The Manila Collegian Volume 30 No. 7-8

The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 - Friday

POLITICAL CIRCUS

14 OPINION

ILLS OF THE NATION

08 FEATURES

NEW YEAR, NEW ME

16 CULTURE

TERRORIST ATTEMPT AT US EMBASSY INDUCES ALARM

02 NEWS

02 NEWS

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

Terrorist attempt at US Embassy induces alarm Groups predict martial law implementation RYANA ISABEL NERI KESNER In response to the discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) a few meters from the United States Embassy last November 28, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director Ronald Dela Rosa identified the national terror alert at level 3 on December 1.

Threat Eliminated The makeshift bomb was composed of a plastic-wrapped bottle attached to a cellphone and some cables. Upon discovery, the located IED was reported to the local police immediately.

In response, the authorities closed down the southbound lanes of both Roxas Boulevard and T.M. Kalaw Street, causing traffic congestion in the said areas as they tried to defuse the bomb. The lanes were reopened a little before 9 a.m.

In line with this, Press Agent and First Secretary of the US embassy Molly Koscina expressed gratitude for the swiftness of police action in response to the discovery of the IED. "We are thankful that the municipal employee and the Philippine National Police took quick and appropriate action to ensure the safety of all,” she said in a statement on Monday.

Motives examined Consequently, PNP Chief Dela Rosa called the incident “an attempted act of terrorism,” and placed the blame on the Maute group, which is directly connected to ISIS. He based this on the analysis of the bomb having the same signature style as of that which caused the Davao bombing last September.

Dela Rosa also theorized that the group planted the bomb to distract Philippine military authority away from the offensive they mounted after the Maute group took over a Lanao del Sur town two weeks ago.

Even so, Dela Rosa assured the public that this event would not be used as a reason for the government to implement martial law, saying: “We will not use an incident that will cause panic, fear and undue harm, or even death to its own people to declare martial law.”

Prompt Investigation Without delay, Chief Dela Rosa presented a computerized rendition of the suspect who dropped off the

IED near the embassy, which was based on eyewitness reports. In a statement on Tuesday, he requested public assistance in finding the suspect and encouraged sightings to be immediately reported to the authorities.

Additionally, Manila Police District (MPD) Chief Jigs Coronel mentioned that they are in the process of going over security footage from the CCTV cameras near the embassy. He also mentioned that all of the 200 white taxi cabs who have passed through the area will be thoroughly checked, as the suspect was riding one when depositing the IED in the bin.

Shortly, authorities received results and were able to arrest two persons of interest from Bulacan and from Caloocan, respectively, just a day after PNP Chief Dela Rosa circulated the artist’s sketch of the suspect.

However, National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Director and Chief Cuperintendent Oscar Abayalde explained that they could not be considered suspects yet, as investigation was still underway to determine whether the two persons belong to the Maute group.

Similarly, this point was cleared up in less than 48 hours when the two arrestees confessed to traveling from Mindanao to plant the IED. They intended to distract military forces from the war situation in Lanao Del Sur and to be recognized by ISIS and receive monetary support. They also mentioned that they tried to bomb Luneta but failed, and ended up planting the bomb near the Embassy instead.

Currently, authorities are still on the lookout for the three other associates of the suspects who are reported to have been called back to Lanao Del Sur by their superiors.

No immediate threat In response to these events, PNP Chief Dela Rosa declared terror alert 3 nationwide, signifying that terror groups such as Maute pose a threat as they may retaliate in response to military offensives being leveled against them.

“Expect strong checkpoints, they should expect the Oplan Sita anytime and they should expect some raids being conducted by all security forces on suspected terrorist personalities

and lairs na pwedeng pagtaguan ng mga teroristang iyan”, announced Dela Rosa.

In spite of this, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar clarified that the terror alert was only raised to match the state of lawlessness declared by President Duterte after the Davao bombing last September.

In conjunction with Andanar, Abayalde noted that the country has been on alert level 3 since the LRT1 was bombed on Rizal Day back in 2000, and even when he assumed office in July of this year. “It's a security threat level. It doesn't mean na meron talagang present and imminent danger of terrorist act or terrorist bombing, sa Metro Manila in particular”, he said.

However, Abayalde, with other authorities, encouraged the public to be cautious and alert at all times.

Mass Unrest Consequently, militants, partylists and youth groups warned the public that the announcement of terror alert level 3 following the foiled bombing attempt may be part of the Duterte administration’s plans to implement martial law.

“We are increasingly wary that the government may be setting the stage for the implementation of repressive policies that may lead to more rights violations being committed by police and military forces under the Duterte administration,” Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Arlene Brosas conveyed. “The vestiges of Marcos’ martial law clearly remain to this day and we call for vigilance among our people to thwart all attempts to bring us back to the dark days of martial law.”

Additionally, Anakpawis Partylist Representative Ariel Casilao remarked that the announcement may be used in a way that would discourage the masses from protesting and cited the Arroyo Administration’s Calculated Pre-emptive Response (CPR) to another failed bombing attempt along Roxas Boulevard in 2005.

“We oppose this measure as this clearly is to discourage people to join legitimate rallies, and we totally doubt if these checkpoints would allow passage of rallyists, and the mere fact that their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are surrendered to the police’s discretion

is an outright violation,” Casilao contended.

On the other hand, Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago observed that the announcement came along during a time many were protesting against former dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ hero’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) and that it has been supported by President Duterte since he assumed office in June.

Likewise, Anakbayan National Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo also drew upon this fact, stating that it implied that Duterte looked up to Marcos and may follow in his footsteps. “Of late Duterte has taken to threatening the murder of rights activists and suspending the writ of habeas corpus that it would seem the president sees the dictator as a role model.”

Crisostomo also elaborated that many of the actions President Duterte has suggested doing resembles what Marcos had done leading up to martial law, including the continuation of counterinsurgency campaigns despite holding peace talks and declaring ceasefires in war-torn areas.

“Under Oplan Bayanihan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to conduct military operations, occupy civilian communities, and direct illegal arrests, killings, and harassment of activists. We fear this terror threat may be used as a pretext to intensify human rights violations in the countryside,” he maintained in a statement released on Thursday.

Unclear Prospects In spite of all this, President Duterte has denied wanting to impose martial law, saying it had not done the country any good when Marcos was president.

Accordingly, he assured that martial law would not be implemented during his term.

However, his inconsistent statements and tendency to not keep this word caused criticism, including his extension for the initial time frame he set in eliminating crime in the country.

Consequently, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo questioned Duterte's stance."[But] he is not a man of his word. His words cannot be trusted and he gives a lot of excuses”, said Pabillo.

NEWS 03

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

HR activists threatened upon heightening of war on drugs NIÑA KEITH M. FERRANCOL

During the inauguration at a coalfired power plant in Iloilo on November 28, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he will put the blame on human rights (HR) activist groups protesting against his drug campaign when the country's drug menace worsens.

Since the president took office in July, there were almost 4,942 reported deaths in the government’s “Double Barrel” drive. Furthermore, 1,941 died in legitimate police operations, while 3,001 were victims of extrajudicial or vigilante-style killings.

Humanitarian

measures

Following this, Duterte’s war on drugs has been condemned by international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and various groups protecting human rights.

Consequently, UN SPECIAL

rapporteurs proposed to conduct thorough investigations on the mentioned summary executions with their own terms. In line with this, Regional Representative to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Jeremy Douglas called on the administration to shift its focus from low-level street sellers to tackling the problem at its source.

Likewise, Kadamay, an urban poor group, cited that the proliferation of illegal drugs in urban poor communities is a symptom of chronic poverty.

They urged the administration to focus on improving the quality of life as a better option than violence.

“We recommend focusing on the major organized crime and trafficking groups running the business, coupled with a strong focus on reducing demand through prevention, treatment in

communities and health programs,” stated Douglas.

Forwarding Campaign Accordingly, the Network against Killings in the Philippines (NAK Philippines) slammed Duterte’s remark on blaming human rights activists and implored him to revoke his statement. The group said that Duterte’s threat could cause the police officers and death squads to target human rights activists.

Additionally, the group aimed to stop extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and demanded that the government should be accountable for these deeds. They also insisted Duterte to address extreme poverty, landlessness, contractual labor, war and displacement, shortage of housing and lack livelihood opportunities as the root cause of drug problems.

Moreover, NAK criticized both houses of the Congress of allegedly railroading anti-human rights legislation as groundwork for an authoritarian rule through the reintroduction of death penalty, reduction of the minimum age of criminal responsibility, suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, amendments to the anti-wiretapping law, Charter Change and derogation of the rule of law.

On the other hand, newly-elected US President Donald Trump agreed to Duterte’s methods saying that he is "doing it the right way." He also expressed his wish for the Philippines anti-drug campaign to be successful. Consequently, Duterte plans to target next the public officials who are related to drug trade.

Ika-153 kaarawan ni Bonifacio, ipinagdiwang ng mga progresibo sa pagpapahayag ng kanilang panawagan Marcos sa LNMB at kontraktuwalisasyon, kinondena ARIES RAPHAEL REYES PASCUA

Kasabay ng kaarawan ni Gat Andres Bonifacio ngayong taon, nagsagawa ang iba’t ibang progresibong grupo ng mga kilosprotesta upang ipahayag ang kanilang mga saloobin ukol sa mga isyu na umiiral sa kasalukuyan, partikular na ang patuloy na kontraktuwalisasyon at ang kanilang pagtutol sa paglibing kay dating pangulong Marcos sa Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).

Samantala, sa pangunguna ng University Student Council, nagsagawa naman ng lokal na aksiyon ang mga mag-aaral bilang pagsuporta sa mga pahayag ng progresibong grupo at pagkondena rin sa dalawang isyung nabanggit.

Sistemang Neoliberal Sa pangunguna ng Anakbayan, sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) at ng iba pang mga sektor, nag-martsa ang

grupo patungong Mendiola upang kondenahin ang administrasyong Duterte dahil sa pagkapako ng kaniyang pangako sa usaping aalisin na ang kontraktuwalisasyon sa bansa.

“Rather than decisively junking neoliberal policies legitimizing this anti-worker scheme, the Duterte regime through Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello has made one excuse after another to justify the continuation of contractualization,” pahayag ng tagapangulo ng Anakbayan na si Vencer Crisostomo.

Sabi pa ni Crisostomo, malawakang nakakaapekto ang kontraktuwalisasyon sa pagusbong ng kabataan bilang mamamayan, dahil sa hindi nito napapa-unlad ang kaniyang sarili sa napili niyang trabaho. Dagdag pa rito, hindi rin natatanggap ng

mga manggagawa ang benepisyo na dapat napupunta sa kanila, sa ilalim ng kontraktuwalisasyon.

“There is no genuine change under the Duterte regime. It’s business as usual for big comprador oligarchs like the Henry Sys, Lucio Tans, Aranetas and Marcoses while Filipino workers continue to suffer from contractualization, low wages, high prices, and inaccessible services,” dagdag pa ni Crisostomo.

Patuloy

na

Pasismo

Sa kabilang banda, nagpahayag din naman ang grupo ng mariin nilang pagtutol sa paglibing sa diktador ng Batas Militar, Ferdinand Marcos.

