THE VANGUARD

THE VANGUARD

LPSS links with MSU-IIT, UMY on new lecture series; tackles issues on politics, governance

The League of Political Science Students (LPSS) of Central Mindanao University, in joint coordination with the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and the Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY) of Indonesia, ushered a new lecture series, tackling various issues on politics and governance at the Gender and Development (GAD) Hall, September 15.

The said confabulation featured different talks concerning public and local administration, as well as tourism and the potential of technological innovations in politcs and governance.

Dr. Achmad Nurmandi, Vice Rector of Internationalization and Cooperation of UMY

talked about the potential of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in public governance, emphasizing the need for utilizing technology in modernizing governmental policies and administration.

The second dimension of the talk series highlighted the trends and dynamics of local government

research which was given by Dr. Hazel Jovita-Olvez of MSU-IIT. She underscored the importance of research in crafting policies that would address the needs of the people, especially in the local context.

Furthermore, Dr. Eko Priyo Purnomo of UMY explored on the intermingling connection of

LPSS ushers virtual discussions on Maharlika Investment Fund

The League of Political Science Students (LPSS) marked a new successful event held online via Google Meet, commencing LPSS Educational Initiative towards talks on Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) or known as Republic Act 11954, together with the guest speaker Atty. Shylla D. Torres, a CMU Political Science Alumna (2009).

To educate and serve the political science students of the background and controversial issues inside the MIF, the LPSS officers conducted successfully the program which started at five and ended at seven in the evening.

Atty. Torres emphasized key points such as, issues of the urgency of MIF to be approved, the impacts and circumstances of the operation, and

controversies that significantly highlights the financial stability and transparency issues.

Meanwhile, political science students were also given an opportunity to ask questions regarding the issue.

Overall, the program flowed smoothly and ended with a photo op together with the guest speaker, Atty. Shylla D. Torres.

tourism and politics, highlighting the need for sustainability in the policies and initiatives of the government to ensure tourism expansion.

Moreover, the said talk series aims to raise awareness on different issues concerning politics and governance, not just in the local context but also in the global perspective.

Milky wee segovia

RAGEN LIGSANAN

UNVEILING NEW GUARDIANS OF TRUTH:

LPSS, TLP champion press freedom via journalism casting call

Beginning with the first years, the CAS AudioVisual Hall was imbued with a sense of purpose on that warm afternoon of August 17, 2023, as fresh talents demonstrated their unwavering commitment to upholding truth in the realm of press.

Notably, the secondyear students had eloquently demonstrated their prowess through insightful argumentative essays, highlighting the pivotal role of students in the relentless pursuit of truth and the

promotion of informed sociopolitical discourse. Their voices, too, were essential in the battle against misinformation and the advocacy for a more enlightened society.

Furthermore, under the

guidance of the current Editorial Board and Staff, the program reached new heights as they posed timely and pertinent questions to the candidates, particularly in light of the current political landscape. Executing their own mantra; to unbind the

shackles with the sword of truth. In closing, the unveiling of these new guardians of truth marked not just an event but a milestone in the ongoing pursuit of journalistic excellence. As they embarked on their journeys as standard-bearers of factual news, we could only anticipate the positive impact they would have on our society. Their dedication to truth and their passion for journalism would undoubtedly continue to inspire and illuminate the path towards a more informed and enlightened future.

LPSS-LENTE partnership beefs up civic participation; PolSci volunteers step as electoral watchdogs during BSKE 2023

The League of Political Science Students, in partnership with Legal Network for Truthful Elections Philippines (LENTE) conducted an Election Forum at the College of Nursing Audio-Visual Room on August 31, 2023, to fulfill its quest to ameliorate the number of people who advocate for a pro-citizen, truthful, and fair elections in the Philippines.

In the entirety of the forum, Atty. Hazel Marie Mallari, LENTE’s Networking and Mobilization Director, discussed the pressing electoral issues and anomalies that unfortunately happen every election period in the country.

Furthermore, the forum also highlighted LENTE’s lifelong advocacies and its plans for the upcoming 2023 Barangay

Sangguniang Kabataan Elections this October.

The LENTE is the first and the only nationwide, nonpartisan network of volunteer lawyers, law students, paralegals, and other trained volunteers engaged in doing election work. It envisions a genuine participatory Philippine society with an informed, empowered, and engaged citizenry where the organization serves

as a steadfast guardian of a credible and accessible electoral system.

