Issuu

Panacea In a nation of believers, it is ironic that the natural

response of Filipinos to the Mamasapano tragedy is an all-out war in Mindanao. It is easy to call for war in a place that is so remote, it can only be reached by a bamboo bridge. It is likewise easy for people to speak ill of others, without a modicum of guilt, to those they don’t personally know, and who doesn’t share the same religious views and values as them. We, for example, know each of the names of the Fallen 44, but not the identity of the little girl who also died in the crossfire. We know the story of the brave young men who died in the line of duty, but not the cry of Moro families who have been displaced. It is a greater tragedy then to maintain selective views on issues that require circumspection. There is a need to respond with sobriety as we call for truth, justice, and accountability, and as we tackle the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

mentioned twenty six times in the draft, the same word used by Iqbal in stressing that the lack of it led to the misencounter between the MILF and the SAF troopers. PNoy is said to have pressured Congress to expedite the passage of the BBL, but the same Palace version contains a provision that in effect, weakens the authority of the President. In the said law, he is required to coordinate with the chief minister of the Bangsamoro government in security operations.

More than striving to make the BBL in harmony with the Constitution, the MILF should also negotiate with the government in good faith. Local folks in the uma or rural Mindanao, have made reports that the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are conducting joint training exercises simultaneous to their negotiations with the government. The MILF wants us to think that the passage of the BBL equates to lasting “If the BBL is watered down, we will not accept it,” peace. The MILF wants us to accept a simplistic, curesaid Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator of the Moro Is- all to a decades-long problem and Malacañang seems to lamic Liberation Front (MILF). The eloquent spokes- have taken the bait. person of the MILF has put the fate of the peace proBut as Sen. JV Ejercito pointed, the peace process and cess squarely on the shoulders of the nation’s legislators. the BBL are two different subjects. Peace in Mindanao But the BBL cannot, and should not, be passed without should be of paramount concern by any administramuch scrutiny as it remains riddled with Constitutional tion with or without the BBL, and the President should infirmities. The language of the law must be clear and unequivocal; otherwise it will lend itself to the interpre- not only please the MILF, but seek to address the astation of persons with vested interests. For an objective pirations of all Filipinos living in Mindanao, Muslims as grand as offering peace, and as plenary as applying and non-Muslims alike, who are not represented in the it to a Bangsamoro nation, hidden agendas can easily peace negotiations. thrive in the ambiguities of the law. It is discomforting, for example, to know that the word “coordination” was

OFFICIAL EDITORIAL BOARD

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

Erratum In our Gamechangers article (October 2014 issue, Volume 8 No. 2) the last paragraph of Jowee Marquez’s feature should read, “Drawing strength from her inspiration to serve, Jowee conveys that determination and hard work, coupled with time management, are the key considerations to success. She said that the ultimate secret to balance the pressures of academics and her extra-curricular activities is prayer.”

Editorial Policy

The Red Chronicles

The Red Chronicles is the official stuRm. 63A 3/F St. Maur Building dent publication of San Beda College AlSan Beda College Alabang abang School of Law. The articles conSchool of Law tained herein are personal views of the 8 Don Manolo Blvd., Alabang Hills writers and do not necessarily reflect of- Village, Muntinlupa City Philippines ficial view or endorsement. facebook.com/theredchronicles The Red Chronicles accepts original artitwitter.com/trcpluma cles from students and faculty members.

We also solicit comments regarding the In the same article, we erroneously men- articles featured in our issues. All contritioned that Valerie Cruz is currently a pro- butions must be submitted to fessor in Miriam highschool. She no longer the_redchronicles@yahoo.com. teaches in the said institution at the time of the issue’s publication. MARCH 2015

Miting de Avance and the School of Law Government Elections By Joseph Franco

fter a year of hiatus, a hallmark of Bedan elections returns. The SBCA-SOL concluded its Miting de Avance at the Fr. Roberto de Jesus Auditorium last March 6. This political event, which was hosted by the SBCA-SOL Election Comission (ELECOM), aims to allow the candidates for Student Law Government (SLG) to present their platforms and advocacies. For the last time, they were given the opportunity to expound on their agenda. The students, on the other hand, were also given the chance to raise their questions to the SLG candidates. The outgoing president, Charles Baculi, delivered the opening remarks wherein he impressed the Bedan values of service, selflessness, and devotion to the student body. Baculi also thanked the outgoing SLG officers for their service and dedication for the past two years. Afterwards, all the candidates were introduced and were given time to present their plans of action. The open forum was the highlight of the night, as the students were given the chance to put the candidates on hot seat. They were asked to give spontaneous responses on questions regarding important issues such as the spending of student activity funds, academic programs, and other school activities. ELECOM Chairwoman Kayrel Padilla remarked that this yearâ€™s Miting de Avance was a success, as the candidates cooperated with the student body in making the event engaging. The ELECOM filtered the questions to be asked to ensure compliance with school rules and regulations. To uphold fairness, questions originally addressed to certain candidates were then addressed to their co-candidates. The elections were conducted the next day with a 62.8% voters turnout. The final tally is as follows:

I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who believed in me, who supported me, and who trusted me. Thank you for giving me a chance to let you show the Jiro that wants to serve the student body. As I said during my speech, authority can always be delegated but never responsibility and I assure you that during our term all our efforts would be based on that principle. Let us continue to rally for a One San Beda for us to succeed and accomplish everything. Let us unite for a better San Beda. I believe we can seize the future together because we are not as divided as others suggest. Let us use this to our advantage. Let us rally for a One San Beda. That in All Things, God may be glorified! JIRO ACUNA SLG President SY 2015 - 2016

President: ACUNA- 222 Burro- 143 Santos- 157 Abstain- 37 No vote- 1 IVP: Ravago- 172 PELIGLORIO- 305 Abstain- 78 No vote- 4 EVP: SY- 442 Abstain- 117 No vote- 1 Sec Gen: MACARAYA- 466 Abstain- 83 No vote- 3 Treasurer: COSUCO- 370 Abstain- 188 No vote- 3 Third Yr Batch Rep: PANGGAY- 120 Abstain- 20 No vote- 4 Second Yr Batch Rep: ARRIBA- 58 Lee- 47 Abstain- 2

Photos by Katrina Belarmino

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

DEAN ULAN SARMIENTO RELEASES NEW BOOK By Pauline Ubaldo

t the forefront of education law in the Philippines, our beloved Dean Ulan Sarmiento has released a new book entitled â€œCompendium of Law Schools in the Philippinesâ€? Volume 1 (The Manual of Regulation of Private Higher Education) and Volume 2 (The Revised Manual of Regulations for Private Schools in Basic Education). It is the most comprehensive compilation of the laws, rules, regulations, and decisions affecting Philippine Education. It includes, among others, the enhanced basic education or K-12 law, Anti-Bullying Law, Universal Kindergarten Law as well as landmark decisions of the Supreme Court until December 2014. These are offshoots of his previous books, the last being its 2009 edition. With the adoption of the K-12 education program in the country, as well as recent decisions of the Supreme Court regarding education-related issues, Dean Sarmiento felt the need to update his previous comprehensive compilation books. It covers relevant updates including tuition fee laws, labor laws on academic personnel, and school discipline which has now become more complicated with implementations of new legislations. He believes that the future of education law is beginning to look brighter with the proliferation of schools in the country. It has become a market for practice since the creation of several government agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as well as the Legal Education Board. His advice for students and professionals who want to pursue the same, is that much like himself, one must have the passion and love for educating law because it is precisely his love for the academe and the teachers that has kept his advocacy alive for education law in the Philippines. The third volume on technical-vocation education shall be available by the end of 2015.

Photos by Sarj Mella & Katrina Belarmino

MARCH 2015

Bedan Bonfire: School of Law Joins the Victory Party of SBCA Community By Vienna Olga Parce

he San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) School of Law joined the whole SBCA community to celebrate its recent victories in sports and academics in a victory party held last November 14, 2014 at the football field. The students, alumni, and guests, all clad in red and white gathered inside the campus to join the activities. No less than Rector President Fr. Anselm Manalastas led the event. The evening bonfire that took place became the highlight of the celebration. One of the reasons for the celebration was the victory of the SBCA Red Lions. The team won the 16th National Collegiate Athletic Association South (NCAA South) men’s basketball championships. Other athletic fields and divisions such as women and junior’s bastketball, swimming, volleyball, cheerleading, and track and field, were honored for gracing in their own respective tournaments. NCAA South is an athletic association of colleges and universities mostly coming from southern NCR and the CALABARZON region of the Philippines. This was patterned after the NCAA and was established in 1999.

