THE LEAGUE'S POST VOLUME 2 ISSUE 8

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CMU LEAGUE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDENTS

EDITOR

IN CHIEF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR

NEWS EDITOR

RICAH HANAH MARIE S PAREJA ANTHONY CAESAR JABLA NISSAN AVINAÑTE

OPINION/EDITORIAL EDITOR

LITERARY EDITOR

CREATIVES HEAD

NEWS WRITERS

RAGEN LIGSANAN RHONA DE JUAN

ALMIRA CORTES

KRISTEL KANE P CALONIA

Pagsibol is a Filipino word that can be directly translated into growth and sprout.

Growth is neither linear nor stable Growth is the ability to feel fear, discomfort, and uneasiness. The ability to embark into the unknown with the hopes of being a better version of yourself

OPINION/EDITORIAL WRITERS

MILKY WEE SEGOVIA PAUL JAYSON MORENO JANUS MATA

PRINCESS MARIE TOMARO

MIKHARLA FAITH L CABANSAG

After five months of stepping into the academic paradise of the south and a period of constant adjustment to a new environmentthe new semester has prepared the soil for one’s seed to sprout and grow roots. It has opened the endless possibilities and opportunities to discover themselves, to grow beyond what was expected from them, and to sprout despite weathered storms

FEATURE WRITER

RICAH HANAH MARIE S PAREJA

LITERARY WRITERS

NISSAN AVINANTE

RHONA DE JUAN

ALMIRA CORTES

Pagsibol is a reminder that one has its own time…and it starts with courage.

CONTENT WRITERS

VINCE DOLORES

SHARMILA YULO

RASHEN DIONALDO

LAYOUT ARTISTS

NHICKA JUNSAY

JALIANA SABANDAL

EDITORIAL CARTOONING

LEO JAY BALDIDOMAR CHARLES BUTAD

ALTHEA AMPATER

ILLUSTRATION

ADVISER

ADOLPH ANDO MELODY CEREZO

RHIZZA MAE L ASOY

COVER BY MELODY CEREZO

N E W S

Fostering Camaraderie: LPSS runs 2nd General Assembly and Team Building for AY 2022 - 2023

Polslay! LPSS ranked as 1st Runner Up in CAS Festival

A Beacon of Knowledge: LPSS conducts Drug Awareness and Juvenile Justice Symposium

LPSS, CDV front debate tourney to beef up competitiveness, cooperation

Political Science Student Awardees catch triumph on University Recognition 2023

A Fusion of Academic Excellence: Political Science students conduct its annual Research Colloquium

LPSS hauls multiple awards in ARSO PASIGARBO 2023

Hustle Culture and Capitalism

#Legacy: Class of 2023

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

Unraveling Philippine Party Politics: The Decline of Ideological Loyalty and Its Democratic Consequences

The Unfavored Soul

A Gleeful Escape or A Battle Cry

Living With An Invisible Disability

"How's the Rain in Manila?"

West Philippine Sea Comics

Economic Inflation Comics

Fostering Camaraderie: LPSS runs 2nd General Assembly and Team Building for AY 2022 - 2023

To embrace and strengthen the bond of every political science student, the League of Political Science Students (LPSS) administers general assembly and team-building for the second semester A Y 2022-2023 on January 25, 2023 at the OSA Hall and University Grandstand

LPSS Officers successfully conducted the second general assembly, which started at seven in the morning, giving an overview of the previous semester's accomplishment report and financial statement Moreover, Mr Kristel Kane Calonia, LPSS Chairperson, discussed the second semester calendar of activities and budgetary allocation

Afterward, the League’s Post updates, run by Editor-In-Chief Ms Ricah Pareja, presented the first semester issue and articles to be published intended for the second semester In the afternoon, a short briefing on the team-building program commenced as operated by Ms Yzan Mia S Abellanosa, LPSS Vice-Chairperson

