November 2019 Volume 13 No. 1 | Generation Woke

GENERATION WOKE

THE RED CHRONICLES

The official student publication of San Beda College Alabang - School of Law

63A, St. Maur Building, San Beda College Alabang - School of Law 8 Don Manolo Blvd., Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City, Philippines Paul Nikko Degollado | Editor-in-Chief Marryl Ann Ragpala | Associate Editor Rodrick Martinez | Managing Editor

Juan Miguel Lopez | Features Editor Ma. Cristina Miranda | News Editor Gabriel Luis Lacson | Literary Editor Hera Marie Ydulzura | Layout Editor Janna Mae Santotome | Photography Editor

Cover design by Hera Marie Ydulzura. The illustration depicts watch or be watched – the current age of social media has people hooked on it after being constantly bombarded by information that is either a source of action or a mere distraction.

Ej Clemeña | Social Media Officer Niño Jorge Arevalo | Circulations Manager Features Writers

News Writers

Literary Writers Layout Artist Photographers

Logistics

Annelyse Camile Andal Alexandra Erika Ang Femme Angela Armamento Franchezka Mae Celis Katherine Lim Maria Charmaine Maghirang Gian Carla Guido Mary Evielyn Mateo Robert Jian Melchor Faith Sarmiento Jolykha Toa Sanchez

Eunice Jumalon Karl Michael Carvajal

Eloisa Fe Buño Nikki Angeli Tuble

Lea Cerrudo Melissa Manansala Paolo Enrino Pascual

Gloriette Marie Abundo Jariette Anne Abuan Joe Martin Cabaral Justin Heinrich Salazar

Ceasar Entila | Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

Mika Arevalo and Kat Belarmino | Managing Editor Emeriti Kaitlin Sierra | News Editor Emeritus

Jenica E. S. Ti | Features Editor Emeritus Stephanie Gener and Reena Theresa Marquez | Senior Layout Artist Emeriti Atty. Rafael Angelo Padilla Faculty Adviser The Red Chronicles accepts original articles from students and faculty members.

We also solicit comments regarding the articles featured in our issues.

You may contact us at trc@sanbeda-alabang.edu.ph Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines

FOREWORD Triskaidekaphobia is what you call the specific phobia for the irrational fear of the number 13. The number 13 has never had the greatest reputation, having always been associated with misfortune. Skyscrapers seemingly fail to indicate that it has a 13th floor. Judas Iscariot, who is known to have betrayed Jesus Christ, was said to be the 13th person to arrive at the Last Supper. Friday the 13th, an allegedly unlucky day with unparalleled fear attached to it, has gained much notoriety that it has spawned its own horror movie featuring a fictional masked mass murderer by the name of Jason Voorhees. The number has gained much infamy that its superstitious nature has lived on for generations.

Are superstitions like Friday the 13th still prevalent? With the advent of faster internet speeds, real-time messaging applications, and social media, one can easily know the latest news may it be here or abroad. Getting the latest information is just a matter of clicking the search button on your internet browser. Superstitions can easily be debunked by readily available facts or can be easily contextualized by knowing its history.

In the 1st issue of The Red Chronicles’ 13th volume, we explore the issues that surround the current generation. Beyond superstition, we aim to seek facts and proper context. This volume tackles among others the Hong Kong protests, the continuous attacks on human rights, the rapid urban development and its decay, and many more, on top of regular law updates and commentaries from our pool of writers.

As for our delivery of news of the latest school events, we strive to strike a balance between online and print publication – a prompt uploading of highquality photos in our Facebook and Twitter accounts and a more in-depth report in our print version. We have also created new connections with other student publications through our recent membership in the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP). This school year, we collaborated with San Beda University College of Law’s thebarrister and Arellano University School of Law’s Arellano Law Gazette for an integrated learning experience and exchange of ideas. But beyond the expansions that we do, our continuous commitment to deliver the latest news and content that will be relevant first and foremost is to you – future Bedan Lawyer.

That in all things, God may be glorified!

paul nikko degollado Editor-in-Chief

What’s Inside “...the public’s main contention against the PUV Modernization Program is that it is “anti-poor” and that government officials are too detached from the reality...”

18

Editorial: Are We There Yet?

“The SOGIE Equality Bill does not ask for a privilege, rather it seeks for a right that is inherent and inseparable as a human being in the first place.”

32

SOGIE Equality Bill: Colors for Everyone

“If being woke means to be selectively fighting for some causes while turning a blind eye on the just struggles of the oppressed, then it loses its depth and genuineness, reduced to some sort of ‘convenient struggle’, not an oxymoron but a fraud in itself.”

42

Dean Reinforces New Policies, Courses in General Assembly

16

Mr. and Ms. SOL: A Night of Glitz, Glamour, and Philippine Festivity

34

The Hong Kong Protests Through The Eyes of the Philippines

Beyond being “Woke”

“Be the person you needed when you were struggling, check on your friends and look out for each other—always.”

51

14

Withstanding the Rigors of Law School

58 Study with Coffee

06

10

12

39

48

56

NEWS

ROBING 2019: A FAMILY AFFAIR

By GIAN CARLA GUIDO Photo by JANNA SANTOTOME

The San Beda College Alabang School of Law (SBCA-SOL) formally welcomed this school year’s freshmen and transferees in the annual robing ceremony held last October 24 at the St. Benedict Chapel. The event culminated with a mass celebrated

by SBCA’s Rector-President Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, O.S.B. While the SOL has officially taken into its arms another promising batch of students, it likewise set free this year’s barristers who will face the 2019 Bar examinations on the first weekend of November.

Awards were also given to the academically excellent students who made it to the Dean’s List and Honor Roll.

“Even though it was a relatively short affair, I still feel welcomed by the whole school nonetheless,” shared by a student from 1F when asked about his experience during the ceremony.

6 | The Red Chronicles

History San Beda’s robing ceremony is the school’s way of welcoming fresh blood into its family. Some existing students had the privilege of serving as a guide for their new brothers and sisters towards the path to becoming a Bedan lawyer by serving as their respective ninong or ninang.

Vice Dean Atty. Melanie Trinidad in her speech said that SBCA-SOL is the only Philippine institution to conduct an annual ceremony to welcome its new students. The practice originated from when the earliest universities in the world were being formed.

Scholars back then were dressed like ecclesiastics. In England, scholars donned a hat or cap, hood, and long gown. King’s College – now Columbia University – took example during the time of Colonial New York.

Other American universities then followed suit, and this formed part of the academic dress code.

WELCOME TO YOUR SECOND HOME: SOL ADMITS 190 FRESHMEN

By MARY EVIELYN MATEO

Our very own “Papa” Dean Ulan Sarmiento shared the meaning of the red color of the robes. The color represents blood and struggles, as well as passion and protection. During the Renaissance, the color red was viewed as a symbol of royalty, high status, power, and prestige. These show what a Bedan lawyer is expected to be – prestigious, passionate, and protective. It also shows the struggle that one must endure in order to become a Bedan lawyer. Another way of viewing a Bedan lawyer is humanitarian and communal. This can be seen in Jesus’ scarlet robe. Scarlet is the color of royalty. Jesus was clothed with the robe to mock him as the King of the Jews. The scarlet robe was then soaked in Jesus’ blood, the blood that was shed for the forgiveness of humanity’s sins. Wearing the robe makes us one community, one family. This communion is brought about by Benedictine fraternity. ■

The San Beda College Alabang – School of Law (SBCA-SOL), spearheaded by the School of Law Government (SLG) alongside the Council of Organizations, conducted this year’s Freshmen Orientation at the Manny V. Reyes Hall of Our Lady of Montserrat Building last July 20.

The SBCA-SOL accepted 190 new law students for AY 2019-2020. A number of 140 attendees hailing from sections 1S, B, C, A, D, and E, participated their first ever orientation.

They were warmly welcomed by the SLG, the various participating student organizations, as well as school and faculty personnel.

The annual freshmen orientation serves as an avenue to support new students as they begin their law school journey. SLG Internal Vice President and project head Timothy Pilar said that the goal of the orientation is “to welcome the freshmen in the SBCA-SOL and introduce to them the different offices inside the campus as well as the different organizations inside the law school.”

As the tradition of excellence in SOL continues, so does the ritual of classroom simulation. In this activity, the upperclassmen acted as law professors and gave the freshmen a glimpse of the Socratic method of learning.

Pamela Paez, a freshman attendee, shared “the upper batch gave us a case and told us that our professor will be meeting us. Imagine, almost everyone was trembling while answering the professor’s question and found out that it’s a fake professor. For me, that’s the best part of the orientation.”

Likewise, Dean Ulpiano Sarmiento III also gave his greetings to his new batch of law scholars.

“Welcome to the San Beda College Alabang – School of Law! You may not be aware, but this is your fate and it has been destined that this will become your home – your second home.

So welcome! Learn! And more importantly, be happy!” ■

The Red Chronicles | 7

SBCA-SOL HRC CONDUCTS OUTREACH ACTIVITY

By ROBERT JIAN MELCHOR

The Human Rights Center of San Beda College - Alabang School of Law (HRC) held its general assembly and outreach activity at the Haven for Children, an orphanage affiliated with DSWD Region IV-A last August 25 in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

According to HRC’s Directress for the Women’s and Children’s Desk, Ms. Aika Taban-ud, the event was envisioned as an eyeopener for the new members. Different reading materials such as comics and educational books were also given to the children to encourage them to read during their free time.

“The goal was to have a General Assembly for our new members and to immerse them into what the HRC is about, which is to extend help to those who need it the most and also to be enlightened with what is really happening around our society, outside the comforts not just of our house, but also of our school.”

Ms. Taban-ud stated that Ms. Annie Sunga, the Directress for the Detainee’s Desk, was instrumental in the fruition of the event, as she was the one who coordinated with the Haven.

She likewise added that the event could not be possible without the support of their sponsors.

The successful event, for the HRC, will enable them to better execute their Mission and Vision, which is “to prioritize the welfare of our fellowmen through programs that promote human rights in order to bring about the rule of law to the Philippine communities.” ■

8 | The Red Chronicles

SBCA-SOL HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER CONDUCTS OUTREACH ACTIVITY

The Association of Law Students of the Philippines (ALSP) gave the San Beda College Alabang School of Law Human Rights Center (HRC) the Top Advocacy Organization award on July 4, 2019 at the 30th National Convention Welcome Dinner and Cultural Night held at the Century Park Hotel.

“The recognition was made possible because of the previous academic year’s HRC’s effort and involvement”, HRC President Fiona Federico said.

She also added that the recognition by the ALSP of the SOL-HRC motivates them to be eager and enthusiastic to do more and to be active both inside and outside of campus.

HRC BAGS TOP ADVOCACY AWARD

By FAITH SARMIENTO Photo courtesy of LEGAL AID CENTER

The organization aims to engage in different kinds of human rights and to share awareness and knowledge through info graphics.

For this academic year, the organization is planning to have several activities involving SOL students and different communities outside San Beda College Alabang. In addition, the HRC has opened offices for several concerns namely the Women and Children’s Desk, Detainees Desk, and the Elderly and Disabled Desk.

“We already had our first outreach program with the Haven for Children. We also have our on-going selling of coin banks and back scratchers made by the the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) detainees wherein,

all the proceeds will go to their families,” Federico said.

Aside from the aforementioned activities, they are also raising funds for the Haven for Children by selling cupcakes, brownies and cookies. Haven for Children is a residential institution that provides rehabilitation facilities for boys aged 7-13, who are recovering from substance abuse located in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

They are likewise planning to conduct an event to learn about the culture and basic sign language of the deaf community, and having a Human Rights Center Organization Week for this year. ■

The Red Chronicles | 9

2019 Legal Education Summit Shifting paradigm: Remodelling legal education in the phlippines

By FAITH SARMIENTO Photo courtesy of MR. ALVIN MONTESA

Supreme Court justices, legal education stakeholders, lawyers, law professors, and law students convened in the recently held National Consultative Legal Education Summit organized by the Supreme Court of the Philippines on July 31-August 1, 2019 at the Manila Hotel.

“My assumption as the 25th Chief Justice of the Philippines opened to me the grand opportunity to lead the way to the adoption of the desired paradigm shift in Philippine legal education,” Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin said in his keynote speech on the first day of the two-day summit.

The summit aims to formulate recommendations regarding such problems and to forward these

10 | The Red Chronicles

recommendations to the Legal Education Board (LEB), and to the Congress on the possible amendment of RA 7662 or the “Legal Education Reform Act of 1993”.

Five representatives were selected from the National Capital Region (NCR), which included Law School Government (LSG) President Patrick Angara from San Beda University College of Law and External Vice President of San Beda College Alabang School of Law, Alvin Bae Montesa.

Montesa said, “The San Beda College Alabang School of Law, having a student representative in that summit, has been given a voice to present the issues faced not only by the Bedan Law Students,

sophomore students to represent indigents pro bono by 2020

By JOLYKHA TOA LOPEZ SANCHEZ

but the law student sector as a whole.“ The institution of Clinical Legal Education was also presented and discussed in the summit, and was one of the innovations in the legal education system that was achieved in the said event.

The automation of the bar examinations and the long time issue of decentralization of testing centers in major cities in the country were also among the issues that were raised during the convention.

“As one of the representatives of the law student sector in that event, I am hoping that these reforms will shape the legal education system and benefit the future generation of students of law,” said Montesa. ■

The Supreme Court has promulgated an expanded Rule 138-A, also known as the Law Student Practice Rule, last June 25.

The expanded Law Student Practice rule provides that law students who have successfully completed their first-year law courses and those currently enrolled for the second semester of their third-year law courses may apply for a Level 1 or Level 2 Certification, respectively, in order to be a law student practitioner.

Those obtaining a Level 1 Certification can interview clients, give legal advice, negotiate for and on behalf of them, draft legal documents, provide public legal orientation and assist in public interest advocacies for policy formulation and implementation, however, they are limited to represent before quasi-judicial or administrative bodies.

Meanwhile, a Level 2 certification includes all activities under Level 1 Certification, assist in the taking of depositions and/or preparing judicial affidavits, appear on behalf of a government agency in the prosecution of criminal actions, and prepare pleadings required in the case, as well as appear on behalf of the client at any stage of the proceedings or trial, before any court, quasi-judicial or administrative body.

The rule, formally drafted by Associate Justice Alexander Gesmundo, will take effect at the start of Academic Year 2020-2021. ■

The Red Chronicles | 11

HRc aspires more student involvement after people’s lawyers event

By TINA MIRANDA

Awareness and participation.

This is what the Human Rights Society of San Beda Alabang School of Law (HRC) aims to fulfill after taking part in the recent national congress by the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) last October 19 at the Rizal Park Hotel in Manila.

Several known human rights advocates namely Satur Ocampo, Atty. Rene Saguisag, NUPL chairperson Atty. Neri Colmenares, as well as Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen took part in the event with the theme “Conquering Challenges in People’s Lawyering: Unifying Our Ranks to Strengthen the Protection and Advancement of Human Rights in the Face of Adversity,” “We will win this battle against impunity because we are on the side of truth and the people,” Colmenares expressed.

Human rights victims of the ongoing drug war likewise took the opportunity to tell their stories and raise their voice on the killings and abductions under the Duterte regime.

According to HRC’s Directress for Detainees Desk and participant of the event, Annie Sunga, their attendance in the NUPL was an eye opener considering HRC’s advocacy on empowering students in protecting human rights in the country.

“It informed us of the real condition and state of the oppressed and the majority of the people outside. They encouraged us law students to push through with the career and have also shown us the importance of serving the masses.” she shared.

Alongside Sunga were HRC’s Vice President for Secretariat Joshua Pillar and Fe Trampe.

The said event provoked HRC to push for transparency and information dissemination with respect to human rights activities across the board.