2014

LEX

CELEBRACIONIS B M A D. D R y

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Before 2014 came to an end, the students of the School of Law (SOL) once again gathered as a community to participate in sports activities in San Beda Alabang School of Law’s (SBCA-SOL) very own Lex Celebracionis. It is an annual display of sportsmanship and camaraderie among law students and an opportunity to do away from their daily grind in school.

Another triumphant cause for celebration was the new breed of Bedan lawyers from the 2013 Bar Examinations. The CPA Board passers and topnotchers namely, Joanna Marie Barrozo and Eros D. Herrera, 2nd and 8th placers, respectively were also acknowledged. Other board passers were likewise given recognition. Philippine Chamber of Commerce Harvest Leadership awardee Ms. Caryl Jimenez, as well as Integrated Basic Education Department (IBED) and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) national and international exposures student representatives and awardees, were also called on stage. The Mendiola and Rizal campuses of San Beda had separate celebrations for the victory of their own basketball teams. San Beda College Mendiola celebrated for the San Beda Red Lions’ five-peat win in the recently concluded NCAA 90th season senior men’s basketball championships; while San Beda College Rizal rejoiced for their Red Cubs championship in the junior men’s basketball division of the same league.

The SBCA-SOL held the festivities last December 15 to 17 at the Sports Complex. This affair aimed to provide a rewarding recreational experience, to promote camaraderie among the students and the members of the faculty, and to mark the goodwill of the school as the happiest law school in the south. The students took part in various games such as basketball, volleyball, futsal, swimming, badminton, table tennis, and billiards. For this year’s intramurals, the seniors were crowned as the overall champion. The most anticipated event was the exhibition basketball game between the students and the faculty members. The crowd cheered for their favorite team as they witnessed this unusual encounter between selected students and the professors beyond the four walls of the classrooms. Forming the team as victors of the battle were Atty. Rocky Delson, Atty. Carlo Busmente, Atty. Efren Dizon, Atty. Gallant Soriano, and the librarian, Mr. Jerrico Faltado.

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

BASKETBALL (WOMEN) Winner: Senoritas Runner-up: Barely Legal MVP: Joey Alfonso

Mythical 5: Joey Alfonso (Senoritas) Ces Escover (1st Year) Shax Macaraya (Barely Legal) Rei Calvez (Senoritas) Gemille Dolatre (2nd Year) Rookie of the Year: Ces Escover (1st Year) Most Improved Player: Gemille Dolatre (2nd Year) Defensive Player of the Year: Anne Padilla (Senoritas)

VOLLEYBALL Winner: 2nd Year - Patatas Runner-up: Volleybellies MVP: Mark Jurilla

BASKETBALL (MEN)

FUTSAL

Winner: Team We Got This

MVP: Kit Gomez

MVP: Carlos Romulo

Winner: 4th Year

Runner-up: Team Berlake

Mythical 5: Carlos Romulo (We Got This) Rommel Sandoval (Swaggers) Ralph Sapitula (Barely Legal) Cyril Ramos (Berlake) Joey Ballares (Berlake) Rookie of the Year: Tamayao (Forevermore) Most Improved Player: Rommel Sandoval (Swaggers) Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Ballares (Berlake) Sixth Man of the Year: Tyrone Judit (We Got This)

LEX CELEBRACIONIS 2014

Photos by: Katrina Belarmino and Sarj Mella

Photo Courtesy of Wilfredo Formalejo, Adhara Celerian & Paolo Baylon (Academic Bar Operations)

Christmas Party 2014 and The First “Bedan Idol” By Christine Erica Banzon

Revolutionizing the annual Christmas Party of the School of Law (SOL), the search for the first-ever Bedan Idol was held, in lieu of the annual Mr. and Ms. Lex Pageant at the Estrelle Exclusive Events Place last December 18, 2014. The event was well attended by the SOL community, highlighted by the attendance of our Beloved Dean Ulan Sarmiento and the School of Law faculty members. There were 11 contestants competing for the title of the very first “Bedan Idol.” Coming from different year levels of the SOL were: JB and Friends and Marian Hernandez, representing the freshmen; Randolph Guerzon and Band and Meg Ariola, representing the sophomores; Stef Bernardo and Aleli Gimena, Zeph Lingahan, Sarj Mella, Justin Indino, and Grean Anonuevo, for the juniors; and last but not the least, Ceejay Ycong for the seniors. After gracing the crowd with their astounding performances, the first Bedan Idol was named. At third place was Marian Hernandez, a freshman, who sang “Part of Your World” from the Disney movie “The Little Mermaid”. Zeph Lingahan, a junior, was awarded second place for her rendition of the song “Get Here” by Oleta Adams. The lone senior representative - Ceejay Ycong, who got the crowd singing and dancing along, was named the first-ever Bedan Idol who sang “What’s Up” by the 4 Non Blondes. The judges were Atty. Carlo Busmente, Atty. Melanie Trinidad, Atty. Nicanor Cabaneiro, and Ms. Jihan Eson. The criteria for judging were as follows: voice quality (30%); audience impact (10%); choice of song (30%); and overall stage presence (30%). The event was hosted by April Casabuena and Jam 88.3 DJ, Miguel Torres. 8

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

ope Francis is commonly described as “a simple pastor who travels extensively” and a person whose “values truly personifies the awakening aspiration of the larger world beyond the church walls.” This was shown with how he swept an entire nation during His recent visit to the Philippines. The Pope’s visit focused on two important values-- Mercy and Compassion, which were the central messages of his visit from January 15 to 19.

Photo By Sheila Alvarez

Photo by Jerold Vizconde

In one of his speeches, Pope Francis emphasized to the religious to include every man, woman, and child in the life of the community. According to him, the rejection of all forms of corruption will bring about the fruit of the love of Christ being shared to all through awareness and social compassion. He added that protecting the gift of family, as how Joseph protected the young Christ from the Jews, is an important facet of the glorious and bountiful gifts of the Lord, which should be shared to those who need it the most. Pope Francis also said that Filipinos should care for the young people and should not rob them of hope and thus lead them to be condemned to the streets. As Catholics, the Pope encouraged the Filipinos to preserve and instill the utmost value of the family and caring for the surroundings. The Pope simply reintroduced the difference between the idolatry Filipinos have and the idolatry that Christians should have. He encouraged a focus on caring for others rather than centering attention towards greed. Typhoon Yolanda survivors also celebrated mass, which Pope Francis himself presided over. He assured them that the Lord was with them during the storm which barreled the region. He told them that God is presently with them, and has never left them as the perseverance of God’s love shows hope that there is a better tomorrow waiting for everyone.

Photo Source: NBC News and Rappler

The challenges of integrity, concern for the environment, and care for the poor were also laid down to the Filipino Youth by the Bishop of Rome. He said that in today’s world of modern technology, knowledge that could be attained is immeasurable. By using these avenues properly, the youth can have further awareness of the relevant issues that are happening. The knowledge that they have acquired must be used to actively participate and aid those people who are in need of care and concern.

Misericordia et Misertus: Papal Visit 2015 by

Christine Ercia Banzon, Zyril Marchan, Christine Bernadette Cruz

and

SBCA-SOL FOURTH YEAR STUDENTS CELEBRATE THE RED MASS By Christine Bernadette Cruz

A nnually,

the San Beda Law Community offers a mass to celebrate and bless the graduating students before they finally leave the institution and prepare for their upcoming Bar examinations. Dubbed as the “Red Mass”, this year’s celebratory tradition was held last January 14 at the St. Benedict Chapel. After the mass, a sumptuous dinner was served to the School of Law faculty and the seniors. Some of the professors reminisced and shared their funny experiences and unforgettable memories inside the classroom with the graduating class. The first Bedan Idol, Ceejay Ycong, together with her band mates Marvin Tamayao, Josh Yamat, and Wilhelm Sefri Wacas entertained the celebrants with their delightful music. It was another inspirational night for the seniors as it strengthened their hopes and motivations for their soon-to-be achieved graduation .The event also became an opportunity to celebrate the birthday of our Beloved Dean Ulan Sarmiento.