Ayon sa grupo, lalo umanong pinahirap ng dating pangulong Marcos ang kalagayaan noon ng mga Pilipino na ginawang legal ang kontraktuwalisasyon, nagbawal ng

mga unyon, at nagpapatay ng mga pinuno nito.

“By giving honors to the Marcoses and reneging on his promises to workers to end contractualization, it would seem that Duterte sees the much-hated and anti-worker dictator as a role model for his own increasingly repressive rule,” ani Crisostomo.

Ayon kay Crisostomo, ang mga iniwang “Marcosian legacies” ng dating diktador ay nanatiling binubulabog ang bansa at patuloy nitong dinarahas ang sambayanan, partikular na ang mga bilanggongpolitikal noong Batas Militar na nananatili hanggang ngayon sa piitan sa kabila ng mga pangakong amnestiya, ang pananatili ng militarisasyon sa kanayunan, at ang sakit na dala nito sa iba pang biktima ng Batas Militar sa bansa.

04 NEWS

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

Negotiations regarding peace talks, further consolidated Progressive groups condemn continuing militarization ARTHUR GERALD BANTILAN QUIRANTE AND PATRICIA ANNE LACTAO GUERRERO

Following the two rounds of peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), Peace Panel Chairman Silvestre Bello III declared last December 2 that the developments between the two panels were accomplished, with plans for over 400 political prisoners to be deliberated in 'due time'.

However, as the process was on its course, a 66-year old peasant leader Bernabe Ocasla, a political prisoner greatly considered for release on humanitarian grounds, succumbed to cardiac arrest at Jose Reyes Hospital in Manila last Monday, November 28.

Extended provisions According to Bello, the release is a work in progress. The planned acquittal of the political prisoners is also in accordance to the agreement of the two panels during their first round of negotiation held at Oslo, Norway.

Moreover, it is also a share of the continuing efforts of the government to speed up and hasten the peace negotiations facilitated by the Norwegian government.

Bello conveyed that it was unfortunate that Ocasla's death happened just as they were working for the release of the elderly, sick, and long detained NDF members on humanitarian grounds.

Furthermore, he hoped that the death of Ocasla will not affect NDF and trigger any unwanted occurrences.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has set a limit for the government to comply upon the things agreed upon by the two parties. It said that failure to adhere may result in the collapse of the unilateral ceasefire and close the door for a bilateral ceasefire.

“The revolutionary forces are extending their patience and giving the Duterte regime up to the month of January to comply with its obligation to release all political prisoners,” stated the CPP.

Ongoing Discussions On the other hand, there is a continuing negotiation between the two parties after President Rodrigo expressed his intent to reconcile with the CPP-NPA-NDF early during the presidential elections.

With this, there has already been two rounds of peace negotiations both brokered by the Norwegian government which took place at Oslo.

During their first round, the two panels were optimistic after drafting six agreements and ensuring for a stronger commitment towards tying bonds and unity between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF. Included in the agreement drafted is the reaffirmation of previous agreements where both panels consolidated all the previous bilateral and binding agreements made in their negotiations, starting with The Hague Joint Declaration of September 1, 1992, and containing the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) of February 24, 1995.

In addition, the Joint Agreement on the Formation, Sequence and Operationalization of the Reciprocal Working Committees (RWC) of the GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels of June 26, 1995 and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) of March 16, 1998 were also reaffirmed.

Another item in the agreement is the the reconstitution of the JASIG list. In this segment, both parties agreed on the procedure and persons responsible for the documentation of the NDFP holders of identification, safekeeping of documents, and verification of the holders of identification in accordance with the JASIG. Aside from this, the agreement also contained the acceleration of the peace negotiations where the parties agreed to expedite the peace process and set the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks consisting of socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms, and end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

Inclusive Terms Consequently, the NDFP expressed its appreciation for this gesture in recognition of President Rodrigo

Duterte’s efforts to fulfill his promise to order the release of the NDFP consultants in pursuit of peace and with due consideration to JASIG as recommended by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) Panel.

Moreover, amnesty was also included in their agreement as the parties decided that the GRP Panel will immediately recommend the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation to President Duterte, subject to concurrence of Congress, for the release of prisoners.

In conjunction with this, the prisoners covered are the ones listed by the NDFP and who have been arrested, imprisoned, charged, and/or convicted for alleged acts or omissions within the scope of the Revised Penal Code or special laws in connection with alleged crimes in pursuit of one’s political beliefs.

In response to President Durterte’s unilateral ceasefire order which took effect last August 21, the two panels involved armistice in their talks as the CPP-NDFP shall declare and issue an indefinite unilateral ceasefire order to the NPA and the people’s militia effective last August 28.

Fascism decried Despite the said progress of the peace talks, the militant organization Anakbayan reported that the Operation Bayanihan (Oplan Bayanihan) under the International Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) of the government persists to terrorize the country side.

In order to call for just peace and to urge the government to cease the militarization in their lands, Lakbayani delegates hailing from Eastern Visayas travelled to Manila on November 28. Currently, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) campus at Sta. Mesa opened its grounds for the Lakbayanis to temporarily reside in.

Aside from this, Anakbayan slammed the Duterte administration for authorizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to station military troops near various rural communities.

The group also expressed further dismay over the continuation of fascist measures of the past dictator Ferdinand Marcos manifested in engagements such as Oplan Bayanihan.

Hunger strike conducted In solidarity with the families of the political prisoners still detained, KARAPATAN Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights facilitated the designation of peace tents for the protest through hunger strike last December 3. Around 401 political prisoners in over 80 detention centers nationwide also fasted on the same day. Various mass organizations and human rights advocates also participated in the said protest action.

The hunger strike directed to amplify their collective call for immediate general amnesty for the release of all political prisoners in the country and to clamor for support outside the jails especially since media coverage and visits are restricted.

Activities held in fasting centers had included solidarity hunger strikes, press conferences on statements of political prisoners, updates on the hunger strike inside jail, educational discussions (EDs), film showing, storytelling and speak out sessions, cultural events and open mic sessions.

In support of the hunger strike, the College Editors’ Guild of the Philippine (CEGP) launched a campaign through social media in the form of #fastingchallenge, wherein participants will be posting photos of food they are abstaining until December 10 along with their solidarity message for the said campaign.

NEWS 05

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

Yolanda survivors demand accountability for slow disaster response Misallocation of funds, criticized EUNICE BIÑAS HECHANOVA

On November 29, 2016, People Surge, an alliance of disaster survivors in Eastern Visayas staged a protest at the residence of former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III on Times Street, Quezon City. They beseeched that the responsible officials, including Aquino, should answer to the government’s ineffective management of resources apportioned for the victims of the destruction caused by supertyphoon Yolanda.

Corruption assailed Following this, Chairperson of People Surge Efleda Bautista called on President Rodrigo Duterte to penalize the officials who mishandled the response to Yolanda. Moreover, the group slammed the delayed assistance to the survivors and rehabilitation of Yolanda’s aftermath.

In line with this, People Surge also held Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, former Department of Internal and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas, former Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jericho Petilla and then Presidential Assistant on Recovery and Rehabilitation Panfilo Lacson liable to the lack of government aid.

“Aquino and his cohorts saw the people’s misery as nothing but a very lucrative business venture as evidenced by privatization of the implementation of its already flawed rehabilitation program,” Bautista claimed.

The group asserted that the past administration was not transparent with the supposed budget of about P20 million allotted for the recovery from the damage caused by Yolanda.

Aside from this, they added that the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) funds of approximately P24 billion was not utilized for the reparation of the wreckage in devastated areas.

“Thousands of our brothers and sisters died during the onslaught

of super typhoon Yolanda because of the many loopholes in the disaster preparedness measures implemented by the government,” she maintained.

Backlogs in Development Earlier in November, DSWD recorded that only a third of the housing projects had progressed for a span of three years. Following this, Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Aleli Bawagan, who currently spearheads the probing of possible misallocated funds in rehabilitation projects, expressed disappointment over the scenario.

Meanwhile, several local government units (LGU) experienced delays in the relocation of families to new homes. Moreover, other department agencies including the National Housing Authorities (NHA) were met with problems, including the competition of resources for housing projects with non-government organizations (NGOs) and private companies.

Furthermore, the process of bidding construction materials was complicated by the distance of potential suppliers from the sites designated for housing projects.

Conversely, the Cash for Work (CFW) program under DSWD was not utilized fully by families who instead prioritized increasing their income by maintaining other means of livelihood. The CFW initially aimed to sustain individuals with temporary jobs in evacuation centers.

Additionally, the Core Assistance Program

Shelter (CSAP)

employed in Inopacan, Leyte estimated a 20-percent reduction in beneficiaries.

Whatever decision she would take in the future, it will be her prerogative,” indicated Evasco.

CSAP intended to build homes structured to endure winds speeding to 180-220 kilometers per hour (kph). Each unit amassed a budget amounting to around P70,000, with the sum total of the housing project reaching over P217 million. The program was financially supported by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other organizations.

Among the reasons Robredo cited for her resignation was the obstacles the HUDCC met in implementing projects. Another problem was the difference in the views shared by her and the president.

"It was shameful because we are all aware of how much the survivors have already suffered during and after Typhoon Yolanda, and yet we were unable to provide for what was promised them – safe houses they can rest in as they try to recover from the extreme stress and trauma they suffered," Bawagan stated in an interview.

Conflicting Offices On the other hand, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairperson and Vice President Leni Robredo resigned from her post as HUDCC Chair last December 5, 2016.

She also implied that her vice presidential seat was in danger of being taken from her.

According to Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco Jr., there was an order from Duterte to disallow Robredo from attending cabinet meetings.

He clarified that Robredo was not fired from her position. “There was no instruction for her to be terminated in her position.

“In barely five months, we have solid accomplishments in HUDCC”, stated Robredo.

Despite this, she said that the allotted funding for housing projects and main shelter agencies for 2017 was greatly reduced by P19 billion and the designation of these primary shelter agencies were not even enacted upon. To top this, the executive order (EO) that assigns authority to the HUDCC was not even signed.

Last December 4, Robredo assured that she will not allow her position as Vice President to be ‘stolen’.

“With this resignation, you can expect that I will continue to support the positive initiatives of this administration and oppose those that are inimical to the people’s interest”, she maintained.

“I will not allow the will of the people to be thwarted. I will continue to serve the Filipino family and fulfill their dream for a better life”.

Habang bakasyon, magbasa ng mga nakaraang isyu sa issuu.com/manilacollegian

06 NEWS

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

NEWS DOSE:

Relasyong EU-PH at Pagtataguyod ng isang Nagsasariling Ugnayang Panlabas (Independent Foreign Policy) PATRICIA ANNE LACTAO GUERRERO Nakaugat sa kasaysayan ang hindi pantay na ugnayan ng bansang Pilipinas at Estados Unidos (EU); ang una ang nagsisilbing malakolonyang bansang itinali sa ekonomiya, politika, at kultura ng huli. Sa proseso ng globalisasyon, ang inaalipin-amo na relasyon ng mga bansang ito na pinaghihiwalay ng teritoryo ay patuloy pa ring nanaig.