“We’ve been trying to brainstorm with our HRC and Legal Aid members to see where and how we can collaborate. We’ve recently started forming our foundation with HRA Mendiola [kasi] we believe [na] the more people we can tap, the more people we can help,” added Sunga when asked about future plans for HRC and Bedan students. ■

12 | The Red Chronicles

Faithful to their goal in providing their law school community with credible stories and topnotch articles, The Red Chronicles of San Beda College Alabang School of Law (TRC), The Barrister of San Beda University, and Arellano Law Gazette of Arellano University School of Law, gathered last October 6, 2019 at the Pearl Manila Hotel for the first journalism skills seminar.

The event was attended by experts from different fields of journalism.

Roy Pelovello, the central desk editor of The Daily Tribune, discussed various techniques on how to capture photos that convey a certain message to the readers. In the open forum, he also gamely answered questions from the students, particularly on the technical aspect of photography, such as what are the kinds of equipment to be used and the viability of smartphones as a tool for photojournalism.

law school publications gather in firsT-ever journalism seminar Prof. Felipe Salvosa II, Head of the Journalism Department of the University of Santo Tomas and former Manila Times Managing Editor, on the other hand, talked about the basics of news writing and features writing. Sir Ipe, as his former students would call him, recently made it into the headlines when he resigned as Managing Editor of The Manila Times after the paper released the “Oust Duterte Matrix.” He also shared the must-read news sites and online magazines to the attendees in order for them to hone their writing skills.

As for the layout and graphic design, People’s Alternative Media Network’s Michael Joselo Villanueva shared his tips on how to create visually appealing layouts and designs. He also talked about his experience as a freelance layout artist for Gavel & Robe, a magazine oriented towards the legal community.

Daryl Baybado, the current National President of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines

By FAITH SARMIENTO Photo by JANNA SANTOTOME

(CEGP), spoke about trends in social media management and the role of social media in disseminating important issues. He shared his experience handling the online presence of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas during his term as its Associate Editor. Trixia Aboy, the head of CEGP’s Antonio Tagamolila Educational Program, discussed the role of journalism in the protection of marginalized sectors, and how campus journalists should take the lead in the advancement of their struggles.

Paul Nikko Degollado, editor-in-chief of The Red Chronicles, expressed that the purpose of the seminar is not only to improve the skills of the members of the participating organizations, but is likewise an avenue to meet fellow law students and student journalists. ■

The Red Chronicles | 13

DEAN reinforces new policies, courses in general assembly

By ROBERT JIAN MELCHOR

The Dean of the School of Law, Ulpiano “Ulan” Sarmiento III, discussed upcoming academic policies and guidelines tabled for implementation for this academic year, last September 25 at the St. Maur’s Auditorium. The schedule of upcoming school events was also conferred, such as the robing ceremony, the final exams, and a new elective course offered for the summer.

Primarily discussed during the event are a string of new academic policies, which are previously dormant according to the Dean. These regulations are intended to improve the academic proficiency of the student population, as well as to improve the odds of Bedan underbars who will soon take

14 | The Red Chronicles

the bar examinations. This will likewise lead to the improvement in the passing percentage of the SBCA-SOL in the said exams, making the school more competitive against other fellow heavyweight law schools, in terms of quality of education.

Furthermore, these policies are centered around the QPA or Qualified Point Average system, where a student would have to meet a set threshold grade point average (GPA) for a given year level to secure re-admittance to the School of Law next academic year.

Some prior policies, such as the removals exams for seniors was also revised. Starting this academic year, only a graduating student with a single failing

slg elections back to manual voting

By TINA MIRANDA

subject is allowed to take the said exam. However, the Office of the Dean will be strict to implement that only those with a grade of 70-74% would be allowed to take the removals, as opposed to the previous years.

In addition, a new elective subject of “Typing Proficiency” will be offered next summer 2020 in preparation for the 2023 Bar Examinations, which is reportedly to be computerized- a first in the history of the Bar Exams in the Philippines. ■

For practicality and efficiency—this is what the Election Commission (ELECOM) President Pamela Sevilla aimed for the School of Law Government (SLG) Elections A.Y. 2019-2020.

A total of 159 students casted their votes at the St. Maur Building last August 30, 2019.

Sevilla expressed that reverting to paperbased elections would be the better plan for the SOL community, especially the ELECOM, as it takes automated voting approximately three weeks or more to prepare.

“Very time consuming ‘yung automated election and less expense na din since one party lang ulit ‘yung nag-file for candidacy,” said Sevilla.

The ELECOM, likewise, decided on having an online campaign of the candidates instead of the usual room-to-room campaigning and Miting de Avance. This had been more effective and efficient for everyone, according to Sevilla, considering that candidate information disseminates faster on all social media platforms.

When asked about this year’s performance of the ELECOM, Sevilla was convinced that the committee did better than the previous elections amidst the low turnout of votes.

“I believe this is a good experience for us to better prepare ourselves in the upcoming years for a much effective way of engaging with the students.” ■

SOL CONDUCTS FIESTA BONANZA

By MARY EVIELYN MATEO

A festival incorporating Filipino culture was this year’s Recruitment Week theme which was held last August 1- 10 at the 3rd floor of the St. Maur Building.

The event was organized by the School of Law Government (SLG), with the participation of the Centralized Bar Operations (CBO), The Red Chronicles (TRC), School of Law Internship and Development Group (SOLID), Human Rights Center (HRC), Chorale, Student Ministry, and VolCorps.

The recruitment week was a convenient avenue for the students to look at what the different organizations had to offer, and for various student organizations to showcase what their respective organization stood for.

According to then SLG President Laira Manankil, “the purpose of the SLG in conducting the said event is two-fold; for the organizations to be able to expose their visions and missions while practicing their right to recruit members, and for the students to be aware of the existing established organizations in the SOL. Manankil further shared that the annual recruitment week of orgs will provide an opportunity for students, especially the new ones, to engage themselves in non-academic activities and to interact with peers outside the classroom.

Maureen Daniele Antallan, a transferee, commended the event saying that the recruitment week has helped her in figuring out what extracurricular activities she wishes to delve into during her stay in the SOL. SOLID’s Head of Recruitment Ralph Deiparine also shared, “The Recruitment Week was very useful in promoting SOLID as a student organization.

The event showcased what SOLID is about: an organization that works hand-in-hand with the Guidance and Counseling Services, and it enticed many students, especially the freshmen, to join the organization…without the event, it would be a bit of a challenge to entice and recruit new members.”■

16 | The Red Chronicles

The Centralized Bar Operations (CBO) of San Beda College – Alabang (SBCA) held their annual Mr. & Ms. School of Law (SOL) fundraising pageant at the school’s St. Maur Auditorium last 28 September 2019.

According to CBO Chairman Chrisbie Tiangco, the pageant is not only a fundraiser, “... it is also an opportunity for our fellow law students to conquer their fears, and also a good channel to showcase creativity amongst the community.”

Mr. SOL 2019 candidates included Raph Andrada, Rustan Jay Bugay, Vajo Sotto Fregil, Edward Paul Mendoza, and Justin Vince Pineda.

While Ms. SOL 2019 candidates included Ma. Veronica Aguilar, Aira Mae Borras, Jessica Lopez, Denise Meñez, and Tamie Tuason.

Andrada and Aguilar were crowned Mr. & Ms. SOL 2019; Mendoza and Meñez were named 1st

Mr. and Ms. SOL 2019:

A Night of Glitz, Glamour, AND Philippine Festivity runner up; and Fregil and Tuason were named 2nd runner up.

Special awards included: People’s Choice won by Andrada and Aguilar; Mr. & Ms. Catwalk, received

by Mendoza and Meñez; Best in Production Number won by Pineda and Tuason; Best in Festival Costume earned by Fregil and Tuason; Best in Casual Wear given to Andrada and Tuason; and Best in Formal Wear and Evening Gown won by Mendoza and Meñez.

When asked for a statement on his win, Andrada expressed his surprise for bagging the title and thanked his family, his friends, the SOL Government, and the CBO. Andrada talked about his passion for mental health awareness and recalled his experience upon entering law school.

By GIAN CARLA GUIDO Photo by MELISSA MANANSALA

“I saw the extremes of a law student’s mental health, that there seems to be no middle—either they’re doing well or they’re but a few steps away from a breakdown...

As a law student, psychometrician, and a Bedan, I want to spread awareness about the mental health of law students, and to help them cope in whatever way I can.”

Finally, Andrada mentioned his pageant answer on his stand against the death penalty. He emphasized how people are capable of reformation and should be given the chance to do so.

The pageant brought success not only to Andrada, Aguilar, and the candidates, but also to the Bedan community as a whole, as it managed to bring the SBCA-SOL family together to raise Php 425,128.75 for the school’s barristers who will take the bar examinations this November 2019. ■

The Red Chronicles | 17

editorial

ARE WE THERE YET?

And Other Questions Asked While Stuck in Traffic

The daily commute in Metro Manila is now at its worst point. The horrendous traffic in the metro has reached an alarming level, already qualifying the situation as a state of mass transportation crisis. This problem calls for a balance between a long-term solution to finally put an end to the daily traffic misery of the Filipinos, as well as an immediate fix to relieve them from their ordeal while comprehensive efforts are being made.

Thousands of commuters have been agonizing due to the successive glitches at the capital region’s three major railway systems. With the shutdown of the Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT2) due to fire, passengers were forced to find alternative modes of transportation.

Heavy traffic at the South Luzon Expressway has also tested the public’s patience as of late, as the P10-billion extension of the Skyway System is underway.

The government should look at the bigger picture, not only improving traffic flow, but also reducing vehicle volume. The traffic crisis can be solved if a fast, convenient, and safe mass public transportation system is in place. This will encourage private car owners to patronize mass public transport options.

As trains are destined to be the most efficient out of the mass transit vehicles, and the Duterte administration is aiming to build new, ambitious train projects such as Metro Manila’s first subway and Mindanao’s first railway. However, these are long term projects that would take some time before it would come into fruition. In the meantime, buses and jeepneys will still play a crucial role because relative to cars, they could transport a larger number of people without occupying too much space on the road.

If we can expedite the installation of rapid bus transit (BRT) networks and replace old jeepneys with new, spacious, and cleaner ones, then more people will be likely to leave their cars at home and choose to 18 | The Red Chronicles

commute instead, thus, helping free our roads. Here, the government’s firm effort to push for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) will be pivotal.

According to Department of Transportation (DOTr), the PUMVP is not merely a vehicle modernization program, but a comprehensive system reform that will revolutionize the public land transportation industry. In this program, drivers will have the security of a monthly salary with benefits, as well as reduced working hours. Currently, our drivers and operators run on a “boundary system”, wherein the driver is engaged to drive the operator’s unit at a fee called the boundary. Everything in excess of the boundary becomes the income of the driver.

In this scenario, the driver is dependent on the excess amount only. In contrast, the PUMVP aims to be beneficial to the underpaid drivers, the commuters, the environment, and the country itself. The main selling point is that it is not a mere modernization program, but also a comprehensive change in the lifestyle and system of commuting in the country.

As the first step towards the modernization of the PUV regulatory framework, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, which provided new rules for regulating PUVs. In this system, the local government units (LGUs) are required to submit their own Local Public Transport Plan (LPTRP) as a pre-requisite for the opening of PUV franchises within their jurisdiction. LPTRP aims to provide traffic management measures to address the traffic crisis.

One of the major features of the program is the introduction of modern PUVs that are designed to be environment-friendly, safe, secure, and convenient with due consideration to our persons with

disabilities (PWD) passengers. The modernization program embraces not only jeepneys, but also buses and public utility vans.

While on its face, the PUV Modernization Program would seem to be a step towards eradicating the ever-worsening traffic in Metro Manila, the failure of the DOTr to implement the program fully or to at least meet the goals it had set throughout the so-called transition period, shows the government’s slapdash planning. During the Senate hearing on the program, it was reported that of the targeted 85,000 modernized units necessary to transport the capacity of the 170,000 jeepneys to be phased out, only 3% have been operationalized after almost 3 years the launching of the program. To further aggravate the situation, PUMVP’s 2018 budget of P843-million, which was allocated for training programs, route planning, information education campaigns, was slashed to P447-million this year and has no allocation at all for 2020.

Amidst all the controversy revolving around inadequate planning and poor implementation, the public’s main contention against the PUV Modernization Program is that it is “anti-poor” and that government officials are too detached from the reality of the program they seek to execute. Modern jeepneys are estimated to be anywhere from P1.2-million to P1.6-million, cost of which will be shouldered by jeepney drivers and operators.

It has been reported that DOTr signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Development Bank of the Philippines, for a P1.5-

billion loan facility for PUV cooperatives. However, it is important to stress that these are for loans and not subsidies. Of the estimated P1.2 to P1.6-million price tag of a modern jeepney, only P80,000 will be subsidized by the government. The remaining amount will constitute a long-term loan in the names of the jeepney drivers and operators, essentially burying them in debt for years to come.

The PUV modernization aims to provide high quality public transportation to our people; for progress and the inevitable change that our country needs. However, the same should not be implemented at the expense of our jeepney drivers. What we need is rehabilitation and assistance from the government, and long-lasting solutions instead of quick fixes.

The government must provide subsidies sufficient to jumpstart the change they want to obtain and ample time for transition. They must be reminded that it is not for profit venture nor for the good of our people’s welfare if we do not look at our jeepney drivers equally as Filipino citizens. If it would only lead to displacement and loss of livelihood among drivers and operators, then we once again failed our fellowmen.

This program shall be for the benefit of everyone.

Hence the application and implementation shall also be for the benefit of the same. If we rise, we rise together- nobody gets left behind, especially not the poorest members of our community. Otherwise, what more could the government do in exchange for the lives of its constituents? ■

The Red Chronicles | 19

opinion

PAUL NIKKO DEGOLLADO Editor-in-Chief

Solid Fortress

RULE OF LAW UNDER ATTACK

Last September 21, I received a text message from my former boss Atty. Neri Colmenares, the same day Proclamation 1081 was signed 47 years ago. His text message was an invitation to the relaunch of The Concerned Lawyers for Civil Liberties (CLCL) on September 23, which coincides on the same date of the promulgation of Proclamation 1081. The said launch of the alliance was in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ JBL Reyes Hall, which was named after its first president and former Associate Supreme Court Justice Jose BL Reyes- a well renowned jurist and a staunch advocate for civil liberties. His famous quote, “No Master, but Law; No Guide, but Conscience; No Aim, but Justice” encapsulates the ideals that a lawyer must live by.

Some of the famous names in the legal profession present in the gathering include our own former Sen. Rene Saguisag, Atty. Christian Monsod who is one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, former UP Law Dean Atty. Pacifico Agabin, former Representatives Neri Colmenares and Erin Tanada, Adamson University College of Law Dean Atty. Ada Abad, De La Salle University College of Law Dean Atty. Chel Diokno, University of Cebu College of Law Dean Atty.

Rose Liza Eisma-Osorio, Ateneo de Davao University College of Law Dean Atty. Manuel Quibod, Ateneo Human Rights Center Director Atty. Arpee Santiago. The event was also graced by the presence of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Chito Gascon and the previous and current IBP Presidents.

The alliance was first convened in 2006 during the Arroyo regime, amid the attacks against human rights, civil liberties and the rule of law. Several landmark cases during this time had the CLCL either as counsels or 20 | The Red Chronicles

petitioners, among them were Bayan vs. Ermita1, Lambino vs COMELEC2, David vs Arroyo3, Senate of the Philippines vs. Ermita4, Southern Hemisphere Engagement Network, Inc. vs. Anti-Terrorism Council5.

Thirteen years after, the alliance was reconvened as attacks against the people intensified. Since 2016, a total of 47 judges, prosecutors and lawyers were murdered as per the tally of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL). On the morning of the gathering, a failed ambush attempt against Atty. Cris Heredia in Capiz was reported. Atty. Heredia is a member of NUPL and an environmentalist. These kinds of attacks also affect advocates, journalists, and even civilians who are merely exercising their duties as citizens and are well within the bounds of the law.