Photos from Dugie Dela Cruz c/o Adhara Celerian, Yearbook Committee THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

SBCA CELEBRATES FEAST OF STO NINO 2015 By Monica Anna D. De Los Reyes and Zyril F. Marchan

ngrained in the Bedan culture and history, the Feast of Sto. Niño was celebrated last January 22-24. Different images of Sto. Niño were displayed and made available to visitors during the first day of the festivity. The exhibit featured some of the images owned by different members of the Bedan community. In the evening of January 22, a concert called Pailaw, was held at the football field. On January 23, Frolics 2015 was formally opened. This affair was composed of various fun-filled activities such as field demonstration of the IBED featuring students from middle grade school, anime show held by the high school department, talent show hosted by the middle grade school department, cheerleading competition, and exhibition games both hosted by the athletics department of the high school. Finally, a car show and a concert sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences ended the day. The School of Law (SOL) community facilitated two events, specifically, the free legal aid consultation and the dog show. The free legal aid consultation was made possible by the SBCA-SOL Legal Aid Center. It covered certain legal issues such as family relations, property relations, unlawful detainer, obligations and contracts, sales and lease, B.P. 22, estafa, and other criminal cases. In the morning of January 24, the SOL held a dog show entitled “Dogs in Style.” Dog lovers of the community, from administrators to students, participated in the event. Dog-owners showcased their pets while walking with them through a runway. The Bedan community held the yearly rosary and procession within the vicinity of the campus. This was followed by a Holy Mass presided by our Rector President Fr. Anselm Manalastas, OSB. The three-day event was concluded with the announcement of the winners of the raffle and a fireworks display. Every year, the whole Bedan community prepares for the Feast of Sto. Niño. Each department contributes to make the whole event possible. This is one way of showing and proving that we are one Bedan community. As our Rector President stated in his homily, “We, Bedan brothers and sisters, are our gifts to each other as the Sto. Niño is a gift to the Bedan community. Señor Sto. Niño, biyaya sa pamayanang Bedista.” The religious ceremony to the Holy Child has been commemorated by the Benedictines since 1903.

Photos by: Sarj Mella

MARCH 2015

DRINKING and

DRIVING

What you Ought to Know By Zyril F. Marchan

Photo from Google Images

Before the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, also known as Republic Act 10586 was passed, acts causing damage to persons or property while driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is already punishable. With its passage, the law now prohibits mere driving under the influence of alcohol and/or dangerous drugs. The penalty attached is imprisonment ranging from three months to a maximum of 20 years and/or a fine between P20,000 to P500,000, depending on the attending circumstances. Moreover, a professional holderâ€™s license may be revoked permanently at a single offense. For non-professional license holders, there is a 12-month suspension on their first offense and a permanent revocation on the second offense. The apprehension procedure is laid down in detail. A Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) will pull over a car upon having probable cause or reasonable ground to believe that such driver is under the influence of alcohol and/or dangerous drugs. Probable cause means the LEO personally witnessed a traffic offense like lane straddling, over speeding, making sudden stops, and swerving or weaving through lanes. After which, the driver will undergo three Field Sobriety Tests. The first test is the eye test where the driver must follow with their eyes an object that the officer moves horizontally, a foot away from the face. Second is the walk-and-turn test where the driver must walk nine steps forward on a straight line. After which he will be asked to turn and then walk back the same distance. Last is the one-leg stand where the driver must be able to stand on one leg and raise the other for at least six inches from the ground and be able to hold that position for thirty seconds. If the driver does not pass the Field Sobriety Tests, he will be asked to take the Alcohol Breath Analyzer or breathalizer test to analyze his blood alcohol level, which must not exceed 0.05%. However, drivers of public utility vehicles, trucks, buses, and motorcycles must have a blood alcohol level of 0.0%. If there are reasonable grounds to believe that the driver is under the influence of drugs, the LEO will bring the driver to the nearest police station, where he will undergo a drug test. If the offender passed the Field Sobriety Test or the breathalizer test, he will only be sanctioned or penalized for a traffic offense and not under subject to RA 10586. On the other hand, if the offender fails the breathalizer test, he will be arrested. Also, his vehicle will be impounded. Refusal to take the test will result in the confiscation and revocation of the driverâ€™s license, in addition to other traffic penalties. 12

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

CASE UPDATE

Case Digest by Pauline Ubaldo

RHONDA AVE S. VIVARES and SPS. MARGARITA and DAVID SUZARA, petitioners, vs. ST. THERESA’S COLLEGE, MYLENE RHEZA T. ESCUDERO, and JOHN DOES, respondents. G.R. No. 202666 September 29, 2014

Facts: In 2012, Julia Daluz (Julia) and Julienne Suzara (Ju-

lienne), then graduating high school students at St. Theresa’s College (STC) in Cebu City, took pictures of themselves along with several others in swimsuits for a beach party. Mylene Escudero (Escudero), a computer teacher at STC, learned from her students that some seniors posted pictures of themselves dressed only in brassieres. Escudero’s students logged in to their respective personal Facebook accounts and the photos showed Julia and Julienne drinking hard liquor and smoking cigarettes inside a bar, and showed the girls wearing articles of clothing virtually the entirety of their brassieres. Escudero reported the matter and showed the photos to Kristine Tigol (Tigol), STC’s Discipline-in-Charge for appropriate action and upon investigation, the school found the students to have

deported themselves in the manner proscribed by the Student’s Handbook. In March 2012, Sr. Purisima, the high school principal and ICM Directress informed the students in question, that as part of their penalty, they were barred from joining the commencement exercises to be held that month. Petitioners insist that Escudero intruded upon their children’s Facebook accounts, downloaded copies of the pictures and showed said photos to Tigol. To them, this was a breach of the minors’ privacy of their Facebook accounts, positing that their children’s disclosure was only limited since their profiles were not open to public viewing. Therefore, according to them, people who are not their Facebook friends, including respondents, are barred from accessing said post without their knowledge.

WHETHER OR NOT THERE WAS INDEED AN ACTUAL OR THREATENED VIOLATION OF THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY IN THE LIFE, LIBERTY, OR SECURITY OF THE MINORS.

Ruling: The Court found no merit in this petition. The right

to informational privacy is defined as the right of individuals to control information about themselves. With the availability of numerous avenues for information gathering and data sharing nowadays, there is more reason that every individual’s right to control said flow of information should be protected and that each individual should have at least a reasonable expectation of privacy in cyberspace. The Court, by developing what may be viewed as the Philippine model of the writ of habeas data recognizes that, having an expectation of informational privacy is not necessarily incompatible with engaging in cyberspace activities, including those that occur in online social networks (OSNs).

information they post or upload thereto. However, before one can have an expectation of this privacy, it is first necessary that said user, manifest the intention to keep certain posts private, through the employment of measures to prevent access thereto or to limit its visibility by utilizing the OSN’s privacy tools. In this regard, the minors’ testimonies cannot be given weight for one key reason: failure to question the students’ act of showing the photos to Tigol disproves their allegation that the photos were viewable only by the five of them. Without any evidence to corroborate their statement that the images were visible only to the five of them, and without their challenging Escudero’s claim that the other students were able to view the photos, their statements are, at best, self-serving, thus deserving scant consideration.

The question now is, up to what extent is the right to privacy protected in OSNs? To address this concern, Facebook was armed with different privacy tools designed to regulate the accessibility of a user’s profile as well as information uploaded by the user. It is through these privacy tools that many OSN users are said to have a subjective expectation that only those to whom they grant access to their profile will view the

There can be no quibbling that the images in question, are personal in nature, likely to affect, if indiscriminately circulated, the reputation of the minors enrolled in a conservative institution. It is thus incumbent upon internet users to exercise due diligence in their online dealings and activities and must not be negligent in protecting their rights. Equity serves the vigilant.

