promoting cultural experience, a venue for

n on the human rights watch list of the United militant organizations and journalist groups; in great need of a better upholding of human rights. better living, and flagship focus on quality and affordable education in the Nations and the US Congress. Last 2006, some are simply groups of workers or farmers Human rights violations continue to North.

e Fair many employers do not comply with political killings and enforced disappearances who are mistaken to be communist fronts; exist in the shadows of a “tourism COORDINATION rates skyrocketed significantly, which coincide while others are just individuals who oppose capital” facade. This irony brings the law. “Worse, not everyone is a wage- B O A R D - C o r d i l l e r a to fore the purpose of celebrating earner,” he said. “The lack of employment h with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s the government. Administrative Region (NSCB) and Last Nov. 6, 2007, reiterating its commitment the city’s centenary. Hence, remains a problem,” he added. declaration of Presidential Proclamation 1017, the Office of the City Planning and u and an “all-out war” against communist rebels. to respect human rights, the City Council instead of merry-making, w e According to Geraldine Cacho, Development Coordinator of the City of State fascism in forms of political persecutions passed a resolution that condemned all forms of should cry louder for our ORNUS, “the worsening economic crisis Baguio, as of July 31, 2009, the number n had been linked to government’s anti- political persecution. The resolution stated that just calls of surfacing the has caused many to lose their jobs due to of labor force is 54.6%, 1.3 % higher insurgency operations such as the Oplan political persecution and human rights abuses disappeared, ending tortures cutback in the mines and factories, and d compared to the previous survey. However, Bantay Laya, which however failed continue unabated and it is imperative to raise a and extrajudicial killings, the privatization of many government some individuals cannot seem to feel the r to meet its targets. Instead, it only public outcry to denounce these transgressions releasing of political prisoners The city has changed a lot. Its natural agencies. Thus there is an influx of the e committed violence against against human rights. The resolution, saluted and upholding justice for beauty is diminishing progress that the city has been implying. urban poor in our city because of these.” d civilians, especially those by the militant Tongtongan ti Umili, helped in all victims of human rights over the years. Trees Most of them suffer from various Cacho added, that the past administration whom are member raising public awareness. violations. are cut, and mountains deprivations such as lack of access to did not do anything to uplift the situation y employment, adequate housing and e of civil The 100-year-old are denuded. There is a of the urban poor. In 1992, the RA 7279 on a tombstone needs no more congestion of houses and infrastructure, and social protection and low cost housing did not prosper because r- dead body inside it. building around the city. lack of access to health, education and people could only avail of it if their salary ol personal security. d To e And outside its busy economic is about P6,000 a month and not if they mbston borough, lays the urban poor or At the Irisan dumpsite, hundreds of earn only from P3,000-4,000 without any Pamela Peralta “squatter” communities. like the squatters have occupied the place for so collateral to give. Even basic services like Irisan dumpsite, San Carlos Heights many years. According to Manong Gandiw, water, free medicines, and roads are hardly along the Naguilian Road, Bontoc Village 75, a resident for twenty years, “narugit implemented. ion “Centennial Gifts” ken naangot a lugar ditoy ngem isu met st Development Encumbrances In her visit during Baguio’s in Camp 8, Kennon Road, Barangay Sto. She also reiterated, that “the immediate ge ti ayan ti kuwarta, gapu ta adda kuwarta n Baguio is renowned as a famous pre-centennial celebration last Rosario along Marcos Highway. Hidden call is to stop the demolition of urban poor o Nikki Camille Malabad tourist destination, however, has been August 29, PGMA also presented iti basura,” (it is dirty and it stinks here houses and stalls and to immediately C Tourists tainted due to insensitive garbage the government’s planned The local setback but this is where money is, because there e choose to have investigate the city’s land problems. Land mishandling and negligence. contributions for the maintenance According to some city officials, the city is money in garbage). He also added that h their vacation at must be granted to dwellers especially This problem escalated last year, when of Baguio’s tourist spots. It includes the their problem is the lack of potable water t Baguio City because many had been progressing ever since the earthquake, those long residing in public areas. Add the garbage collection stopped because of Convention Center tree park preservation, and free medicines. Doctors visit them but popular tourist destinations almost two decades ago. They said that the to these, just wages must be given to the the dilemma on where to dump the city’s the release of the P67 million funds g can be seen here — the Baguio leaders have done their job in contributing to the they don’t stay long because of the foul- workers for a decent living.” garbage, forcing the residents to do the for the rehabilitation of , Cathedral, which is considered the development of the city. Moreover, according smelling garbage. n segregation of their own wastes. An average and resolving the Diplomat Hotel The city populace has different views as most photographed structure in the to the latest statistics watch, conducted i number of 300 tons of garbage per day that development, on which she said that she to the changing locale. But one thing is for city; Burnham Park and Wright Park Harsh reality produces about 0.5 kilo of methane makes has given permission to use it for building Taun- taon by NATIONAL STATISTICAL sure. Those responsible for city planning k which are both famous for the paddle up the generated wastes of the city. Since a mining museum. tumataas ang bilang ng A research conducted by the have to face the degrading situation of its boats and ponies which can be rented; s A Organisasyon dagiti Nakurapay nga Umili uncollected garbage has been piling up It is notable that Baguio still has populasyon ng Baguio J. R. Vejerano urban poor and other problems resulting Botanical Garden which is dubbed as the bunga ng dumaraming kabila ng kawalang-linaw ti Syudad (ORNUS), an alliance of urban around, the health of the residents were its well-known tourist destinations, kung saan ba napupunta ang n from the overlooking of the government