On top of actual physical attacks, vilification through baseless harassment suits and red-tagging are also being done to advocates and people’s organizations to invalidate their concerns instead of addressing the issues that they want to be resolved in the first place. This environment of hostility deserves no place in our country that should be a nation of laws and not of men.

More than ever, lawyers and law students should be more proactive and abreast with the issues surrounding them. The law is stable and dynamic at the same time.

As future advocates, we should know by heart our basic human rights and it is our duty to uphold it especially to those who are blindsided by this knowledge. With the venue filled to the brim during the said launch, defenders of the rule of law can fight back against the attacks. ■ 1. G.R. No. 169838 2. G.R. No. 174153 3. G.R. No. 171396

4. G.R. No. 169777 5. G.R. No. 178552

MARRYL ANN RAGPALA Associate Editor

Tea for Tat

The art of art In the past few years, we have experienced a resurgence of interest in the arts with various exhibits, art installations, and museums opening its doors to the curious minds and snap-happy hands of the general public. In today’s society where social media has found an integral position in our daily life, thus transforming the way we consume and process information, it is of no surprise that this has extended to the way we perceive art as a form of expression. With traditional art forms being incorporated and transmuted into a more holistic sensory experience, this shift in medium does not come without any dissatisfaction and criticism to the said movement.

The “Van Gogh Alive” is one such exhibit that has received mixed reactions from the citizens of the internet upon learning of its arrival here in the Philippines. This travelling digital exhibit has gained popularity across the globe by providing its spectators with a unique viewing experience through projections of the late Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings onto walls, accompanied by classical music scores. According to Grande Exhibitions, the creators of the said exhibit, its goal is to “immerse audiences not only in the many timeless masterpieces of Van Gogh through huge projections, light and sounds, but also to tell a part of the painter’s life by showing where he created them”.1 However, a recent buzz on Twitter had tongues wagging when a local influencer aired her thoughts about the said digital exhibit, due to her alleged elitism and art “gatekeeping”2, which is defined as “the activity of controlling, and usually limiting, general access to something”. In her recently deleted tweets3, she expressed her dismay at Van Gogh becoming mainstream without people knowing the artist’s work as a whole, and her discomfort to its attraction to the casual social media user who would use it as an Instagram backdrop for content purposes without

giving respect the artist. “But Van Gogh’s work on digital screens? I’d prefer going to a museum,” she tweeted.4 With the proliferation of the usage of social media, there will always be pros and cons to the behaviors elicited by its users. In this day and age where image is everything, and a person’s relevance in the digital world is defined by what you did, what you bought, what you ate, where you dined, and where you spent your holidays, the perceived shallow understanding to one’s art is indeed a matter to be concerned with- are you here to experience the artist or are you here for the ‘gram? However legitimate the concern is, it should not be a cause to discredit those who wish bringing a once seemingly inaccessible artist to the country for people to enjoy and be educated on his works and his life. A trip to see his art, which are housed in The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, is not something majority of our countrymen can afford. Art, although said to be for everyone, is after all still a luxury- a food for the soul indulged after the troubles of the everyday salary man- whose checklist for the day includes how to get to work, how to feed his family, and how to pay the bills- have been dealt with.

To which opinion has been greatly divided among the strict art purists and benevolent art enthusiastswhat say you? ■

1. ABS-CBN News. Immersive Van Gogh art exhibit to open in Manila. https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/10/05/19/immersive-van-goghart-exhibit-to-open-in-manila. October 5 2019.

2. Lexico. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/gatekeeping.

3. Biong, Ian. Inq Pop. Van Gogh for everyone: Influencer’s ‘elitism,’ ‘gatekeeping’ of Dutch master’s art draws flak, apology slammed. https://pop.inquirer.net/80294/van-gogh-for-everyone-influencerselitism-gatekeeping-of-dutch-masters-art-draws-flak-apolog yslammed#ixzz62trMCf5T. October 8 2019.

4. Id.

The Red Chronicles | 21

RODRICK MARTINEZ Managing Editor

Dick Just In

Rice Nation In 1997, Justice Panganiban decided the landmark case of Tanada v Angara, determining the constitutionality of a World Trade Organization agreement on importation. The aim was to open the Filipino market to foreign partners by lowering the tariffs on their exports. Focused mainly on agricultural and industrial products, this would create an avenue for foreign investments in the country. The contention was that the said agreement runs contrary to Section 19, Article II of the Constitution, otherwise known as the Filipino First policy.

Every student should know by now that the Supreme Court decided in favor of the WTO Agreement. Its interpretation of the constitutional provision is that there is no mandate for the Philippines to completely be self-reliant, that what is required under the 1987 Constitution is to allow the Filipino business merely the opportunity to be able to compete with the foreign importers.

Over twenty years later, the Philippines faces one of the most dumbfounded problems it has ever faced.

Even though we’re a country of rice consumers, even though we have vast lands, even though these vast lands produce millions of metric tons of palay per year, we are facing a rice crisis, and who’s getting the brunt of it? Our farmers.

RA11203 or The Rice Tariffication Act was passed in February of this year. The law lifted the restrictions on the quantitative importation of rice into the country.

This has caused our farmers their livelihood, drastically worsening their economic situation and leaving them with mere scraps to live on while most of their income is lost due to reduced prices and the loan settlements they had to incur just to finish the harvest season.

Since the law was passed, thousands of rice farmers have gone out of business. Neither were the rice mills

22 | The Red Chronicles

saved from this crisis. The rice industry is slowly being paralyzed. Although the farmers admitted to the existence of the P10-Billion Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund aimed at helping them improve productivity and remain competitive, they said that access to the fund was limited as many local farmers do not even have bank accounts in order to contract the proper loan.

Almost every day the solution to the rice crisis gains new mileage on its tracks as more and more citizens, farmers, and legislators join the cause. Let’s go back, what was the reason for the passage of the law? To address the shortage of affordable rice. Did the law succeed with regard to this matter? YES. At what cost?

After just seven months, the holistic ramifications of the law have reared its ugly head. Although the ordinary consumer saves a couple pesos per kilo of rice, the large-scale impact of the rice crisis has left the whole country dismayado and lugi. As one of the most basic commodities of the Philippines, rice plays a vital role in Filipino culture. It’s ironic, if not pathetic, that RA11203 led to the collapse of the very industry it seeks to protect. Keeping in mind the interpretation of the Supreme Court in the settled jurisprudence on the Filipino First policy, is it time to repeal the Rice Tariffication Act? Has it not curtailed the rice industry of the Philippines to the point that there is no competition between our local farmers as against the foreign importers?

It’s high time that the government sees the gravity of this rice crisis and conclude the Rice Tariffication Act unconstitutional. In the short time the law has been enacted our country has experienced tremendous loss. This must not be left continued, otherwise, where would we end up? ■

MARIA CRISTINA MIRANDA News Editor

Afterthoughts

Why i deleted instagram While people in my school were busy signing up in different organizations, I, on the other hand, was busy signing up on different social networking sites. I remember creating my first public and online account on Friendster where users ask for testimonials on their feed. I had like 2 or 3 a week from classmates and friends. After all that pretentious befriending, I got into Tumblr and started blogging. Thereafter, Facebook came into existence so I created one too, where I was friends with my real-life pals, as well as acquaintances. I also had Snapchat and Instagram where I used to frequently post random things like screenshots or the weather-you know, something that no one really cares about.

Among the websites that I mentioned, and before I decided to delete it from my phone, I was visibly active on Instagram for a long time.

Instagram was created mainly for photo sharing.

During its first years, online users were not very conscious of what they post- it doesn’t matter whether it’s blurred or tilted or whether it’s too dark or too exposed. Everything was raw in itself. People back then were confident in sharing life updates without fear of getting judged. But as time went on, it started to get stingy and forged. Some had to delete old pictures, which I’m also guilty of, to make way for new ones that would fit the “brand” they envisioned. Like many, I had my feed curated according to my taste. I was extremely selective on what to post only to end up tossing them in my drafts. I was happy for a while. I made friends. I got

the number of likes I deserved until one day I grew tired of it and so I left.

I deleted Instagram for personal and practical reasons. Like a few who have decided to quit social media for good, I too share the same sentiments as to why I should completely abandon my presence online. One reason, or rather an excuse, is that it’s taken up so much of my time. Instead of doing more important tasks, I spend time watching as many stories as I can which would take 2-5 hours a session. Two, I don’t have anything interesting to share with my online peers. Three, and I still deny this to this day—that I feel bad for myself. I start to compare and later question my life and my choices.

It’s not a very good feeling having to put yourself side by side with someone you barely know. I used to get inspiration and motivation from the pictures that I see, but because everyone seems to be having a good time all the time, aside from me, I tend to get anxious and a little insecure.

I thought to myself that if I can’t join them with all the glam and fancy, it’s best for me to leave. And that’s what I did--I deleted the app. It’s not because Instagram is negative for me, but because I became toxic to myself. I didn’t work on myself for years only to get knocked down again. I deleted Instagram to regain my self-esteem and improve myself in terms of my choices without bothering to compare what others have to what I lack. I will probably visit from time to time, but I won’t spend as much time as I had before. ■

“It’s not a very good feeling having to put yourself side by side with someone you barely know.”

The Red Chronicles | 23

JUAN MIGUEL LOPEZ Features Editor

In Reality

At what cost?

As a nation endowed both with a valuable strategic location and abundant natural resources, we are no stranger to times where powerful nations covet intervention over our affairs. Obviously at present, it is China, with its might and affluence, which has been rapidly positioning itself in gaining control over our region, among others, attempting to overpower the United States. This eventually led us to be more accommodating to their economic interests in the hopes of gaining in return. Lest we forget, the purported generosity of China, as shown by its multibillion-dollar loans to developing countries like ours, are all part of its effort in further extending globally its political and economic clout.

“But then one day we might realize that we are already held on a string, powerless to choose our own way, incapable of standing on our own feet.”

In the recent turn of events, an apparent irony arose: while hundreds of thousands of Filipinos continue to seek employment abroad, the Chinese come in droves to work in our homeland, some of them, illegally. And the crassness of several Chinese mainlanders cannot help but draw our ire. But to despise them simply because of their race would make us no different to those who deride our overseas workers out of xenophobia. The fact persists that several of them too are mere victims of inequities in their country. However, the corresponding influx of Chinese wealth in our country alters much the dynamics of relations between our people and theirs.

The so-called ‘cordial’ relations of our country with China remains, despite being riddled with controversies.

Our iconic hospitability has again given way to another era. An era of opportunity for business with the growing

24 | The Red Chronicles

imperial power. With our adaptivity, this age can be a gold mine for progress—for some. “Progress” at what cost? Our freedom?

Perhaps our leaders are left with no choice but to collaborate with this oriental goliath who can be generous and coercive at the same time. In the national effort towards progress, tangible results are crucial in creating the impression of development to the public. And the Chinese yuan facilitates more the materialization of such plans for development—no wonder the deep-pocketed Chinese are warmly welcomed by our bureaucrats.

Nevertheless, George Washington’s warning remains true and applicable to this day that “it is folly for a nation to expect disinterested favors from another, because all that nation receives as a favor is sooner or later repaid with part of its independence.”

Solely trusting our leaders will not spare us from foreign domination as history is replete with instances of Filipinos forsaking Filipinos for the sake of power and wealth under the auspices of a foreign power. Yet to be defeatist in this struggle against being a victim of Chinese expansionism is tantamount to being complicit with the subservience our people will face under a budding colonizer. We should remember that, in the words of statesman Claro M. Recto, “our emancipation will be exclusively our work, as will be the maintenance of our independence when we shall obtain it.” And to be truly free, we must learn to rely on ourselves and not to any other nation.

With rose-tinted glasses, the Philippines may waltz with China, awed with its power and promise of prosperity. But then one day we might realize that we are already held on a string, powerless to choose our own way, incapable of standing on our own feet. For we have long been lured to the promise that genuine progress can be achieved by compromising our sovereignty–an all too believable lie. ■

JANNA MAE SANTOTOME Photography Editor

Paradoxical Dark Matter

tulfo and chill It’s a Thursday night, drained from your 9:30 The increasing number of cases before the courts pm class and you still have to study for the next class gave rise to the popularity of ADR. Furthermore, it tomorrow, but can’t seem to find the urge to open is the declared policy of the State to actively promote your book. You lay down on the bed, giving yourself party autonomy in the resolution of disputes or the 30 minutes to browse Facebook when suddenly a freedom of the party to make their own arrangements to video caught your attention- Raffy Tulfo’s Wanted sa resolve their disputes. Likewise, according to RA 9285, Radyo. You ask yourself, can this be a modern form of the State shall enlist active private sector participation Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)? in the settlement of disputes through ADR without Wanted Sa Radyo is a program hosted by Raffy Tulfo prejudice to the adoption by the Supreme Court of any and Sharee Roman, which focuses on helping the poor ADR system. battle the red tapes of society. It is a public Some opine that with the growing affairs show that airs on weekdays from publicity of Raffy Tulfo and positive 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Radyo5 92.3 reviews from the public with the “...the freedom of News FM. The most common show, this can be considered as a the parties to personally modern form of ADR with the segment of the show is Sumbong at Aksyon, where complainants settle the dispute on their program as the third neutral tell Tulfo about their situation party. This public program own is not absolute and and seek assistance to resolve it. presents how people can use a so, must be within the Tulfo puts the other party on the social media platform to express constraints of the law.” their grievance over an issue and air to get their side of the story and encourages both parties to talk to each reach a mutual agreement before it other on the air. After hearing both sides of ripens into court action. It offers the public the story, Tulfo may contact someone in a position an easy access to reach a compromise agreement (e.g. high-ranking police officials, social workers) to which would benefit both parties with less expenses further assist the aggrieved party. and effort, speedy negotiation, practical solutions, ADR is the procedure for settling disputes flexibility of the process, a wider range of issues are without litigation, such as arbitration, mediation, or being considered, and the shared future interests may negotiation. It typically denotes a wide range of dispute be protected. resolution processes and techniques that act as a means It is undeniable that the show produces a positive for disagreeing parties to come to an agreement short outcome in the settlement of disputes of the parties, of litigation: a collective term for the ways that parties however, this alone does not give the show arbitrary can settle disputes, with the help of a third party. In the power to rule on such. The show must still comply Philippines, there are two laws which govern ADR- the with the provisions of R.A. 9285 and R.A. 876 in order Republic Act 9285 or Alternative Dispute Resolution to classify it as a modern form of ADR. It must be put Act of 2004 (R.A. 9285) and Republic Act 876 (R.A. into mind that the freedom of the parties to personally 876) or The Arbitration Law. settle the dispute on their own is not absolute and so, must be within the constraints of the law. ■

The Red Chronicles | 25

HERA MARIE YDULZURA Layout Editor

RAHndom Art

Constant Ever since I was young, I had a best friend in each grade. In elementary school, they were Jeanne, Martha, Monica, Angelica, Reeham, and Hannah. In high school, they were Lara, Gian, Jen, Janna, and Sarah. In college, they were Lili, Maria, Amanda, Sherry, and Therese. You may not know these people, but to me they were the ones who made my elementary, high school, and college life fun and exciting.

We might have had different paces in graduating college, but most of them now pursue different fields of profession whilst here I am, still studying. Instead of pursuing a career, I pursued education. It’s not such a bad choice. But going through the education system again is bound to take its toll – especially if it’s law school.

In law school, we meet new people, create new friendships, learn and experience new things.

We start on the same playing field even if you finished with honors in college. There are mountains of books to read, seas of cases, and a forest of current issues and events we need to trek every once in a while. There are four years (ideally) until you graduate and then take the bar exams. Ultimately, for these five years, unless you are a strong independent man or woman who does not need anybody in this journey, I suggest you find your own constant.

In the dictionary, as a noun, it means a situation or state of affairs that does not change. As a noun, I mean it as a best friend; a person you can lean on in times of hardship; a person who will have your back no matter what; who will support you like a mage does in a MMORPG; a sidekick in your own superhero life story. Having a constant will make your life better in law school. Not easier, for law school is definitely not easy, but better.