MARCH 2015

OPINION Poverty and Cybersex Crimes Nothing is more horrifying and disgusting than innocent children being driven to child pornography and cyber sex;

often by their own relatives or even parents. It makes one wonder if the perpetrators do not have children or young sisters and brothers; or if they have feelings at all. Because the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country and its people are known for their strong family ties, a regular Filipino will never imagine that child pornography and trafficking of children into the cybersex trade exist here. But, apparently, they are happening right in our backyard. In news reports, both in print and on international television, a dark shadow was again cast on the already teetering image of the Philippines to the outside world on account of corruption, the inability of government to ensure peace and order, and a snail-paced justice system. It was reported by foreign media that child pornography is on the rise in the Philippines and that rampant corruption in all levels of government has helped the illegal trade to flourish. The law enforcers, on the other hand, have blamed the proliferation of the trade on the slow criminal justice process. Police officials said that they have filed complaints against several persons caught operating cybersex dens in Prosecutors’ Offices many months ago but these cases are still sitting in those offices, unresolved. A report released last year by the Philippine National Police said that the Philippines is now a key hub of the billion-dollar global child cybersex industry. The victims are mostly girls and boys below 18. Some are as young as six years of age. They are made to perform lewd acts in front of cameras and their videos are streamed to any part of the world with pedophiles willing to pay to view. The streaming is done inside hotel rooms, private houses, sometimes, in shanties in blighted urban areas. The report said that about 31 provinces in the Philippines are sites of the crime with Angeles city, Cebu city and Cagayan de Oro topping the list. Most of those who pay to view are from the United States and Europe, the report said. In a report by CNN, a 14 year old girl who was rescued from a cybersex den narrated that she was enticed by a cousin to go to Manila from her town in Negros Oriental to work as a nanny. In Manila, she was brought to a two-storey house and locked up in a room with no windows. She said that she, along with other girls, was made to strip naked. They were ordered to perform sexual acts before a camera and would be forced to work day and night. An uncle of hers, she said, operated the den. In the feature by CNN, it said that the case of the rescued girl was “only one of many playing out every day in a nation where the conditions--widespread poverty, an established sex trade, a predominantly-English speaking, technically literate population and widespread internet access-- have made it easy for crimes like this to flourish.” These reports highlight the many stark and disconcerting contradictions in Philippine society. We have the largest Catholic population in the whole of Asia. We pride ourselves on being family-oriented and protective toward our children. We have many laws that protect children, among which are the Anti-Child Pornography Law, the Law against Child Abuse and the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Law. That young boys and girls are pushed to the trade, sometimes by their own parents, can only mean that more primordial reasons must be the root cause: hunger and poverty. A recent survey by the Social Weather Stations found that 55 per cent of the respondents said they were poor, up from 50 per cent about a year ago. This translates into about 11.8 million Filipino families rating themselves as poor while some 8.8 million families or 41 per cent said they were “food-poor.” With the rise in the number of poor Filipinos, triggering a rise in such despicable crimes as child pornography and cybersex trafficking of young children, what can we do? We can make our government accountable for not doing enough to lift people’s lives. The Conditional Cash Transfer program of the government where billions of pesos are supposedly doled out every year to the poor has not worked. What the poor people need is to be taught to fish so they can be fed for a lifetime; and not to be given fish to feed them for the moment. 14

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

The Best Actor The Aquino administration has been casted with rotten

tomatoes for quite sometime now, but the show is not yet over. Its main cast, PNoy, promised to deliver an exceptional show when he was trying to win everyone’s heart during his campaign. He said, this time it is going to be different. He said, this time it will be a total blockbuster. But has he lived up to everyone’s raised expectations or was it just another waste of patronage? Just recently, his spectators could no longer contain the disappointment and aired out their rage on the social media. The hashtag #NasaanAngPangulo even trended worldwide when he failed to attend the arrival honors for the fallen SAF members. Being the commander-in-chief, being the main cast of his own show, everyone expects him to at least pull off a good performance when the scene requires empathy and compassion. But where was he? Instead of doing what is due to him and proving the fulfillment of his promises, he was openly and honestly admitting that he has taken a lead role in another insignificant and irrelevant project. And when asked why there was a no-show, his assistants just apathetically responded as an excuse that, that day’s agenda was not originally part of his schedule. In another scene, when he was required to be the hero and take charge of the situation, spectators said he again failed. When PNoy met with the families of the fallen SAF mem-

bers, he was asked how justice could be served. He allegedly delivered the lines: “Ano gusto nyo gawin ko, kunin natin ang fingerprint ng mga kalaban? Aba madami iyun, para malaman natin sino pumatay sa mga kamag-anak nyo. Namatay rin ang tatay ko, alam ko pakiramdam niyo kaya patas na rin tayo ngayon.” Once again, the hero of the show fell short of what was expected of him; of what he promised to deliver; and what he vouched for—making a difference. If it were true that these lines were his spontaneous and sincerest response, then critiques were right when they said that the “Filipino Movie Industry” is slowly dying. And the show continues, with PNoy telling wonderful stories of his idol, his father, the late Benigno Aquino III. He persistently convinces everyone that he remains to be a good actor, second best to his father. That person who said, “The Filipinos are worth dying for”; and who, at least, went by his words to fulfill his promise of a great show. Perhaps PNoy needs to be reminded of the letter that his father-idol once wrote to him on the 25th of August of 1973, so that he can redeem himself and deliver what he promised everyone that he would be—“The only advice that I can give you: live with honor and follow your conscience.” The show is not yet over; it’s not yet too late.

Young Blood On the fateful day of January 25, 2015, hours have been

spent in the cornfields of Mamasapano, Maguindanao by forty-four of the Philippine National Police- Special Action Force (PNP-SAF). Their mission was to serve arrest warrants to wanted Malaysian terrorist, Zulkifli bin Hir, a.k.a. “Marwan” and Abu Sayyaf leader Abdul Bassit Usman. Hours in the battlefield and every minute passed by for these forty-four soldiers wondering when will the rebels run out of bullets to fire at them while they watch each other die out there. These are brave men who entered the force hoping to bring peace and order, and swearing to protect individuals in order for us to live in peace. So whether you call this incident a misencounter or a massacre, these brave 44, to the very end of their lives, did not forget their duty and fought like heroes. Yet, we forget, that most of these brave 44, are within the same age group as us. They too spent their childhood enjoying the same things we had back then. They too had hopes for their future, to reach for their dreams, build a family, and grow old to tell their story. But, they chose the life of a fighter, of a protector of a country, which puts their lives always in the dangers of death. Not all chose that kind of life, but they did. While some of us chose to pursue what we love or

a career which will give us a brighter future, these brave men chose a calling for the love of country and a duty that barely promised a future to reach for. Yet, at the end of the day, like us, all they wanted was a good life for their family, to be able to see their faces and hold them after a day’s work, to come home to their mother’s embrace after a tough day, or to their father’s words of encouragement saying “son, I am proud of you.” But for most of them, it was a mere look at the picture of their loved ones in their pockets or a last phone call to their parents while each of them expected their death in Mamasapano. It is heartbreaking to know that these young brood could have made it to higher ranks and could have led many more operations to protect the nation. The best of the best as they were called. Young brave lives wasted in the battlefield in one of the most poorly planned operations. We have risked many lives of fighters, soldiers in the battlefield. But mostly, it pains most of us because young as they were, they could have been more in this nation. This is a tribute to the fallen and brave 44. Thank you for your service to the Filipino people.

MARCH 2015

Illustration by Bradley Listones

EDITORIAL

The Pen and the Rifle

ankind has opened the year with an affirmation-- the pen is as fatal as the rifle. All the more have the two become dangerously similar as soon as both claimed innocent lives and aspirations. Except perhaps for the shape of the tip and cap, there was hardly any difference in terms of resulting rights, abuses, defenses, and scapegoats. It has been barely ten days past the turn of the year when the tragic Charlie Hebdo killing shocked the entire world. At 11:30 am on Wednesday, January 7, a black vehicle drove to the Charlie Hebdo building in Rue Nicolas-Appert, France. Two masked gunmen, clad in black and armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles, approached the offices and mercilessly killed the editors and cartoonists of the said French satirical paper. A total of twelve people were killed in the attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices, eight of them journalists. The armed attack was perceived to be a retaliation by Muslim extremists to the very controversial depiction of Muslim’s Prophet Muhammad on Charlie Hebdo’s cover. As it is understood, the tragedy inevitably gave birth to the debate between free speech, respect of religion, and censorship. At the onset, the use of the rifle in killing the victims justified nothing. It is beyond the accepted morals of modern society to haphazardly claim lives in furtherance of selfish extremisms. Armed aggression remains to be hateful, and never will it be able to patch up any deep cut. What’s immoral is immoral. It is with highest condemnation that certain individuals employ aggression to limit the vital right to free speech. But at the end of the day, society begins to question. Did the rifle kill these twelve people, or was it actually the pen that triggered the shot? Symbolically, the pen has, since time immemorial, upheld society’s right to freely register thoughts and insights without fear of reprisal. In an era where everyone is silenced, the pen serves as the voice of the oppressed. It bears noting, however, that this right to free speech is never absolute. The moment the power of the pen is abused, public policy dictates that control and remedies must be in place. Ironically, the pen poses the same extent of danger as any other abused right. If rifles can exterminate, then pens can discriminate, lie, spread animosity, and falsify. As heralds of free and fair press, is it not that every publication must strive to achieve responsible journalism? The attack on Charlie Hebdo offices is highly reprehensible on one hand, but this does not necessarily bestow forgiveness to the utterly offensive and discriminatory contents of said newspaper towards the marginalized groups in France. The victims of this tragedy are not limited to the casualties. The number extends to the millions of those who are continually disrespected, marginalized, and discriminated against. More importantly, this tragedy does not operate as a license to further oppress the already oppressed. While every institution desires to see justice served on all the casualties of the rifle, the same eyes must remain watchful and vigilant against future mishaps committed by the pen. After all, both may aim to glorify, but also both can certainly err. 16