a “Centennial Park;” , Camp put into risk while Baguio also risked preserved and enhanced for the city’s kabataang umaakyat ng poor communities in Baguio City, in John Hay, Lourdes Grotto, and Tam- LIMAD fee na ito. g and misprioritization. The urban poor, losing its title as the Philippines’ cleanest centenary. However, although many things dito para mag-aral. Sa May 2005 reveals that urban poor family Ngayong unang semestre ay the reflection of the other side of this

awan Village. These places showcase and greenest city. katunayan, maging ang mga M are being done to maintain its tourist members are mostly self-employed, different sceneries which all greatly umakyat din ng 10% ang matrikula S C haven, do not have the outlay that they As expected, this problem also came spots, including PGMA’s “centennial taga- Maynila at malalayong Pauline Gaña contribute on the city’s rising tourist sa lahat ng kurso sa Saint Louis engaging mostly in peculiar jobs. deserve; they are also a part of this Page Design Pamela Peralta and Ruel Caricativo up as one of the featured issues in Baguio’s gifts,” the other important things that probinsya ay dumarayo pa. e o population. But behind this tourism University. Inirereklamo rin ng mga ORNUS Chair Ignacio Pangket said the centennial year. President Gloria Arroyo might destroy the city’s image are not Mula sa 135, 435 na bilang ng n n city and have the same needs. For capital grandeur lies a stench estudyante ang administrasyon ng urban poor are worst hit by the current stated in her speech that with Baguio’s given much attention. More than a year mag-aaral noong nakaraang now, the urban poor will continue that consumed the dark unibersidad dahil sa mabagal na t c oil price hike and rice crisis. He said centenary year and the material-recovery has already passed since the onset of the taon, dumami ang bilang sa 137, to work hard for land and alleys of the city for pagtugon nito sa tuwing kasagsagan r e facilities (MRFs), the problem could garbage problem yet it seems that the city 289; nangangahulugan ng 1.32 % o the current wages in the city could livelihood to rise above the scar almost a year now— ng bagyo kung kaya’t minsan ay hindi ito. At sa a be remedied. The central operation of government does not realize the imminent pagtaas. barely support the worker of poverty and Baguio’s awards garbage collection harap ng l these MRFs commingled and/or source threats of this problem to all of us. Maituturing na positibo ang iniaatras ang kanilang mga klase. e himself. He added that problem. lahat ng ito, s and reputation as the summer s separated recyclables are processed The beauty of Baguio is no longer dating ng pagtaas ng bilang ng Samantala, sa Unibersidad ng d although the minimum Pilipinas, nakabinbin pa rin ang isyu sa kasalukuyan a capital of the Philippines e mechanically or manually are believed to disputable. This is already proven by mga mag-aaral sa Baguio bilang ay wala pa ring daily wage is P235, remain devoid of meaning. be an instantaneous solution to prevent the millions of tourists who flock itinuturing na sentro ng edukasyon ng tuition and other fee increase F (TOFI) na napatupad noong 2007. gingawa o kaya K a n the garbage problem in place and can the city to see its grandeur, and sa Norte lalo pa’t ipinagdiriwang nama’y inihahapag na i hopefully help the city to be garbage-free the income it generates for the nito ang kanyang sentenaryo. Subalit Hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa rin c ang panawagang ibasura ang TOFI. karampatang tugon ang u e by the end of the year. city. But the garbage problem hindi maikukubli ng dami ng mga Commission on Higher P