Magpahanggang ngayon, nakasandig tayo sa industriya at teknolohiyang sa ibayong Kanluran nagmula. Ang kawalan ng kakayahang magbuo ng pangunahing industriya sa bansa ang patuloy na nagtutulak upang isakay sa barko ang ating likas na yaman, at mabilisang mailayag pabalik bilang produktong may mas mataas na presyo na hindi kayang bilhin ng mamamayan na bunsod naman ng Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ng bansa. Kaugnay nito, ayon sa Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), ang Pilipinas ang

isa sa top trading partners ng EU kung saan nagsisilbi naman itong pinakamalaking foreign investor sa bansa.

Sa kasalukuyan, naipasa na ang Enhance Defense Coalition Agreement (EDCA) sa senado na naglalayong magtayo ng mga base militar para sa mga sundalong Amerikano upang palakasin ang kakayahan ng ating sandatahan sa pangangalaga ng seguridad. Isa itong kubling dahilan upang manatili ang pyudal na relasyon ng dalawang bansa, kung saan militarisasyon ang sagot sa hindi pagsunod sa Estados Unidos.

Dagdag pa rito, base sa datos ng IBON Foundation, patuloy pa ring namamayani ang mga inisyatibong pawang EU ang nagdikta upang mapadulas ang 100 porsiyentong pagaari ng dayuhang mga korporasyon

sa mga lupain, negosyo at kahit sa midya ng Pilipinas.

Bukod pa rito, giit ng mga progresibong grupo na mahalaga ang mga nangyayaring usaping pangkapayaan sa bansa kung saan nababaling ang atensiyon ng buong sambayanan sa pagreresolba sa pinakaugat ng mga armadong tunggalian na nakabatay sa pagtataguyod ng repormang halaw sa pangangailangan ng bawat sektor sa lipunan.

Samakatuwid, dahil sa pinaigting na globalisasyon at kawalan ng aktibismo ng sariling estado kung saan hindi nito mariin nitong tinututulan ang mga polisyang amba sa pagkakaroon ng sariling kapasyahan sa pamamalakad ng bansa, dumadaan ang Pilipinas sa proseso ng kolonyalisasyon at de-kolonyalisasyon patungo sa rekolonyalisasyon.

Kaya naman, ang kongkretong tindig ng National Democratic

Front of the Philippines (NDFP) ay tanging isang tunay na nagsasariling ugnayang panlabas lamang ang makapagpapalaya sa Pilipinas sa sikolo ng pang-aalipin. Alinsunod dito, hindi nararapat na pahintulutan ng administrasyong Duterte ang maka-dayuhang polisiya tulad ng EDCA; sa halip ay isulong ang kalayaan sa sariling pagpapasya, pag-iindustriyalisa at pagbubuo ng makamasang polisiya gaya ng hindi pagkiling sa foreign investments, pagtatagumpay ng usaping kapayapaan at pagtugon sa mga isyung panlipunan na nakapaloob sa Comprehesive Agreement on Socio-economic Reforms (CASER) na nagsisilbi sa interes ng sambayanang Pilipino. *Layon ng News Dose na na magbukas ng serye ng mapanuring pag-ulat hinggil sa napapanahong balita.

December 2, 2016.

UP Manila - College of Arts and Sciences.

The Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity held the Oblation Run at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) to honor the true heroes during the Martial Law.

Photo by Patricia Anne Lactao Guerrero

NEWS 07

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

Mga Fulung-Vulungan ng Nagjijisang

ITANONG KAY ISKO’T ISKA

A COLDPLAY EDITION Nobody said it was ec. No one ever said it w0uld be diz hard. Na-songing niu buh iyan for urselves nang maka-getting-in kayowz sa ufiem? Wooh!

Intenzzz buh ahNg naging semestre niu? How r u my apHowzx? k namern aNg mga bebhie frezhies kh0wz? mUxta rin menge thesis bHe? fight! Fight!

Finishing na ang sem, wer ang mga walwal niu? Sama namern me.

Hehe. Ur lola P iz not kj lyk ur other froppies. Jejeje. So near na ng conzert ng coldplay. guzto ko nga mag deyting kami ng lolo U. niu doonchiwa but iz sow expensive lyk ur tweetion. Kalerkey. I don’t care, go on and tear me apart. Char! Na-hearing ko kc afowz ko sobrang dezperad0 n cuz their froppies r so so toxic. Hayyy nakerz.

I don’t know which way I’m going sumbonging nuvah one: tur4y ni0 nam4n ph0wz Just because I’m losing doesn’t mean I’m lust. Char lost kc. Nakerz. Why u make tariray to mah afowz cuz they r plenty while waitsumging in d corridor at the paniki’s vena cava. Parang cla pa tuloywabels ang lost while waitingsung for their next class. Hay day may day parade charot!

Taray mo talaga dyan gurl!

Losingbels mo pa ang mga merlat na may visitors. U just explainsung it to them properly cuz they make intindi na. like mah af0wz r brainy freeze den den den den smileys.

Keribelsabum?

I don’t know which way I’ve come sumboom! numvah two: semester ends na

Just because I’m hurting doesn’t mean I’m hurt. Doesn’t mean I didn’t get what I deserved no better and no worse.

Woohooo! Char! Andyanchibells pa pala kyowa may ginhawa ka. Charot ulit! Na-hearing aid ko kc ang mga afowz ko. Andaming patalastas ni frappie. Keribelsung daw niyabels mag splukembang 4 more than a-wars. Kineri boom boom pak niu yun? bHoz mahluhpat. disc frappie olso needsung plenty products of trees from mah af0wz. Not gud 4 mama nature. Na uh. Iteywakelz pa, over flowing ang supplies for d sem. Witchikels na ngang given tick tock on the clock sa crushroom boom boom like a mushroom pa

sa bonggang anda na needsung.

Paanobels na lungs ang mga bracket CD, Ewan e2 kong afowz? Wiz ng time in a bottle, plenyful pa ang kemarutbarurut sa lyf, midnight snack na nasa streetsung pa raw afowz qu from near, far, wherever you are the frappe don’t tender care mommy bear. Wiz lang ikaw ang subjectivisms. Addsung pa, kwento sa balita ay two days expiration only for balik bayan box pa. Day ol weighs supper in time.

Kawawachi n a m e r n s mga afowz ko.

Beshi3, coin sees d rate na raw siyabels for adjusting the time bomb.

Boom boom pak talaguh.

Beshi3bells, wiz pa finishing act ang mga splukembang, super thick na sa makeup ang mga afowz ko, ot na ata ang kursowabells for olso having class after class.

Damsel in the stress, marzy ending na ang semestring. Ur stress to so make rest.

Hayyy! Tiring namerns ang mga hagardong splukembangs. Stress sing and seamstress. And in the end, we lie awake and we dream of making our escape. Tapos na ang sem sobrang lamig pa rin makipaglaro ni crushie sa’yo. Sabayan pa ni frappe. Beshi3, ur lola P. is getting older we ain’t never getting weaker. Namerns, jazz all ways #neverforget 2 tell me ur sumvhongs so others would know the true history. Charing!

Enjoywabels ang paghiwalay ng semestre. Lab lab. XOXO

no ang iyong masasabi sa pagbanta ni Duterte sa pagpatay sa mga human rights activists kapag lumala ang suliranin ng droga sa bansa?

EDI WOW sige lahat na lang patayin niya. Pakasal na din siya kamo kay Mocha na kulay brown kuno. Ngumata sila ng crayola tutal puro kulay lang iniipsip nila.

- Mamshie, 2014 Quote ko siya - "PUTANGINA!" siya nagpapalala sa mga bagay bagay at hindi niya naiisip yon. Unahin siya.

Letse.

- kulong, 201* Adik ba yan si Duterte? Patayin ko yan.

- Aylabet, 2013xxxx Isang malaking GOOD LUCK. - politicalwill, CAS, 2014 Edi wow! Edi pak ganern! Edi alisan na tayo lahat dito sa Pinas.

- brOKenNfriendzonedNdelayed Kung pwede lang magmura sa diyaryo, ginawa ko na.

- mangiyacngiyac, 2014

Akala ko ba mga pusher at drug lords ang papatayin niya? Adik ba siya!?

- maycrushkaybagsic, CAS, 2014 Dafuq. Obosen pati HR activists!!

- hemightactuallylikemebutloveher, CAS, 2012 Apparently joke daw ito as he later claimed. But I think he should not take such matters lightly. Matagal nang nagkakaroon ng pagpatay sa mga activists in general. Wag sana niya ipagpatuloy. If no one is left to fight for everyone's rights, especially the rights of those who are currently oppressed and marginalized, what will happen?

Moreover, silencing the opposition will not solve the worsening drug problem in the Philippines. It has been going on for so long; and I still think that the solution is not to crack down on drug addicts and some pushers, but to legitimately rehabilitate them, and to create the socio-economic conditions favorable for such.

- december-eak is near, CM, 201X-XXX6X Nakakaumay na minsan yung barabara lang na pagsasalita. 'Di naman siguro utak pulbura presidente natin no? Nakakapagod na 'yung puro na lang kuda tas babawiin. O ano nabwiset siya tas magbabanta na naman tapos di niya tototohanin? Ano 'to, game show? Laban o bawi?

- Ok?ok. 2014-xxxxx Bahala na yung 16M at Duterte youth na magdusa sa kanya. ARGHHHH - iCRIE, cas

A

nong movie title ang magsasalarawan ng semestre na ito para sa iyo, at bakit?

Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank ~ struggling to look okay kahit nalulunod ka na sa masamang elemento (exams x papers) - Mamshie, 2014 Enteng Kabisote and the Abangers.

Sana iligtas ni Enteng grades ko tapos Abangers na naman ako sa crush ko.

- kulong, 201* "Shake, Rattle and Roll." Coping mechanisms ko buong sem kasi legit scary mumz.

- maycrushkaybagsic, CAS, 2014 Starting Over. huhuhuuh. Buhay delayed at alanganin kung magreretake.

- hemightactuallylikemebutloveher, CAS, 2012 Now You See Me. Kasi habang mas lalong namulat ako sa mga isyu ng lipunan, mas marami na akong gawain sa mas maikling panahon sa acads at sa extra-curriculars (kasama na ang org-work, class activities, at pakikibaka) at medyo nahirapan na ako sa pacing, ngunit sumatotal masaya pa rin at kinakaya kahit nahihirapan.

- december-eak is near, CM, 201X-XXX6X Die Beautiful. Namatay ako sa acads ko this sem, pero maganda pa rin ako.

- Ok?ok. 2014-xxxxx Baka Bukas. Dahil langya naigapang ko 'tong sem sa kaka-procrastinate.

- mike wheeler stan, 2015-xyzabc How to lose a guy in 10 days. Pero sa totoo lang hindi guy yung mawawala but standing. Hahahahuhu - iCRIE, cas The plot to kill hitler. Yep. - oscar, 2013 Gladiator. Kasi sa dami ng hanash ko ngayong sem. Gusto ko na lang isigaw sa tadhana na "Are you not entertained?!"

- Popoy, PeramCollege, 2011-XXXX9 Poker Night. It's a gamble, it's risky, it's a nightmare.