It does not matter if it’s one or two or ten. It does not matter if it’s a girl or a boy or LGBTQ. It does not matter if your constant varies per year or per section or per subject. It does not even matter if your constant is a classmate or from another school or a relative – although, it is recommended that your constant be a law school student or classmate for various reasons. What matters is that your constant supports you and they make you happy in this journey we call law school.

A constant will help you get through the subject, explain to you what you don’t know, discuss difficult concepts, or be as study buddy and help retain knowledge and information. A constant will cheer you up when you just had a bad recit or bad midterm results.

You can vent your frustrations, complaints, anger, fear and other feelings about law school to your constant. A constant will be the one who will pass you the beer or light up your cigarette when you partake in a walwal session after finals. He or she might really be bad at karaoke but nevertheless you will enjoy yourselves. A constant will motivate you to hang on and do your best. With a constant going on the same journey as you are, he or she will understand you, your pains and your joy in your law school journey; be with you every step of the way – or at least on the same path as you are.

It is important that you do not use your constant as you would use a property or right. Nobody likes to be used – unless, you have masochistic tendencies, then I guess to each his own. Treat them as you would want others to treat you. As much as possible, reciprocate. In law school, we do not only strive for the top on our own, but we do it with the help of others. Remember, in the process of helping others, you also help yourself. ■

“Remember, in the process of helping others, you also help yourself.”

26 | The Red Chronicles

GABRIEL LUIS LACSON Literary Editor

Chubibu’s Noesis of Engrams

Weather or not When does suspension of classes become an issue of Good Governance?

Good governance, as defined by the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, is being inclusive and follows the rule of law and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making.

It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.

The Philippines, as a tropical country, experiences very impulsive weather. With the effect of climate change, the weather couldn’t be predicted accurately unless there is a severe tropical depression. Back in my high school years, suspensions were done by province. Before, the power to suspend was vested with the Chief Executive or the Department of Education (DepEd), and they relied on the “signal number”, which referred to the gustiness of the wind.

Now, it is delegated to the local chief executives of each municipality or city (even with the barangay chairman) as deliberated by each locality taking into consideration the rainfall warnings issued by The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA. This system is very effective and efficient—on paper.

If suspensions are timely, students, parents, and school personnel alike will be saved from going out in the rain and risking safety and illness. For the past few months, we have seen untimely class suspensions given by local governments in the National Capital Region (NCR), which was met with the clamor of students and parents alike who took to Facebook to voice out their concerns. As someone who has played his fair share of real-time-strategy games, city-builder-games, and the like, I thought about what those outcries for suspension really meant.

Public outcries are meant to be heard and not meant to be set-aside. It is the vox populi, it carries the will of the people. And yet, the local governments across

the metro remained stern and were not swayed by the vox populi —with justifiable reason of course.

Suspensions cause a partial cessation in the economic activity of the locality in which it is declared. If frequent, it will also cause a delay of the school’s calendar which will disrupt the regular flow of the academic year. But the suspension of classes will also dramatically decrease the risk of a local epidemic of waterborne diseases, such as but not limited to, the flu and leptospirosis. It will also decrease the risk undertaken by the city since less people will be left stranded in case of unpredictable calamity.

Herein lies the crux of my argument: Suspension of classes becomes an issue of good governance when such power of suspension is not used properly. For there to be good governance, the local government, is tasked with being responsive to the needs and concerns of its people. Yes, too many suspensions are bad, but not enough decisive suspensions are just as bad. When you fail to call for a timely suspension, you not only risk the welfare of your constituents, but your prosperity as a municipality will be affected in the long run. When you fail to timely suspend classes, the risk of people becoming ill increases, your local health centers will be overrun with patients thus increasing your costs for healthcare. This also means that people may not be able to report to work, thus significantly hindering productivity. All of this will cause dissatisfaction among your townsfolk and create a negative impression on your governance.

On the other hand, too many suspensions are also bad because it is a temporary partial cessation of the functions of your township. Suspensions and nonsuspensions both have their consequences, so it is really the responsibility of the local government to heed the needs of their constituents and choose, even if sometimes they choose erroneously. ■

The Red Chronicles | 27

NIÑO JORGE AREVALO Circulations Manager

The Rabbit Hole

Noncents Ikaw ba ay isang estudyante? Nag-aaral para sa kinabukasan mo at sa iyong pamilya? Working student ka ba na pilit binabalanse ang pag aaral at ang paghahanap-buhay para matustusan ang pagaaral at pang araw-araw na kailangan? Or simpleng estudyante na gustong isukli sa magulang ang paghihirap nila sa pagpapalaki ng isang anak?

Kung oo, natanong mo na ba sa sarili mo kung saan ka na naman kukuha ng pang-matrikula? Ilang O.T. na naman ba ang kakailanganin para lang masustentuhan yung pang araw-araw na gastusin at ang pang-tuition mo? O kaya naman kung paano sasabihin sa magulang na enrollment na naman at kailangan na ulit ng pang-tuition? Ito ay iilan lang sa mga katanungan ng isang estudyante na bumabagabag sa kanyang sarili kada simula ng semestre.

Working student ka man o hindi, siguro kahit isang beses natignan mo na ang iyong tuition form at napatanong kung saan napupunta yung binabayad mo. At least sa tuition form, makikita mo yung breakdown kung saan napupunta yung kinita mo nung nag OT ka or yung perang pinaghirapan at binibigay sayo ng magulang mo. Kaya nga humihingi ng resibo para alam mo kung anong binabayaran mo. Hindi ka lang basta-basta bibigay ng pera kasi pinaghirapan mo yun or pinaghirapan ng magulang mo yun. Gusto mong masulit yung binabayad mo kahit papano.

Ngunit, ano na ang nangyari sa budget ng ating bansa? Budget cut dito, budget cut dun. At anung departamento ang binabawasan? Department of Health at Department of Education ang iilan sa mga

‘to. Kung kailan may epidemiya ng tigdas, dengue, at polio, at kinakailangan ng mas maraming pondo para sa kalusugan, eh nabawasan?

Nabawasan din ang DepEd ng pondo na sana’y para sa pampagawa ng libu-libong silid-aralan at para makakuha ng mas maraming guro, ngunit ito’y hindi pinalad at kakaunti lang ang naipatayong silidaralan. Pati na ang CHED, nabawasan ang pondo para sa libreng edukasyon at tulong pinansyal para sa mga estudyante.

Ang tanong, san kaya ‘to napupunta?

Ito raw ay napupunta lahat sa Opisina ng Presidente para sa Confidential and Intelligence Fund na mahigit sa kalahti ang itinaas nito kumpara sa nakaraang taon. Ito raw ay para sa “securing the nation”.

Sana ay maramdaman natin kung ano man yung gustong ipahiwatig ng “securing the nation”. Kahit na dagdagan pa ang budget para dito, sana hindi masyado maapektuhan ang pangangailangan ng taong bayan sa pagbawas nila ng budget para sa kalusugan at edukasyon. Sapagkat hindi lahat ng tao ay may pera sa pagpapagamot lalo na ngayon pa na may epidemiya. Ang edukasyon ang makakatulong maiangat ang estado ng buhay ng isang tao, paano na lamang ang libu-libong kabataan na umaasa sa libreng edukasyon mula sa gobyerno?

Ngayon, estudyante ka man o hindi, nagtatrabaho ka man o hindi, malusog ka man o may sakit, ikaw ay mapapatanong, saan kaya napupunta ang binabayad kong buwis? Sa securing the nation? ■

“Sana ay maramdaman natin kung ano man yung gustong ipahiwatig ng “securing the nation.””

28 | The Red Chronicles

EJ CLEMEÑA Social Media Officer

Here comes a thought

Say Something Not long ago, I attended a comic convention somewhere up north and like thousands of con goers, I was bombarded with merchandise —or simply merch as we often call it— from different artists who had their artworks reproduced in stickers, art prints, and of course, comics; some of these were original contents, others were fan-made works from known franchises like the Disney owned properties such as Marvel and Star Wars, to works featuring even our very own historical figures with the likes of Heneral Luna, whose popularity skyrocketed due to the 2015 historical biopic about the fiery general.

I went about the convention browsing and buying merch from different fandoms and when I had my fill of these fan-made materials, I decided to look around for more original content from other creators. Now here’s the thing about local comic conventions like this: they usually table one of my favorite comic creators, Pol Medina Jr. Not many may know his name, but almost everyone would recognize his work, Pugad Baboy. For those who aren’t aware, Pugad Baboy is a political satire comic set in a community of the same name with its inhabitants often commenting on the current political situation.

In one of the panels I remember reading as a kid, there was a mini story arc where some of the main characters travelled to the future where they found that in this future, the Philippine roads and highways were filled with highways and flyovers just to ease the traffic. This was, of course a reflection of the traffic conditions at the time of its publication—not as worse as the conditions that we have now of course, but it just shows that the concerns then and now have not changed a bit.

But as I walked around the convention some more, I realized that Pugad Baboy wasn’t the only comic there

that had something to say politically. As a matter of fact, I noticed that almost all (if not ALL) of the merch from the fandoms that I had in my hand, as well as other works that we consume in order to entertain ourselves through different media whether it be through TV, novels, movies or videogames, more often than not have something fairly political to say in their own right: Star Wars, though it had stories of space wizards and hand-cutting fathers, involves the fight of the rebels against a government that was clearly inspired by Nazi rule (Stormtroopers, anyone?); Marvel, through its many heroes tackled topics on feminism (Captain Marvel), the United States’ tendency for meddling with countries’ internal affairs (Iron Man), and even resource economics (Thanos) just to name a few; The Lord of the Rings had gravity defying elves and magic rings, but it was also Tolkien’s commentary on industrialization and its ill effects on the environment; Steven Universe, though a kids’ show, deals with class and societal issues; and the Fallout video game franchise, though a fun RPG (roleplaying game) with lots of crazy quests including one which you have to find a sex robot of all things, is a criticism on a hyper capitalist society.

It just shows that one cannot escape politics even if they claim to be apolitical—that they’d rather let themselves be consumed in their own fandoms and won’t let themselves be bothered by real world politics. Aristotle said that human beings are political animals; so, it begs the question: are those apolitical persons apolitical because they don’t care about the politics of the world around them? Or are they apolitical because they’re not actually human beings?

Makes you think. ■

“It just shows that one cannot escape politics even if they claim to be apolitical—that they’d rather let themselves be consumed in their own fandoms and won’t let themselves be bothered by real world politics.”

The Red Chronicles | 29

comics

Family matters

osmosis

ghosting

“walang traffic sa pinas”

30 | The Red Chronicles

BY EJ CLEMEÑA

In Memoriam judge Alberto serrano 1950 - 2019

By ANNELYSE ANDAL and JUAN MIGUEL LOPEZ

A stern, resounding voice has once echoed the courtrooms and the classrooms of San Beda. Gone was this voice come the 23rd of July, when the man left and finally met the Almighty. A great Bedan lawyer, brilliant professor, and dignified servant of justice that he is, Judge Alberto Serrano’s passing left a void to the many whose lives and dreams he has touched.

Dean Ulpiano Sarmiento III, a former student of Judge Serrano back in San Beda College of Law - Manila, remembers him the most as a person who remained humble and grounded despite his intelligence and overwhelming achievements. Our Dean mentioned that any practicing lawyer who appeared before him would realize how humble and understanding he is, to the point that even new lawyers were at ease with him. He described him as the most prolific writer that he has ever encountered— he writes as a novelist and as a lyricist—and that readers would not get bored of his pleadings because of how he constructs his sentences and uses his words. Finally, as a professor, Judge Serrano was remarkable and industrious, whose diligence was consistent all throughout the years, as Dean does not remember a time that he incurred an absence.

Looking back, his former student Darla Claire T. Enriquez, recounts that the way he taught his lessons “has always been nerve-wracking, but it had a notorious possession of space in your heart and mind” playfully referencing a term from Land Titles and Deeds – one of the subjects that Judge Serrano taught.

Indeed, beyond his 3-second rule were the volumes of wisdom he shared to his students. His career in the academe transcended his complex knowledge of the law.

The care he had for his students manifested in his efforts in molding them to become better, even if it meant going out of his way. More than a prominent professor, he also previously served as a faculty adviser of The Red Chronicles.

Apart from his great influence on the organization and the lessons he imparted which were passed down from the previous terms to the present one, the publication is beyond grateful to him for unconditionally dedicating his time and knowledge to student journalism. His overflowing love for serving the people has and will continuously radiate to the people he left behind.

Other than his lectures and recitations, he imparted invaluable lessons. “It was from his example. Being a retired judge, he made me aspire more. He was always on time,

saying that every second counts especially when studying.

He even does lectures for the benefit of the students to understand the subject matter better. And at the end of every class, he always gives a talk to help the students cope with the hardships of law school,” says Jerome Vidal Plata, his former student in Credit Transactions.

Neither grandeur nor pomp can be the right word to describe him. He was a man of humility—never demanding any special treatment despite his towering achievements. His students would recount that he even used to take the train when coming to school. Being a well-respected legal practitioner, judge, and professor never hindered him to give a warm smile to every student who greeted him.

In his eulogy, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza—a fraternity brother and contemporary—reminisces that every after class, “Bert,” as they fondly call him, would immediately share the recitation questions with the students of the next class, demonstrating not only his excellence, but more importantly his genuine compassion to his fellow students, he would likewise discuss the lessons extensively among his classmates. Throughout Justice Mendoza’s stint in the Supreme Court, he recounts that no administrative case has ever been filed against Judge Serrano all throughout his years of dedicated service in the judiciary.

Simplicity and excellence. Had he lived longer, he would have occupied the higher echelons of public service with his sterling credentials and unquestionable integrity.

Our nation needed him more—he was someone who achieved, driven not by the desire for applause, but by passion and dedicated service. He was a man who kept his feet on the ground. He spoke, had his chance, and proved that he was a Bedan truly worthy of emulating. His time may have been fleeting, but his words, the memories of him, and the wisdom he bequeathed to us, shall always be engraved in our hearts. ■ The Red Chronicles | 31

SOGIE EQUALITY BILL:

By FEMME ARMAMENTO Illustration by EJ CLEMEÑA

The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression “SOGIE” Equality Bill, also known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill, is a proposed legislation of the Congress of the Philippines. There were various efforts exerted by different legislators to have the said bill passed as a law, but to no avail.

According to the records of our legislative history1, the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago first filed it in Congress, and then-Akbayan party-list Representative Etta Rosales, in which the bill passed its third reading in the House but failed to progress to the Senate. In pursuit of the same, Kaka Bag-ao, Geraldine Roman, and Tom Villarin in the House of Representatives, and Risa Hontiveros in the Senate authored the current version of the bill. It passed its third reading in the House of Representatives on September 20, 2017, but the same did not see light in the Senate. It has been subsequently refiled in the 18th Congress. There are only a few sessions left, but the said bill is still grasping for its yays.

Hence the question “why?”- Why can’t the SOGIE bill be passed like any other proposed bill? Is our country ready for the changes to be implemented by the SOGIE Equality Bill?

After the incident of Ms. Gretchen Custodio Diez, a transgender woman, who was detained after trying to use the comfort room for females in one of the malls in Quezon City, the netizens rallied their thoughts all over social media and expressed their condemnation to the incident. Advocates of the LGBTQIA community conveyed their battle cry once again, “Give us our rights, pass the SOGIE bill!” Different point of views were seen and heard in the television, radio networks, newspapers, and of course, social media. It gave rise to the misconception of people regarding what the SOGIE equality bill really is.

The “SOGIE Equality Bill”2 is a bill that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression (SOGIE). It does not include other issues such as same-sex marriage nor the gender marker on birth certificates. What it promotes is the protection of the lives and recognition of the rights of everyone, especially the members of the LGBTQ. It focuses on the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of one’s SOGIE with regards to equal opportunity and access to public spaces, social services, workplace, and in school.