Graphics Alexandrea Dioso Nanganganib pang magmahal ang o Other possible solutions presented presents itself as big blotch in mag-aaral na umaakyat dito ang Education (CHED) o maging k f f by the City government are allotting Baguio’s beauty. If no proper mga usaping kanilang kakaharapin kasalukuyang P600/unit na matrikula sa unibersidad. Ang halagang ito ang lokal na gobyerno ng o th o REFERENCES funds for 17 MRFs, acquisition of actions are launched to curb kung saan tampok ang banta ng e ay pinakamahal na sa lahat ng mga lungsod nang sa gayo’y mailihis City 15 dump trucks, and funded this growing problem, the malimit na pagtaas ng matrikula sa sa kasalukuyang tinutungo nito. Allad-iw, Arthur. (2007). Baguio City Council Denounces Political Region and the City Of Baguio, Office of the City Planning and kolehiyo at unibersidad sa Baguio; n Persecution. Northern Dispatch Vol.VII, No.43, December 2-8. Development Coordinator. (2009). NSCB Stat Watch. Retrieved 28 the development of a sanitary Summer Capital may bawat unibersidad dito sa siyudad. Ang walang-tigil na pagtataas September 2009 from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/rucar/pdf/sw/SW_ landfill at Sto. Tomas and soon lose its heat to isang kabalintunaan sapagkat ang Indigenous People’s Rights-Monitor. (2008). The Human Rights Bag_2Q09.pdf ng mga bayarin sa mga paaralan sa g composting plant at the excited tourists. Usapin ng bawat unibersidad UP ay isang state university at ang Situation of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines. A document kalakhan ng pondo nito ay hindi na Baguio ang siyang patunay na nagiging submitted to the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights Fialen. Johnny. (2004). Baguio Losing its Natural Beauty. Northern Irisan dumpsite. Baguio Sa University of the Cordilleras, for the Universal Periodic Review of the Philippine Government. Dispatch Vol. IV, No.27, August 8-14. pribilehiyo na lamang ito para sa mga now has only 3 MRFs ipinatupad ngayong taon ng kanilang dapat kinukuha sa matrikula ng mga P Retrieved 21 September 2009 from http://lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/ estudyante kung hindi sa gobyerno. may kakayahang makapagbayad ng UPR/Documents/Session1/PH/IPRM_PHL_UPR_S1_2008_ Ramo, Lyn. (2008). Shelter, Rice, Wage And Oil Top Urban Poor List. serving 12 of its administrayon ang 10% pagtaas IndigenousPeopleRightsMonitor_uprsubmission.pdf. Northern Dispatch. Retrieved 5 October 2009 from http://barangayrp. malaking halaga. wordpress.com/2008/05/29/shelter-rice-wage-and-oil-top-urban- 128 villages. ng miscellaneous fees sa kabila ng a ______. (2007). Dangerous Regime, Defiant People. A report Sentro ng Norte Sa huli, huhubaran nito ng ningning from the Karapatan (Alliance for the Advancement of Human poor-list/ pagtutol ng mga estudyante. Itinaas Rights). Retrieved 21 September 2009 from http://stopthekillings. ang mga katagang “Center for Higher Malinaw sa tinatahak na landas g org/stknpv2/files/karapatan_2007hr_report.pdf Palangchao, Harley. (2009). Wasting Solutions To City Waste rin ang laboratory fee ng hanggang Education of the North” na kinakabit sa