With the said program, five teams were introduced at the University Grandstand, namely Aristotelian Lions, Hegelian Eagles, Machiavellian Bulls, Polybian Phoenix, and Socratic Viper; each presented loud cheers, flag presentation, chants and performed a mass dance contest As the program went on, each team competed with one another

by going to five game stations having an allotted time of fifteen minutes to finish the race

Furthermore, tug of war and the dreaded six-stationed amazing race were the final game at the original arena stationed at the University Grandstand, where the Machiavellian Bulls were announced as the overall champion

When the program ended, the activity inculcated immense joy and satisfaction from political science as a fresh start for the second semester of A Y 20222023

PHOTO FROM CHARLES BULALA

RAGEN LIGSANAN

Polslay! LPSS ranked as 1st Runner Up in CAS Festival

PAUL JAYSON MORENO

Exuding creativity, talent, and skill, the League of Political Science Students, in their Mesopotamian Civilization theme, finished as the overall 1st runner-up in the recently concluded 2023 College of Arts and Sciences Madayaw Festival on March 29–31, 2023

A series of competitions and presentations were conducted within the timeframe of the CAS Festival. All nine programs under the College of Arts and Sciences were eager and confident as they flaunted their entries in every event that they partook in the festival.

Fortunately, LPSS was able to shine and achieve a series of awards and recognitions. LPSS ranked 4th runner-up in the Era presentation, showcasing their vocal and dramatic talents as they portray the life and traditions of Mesopotamian Civilization.

Thereafter, Mr Renz Sabalones and Ms Riri Reponte bagged the Best Dressed Award as they wore traditional Mesopotamian costumes, showcasing their beauty, intelligence, and stage presence

Sharing his wisdom and grace under pressure, on the second night, Mr. Leo Baldidomar flashed his wit, intelligence, and talents in public speaking as he took the 1st place spot in the Mx. Q&A.

On the event's third day, the political science students also took 4th place in the mass dance competition In addition, the league also garnered Best Booth 1st Runner-Up and Best Parade Champion The organization was hailed as the Liveliest Crowd and Most Creative Civilization.

Moreover, this event allowed the league to showcase its talent, creativity, and unity.

A Beacon of Knowledge: LPSS conducts Drug Awareness and Juvenile Justice Symposium

The League of Political Science Students (LPSS) organized a seminar program titled "KASAYURAN: Juvenile Justice and Drug Awareness Symposium" on March 22, 2023 at the Office of the Student Affairs

Hall, Central Mindanao University, in pursuit of greater understanding in the context of juvenile justice and drug awareness.

Prof. Hermie Pava, a faculty of the political science program, imparted his viewpoints about the detrimental effects of any drug activity.

After that, Atty. Tom Crystoper Eliseo, a political science alumnus of the institution, supplied his knowledge and interpretation of the R.A. 9344, commonly known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Law, which covers the action to be considered when a child is in conflict with the law or at risk. Furthermore, he also elaborated on the relevance of this law in achieving justice in the criminal sphere in the Philippines.

The seminar program ended with the students obtaining a greater grasp of the R.A. 9344 and drug education.

PHOTO FROM CHARLES BULALA

PAULJAYSONMORENO

PHOTOFROMMELODYCEREZOANDJACKELYNCABACUNGAN

LPSS, CDV front debate tourney to beef up competitiveness, cooperation

In line with its earnest pursuit to promote activities demonstrating self-reliance, independence, competitiveness, and cooperation among students, the League of Political Science Students (LPSS), in joint coordination with the CMU –Debate Varsity, convoked a university-wide parliamentary debate competition on April 29 at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Audio Visual Hall

Dubbed as “War of Words: Parliamentary Debate Championship”, four competing

teams hailing from different programs argued on various issues in the country The semifinals were dominated by Team PolSlayers, Team Mix and Match, Team BET, and Team PolSci 1APublius Meanwhile, Team PolSlayers and Team Mix and Match proceeded to the Grand finals, with the latter emerging as the event's champion

The debate cup follows the Asian Parliamentary Debate format and the participants will get the opportunity to win the following prizes: Champion: P2,000 plus