- brOKenNfriendzonedNdelayed 5 to 7 - pero di pm kundi am kasi from 5 to 7 am lang tulog ko - KalaKoCoolTayo, CAS, 2014-2XXXX Frozen (♪Bumitaw, bumitaw♪) - politicalwill, CAS, 2014 Di Na Natututo.

- mangiyacngiyac, 2014

08 FEATURES

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

ILLS OF THE NATION Probing the Dichotomous Views of Being Pro-Marcos and Anti-Marcos MIKA ANDREA OCAMPO RAMIREZ ILLUSTRATION BY ABIGAIL BEATRICE MALABRIGO

Throughout the course of history, the Philippines has always been a nation afflicted with countless plagues that threaten its people’s solidarity.

This year marks the dawn of the emergence of a new disease—one that awaits the perfect moment to spread and become epidemic.

The disease has clearly shown its destructive effects, as it ravishes each individual’s psyche. Its symptoms have the capacity to inflict devastating harm, displaying its great power in slashing through healing wounds and scars. It fills individual minds with thoughts of division and discord, poisoning the ideas of unity and harmony.

Its severity leads to the further destruction of a nation—one wherein the divided people, complacent and resigned to their current predicament, become vulnerable, thus, opening themselves to being conquered.

MEDICAL HISTORY Although dangerously lethal at present, the plague first has to start small: finding a comfortable home before unleashing its terror.

The disease displayed its proverbial symptoms with the resurgence of the discussion on the burial of the former president and dictator, Ferdinand E. Marcos. With his name as the subject of debate, the disease, seemingly becoming sentient, awakens. Its motivation is not defined by bloodlust, but by nostalgia. With its emergence, the disease not only posed new health hazards but even picked on unhealed wounds of the past and scabs of the present.

First elected in the later part of 1965, Ferdinand E. Marcos implemented martial law across the entire archipelago on the 21st of September 1972, merely a few months before he was due to leave his first presidential seat. After numerous incidents of bombings that killed and injured government officials and civilians alike, Marcos blamed these occurrences on what he cited as the rising threat of

communism in the country. Hence, to curtail this dangerous threat, he set out Proclamation No. 1081, declaring Martial Law. Thereafter, he assumed complete authority of the entire Philippine government, while exercising his full powers as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The right of free speech during this period was suppressed and deemed unlawful, making the expression of subversive views highly illegal. However, regardless of the controlling and authoritarian nature of this period, Filipinos still managed to stand in opposition against the Marcos regime. Those who continued voicing out their discontent were imprisoned, tortured, or killed.

Violence was prevalent behind closed doors--masked behind campaigns for discipline, order, and peace. Many Filipinos, particularly vocal critics of the administration, were kidnapped, raped, mutilated, and killed in the most gruesome ways possible.

Torture was almost customary prior the victims’ deaths, and was applied without any exceptions or limitations. Pregnant women were waterboarded, children were shot dead, and innocents were killed.

Over 30 years have passed since a disease similar to this one emerged and 30 years later, it developed into something more lethal than ever.

Families have continued on living, in the face of still-missing relatives, orphaned children, and grieving mothers. However, even after three decades, the victims’ trauma remained fresh, enduring the test of time. Many victims, who are now mostly in their senior years, still have not forgotten the horrors that they faced before. In fact, Felix Dalisay, a member of Kabataang Makabayan (KM) in the ‘70s who is now 68 years old, looks upon his experiences in tears. According to him, “Until now, we bear the trauma then we are told to forget about the past. What about us, the victims?” Therefore, it enraged everyone when the possibility of Ferdinand E. Marcos’s burial in the country’s Heroes’ Cemetery, or Libingan ng mga Bayani (LMNB), was brought up—which in the end,

was even allowed.

The discussion regarding the Marcos burial started when President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support on the matter, with the intention of supposed national unity and healing. Unsurprisingly meeting a lot of opposition, it was decided that the matter will be ultimately handed over to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the country.

Last November 8, 2016, after much anticipation, the SC finally reached a decision: nine justices voted in favor of the Marcos burial, five voted against, and one voted to abstain. Reactions following the incident remained overwhelmingly negative, with many pledging to contest the decision. However, on November 18, 2016, merely ten days after the court’s verdict, it was announced that the remains of infamous dictator Ferdinand Marcos have been buried in the LMNB—leaving an air of horror to a nation shaken by the said decision.

Those who were still in the middle of protesting the SC’s decision were blindsided, since no prior statements by the government were released. The unfairness of the entire situation also became clearer, since the protesters, under Supreme Court rules, should have been given enough time in filing for a motion of reconsideration. In fact, according to the SC’s rules, they still had a week to do so, and with the motion in play, the burial will have to be postponed. However, as the events showed, the rights and the interests of the Filipino people have been swept under the rug and blatantly ignored once again.

has cemented the Marcos regime as a gruesome and bloody period in the country’s past. Hence, the Marcos burial, despite its claims of national healing, only managed to open up closed wounds and recover repressed horrors.

The plague imposes a greater danger on the nation—one that is legitimized and exacerbated by the SC’s decision. For instead of finally curing the disease, it only inflicts more damages on those involved.

The infection has not only affected the senses of Marcos supporters, but also resulted to the detriment of those against him. By rubbing salt on the victims’ wounds and taking ownership of their pain, the infection wreaks heavier havoc on all.

CURRENT DIAGNOSIS As the disease continues to spread and be transmitted from one person to another, it becomes stronger than it had been when it first emerged.

The situation has escalated and produced an ironic comparison: while there will never be a shortage of horrific anecdotes from the Martial Law era, there will also never be a shortage of Marcos supporters who would look past the atrocities of his regime and ignore the victims’ sufferings.

In spite of this, the late dictator’s supporters kept their calls to move on and get past the Marcos’ sins and atrocities. However, to move on is to forget the sufferings the nation underwent. But when an era of fascism has abused and killed thousands of people, it is not something you move on from, and definitely not something you forget, no matter how one rewrites history.

The assumptions that the late dictator’s devotees are apathetic are ultimately contradicted by their showcase of unwavering commitment and faith. To brand them cold and heartless would then be wrong and inappropriate. They simply do not believe in what the victims are fighting for, thinking that their statements are based on lies, with the conspiracy that these are fabricated by the Liberal Party; a significant portion of Philippine history, as most would remember, was defined by the conflict between the Aquinos and the Marcoses.

In enacting unforgivable violence and brutality, the Martial Law era gave birth to victims that will give testament to all of these. History

With the addition of fake data, and viral pictures that promote wrongful and illogical ideas in social media, their belief that the victims’

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

FEATURES 09

struggles are just propaganda materials of the Liberal Party. Thus, antiMarcos protesters are accused of being dilawan—a coined term for those who side with the Aquinos and the Liberal Party. As for those who support the late dictator, the Marcoses are always the oppressed, with the dissenters—the dilawan—as the villainous monsters. All they see is that the fight is always between the Marcoses and the Aquinos, and one always has to choose sides. They view it as factions having dispute and colors clashing in all avenues, overlooking the significance and logic of their advocacies.

through their own volition; for the treatment to their disease is one that shall come from within. Through recognizing the merits of each side and acknowledging the biases each faction may have, an agreement may be reached, and an alliance formed.

Zealous Marcos supporters continue to cite the loyalty of the dilawan to the Aquinos. The dilawans, as they continue to be, refuse to acknowledge the atrocities committed by the Aquinos, and instead put the blame on former president Ferdinand E. Marcos.

They then assert Marcos’ credibility by pointing out his contributions in Philippine society, such as the LRT, and NLEX, among others.

For them, Marcos was the best president the Philippines ever had, for he built the Philippines into the best that it ever was and will be.

While some of their notions have long been disproved and shown to be irrational, these remain to be the

reasons that empower Marcos supporters in fighting for their hero. In branding their opponents as dilawan, followers of the late dictator prove themselves to be the hosts of the infectious disease. This affliction, as mentioned before, leads to an overwhelming increase in animosity within the Filipino people, causing them to be divided into factions.

The illness that allows Marcos loyalists to mark those against their beliefs as dilawan effectively also brands them as pro-Aquino or anti-Duterte, resulting in a greater conflict. This another struggle creates more division in an already conflicted community.

With the population fighting over something as nonsensical as this false dichotomy, they neglect to see the reality of the situation, allowing these pervasive ideas to continue poisoning the minds of the Filipino people. In addition, this blackand-white thinking undermines the power of the Filipino mind, which can analyze complex ideas without resorting to a dichotomous thinking.

T h e dichotomy of the anti-Marcos and the dilawan fails in its intent of disproving the other side in favor of their own to be deemed the rightful one. In fact, all it does is bring detriment to the Filipino people, by causing a rift in the community. With a divided nation, people then allow themselves to be vulnerable against oppression. And as long as the dichotomy continues to exist, people will remain distracted from the real issues at hand.

As of now, there is a low chance of the disease being eradicated, due to the dichotomous views between the anti-Marcos and the pro-Aquino labels. The stubbornness and closemindedness of those infected do not only give their ideas power, but also allow the disease to continue ravishing them.

One of the plague’s hallmarks is its penchant for attacking people’s sight, blinding them with an illusion. In this case, a black-andwhite one, disallowing them from looking at the complex gray areas in between. Despite this, it is important to note that people can cure themselves of their affliction

The Marcos burial issue is not a fight in a battlefield, nor in a cemetery meant for heroes. The conflict that fuels it is caused by a disease in the hearts of the country’s citizens that refuses to be cured; unless they uphold the virtues of honor, freedom, and justice. It will not be eradicated until all biases are stripped off, and reality is introduced to the delusional. However, the curing of this disease is not only the problem of Martial Law victims.

Hence, the battle against this sick injustice is for all, and fought by all. Despite these, the Filipino people have to remain united. And with the idea that they are all the same, with one shared plight, the plague, no matter how severe, has no match against the collective force of Filipino people. No color will prevail or divide their united front, for only one color matters— the bright, pulsing red of the one blood that runs through their veins.

10 FEATURES

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

Madalas Mediocre Film Festival Ang Industriya ng Pelikulang Pinoy bilang Repleksyon ng Lipunan MARI LOREAL MARQUEZ VALDEZ

P a s ko n a ! O r a s n a n a m a n p a r a pu m i l a s a t a k i ly a .

Te a s e r p a l a ng ng p a b or ito mong f i l m fe s t i v a l, h a lo s bu mu l a n a a ng bi big mo s a k a g a l a k a n.

Ng u n it , m ay p a s a b og a ng t au n a ng mong p a n at a : t ap o s n a r aw a ng m a l i l ig ay a ng a r aw ng p e l i k u l a t u ng kol s a mg a m at at a nd a ng s up e rhe ro at mg a kome d y a nte ng m at a g a l n a ng n a g l a l a ro s a pi n i l a k a ng t a bi ng.

I s a ng t a nong l a ng a ng pu m a s ok s a i s ip a n mo: p a a no n a s i E nte ng?