Citizen’s Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party List Representative Eddie Villanueva manifested his opposition against the SOGIE Bill saying, “Instead of promoting equality, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill will only “unduly give special rights” to some members of society “at the expense of others and to the detriment of the social order in our community”. In contrast to this statement, one could not deny that there are thousands of lives being neglected, discriminated, abused, and killed just by being themselves and expressing who they really are. What 32 | The Red Chronicles

the SOGIE bill aims to prevent are biased hiring, public harassment, sexual abuse, deprivation of basic human rights, and promotion or encouragement of stigma based on SOGIE in media, including educational textbooks, ads, magazines, and public speeches.

It is widely known that the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation3, which could be another reason why the bill is still far from enactment.

The members of the Catholic Church claim that it is against their beliefs as there should only be “a man and a woman,” and no one else to wit: Church has rejected the idea that people should be free to choose their gender.4 But this is not just about that, the bill fights and protects the lives and rights of everyonesuch that everyone has SOGIE. It is not even about marriage equality—this is a form of protection of someone’s life against any violation of one’s rights.

From bullying to discrimination to killing, lives are being scarred, damaged, and lost. One should not be deprived of life’s greatest pleasureto be alive and to live as they may opt to live. What we need is a law that would shift perspectives of bigotry to appreciation and respecting even the minority.

As provided in the case of Calalang v. Williams5, “Social justice means the promotion of the welfare of all the people, the adoption by the Government of measures calculated to insure economic stability of all the competent elements of society, through the maintenance of a proper economic and social equilibrium in the interrelations of the members of the community, constitutionally, through the adoption of measures legally justifiable, or extra- constitutionally, through the exercise of powers underlying the existence of all governments on the time-honored principle of salus populi est suprema lex (the welfare of the people is the supreme law). Social justice, therefore, must be founded on the recognition of the necessity of interdependence among divers and diverse units of a society and of the protection that should be equally and evenly extended to all groups as a combined force in our social and economic life, consistent with the fundamental and paramount objective of the state of promoting the health, comfort, and quiet of all persons, and of bringing about the greatest good to the greatest number.”

The SOGIE Equality Bill does not ask for a privilege, rather it seeks for a right that is inherent and inseparable as a human being in the first place. However, to avoid such bill to be used as propaganda, people should be vigilant regarding the provisions it would carry and the chances of inserting unnecessary phrases or words for it to be the law we need. It may sound too shallow for some, but it does mean the world for others. In acknowledging the possible paradigm shift that is almost at the tip of our fingers, carries with it a light of hope to the LGBTQIA community- to be given a chance to be heard, to be seen, and grow up to its full capacity as much as other people can have without any discrimination on the basis of one’s SOGIE. Together, may we be free of our own SOGIE without fear. After all, we are of our own color in the flag. ■ 1. Abad, M. (2019, August 28). Timeline: SOGIE Equality in the Philippines. Rappler, Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/ 2. Senate Bill No. 1271, An Act Prohibiting Discrimination On The Basis Of Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity Or Expression (SOGIE) And Providing Penalties Therefor, First Regular Session, 17th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, 2016, p5:21.

3. Bueza, M. ( 2015, January 18). Map: Catholicism in the Philippines. Rappler, Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/ 4. Deutsche Welle. (2019, June 10). Catholic Church Rejects Use of Gender Identity Theory In Education. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/ 5. G.R. No. 47800.

The Red Chronicles | 33

the Hong Kong Protests Through The Eyes Of The Philippines B y ALEX ANG

The world has its eyes on Hong Kong. This time, however, it’s not because of the region being the third ranked financial center worldwide or of it being ‘Asia’s World City’.

For the past four months, Hong Kong finds itself once again in a fight for its independence. It was a mere 22 years ago when the dramatic July 1, 1997 handover took place and the world bore witness to one of the most pivotal moments in history. Hong Kong, the sophisticated economic powerhouse it has grown to be is no longer under British rule.

The Sino-British Joint Declaration signed on December 19, 1984, stipulated that on the date of the handover, Hong Kong will function as a highly independent government and that China’s socialist system of government will not be imposed upon for 50 years, in line with the “One Country, Two Systems” policy1.

Today, their streets have become a battleground where millions of Hongkongers are marching to protest the extradition bill proposed by the Hong Kong Government. What began as a peaceful protest quickly became brutal at the hands of the local police. Social media was set ablaze by the numerous viral videos showcasing the vicious methods of the police to stop demonstrations. Water cannons, pepper sprays, tear gas, and even physical beatings were employed on protesters who allegedly resisted arrest. Such attacks even took place inside the metro rails and other public places beyond the area of demonstrations.

For many watching the events unfold through news and social media, it is a jarring picture to see the region in chaos. Many questioned whether such extreme measures to censor dissent are necessary, especially in modern, civil society.

34 | The Red Chronicles

One Country For many, this extradition bill undermines the independence of the special administrative region by allowing mainland China to prosecute crimes committed in Hong Kong. However, China has stood firm on its stance about the ‘One China’ policy, often finding itself in conflict with states such as Hong Kong and Taiwan. They have been clear that all regions being claimed by them would eventually form part of the mainland. Even during the handover in 1997, both China and Hong Kong knew that implementing two systems would be difficult, seeing as the two had different expectations when it comes to development. Hong Kong wants democracy whereas China does not.

As Hong Kong entered its third month of democracy protests, the Chinese government employed what seemed to be its strongest weapon to quell dissatisfaction. Chinese-backed media platforms have pushed to paint the demonstrations as ‘acts of terrorism’ with Western powers influencing the region to revolt against the mainland. In addition, many Chinese celebrities, as well as several from Hong Kong, have come forward in support of the Hong Kong police, writing on their social media accounts “I support the Hong Kong police. You can all attack me now. What a shame for Hong Kong.” This, however, would seem to backfire with audiences outside of China as it shows celebrities’ detachment from the plight of the people whose liberties are at risk and lack of respect to the independence of the region.

What This Entails for The Philippines The importance of Hong Kong to the Philippines can be expressed in numbers.

Hong Kong is one of the top destinations for overseas Filipino workers. According to the results of the 2018 Survey on Overseas Filipinos, 6.3% of the OFWs are stationed in Hong Kong. Of the 390,000 domestic helpers in the region, 213,000 of those workers are Filipinos2. Generally, Filipino workers sign a 2-year contract with the employers, subject to renewal upon the end of the period.

From January to July 2019, of the $17,219,009,000 remittances reported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, $462,462,000 comes from Hong Kong3. Undoubtedly, the money remittances from Hong Kong play a major part in boosting the Philippine economy as well as improving the standard of living of Filipino families.

Beyond OFWs, the Philippines and Hong Kong have enjoyed diplomatic and economic relations that have benefitted both parties throughout the years. During the middle of 2018, Hong Kong has stated its plans of introducing tourism initiatives in order to reach its goal of one million Filipino tourist arrivals in 2019, following the 900,000 peak in 2017. On the other hand, the Philippines looks to Hong Kong as a potential investment partner in realizing the country’s infrastructural development plans and as the fifth highest export partner in terms of value as of May 2019.

While the extradition bill primarily affects residents of Hong Kong, it also opens possibilities of Beijing’s greater involvement in local governance and policy making in the region. Ultimately, it would affect the state’s autonomy and possibly create changes in overseas workers policies. Hong Kong has a developed legal system for the protection of overseas workers and permits the workers to form unions. A change in government could spell the difference between OFWs in Hong Kong having the

legal protections they have today to it being taken away from them.

The Philippines sees a lot of itself in Hong Kong’s fight for independence. The constant peddling of fake news and propaganda in media, extreme consequences for criticizing the administration, and the rise of human rights violations – all these seem to come with the territory of fighting a bigger political power. But aside from the parallels in internal conflicts, the Philippines is likewise in our own fight with China, and we are not alone in this.

Countries look to Hong Kong in their fight for democracy as it mirrors several Southeast Asian countries’ efforts to insist on their sovereignty over contested territories included in the controversial nine-dash line. We should ask ourselves: in the midst of Duterte’s soft stance towards China issues, the influx of undocumented Chinese workers in the country, the continued patronization of Chinese loans to fund the administration’s Build, Build, Build Program, and the stranding of the Filipino fishermen by a Chinese vessel, why can a state that is technically a part of China stand up to the mainland while we as a separate, independent nation cannot seem to fight back?

As the rest of the world observes the events happening in Hong Kong, we can only hope for the continued safety of the people. The past months have been a humbling reminder of the liberties we take for granted and the revolution necessary to grasp freedom. A win for Hong Kong is not only a win for the people’s independence, but a strike back against Chinese dominion. ■ 1. “The Joint Declaration”, Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 2. “2018 Survey On Overseas Filipino Workers”, Philippine Statistics Authority, 30 April 2019 3. “Table 11: Overseas Filipinos’ Cash Remittances”, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Photo from The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from https://www. wsj.com/articles/hong-kong-students-go-back-to-school-but-protestswont-cool-11567392576

The Red Chronicles | 35

NEW HIRES ON BOARD

By CHARIE MAGHIRANG Photos by JANNA SANTOTOME, PAOLO ENRINO PASCUAL, REENA THERESA MARQUEZ, MELISSA MANANSALA, and PAOLO NIKKO DEGOLLADO

The San Beda College Alabang - School of Law welcomes a new wave of professors, who shall contribute to the formation of future Bedan lawyers. A total of nine (9) new professors add up to our current roster of brilliant minds, whose sterling credentials would surely motivate students to aspire and achieve more.

First on the list is ATTY. TIMOTEO AQUINO. After placing 8th in the 1988 bar exams, the following year, he began teaching at the San Beda College of Law until 2006. He authored various books such as Torts and Damages, Notes and Cases on Banks, Negotiable Instruments and Other Commercial Documents and Philippine Corporate Law Compendium. Likewise, he also co-authored works such as Reviewer on Commercial Law, Essentials of Transportation and Public Utilities Law, Fundamentals of Negotiable Instruments Law and The 1991 Revised Rules on Summary Procedure: Revisited. His remarkable teaching experience and valuable knowledge in the field of law prove that excellence is among the ideals he will impart to the scholars of the law. Currently he teaches Negotiable Instruments Law to second year law students.

Next is ATTY. JOSEPH FERDINAND DE CHAVEZ, a graduate of San Beda College Manila from batch 1991.

He took up his Master of Laws in Comparative Law at the University of San Diego California, USA. There is no doubt that he is also preparing his students to top the bar—he ranked 3rd during the 1991 bar exams. Aside from teaching law students, he is also a competent pre-bar lecturer and MCLE lecturer. The school is happy to welcome this California State Bar member as part of the set of instructors who will help prepare students in passing the bar and becoming a law practitioner.

36 | The Red Chronicles

Another addition to our list of professors is the 7th placer of the 2013 bar exams, ATTY. KATRINE PAULA V. SUYAT-ANTONIO. In 2009, she graduated cum laude with a degree in Political Science from the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy of the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

This bright kumpanyera graduated salutatorian from the College of Law of San Beda College Manila and is a recipient of the Dean Feliciano Jover Ledesma Achievement Award. Equipped with her expertise in law, she is currently teaching Criminal Law 1.

The school, likewise, welcomes ATTY. JUAN RUFFO D. CHONG, a Juris Doctor graduate of Ateneo De Manila University from batch 2008. He also holds a dual degree in LL.M in Global Business Law where he graduated in May 2012 at New York University School of Law and National University of Singapore.

Currently, he is the respected Vice Dean of Student Affairs of the College of Arts and Sciences of San Beda College Alabang and the Chair of the Legal Management Department. This brilliant man is now one of our professors in Negotiable Instruments Law.

In addition to the new faces of esteemed professors is ATTY. SARAH LILIANA Z. SARMIENTO. She graduated from San Beda College Manila back in 2015 and previously worked under Justice Carpio as a Court Attorney II at the Supreme Court of the Philippines. She shares with her father, Dean Ulpiano Sarmiento III, the passion for the study of law, as she is currently taking up Masters of Law at the University of the Philippines. At present, she is one of the Legal Writing professors of our first year students.

Also under Justice Carpio is ATTY. MARLON IĂ‘IGO TRONQUED, who was a Court Attorney VI. He earned both his Bachelor of Science in Management, Major in Legal Management degree and Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. Being an active law student during his stay at Ateneo, he became part of the Ateneo Human Rights Center as a coordinator for its Katutubo Desk, specializing in the rights of indigenous people; and was also a writer for The Palladium, their official student publication. Currently, he is ready to impart his knowledge on Statutory Construction for our first year students.

A prime addition to the list of professor teaching Persons and Family Relations is ATTY. MIGUEL CORNELIUS HERRERA. He has a true Bedan heart, as this prestigious lawyer graduated from our School of Law back in 2011. His wide experience in dealing with cases in both the government and private sectors makes him competent in imparting his knowledge in civil law. His practice encompasses various fields of law, which include corporate issues involving taxation, labor law, contract law, as well as criminal cases before the Sandiganbayan and the Court of Appeals. Our school couldn’t be more proud to produce a very reliable young lawyer excelling in his field.

Another alumnus of our school, who is now an addition to its roll of professors is ATTY. GERALD C. SERGIO, who graduated in 2010 and was consequently admitted in the bar in 2011. A busy bee that he is, while operating his own law firm GC Sergio Law and Legal Service, this alumnus is currently teaching Statutory Construction in his dear alma mater. Aside from that, he is also a part-time professor at De la Salle University-Dasmarinas, Cavite.

Last, but definitely not the least, is a crowd favorite ATTY. ROBEN “JUN” CADUGO JR. as he is known to students and alumni alike, he is the Administrative Officer of the School of Law. He graduated in 2015 and subsequently passed the bar in 2017. Having been a friendly and familiar face to all, being one of the professors in Statutory Construction is his way of giving back to the SOL community.

Currently, he is taking up his Masters of Law at the San Beda University.

With our experienced mentors, the quality of education delivered by the School of Law will continue to progress towards forming better Bedan lawyers with the help of their different expertise and teaching techniques. These will ensure that our students will be well-equipped and undaunted to take the backbreaking bar examinations. Indeed, this shows that San Beda wants nothing but the best for its community. ■

38 | The Red Chronicles

CRIMINAL REFORM AND CRIMINAL’S REMORSE: Lengthy Jail Terms Slashed by RA 10592

By ANNELYSE ANDAL

Republic Act No. 10592 also known as the Good Conduct Time Allowance Rule, was enacted on May 29, 2013 during the presidency of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. It provides for the amendment of several provisions in the Revised Penal Code, which expanded the application of the good conduct time allowance for prisoners during preventive imprisonment, among others.

A year after its imposition, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the law was penned, providing the prospective application of the law. After which, several convicted prisoners from New Bilibid Prison (NBP), represented by the Free Legal Assistance Group and former Senator Rene Saguisag, questioned the constitutionality of the law before the Supreme Court. The petitioners further insisted that the law should have retroactive application, which implies that even those convicted and jailed prior to the enactment of the law should benefit from its effects.

On June 2019, the Supreme Court through a unanimous vote in the case of Inmates of the New Bilibid Prison vs. De Lima1, granted the petition and ruled on the retroactive application of the law.

As a consequence thereof, “all prisoners regardless of whether already serving his or her sentence, or undergoing preventive imprisonment, may qualify for the reduction of their sentence pursuant to the time allowances under the law.”

On Sanchez’s Slashed Jail Term Recently, the public expressed their outrage when news broke out regarding the possible

release of Former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez who was convicted of rape and murder of Eileen Sarmenta and the murder of Allan Gomez.

Sanchez was sentenced with seven counts of reclusion perpetua. Aside from this, he was also convicted of the double murder of Rick and Nino Penalosa.