Political Science Student Awardees catch triumph on University Recognition 2023 0

In honoring and recognizing committed and exemplary individuals, Central Mindanao University conducted the University Recognition 2023,

covering Academic and Non-Academic awards held at the University Convention Center on May 12, 2023.

prize bundle for the team members and; and for the runner-up, P1,500 plus prize bundle for the team members

Through the event, students, as an integral part of society, can enhance their participation in socio-civic issues confronting society and will heighten their political and socio-economic consciousness through intellectual discourses and dialogues

MILKY WEE SEGOVIA

PHOTO FROM JEOFF ELECCION

PHOTO FROM CMU PRIO

RAGEN LIGSANAN

With their pursuit of excellence, students swarm on the venue as countless political science students seize the momentum of being awarded the academic and non-academic awards where pride and honor galloped on their spirits

The program called the University Honor and College Honor from second to fourth year according to their general weighted average (GWA), followed by announcing the firstyear honor students

The Department of Political Science Faculty and Staff congratulated 32 honor students from the fourth year, 27 honors from the third year, 25 honor students from the second year, and two honors from the first year, namely Princess Tomaro and Milky Wee Segovia.

Moreover, for outstanding performance on non-academic awards 2023, Mr Ronel Jhon Guarte, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Political Science student, has been awarded the universitywide most outstanding student leader of the year

On the other hand, Mr Francisco Jr Silvidad, a fourth-year student in the same program, was awarded the university-wide most outstanding student writer of the year, including his “Tech for Good Essay Competition” ASEAN – International based with the title “ Ushering Southeast Asia Into the Digital Decade: Achieving the Fullest Potential of Digital Economy” that won 2nd Place

Also, Ms. Aizelle Emery Jardin, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Political Science student, was

awarded the university-wide most outstanding student volunteer of the year, including her recognition on CMU – RED CROSS YOUTH COUNCIL as VicePresident Officer

With their relentless commitment to academic and non-academic activities, Central Mindanao University takes forever joy and pride in showing and honoring top-hole student awardees who shed blood, sweat, and tears over their battles of leadership, academic and non-academic activities

PHOTO FROM CMU PRIO

A Fusion of Academic Excellence: Political Science students conduct its annual Research Colloquium

PAUL JAYSON MORENO

Presenting their intelligence and expertise in conducting academic research, seven selected fourthyear political science students were given an opportunity to discuss their thesis paper at the annual Research Colloquium at the College of Arts and Sciences

Audio Visual (AV) Hall on May 24, 2023.

The chosen Ka-Polci seniors were Mr. Franco Silvidad Jr., Mr. Pulquer Tongdan, Ms. Kehm Angel Socayre, Ms. Lynde Mae Dacera, Ms. Aizelle Emery Jardin, Mr. Kent Arnven Landicho, and Ms. Cyrene Faith Racbaca.

Each presenter was given 10 minutes to discuss their study, followed by the panel's questions to elaborate their study further.

At the end of the colloquium, several awards were given t some presenters as they st up among the discussants.

Pulquer Tongdan garnered Best Thesis Novelty Award his study entitled "The Interp of Partisanship and Po Preference among Supporters of Former Presid Duterte," while Ms. Kehm A Socayre was also hailed as Best Speaker out of all presenters.

Moreover, this event proved that the political science students of Central Mindanao University are equipped with knowledge and capable of achieving academic excellence in the field of h

PHOTO FROM KRISTEL KANE CALONIA

PHOTO FROM KRISTEL KANE CALONIA

LPSS hauls multiple awards in ARSO PASIGARBO 2023

MILKY WEE SEGOVIA

The Association of Registered Student Organizations (ARSO), in partnership with the Supreme Student Council (SSC), has recognized the exemplary performance of the League of Political Science Students (LPSS) during the PASIGARBO: The 2023 Student Leaders' Awards and Recognition Night on May 26 at the CHE Food Theater

The LPSS radiated throughout the night by bagging the Most CHED Mandated Activity Award The organization's flag bearer, Kristel Kane Calonia, a secondyear political science student, was awarded as the Chairperson of the Year under the class organization category

Ronel Guarte, a fourth-year political science student, was also awarded the Chairperson of the Year under the college organization category.