Problems Inquired. Baguio Midland Courier Vol. LXII, No.36, 233.87% at affilliation fee para sa ng mga nangungunang unibersidad Baguio, na lalo pang ipinangalandakan g Taken from the documented cases of: September 6. sa Baguio – pampubliko man o Karapatan (Alliance for the Advancement of Human Rights) CON subjects na NCM100a at NCM sa sentenaryo nito. Karapatan ng bawat

Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) Cabreza, Vincent. (2009). Baguio Garbage Returns After Celebrations. pribado – ang magiging tunguhin ng 105a ng hanggang 106.71%. Ang mga indibidwal ang edukasyon na hindi u

Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) Inquirer.net. Retrieved 18 September 2009 from http://newsinfo. lungsod bilang sentro ng edukasyon

inquirer.net/inquirerheadline/regions/view/20090907-224106/ estudyante ng UC ay gumagastos dapat ipagkait kaninuman -- anuman sa rehiyong ito. Malinaw sa mga h National Statistical Coordination Board-Cordillera Administrative Baguio-garbage-returns-after-celebrations rin ng kabuuang P4500 sa tatlong

kasalukuyang nangyayari ang ang kanyang kalagayan sa buhay o

taong pananatili sa kolehiyo bilang pook na pinanggalingan. At ito ang napipintong pagguho ng lungsod o kabayaran sa kontrobersyal na Land dapat tunguhin ng mga paaralan sa and Infrastures Maintenance sa harap ng mga estudyanteng nangangarap na makapasok sa mga Baguio upang makatindig ito bilang Acquisition and Development sentro ng edukasyon sa Norte. Fee (LIMAD). Ito ay sa paaralang 06 Lathalain UPB Outcrop Tomo 36 Isyu 4 Setyembre - Oktubre 2009 UPB Outcrop Tomo 36 Isyu 4 Setyembre - Oktubre 2009 Opinyon 07 A t is one of the most frustrating li things in wearing a polo: ng Iputting buttons in the right a holes. w In wearing your stylish polo, Careless Whimpers The Search is not Over maybe for a date or a formal n dance, or maybe just to satisfy John Levi Masuli your sixth sense—your fashion g sense, placing your buttons in a