LENTE is focused on its core objectives of public education activities; lobbying and advocating; pursuing criminal and administrative cases against election law violators; strengthening its institutional ties among citizens’ arms, private sectors, and partner organizations; and monitoring the whole conduct

of elections.

Moreover, this program emphasized the crucial role of elections in state-building. The Election Forum is an opportunity for the political science students of Central Mindanao University to practice their right to suffrage and become watchdogs in our society in securing clean, fair, and state-centered elections.

The League’s Post commended its annual screening process, which has identified a promising cohort of writers and artists slated to become the new standard-bearers of factual news, delivering pertinent articles and championing genuine campus journalism.

KENT GEMONY AND RASHEN DIONALDO

PAUL JASON MORENO

SONA 2023:

EDITORIAL

As the nation tuned in with bated breath, President Ferdinand “BBM” Marcos Jr. delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). Expectations were high with many hoping for a

comprehensive overview of the government’s accomplishments, plans, and vision for the country’s future. However, as the dust settles after the address, it becomes apparent that the speech left much to be desired and transpired pressing concerns about the

trajectory of the nation.

On July 24 at the Batasang Pambansa, Marcos Jr. painted a rosy picture of a nation poised for a promising future under his leadership. He outlined ambitious plans for infrastructure improvement, economic expansion and growth, and poverty alleviation

while highlighting the accomplishments of his administration. However, there were unsettling echoes in the carefully constructed rhetoric that cannot be ignored. As the country grapples with pressing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and a struggling healthcare system, BBM’s address was devoid of any specific plans or concrete timetables to resolve these critical issues. Although Marcos emphasized prioritizing accessible health care, barely any headway has been made in the country’s health sector since his term began. The absence of health care policies and concrete vision reflects the president’s indifference towards the welfare of health workers and citizens. The public was instead left in the dark and with no real understanding about how these lofty ideals will be realized because it was instead filled with nebulous promises of “change” and “progress”.

In his first year of presidency, no shift is in sight. Instead, as of March 2023, 33 million Filipinos continue to live in poverty. This figure translates to the worsening quality of life in the country; unequal access to vital services such as health, education, food, and decent housing. The underemployment rate–the number of people working fewer hours than their level of subsistence–still counts 2.42 million Filipinos, denoting their inability to purchase even basic necessities. Additionally, the widespread corruption that has plagued the nation for decades was conspicuously glossed over in Marcos Jr.’s SONA. The President

Probing Marcos Jr.’s Failed PROMISES and Empty Rhetoric in His First Year of Presidency

conveniently disregarded the need for institutional reforms to fight corruption and make sure that public funds are used for the betterment of the nation, not the enrichment of a privileged few, amid the people’s cries for accountability. The recent passage of the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) despite the lack of clear rationale, its detachment to the needs of the country, and the risks of corruption shows that the legislature is indeed subservient to the whims of the president and such passage signals a detrimental precedent for other dubious bills and policies.

The second SONA should have been an opportunity for BBM to address the nation’s concerns transparently addressing the public’s worries. However, it fell short of the mark, leaving many questions unanswered and raising further doubts about the direction of the Philippines under his leadership. Instead of

’’Instead of a detailed roadmap for the nation’s progress, the speech was filled with platitudes and empty rhetoric.

a detailed roadmap for the nation’s progress, the speech was filled with platitudes and empty rhetoric. The lack of transparency, accountability, and concrete plans to address urgent issues, along with a disregard for democratic values and human rights, cast a dark shadow over the future of the Philippines.

Therefore, as citizens of this great country, it is our responsibility to remain vigilant and hold our

leaders accountable for their actions. The sycophantic narratives that attempt to justify the unjustifiable must be contested, and we must resist the urge to embrace convenient amnesia. We can only hope to free the future of our country from the influence of the past by collectively working together and adhering to the principles of truth and justice. Let us not let empty rhetoric fool us; instead, let’s have the courage to face the bleak reality of the Marcos legacy while standing as one to defend the Philippines from the grasp of a deceitful administration.