The spirit of volunteerism continued to prevail as Aizelle Emery Jardin, a third-year political science student, was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Both first-year political science students, Khamiela Sheree Omangpong and Angelyn Yamuta were also given the Exemplary Volunteer Award

The SSC-ARSO PASIGARBO: The 2023 Student Leaders' Awards and Recognition Night was

organized in order to recognize the invaluable efforts and service exerted by various class and college organizations in their commitment to quality and efficiency to the studentry

PHOTO FROM KRISTEL KANE CALONIA

HUSTLE CULTURE

AND CAPITALISM

RICAH PAREJA

Do we genuinely love work? Or has social media manipulated our minds to love hustle culture?

Hustle culture is the belief in having a work environment focused on nonstop productivity striving towards success at an intense rate Well, nonstop would be a big stretch having no “worklife balance” would be a more accurate term for that However, this does not disregard the fact that having a “hustle hard” mentality can be self-sabotaging

According to Sampoerna University (2022), it pushes someone beyond their limits to achieve capitalist goals in a short period of time

Hustle culture is not new but has become rampant among the younger generation believing that the key to success is having a rise and grind mindset While there’s no harm in that, it has normalized working extra hours, paying little attention to life outside work, and compromised relationships Hashtags have also been used to promote this culture that you may have used, such as #riseandgrind and #hustlehard One may feel a sense of “dominance” over others who lay

in bed doing nothing while she, on the other hand, is in her second cup of coffee, slaving herself to corporate work

Hustle culture is the new “in”, and “workaholic” is the new out

It doesn’t make a difference anyway, but the new term has glamorized work and covered it with rose-colored lenses

Why do we love hustle culture?

These stories of how others have hustled hard, which changed their life from rags to riches, have awed us If they successfully did it, I also have the chance to do so

In an interview by Megan Carnegie, lecturer and author Nick Srnicek stated that “It all legitimised the idea that to be successful and get anything meaningful done, you have to be doing long hours” (BBC, 2023) This is even legitimized by CEOs and multimillionaire founders that used hard work to achieve what they are now

In the Philippines, this culture has taken strong influence with people labeling those who remain financially unstable as someone lacking “hard work” People fail to see the factors affecting why they stay on the same social strata and not because of the lack of hard work and determination Moreover, farmers tend the land with hard work for decades but have not reached the level of “comfort” like those who succeeded in hustling hard Even among students, hustle culture is looked upon among those who engage in various extracurricular activities

with exposure both outside and inside the university You may have seen these people around campus who post on social media flexing on how they got no sleep and claim to be majoring in organizational works over academics. Indeed, their efforts are worth recognizing and are well deserved, but it propagates a harmful interpretation among others.

For one, this would encourage others to have the same lifestyle, only seeing its benefits and not the risks they will inevitably pass. They would believe it is perfectly okay to prioritize organizational commitment over academics without fully understanding how these students successfully managed, leading to failed priorities and flunking their course.

In an article by Suraj Shah (2023), capitalism also pressures students to excel in academic and extracurricular achievements to have “exceptional portfolios”

The very competitive nature of the status quo has pushed students to be one of the best, stacking their curriculum vitae with accomplishments and affiliations to have their desired societal validation It is a direct response to society's standards of the lengthier curriculum vitae, the better Is this truly the case, though?

While it is a factor, the “backer system” still plays a crucial role in a capitalist society where connections are important Who would hire applicants who graduated with latin honors and stacked their curriculum vitae with accomplishments if their big boss had already set their minds

to hire a cousin of his mother-inlaw’s sister, right? All this hard work flushed down the drain

Now unemployed with little chance of employment, we open our Facebook and are immediately greeted by positive quotes in our feed

“Don’t stay in bed unless you can make money in bed!” - George Burns

“Stay focused! Be humble! Always hustle!”

