Redshift (Vol. 1, Issue. 2)

REDSHIFT The Official Newsletter of Ang/The Velocity Volume 1 | Issue 2 | June 2020

Art by: Keith Einsley Caja

Redshift | The Official Newsletter of Ang/The Velocity | Volume 1 | Issue 2

news

June 2020

Photo Attribution |Kodao Productions

Contra-Congressmen

9 out of 10 Quesayanos oppose Terror Law by: Nino Louise P. De Torres

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n an online survey assessing Quezon Science High School (QSHS) students’ stand on Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, 114 out of 125 (91.2%) respondents disfavored the passing of the nowdubbed “Terror Law”, contrary to Quezon representatives’ stand.

No Show of Hands

Teachers condemn DepEd's approbation over new normal education by: Mark Henry S. Alcantara

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Infographics by: Ancelmo Catalla Congressmen Mark Enverga and David Suarez voted yes to bill, while Suarez’s mother Congw. Aleta Suarez was recorded abstained or absent. On the otherhand, 4th District representative Helen Tan withdrew her ‘Yes’ vote after public backlash.

Nevertheless, another question within the same survey revealed that only 86.3% disapproved Quezon representatives’ “yes” votes.

This means some of the students fail to express objection with their representatives' take even though it contrasted theirs.

Moreover, 4% of the respondents are unaware of the Anti-Terrorism Bill and most of them chose not to involve themselves in politics voluntarily.

“Di po ako masyado aware of politics in general. Minsan lang po ay parents lang po ang nagdidiscuss tas [ako ay] laro lang po ng laro,” an incoming grade nine student said.

“Bilang mag-aaral, nararapat lamang na maging bahagi tayo ng pagbabago at kaunlaran lalo pa at sumasailalim tayo sa krisis na labis na maiipit ang ating kinabukasan. Nakalulungkot na may mga taong pinipiling ipikit ang kanilang mata sa kabila ng karumal-dumal na kaganapan sa kasalukuyang administrasyon. Magkaganon pa man ay naniniwala akong hindi pa huli ang lahat upang gumising,” Ella Jane Mira, Supreme Student Government president shared.

The survey also observed a decrease in respondents compared to the surveys last month about online learning capabilities and satisfaction towards the government’s actions to the pandemic with 217 and 214 respectively.

he Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) decries the education department's decision to continue classes this year despite struggles on resources and materials to implement full-equipped distance learning and modular-based education accross the country without leaving anyone behind.

The association sees the new normal education seemed impossible as President Duterte himself said that the country is running out of money, and thereafter plead to give him a week to find sources to buy transistor radios.

“We are perplexed to hear the President say we’re out of funds, when other officials boast of new sources of funding on a nearly daily basis.

President Duterte himself has repeatedly assured the public that we have sufficient resources to weather the storm, especially since the granting of his emergency powers which gave him huge budgetary control ,” ACT Secretary General Raymond Basilio said, according to an update on

Quezon

ACT Facebook page.

Also, ACT claimed that 12 million learners are at risk of leaving behind due to rising poverty amid the pandemic.

"Kung walang kaukulang paghahanda, pondo at plano ang pamahalaan para sapagbubukas ng klase, tayo mga guro, mag-aaral at magulang ang magdurusa" ACT said in an open letter for parents posted on social media.

"It is a duly right for the teachers to not suffer.

Teachers are shareholders of education and as part of the system, the government should also hear the teacher's voices through addressing issues they are facing... I am personally into the idea that delaying classes could be better", a Quezon Science High School teacher said.

Moreover, the organization also addressed the government's ‘lack of essential health measures’ to guarantee the safety of teachers and staff in the recently released DepEd Order no. 11, s. 2020 that states starting June 22, education workers will be required to physically report to work in various means and set-up as allowed by the IATF and CSC.

BantayCOVID *As of July 06, 2020 Infographics by: Annuarie Mae Ayaton

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Anakbayan Quezon intensifies call against cyberattacks by: Mark Henry S. Alcantara

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nakbayan Quezon, the province's most comprehensive national democratic mass organization, reminded all Facebook and Instagram users to tighten vigilance amid pressing cyberattacks manifested by cloned accounts which are used to silenced one's voice and raise death threat to those who oppose the government.

On a Twitter thread, the organization requested for everyone's cooperation on reporting fake accounts and spreading accurate information regarding this matter so everyone will be saved from any harm the modus may bring.

"Hinding-hindi titikom ang bibig ng mga mamamayang nagkakaisa laban sa pang-aabuso, pananakot, at pagpapabaya ng rehimeng

Duterte. Bagkus, palalakasin lamang nito ang sigaw ng sambayan na tuluyang magpapabagsak sa pasistang rehimen" it further said.