365th day of Balao’s abduction marked the designated holes really needs in many instances, is unwanted. blanks. w Plarlene Juliane Valentos attention. It definitely pays if A simple flutter of the wings of a When we do clumsy things, you concentrate on what you are butterfly can summon Ondoy to we almost always dismiss them as eptember 17, 2009 marks him. Balao’s abduction is an She said that Arroyo lied when hold Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo not be afraid nor lose hope. James doing even if you do not have the destroy . The explosion carelessness. But in fact, we just the 365th day of his overwhelming account of the she announced that enforced accountable for James Balao’s has also the ability to escape from luxury of time. It is because, more of our own little sun can mean denying that we are not interested abduction, and still, he is continuous policy of the present disappearances will be put to disappearance. Strugar said the military, just like what I did probable than not, you will only annihilation of humanity. in what we are doing, or we’re S realize you made a mistake in I remembered my friend who just plain lazy. “A misplaced 1. Ano ang masasabi mo sa missing. His family, companions regime of silencing dissent a stop and many families are that they took the (365th) day of to escape),” he emphasized. He buttoning down once you reach applied for STFAP and eventually Carelessness is something button can turn BOR mit dito sa UP Baguio? and the people he has served – hiding behind the façade affected in her fascistic ways. “To Balao’s disappearance to ask help successfully escaped from the the last button—and doing it all got his bracket last week. He is that does not occur from blur. All Ano ang gusto mong hingin want to find him. The struggle of legal schemes such as the thwart a divine law itself... thou from the public. hands of the military and testified once again takes time, and a damn Bracket A. With almost nothing things that happen are connected off your dream sa kanila? to search for an abducted victim Human Security Act or enforcing shalt not kill... over her (Arroyo) An exhibit was also displayed against Palparan. lot of patience. but a rickety 3310 cellphone in a system of beliefs, from the girl or boy... It never stops and the hope that he atrocious mechanisms of which Operation Plan Bantay Laya ... which includes Balao’s profile, Manalo said in an interview A misplaced button can turn which he uses when his P500 largest superstructure to out can even make 08-18632: Pambayad sa bahay. is still alive never fades. the Oplan Bantay Laya I and II to kill is legal, any enemy of the photos, achievements, writings, that when he heard the news off your dream girl or boy during allowance per week is almost minutest deeds, all our actions 07-52757: Tuition roll-back! James Balao, a UP Baguio became infamous. state, any activist, any journalist, his family background and the about the abduction of James, a date. It can push you away from spent, he was put into bracket behave in a certain scheme of you cry.“ 09 10761: ..na limasin po ang alumnus, 1981-1982 Outcrop organizer against her governance history of his abduction last year. the memories of sufferings under your job when the interviewer A in the STFAP—the bracket for things. Well then, I don’t believe baha sa Metro Manila.^_^ joke. Editor-in Chief, one of the Family’s anguish is good for butchering, torturing... Even passersby stopped to witness his abductors come back to him. sees it in your job interview. It can the rich. But with his 3-year old, the current ‘mis-placed’ president Ayun, basta po maisaayos ang make your friends smile because holed-up snickers and yellowed is there by mere carelessness. kalagayan ng UP at pati na rin ng founding members of Cordillera “Kung saan-saan na kami that is a thwarted brain of a pinay the said program. Anakbayan- He specified his suggestion that of restraining laughter. It can white t-shirt, he is definitely not I don’t believe that my friends sangkaestudyantehan. Peoples Alliance (CPA) and an naghahanap. Sa Ilocos, ang president and her money monger UP Baguio, Asia Pacific Balao could try a dialogue with brand you as ‘uncivilized’. It can rich. He was mis-bracketed. being bracket A is because of Yeei 06-46500: Ano ba yung activist for indigenous people’s susungit ng mga militar, cohorts. Such a shame. A shame a Indigenous Youth Network, Dap- the military and could avow even make you cry. I advised him to make an carelessness. The same with his napag-usapan sa BOR mit? rights was abducted by military nakakatakot, [sa mga kampo] sa human being to the divine itself,” ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera, to their commands so that his Anyway, misplaced buttons appeal for reassessment, which he family’s poverty. And so with the Curious.. elements in La Trinidad, Benguet Maynila, ayaw kaming papasukin Strugar said. Desaparecidos, Kabataan Party release would be affirmed and his are the least things someone would immediately did. And I even have majority of the Filipinos. Joaquin 09-57783: last September 17, 2008. [ng mga militar], pinagbabato pa “Simula nung mawala si list, Program for Indigenous torture would be ceased. fret about. But the importance of to give him clean paper to write Once we cease to blame all our Pangkabuhayan showcase. nga kami (We are searching in James, hindi na naging normal Culture-Paggawisan Tako am- even the smallest detail cannot on. Like a mis-buttoned polo, the headaches on fate, destiny or such, Ayan 07-44063: Gusto ko Continuous efforts some places. In Ilocos, military ang pamumuhay naming in, and Tanghalang Bayan ng Servant of the people be overlooked because neglecting hassleness of being bracket A was only then will we realize that hingin # ni president Roman ^_^ According to his family, forces are intimidating, while magkakapamilya, madalas tulala Kabataan sa Baguio attended the Since Balao became a student them can create big complexities. only revealed to him after five things are not mishaps. Broken 09-15482: Virginity. Even the smallest error in the months—much time was wasted, relationships are not mishaps. Leo 05-70155: Saan ba Balao has been under regular in military camps in Manila, at di makapagisip ng [mabuti]… said event to show support in the of then UP College Baguio, he arrangement of the codes in a and he has apply—and wait all Our faulty ‘scholarship’ thing napupunta usapan nila? Di naman surveillance by unidentified they did not allow us to enter, Walang katapusang pag-aalala ang search for Balao. had already been in a struggle DNA strand can put a baby’s eye over again. If the result would is not a mishap. Our miserable sa pagpapaganda ng serbisyo eh, persons, months before he was they even threw stones on us),” hinaharap ngayon ng pamilya, Raymond Manalo was the for people’s rights through his in her toenail. Even the absence of not come out before enrollment, country