“All she knows is hustle”

“I'd rather hustle 24/7 than slave 9 to 5.” – Unknown

These are among the myriad of quotes you can look up online that glamorize the #hustleculture to this day This culture has turned this practice into an excuse for exploitation by the top-of-the-chain elites in society, giving the idea that they can rise up the corporate chain through hard work Workers encouraged by these statements toil their time sitting and trying not to doze off as they take their third overtime of the week As long as they achieve what they want, all will be worth it!

Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter and chief executive officer of Tesla Motors, further promoted hustle culture in his tweet that “ but nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week The correct number of hours “varies per person” but is about 80 sustained, peaking about 100 at times. Pain level increases exponentially above 80.” (Griffith, 2019). Adding more salt, Musk threatened Twitter

tions in offices to cater to his rise-and-grind mentality (Wellable, 2022) All these hustle at the expense of the employees' mental and physical health Continuously hustling and viewing breaks as a distraction only leads to the workforce inevitably having a burnout, anxiety, depression, and severe exhaustion

Claims that #hustleculture is slowly dying and #breakculture is rising are still unclear While many are opening their eyes and breaking from this mentality, people of power in society still implant this mindset through media and communication disguised positively

Just like capitalism, #hustleculture will continue to persist through time.

RICAH PAREJA

On the night of May 25, a heavy downpour of rain filled the university town's streets, leaving it to pitch black with no motorela in sight Beyond that, the hall of the Office of Student Affairs embodied the opposite - upbeat music blasting through the speakers and disco lights that flickered endlessly. On that night, the seniors shined bright.

The Class of 2023 is one of the unfortunate batches caught in the COVID-19 pandemic that halted their university life during their freshman year. Students packed their bags, faculties fled to their hometowns, classrooms were closed, and smiles were beamed as that two-week suspension was finally a welldeserved break from the academic stress. Not knowing that it would later turn into a two-year slumber.

Once filled with laughter from jokes, chirping of recent campus gossip, and sobbing over failed exams - the hallways have turned into a seeming ghost town with little to no passersby Chikas into hree-hour video calls, tmidterm papers into google forms, and

CAS extension classrooms into google classrooms

The two-year period may be grueling to some and peaceful for others, but one thing they have in common is that it made everyone feel completely still and stagnant at most.

As a commemoration for their perseverance, the Senior’s Night was a tribute to honor the Class of 2023 initiated by the League of Political Science Students and the Class of 2024. The seniors were given the time to shine in their best version of themselves as they grooved away to the hit music of the 70s.

The night was filled with laughter together with the faculty of the Political Science program as they bid the seniors into graduating and entering society. Professor Marjorie Sobradil and Professor Ana Girlee Visayan shared their message of gratitude while the Class of 2024 offered their tokens to their upperman class.

Ms Kehm Angel Socayre, one of the seniors, took the stage to give a commentary speech on social

ills on behalf of the class

“The world is indeed broken Of this awakening, out of all things, it should give you two things: fear and hope ”

Graduating with three summa cum laude, thirteen magna cum laude, and fifteen cum laude, the Class of 2023 is set toward excellence. The Political Science program has made a record in history of producing three summa cum laude, namely, Lynde Mae Dacera, Jestelle Pooh Peñaflor, and Francisco Silvidad Jr.

“We should keep on striving for systemic change. Our efforts may not bear fruits instantly, not in our lifetime. But your labors, your clamor for change, they will persist. They will echo through the future generation, and your grandchildren will be the ones to reap the fruits of your hard work, and they will tell your story. They will tell about your legacy. You will be immortalized.”

Indeed, the Class of 2023 has left a lasting legacy

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

PRINCESS MARIE TOMARO

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 encompassing 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

Third is Reduced Accountability:

When the President doubles as the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, holding them accountable for issues specific to the agricultural sector becomes challenging. 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.