According to the organization, the cyberattacks do not only concern activists but also ordinary citizens who have voiced out or will voice out any opposition towards the government. The organization also said that this modus uses "troll farms" paid by the govenrment using the national fund from people's money and money accounted from foreign banks and countries.

This issue has risen subsequent to the issues about the government's Covid-19 response and the hearing of Anti-Terrorism bill, attacking those people who oppose the effectiveness of the bill and those who seek mass testing amid the pandemic.

Police advice vs sex crime resparks arguments on rape, victim-blaming by: Mark Henry S. Alcantara Photo Attribution |Manila Bulletin

Photo Attribution |Atimonan PIO

Photo Attribution Scout Magazine|

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he Lucban Municipal Police Station's nowdeleted Facebook post reminding women not to wear revealing clothes to avoid sex crimes resparked arguments on victimblaming and rape into a top-trend topic on social media.

"Kayo naman mga ghErlsz, wag kayo magsusuot ng pagkaikli-ikling damit at pag naman nabastos ay magsusumbong din sa amin. Isipin nyo rin!”, stated on the police station's facebook page posted on June 12.

After Rappler News published an article about the said post, the police station then faced huge public backlash.

"There is no dress code for rape. Or for sexual harassment. Instead of teaching women how to dress, we should teach men not to rape. Girls and women do not report sex crimes precisely because of the tendency to victim-blame. Let's retire this thinking" Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Twitter.

According to Rappler, Lucban Police Chief Major

Rizaldi Merene already apologized on a phone interview and reasoned out what the post really meant.

"Parang advice lang yon... kaso nga lang na misinterpret ng iba... Mali nga pero ang point lang doon ay para lang 'wag lang mag-short, 'wag magsuot ng maikling short, yun lang wala ng iba,” Merene replied against victim-blaming allegations towards Lucban police station.

Merene's statement made the news even bigger and triggered more netizens, gathering more reactions not only from ordinary social media users but also from known celebrities and politicians.

"Enough! Huwag sisihin ang mga biktima. Dapat panagutin ang may salang rape. Hindi kasalanan na nag-short o maiksing short, krimen iyan ng rapist.

Do not tell women how to dress. Tell men NOT to rape!" Kabataan Partylist Representative, Sarah Elago tweeted.

According to a source, the police station's facebook page is already taken down.

Mag-ina sa Lucban, kakasuhan nang ilihim ang pagiging positibo sa COVID-19 by: Earl Jude V. Engracia and Lawrence C. Bartolome

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alak sampahan ng kaso ng Lucban Local Government Unit (LGU) ang mag-inang naglihim sa pagiging positibo ng anak nito sa COVID-19 at paglabag sa Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. Lumabag ang mag-ina sa Republic Act No. 11332 o ang Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act matapos magsinungaling sa local na awtoridad.

“Yung mother na dapat inireport niya kaagad yung case at tsaka hindi niya rapat inilihim sa amin. Sabi niya hindi naman daw niya inilihim pero late na, nakailang araw na,” saad ni Armelyn Laqueo, Public Health Nurse, Rural Health Unit (RHU) Lucban.

Umuwi ang 22-taong gulang na pasyente na isang empleyado ng Logistic Company noong ika-8 ng Hunyo galing Maynila matapos mag positibo sa COVID-19 ang katrabaho nito.

Ayon sa isang panayam kay Laqueo, unang nireport ng magulang na negatibo ang anak sa COVID-19 noong ika-11 ng Hunyo ngunit kalaunan ay nalaman nito na nagpositibo ito sa swab test noong ika6 ng Hunyo.

“Hindi niya naisip yung magiging impact nung ginawa niya, sinundo niya yung anak niya at itinago sa bahay, ” dagdag pa ni Laqueo.

Nilinaw ni Laqueo na walang katotohanan ang mga kumalat na balita na gumala pa ang pasyente dahil agad itong nag isolate pagkauwi sa kanilang bahay.

Sumailalim naman ang 63 tao na nakasalamuha ng nanay sa Rapid Diagnostic Test at lumabas na negatibo lahat ang resulta.

Ang mga nakasalamuha ay nakasailalim na sa 14- day quarantine period upang maobserbahan kung magkakaroon sila ng sintomas ng sakit na covid-19.

Samantala, kumuha na rin ng swab test ang mga taong nagkaroon ng direct contact sa pasyente at patuloy pa rin ang contact tracing sa nakasalamuha nito.

Kasalukuyang nasa Quezon Medical Center, Lucena ang pasyente habang nasa isolation facility naman ang nanay nito.

Naitala itong pangalawang kaso ng COVID-19 sa Lucban, Quezon.

Kasalukuyang nasa Quezon Medical Center, Lucena ang pasyente habang nasa isolation facility naman ang nanay nito.