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

The Various Faces of Youth Empowerment By Joseph Franco and Mara Martinez

“Young people, full of vigor and vitality, are in the bloom of life, like the sun at eight or nine in the morning,” remarked Mao Zedong. And bloom they did.

An empowered youth is a nation empowered. Youth

the realities of today. He himself sacrificed this stage of his life.

Unquestionably, stories of accomplishment ring throughout the field, which in turn inspire and engage the budding hopes of the nation. It is in this valued instance that this issue of The Red Chronicles underscores the highest regard to the various faces of youth empowerment: Passion, Excellence, Faith, and Service.

Araullo is a recognized news reporter for ABS-CBN. Beneath his popular charm and the journalist facade lurks a former student activist courageous enough to spend his youth by taking a stand on pressing issues, voicing his opinions, and influencing other students to do the same. Being an activist during his college days in the University of the Philippines Diliman, Araullo has experienced trying to convince young people to join their cause, getting imprisoned, being exposed to poor communities, and resisting police harassment. He draws inspiration from his history classes about the lives of young Filipino heroes who, at their young ages, sacrificed their affluent lives for a life of struggle. Although activism and journalism involve two different ways of communication, as the former means being vocal about one’s opinions and the latter means striking a balance in reporting all sides of a story, transition came naturally for Araullo because both fields entail communication and engagement with an audience.

empowerment is not simply a question of capacitating the youth to exert change. More than ability, empowerment creates a moral obligation to engage in issues that are important. Whether it be through social media or traditional media, the streets, or even the halls of Congress, youth empowerment takes a number of forms and fits in a potpourri of advocacies, with good reason.

Passionate and Progressive Passion. The strength of this face of empowerment lies in the hunger to progress and develop. It is the ardent belief of the passionate Atom Araullo that this sector is capable of registering one of the strongest voices of society today. “The reason why we are alive is because we have the capacity to change things,” he cites. He relishes in the thought of a youth, sacrificing this seemingly convenient and secured stage of life by climbing down one’s ivory tower in order to engage and struggle with

As a journalist, although he must always side with truth, justice, and accuracy, he believes that neutrality is a myth. Araullo has also witnessed the evolution of youth activism. The root cause of societal problems according to him remains the same, but the manifestations evolve.

MARCH 2015

Thus, it is a constant challenge for young people not to stay static but rather develop their ways of activism. He further adds that although social media is generally a positive advancement in the lives of youth activists, its use remains inadequate in creating huge societal changes. It may be effective in raising social awareness, for instance, by talking together or by making hashtags trend. But as powerful as it is, Araullo claims that social media is all banter; dead, without actual mobilization and action from the youth. Araullo banks in the youth to create huge changes because they are more courageous and more willing to make sacrifices. Thus, explaining their appeal and allure especially in times of solidarity. For him, these changes start through a conscious decision to study society. This may be done by reading newspapers, knowing the news, and being critical. Opinions are then formed, perspectives shared, and groups created. It is from this point that concrete actions are planned and executed. Araullo also stresses the importance of being creative in communicating oneâ€™s message. Creativity in activism aids in popularizing an issue and making a statement. Empowered to Surpass and Excel Excellence. The potentials of the youth may well be inferior to nothing. The Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Foundation (TAYO) is a testament to the continued efforts of the younger generation to achieve greatness in the endeavours they undertake. The award given by this foundation symbolizes the youthâ€™s struggle for excellence: its pointed top greets the viewer with a long crescent sail cascading at its base on what appears to be a group of men lashing a boat into the sea. The award is a vessel that is waiting to be launched. In 2002, empowered individuals dared to put up an organization that would recognize youth organizations all over the country. Throughout the length and breadth of this country, there will always be youth organizations that are striving to better their communities. The key for TAYO is to find empowered youth organizations scattered across the islands. But like any ship, its voyage is not without problems. Questions about availability of funds, partners, not to mention the interest and participation of youth organizations slammed TAYO head on. According to TAYO officers, the most significant challenges facing youth organizations are sustainability, capacity-building, and resource utilization. But TAYO persevered. Twelve years of voyage saw fruitful partnerships, touched communities, and the future promise of youth empowerment, with more to come. For the next five years, TAYO intends to cement collaboration with its recipients. TAYO TALKS, 18

composed of various talks across the country in schools would also be institutionalized. Plainly speaking, TAYO is an annual National Search Program for ten outstanding youth organizations. Proof of youth empowerment such as projects and continuing programs must be presented. For TAYO, a youth organization must have inspired volunteerism in the community; they must spend resources efficiently; they must have an impact within their community; and the project must be sustainable. Such rigorous standards separate the grain from the chaff, the committed ones from the fraudulent. And happy is the youth organization that is empowered enough. The TAYO recipients stand to receive P50,000 with all the prestige and assistance that come with it. With the assistance at the right time, truly, the youth can be empowered for change. The Hearts and Brains Youth Volunteers is one seaworthy vessel. In the remote areas of Sarangani, 3040% of the students travel a staggering 14-20 kilometers to and from school every day. Understandably, the majority would stop in the middle of the year, while others would simply be discouraged. That is why the group constructed Bahay Tuluyan to provide lodging for them during schooldays. This project used the Bayanihan system and built a house made of indigenous materials. Another enterprising organization is the Youth for Environment in School Organization. Mangrove forests in Brgy. Rasohan, Quezon Province are continuously threatened due to domestic demands. And so the Mangrove Reforestation Program aims to support tree planting, caring and growing and to generate funds for student development. Last year, they have planted 1,050 mangrove seedlings. With this said, horizons appear bright for TAYO. Youth organizations across the country appear to be active and engaging on social issues. Youth empowerment, indeed, is beating and alive in the country. Faithful and Strong Faith. Spirituality is also an empowering virtue of the youth. Youth Pinoy, a non-governmental organization disseminating faith among the Filipino youth, strongly establishes the notion that the fight for a greater glory is a fight that is never lost. The line of influence of this organization caters to the new media â€“ another indica-

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

tion that the youth adapts to the changing era. “Social media is a gift which the people should use in spreading the message of God”, said Pope Francis. And in God’s grace, a group composed of people from various religious organizations is able to live up to such mission despite the hustle and bustle of social media. Youth Pinoy was conceived by the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Media Office and Episcopal Commission on Youth in 2009. Currently, it is supervised by the CBCP Media Office. As “Online Missionaries of God,” its aim is to evangelize the young people online for them to take time to actually talk to their friends and family offline. One of its key achievements is its coverage of the visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines. Youth Pinoy served as the media headquarters and accreditation center for the event and it maintained papalvisit.ph, the official website for the Papal Visit. Another feat under its belt is its coverage of the different World Youth Day celebrations. In line with its active social media presence, Youth Pinoy organizes various Catholic Social Media Summit events. They consider being able to understand the sentiments of the youth and sharing with them God’s grace as one of the greatest

perks in working for the organization. Moreover, they take pride in knowing that Youth Pinoy’s audience covers the youth and adults reaching to the Vatican. But things did not always run smoothly for the organization. With the vastness of discourse, the organization, as any other website, faces challenges in reaching out to its audience. Being a Catholic website preaching the Word of God, it encounters bashing from non-believers and from people of different faiths. Instead of refuting these people, Youth Pinoy believes that it is best to know when to speak and when to stay silent. It is important to listen and know where the bashers are coming from, and to talk to them in a calm and understanding manner. Likewise, before making a statement on social issues, Youth Pinoy consults with its members and with the bishops from CBCP. In the middle of all the chaos and changes in today’s society, it is refreshing to know that a group of people remain firm on their beliefs and serve a selfless purpose. Youth Pinoy strives to stay relevant online and true to their mission, as evinced by the colors of its logo—red for martyrdom, green for environment, gray for being grounded, and blue for Mary, the mother who leads to Christ. Youth Pinoy strongly believes that while Catholic traditions remain the same, God’s message must be proclaimed online for the youth to return to the Church. Of Genuine Service and Nationalism