Unraveling Philippine Party Politics: The Decline of

Ideological Loyalty and its Democratic Consequences

In the intricate tapestry of democracy, political parties serve as vital threads that weave together the fabric of choice and representation. As catalysts of democratization, these parties provide citizens with a diverse array of options during elections, elevating the electoral process to new heights of inclusivity and dynamism. Tracing back to the pages of history a pivotal moment in the birth of Philippine party politics arose with the establishment of the Federal Party, a brainchild of visionaries like Trinidad Pardo De Tavera and esteemed political elites. As the nation grappled with America's pacification campaign, the Federal Party emerged as a formidable force, wielding influence and popularity in the early 1900s. Central

to its ascendancy was the Anti-Sedition Law, silencing advocates of Philippine separation from the United States' sovereignty. In a delicate dance of diplomacy, the Federal Party's alignment with American interests secured its status as the sole permissible assembly during the Law's reign. Yet, as the tides of history turned, the Anti-Sedition Law eventually receded, paving the way for a dynamic evolution in Philippine party politics. The creation of the Philippine Assembly through the Philippine Bill of 1902 heralded a new era of political opposition, fueled by the noble aim of opening up the

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To improve the situation, the government should prioritize finding a capable and knowledgeable individual to fill the Cabinet Secretary position.

national political leadership. With this transformative surge, Philippine Party Politics embarked on a journey of dramatic changes, witnessing the rise of party factions, shifts in platforms, and a mosaic of party fusions and coalitions.

Throughout the annals of Philippine history, the trajectory of party politics has been fraught with challenges, resulting in a flawed and weakened foundation for today's political parties. The prevalence of turncoats, party switching, and political butterflies has become an integral part of the country's political culture, a

disheartening norm observed both before and after every election. Regrettably, the essence of representation and the pursuit of compelling ideologies, once considered the bedrock of political parties, have become obscured in the Philippine context. Loyalty to a particular ideology has been overshadowed by electoral support gained prior to elections and political favors reaped afterward. In this landscape, political parties have transformed into mere mechanisms aimed at securing votes and public office, rather than being vehicles for driving transformative policies and addressing the concerns of the Filipino people. This shift in loyalty has raised doubts about the authenticity of politicians' commitment to their parties' ideals, calling into question the very essence of representation.

Milky Wee Segovia

princess MARIE tomaro

Remembering Ampatuan: Overturning the Tides of Impunity

As the Maguindanao Massacre marks its anniversary today, the Filipinos are utterly reminded of the stark reality at hand: while the watchdogs of justice persist in their pursuit, they too are subjected by the imbalances of the scale tipping towards the interest of the powerful. Amid the rampant bloodbath that plagues the Philippines as political tumult reigns, the necessary precursor to drive it is the submersion of the press in the same culture of impunity.

November 23, 2009. Exactly 14 years ago, 58 people—32 of whom are journalists— were brutally killed by a hundred heavily armed men who surrounded the vehicles where the relatives and supporters of Esmael Mangudadatu were riding in. Mangudadatu was the political rival of the Ampatuan, the ruling political warlord family in Mindanao for decades, which the international advocacy group Human Rights Watch (HRW) found to have 5,000 militiamen, police, and military personnel linked to various cases of criminal activities. According to accounts of witnesses in court, the Ampatuan clan convened multiple times to plot Mangudadatu’s assassination.

Justice remains to be elusive as it was only 10 years after the assassination that a verdict was given to 200

suspects, yet 80 people remain to be at large and 101 suspects still await their sentence. In this light, the discussion on the spaces through which the media operates cannot be divorced from the broader political and social context that governs the nation.

People would not be compelled to change what they cannot perceive. Aligned in this logic, truth is treated as the first collateral in the process of reproducing subjugation. Ever since then, in a nation where warlordism and the turmoils entailed by it remain supreme, gagging the press comes as a crucial ingredient in the maintenance of oppressive structures which the likes of the Ampatuans benefit from.

Democracy is impossible to thrive within spaces where the bearers of the truth are struck down. People’s participation in any political avenue will never be genuine if they are constricted by the dominant discourse purposely built around deceit proliferated by the exploitative powerful.

Justice for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre will require steps beyond mere conviction—the bare minimum that can’t even be

served swiftly. The structures that caused the massacre and allowed its continuing impunity must be fundamentally addressed. Genuinely serving justice must come with ensuring that no other massacre like this one will ever emerge again.

This line of struggle is punctuated even further as the Philippines continues to be a perilous avenue for the practice of the freedom of the press. Empirical data do not lie, and they all speak the same conclusion: journalists in this country are in danger.