was not a mishap. And so “ pasilidad lang. abducted. Witnesses during Winston Balao, James’ brother, (Since James disappeared, keynote speaker of the event. He articles in Outcrop about issues a single period in a text message he has not idea where to extract are our misbuttoned polos. the abduction said that five expressed his grievances on the our living turned abnormal, was also a victim of abduction on dams and mines, human rights can destroy a relationship. The money for even half his tuition. It’s time to put them in their 2. Sa tingin mo, matatapos armed men in civilian clothing enforced disappearance of Balao. oftentimes we are dumbfounded, in 2006 under Arroyo regime violations and democratic rights. minutest amount of sperm cell If he don’t enroll, he can’t study. right places. pa ba ang May Bukas Pa? emerged from a white Mitsubishi He also related his daily or we could not think clearly. and former Armed Forces of After earning a degree in can impregnate a woman, which, If he can’t study, well—fill in the Ano ang gusto mong maging Adventure van, seized him and life experiences on how he Our family’s worry never stops.),” the Philippines General Jovito Economics and Psychology in ending nun? took him inside the vehicle remembered James. “Pag Winston said. Palparan, as narrated in his 1983, he devoted himself to 07-55527: Siyempre, pero baka according to his family. Jonilyn nagmamartilyo ako sa shop Finding Balao will be an speech. Manalo shared his research and writing projects sa Nov/Dec pa. Dina goes to jail. Strugar (sister of Balao) said that ko, minsan natatamaan ang arduous task because the experiences when the military in some non-governmental Wehehe Pero pwede ring hindi. no one took Balao but only the kamay ko ng ‘di sinasadya, Supreme Court does not value the forces abducted him. He organizations particularly in CPA. Pwedeng and they lived happily military and pointed out that they Naiisip ko na lang si James, baka justice system, he added. experienced a year and a half From 1994 to 1997, he moved to Kandila evah aftah! John Eric Escalante robbed him of his human rights. minamartilyo na siya…Habang of brutal torture from certain Ifugao and worked with Ifugao 08-32685: The return of BRO. “Wala pa ring data [tungkol ako [nasaktan ng] isang martilyo 365th day of support military forces, and witnessed Research and Development, and -end- Kapag sinindihan ko ba ang kandilang ito, lilitaw ang hugis ng sa kalagayan ni James] hanggang lang, gaano pa kaya ang 365 days To mark the 365th day the torture of other enforced Ifugao Peasant Leaders Forum. 09-29726: Hindi na siguro mukha mo sa nalulusaw nitong katawan? ngayon, pero [nakakatatanggap] na minamartilyo siya. (When I’m of Balao’s abduction, CPA, disappearance victims Karen Before his abduction, he was the matatapos kung ang moment pa rin kami ng reports na buhay using a hammer in my shop, there Cordillera Human Rights Alliance Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan, president of the Oclupan Clan nila laging ‘may bukas pa.’ Mahaba na kasi ang gabi at paghihintay sa iyo Mamamatay si Santino at pa rin siya (There is still no are times that my hand is hit. I and Cordillera Youth Center, both UP students and activists. Association. mapupunta sa heaven. ^_^ data about James’ condition, but remember James that he might be held a program at People’s Park, “Gusto ko ipaalam sa September 17 has gone and Mga paalam na hindi naihatid sa patutunguhan 08-83003: Magiging saint si we are receiving reports that hammered… While I’m just hurt Malcolm Square together with inyo na huwag tayo matakot images of the event were already Santino! he is still alive),” Jude Baggo, by a hammer, how much more the the Balao Family. The CPA’s call at panghinaan ng loob. May etched in our memories – 365 Kapag sinindihan ko ito, maaninag ko ba ang mukha mo sa katapat 08-18632: Ay di pa ba tapos yun? Secretary-General of CPA said 365 days James suffer from being in the 365th day of his abduction kakayahan si James na makatakas days of continuous search and the kong dilim? Malilinawagan ba ng apoy ang mga nanlalamig na Di ba pinalitan na ng Totoy Bato? that they still hope that James is hammered),” he added. was to resist the Arroyo regime’s gaya ng ginawa kong pagtakas struggle is not over. September salita, pangungulila sa iyo Xavier 07-52022: Autistic si alive. Baggo also stated that the Strugar, on the other hand, terrorism and impunity and mula sa kamay ng militar (I want 17 has already gone by the Santino. Inimagine lang niya si Bro. alliance is doing efforts to surface expressed her anger to the you to know that you should calendar – 365 days of anguish Ng pamilya 09-xx452: Magiging bading si Santino! Bwahaha! James through letters of appeal Arroyo regime. and shrill cries for justice and Kaibigan 09-48689: May sequel siya na title [to court], media projections and the surfacing of a brother, a son, Kasama ay “The Day After Tommorow”. cooperation from international a fellow, and an adamant activist Global warming kalaban ni groups. for the recognition of indigenous Sa bagay, ilang kandila na ba ang naitirik para tawagin ang pan- Santino. “Wala pa rin silang (gobyerno) peoples’ rights. September 17 has galan mo mula nang mawala ka, at kahit paano, kahit alam kong Balintuna sagot [sa amin], naiinis na gone by and indeed, days will maaaring wala ka na 3. Pagkatapos ng hell week, nga ako (The government pile up but efforts to find him paano mo naman gagawing has not responding, I am will continue flooding in as Nararamdaman ko ang apoy heaven ang sem break? becoming annoyed),” he the present regime continues said. Baggo further said with its policies of silencing Nakikita ko ang liwanag 08-26734 (August Alingawngaw Queen): that the government tags the clamor of the people for Magkukulong sa kwarto kasama James as a member of the their basic right to life and At naaalala ko, hindi lang ikaw ang nawawala at hinahanap, si- nusundan at sinusunggaban. ang gf! New People’s Army which liberty. 09-28575: Fly???Joke! Kain ng is why authorities captured Kapag marami na ang kandilang nakasindi, alam ko, mahahanap Tula mo naman ang ilagay natin dito. madaming ‘totoong pagkain’! 09-29726: Lamon and internet to ko ang mainit mong mukha na ikinubli ng malalim na dilim, at Magpasa na ng tula, larawan, guhit, sanaysay, o the max! sa pagkakataong iyon, habang tinutunton ng liwanag ang iyong maikling kwento. Ibigay lang sa kahit sinong biik 05-30170: Wala namang kinapaparoonan sembreak para sa mga nagti-thesis miyembro ng Outcrop, eh…huhu ipasa sa aming opisina sa tabi ng jl 211, o sa Hindi na lamang kandila ang sisingil sa kadiliman. 09-51188: Enchanted Kingdom [email protected]. Galore! *Nahanap ko lang sa likod ng isang notebook ko. Naalala ko si James 07-44063: Madali lang! M-A-G-A- Balao. Para hindi na blangko sa susunod, noh?:-) R-A-L (eager beaver?) 08 Editoryal UPB Outcrop Tomo 36 Isyu 4 Setyembre - Oktubre 2009