However, when the Supreme Court ruled on the retroactive application of RA 10592, Bureau of Corrections Director General Nicanor Faeldon mentioned in an interview that Sanchez was likely to be freed after serving only 25 out of the supposed maximum jail term of 40 years, since he is eligible to benefit from the passage of the said law. He further discussed that Sanchez’s possession of illegal drugs in 2006 and 2010 while serving his sentence is not a ground for disqualification, but would only cause him to lose points that could shorten his sentence. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, who served as one of Sanchez’s defense lawyers, made an initial statement stating that Sanchez’s release was “automatic” under the law.

Due to public outcry, both Panelo and Faeldon dismissed the rumors that a release order for Sanchez has already been signed on August 20.

Both retracted their respective statements stating that Sanchez would not be freed since the law excludes recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees and persons charged with heinous crimes. Panelo further explained that such exclusion is justified by “dura lex sed lex”.

While the public was being constantly pacified, Sanchez’s release was being surreptitiously The Red Chronicles | 39

planned and carried out. In a recent turn of events, GMA News obtained a document proving that a release order that was dated August 20, was indeed prepared and signed by Faeldon himself.

Unfortunately, Faeldon made no comment as to why this relevant information was withheld to the public notwithstanding successive inquiry.

After being subjected to public scrutiny, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the temporary suspension of GCTA as a precautionary measure. The amendment of the law is also being pushed to clarify certain ambiguities, imposing rules that would lead to the forfeiture of GCTAs granted to the inmates, as well as mandating further requirements such as notice and publication of the names of convicts who are scheduled for release.

GCTA Law as a Money Making Scheme The Senate, in its aid of legislation, conducted a hearing in relation to the allegations of irregularities and anomalies thrown to the BuCor in its implementation of the GCTA law. Senator Risa Hontiveros claimed that the beneficiaries were not randomly selecte. Instead, they are favored recipients of special treatment. This is justified by the list of the controversial and high profile convicts who benefitted from the law, among whom are Janet Lim Napoles, who was convicted of plunder, as well as three out of the seven convicts in the 1997 Chiong-rape slay case, Josman Aznar, Ariel Balansag and Albert Caño.

It was also noted that there were conflicting release dates, names that bear different prison numbers, and mismatched names and offenses as when the crimes corresponding to the released

inmates’ names in the BuCor list are different from the actual offenses that led to their incarceration.

For instance, Caño, was listed for a drug-related crime instead of murder, and rape was committed

by Napoles instead of plunder, who was said to be released from prison due to expiration of sentence.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires ordered the sixmonth preventive suspension of BuCor officials in the midst of the scandal inside prisons, as they were allegedly extorting money in exchange of good conduct release. At present, the Senate is still conducting its inquiry on the alleged racket involving BuCor officials.

A Presidential Callout to Surrender On September 16, the joint committee of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the DOJ announced the revision of the IRR of GCTA, which categorically excludes heinous crime convicts from availing the benefits of the law. In an interview, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra mentioned that only heinous crime convicts detained after the passage of the law in 2013 are already disqualified from doing so.

President Duterte made a verbal order mandating the surrender of heinous crimes convicts who were previously released by the DOJ. He gave a grace period of 15 days stating that if they failed to surrender on or before September 16, they would be treated as fugitives for having committed evasion of sentence. Aside from being subjected to warrantless arrest, the police was also directed to “shoot dead anyone who resists”. In line with this, DOJ reported that 1,914 out of 2,009 convicts surrendered and were returned to the custody of the government after the President’s imposed deadline.

To date, the possible constitutional transgressions of the said exclusion, as well as the President’s directive pertaining to its potential violation of the equal protection clause, the prohibition of ex post facto laws, and the encroachment of separation of powers have not yet been resolved nor challenged in court.

Reintegration of Heinous Criminals Sanchez’s release caused clamor because of the gruesome and inhumane nature of the cases filed against him. According to the BuCor, however, among the pegged 11,000 beneficiaries, 1,914 inmates are convicted of heinous crimes. This might imply that Sanchez is only one out of the many convicted prisoners who are permitted to walk free despite their perverse criminality. He may be one out of

the many prisoners who are being reintegrated into society despite the possible threat that they may impose to the community. Most importantly, this might mean that while some of those who were compelled to commit petty crimes due to poverty are rotting in their jail cells, the powerful and politically influential inmates have the ability to tilt the scales of justice in their favor and have authorities conveniently twist the language of the law for their liberty.

As a Necessity for the Underfunded Penal System According to the University of London’s Institute for Criminal Policy Research, the Philippine penal system is the third most congested in the world. In the advent of President Duterte’s War on Drugs, the number of inmates in the Philippines increased from 96,000 to 160,000 from 2016 to 2018 according to the data presented by the BuCor. This significant increase has led to a humanitarian crisis, as such overcrowding poses a perceived danger to the health of the inmates as they become more susceptible to different diseases.

In addition to this, there is also deprivation and scarcity of their substantial needs.

R.A. No. 10592 was mainly designed to award good behavior and to encourage long serving inmates to participate in rehabilitation.

It also provides for a substantial reduction in the respective penalties imposed to qualified inmates which would eventually result in the decongestion of the jail system in the country.

Correctional Justice System The implementation of the law is aligned to the penal system’s promotion of restorative justice wherein the government aims to establish a more enlightened and humane correctional system. Our criminal justice system promotes reformation and rehabilitation, wherein the incarceration of prisoners is seen as a measure to correct misconduct.

The spotlight given to the aforementioned cases caused a widespread fear and panic as if heinous criminals are freely lurking within society. Because of this, the primordial benefits of the law are unappreciated--- for instance, it also benefits those who have been imposed of unreasonably lengthy sentences for nonviolent offenses and those who are still jailed because of prolonged trials. Sanchez’s aborted release should not overshadow what the law ultimately seeks to promote. Let it not be forgotten that the law provides a second chance to those who are remorseful and deserving of liberty and reintegration to the society. It is in this light that we remain hopeful, that the authorities would set fair and reasonable standards in determining who are qualified to reap the benefits of the law. Finally, that the determination thereof will not be made arbitrarily, capriciously, and whimsically—but would promote the ends of justice. ■

1. G.R. No. 212719/G.R. No. 214637. June 25, 2019

The Red Chronicles | 41

Beyond

BEING WOKE

By JUAN MIGUEL LOPEZ

Social criticism permeates generations. Especially in a nation like ours, the ever-present problems we face will always reflect in the different ways we deal with the times. In every pressing issue, the loudest voices have always emanated from the youth. Having the world to gain, these young men and women chose to be woke, or otherwise.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, another definition to the word ‘woke’ is being “aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues.”1 It is a slang from the United States, the version of the word stemmed from the African-American vernacular amid their community’s continuous struggle in the social structure in the States.

In the aforesaid definition, the word is descriptive unlike its common definition—a variant of ‘wake’. It does not veer away from its original meaning, that prior to being ‘woke,’ it is presumed that the subject lacked consciousness in the figurative sense.

But what does it really mean to be ‘woke’?

Does it mean regularly posting on social media one’s opinions on current events? Or being persistent in debating online those who espouse archaic views? Perhaps it is synonymous to being a person who gives unsolicited opinions to others?

Many young people today have the penchant of using the term, either to describe popular personalities or even themselves. It can even describe statements or stances of individuals or organizations. Of course, the young generation has been susceptible to being branded as the generation of entitlement, sensitivity, and stubbornness. The perception may be often misplaced but it is not untrue that in some contexts, the elders have a point.

The essence of ‘wokeness’ is trifled when it is used to forward trivial matters instead of focusing on the more pressing issues. No wonder some young self-proclaimed “woke” individuals, are dismissed for having infantile approaches towards various problems. However, the problem lies when every contrasting opinion of the youth is dismissed mainly because of their age and because “they still have a lot to learn.” This is a sweeping argument against several young people whose legitimate calls are discredited.

In a nation where the voices of the youth are threatened to be silenced, an unpromising future lies.

Truth and Necessity The gall to speak, to contradict, to debunk views that dominate society originates from the voices of those ignored or from those who seek to articulate the struggle of the marginalized. It can also come from those empty cans who echo different sorts of irrelevant noises. It is true that in a democracy, freedom of expression is encouraged, but true social consciousness provides lucidity to know what is necessary

But what does it really mean to be ‘woke’?

The Red Chronicles | 43

and what is not. How can one know where to draw the line that shall distinguish pertinent cacophony from ridiculous babble?

What is it in every truthful criticism of a young person that causes unease to the older generation? Why is the truth so disturbing? The truth spoken by the youth often exposes the omissions of the older generations. The problem persists in two ways: when the latter discredits the former when the reality is critically exposed, or when the former conforms with the latter’s acts of injustice.

Hence, the necessity for involvement arises. Every succeeding generation has the duty to know not only what went wrong during the times that preceded them, but also to be aware of the continuing wrongs that pervade our society. These can never be done without looking back and looking back means understanding the past.

On Hindsight and Foresight Looking back, our history speaks much of generations of young people who believed in causes that were close to them. Some of those who fought were propelled to the higher echelons of society, and some paid dearly with their lives.

They struggled in different ways and somewhere along the way where their paths were split, their youthful idealism may have persisted or faltered.

From the humble peasant who took arms because he rejected centuries of subservience, to the Ilustrado propagandist who envied the freedom of European societies during his time, these conscious individuals shared a common denominator—a sordid past. Nevertheless, it is not only their hindsight that has moved them, but also their perception of their eras and the kind of future they anticipated.

Centuries have passed and a new kind of instrument revolutionized the politicization of people: the internet. It has become the rapid avenue of circulating news—both the true and the fake. With the vast resources of information now at our fingertips, one can imagine the countless possibilities we have with such capability.

The internet is a double-edged sword. It can be a tool that facilitates the massing of people towards a movement, be it spontaneous or planned. It can also 44 | The Red Chronicles

“The worldwide web is so vast that it can provide to the people distractions that will steer them away from the real struggle.�

The Red Chronicles | 45

stagnate people, downplaying the struggle in the comfort of their keyboards and touchscreens. The worldwide web is so vast that it can provide to the people distractions that will steer them away from the real struggle.

As discussed by Noam Chomsky2, the internet is relatively the same sort of phenomenon as radio and television were—an automation. In relation to this, he also opines that in most cases, technology is not predisposed to help or harm people, there being rarely anything inherent in it which requires that either of those things be the case, it just depends on who gets control of it.

‘Clicktivism’ will never be enough. To this day, the truth remains that the marketplace of ideas is not confined in the internet. And beyond universities, one can find in the streets, in the countryside, diverse views on the human condition. It would not take a lot for us to reach out towards those belonging to the marginalized sectors of society. Beyond our insignificant concerns are the seemingly perpetual struggles of those who have less in life.

Of Sensibilities and Apathy According to Paulo Freire, “One of the greatest obstacles to the achievement of liberation is that oppressive reality absorbs those within it and thereby acts to submerge man’s consciousness.” That to no longer be victimized by oppression, he suggests that “one must emerge from it and turn upon it”—which can only be done “by means of praxis: reflection and action upon the world in order to transform it.”3 With our unconsciousness, we fail to realize that we are being engulfed by the system we abhor. We cannot

46 | The Red Chronicles

deny that in some way we have benefitted from it—a cycle of oppression that we have been complicit to.

The tragedy lies when we realize that we can thrive in it and ignore its inherent inequities. But why must we change a system—which although abuses—provides opportunities for those who know how to prosper in it?

Our class interests will always be revealed in the kinds of stance we have on certain issues. Specifically, the privilege we enjoy manifests in our opinions. For instance, in dealing with the traffic problem, a person who does not commute would suggest for you to just “go there [your destination] earlier”4 while a common man who relies on public transportation for his day-to-day activities will clamor for a more efficient mass transport system. A poor man in the slums who lives in constant fear for his expendable life during a regime of impunity will not say that it is better to just trust the government.

In a different light, some people who are vocal on issues sometimes carry a sense of entitlement, implying that the whole world needs to hear their opinion and that they have all the answers.5 These people are usually those who have a certain degree of privilege in life, take for example those belonging in the middle class. Middle class sensibilities can either empathize with the poor or side with the powerful. They can immerse with the masses, humanize with them. Yet they can aspire for the comfort that the elites enjoy, and even strive to achieve even at least the crumbs of the power they yield—in other words, to social climb.

People can aspire too, to be relevant to the extent of using the plight of the underprivileged for their conceited interests. To try and pose to be ‘woke’ because it’s the trend. Nevertheless, all this fear-of-missing-out hullaballoo can even be a stepping stone towards genuine

social awareness if one will choose to see the deeper significance of such advocacies. Nothing is wrong in spreading awareness about the problems faced by people in different countries—say the Amazon forest fires, discrimination faced by people of color, and the like. It becomes problematic when such advocate fails to see the problems in one’s own backyard—like the decades of militarization and deforestation of our natural forests, or the desolation of indigenous lands. If being woke means to be selectively fighting for some causes while turning a blind eye on the just struggles of the oppressed, then it loses its depth and genuineness, reduced to some sort of ‘convenient struggle’, not an oxymoron but a fraud in itself.

As Students of the Law Real education is about getting people involved in thinking for themselves—a real complicated objective.6 Although our laws, for instance, are dynamic—which may be reflected in its study as well—some of its orthodox characteristics still serve as pillars to the institutions and society we revolve in. Trouble ensues when these pillars are used to hinder progress and even perpetuate injustice.

What shall it take for us to question not merely the ‘whats’ in our laws, but more importantly, the ‘whys’ behind them? In law school, we are trained to instinctively focus on what the law says and to provide the applicable provisions and case laws. The objective rigidity of the study of law has the tendency to enclose our minds into a constrained box where our opinions least matter. It is true that sound opinion springs from a knowledgeable mind, hence, we must know the law in order to change it for the better. Indeed, the study of law in itself is a struggle and the process of transforming the law later on, is tedious as well.

Forming part of our collective process of towards consciousness, sometime in our career, or even as early

as during law school, we will be made to choose either to be part of the status quo or to take the path less taken. To be a cog or gear to the machinery of exploitation or to be the firewood, selfless as it is, that shall fuel the fervors of the oppressed.

Neither Imposed nor Individualistic The more you put yourself up on the pedestal of ‘wokeness’, the more you defeat the purpose of political awareness. Being enlightened is not a power meant to exalt the self and vilify the ignorant.

The consciousness on the human condition can never be imposed nor forced to an individual. It cannot be achieved through mere reading or art appreciation.

Only with the corresponding immersion towards humanization with the struggling people, those who have been trampled upon by a system of impunity and exploitation, can one be truly woke, or mulat—as fittingly expressed in our language. With such gained consciousness necessitates moving towards change, a galvanizing action that will crumble systemic injustice.

To be woke means to rectify from the failures of the past generations, to break away from the ways that rust our morality and deter our collective progress.

It does not mean total abhorrence of the decisions made by those who led us to this troubled state. It is a challenging process, a catharsis, so to speak, that entails the acknowledgement of their weaknesses as well as ours.

As we tread towards the change we aspire for, beyond making the loudest demands, it is incumbent upon us to perceptively listen to those whose legitimate demands deserve to be amplified.

The crucial question is: “for whom we are being woke?” If it’s only for yourself, then you are still insensible—or worse, blinded. ■ 1. woke. 2019. In Merriam-Webster.com 2. Chomsky, N. (2003). Understanding Power: The Indispensable Chomsky. (P. R. Mitchell, & J. Schoeffel, Eds.) London: Vintage.

3. Freire, P. (1974). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: The Seabury Press.

4. Aguilar, K. (2019, October 8). Palace: No mass transport crisis yet in Metro Manila. Inquirer.net.

5. Vosper, N. (2016, June 8). What makes me tired when organising with middle class comrades. The Guardian.

6. Ibid.

hello.

The Red Chronicles | 47

By PAUL NIKKO DEGOLLADO, RODRICK MARTINEZ,

and MARRYL ANN RAGPALA Illustration by ELOISA FE BUÑO

“Hyperreality” is a term used by postmodern thinkers such as Jean Baudrillard, to describe our current reality which has been replaced with symbols and signs. The life we live in is shaped by the language we speak, the symbols we understand, the routines that we do and the ideals that we follow.