MARCH 2015

Service. Ultimately, this fervour and determination translates to the eventual development of the country and its people. Close to 20 years have passed since the passage of the Party List System Law. Long dominated by the well-heeled, the Party List Law tried to open fissures in the Legislature in order to provide a truer representation to the people. But change is inevitable. And when the interlopers crashed in, policy-making in Batasan will never be the same again. The youth is no longer voiceless with regard to policy-making and governance.

affecting youth empowerment. One of which is the controversial measure regarding the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). Asked about Kabataan’s position, Ridon stated that they are in favor of amending the SK Law to ensure youth representation. Another contentious measure is the tuition hikes in State Universities and Colleges (SUC). Unequivocally, Ridon opposed all forms of hikes against SUC’s. With regard the RH Law, Kabataan gave a qualified assent considering the facts that jobs, industries, and agrarian reform are the keys in poverty alleviation.

One such group serving as a testament to this progressive change is the Kabataan Partylist (Kabataan). Their entry into Congress in 2009 created history as they were the first sitting youth-oriented partylist. Immediately, they went to work in sponsoring 13 house resolutions, 6 house bills, and 3 privilege speeches that same year.

But the struggle need not always be carried in the centers of power. As a law student during the Arroyo Administration, Ridon struggled to maintain his grades due to his participation in rallies and public fora. “There is more to law school than books”, he quipped. “Law students should make time for other important things and more importantly, to answer the call of the times.” For future legal advocates, the struggle lies in channelling intimate knowledge of the law in various people’s organizations, cause-oriented groups, and non-governmental organizations.

Kabataan believes that the youth can be empowered by devoting its intellect, energy, and courage to building a new society devoid of corruption, inequality, and social injustice. The duty of the Filipino youth is to contribute to nation-building and to engage their fellow brethren for change, said Congressman Terry Ridon (Ridon) of the Kabataan Partylist. Besides a mechanism for passing legislation, Congress also serves a potent avenue for issues

These last 20 years have seen the emergence of youth representation in Congress. Through meaningful engagement within the context of legislative exercise, the Kabataan partylist continues to empower the Filipino youth.

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

Youth Activism: Traditional or New Media? By Mara Martinez

In her inaugural speech for a public forum series last November, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago referred

to Oxfam’s definition of activism as “efforts to create changes in the behavior of institutions or organizations through action strategies such as lobbying, advocacy, negotiation, protest, campaigning, and raising awareness.” The idea of youth activism humming through her mind must have been civic engagement, because it serves as a vehicle for expressions of dissent, attempts to effect change, or efforts to place issues on the political agenda. Time and again, this indomitable spirit to dissent, to present a counter-narrative has manifested itself in our history. Who could have thought that dandies and delinquents in faraway Madrid would blossom into the Propaganda Movement? And who would have expected university students to echo their stand at the closing days of the Third Republic? Lest we forget the spectacle of chairs falling down from PUP buildings that elicited all sorts of emotions from society. This celebrated spirit of dissent finds itself blowing through social media where the youth activists of today have delivered their messages across a wider audience and in a more rapid manner. Social media has proven to be an efficient tool in spreading one’s message and creating a movement. A single click enables thousands and millions of people from various walks of life and different corners of the globe to receive messages in seconds. This is why youth activists, particularly in the Philippines, have chosen this platform in pushing their advocacies forward. The Million People March held on August 26, 2013 comes into mind, where thousands of Filipinos gathered in Rizal Park to protest for the full abolition of the pork barrel. The protest that started as a spark in social media spread like wildfire amongst the youth. Through Facebook and Twitter, more and more people became aware of the movement and were inspired to join. The outspoken senator, however, noted that weakness in long-term strategic thinking, collective organization, and issue-specific sustained advocacy are some flaws of Social Media Activism. Hence, it often fails to produce results. For instance, the Million People March failed to achieve reforms in the government despite its numerous participants. In addition, the use of social media makes it difficult for youth activists to send clear their messages, as these are only a few among millions. Their messages can easily be dismissed or ignored among the thousands of the daily online posts and shares. Terry Ridon, an environmental lawyer and former student activist, believes that traditional activism is essential as this compels politicians to act. In an interview with Rappler, Ridon said that “politicians aren’t roused into action without seeing numbers on the streets. Political battles are not won simply by the brilliance of the legislator. It is won by a political movement that really wants political change.” Although not necessarily violent, most rallies tend to become such due to various outside factors. Aside from violence, hypocrisy is also one of traditional activism’s diseases, as pointed out by Danilo Aragon, a professor in University of the Philippines Manila and a youth activist during the Marcos era. According to Aragon, sectoral and public support is won not merely through spectacle, but through strength and clarity of arguments. He also adds that youth activists must have the right means to the end, as mass mobs may cause destruction of public property. At the end of day, the youth activist stands at the crossroads. Some prefer to participate at the parliament of the streets, particularly college students who are part of political movements. Some, on the other hand, believe that posting and sharing messages on imagined social communities can spark changes and spread advocacies across a wider audience. Through all the issues on forms of youth activism, what is important is that the youth must always have a say and the power to act on matters of social relevance. As Karl Marx said, that while philosophers have interpreted the world in various ways, the point is to change it. References: https://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2014/1114_santiago2.asp http://nhcp.gov.ph/the-role-of-student-activism-in-the-philippine-independence-2/ http://www.up.edu.ph/signposts-in-the-history-of-activism-in-the-university-of-the-philippines/ http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/27023-youth-activism-organized-action http://www.theguidon.com/1112/main/2014/10/revolutionizing-revolution/ MARCH 2015

STUDENTS’ CONTRIBUTION

“Batas Kalikasan: May Magagawa ba Tayo?”

To state it more generally, environmental law can be promoted by making it accessible to the public. By “accessible” we mean relatable to whom it is being taught. It would be impossible to make every audience interested in all of environmental legislation, but it is certainly possible to pique an audience’s interest in those specific laws that pertain to their current situation. - Baviera, Denise The LGUs are the catalysts of reform in relation to environmental laws. The LGUs not only have the potential but also the inherent power to implement and popularize environmental laws. If cities can bring about change by standing their ground and reinforcing the laws protecting the environment, what more if other LGUs take part in contributing to the implementation and popularization of environmental laws? - Guevara, Lawrenz In this modern time, it is indeed a challenge for institutions to welcome changes and innovations for the better. One way of enticing people to learn not only environmental laws, but also any other thing, is for one to tickle their interest and give them something to look forward to. Only by this can we get their attention and achieve two goals at the same time: to promote learning and to encourage people to save the environment while they’re in a good disposition. - Gumatay, Jmarri

I believe that for environmental laws to be popularized, it must first be instilled in people’s minds that the environment is important. The environment is where we live in and move around every single day of our lives. Without the environment, we cannot survive this world. Therefore, we must preserve and take care of it. It is through this realization that one would initiate acts which would aid in the preservation of the environment. If one establishes love and concern for the environment, it would be inevitable that all of his actions would be for the benefit of it. - Reyes, Ma. Celina Through the popularization of environmental law, society will now be able to discern what is right from wrong. Once we achieve this, then we can proceed with relating the essentials of the survival of the human race and this planet including all its living things, the preservation of our rights, and the preservation and development of a better way of living, and relating all that to the ability of environmental law to be a strong weapon or tool for doing so. - Aseron, Xavier

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

CURRENT EVENT #GAMEOVER: Youth Groups Demand for Truth, Justice, and Change By Christine Bernadette Cruz to issues affecting the country, especially those surrounding the Filipino youth. With the recent tragic Mamasapano massacre, different youth groups and student leaders spearheaded by Anakbayan rallied for President Aquino’s resignation. “The youth and people want truth, justice, accountability, and change. The movement for Aquino’s resignation is growing and the people’s call is getting louder. We no longer want a government by a corrupt, liar, US puppet, haciendero brat,” Anakbayan chairperson Vencer Crisostomo said.