Redshift | The Official Newsletter of Ang/The Velocity

03

Redshift | The Official Newsletter of Ang/The Velocity | Volume 1 | Issue 2

opinion Through the VR Glasses by: Hannah Joy E. Pansacola

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longside the president’s approval and the citizen’s funds, Philippine National Police (PNP) has always taken the lead in solving and neutralizing several nationwide concerns such as terrorism, war on drugs, cyberbullying, and even health-related issues. The infamous ‘shoot-to-kill’ orders from Duterte has proved that they possess excessive power in ruling over Filipinos. But it seems that the power bestowed upon them acts as their virtual reality glasses, living their dreams blissfully even if it means attacking people who are already oppressed.

The unwarranted and illegal use of force against commoners, assault and battery, and false arrests are undeniably perceivable even in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. Police brutality is encouraged by the corrupt criminal-justice system and the leaders who tolerate unlawful actions.

According to the World Population Review, Philippines has ranked 3rd amongst countries with highest numbers of police killings in the world with 3,452 slain in 2020. The country is followed by US with 1,536 killings, just almost half of the Philippines’ record.

In June 2019, PNP has recorded 5,526 slain suspects during police operations, excluding 27,000 others who were not investigated.

Afterlife must be overwhelming with raging souls, for only 1 case of the thousands of killings has convicted police officers.

PNP must have thought that they are living in a world where violence and ill-treatment of basic human rights secure their places as trainers of dogs caged during the lockdown. Violators should not be considered as animals and must undergo the due process.

On the other hand, police are easily bought by whose names are in the hall of fame. "In any arrest, anybody for that matter, that has to be taken into consideration: the health, the age," says ex-police chief Oscar Albayalde in an interview about the arrest of Imelda Marcos on 2018. Marcos is found guilty in 7 counts of graft for using her position to uphold Swiss bank accounts during her late husband's presidency and dictatorship. But recently, a 72-year old jeepney driver has been arrested whilst objecting the jeepney ban in their area.

The police force must start taking their glasses off to see that they are becoming the enemies of the community calling out for justice and protection.

Continuing to linger in the virtual reality means living the nightmare that only corrupted minds would dream of.

Terrors of Salem

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t has only been six months into this decade, but things had already gotten wors and quiet” that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the populace, the Anti-Terr signed and is now a national law.

Believing that the nation will be in danger once terrorism escalates, the government certifies that passing the bill is urgent.

To the disappointment of many, it has now received the approval of the president. In a blind society seemingly following their local God’s orders, the hunt for the “evil” ones will begin.

The law will replace a bill passed during President Arroyo’s time: the 2007 Human Security Act. It should be noted that the contents of both laws are nearly the same. However, some differences stabilize the fact that the latest one could be used against any Filipino citizen: now, a warrant is not needed to arrest and detain any suspected terrorist. Besides adjustments regarding travel bans and putting less accountability to law enforcers who wrongfully accuse a suspect, placing a vague and broader definition of “terrorism” puts one’s life on a riskier line.

Various agencies of the government and their supporters were known to accuse individuals of being members or supporters of the New People’s Army in a stint most people know as “redtagging”. Now that the government is showing incapability of managing the spread of COVID-19 across communities and discrepancies in the number of positive cases, the present administration has arrested activists, workers, organization leaders, and journalists, specifically during protests. With the NBI-issued subpoenas along with constant death threats from countless social media troll accounts, the start of the terrorist hunt, fueled by the Father’s undying support towards the military and police force, hasn’t been all too heavenly.

In defense, Senate President Vicente Sotto III has stated that “activists are not terrorists” as on one of his tweets. However, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Deputy Administrator Mocha Uson has been called out for quoting Senator Sotto’s tweet, labeling hundreds of protesters in UP

REDSHIFT Editorial Board

Ancelmo Miguel Catalla Editor-in-chief

Vonn Andrei Villamiel Associate Editor

“terrorists”. Moreover, posts coming fr Police (PNP) stations drew flak due to a branding activists and independent or Their carelessness show that critic or n until proven innocent.

The law can be easily abused if hand and it certainly will be. Seemingly a tes President Duterte’s extrajudicial killing Human rights office show that 8,600 p killed since 2016, drug suspects were c and falsified evidence was present in p law working in favor of the oppressors go higher. It’s still Lord Duterte’s era, w lawbreakers, and loyal supporters. In a be detained, and worse, killed.

This hunt against the witches of the unless we act against it. The real threa too many citizens and more front liner of loans garnered should be distribute long-awaited mass testing should be fi pandemic by waiting for a vaccine or b than the virus even could.

In truth, the Devil and his disciples s trial. Either that, or we kiss our sweet d current administration should be remi respective positions to serve and not t the citizens to fend for themselves wh lives in danger, they should expect tha Not on the burning bodies at the stake hearts of enraged Filipinos. The fire wi Salem- is at peace once again.