According to Committee to Protect Journalists’ Global Impunity Index, the Philippines is the 7th most dangerous country for journalists in the world. This is also affirmed by the database of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, having recorded a total of 223 incidents of violations on media workers in the Philippines from June 2016 to April 2022. From this, 26 journalists were killed in their line of work, with the data recorded until April 2023.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines remarked that these instances are reflective of the same feudal warlord governance, relying on the tactic of “shock and awe” to impose subservience among the people amid the rampaging crises that those in power can no longer conceal nor control. Since then until now, the conditions that paved the way for the atrocious massacre still pulsate in the very heart of the country’s institutions.

Holding the line for the protection of critical reportage now floats as a matter of national survival. In the pursuit to liberate the country from its many ills, there is a need for the genuine emancipation of the press. All of those who were drowned must only galvanize the currents to accumulate further strength in clearing the fog of deceit and creating new waves of freedom from the manipulation of the domineering evils.

Milky wee segovia

Controversy Surrounding the President's Dual Role as Cabinet Secretary: Implications for Agriculture Governance in the Philippines

Agriculture is undeniably a crucial sector in the Philippines, providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the labor force and contributing substantially to the country's GDP. The absence of a dedicated Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Agriculture (DA) to address the pressing issues faced by Filipino farmers and ensure food security is indeed a concern.

President Bongbong Marcos's repeated assertions that he will take on the role of the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture raise several problematic aspects: Firstly, it undermines the Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances: The principle of separation of powers is a cornerstone of democratic governance, aimed at preventing the accumulation of unchecked power in one person or branch. By serving as both the President and the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, President Marcos blurs the lines between these functions which can undermine the system of checks and balances. Secondly, is the issue of Conflict of Priorities: The President has a wide range of responsibilities that encompass the entire nation. Taking on the role of the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture may lead to conflicts of priorities, as the President needs to balance

the needs of the agricultural sector with broader national concerns. Thirdly, is Reduced Accountability: When the President doubles as the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, it becomes challenging to hold them accountable for issues specific to the agricultural sector. Transparency and accountability are vital in governance, and having a separate individual as the Cabinet Secretary ensures clearer responsibility for the department's performance. Lastly, Inefficiency and Lack of Expertise: The President has numerous crucial responsibilities that require their full attention. Adding the role of a Cabinet Secretary might lead to inefficiencies and a lack of expertise in managing the complexities

of the agricultural sector, which demands specialized knowledge and experience.

’’To improve the situation, the government should prioritize finding a capable and knowledgeable individual to fill the Cabinet Secretary position.

The decision to wait for a volunteer to take on the role rather than directly appointing an expert to lead the Department of Agriculture raises concerns about the administration's decisiveness and ability to address urgent agricultural problems effectively. It is essential to have a qualified and experienced leader in the Cabinet Secretary position who can promptly address food shortages, rising fertilizer costs, and other challenges faced by the agricultural sector. To improve the situation, the government should prioritize finding a capable and knowledgeable individual to fill the Cabinet Secretary position. This leader should have a deep understanding of agriculture and its associated issues, be committed to addressing the challenges faced by farmers, and possess the expertise required to develop effective policies and programs to enhance food security and the well-being of agricultural communities.

In conclusion, the agricultural sector is a vital part of the Philippine economy and the lives of its citizens. To ensure efficient governance and effective responses to agricultural challenges, it is crucial to maintain a clear distinction between the roles of the President and the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture. Appointing a qualified and dedicated leader to the latter position will help uphold the principles of checks and balances, promote accountability, and enable the government to address food security concerns more effectively.

princess MARIE tomaro

Israel’s Self Defense Charade: Unmasking the Brutality Behind the Victim Facade

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The IsraeliPalestinian violent conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, resulting from a colonial settlement imposed almost a century ago. The recent attack by Hamas on October 7th shocked the world, bringing global attention to an issue that had almost been forgotten by the international community, but peeling back the layers of Israel's self-defense narrative reveals a harsh reality of brutality concealed behind a victim facade.

The current violence has deep historical roots, stemming from a series of political injustices and the imposition of selfish interests by various political actors. In the late 19th century, an Austrian journalist founded Zionism, a political ideology that aimed to establish a "Jewish homeland." This call for a Jewish state was a response to the growing anti-Semitism in Europe, where Jews had endured inhumane and discriminatory treatment. The establishment of Zionism is a product of Europe’s inherent problem, it has always been problematic— indeed most modern day

crises can be attributed to Europe’s unjust and unfair behavior.