Photos from Youth Act Now

Youth groups are not blind and deaf

Meanwhile, despite recent attacks against President Aquino, Malacañang spokesperson Edwin Lacierda asked everyone to pray for the President and be reminded of the reforms he has accomplished. In 2014, two impeachment complaints were filed against President Aquino. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan initiated the first and Youth Act Now led the second. Both, however, were dismissed on the ground that the accusations of betraying public trust and violations of the 1987 Constitution are ‘unwarranted.’

Photo from Manila Standard Today

Student leaders believe that youth participation is essential for the government to respond to youth-related issues, concerns, and needs in line with their objectives of helping the youth to become more aware of the issues surrounding them. Moreover, youth participation will help serve important recommendations in crafting several laws, rules, and regulations. Hence, these continuous staged protests against the government are not only sourced from the alleged truth behind the Mamasapano clash, wherein youth leaders pray for President Aquino’s accountability for the incident, but also grounded on the need to increase the impact of youth decision-making and governance. This specifically includes the movement against impending tuition fee increases.

References: Thousands of Students walk out to call for Aquino’s resignation, www.rappler.com Youth group Gives Pnoy Resign Cake for his Birthday, www.gmanetwork.com MARCH 2015

ASEAN

Integration and the Filipino Law Student: Paving The Way For A Big Change by

Mara Martinez

November 2007 marked the signing by ASEAN Leaders in Singapore of the blueprint for achieving an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015. This serves as one of the pillars for the establishment of ASEAN Integration. One of the aims of the AEC Blueprint is to ensure a free flow of goods, services, investment, capital, and skilled labor. The Philippines, being a signatory, must therefore be ready to face the upcoming changes in its economy, such as a boost in career opportunities and intense competition, especially in the legal profession. The main issue with the ASEAN Integration is the level of readiness to face and adapt to such changes. In an interview with Atty. Bruce Rivera, he discussed the challenges and effects of the ASEAN Integration towards the legal sphere in the Philippines, specifically with the legal education. Q: In general, what do Filipinos have to expect from the ASEAN Integration? In the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS) Convention in Hong Kong last December, we were given a framework of the ASEAN Integration. The integration of economies comes with the integration of professions. The aim of the ASEAN Integration is the free flow or free access not only of economies, but also of professionals. Doctors in Hong Kong can be doctors in Manila. Physical therapists in Manila can be physical therapists in Thailand. We need to streamline or find commonalities in our curriculum so we can be integrated in the ASEAN including the practice of law—free practice of lawyers outside the borders of the Philippines. Q: How would the integration affect the practice of law in the Philippines? The problem with the legal profession is, first, it is limited to Filipinos in the Philippines. Second, our curriculum is bar-oriented. The reason why we have this curriculum is to enable our students to pass the Bar exams. Our curriculum is very parochial, only Philippine-based. We can be good lawyers in the Philippines and pass the Bar in the Philippines. But when we go outside of the Philippines, the problem begins. If we go to common law countries like India, practicing law there is difficult. The practice of law is limited only to Filipinos. If we allow other people to practice in our country, would we be able to practice in their country as well? Q: Would globalization of Filipino law students be achieved through the ASEAN Integration? 24

It’s very difficult for Filipino law students to be globalized. When you tend to practice law in the Philippines, the mind frame is that you will be working in the Philippines as a Filipino lawyer. When you want to globalize, you have to start from the grassroots. You have to overhaul the whole curriculum to make it global. You have to study international conventions myopically. Aside from that, you have to be proficient with the language of the country you want to practice in. The Supreme Court and the legal profession have to spearhead the integration for the law schools and the law students to follow. Q: Is the ASEAN Integration a positive advancement or a negative change in the study of law in the Philippines? Can an ordinary law student handle this change? We have to study criminal law, commercial law, taxation, to mention a few, because that would make you pass the Bar. Afterwards, can a law student’s brain still handle other studies? Why not limit globalization to after the law studies, as an advanced study or as a master’s option, if you really want to work outside and be competitive? Unless the Supreme Court streamlines the curriculum in a manner that we can accommodate new information, it’s going to be very difficult for a law student. The world is getting global. At a certain point, we have to integrate. But there are areas in Philippine economy that we are not prepared to integrate, and sadly one of those is the legal profession. Will ASEAN Integration do us more harm than good? I don’t know. But at the end of the day, it’s okay that we expand our options, and that the Supreme Court and the stakeholders in the legal profession recognize that, at some point, we have to integrate.

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

Responsible Intergenerational Assistance by Jenica

In the current Philippine Congress, only 4% out of the 290 representatives are under 35 years of age. With minute representation in contrast to the older demographic, they are confronted with criticisms that point out their limitations to actual practices, credentials, and maturity that are only a fraction of those who have seen the ever-changing and developing Philippines. It is also a common observation that most of these representatives came from political families because of the operative effects of name recall and campaign materials. Nevertheless, in his message released on February 20 President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his appreciation to the National Movement of Young Legislators on their 20th National Congress and their election of National Executive Council. He gladly welcomed young legislators from across the country, who, though mostly inexperienced compared to their forefathers, have the capacity to “effect meaningful change in our society, and to ensure our nation’s welfare through innovation and good governance”. As builders of the next generations, these legislators have continually impressed the society by providing bills that only seek to progress a developing country. Signed during the present administration, Republic Act 9344 (RA 9344) or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 covers a more comprehensive and effective restorative rehabilitation for juveniles – changing negative terminologies, such as “youthful offender” into “child at risk” or “child in conflict with law”. This is in order to avoid the possibility of damaging effects towards the socialization of children. Moreover, it decriminalizes and exempts certain offenses that are discriminatory only against minors. As implementing bodies of cities and municipalities, most young leaders in the local government units are tasked to formulate a Comprehensive Juvenile Intervention Program alongside and in fulfillment of this Act. Furthermore, these legislators have slowly taken the challenge to inculcate good governance through assisting in multifarious reforms. However, simply ratifying laws will not cure society’s dilemma without its truthful application. Besides, the People’s Recovery Empowerment Development Assistance (PREDA Foundation), which has dedicated most of its services to the protection of children as part of their mission in upholding the human rights of the Filipino people, has dealt with numerous negative encounters with RA 9344. In effect, it appears that authorities still need an intervention on how to effectively promote social change. Through intergenerational assistance, both generations equivalently pay their services forward to create ripples of positivity and development that will ultimately provide for a cleaner, safer, and more prolific society. It is not appropriate to simply compare the proficiency of our legislators through gaps in their ages. One should be measured by the weight of their passion in public service.

MARCH 2015

THE GAME

By Pauline Ubaldo, Monica Delos Reyes, Zyril Marchan, Christine Banzon Photos by Sarj Mella

ast semester, we featured women gamechangers. In this issue, we present four men who managed to balance their law school life with their other pursuits. For every firm student leader, wily entrepreneur, a witty professor, and consummate intellectual lies a strong advocate of knowledge, an ambitious mercantilist, a brooding heir, and a chief on the other. But the ability to balance, to adapt, and to juggle responsibilities can also be done by men as shown by these four Bedan law students.

A Keeper of Knowledge It seems easy to take Philip Yeung’s pursuits for granted. He seamlessly shuttles from his wife and kids to his students in the University of Asia and the Pacific. Managing the family manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies did not stop him from venturing into automotive and food industries to name a few. As a law student with a pre-law degree of Political Economy, he developed the app called “Pass the bar” that can serve as a handy review for students. But life is full of surprises even for a jack of all trades. Financial security temporarily placed his legal studies on hold as he was about to start a family. Nowadays, he finds himself traversing the center of legal studies, business, and family life. For his daily grind, his timetable must be followed consistently. But this is easier said than done. Of course, there are times when he must prioritize. He admits that he puts his family first in everything that he does, even if it means to cut his time short in preparing for class. Thankfully, his life partner supports him and cheers him in his efforts. Though he has a lot on his plate, he confessed that as long he puts in a pinch of love in everything that he does and offers it to God, he will be able to surpass the challenges that he encounters head on. In no small measure, he personifies the Bedan adage “That in all things, God may be glorified” and considers it as the key to every person’s success.