G a a no k a m a n k a- e mot ion a l ly i nve s te d sa n a g a n ap na p a g b a b a go s a i yong C h r i s t m a s h a bit , i nd i k a s yon ito ng i mplu we n s i y a ng s i n i ng , p a r t i k u l a r ng p e l i k u l a , s a p a g hu b og s a i yong p a n a n aw at p a g k at ao. Su b a l it , bu ng a ng i s a ng l ipu n a ng mu l at n a pi n a g k a k a k it a a n a ng l a h at ng b a g ay, m a g i ng a ng p a g t u r i ng s a obr a ay lu m i l i h i s n a ng l ay u n i n—k u ng s a a n a ng s i n i ng ay n a s u s u k at n a s a h a l a g a ng merk ado at h i nd i sa kont r i bus yon n ito s a p a g hu hu l m a ng s a r i l i ng k u lt u r a .

Mone y Ma k i ng Fi l m Fes t iva l Tr ad i s yon b a ng p a m i ly a mong m a g s i ne t u w i ng K ap a sk u h a n?

Ku ng h i nd i naman ay

DIBUHO NI MARIE ANGELU DE LUNA PAGOBO

n a r a md a m a n mo na b a ng m a a bu r ido s a d a m i ng t ao s a mg a m a l l d a h i l s a d a m i ng m a nono o d s a s i neh a n? A l i n m a n s a d a l aw a , s ig u r adong n ap a- sh a ke, r at t le, a nd rol l k a s a b a l it a ng w a l a n a s i n a B o s s i ng at V ic e s a t au n a ng fe s t i v a l ng ayong t aon.

Tu l ad ng a ng p a b or itong s log a n ng mg a P i no y, # C h a ngeI s C om i ng n a r i n p a r a s a p e l i k u l a ng P i l ipi no.

Sa paglabas ng pre s t i h i yo s ong kom ite ng Me t ro M a n i l a F i l m Fe s t i v a l ng i n a a b a ng a ng M a g ic 8 —k u ng s a a n k it a ng m a s pi n a b or a n ng mg a hu r ado a ng c r a f t s m a n sh ip ng mg a p e l i k u l a i m bi s n a a ng p ote n s i y a l n itong m a k a a n i ng k it a—h i nd i n a iw a s a n a ng p a ga l m a ng i i l a ng m ad l a (at k a h it n i B o s s i ng V ic at Mot he r L i ly) s a de s i s yon at b a gong p at a k a r a n ng kom ite. G o o d luc k d aw s a p a ga b ot ng quot a ng pu m ap a lo s a i s a ng bi lyon, l a lo n a s a k l a s e ng p e l i k u l a ng ip ap a l a b a s ng ayong t aon (n a k a r a m i h a n ay mu l a s a s m a l l-bud ge t pro duc t ion hou s e s at i nde p e nde nt c omp a n ie s).

D u lot m a n ng a l at w it h bit ter ne s s on t he s ide o k u ng a no p a m a ng i b a ng d a h i l a n a ng g a n itong p a n a n aw ng i b a ng m ad l a , h i nd i r i n m a i k a k a i l a a ng g u l at ng mg a ito s a p a g k i l i ng ng l i ne up ng f i l m fe s t i v a l s a i nd ie s ng ayong t aon i m bi s n a s a dom i n a nte ng lok a l n a blo c k bu s te r f l ic k s s a me rk ado. A ng k a k a i b a ng p a g p ap a a nd a r sa Me t ro Manila F i l m Fe s t i v a l— k u ng saan b a h a g y a n g i s i n a s a r a ng lok a l na i n d u s t r i y a a ng pi nto n ito s a mg a dayuhang naglalako ng k a n i l a ng p e l i k u l a —k a s i a ng n a g i ng tuntungan n g

mg a lok a l n a ne go s y a nte at pro duc t ion hou s e up a ng l a lo p a ng m a k a a n i ng k it a .

S a i s a ng l ipu n a n k u ng s a a n l a h at ng b a g ay ay pu we de ng p at aw a n ng pre s yo, n a k a i s ip a ng mg a ne go s y a nte ng p a r a a n up a ng p at u lo y n a p a i k ut i n a ng ekonom i y a sa i ndu s t r i y a ng pelikula.

Na h a h at i l a ng a ng komp e t i s yon sa p a g it a n ng n a g l a l a k i h a n g pro duc t ion hou s e s.

Na g i ng b e ne pi s y a l a ng p a g k a k a ro on ng m a l a l a k i ng k apit a l para m a k a buo ng pelikula s ap a g k at mas n a bi big y a n ng p a g k a k at aong m a k ap a g p a l a b a s sa mg a m a nono o d. S a d a l a s ng e x p o s u re ng mg a p e l i k u l a ng m a i n s t re a m, n a g k a k a ro on s i l a ng pr i bi leh i yong m a g k a ro on ng re g u l a r n a t at a ng k i l i k ng k a n i l a ng p e l i k u l a .

B u ko d s a n a s a k a n i l a a ng a l a s d a h i l s a k a k ay a h a n n i l a ng m a k ap a g p a l a b a s ng p e l i k u l a s a n ap a k a r a m i ng s i neh a n s a buong P i l ipi n a s, m ay ro on d i n s i l a ng b a sb a s ng mg a n a g l a l a k i h a ng kome d y a nte at bit u i n sa k a s a lu k u y a ng p a n a hon. D a gd a g a n p a ng e x t r a k it a mu l a s a s p on s ore d br a nd s at s e me nt adong s e me nt ado na, h a l i m b aw a , a ng 20 t h i n s t a l l me nt ng p e l i k u l a ng f a nt a s y- c ome d y n a dek a- dek ad a n a l a ng n a k i k it a s a t a k i ly a .

S a k a s a lu k u y a ng p a g b a b a gong n a g a g a n ap s a mu ndo ng lok a l n a p e l i k u l a , up a ng protek t a h a n a ng m at a g a l n a ng pi n a g h i r ap a ng v ie we r sh ip, g i n a m it d i n ng mg a n a g l a l a k i h a ng komp a ny a a ng mg a k at a g a ng “A ng P a sko ay p a r a s a mg a b at a ,” o “A ng P a sko ay p a r a s a m a s a” up a ng

de p e n s a h a n at

p a n at i l i h i n a ng k a n i l a ng pu we s to s a pipi l a h a n ng mg a m a nono o d s a d a r at i ng n a P a sko.

G i n a m it ng mg a ne go s y a nte a ng ord i n a r yong m a m a m ay a n m a big y a n l a ng s i l a ng k au nt i ng d a nyo s mu l a sa b a gong C h r i s t m a s b onu s.

Ito a ng n a g i ng t u nt u ng a n ng g a h ig a nte ng mg a komp a ny a up a ng m a n at i l i s a t ug atog ng mg a p at i mp a l a k t u l ad ng Me t ro M a n i l a F i l m Fe s t i v a l.

B u ng a ng o ve re x p o s u re ng mg a g a n itong p a l a b a s, ‘ d i n a b a le k u ng me d yo but a s a ng s c r ip t , hou s ehold n a me n a m a n n a at k i l a l a n a m a n ng mg a t ao. S a g a n itong p a r a a n ng p a g b e nt a ng pro du k to, n a kokond i s yon a ng m ad l a n a t ig n a n a ng g a n itong p e l i k u l a bi l a ng de k a l i bre i m bi s n a m a g h a n ap p a ng i b a ng p e l i k u l a ng m a s m a k a k apu k aw ng ate n s yon at p a g-i i s ip. Ku m b a g a s a p a g k a i n, ‘ d i p a k a s i n a k a k at i k i m ng m a s m a s a r ap k ay a n a k u k u nte nto n a s a k a r a n iw a ng i n i h a h a i n.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

PHOTO ESSAY 11 September 21, 2016. Mendiola. Various progressive groups gather to commemorate the victims of the Martial Law and condemn the atrocities committed by the Marcos administration against the people.

July 25, 2016. Batasan Road. Women joins the massive mobilization in support of Duterte's incoming administration amidst the police barricades.

August 1, 2016. College of Pharmacy. Students hold a protest action to call on the administration to junk all neoliberal attacks on education.

August 25, 2016. UP Manila-Philippine General Hospital. Students conduct a snake rally within campus to protest against eUP, SAIS and STS.

October 13, 2016. Along Taft. Student organizations from universities meet Lakbayani delegates in line with the system-wide Rise Against Neo-liberal Attacks On the Youth and People action.

November 25, 2016. Towards Luneta. Following the National Day of Unity and Rage, different sectors joined to assail the Supreme Court ruling regarding the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos and slammed historical revisionism that allows the violation of human rights and oppression of the people during the Marcos regime to be ignored.

12 GRAPHICS

NEW YEAR...

FROM P.16

Ang mga balitang nauulinigan lang natin sa araw-araw, gaano man kalubha, ay binibigyang-pansin tuwing katapusan ng taon na para bang itong mga pangyayari ang tatatak sa nasabing taon at sa ganoong paraan lamang ito pagtutuunan. Kunsabagay, hindi trabaho ng mainstream media ang maging historyador. Sanggunian man sila ng kasaysayan ay ibang tao pa rin ang bahala sa pagsusuri: kung paanong nagkakaugnay ang mga naganap sa isang mas malaki, mabigat, at mahalagang istorya. Bunsod ng ganitong klaseng pagbabalik-tanaw, namamanhid ang tao sa pagtanggap ng balita na tila walang pinagkaiba ang nakaraan sa mga susunod pang taon.

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

MKULAY

VINCE DE DIOS PAULINE TIOSIN

Posibleng maging kritikal ang lipunan kung ipapalaganap ang edukasyong makabayan, makamasa, at siyentipiko. Ang nasyonalismo ay hindi na lamang konseptong kailangang kabisaduhin, kundi isapuso at isapraktika. Ang pagtuon sa pag-unlad ay sumasaklaw na sa pangkalahatan. Ang pagturing sa balita ay hindi na lamang isinasawalang-bahala kundi sinisipat.

Dito matitimbang kung ang bawat taon ba’y lumalayo o lumalapit sa tunay na kalayaan.

Maiisip tuloy ng karaniwang tao, kung ang mga kaganapan sa kanyang kapaligiran ay labas sa sariling kontrol, mawawalan na rin siya ng ganang makilahok. Ang pagsuong niya sa pagtakbo ng isang buong taon ay malilimitahan na lamang sa pagiging sunod-sunurang walang boses, taliwas sa karapatan ng bawat mamamayan na maging social actor — ang kanyang kontribusyon ay tuwirang makaaapekto sa lipunan hindi lang sa ngayon kundi sa hinaharap.

Posibleng maging kritikal ang lipunan kung ipapalaganap ang edukasyong makabayan, makamasa, at siyentipiko. Ang nasyonalismo ay hindi na lamang konseptong kailangang kabisaduhin, kundi isapuso at isapraktika. Ang pagtuon sa pag-unlad ay sumasaklaw na sa pangkalahatan. Ang pagturing sa balita ay hindi na lamang isinasawalang-bahala kundi sinisipat.

Dito matitimbang kung ang bawat taon ba’y lumalayo o lumalapit sa tunay na kalayaan.

Kung may masamang nangyari o mangyayari na damay pati sunod na henerasyon, hindi ito “nagkataon lang”; epekto ito ng kapabayaan. Bakit pa hihintayin hanggang bisperas para maging mapanuri? Angkinin

namamanhid ang tao sa pagtanggap ng balita na tila walang pinagkaiba ang nakaraan sa mga susunod pang taon.