News Editor: Mark Henry Alcantara Niño Louise De Torres Earl Jude Engracia Lawrence Bartolome Annuarie Mae Ayaton Ancelmo Miguel Catalla Infographics

Opinion Editor: Kristine Joyce Ramirez Karhylle Khaye Abuel Hannah Joy Pansacola Christian Danganan Ancelmo Miguel Catalla Cherry Clarice Jose Cartoon

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E M A V Ke

Ar

June 2020

Dangerous Precedent by: Ancelmo Miguel M. Catalla

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ver since the beginning of President Rodrigo Duterte’s regime, blatant attacks against the media have been apparent. We were called the fifth deadliest country for journalists by the Committee to Protect Journalists, a New York based media watchdog group. And under his rule, not even the big media giants were spared. Just recently, as we continue to lose the battle against CoViD-19, ABS-CBN, the most influential television network in the Philippines was forced off air.

But the authoritarian’s favorite target, is Maria Ressa, and her news site Rappler, one of the most relentless critics of Duterte.

In the beginning, Rappler and Ressa has faced verbal attacks from Duterte himself, they were given unnecessary probes and multiple tax evasion charges. Then Pia Ranada, one of Rappler’s veteran journalists, was banned to enter Malacañang just because Duterte was tired of her critical questions.

And now once again, during the longest and most ineffective CoViD-19 lockdown in the world, another assault on our democracy was made by Duterte. Just recently, Maria Ressa, was convicted for ‘cyberlibel’.

Ressa was persecuted alongside a Rappler writer for publishing an article in 2012 which accused businessman Wilfredo Keng for having links to illegal drugs and human trafficking. Although this was an 8-year-old article, and there were no laws against cyber-libel at the time, the prosecution argued that a correction for a ‘typo’ was made in 2014 for the story, which meant that the article was ‘published’ after

EDITORYAL

se. Amid the “peace rorism Bill has been

rom the Philippine National alarming infographics rganizations as terrorists. not, anyone will be guilty

dled by the wrong people－ stimony of repentance for g spree, figures from the UN people and more have been convicted without warrants, police operations. With the s, these numbers could with the same lawmakers, a point of a finger, one could

e southeast will never stop at is the virus that has killed rs each passing day. Tons ed and funding for the finalized. We’ll never end this by killing the masses faster

should be the ones under democracy goodbye.The inded that they are on their to kill. By constantly leaving hile persistently putting their at fire will forever burn. e, but on the streets, in the ill burn until the country- our

eature

Editor: Kyian Crista Salvatierra Murella Elleza Tamayo Azelia Caitlin Labasug Vonn Andrei Villamiel ith Einsley Caja

rt and Layout Design

Sa Dulo ng Bahaghari by: Christian R. Danganan

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ahali-halina ang makukulay na bahagharing bumabandera sa mga protesta at social media tuwing Pride Month bilang suporta sa LGBTQ community. Mapapansin din ang mga kumpanyang naglalagay ng pride colors sa kanilang logo kaya’t tiyak na maaakit nito ang madlang pipol. Subalit, sa ilalim ng nagkikintabang kulay, nakatago ang ilang nananamantala lamang sa buwan ng Hunyo upang kumita sa kani-kanilang rainbow-themed ads at mga produkto.

Sa katunayan, hindi naman sila sumusuporta sa mga kilusan ng LGBTQ; nakapanlulumo ang pekeng pakikipag-alyansa. Para lamang itong taba na wala namang karne sa loob; pakitang tao na wala namang intensyon tumulong. Bukod sa nakakababoy na sa pride flag, nakakabastos din ang insentibo ng mga kumpanyang pinagkakakitaan lamang ang hagulhol ng pangatlong kasarian para sa pantay-pantay na pagtingin.

Bilang kasapi ng LGBTQ community, kinagigiliwan ko ang mga website, damit, at bilihin na may disenyong bahaghari.

Pinararamdam nito na unti-unting nagiging bukas ang mundo sa pagtanggap at dumarami na rin pala ang mga kumpanyang sumusuporta. Ngunit, kung titingnan mo nang mas malalim ang usapan, mapapaisip ka nang masinsinan.

Ayon sa pag-aaral na isinagawa ng Reboot Online, 64% lamang ng mga kumpanyang may pride campaign ang nag-aabot ng donasyon sa mga kilusan ng LGBTQ. Kaya’t ipasok natin ang terminolohiyang ‘rainbow-washing.’ Ito ang paglalagay ng bahaghari sa mga ibinebenta upang mang-akit ng mga mamimili

the law had come into effect.

The libel case against Ressa is just one of seven charges that Rappler has to face. Currently, they are also accused of tax evasion, and illegal foreign ownership. This reveals that the pandemic isn’t a priority to the Duterte regime. They would rather silence critics than to test the people.