Symbols used in various social media platforms depict certain emotions one elicit in each post, photo, or tweet.

Like, heart, double tap, scroll down, pause for a moment, scroll up again, give a haha react – like a well-oiled automaton, this is the life of a typical smartphone-user. Ever since Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, the ubiquitous rectangular touchscreen block is now seen in the hands of most people. Together with the smartphone, came the rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram which have apps or sites that are tailored to be scrolled upon endlessly.

The technological advances of the smartphone naturally came with better internet standards and camera optics. Current smartphone camera technology can rival those of standalone cameras on several instances, and it has been the main competitor of point-and-shoot cameras, especially due to its additional functionality to be connected 48 | The Red Chronicles

to the internet and concurrent ability to directly upload photos to various social media networks.

One inevitable effect of the rise of the smartphone are applications that are used to “enhance” the quality of its photos. The term “filter” once technical, is now used as a pejorative insinuating deception. This distorts our perception, to borrow the words of convicted kleptocrat Imelda Marcos, of the true, the good, and the beautiful. Instagram celebrities bank their fame with their looks and the thousands of likes their posts receive. YouTube vloggers bank their fame to their respective niche market, depending on the topics they would like to vlog. As people nowadays aspire to be viral and to have their own online clout, this in turn creates unreasonable expectations for the social media user; following the herd in saying what is the best or to create edgy content to induce controversy and engagement to one’s post.

With the recent rise of photo-editing apps, one can easily alter their facial appearance without applying cosmetics. While some may use it for harmless fun, such as the infamous dog filter in Snapchat, others may have used it to deceive other people by making them appear to be someone they are not. This inevitable harm is a by-product of

the prevalence of social media and the culture of consumerism that fuels it, particularly the feeling of being left out when you do not follow what is in or trending - and it is that feeling which businessmen aggressively fuel upon.

As we are constantly being bombarded by information- fake or fact, and messaging- positive, negative, and everything in between. Our perception of the notion of self is constantly being molded and shaped into society’s liking, that what is true and good in us is drowned in one’s overwhelming need for validation. With the silent pressure to adhere to what is deemed to be the norm, merchants, brands, and conglomerates have taken advantage of our ingrained weakness, subjecting us to thoughts that in purchasing their products, it will win you the golden ticket to acceptance into a perceived level of cool. These messages, however, have brought about a number of repercussions on our concept of self, specifically to one’s self-image, such as body shaming, unrealistic beauty expectations, racism, and the like.

Breaking away from traditional media, social media now serves as an extended marketing arm for both local and international sellers; mobile applications and websites have recently seen specific tweaks in their functions, incorporating a more buyer-friendly interface. Algorithms have also been integrated specifically geared towards constant repeated exposure to accommodate a consumertargeted marketing strategy for these big brands, showing its audience various options on what to buy, where to go, and who you should follow based on one’s activities, likes, shares, and follows in social media. The battlefield for consumption no longer lies in the physical, but in the virtualwhere everything is well-lit, blindingly highlighted, contoured to high heavens, and aesthetically flat lay-ed.

However, these days a brand no longer refers to a company, but to a person - where one sells the fantasy of the ideal life. Like everybody else engrossed on the prospect of a happily ever after, everybody wants a piece of that fantasy- and the fantasy sells well.

In the past couple of years, celebrities and influencers have embraced the virtual in order to broaden their audience reach, allowing themselves to be more engaged with the general public. By opening their lives to a wider pool, people are allowed a glimpse of what is deemed to be the aspirational- what skin care products did they use?

What brands are they wearing? Where did they spend their holidays? A clamor to follow and copy what is seen thus ensues, driving sales and foot traffic to establishments nationwide.

However, self-branding does not stop with the presentation of the ideal version of one’s self, rather it extends to offering to become a part of it.

By coming up with various products ranging from the affordable to the costly, generating buzz and excitement to its launch, guaranteeing that droves of people will line up outside department stores as early as the crack of dawn- one has ensured a captured audience. In turn, what is gained by the consumer is a piece of the “dream”. The more people crave for the fantasy that is their “perfect self ”, the more they lose themselves into the rabbit hole that is the endless cycle of consuming and being consumed.

What does this say about our perception of ourselves?

Remembering Michael Foucault’s perception of the new society, we must look at the consequences of a panoptic world. We define what the world wants us to see, but in the corollary, it is our environment that define the ideal image. Each curated piece of our identity is left to the consumption of all who wish to come close for a bite. We have become so obsessed with the ideal that we forget the beauty in diversity.

In the generations preceding us, information was kept behind closed doors in order to protect it from falling prey to the savages of humanity. Foucault exemplified the consequences of airing one’s dirty laundry in his discussion of the spectacle. It is here where one’s actions are brought forward and relished by the multitude in the town plaza, so that those who do wrong would drown in their punishment.

The stench of failure engulfs the wrongdoer as the crowd taunts and calls upon for his suffering.

Today, we forget that we are not mere pieces of foul uncooked meat to be feasted upon by the wolves.

We have come to a society that thrives on the opinion of one person, the one whose eyes have turned bloodshot after hours on endless scrolling on his palm-held backlit mirror of society. Now, we hunger for the delusion of connection promised by social media. This is a simple case of failed execution.

The dream to build a world where connection is right at your fingertips has caused the creation of an apathetic world where bridges are built on lies and burnt on misunderstandings.

Few are those who have evolved to see beyond the world as social media has molded it to be. And fewer still have done something about it.

The identity we shape today has become a platform for us to influence those who have gone astray and have fallen into the warped-reality capitalists would have us believe. Through the false empowerment given by simple one-dimensional reactions, we have lost our power as individuals. The The Red Chronicles | 49

blind has been led to rely on a sliver of another’s opinion into shaping a curated life filled with the shallow joy given by a like.

Undoubtedly, this world driven by the need for affirmation has led to the catastrophic destruction of a healthy ego. Not only does one scramble for the perfect post as society would have us believe, it fuels disappointment if the ideal life is not achieved.

The burning desire to live as another as shown to on the screen has distorted our definition of happiness.

There is now a lingering, scratching, gnawing voice, trying to creep in, screaming at us to seek for attention, to risk what lives we do have for the lives we want the world to think we have. We have lost all desire of self and now crave the perception of belonging.

50 | The Red Chronicles

Social media has indeed helped form the way we see ourselves, the way we perceive others, and the way we consume information. However, the longer we permit ourselves to stare longer at the little glowing screen at the palm of our hands filled with selfies, memes, video clips and commentaries, the deeper we allow ourselves to be devoured by it. Thus, consequently removing ourselves further from the one true reality- that everything you see in the virtual sphere is as distorted as it is. Turn off that smartphone – open your eyes and look away from that rectangular screen. ■

Withstanding the Rigors of Law School

By ANNELYSE ANDAL

A person commits suicide every 40 seconds.1 According to global data presented by the World Health Organization, an average of 3,000 people commit suicide daily. Locally, 3.3 million Filipinos suffered from depressive disorders in 2012 alone. The National Statistics Office, on the otherhand, states that mental illness is the third most common form of disability in the country.

Records also show that a high number of cases among the youth and majority of those who died by suicide were between 15 to 29 years old. This alarming numbers hailed the Philippines as the country which has the greatest number of depressed people in Southeast Asia2.

Furthermore, the International Association for Suicide

Prevention warns that the estimated number of deaths will most likely rise to 1.5 million per year by 2020.

Legal Education and Mental Illness In a study3 conducted by the American Bar Association (ABA), it was shown that stress, depression, anxiety, chemical dependency, and substance abuse are some of the mental health conditions that threaten the life of law students. The study also suggests that students who enter law school with no pre-existing mental illness frequently acquire mental health impairments as a result of their experience, and that through out the duration of the legal education, the rates of students struggling with mental The Red Chronicles | 51

health problems dramatically increase as well. According to the American Psychological Association, high instances of suicide among law students and lawyers exist, and that those such profession are 3.6 times more likely to suffer depression than non-lawyers.4 Indeed, the rigors of legal education are undeniable. In our freshman year, everyone is forewarned on how Charles Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” applies in law school, which means that students frantically compete and are pitted against each other where only the most competent ones make it out alive.

Root Causes of Mental Health Issues Among Law Students

Whether you had to move away from your family, put off your employment, or you were once a consistent honor student who was used to doing the bare minimum, who turned into the student who gives his best but still fail anyway—law school requires a huge transition, which in turn requires tons of adjustment. In relation to this, the ABA enumerated three primary sources identified by law students nationwide that lead to law student burnout:5

First, the crush of hopes, dreams and aspirations.

Upon entering law school, we are motivated to do our best since we pursued this path because of our own personal purposes, such as our passion, its high paying figures, or the desire to make justice available and within the reach of the underprivileged. The first week when your reading assignments started to pile up, the day when you had your first bad recitation, or when you had your first failing grade, this is when your vision becomes blurry and your purpose becomes uncertain. When you begin to realize what law school entails and what it demands, you begin to question your ability to survive—let alone excel. With each year ticked off, you realize what you must sacrifice, and if attaining such law degree is worth it.

Second, living an unbalanced life. We are often told that “law is like a jealous mistress”, since it does not only demand your time, but it also tends to consume you physically and psychologically. ABA suggests that only a few number of students exert an effort to live a balanced life. The biggest regret that one might have after graduation is that the years spent in school only passed him by since he neglected other aspects of his life. As difficult as it may seem to find equilibrium, this is essential to avoid overfatigue since burnout and exhaustion are more likely to happen when you revolve your life around law school alone. People become more susceptible to anxiety and stress when they fail to pay attention to other areas of their lives. One must be reminded that it is not a mortal sin to take a day off, that you deserve a break, and that you are not defined by the level of your productivity. There is more to life than law, if you choose to make time for it.

Third, law school becomes one’s identity.

According to ABA, mental health issues occur when students allow their success to define their own personal value and worth. In this case, students tend to think negatively of themselves when they are struggling because 52 | The Red Chronicles

they feel that their self-worth drastically diminishes after every failure. Do not be fixated in tracking your growth and excellence based on numerical figures because you are more than just numbers, and you should not be defined by a red mark on your student portal. Finally, your value as a person should never be dependent on how well you perform in law school.

Face It ‘Til You Make It

It is necessary to ensure that your means of managing stress and anxiety are in a form of coping rather than escaping. In the former, you find coping mechanisms that are healthy for you, such as exercising, or hanging out with friends, while the latter involves those which corrupts your mental health, or those which encourages you to temporarily run away from your problems instead of facing them. Hence, the following are suggested in order to take care of your mental health: First, challenge your irrational thoughts. A depressed or anxious person has a tendency to see and interpret things negatively. The study6 of Kross and his colleagues in 2014 suggests self-talk as a regulatory mechanism, which means that the language people use to refer to one's self during introspection influence how they think, feel and react. Results of their study conclude that “small shifts in the language people use to refer to the self during introspection consequentially influence their ability to regulate their thoughts, feelings, and behavior under social stress, even for vulnerable individuals.” Keep an eye on the things that you declare, and those that you tell yourself. Dispute your unhealthy and unhelpful thoughts and change them to thoughts that motivate you and encourage you to do something about what you are anxious of.

Second, find your support system. A study7 conducted by Chen and his co-researchers examined the relationship between stress and depression of university students. It was concluded that the impact of stress on depression was significantly smaller in a high social support group compared with that in the low social support group.

This study signifies the relevance of a support system in a competitive environment. When you are going through a rough patch, you may feel like withdrawing and isolating yourself because mental illness convinces you that you are a burden to other people, and it enjoys seeing you in a dark place. However, always be reminded that you have your friends and your family who are ready and willing to pull you out. If you are not quite ready to go out yet, the right people will always make you feel that you do not have to go through everything alone—if you let them.

It is also important to check on your friends. Most of the time, you are in the best position to determine if someone is going through a tough time. Sometimes, our own worries consume us to the extent that we forget that our friends are struggling too. Some people tend to drown and suffer in silence—do not let them. Be the person you needed when you were struggling. Check on your friends and look out for each other—always.

Third, seek professional help. According to the study, National Taskforce on Lawyer Well Being in 2016, 42% of law students felt as though they needed counseling for mental health issues, but only half of them actually sought the care of a professional. Temporary loneliness and breakdowns are normal if not expected in law school, but when your feelings become too overwhelming that it hinders your normal functioning to the point that you no longer have the passion and the motivation to do the things that you usually enjoy, seeking help from a professional becomes necessary. Admitting that you need help is not a sign of weakness, rather, it takes great strength to acknowledge that you are not capable of doing everything on your own.

Finally, be in the here and now. This is a practice in Gestalt Psychotherapy, wherein the patient is encouraged to avoid dwelling on the past or anxiously anticipating the future. Instead, you have to deal with the present alone. In order to avoid unnecessary worries, you must concentrate on what you have to do today instead of being drowned with what you should have done yesterday or being overwhelmed with what you have to finish tomorrow.

Being in the here and now means taking it one day at a time. It means not being frustrated with not being able to follow your own timeline, it is accepting the fact that some things are beyond your control. You are your own timeline, and you are moving at your own pace.

Let this be a reminder to everyone who are struggling that you should not lose focus on the reasons

why you wanted to become a lawyer in the first place. This is to remind you that you are commended for standing up in the morning after crying the night before, that you are strong for picking up the book again even after telling yourself that you no longer could, and that you are brave even just for trying regardless of the uncertainties. You are courageous for taking that subject again for the third time, that you are resilient for not giving up even after being extended for another year, and that you are applauded for still holding on to your dream and working hard for it.

Most importantly, this to remind you that you do not have to lose yourself for your love of the law. ■ 1. World Health Organization. (2019, September 27). Suicide data.WHO.int.

2. Guzman, S. S. D. (2018, August 26). Mental health of Filipinos today. Philstar.

3. Krill, P. R., Johnson, R., & Albert, L. (2016). The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Concerns Among American Attorneys. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 10(1), 46–52. doi: 10.1097/ adm.0000000000000182 4. American Bar Association. Suicide. (2017, November 21).

AmericanBar.org.

5. Gibson, B. (2010). How Law Students Can Cope: A Student’s View. Journal of Legal Education, 60(1).

6. Kross, E., Bruehlman-Senecal, E., Park, J., Burson, A., Dougherty, A., Shablack, H., … Ayduk, O. (2014). Self-talk as a regulatory mechanism: How you do it matters. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 106(2), 304–324. doi: 10.1037/a0035173 7. Chen, L., Wang, L., Qiu, X. H., Yang, X. X., Qiao, Z. X., Yang, Y. J., & Liang, Y. (2013). Depression among Chinese University Students: Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates. PLOS One, 8(11). doi: 10.1371/annotation/e6648eb3-37d6-44d7-8052979af14fa921

The Red Chronicles | 53

URBAN

By JUAN MIGUEL LOPEZ

PROGRESS

Only a city that respects human beings can expect citizens to respect the city in return.1 A day in the life of a commuter. The streets are bustling with vehicles competing for spaces. Drivers employing all means to outmaneuver traffic. Pedestrians struggling for safety in the daily grind. Public transport in the railways remain inefficient and its breakdowns, inevitable. While we traverse our pothole-ridden roads, the puddles reflect the monumental structures being erected. Another elevated highway. Another high-rise condominium. Another ‘sign’ of development. All these inconveniences are temporary, they said, all in the name of progress.

Since the third quarter of 2016, the Philippine government has been persistent in materializing its Build Build Build program. It is the Duterte administration’s medium-term goal to increase infrastructure spending from 5.4 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017, to 7.3 percent by the end of 2022.2 According to the DPWH, the program is halfway done—with more than 9,000 kilometers of road; 2,000 bridges and 4,000 flood control projects and thousands of other projects.3 55 projects worth P1.97 trillion will be financed by Official Development Assistance (ODA) from countries such as the United States, South Korea, Japan, and China. These structures are evidently a way of the current administration of cementing its legacy to the people.