Maiisip tuloy ng karaniwang tao, kung ang mga kaganapan sa kanyang kapaligiran ay labas sa sariling kontrol, mawawalan na rin siya ng ganang makilahok. Ang pagsuong niya sa pagtakbo ng isang buong taon ay malilimitahan na lamang sa pagiging sunod-sunurang walang boses, taliwas sa karapatan ng bawat mamamayan na maging social actor — ang kanyang kontribusyon ay tuwirang makaaapekto sa lipunan hindi lang sa ngayon kundi sa hinaharap.

ang pagkakataon ng buong taon para patalasin ang pagtanaw sa daigdig.

Maituturing na rebolusyon ang pagbalik ng mundo sa una nitong posisyon simula noong natutong magbilang ng oras ang sanlibutan.

Ngunit, ang depinisyon ng tunay na rebolusyon ay malayo sa pagsiklo; kumikilos ito pasulong upang itaas ang antas ng pamumuhay ng masa.

Bilang man ang araw ng taon, kapangyarihan ng pagkakaisa ang huhubog sa agos ng tadhana.

Ang mga balitang nauulinigan lang natin sa araw-araw, gaano man kalubha, ay binibigyang-pansin tuwing katapusan ng taon na para bang itong mga pangyayari ang tatatak sa nasabing taon at sa ganoong paraan lamang ito pagtutuunan. Kunsabagay, hindi trabaho ng mainstream media ang maging historiador. Sanggunian man sila ng kasaysayan ay ibang tao pa rin ang bahala sa pagsusuri: kung paanong nagkakaugnay ang mga naganap sa isang mas malaki, mabigat, at mahalagang istorya. Bunsod ng ganitong klaseng pagbabalik-tanaw,

Kung may masamang nangyari o mangyayari na damay pati sunod na henerasyon, hindi ito “nagkataon lang”; epekto ito ng kapabayaan. Bakit pa hihintayin hanggang bisperas para maging mapanuri? Angkinin ang pagkakataon ng buong taon para patalasin ang pagtanaw sa daigdig.

Maituturing na rebolusyon ang pagbalik ng mundo sa una nitong posisyon simula noong natutong magbilang ng oras ang sanlibutan.

Ngunit, ang depinisyon ng tunay na rebolusyon ay malayo sa pagsiklo; kumikilos ito pasulong upang itaas ang antas ng pamumuhay ng masa.

Bilang man ang araw ng taon, kapangyarihan ng pagkakaisa ang huhubog sa agos ng tadhana.

GRAPHICS 13

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

a ng p a g k a k at aong m a s m a g i ng m ap a nu r i at k r it i k a l p a s a mg a p e l i k u l a ng pi n ap a no o d n i l a . S a l ipu n a ng p at u lo y n a pi n at at a k b o ng k apit a l i s mo, m a g i ng a ng p a g k i l a l a s a s i n i ng at k u lt u r a ay n a i s a s a nt a bi a l a ng- a l a ng s a p a ng a ko ng p a n a nd a l ia ng op yong n ad ad a l a ng mg a p e l i k u l a ng but a s -but a s m a n a ng l a m a n ay k ay a n a m a ng m a k ap a gd a l a ng ‘ lugo d ’ s a k a lu lu w a .

LIWANAG GENEVIEVE IGNACIO SEÑO POLITICAL...

FROM P.14

and white”. The issue, however, is not confined here, and it includes progress of housing projects for the victims of the devastation of Yolanda that have been suspended for over three years.

The slow rehabilitation of areas that the supertyphoon has caused heavy wreakage upon is of greater concern than the ridiculous play in politics that distract people from what they really should be involved with.

The spectacle goes beyond factions in politics and the rule of the elite.

Philippine politics has become a grand circus, for those watching the country from outside and for those being toyed with inside the country.

Thus, it is a great challenge for those who are aware to step up and awaken the masses. Do not give up in calling for socio-economic reforms that will enhance national development. Do not conform to bureaucratic capitatlism, feudalism and imperialism that devalue our internal growth. Instead, be in one with the struggles of the people – the farmers, academic employees, health workers, the youth, national minorities, laborers.

Campaign for change and revolution in society and unite the Filipinos in a cause for promoting equality, justice and peace in the country. End the cycle of games that renders the population naïve to the truth.

MADALAS...

MeMa Fi l m Fes t iva l ‘D i g ay a ng d at i mong jow a n a n i l a mon ng n a k a r a a n, a ng p a n it i k a n ay ‘ d i m ap a g lu lu m a a n s ap a g k at k ay a n itong s u m a b ay s a d a lo y ng p a n a hon.

Mu l a s a mg a nob e l a n i D r. Jo s e R i z a l h a ng g a ng s a pu bl i she d Wat t p ad s tor ie s, a ng b aw at k u we nto ay k ay a n a ng big y a n ng bu h ay s a p a m a m a g it a n ng p e l i k u l a . Ult i mo ng a i yong mg a f ic t ion a l te x t- s e r ye h a l i m b aw a , a ng V i nc e & K at h & Ja me s, ay k ay a r i ng g aw a n ng p e l i k u l a at ip a l a b a s s a d a r at i ng n a M M F F. A ng mg a k u we ntong n a i l a l ap at up a ng m a ip a l a b a s s a t a k i ly a ay m a n ip e s t a s yon ng g a mp a n i n ng p e l i k u l a s a p a g hu l m a at p a g hu b og ng k u lt u r a ng i s a ng n a s yon.

Su b a l it , du lot ng n a k a g aw ia ng p a g t a ng k i l i k s a mg a p e l i k u l a ng m a s n a k at uon s a p a g bi big ay ng p a n a nd a l i a ng p a n a hon p a r a m a g i ng “m a s ay a”, n a k u k u long a ng mg a m a nono o d s a k a hon k u ng s a a n a ng p e l i k u l a ay pi n ap a no o d l a m a ng p a r a s a p a n a nd a l i a ng p a mp a lu b a glo ob. B u ng a ng k a s a n ay a n ng m ad la s a m a i n s t re a m na p el i k u la

FROM P.10 na m ad a l a s na for mu l a ic l a m a ng a ng s c r ip t , n a h i h i r ap a n a ng i l a ng m a nono o d n a m a g i ng bu k a s s a p e l i k u l a ng t a l iw a s s a n a k a s a n ay a n. S a p a g k a k a ro on ng g a n itong p a n a n aw, l a lo t u lo y lu m a l ayo a ng m a s a s a p a g s i l ip s a k a ny a ng l ipu n a n g a m it a ng p a n i b a gong le nte.

B a k it ng a n a m a n t at a ng k i l i k p a ng i b a ng p a l a b a s k u ng n a r i y a n n a m a n p a l a g i s i E nte ng at V ic e at a ng p a n i b a gong p a m i ly a ng I nt s i k s a b a gong k a b a n at a ng M a no Po n a a l a m a ng k i l it i ng m a nono o d ? M a s n a i i s ip ng m ad l a n a p a g l a a n a n n a l a ng ng p e r a a ng p e l i k u l a ng m a s m a gd ad a l a s a k a n i l a ng or a s p a r a m a k a l i mot s a g l it mu l a s a h i r ap ng bu h ay i m bi s n a p a g l a a n a n ng p e r a a ng p e l i k u l a ng m a g p ap a a l a l a s a k a n i l a ng re a l id ad ng bu h ay. S a g a n itong l a g ay, g i n a g a m it n a a ng p e l i k u l a bi l a ng p a r a a n ng e sk api s mo i m bi s n a p a ng mu l at at lu ndu y a n p a r a y u m a b ong a ng p a n a n aw s a s a r i l i ng k u lt u r a .

M a n ip e s t a s yon a ng g a n itong p a g t u r i ng s a p e l i k u l a ng e p ek to ng e du k a s yon s a l ipu n a n. B u ng a ng k a k u l a ng a n s a p a g bi big ay p a n s i n s a mg a a s ig n at u r a ng n a g t at a l a k ay ng s i n i ng at k u lt u r a , n at at a ng g a l s a m a s a

Ku ng m a g p ap at u lo y a ng g a n itong p a g t u r i ng sa p e l i k u l a ng P i l ipi no, h i nd i h a m a k n a l a lo p a ng d ad a m i a ng mg a p a l a b a s n a s u me s e nt ro l a m a ng s a i lu s yon ng re a l id ad k u ng saan a ng l a h at ay m a s ay a at l a h at ng proble m a ay n a re re s ol b a s a p a g b a b at i ng d a l aw a ng m a g k a aw ay n a p a n ig. A ng s i ne, bi l a ng i s a ng i n s t r u me nto ng p a g hu b og ng l ipu n a n, ay m a g lu lu w a l ng m ad l a ng n a bu bu h ay s a k u lt u r a ng dek ade nte, t a m ad m a g-i s ip, at m ad a l a ng m a g s u r i.

Ku m b a g a s a i s a ng p e l i k u l a , n a k u k u long l a ng a ng m a s a s a p au l it-u l it n a p a g g a m it ng plot de v ic e s at g a sg a s n a g a sg a s a ng s c r ip t n a w a l a ng i n i iw a ng pu w a ng para sa k a ny a ng de ve lopme nt .

M a l a k i a ng re s p on s i bi l id ad ng p e l i k u l a s a p a g hu l m a s a p a gi i s ip at a s a l ng m a nono o d. A no m a ng s i n i ng ay re plek s yon ng k ap a s id ad ng l ipu n a n n a p ay a bu ng i n a ng s a r i l i n itong k u lt u r a .

Ng u n it k u ng a ng b a l a n s e s a p a g it a n ng p a g g aw a ng s i n i ng ay m a s n a k a s a nd ig s a p a g k a l ap ng k it a , m a n a n at i l i ng m a b a b a a ng k a le d ad ng p a l a b a s n a m a g p ap ay a b ong s a n a s a i s ip ng m ad l a , at m a n a n at i l i ng n a kokomprom i s a a ng k u lt u r a k ap a l it ng p e r a .

A ng p a g mu l at sa s a r i l i ng k u lt u r a ay n a k a s a nd ig sa p a g k a k a ro on ng i s a ng s i ye nt ipi ko, m a k a b ay a n, at m a k a m a s a ng e du k a s yon.

M a r a h i l ay m a bi big y a n l a ng ng p a g k a k at aon n a m a g pro d y u s ng de k a l i bre ng p e l i k u l a ng P i l ipi no k u ng m a i k i k i nt a l s a k a n i l a ng i s ip a n a ng h a l a g a ng s i n i ng at k u lt u r a s a p a g bu buo s a k a n i l a ng n a s yon a l n a ide nt id ad.

S ap a g k at a ng s i ne ay h i nd i l a ng lug a r n a m ap a g k u k u n a n ng p a n a nd a l ia ng s ay a , ito ay bu lw a g a n d i n ng bu h ay ng k u lt u r a ng i s a ng b ay a n.

14 OPINION Truth Be Told Mico Cortez A ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

PASSIVE TENSE

But high school, as we all already know, is vastly different to UP.