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 the agricultural sector faces

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

EDITORIAL CARTOON FROM EUGENE E. BACASMAS

Unraveling Philippine Party Politics: The Decline of Ideological Loyalty and its Democratic Consequences

PRINCESS MARIE TOMARO

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 AntiSedition 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 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

A telling example of this transformation is the rise of the PDP laban, which, upon Rodrigo Duterte's presidential victory, experienced an astonishing surge in membership, growing from a mere three members to 300 new constituencies This dramatic shift speaks volumes about the changing motivations behind political allegiance, wherein personal ambitions seem to outweigh genuine dedication to a specific party's principles

The 2022 Presidential Election was marred by controversies surrounding party endorsements by PDP Laban, casting doubt on the legitimacy of both factions. Such events highlight the divisive nature of party politics and raise concerns about the impact on the nation's democratic processes.

In a recent incident, Sarah Duterte's resignation from LAKAS-CMD, citing 'political toxicity' following the Arroyo ousting due to an alleged House coup against House Speaker Romualdez, further illuminated the complexities of political power plays within parties Such occurrences underscore the fragility of ideological loyalty in the face of personal ambitions and internal conflicts

In conclusion, the prevailing state of Philippine party politics is a disheartening reflection of the constant switches and changes that have compromised the original purpose of political parties

The establishment of parties, meant to champion compelling political ideologies for the betterment of the common Filipino people, has been overshadowed by politicians consolidating power and prioritizing their own pursuits and interests. This sobering reality is deeply ingrained in the country's political culture, demanding urgent introspection and a concerted effort to restore the principles of representation and prioritize the nation's interests Addressing these challenges will be crucial in reshaping Philippine party politics and nurturing a more principled and inclusive political landscape for the benefit of our society

EDITORIAL CARTOON FROM RAMESH ROSILLO

the unfavored soul

In the darkness where fate is cast in a corrupted hand

Where the odds plotted and plans banned Lies a soul unfavored Defying to plummet through the trials of life

In a world full of chances

Where stars align to those favored souls This soul, in spite of challenges, still dares to shine

A flicker of hope amidst the sorrow

The firmness of strength is never shallow

With every step it made It faces the odds

Overcoming hurdles and breaking the rotten rod For fortune's favor has long turned away

Yet this inner being persists somehow Through storms that rage and their handful waves A persevering soul will never be enough To quiver from the weathers tempest

For the roll of life seems forever unkind Yet the dream of success lingers on with the resolute mind

Many may be doubtful; others may ridicule Some may never cheer

But with this soul's tenacity, they can't interfere For it knows neither defeat nor bows to despair In the face of adversity, it finds repair

Through the mountains of doubt, it establishes a path

With this determined soul, it conquers the wrath

It embraces the challenge brazenly

So hurrah to the unfavored soul

The one who's struggled and paid the toll

For it is only in the midst of dolor

We realize the full strength of willpower

NISSAN AVINANTE

A Gleeful Escape or a Battle Cry

RHONA DE JUAN

Tick – tock, tick – tock…

Every circular motion puts people stuck I was waiting for a drizzling blessing while looking up at the sky Thinking if I’m receiving grace from a gleeful escape or a battle cry.

I was listening to him while he was expressing his ideals and promoting a cause I was silently murmuring how these words remain a word in a society that is refused

I was in doubt, watching if he was standing there for the people or for his personal intentions Maybe this platform is his escape to enjoy the money of the nation.

Every single coin in my hands is like a chain on my neck I saw how he used his centavo, being delightful to his perks It put me into question if he came to give light like a firefly Is he there as a gleeful escape or a battle cry?

I am hopeless, yet still praying that this chain will be done That people will never be blinded by the money that comes That morality will never be lost in exchange for money That he will not use his influence to control the society. A gleeful escape or a battle cry?

This was the question that kept running through my mind Seeing them suffer only shows how money could lie The truth tells his service as a gleeful escape, not a battle cry.

Living with an invisible Living with an invisible disability disability

“How’s the Rain in Manila?”

ADOLPH ANDO