But is the legacy indeed for the people?

Of Livability and Realities If only there are better opportunities back in the provinces, we would not toil in this urban jungle of Metro Manila in search for success—this is the truth and logic to most who chose to work at the nation’s capital region. Here, we can find the pleasures and promises of wealth, only to face later on the failed expectations we had for the life in the city. It has become an environment that seemed to have forgotten several hapless citizens who are now trapped in its bittersweet embrace.

54 | The Red Chronicles

Neuroeconomist Paul Zak explains that ‘the human brain is adaptive, and constantly tuning itself to the environment it is in.’ Hence, the more chaotic urban life is, the more it contributes to the anxiety of citizens—often leading to paranoia, disobedient behavior, and even seclusion. It can even bring out some undesirable primal instincts of people, despite their civilized surroundings, in order to survive in the cities.

From the ideal that life shall prosper in an urban setting, indiscretions of the accountable government officials and of unscrupulous developers have transformed the cities we live in into nearly-dystopian societies.

Whitewashing Then and Now New towering buildings overshadow literally and figuratively our old deteriorating urban surfaces. For example, mushrooming condominiums can mean more spaces to live in. Yet it also exposes the inadequacy of residential space in densely populated cities. The ever-increasing demand for land can mean another impending displacement of the urban poor. It can also mean eventual demolition of another urban heritage building. To many, new establishments automatically indicate progress, unaware of the other equally important issues.

Charles Montgomery aptly explains that “Urban spaces and systems do not merely reflect the altruistic attempts to solve the complex problem of people living close together, and they are more than an embodiment of the creative tension between competing ideas. They are shaped by struggles between competing groups of people. They apportion the benefits of urban life. They express who has power and who does not. In so doing, they shape the mind and the soul of the city.”4 Even though the privileged elites continue to whitewash the surface of our cities in hope of creating an illusion of progress, no aesthetic can hide the stench of the underlying problems which remain unresolved. No sane person could just remain in awe of the majestic edifices while knowing that the laborers who built those cannot even afford decent homes.

AND REGRESS Reeks of Insensitivity “What do they mean by transportation crisis?”

You know something is wrong when a senator suggests business-class coaches for MRT to ease traffic along EDSA.5 It is much like the government’s anti-poor jeepney modernization program—an utter disregard of inclusive progress in urban areas. The Palace Spokesperson’s denial6 of the existence of the transportation crisis we are in rubs salt to the wound. These pronouncements from our leaders shows their lack of understanding of what’s going on in the day-to-day life of the common Filipino.

From the torrent of private vehicles, to being sardined in buses and trains, to the unreasonably draining commute, we are reminded daily that an efficient public mass transportation system is necessary for us to progress. When will the streets be reclaimed for the people, where we can move efficiently with the proper means? When can we again truly claim urban spaces as ours—and not some asset placed under the whims of capitalistic developers?

The truth remains that progress in urban life corresponds a healthy environment for the people. The Supreme Court has not been remiss in noticing the shortcomings of the government in protecting the environment. In MMDA v. Concerned Residents of Manila Bay7, it criticized the neglectfulness of government agencies and their officers concerned “towards solving, if not mitigating, the environmental pollution problem, is a sad commentary on bureaucratic efficiency and commitment.” In its related landmark pronouncement in Oposa v. Factoran8, the Court emphasized that the right to a balanced and healthful ecology is an issue of transcendental importance with intergenerational implications.

Changing the Cities The problematic and constricting condition of our cities has led to the options of reclamation or expansion occupying rural lands in order to build vast commer-

cial and business hubs, residential areas, among others.

These phenomena reflect the escapist solutions for the complex problems of cities. We do not need another reclamation for a new ‘smart city’. Moreover, urban development must neither be profit-driven nor made dependent on the demands of those behind foreign infrastructure loans. What we need is urban development which is progress-driven—inclusive and pro-people.

What we need is a revival of our cities. To enliven them to be as functional and respectable than before gives justice to the history which they have been witnesses to. To look back to the very reason why our people paved way to the urban life we have today brings us to one fundamental aspect—life.

From the desire of living closer in order to survive and thrive, to the diverse aspirations of urban dwellers to reach greater heights; the valuable commonality we often fail to see is the struggle to live, not merely survive, but to live in this concrete jungle that molded and bended us in different ways. It is not a hopeless sentimentality to the memories that shroud the cities of the Metro, instead it is an acknowledgement of the fact that every city lives and breathes with its people.

Shrugging-off such truth will only mean to accept the fact that we shall perish together with our cities, unminding of the generations to come, thoughtless of life and hope. ■

1. Enrique Peñalosa during his inauguration as Mayor of Bogotá, Colombia 2. Lamentillo, A. (2019, July 21). Duterte’s ‘Build Build Build’ three years after. Retrieved from Manila Bulletin.

3. Servallos, N. (2019, July 25). DPWH halfway done with Build, Build, Build. Retrieved from Philstar.

4. Montgomery, C. (2015). Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design. United Kingdom: Penguin Books.

5. ABS-CBN News. (2019, October 3). Poe suggests ‘business class’ MRT coaches to get car drivers off EDSA. Retrieved from ABS-CBN News.

6. De Guzman, L. (2019, October 8). Palace: There’s no mass transportation crisis in Manila. Retrieved from CNN Philippines.

7. G.R. Nos. 171947-48. December 18, 2008.

8. G.R. No. 101083. July 30, 1993.

9. Appleyard, D., & Lintell, M. (1972). The Environmental Quality of City Streets: The Residents’ Viewpoint. Journal of the American Planning Association, 84-101.

The Red Chronicles | 55

CLIMATE PROOFING

By KARA LIM

The effects of climate change and the frequency of extreme climate events are progressing at a much quicker rate than the efforts to curb it.

Given that there are many competing global interests that would have to align for any significant reduction in greenhouse gases, it is necessary to focus on protecting sectors most vulnerable to destructive climate events.

Who are the hardest-hit by climate events and how can their exposure to climate risk be minimized?

We are about to mark the tenth year since Typhoon Ondoy, which to date, remains as the fourth most destructive natural disaster in the Philippines based on damage caused.1In a six-hour span, Ondoy, combined with monsoon rains, had submerged Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces with a month’s worth of rain.

Along with Metro Manila, twenty-three provinces were placed under a state of calamity due to the widespread devastation by Ondoy.

It was destructive enough that a year later, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (R.A. No. 10121) was passed, to enhance disaster preparedness in the country. R.A. No. 10121 aimed to bolster the capabilities of the national government and local government units by providing a National Disaster Risk Reduction Management System Framework, and by institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.

Local government units had the difficult task of implementing and coordinating disaster response – school grounds became evacuation centers, assistance handed out for daily necessities, and health and safety are looked after as well. The days following Typhoon Haiyan, illustrated the logistical and bureaucratic challenge of delivering aid and donations to victims.

56 | The Red Chronicles

While various public officials and administrative bodies were criticized for the delay in assistance, it became apparent that many factors are at play following a disaster, including the loss of communication towers and facilities.

And once the disaster subsides, those affected are faced with the possibility of going back to a damaged or empty lot that may or may not be a suitable area to rebuild in.

In 2017 alone, the economic cost of 22 tropical cyclones, flashfloods, and intertropical convergence zones amounted to P6.446 billion, according to the Office of Civil Defense-National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (OCDNDRRMC).2 Behind these huge numbers are families, barangays, entire cities and sectors that are forced to start over again after every flood.

Thus, one avenue to explore further is the wider insurance coverage that specifically covers climate risks.

Climate insurance can be a useful tool especially for the most economically vulnerable sector such as farmers, fisherfolk and minimum wage earners, because it can provide a buffer following losses resulting from natural disasters. Such insurance may be used for subsistence needs such as food, shelter and education, to rebuild damaged homes or structures, or to reinvest in livelihood implements.

MSME Insurance According to a study published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), micro, small, and medium sized enterprises are particularly vulnerable to losses arising from climate disasters. With limited insurance and “back up” capital, losses from a single flood can wipe out years’ worth of investment. This is detrimental because MSMEs serve as backbone of the

trickle-down economy that significantly strengthens the buying power of middle-income earners.

Agricultural Insurance Farmers and fisherfolk are sectors most at risk of suffering losses due to climate disaster. Aniceto Rebayla, of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), stated in a 2019 interview that there exists free government insurance coverage for crops, livestock, fisheries and even non-agricultural assets for small subsistence farmers who are plowing the fields for food security. However, farmers must apply for it.

The PCIC is a government-owned and controlled corporation created as the implementing agency of the government’s agricultural insurance program. PCIC is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture.

The PCIC’s principal mandate is to provide insurance protection to farmers against losses arising from natural calamities, plant diseases and pest infestations of their palay and corn crops, as well as other crops.

Nevertheless, the PCIC does not provide full insurance premium subsidies, so most Filipino farmers still cannot afford agriculture insurance as many of them still live below the official poverty line.

Through government efforts to increase awareness regarding insurance, the insurance rate among farmers and fisherfolk has increased to 33.52% in 2018, according to the PCIC. But recent events, such as Typhoon Ineng, highlight the number of at-risk farmers who are vulnerable to crop failures and losses every time a storm hits – which is often.

In 2017, the World Bank launched a catastrophe risk insurance program with the Philippine government: select national government assets, as well as 25 participating provinces, would be covered by a fund of

approximately Php 10 billion against losses arising from major typhoons and earthquakes.

This was an innovative approach taken by the government, wherein the GSIS would provide the risk insurance, although such risk would be transferred to international reinsurers.

Joint public-private efforts to drum up microinsurance coverage has also contributed to increased visibility of microinsurance products on mass online selling platforms, selling low-value term insurance policies.

Another view, however, posits that insurance to cover for post-event damage is not the most effective way to build climate resiliency. Instead, a social approach would be more effective.

In an article published by the World Resources Institute, the term ‘transformative adaptation’ is used to describe an approach to climate-proofing communities.

“It may become part of the broader set of approaches to address loss and damage caused by climate change.”

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggested in their 2014 report that the global adaptation community may need to consider “altering the systems and structures, economic and social relations, and beliefs and behaviors that contribute to climate change and social vulnerability.”

A multi-pronged approach would certainly be necessary to address both short and long term disruptions caused to local economy as a result of climate events.

With more studies and practical applications, hopefully a stronger public-private effort may be developed to protect citizens who are most vulnerable to climate change. ■ 1. Dela Cruz, Gwen. Worst natural disasters in the Philippines.

Rappler, 2014.

2. Cordero, Ted. Typhoons and flashfloods cost the Philippines P6.446B in 2017. GMA News Online, 2018.

The Red Chronicles | 57

y d u St

e e f f with Co

By CHEZKA CELIS and KARL CARVAJAL

Photo by JANNA SANTOTOME

A cup of coffee makes the day better.

It has always been our companion when studying for school, helps us kick-start a productive day, or slap off our sleepiness at night. Coffee is our ally against the harshness of law school.

Knowing how you love to be caffeinated, we looked for places where you can date your coffee together with your law books and memory aids. We listed down co-working spaces and coffee shops where you can silently sip your cup of coffee as you boost your productivity and survive the day.

ALCH3MIST COFFEE SHOP Brewing in BF Homes Parañaque is the Alch3mist Coffee shop, a haven for coffee aficionados. Customers can choose among the different brewing methods available using only freshly roasted beans sourced locally and abroad.

The shop also offers dishes perfect for a food and coffee combo. They have salads, sandwiches, pastas, and ricebowls. Recommended is the Adobo Pasta (It doesn’t taste weird at all! It is rather delicious!).

They also serve desserts such as waffles and other sweet pastries.

For the more daring customers, their selection of coffee products include irish coffee or espresso martini.

Alch3mist Coffee is also perfect for students who want to study. Other than being a well-lit place, electrical sockets and unlimited internet access are available. They also have an excellent sound system that plays relaxing music which adds to its cozy ambiance. Parking is available right in front of the building or students may avail of the pay parking of the Metrostar Mall across the street.

Alch3mist Coffee is located at the ground floor of VTP Mega Building, Aguirre Ave, BF Homes, Parañaque and is open from 10 am to 11 pm. If you are coming from San Beda College Alabang, the place can be reached by tricycle from Tirona gate.

58 | The Red Chronicles

NOOK COWORKING STUDIO Nook Coworking Studio is perfect for early birds who eagerly want to check off their to-do lists. It is open from 7am to 9pm on weekdays, including holidays. They have a well-lit and spacious place with a minimalist design on the ground floor.

There is a mini-living room and arcade unit where you can relax and play vintage games such as Pac-Man and King Kong. You also don’t need to worry about plugging your devices because there are a lot of electrical sockets near the tables. Conference rooms are located upstairs; these can be rented at an hourly rate.

You may rent the place for private events such as open mic nights, jams, meetings, seminars, and workshops on weekends.

Nook is located at Molito, Alabang beside Ooma and Manam. There are a lot of food establishments around the area, and you can bring food and drinks inside without corkage fee. A cup of coffee or tea is served per visit. Free water and use of microwave oven are also available. Signing up as a member has privileges such as free use of the conference room for 2 hours per month and unlimited use of their printer.

BHIVE COWORKING If you are looking for an affordable study hub, then BHive is waving at you. Law students and bar takers only have to pay 180 pesos for an unlimited stay from 11am to 12mn. This is already inclusive of unlimited coffee or tea and use of 200 mbps Fiber-powered Wi-Fi connection. You can bring outside food or have your food delivered without worrying about the corkage fee. You can definitely get the work done because it is open daily, including holidays.

The place is very conducive for studying and working. Their internet connection allows you to stream videos and play online games without interruption. Also, whenever you need your ‘me-time’ or ‘quiet time’, a reflection room is available. You can also rent the conference room for your minigatherings and meetings. If you need to breathe and de-stress, there is a smoking area outside. Snacks and piso-print are also available.

If you forgot to bring your cellphone charger, bookstand, or earphones, they can provide those for affordable rental-fees. BHive also offers a lot of promos such as Group Study Promo, 2+1 Promo, and Loyalty Card, so you better check out their Facebook page to stay updated.

BHive is located inside Parkhomes Subdivision in Tunasan, Muntinlupa, just beside SM Muntinlupa.

The Red Chronicles | 59

SOCIALSPACE COWORKING Socialspace is perfect for early-morning or late-night cramming sessions. You can pull an all-nighter to get all the requirements done because it is open 24 hours on weekdays. You can boost your creativity with free-flowing coffee and refreshments.

The place has a minimalist ambience and a creative-corporate working environment. There is a common lounge area where you can relax and have a break.

You can also use all the pantry appliances available. They also offer conference rooms good for small meetings.

Other services available are printing, photocopying, and scanning.

Their membership package includes an all-day and all-night access to fully functional office facilities.

You don’t need to worry about security because other than being CCTV-monitored, the place has a Door Access Control Entry Device.

Socialspace is located at Unit 3 Ground Floor CTP Alpha Tower Investment Drive Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa.

GROUP AND BOILER COFFEE CO. Group and Boiler Coffee Co. is home to specialty coffee. For a little extra motivation, you can try their selection of alcoholic coffee. Their menu includes a mixture of caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks. As recommended by their baristas, one should have a go of their Butterscotch Latte and mix it up with their Banana Nut Overnight Oats.

Pastas, sandwiches, and rice meals are also available. They also offer a variety of other products such as wooden and metal utensils, and other crafts.

The ambience of the place is conducive for studying. You will find at least 10 small tables inside along with 2 long tables which you and your fellow students may use for studying.

The shop also has electrical sockets you might need. In case you have to do research or simply access your files in the internet, you can utilize their wi-fi connection.

Group and Boiler Coffee is located right in front of Molito fountain and is nestled between Yushoken and Chairman Wang’s.

Operating hours are from 7 am to 11 pm. ■ 60 | The Red Chronicles

november 2019

volume 13 issue 1