More than a century ago, Britain's then-Foreign Secretary, Arthur Balfour, penned the Balfour Declaration, a short letter of 67 words committing

Jewish state within an already existing political entity. Again, it was Europe who initiated and created the problem.

Faced with rising conflict and violence, Britain, uncertain of how to resolve the situation, referred

Britain to support the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine (Patton, 2022). This letter, despite its brevity, had farreaching consequences for Palestine, as it endorsed the establishment of a

the matter to the newly created United Nations. The UN proposed a twostate solution, suggesting the partition of the region, creating separate states for Israel and Palestine, with Jerusalem as an

international city (Patton, 2022). However, the UN failed to realize that the Arabs would reject the deal for various reasons, including concerns that Jews would own the majority of the land, particularly in the most fertile regions. But above all, why should the Palestinians suffer the consequences of Europe's injustices against the Jewish people?

While the recent attack carried out by Hamas is horrendous, this violence did not emerge out of nowhere but is a product of a lifetime of oppression, brutalization, and Israel's systematic eradication of the Palestinians' right to self-determination. The individuals who carried out the attack on October 7th have been subjected to this environment. They have witnessed all the crimes the Israeli government has committed. Anyone who has endured a lifetime of suffering and confinement will resort to any means necessary to seek liberation. As has often been the case, violence begets more violence.

The term "collective punishment" fittingly

MARC GUNO AND PRINCESS TOMARO

PHOTOS | © Mussa Qawasma © Reuters

characterizes Israel's actions, which extend to draconian measures like cutting off necessities such as electricity and water, impacting the entire Palestinian population without discrimination. This collective punishment takes the form of blocking essentials and humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, plunging the Palestinian people into chaos, facing scarcity of food and water. The repercussions extend to children losing their homes, schools, and families at a tender age due to airstrikes that leave their homes reduced to ground zero. It is evident that the Palestinian people bear the brunt of the attacks and imposed actions, beyond the scope of targeting Hamas alone. These tactics, deemed illegal by international law, not only worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also widen the gap of suffering for innocent civilians.

In addition, instances of collective punishment, from forced displacements tearing apart families to the imposition of onerous permit requirements for travel and worship,

exemplify Israel's systematic and oppressive approach towards the Palestinians. The systematic challenges faced by Palestinians are not accidental; they are a direct result of an unjust occupation. The loss of journalists' lives, stifling the voices that could shed light on the Palestinian plight, adds another layer to the narrative of suppression. Meanwhile, the enduring trauma experienced by Palestinian children is a tragic consequence of a conflict perpetuated by Israel's policies, leaving scars that may never fully heal. It is crucial to unapologetically condemn Israel's actions that perpetuate this cycle of suffering, and there is an undeniable and urgent need for the international community to address the widespread atrocities inflicted upon the Palestinians. Targeted actions and civilian casualties demand more than just lip service; they demand a radical

shift towards a just and lasting resolution that places human rights and humanitarian principles above political expediency.

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From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. From the river to the sea, Palestine must be free.

The relentless bombing of mosques and residential areas, where innocent lives are irrevocably shattered, challenges the very core principle of proportionality in selfdefense. This demands a scathing and unapologetic condemnation of Israel's actions and a critical reassessment of the moral standing of those who turn a blind eye to these egregious violations. Thus, the international community's passive tolerance of Israel's actions is not just complicity; it is a betrayal of the principles it claims to uphold.

While unequivocally condemning the October 7th attack by Hamas is crucial, it's equally imperative not to turn a blind eye to the enduring struggles faced by the Palestinian people. In this relentless cycle of

violence, the world's tolerance and support for the actions of the Israeli government, justified under the guise of selfdefense, is a glaring hypocrisy. Thousands of Palestinian lives have been lost, with most being innocent children, as a result of indiscriminate bombings and blatant violations of international law. The cries of genocide, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing in Palestine are not hollow accusations but urgent calls for justice.

As the Israeli government plays the victim card, using their historical suffering to rationalize present-day atrocities, a disturbing transformation unfolds. The victims have become the perpetrators, and the cycle of tyranny repeats. The manipulation of the label "anti-Semitism" to stifle dissenting voices further underscores the lengths to which this brutal regime will go to maintain its unchecked power.

It is a moment of stark hypocrisy when the world tolerates and supports these actions under the banner of self-defense. It is a blatant contradiction to the principles we claim to champion.