Perhaps CoViD-19 isn’t an enemy to this administration. It’s their best friend, for it allows them to abuse their power.

This horrifying move under Duterte’s regime will be one of the most dangerous precedents for press freedom.

It will be a loophole in our broken justice system that our abusive government can use to sue journalists for cyberlibel, especially right now, when Duterte has control over social media through Mocha Uson and more of his supporters.

Maria Ressa’s ridiculous conviction shows the crippled rule of law in the Philippines. It will tighten the muzzle on the mouths of our watchdogs. It will sharpen the blade that will be used to kill our democracy with a thousand cuts.

“We’re at the precipice. If we fall over, we’re no longer a democracy,” Ressa said. Without the freedom of the press, every other freedom would be at stake, for no journalist would be able to , no one would be able to protect them.

So I call on every writer, every journalist, every member of the media, let’s continue to hold the line. Let’s continue to defend press freedom.

kahit wala namang ibinibigay na tulong sa komunidad ng LGBTQ. Sa madaling salita, para lamang ito sa makasariling kaunlaran.

Binabahiran nito ng dumi ang bahagharing watawat na 50 taon nang pinaghihirapang matamasa. Simbolo ng bandera ang hirap na nilagpasan ng komunidad katulad ng mga karahasang antiLGBT, kriminalisasyon ng homosexuality, pagkitil sa mga kasapi, at iba pang hindi makataong aksyon. Kaya’t ang pride flag ay sagisag ng progresibong kilusan; bukal sa pusong suporta ang kailangan, hindi kataksilan sa alyansa.

Tigilan natin ang pamimili sa mga produkto dahil lang sa mga naka-aakit na bahaghari. Alamin muna kung paano ginagastos ng kumpanya ang mga kinikita sa mga pride ads at produkto.

Magsaliksik din kung paano nila itina-trato ang mga empleyadong kasapi ng LGBTQ base sa mga patakarang inilimbag sa kumpanya.

Suportahan ang mga patuloy na bumoboses para sa karapatan; huwag ang mga nananamantala.

Hindi lang selebrasyon ang Pride Month; isa itong protesta para sa pantay-pantay na karapatan at pakikitungo nang walang pag-uusig. Subalit,

sa halip na suporta at pag-asa ang matanaw sa dulo ng bahaghari, literal na kayamanan lang ang minamata ng maraming kumpanya.

Huwag nating tangkilikin ang mga negosyanteng nakatago sa makukulay nilang maskara para sa pansariling kaunlaran. Hanapin natin ang lakas ng ating tinig upang sabihing hindi bahagharing produkto at pekeng pakikipag-alyansa ang hanap ng LGBTQ, kundi ang pagbabagong patuloy na ipinagkakait sa pangatlong kasarian. Maligayang Pride Month, itaas ang bandera mga kumare!

Redshift | The Official Newsletter of Ang/The Velocity

05

Redshift | The Official Newsletter of Ang/The Velocity | Volume 1 | Issue 2

feature Alumni’s Insights:

Red-tagging by: Azelia Caitlin Labasug

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pinions surrounding activists and protesters are still ill-muttered and controversial to say the least. Student activists, especially student activists, are those often under siege. Accused and threatened time and time again by sweeping them under a broad, violent label. In other words, red-tagged.

“Stereotypical at generalized,” commented a Quesayano alumnus and isko, Gerard Gomez. He mentions that he does hear and read about alleged NPA student recruitments, “pero hindi naman lahat!” he exclaims.

Most dream schools accused of communist ties with the New People’s Army is an old, but not a dull blade. Over the years, this issue is regularly amplified, even more so now that an outcry has bellowed against the rise of the new “Anti-Terror Bill” where suspicion is a plausible basis for unwarranted arrest.

“Actually nangyayari na talaga yan eh,” firmly imparted Calvin Zarsuelo, alumnus and UPCAT passer, “ika nga nila, 'yang mga school ng mga scholar na ‘yan (UP, PUP, and more), d'yan unang nagrerecruit ang mga NPA. Which is wrong.”

Both alumni were well aware of what they have signed up for and braced themselves for the worst. Come hail or high water, they’ve assured themselves to remain unfazed and march on.

The possibility of being red-tagged with wagging fingers is what creeps and stifles a student’s throat. Iskos and iskas know that blinding fear, and they scream and they shout with their heads held high. “’Wag kang matakot to voice out what’s right, unang una democratic country tayo,” Calvin voices with grit, urging other Quesayanos to stand without fear, “Hindi tayo dapat matakot sa kanila since the people are the real leaders of this country.”

Gerard adds that state universities and colleges exist for a reason, and that is to mold and refine critical thinking in students.

He urges not to give in to the fear, and not to give up regardless.