In the end, if the EDSA affair had brought us democracy why do we have to repeat the same agonizing days of taking the parliament to the streets during the People Power II?

No one can deny: memories do really fade elites in almost all aspects of the state affairs support utilized during the elections. People through time. of the country marked the years following Power has become a sham. Today, almost three and a half decades after the colonization. As the elections inch by, the question the implementation of Martial Law, the many This system bred a rigid structure that remains whether change will really happen, or mass actions and the growing discontentment demarcates the masses from the critical another People Power will be provoked again. among the people bluntly tells us that nothing aspects of politics in the country. Philippine Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could very well has really changed at all. And yes, the memories politics make it seem like democracy be credited for her unfounded yet insightful of the historic events during Martial Law is pervades the country which in practice, it statement that the world will not forgive losing its glitz. does not. Electoral politics in the country another people power. The high and glorious pride of the Filipinos during the post-independence and post- It has been 36 years since the Martial through the redemptive image of the late Pres. Martial Law period has long been a game Law, the memories of the turbulent years, Corazon “Cory” Aquino seems to be one of the for the ‘haves’ – a politics much like a and of the world-renown People Power, boldest signs of the restoration of democracy. In telenovela. a seemingly a momentous picture in the 2001, the people once again tried the miraculous Like a well-directed television show, they history books. Nevertheless, the number of power of EDSA to oust the glutton president constantly employ the people in creating a dictators dethroned or the number of people Joseph Estrada. Once again, our country was put dichotomy of followers to pile up the ratings mobilized cannot serve as a plausible measure to the test in the midst of the exuberant battle that seem to trample its rival. People Power for the existence of democracy. In between cries of “GMA! GMA!” marking another pin has now become much like a well-directed the continuum of history since the Marcos of recognition for the Filipinos as beacons the television show where these political elites regime, our country has only changed names; democratic process. employ the people to trample abusive no substantial change has happened. Democracy entails a government of the personages seen as imminent threats to To commemorate martial law is to people, by the people, and for the people their traditional dominance in the country’s commemorate the memories of its turbulent