The socio-political system in the Philippines unfolds like a circus – a mere entertainment for the few elites ruling it. The government shows no initiative in directing the country to progress, but instead favors the privileged minorities from whom it can gain from. The ensuing patronage system causes politics to be restricted to those who are wealthy and in power. Furthermore, the haunting prevalence of graft and corruption in the Philippine government entails the lack of justice and prioritization for the welfare of the people. It is harrowing to think that money truly makes the world go round, and in the case of our country, mainly motivates people to enjoin in politics.

Back in my freshman year, I had heard all of the horror stories about the dreaded Math 11. The first time my block and I took that subject, we were all extremely anxious. As we sat in that small, cramped, GAB classroom, the tension was palpable as we waited for which professor would walk through the door and stand in front.

Last December 4, goons of the Cojuanco-Aquinos attacked and evicted farmers from Barangay Mapalacsiao near Hacienda Luisita.

Sadly, the government turns a blind eye at the attempt of the CojuancoAquinos in taking advantage of the delay in the decision for land

“Seen” That was my parents’ reply - rather, lack thereof - when I told them that I had failed a major subject. Actually, I had failed several, but just one was all it took to delay my graduation.

This isn’t new to anyone in UP Manila.

To be honest, I was kind of expecting this since Day 1 of freshman year.

Throughout elementary and high school, I was an okay student. I occasionally failed some exams, forgot to pass some homeworks, but overall I managed to survive and graduate.

To our pleasant surprise, it was one renowned for being strict but a great teacher. That semester went by quickly. What did not go by quickly was the fact that I had failed two out of the three departmental examinations.

I passed the last one, but only barely.

And so, as the time came to prepare for the final exam, I gave it my all knowing full well that the odds were stacked against me. I prepared as much as I could, hoping to beat the odds, hoping to pass.

Plot twist: I didn’t.

It turns out numbers would always be my Achilles’ heel. As soon as I got my class card, I knew that I had just blown it. So I messaged my parents, apologized, promised to do better, and all I got was ‘Seen’.

I thought they’d be furious. I thought they’d cut my allowance or make me quit from my orgs. But when I got home later that day, they sat me down and said that they had failed in the past too. They just didn’t stop there. They kept trying, kept pushing forward until they eventually made it.

And that’s what they wanted me to do.

It’s now my third time taking Math 11.

I’m pretty sure I’m going to pass, but I wouldn’t want to jinx it.

Getting that sablay’s not easy, and it will never be. Graduating on time isn’t easy. But sometimes, it’s when you take the road less traveled that you find the right path for you. I’m not saying it’s a great thing to be delayed; just that, maybe, this is how things will best work out for me. And maybe, it’s how things will best work out for you too.

I’ll catch you next time.

POLITICAL CIRCUS

EUNICE BIÑAS HECHANOVA

BABAYLAN

distribution among farmers and ignores the violation of human rights waged against the farmers. The inefficient response to this kind of injustice highlights the absence of compassion of the government for the farmers who labor in tilling the land, and simply, the majority of the population in the country.

It is harrowing to

think that money truly makes the world go round, and in the case of our country, mainly motivates people to enjoin in politics.

The game does not only include the terrorism on the farmers and the deprivation of justice to them, but also the seizure of lands that have been long-promised to be distributed to the them. The feudal lords fashion a kingdom that only benefit

Yes, the Philippine government is a so-called democracy. It is an avenue wherein the elite can do as they please under the guise of encouraging free markets and the growth of the business sector. Who really benefits from this kind of set-up?

Another news that slapped Filipinos in the face yesterday was the resignation of Vice President Leni Robredo as Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairperson. Due to the schism already caused by the dominating political parties in the Philippines, the opinion of the masses were likewise divided.

Mostly, the population focused on the visible opposition in views of the President and the Vice President in the belief that politics is just “black CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

PATRICIA ANNE LACTAO GUERRERO

ANG BABAE SA GITNA NG DIGMAAN

Nagtungo sa kalsada ang mga bata para maglaro ng patintero, piko, tagutaguan. Lahat sila ay nakayapak. Si Andy, ang pinakamatayog sa lahat, walang imik. Puno ng misteryo ang kaniyang mata, hindi siya madalas magsalita. Nasa isang sulok lamang sa loob ng silid-aralan. Nakahiwalay sa karamihan. Ngunit payapa naman ang kaniyang kalooban, ang kaisipan niya lamang ay puno ng katanungan.

siya ng poot at galit. Habang patuloy niyang pinakikinggan ang bulungbulungan ng mga kasama, habang patuloy silang pinaglalaro ng takbuhan, patintero, tagu-taguan tila ba ginagawa silang kakatawanan.

Noong isang araw, sumama siyang maglaro sa mga batang minsan niya lamang nakita, nakasalamuha.

Namitas ng mga bulaklak, nakipaghabulan, tumawa. Hindi siya kinikilala ng kaniyang mga bagong kasama. Hindi tinatanong ang kaniyang totoong pangalan, kung saan siya nakatira. Mahalaga lamang sa kaniyang mga kasama ay marunong siyang maglaro at nais niyang matuto ng iba’t ibang laro, interesado siyang makinig sa kuwentong bayan.

Nakikipagkwentuhan ang mga ito sa kaniya pero kahit tanging tango, iling at ngiti ang kaniyang sagot ay ayos na. At sa pagsapit ng hapunan, kinailangan niyang magpaalam.

Habang patuloy

Nagtungo sa nayon ang iba nilang kasama. Bumalik siya sa lugar kung saan niya unang natagpuan ang mga kalaro. Kaunti na lamang sila ngayon, ngunit pareho pa rin ang sigla.

Masikhay sa paglalaro sa kalsada.

Hanggang sa hindi na saya ang nararamdaman ni Andy. Napupuno

themselves, and further oppresses the people. However, the employment of armaments to harass and intimidate the farmers from their lands is only the start of their game. We already know what they can do in full power.

Sa dulo ng linya, nahagip ng kaniyang paningin ang apoy ng sulo. Nagbabaga at nagdadala ng init sa buo niyang

niyang pinakikinggan ang bulung-bulungan ng mga kasama, habang patuloy silang pinaglalaro ng takbuhan, patintero, tagu-taguan tila ba ginagawa silang kakatawanan. katawan. Naalala niya ang paggulpi sa kaniya ng kaniyang ina nang minsan siya nitong datnan na naglalaro ng apoy. Lumiliyab na ang basurahang puno ng makakapal na papel na pinagsulatan ng mga akdang ninais niyang mabasa. Napuno siya ng takot, nagdala ng pangamba ang bawat letra. Sinindihan niya ang posporo at itinapon sa basurahan nasasabik sa pag-alab ng apoy na magsisimula sa mumunti hanggang sa tupukin ang lahat ng maaaring masupil ng apoy. Naaaliw siya sa kinang ng apoy, natutuwa sa kaisipang wala na ang

librong nagdala sa kaniyang ng takot sa mga nakaraang buwan- kung saan mas nahulog siya sa mas malalim na pag-iisip at pananahimik. Napagtanto niyang marupok ang kasaysayang nakasulat lamang sa mga papel na hindi binabasa ninuman. Madaling pa lang kalimutan ang mga istoryang walang totoong basehan, ngunit ito ang tinuturing ng kalakhan ng tao bilang kasaysayan.

Pinagalitan siya ng kaniyang ina. Hindi makapaniwala sa kaniyang ginawa.

Hindi inaasahang ang panganay na anak ay may kapalapuang tinatago.

Sa araw na iyon niya kinumbinsi ang sarili para harapin ang katotohanan.

Hinayaan ang sarili na kamtin ang kalayaang pinagkakait sa kaniya ng kaisipang nakatali sa mga dapat at hindi dapat gawin ng mga tulad niyang nagsisimula pa lamang matuto at umunawa. Nagpatuloy siyang maglaro, kinalimutan ang nakaraang walang saysay, walang kinalaman sa saya ng pagliliwaliw sa kalye. Kinalimutan niyang ang mga librong isinulat ng mga taong nais patahimikin ang natutulog ng damdamin ng sinumang nais ng tumakas para kamtin ang matiwasay na buhay para sa sarili lamang.

Itinigil na niya ang pagbabasa at sinimulang mabuhay sa piling ng masa.

EDITORIAL 15

Volume 30 Numbers 7-8 December 9, 2016 | Friday

DANIELLE MONTEALEGRE RODRIGUEZ

N E W S C OR R E S P ON DE N T S

Elizabeth Danielle Quiñones Fodulla Patricia Anne Lactao Guerrero Eunice Biñas Hechanova Anton Gabriel Abueva Leron Sofia Monique Kingking Sibulo Arthur Gerald Bantilan Quirante Aries Raphael Reyes Pascua Adolf Enrique Santos Gonzales

F E AT U R E S C OR R E S P ON DE N T S Justin Danielle Tumenez Francia Chloe Pauline Reyes Gelera Liezl Ann Dimabuyu Lansang Jennah Yelle Manato Mallari Katrina Maria Limpiada Perolino Thalia Real Villela

KALAPATI

C U LT U R E C OR R E S P ON DE N T S Josef Bernard Soriano De Mesa Jose Lorenzo Querol Lanuza Agatha Hazel Andres Rabino

R E S I DE N T I L LUS T R AT OR S

Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag Michael Lorenz Dumalaog Raymundo Jose Paolo Bermudez Reyes Danielle Montealegre Rodriguez

R E S I DE N T P H O T OJOU R NA L I S T Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan

OF F IC E 4th Floor Student Center Building, University of the Philippines Manila, Padre Faura St. corner Ma. Orosa St., Ermita, Manila 1000 EMAIL themanilacollegian@gmail.com WEBSITES issuu.com/manilacollegian www.facebook.com/themanilacollegian www.twitter.com/mkule MEMBER

N

Solidaridad - UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations

The Cover

Illustration Jazmine Clare Martinez Mabansag & Jose Paolo Bermudez Reyes Layout Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan & Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag

Bagkus, ang mapagpasya pa rin ay ang sama-samang pagkilos ng mamamayan.

Sa pag-deklara ng Korte Suprema na bayani ang diktador at tuta ng imper yalismong U.S. na si Ferdinand Marcos, patuloy na dinarahas ang mga tunay na bayaning nagsusulong ng Ang onti-onting pagkamatay karapatan ng mga karaniwang ng mga bilanggong politikal ay Pilipino. Habang ginagawaran ng isang malakas na panggising mataas na pagpupugay ng estado sa tila natutulog na gobyerno ang isang mamamatay tao, ang ng Pilipinas. Ito ay panawagan mga mamamayang lumulaban na agarang tuparin ng GRP ang sa digmang mapagpalaya ay kanilang pangakong palayain patuloy na pinapaslang. Habang Ang mga bilanggong politikal ang mga political prisoner, inililibing ang magnanakaw na ito ay mga aktibista at mga bilang pagtangan na rin sa diwa sa Libingan ng mga Bayani, ordinar yong mamayan na ng International Human Rights’ patuloy na ibinabaon sa limot inaresto sa ng ating pangulo pamamagitan ang kanyang ng mga gawamga pangakoila y mga bayaning binigo ng -na pakinggan g a w a n g hustisya at tanging ang kilusan ng ang hinagpis ng kriminal na kaso. Kinasuhan mamamayan ang makapagpapalaya batayang masa. sila ng common crimes para Ang layunin sa kanila ng usapang itago ang paglabag sa pangkapayapaan karapatan nila—ang persekusyon Day tuwing ika-10 ng Disyembre. ay magkaroon ng mga at panunupil sa mga aksiyong Sila ay pinaparusahan sa mga makatarungang kapayapaan, pampolitika. Sa kasalukuyan, krimen na wala namang batayan. ngunit hindi ito matutupad may 482 na bilanggong pulitikal Sila ay pinaparusahan dahil sa kung hindi lulutasin ang ugat ng kung saan 130 ang may pagsulong ng mga demokratikong armadong tunggalian--kawalan karamdaman, 37 ang matatanda kahilingan ng masang anakpawis. ng lupa ng mga magsasaka, hindi na, at 33 ang kababaihan. makataong sitwasyon ng paggawa, Ang pakikibaka ng mamamayan korupsyon, kawalan ng abotHanggang ngayon ay patuloy para sa hustisya at kapayapaan kayang serbisyong panlipunan, at pa rin ang kanilang dalamhati ay malayo pang pagtahak sa iba pang demokratikong interes dahil sa bagal ng usad ng mga landas ng tunay na pagbabago na ng mamamayan. kasunduan ng GRP at ng NDFP. ikinampanya ng pangulo noong Simula pa lamang ng pag-upo ni eleksyon.