“Ito na ‘yon. Ngayon na ang panahon.” He claims, “Saka hindi naman bagong issue [redtagging] ‘yan. Ngayon pa ba titiklop?”

Digital Propaganda: a battle fought in the virtual world by: Murella Elleza Tamayo In an era where fake news and troll accounts are widespread, a new type of battle to be fought has emerged.

Around 2013, Facebook launched the program ‘Free Basics’ where access to services is given to anyone without any data charges. This program became a double-edged sword for the masses. They may have been given the access, but what they are exposed to is limited and easy to be manipulated.

This paved the way for then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte who took the 2016 presidential elections by storm.

Fueled by memes and viral stories on social media about him, he won the favor of many.

This was made possible by hiring people to make chatter on social media amplifying his image and policies to persuade actual citizens into supporting. But this changed few months into the new administration.

The war on drugs sparked public outcry due to various human rights violation. But this

DDS:

Du De by: Vonn Andrei

Democra The stron of democra These are

Photo Attribution |Time Magazine

much is easy to combat if they have hundreds and hundreds of supporters and troll armies on the platform.

Over the angry calls of the mob, trolls on the platform are quick to match the noise online.

They harass people who speak against the administration, from calling names to death threats.

But this kind of harassment weren’t the only danger of speaking up on an online platform.

Since social media is accessible to many, misinformation frequently happens. Fake news flourished during this time manipulating the views of the public.

Government’s terror tales:

History and activism by: Kyian Crista Salvatierra

The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.

Article II, Section I of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines

Filipino citizens have dominion over government authority. The seated, however, can ignore the cries of the people which is why many opted to shout.

Activism and dissent have always been instruments for change— a threat that keeps the leaders awake at night.

A masked counterattack was recently built in the form of the Anti-Terrorism Bill that can endanger human rights. Protests were rampant even if the name suggests good. The bill is a massive jab towards what Filipinos were fighting for centuries.

At present, oppression is still prominent and activism remains ongoing.

Democracy Philippines is a freed country through violence. But non-violent protests played an important role in exposing abuse like in the Spanish colonial regime during the 19th century. The country passed through needle hoops to obtain democracy which was robbed during

Photo Attribution |Doodling Some Thoughts, PH Star

June 2020

This was and is continuously being used as a weapon against the critics and opposition of the administration. From alleged scandals spread on the platform to damaging public image with malicious news, it was an easy job for Duterte’s virtual soldiers.

Despite these dangers, dissenters of the administration never tire out of calling out all the injustices that’s happening.

Because this is the true sense of serving the nation, it is to fight for its people.

In the same way social media paved the way for the rise of a strongman, social media will also be the witness of how a fuming nation topple over a madman.

Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship in the 1970s.

Filipinos were silenced that time. But many still bit back causing him to lose position.

“Activism has been integral in shaping Philippine society”, Diego Magallona from UP, Diliman stressed. Filipinos regained ounces of the promised democracy by keeping their voices heard.

Filipinos hold sovereign power In the 1930s, Filipina women won the right to vote through protests. By this time, adults have control on authorities. Nevertheless, the citizens’ power is not limited to voting. Magallona also stated that directly participating to improve the state can be done by Filipinos who see the flaws the administration can’t.

In Camilla Domonosoke’s study about aktibistas, she claimed: “Young activists have also inherited a division within the left, […] that stigmatizes all activism as ‘communist’.”

The negative filter on rallies also guises the control Filipinos have.

The government authority

What the government does should be a reflection of the people’s needs; but that’s not always the case. The government’s supremacy should stem from the people’s voices, not the other way around. Yet under the Marcos and Duterte’s ruling, the death rate of activists was at an all-timehigh.

Activism is the manifestation of the people. It wouldn’t exist in the first place under a perfect state. It is not right to silence the sovereign. Even if it means ripping up the tapes keeping you from being heard and being a regular in the leader’s nightmares.

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Art by Cherry Claric

Photo Attribution Quartz|

:

uterte's eadly Sins Villamiel

acy has long been dead, but it takes a fascist to expose the carcass. ngman is a hyena in this regime, feasting in what remains of the already rotting corpse acy. e Duterte's deadly sins.

cers in blue collars don't just have a thirst for y also have an insatiable carnal appetite. with stricter laws and guns, some police were y threatening vulnerable women for what is called or-pass' scheme – sex in exchange for cash and a nt pass. were asked to come forward. But with the people protect them being the same people preying on erability, no one would dare to step upfront. sogynist and sexist language that Duterte fails to s influenced the nation more negatively than one magine. The way the police idolize the strongman a toll in fulfilling their service. Just this June, olice station posted on Facebook a sexist remark omen and how they dress. forcers are agents of the law. But when a lustful's comes the law, lust will become a language of ce.