Thanks for the Memories through proper representation in public offices political arena. years, and of the world-renown People Power: and political participation among the citizens. They have seen it as an effective a momentous picture in our history books. Yet, Legislations, however, need not come from instrument that could be directed for their in the face of the deceitful Arroyo regime, the these officials alone. It is then for the people own interest. It has increasingly become a high regards given to the People Power seems to participate in the process, through convenient vehicle for patronages that could to diminish with time. Reenactments of the lobbying, mass mobilizations, and be set up, refurbished with new chants, recast people power seem to signal the increasing other legal and extra-legal means. with different actors but same faces, directed vanity of using EDSA as the stage for change, Unfortunately, Philippine at thwarting certain personages, and especially as this highly eminent ‘people history suggests the flushed down through the drains action’ is flooded by opportunist politicians other way around. of our memory whenever, craving for positions in the government. The dominance of the all has been shown and In the end, if the EDSA affair had brought traditional political done. People Power us democracy, why do we have to repeat the now serves not same agonizing days of taking the parliament for promising to the streets during the People Power II? Even changes to the more intriguing and quite frustrating is that people but it why did we have to do it for the third time? has become a It even had a failed fourth. Have we ever profitable venue of been so democratic for we can set the stage political patronages for up for this seemingly grandiose moment in the rich to rake as history whenever we want to? Or have we ever massive been democratic at all? The situation clearly a unmasks the fundamental contradictions in our society – Filipino-style liberal democracy is but another sham. We could very well claim that our country is a beacon of democracy if it clearly manifests the emancipation of the broader Filipino masses from the fetters of feudal traditions in the country and the people enjoy the freedom from the colonial history as by-product of the sovereignty enjoyed by our nation. Hence, all the blames boil down not to the alleged naiveté of the Filipino people for relying too much on their hopes, that is much like relying on the idea that a telenovela could have a happy ending, which these traditional politicians constantly claim to justify their dominance. All the blames clearly boil down to the perennial intervention of these people on the collective legal actions led by nationalist and progressive organizations and the broader masses, as a whole. No more dreaming of changing the nation with shouts coupled with traditional politicians waving and smiling along. Well, to the People Power opportunists: thanks for the memories. Reality impatiently waits.

Punong Patnugot Ruel Caricativo | Kawaksing Patnugot Ivan Emil Labayne, Santiago Tiongco III | Patnugot sa Lathalain Alejo Marco Galano | Patnugot sa Kultura John Levi Masuli | Patnugot sa Guhit at Lapat Santiago Tiongco | Panghaliling Kawani Kevin Ray Abesamis, Anna Angela Delos Reyes, Gerald Allandrey Dizon, Alexandrea Dioso, Fritz Mharie Fernando, Pauline Gaña, Nikki Camille Malabad, Laurence Aaron Mejia, Pamela Peralta, Plarlene Juliane Valentos, Jemmie Rose Vejerano, Aila Velasco, Carla Janine Zipagan Kontributor Annalyn Rebecca Eisma

Miyembro ng College Editors Guild of the Philippines at Solidaridad - Alyansa ng mga Pahayagang Pang-kampus sa UP Mapagpalayang Kaisipan sa Malayang Pahayagan [email protected]