Binigo na tayo ng estado’t Korte Suprema, kaya malinaw na sa Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Ang mga kasalukuyang ating sama-samang pagkilos Secretar y Jesus Dureza at GRP kaganapan ay patunay lamang lamang nakasandig ang Panel Chairperson Silvestre Bello na wala sa kamay ni pangulong pagkakaroon ng isang lipunang III ay inanunsyo na nila ang Duterte ang tunay na pagbabago. pantay-pantay at malaya.

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College Editors Guild of the Philippines

pagpapalaya ng mga bilanggong politikal. Ipinagmamalaki pa nila ang pagpapalaya sa 70 noong nakaraang buwan. Ngunit ang pagkamatay ng mga bilanggong pulitikal nang isa-isa sa loob ng rehas ay patunay lamang na hindi pinapangatawanan ng GRP ang kanilang bahagi ng kasunduan.

oong nakaraang ika2 ng Disyembre, nakapagkasunduan ng lupon ng mga peace negotiators mula sa Gobyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas (GRP) at ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) na palayain ang higit kumulang na 400 na bilanggong pulitikal sa bansa.

Ang inihahapag ng NDFP sa usapang pangkapayapaan ay ang pagkakaloob ng “general, unconditional, and omnibus” na amnestiya sa lahat ng mga bilanggong pulitikal sa bansa.

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New Year, New Me Pakahulugan sa Pagsalubong ng Bagong Taon JOSEF BERNARD SORIANO DE MESA DIBUHO NI GENEVIEVE IGNACIO SEÑO

“TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN!” Sabay-sabay nang nagpakitanggilas ang mga karatig-baranggay sa pagpapaputok. Nagsitalon na ang mga bata. Nagsikalat na sa sahig ang mga baryang tinapon ng matatanda.

“SIX! FIVE! FOUR!” Kawawakas lang ng year-ender special.

In-effect na ang pagpapatupad ng New Year’s Resolution mo. Makakalayas ka na sa taong ito.

“THREE! TWO! ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Isang masigabong hatinggabi ang hudyat ng panibagong hamon.

Manigo (pandiwa) – halaw sa “nigo” na ibig sabihin ay tamaan ang inaasinta, makamtan ang hinahangad; (pang-uri) – pagpaparating na mapagtatagumpayan ang hinaharap Puspusan na ang paghahanda sa media noche. Nariyan ang fruit basket na dapat hugis-bilog lang ang nakapatong, ang mga baryang ihahagis, at higit sa lahat, ang pasasabuging mga paputok.

Mayaman ang Pilipinas sa tradisyon.

Kaakibat nito ang suwerteng hatid tuwing papasok sa bagong taon. Hindi nakapagtataka na tadtad ang loob at labas ng bahay ng mga pampasuwerte.

Lahat ng puwedeng huguting kasangkapan mula sa feng shui, bagwa man iyan o yung pusang walang kapaguran sa pagkaway, ilabas na.

Lakasan pa ang pagtorotot. Magsindi na ng kuwitis kahit palubog pa lang ang araw. Takot sa ingay iyang mga multong naghahatid ng kamalasan.

Putukan mo ng bala ang langit nang tuluyan silang maitaboy. Maya-maya, may duguan nang sinusugod sa ospital.

Pinutulan ng daliri, nilagari ang buto.

Alang-alang sa pag-akit ng suwerte.

Lagi’t laging katumbas ng suwerte ang paghiling sa tagumpay. Marami sa atin ang may inaasam-asam na positibong resulta kapag bumibili ng mga kagamitang ang alam natin ay may

dalang mistikong mala-pantasyang enerhiya. Ang nabibiyayaan naman talaga ng suwerte sa huli ay yung nagbebenta ng mga ito. Dito maoobserbahan na naging kapantay na ng tagumpay ang paglikom ng pera.

Mismong sa simpleng pagsuot ng damit na may polka dots (dahil barya daw ang sagisag nito) at sa pagsingit ng Ninong mong lasing ng tig-iisang libong piso sa bulsa ng kanyang mga inaanak, makikitang naging kakabit na ng pera ang paghingi ng suwerte.

Ang isang bagay na puwede namang ipagdiwang kahit walang ginagastos ay pinapatawan na ng presyo. Ang kalalabasan tuloy ay para mo na ring binibili ang suwerte, na siyang nakapagpapahiwalay sa mga kapospalad. Ang pampasuwerte ay ngayo’y simbolo na ng karangyaan. Umigting lang ang mapanghating katangian ng isang lipunang mala-piyudal.

Ang konsepto nga rin mismo ng “suwerte” ay bunga ng kasalukuyang kalagayan ng edukasyon. Masuwerte na ang tao kapag nakalayas na siya ng bansa. Masuwerte na ang tao kapag bayad niya ang matrikula. Masuwerte na ang tao kapag nilubayan na lang niya ang mga kamalasan sa paligid; madamay pa siya sa gulo kapag tinangka pa niyang mangialam.

Ganito ang produkto ng edukasyong kolonyal, komersyalisado, at pasista — nakakadagdag ng malas.

Sa pagsilang ng araw, kapag nakaligpit na ang mga burloloy at nakakahon ang pulbura, hindi sapat ang makipagsapalaran kung maghahanap lang ng kapalaran. Ang pagiging mapalad at manigo ay pagiging handa at mapagpasya.

Bago (pang-uri) – hindi luma, kamakailan lamang; (pang-ukol) – naganap sa naunang panahon Isa-isa na kayong nagbaliktanaw sa lahat ng mga katangi-tangi’t ‘di rin gaanong kasiya-siyang pangyayari sa nakalipas na taon. Dito mo napagtanto na ang ugat pala ng ilan mong pagkukulang ay mismong sariling

mong ugali. Kaya naisip mong gumawa ng New Year’s Resolution, kung saan nakalista ang mga nais mong baguhin sa iyong asal.

“Mag-aaral na ‘ko nang mabuti.”

“Magpapapayat na ako.” “Awat na talaga sa bisyo.” Tila pagpupurga sa inner demons ang litanya ng mga layunin.

Kaya naman pagsabit sa dingding ng walang alikabok at walang agiw na kalendaryo ay markado na ang January 1 bilang Day 1 ng pagpapanibagonghubog mo. (Pwede namang isabukas tutal puyat ka pa.)

Nag-advance reading ka na kahit wala pang syllabus. Nagparehistro ka na sa gym; nag-hire ka pa ng trainer at nutritionist. Ipinabaon mo na lang sa mga bisita ang mga boteng hindi nabuksan. Tinotoo niyo na ang pagpapatupad sa New Year’s Resolution dahil naniniwala kayong maliiit man na bagay ay malaking hakbang din. Ito ay kung magagawa mong ipagpatuloy ang napagplanohan. ‘Ika nga ng nakararami, it’s easier said than done.

Disiplina lang ang katapat niyan diumano. Karamihan daw kasi sa atin, “ningas cogon”, yung tipong masigla lang sa umpisa tas kinalauna’y mananamlay na.

Ang hindi namamalayan ng iba ay hindi naman purong internal ang nilalabanan ng tao kapag may nais siyang tuparin.

May mga taong hindi istrikto pagdating dito. Makokonekta ang kanilang pagka-ningas cogon sa daloy ng paghahanapbuhay. Madali kasing magplano kapag bakasyon. Para sa maraming manggagawa, ang agwat mula Pasko hanggang Araw ng Bagong Taon ay isa na yata sa pinakamahabang panahon ng pahinga kung kaya’t gasgas nang ipangregalo ang planner.

Matulak man siyang umpisahan ang pagbuo ng New Year’s Resolution, baka pagdating ng Unang Lunes ng Trabaho ay makita niyang pribilehiyo ang tuparin ang mga ito.

Naubos ang oras para sa pagpapaunlad sa sarili dahil napunta ito sa pagpapalobo ng pera

sa pinagsisilbihang kompanya. Sa kabilang banda, kung pagpapayaman naman ang nilista, repleksyon ito ng pagpapakulong sa kapitalistang lipunan. Dala ng pagsamba sa salapi ang paglaho ng pagkatao. Mahihinuha sa nakasanayang New Year’s Resolution na direkta lang nitong tinutugonan ang indibiduwalistikong suliranin, labas sa pagkakaroon ng kolektibong kaisipan na kung tutuosin ay mas may tiyansa pang makapaglutas sa problemang ikinakaharap ng bansa.

Gayunman, maaari pa rin itong gawing gabay. Magiging ganap lang ang pagpapanibagong-hubog kung ito’y isasakongkreto. Kaya bago simulan ang resolusyon, pagnilayan at punahin ang sarili. Mainam itong paraan upang mapabuti ang pagkilos tungo sa kaunlaran ng madla.

Taon (pangngalan) – batayan sa pagsukat ng pag-inog ng ating planeta sa araw na palagiang umaabot ng labindalawang buwan mula Enero hanggang Disyembre Sa wakas, matatapos na din ‘tong taon!

Ilang hirit na lang, maiitsapwera mo na ang kalendaryo. Pagpatak ng unang segundo, ang pinakaunang salitang isisigaw mo at isisigaw sa’yo ay “Happy”.

Paglipas ng 525,600 minutes, happy ka na ulit kasi nalampasan mo ang 365 days ng paghihirap. 20xx, please be good to me. Biglang 22nd century na, baka meron pa ring naghihirap.

Parang kailan lang, Bagong Taon na ulit.

Akala mo wala kang ginawa buong taon bukod sa magpagod at magpahinga.

Kapag nakipagkuwentuhan ka na’y doon mo pa lang maaalala lahat ng highlights ng taon. Ang gaan sana sa loob kung pinag-uusapan lang ang personal na buhay. Kaso, nadadamay ang important matters sa ganitong klaseng chikahan: politika, ekonomiya, mga isyung global at lokal. Kung hindi man bukambibig, nirerebyu naman sa TV. Hayaan na lang, sa kalagitnaan ng taon, wala namang ibang poproblemahin kundi yung magiging suweldo.

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