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just a mañanita." poor move to celebrate the birthday of a police a party, a gathering to say the least. And an even ove to post the pictures of the event on Facebook. 'mañanita' that got NCRPO director Debold Sinas le, but nothing more than trouble. While people ng for food and aid from the government, the re feasting in the dark of night, able to get away olation. risingly, nearly half of the Philippines' police are ht and obese. A trait you would least expect in an ose tasks include running after swift criminals.

Sinas remains unscathed, retaining his position cop of the country's capital region, with the top escribing him as 'hard to replace.'

Greed With great power comes great responsibility, but never for a tyrant.

The Duterte Administration is conceivably the most influential and powerful presidency this country has seen in the past three decades. He and his men have all the seats at the table leaving little to no floor for the opposition.

Despite the goliath of a power bestowed upon the hands of the president, Duterte seems to be in need of more, even in the time of a pandemic that has put the country to test.

The Bayanihan Act has delegated the president 'excessive' emergency powers that is supposed to help in curbing the numbers down, but statistics show otherwise.

The greedy grant of power defeated its true purpose.

He is so overwhelmed with the ecstasy of flight and the feeling of seemingly absolute power that comes with it.

Only soon, he'll be pulled by the gravity of his own greed.

Another Icarus waiting to happen.

Sloth As the numbers escalates in an unprecedented speed, time seems to be slowing down, so is the government's response.

The government seems to be playing catch up with the pandemic, with the virus always steps ahead. Philippines has failed to keep up with the response of its neighbors, making its number the fastest growing in the region Malacañang has peddled the 'pasaway'-narrative when it is clearly 'anchors aweigh' for the blamed Filipino citizens.

People are left with statistics, numbers for them to count. With officials sleeping on the issue of the distending pandemic and with no clear signs of slowing down the growth, anyone can be next.

The 'Juan Tamads' of Philippine government remains sleeping under the tree. Someone needs to wake them up.

Wrath The bulls are in it again, chasing the red blood of Filipinos, under the command of the Matador.

"I will kill you," Duterte renews his threat against drug addicts after seizing over 700kg of shabu amid the pandemic. Government statistics claims that around 8,000 were killed in Duterte's drug crackdown, but independent watchdogs put the number three times higher.

'Finishing touches' has never sounded more literal than in Duterte's bloody regime. From drug addicts to activists, he will finish everyone standing against his ground.

Weeks ago, the strongman's wrath echoed far from just drug addicts, attacking dissenters and activists. Eight people were violently arrested while peacefully protesting against the Anti-Terrorism Bill in Cebu. Asked what their violations were, the police could only say "basta."

Under the strongman, brutality has become the dialogue of the police and violence as its language.

Envy The king would not submit himself to any other chessman. He commands the checkerboard. But the Queen is the barometer of power, always more powerful.

It is undeniable that this administration of four years has insecurities fueling its boiling pot of envy. Last year, Duterte has removed Leni Robredo as anti-drug czar, despite her substantial contribution in the campaign with only 3 weeks in office.

Just recently, the palace has belittled the efforts of Robredo amid the CoViD-19 pandemic, even citing them as 'competing' with the administration's efforts.

Malacañang is not happy that Robredo is 'looking at the glass half-empty.' But Robredo is firm that the very same shortcomings that the administration is allowing are the ones costing Filipinos their lives.

This is a tale of two chesspieces. While the king, who can only move one square at a time, is busy escaping checkmate, the Queen has done the job.

Pride The proud strongman sees himself atop a pedestal, failing to see the scene below.

Duterte is five months deep into a health crisis, with numbers breaching the 40 thousand-mark. But he still believes everything is under control.

The palace cited the country as one of the 'model countries' in responding to the pandemic. But the Philippines now has the fastest CoViD-19 growth in Western Pacific, clearly showing that the country's effort the government takes pride in, is far from enough.

Malacañang refuted the WHO data showing the Philippines with the fastest infection growth in the region, even saying "we are winning the fight against CoViD-19."

The palace is reeking with pride preventing them from seeing the real scene on the ground. Pride is the deadliest of sins, and this clearly shows why.

Democracy emanates from the people. And the failure to keep the leader's power in check is an even deadlier sin.

ce Jose Redshift | The Official Newsletter of Ang/The Velocity

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Redshift | The Official Newsletter of Ang/The Velocity | Volume 1 | Issue 2

Kiling na

Pagtingin by: Karhylle Khaye Abuel

N

akapiring, ngunit lumalabas na ang pagbibigay ng katarungan sa Pilipinas ay mayroong tinitingnan at tinititigan. Sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang administrasyon, lalo nitong pinatutunayan na matagal nang namumuhay sa hipokrasiya ang bansa, anupa’t kilalang-kilala ito sa pagkakaroon ng isang sistema ng hustisya na nagsisilbi lamang sa iilan sa halip na sa karamihan.

Matatandaang simula pa lamang ng termino ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte nasaksihan na ng sambayanang Pilipino kung gaano kalupit at walang awa ang administrasyong ito sa paggamit ng batas. Hindi maikakaila na humantong sa higit sa 6,000 ordinaryong mamamayan, kabilang sina Kian delos Santos at Joshua Laxamana, ang napaslang dala ng kaniyang laban kontra sa droga. Ayon nga sa Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), ang militar at pulisya ay responsable sa halos 47% insidente ng karahasan laban sa mga sibilyan.

Tila nagiging mapanuya na ang mga taong dapat nangunguna sa patas na pagpapairal ng batas at pagprotekta sa mga mamamayan, ay ang mga aktibong nakikibahagi sa krimen at kasamaan sa bansa. Kapansin-pansin na habang ang mga mahihirap ay kinukulong at pinapatay, ang mga drug lords tulad nina Peter Go, Kerwin Espinosa at ilang miyembro ng Philippine National Police na sangkot sa pagpaslang at kalakalan ay nasa pangangalaga ng mga opisyal at binibigyan ng karapatan na sumailalim sa “due process”.

Hindi na kaduda-duda pa na mayroon silang katapangan upang abusuhin ang kanilang kapangyarihan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapataw ng agresibong parusa sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan. Kung tutuusin, ang mga pahayag at kautusan tulad ng shoot-to-kill order ang mismong nag-uudyok sa mga ito sa pagsagawa ng mga karahasan at katiwalian.

Sa kasagsagan ng CoViD-19 pandemic, ipinakita ng kapulisan ang kanilang katapatan sa pagsunod sa kautusan ng pangulo nang pagbabarilin nila ang dating militar na si Winston Ragos. Hinabol at binugbog din nila ang mga residente ng Sitio San Roque, Quezon City na humihingi ng relief goods,

Art by: Keith Einsley Caja

June 2020

habang inaresto ang mahigit 120 000 mamamayan matapos malabag ang mga alituntuning kaakibat ng estratehiyang community quarantine.

Alinsunod sa mga paglabag sa patakaran, tinipon ni Mocha Uson ang 322 mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) sa isang resort sa Lian, Batangas. Nagkaroon naman pagdiriwang sa kaarawan ni Major General Debold Sinas kasama ang mga opisyal mula sa National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) sa Camp Bagong Diwa. Subalit, katulad ng CoViD-19 positive na si Senador Koko Pimentel na lumabag sa home quarantine protocol, binigyan ng katwiran ng mga opisyal ang kanilang mga aksyon at hindi sila sumailalim sa warrantless arrest.

Ang mga insidenteng ito ay ang tunay na indikasyon na ang batas ay nalalapat lamang sa mahihirap, habang ang mga nasa posisyon at ang mga kaalyado nito ay binibigyan ng awa at kaluwagan sa batas. Tila nagkakaroon ng dalawang konsepto ng hustisya – ang hustisya para sa mahihirap at hustisya para sa mayayaman.

Sa halip na paliitin ang agwat sa pagitan ng mayayaman at mahihirap, at bigyan ng patas na pagtingin sa harap ng batas, lalo itong pinapalawak ng mga nasa posisyon. Isang pang patunay rito ay ang pagkakakulong sa 72 anyos na si Elmer Cordero na nananawagan ng ayuda at balik pasada, matapos kakitaan ng kapangalan na mayroong kaso ng estafa. Hindi siya nakatanggap ng espesyal na pagtrato sa mga matatanda tulad ng ginawa kina Imelda Marcos na kinasuhan ng Sandiganbayan ng pitong kaso ng graft at Juan Ponce Enrile na mayroong kasong plunder.

Gayunpaman, hindi lamang mga ordinaryong mamamayan ang nakakaranas ng paniniil sapagkat nailantad din ng pandemya ang authoritarian na hakbang upang mapatahimik ang kritiko at media sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasara sa ABS-CBN corporation at paghahatol na guilty kina Rappler CEO Maria Ressa at Reynaldo Santos. Hindi rin nakaligtas sina Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto at Pangalawang Pangulong Leni Robredo na inakusahan ng paglabag at pakikipagkompitensiya sa aksyon ng gobyerno sa harap ng krisis.

Kung patuloy na hahayaan ng administrasyon ang mga kilalang drug lords, korap na mga opisyal, at incompetent na mga pinuno, unti-unti nitong ninanakawan ng karapatan ang mga mamamayan, kabilang na ang karapatan sa malayang pagpapahayag at patas na paghahatol ng hustisya. Sa halip na magpasiil, huwag gawing opsyon ang pananahimik at pagiging ignorante. Panatilihing malakas ang boses at ipaglaban ang demokrasya at patas na katarungan sa harap ng isang administrasyong sumusunod sa isang sistemang lahad na mayroong kinikilingan.