The Follower of Logic A functionalist and an idealist, Esteban Gatacelo (Teban) believes that everyone has a role to effectuate change and take part in the society’s advancement. From a Veterinary Medicine student in University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), he shifted to Sociology due to his political bent. He was a fan of debating in his college years and would religiously watch the ANC Square Offs. His verbal skirmishes with Anakbayan members furthered his interest in debating. A dedicated man, he enrolled in the School of Law and is currently a graduating regular student. It was during his freshman year when he joined the International Law Debate Society. Debating for him was the best avenue to merge theory and practice. His stint with the organization have resulted in numerous awards. He has carried the school colors, both here and abroad, through the ANC Square Off, Asian Law Students’ Association, and the Conflicts of Law Debates. He also dabbled in debate adjudicating as he was also the Deputy Chief Adjudicator of the National Competition which was held in Dakak, Dipolog. He now mentors new debaters, alongside managing the Law Journal (Associate Editor) and the Yearbook committee (overall head). He pushes himself to be excellent in what he does, but as Teban said “We all have limits, the world is only perfect because of our imperfections.” According to him, to be able to excel in what you do, passion is the key. On his last note, “yesterday ended last night” reminds us of the freedom we have to not let ‘today’ dictate what we can be ‘tomorrow’.

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

ECHANGERS

Volume II

The Heir to an Empire He grew up with an office as his playground. It wasn’t until his second year in college when he started to have responsibilities in their family business. While business flows in his blood, the law beats in his heart. While taking up the legal grind, he is also the Managing Director of Golden Dame Food Center and Golden CAD Group of Companies, an affiliate of Goldilocks Bakeshop in the Philippines. Cyrus David, truly has a full plate. He has been involved in every aspect from the operations to its management. For him, studying the law aids his business endeavors. And hopefully, who knows, he can use it to pursue public service in the future. He admits that the balance between work and school is no easy matter. In fact, he’s learned that it’s all about trial and error – to work within the time you have and use it efficiently. To those who are angling for the same path, it is important to set your priorities. He wishes to keep the family legacy of their business and at the same time, pursue his dreams of becoming a lawyer and a public servant. As Robert Kennedy said, “Some men see things as they are and ask why, I see things that never were and ask why not.” For him, this emphasizes the unrelenting power of dreams. Be an abogado de campanilia, why not? Be whoever you want to be, why not? Getting there might be hard, but if it’s the only thing standing between you and realizing your dreams, why not persevere? Without a doubt, bright horizons beckon ahead for Cyrus.

The Student Leader He became the President of the Student Law Government Academic Year 2012-2013 where he spearheaded the Volunteer Corps. He was one of the founding members of the Academics Bar Operations. He was also the founding chairman of the Legal Aid Center. He was one of the chosen few to be part of the San Beda Law Journal last year. Outside school, he was the Secretary General of the Association of Law Schools in the Philippines (ALSP). These organizations that we take for granted were once molded and led by Ian Basconsillo. It seems daunting even to think of being at the beck and call of these organizations. But the leader in him did not just happen. He needed to sacrifice time to cope up with the demands and responsibilities. Even in college he was active in extracurricular activities and he maintained his focus in law school. He follows the “8 8 8 formula” where he allocates 8 hours each to studying, sleeping, and having time for leisure. Of course, being a student comes first. That is why he made it in the Dean’s list. He says that it is hard work but it made him feel good. Being at the helm of different organizations did not prevent him from developing a consensual style of leadership. All of Ian is a living proof of the fruits of proper time management. Like an intrepid traveler, he experienced things which made him a better person. He quips for students: “don’t be afraid to commit mistakes because in those experiences we learn most.”

MARCH 2015

Philippine Environmental Warriors Recognized By Arianne Joyce Pascual and Robert Irvin Salao

The Philippine Walkable-Bikeable Communities Special Recognition-cum-Launch, dubbed as the Bayani-han Sa Daan (BSD) Awards, was held at the Kalayaaan Hall of the Malacañang Palace last November 27, 2014. The event was organized in line with the initiatives of the Share the Road Campaign, spearheaded by Atty. Antonio Oposa, Jr., where more than 200 stakeholders, local government executives, and other members of the civil society were recognized. “We are here not only because of the heroism of those who lead the government and the communities, but also those individuals who are simply making environmental initiatives work — who work to make our spaces cleaner, greener, more climate-smart, and energy efficient… Mabuhay ang mga bayani at nagbabayanihan para sa kalikasan,” Secretary Juan Romeo Nereus Acosta, Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection stated as he welcomed the attendees and awardees. In line with the BSD objectives, the local government units of Cebu, Iloilo, Marikina, Pasig, and Vigan were acknowledged in their efforts to decongest roads from vehicles in their respective localities. Five of the awardees in the event came from San Beda College Alabang – School of Law (SBCA-SOL). They were proponents of the Share the Road Campaign. These students were recognized for their indispensable and valuable involvement in their individual capacities, namely May Alili Sangalang, Aron Kerr Menguito, Grace Anastacio, Valerie Anne Cruz, and Paolo Antonio Burro. Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senator Loren Lagarda both graced the event and expressed their supports to the BSD Program. They both commended Atty. Oposa and the BSD team for their continuous efforts in decongesting the roads and promoting alternative modes of transportation. Being the Chair of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Senator Legarda believes that one way to help protect the environment is to minimize carbon emissions. In a study made by Asian Development Bank (ADB) regarding factors affecting air pollution, carbon emitted by vehicles tops the list. For this reason, Legarda believes that “rethinking our mode of transportation is one of the crucial steps towards this initiative. We need to promote mass rail, human-powered transport, and pedestrianization. We should start venturing into transport electrification and energy efficiency,” Concluding the event, the attendees were asked to commit themselves in supporting Senate Bill No. 26 proposed by Senator Pia Cayetano. This bill embodies the idea that by shifting to a multi-modal scheme, the motorized vehicle-based transportation, traffic and pollution problems could be addressed. As expressed in BSD’s Statement of Support and Commitment to Action, each individual needs to be more proactive, “the government cannot solve the traffic crisis by itself. Our leaders come and go, whereas we are here to stay. We are the constant that will see our vision through. ”

Courtesy of Environtal Law Society and Ellen Marfil 28

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

SBCA-SOLâ€™s ILDS Participates in the ANC Square Off Season 10 By Martin David Bellen

Photos by Bernice Joana Pinol & Esteban Gatacelo

The International Law Debate Society (ILDS) of San Beda College Alabang - School of Law (SBCA-SOL) recently competed in the tenth season of the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) Square Off. This was held at the ABS-CBN Studio in Quezon City, which started last December 5, 2014. The debate team, composed of Joseph James Jimenez, Ernesto Angelo Limjoco, and Leandro Mari Manabat, opened the second elimination round on December 12, 2014 with a loss against a formidable group comprised of members of the Ateneo Law Forensic Association (ALFA) from Ateneo De Davao University. Both schools argued on the proposition that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is unconstitutional. The ILDS, alongside St. Thomas More Debate and Advocacy Society of Ateneo De Manila University Law School, made it to the wild card round after becoming the second most voted team in the television debate programâ€™s balloting. ILDS, however, suffered another loss to the students of Ateneo during the special round on February 6. The teams resolved on the matter that the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) should be held accountable for the recent Mamasapano clash. ANC Square Off Season 10 is currently on going with University of Cebu winning the third quarter final round against Lyceum of the Philippines University.

MARCH 2015

SBCA-SOL Legal Aid Center Staffs Legal Assistance Projects in Service to the Indigents Photo by Carlo Tibayan

By Christine Bernadette Cruz

Seminar on Violence Against Women and Children for Sagip Foundation The San Beda College Alabang-School of Law (SBCA-SOL) Legal Aid Center (LAC) partnered with Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP) to raise the rights awareness related to violence against women and children and to respond to this type of violence. LAC launched its first project entitled, “A Rights Awareness Campaign and Legal Aid Clinic on Violence against Women and Children,” in a small community in NHA Southville 3 Poblacion, Muntinlupa City last December 17, 2014, where almost 200 attendees have participated. Due to the increasing complexity of violence suffered by women and children in our country, LAC worked with SAGIP to combat against these kinds of violence. It was made possible through an awareness seminar and legal counseling where LAC members provided substantial and procedural discussions regarding R.A 9262 in relation to civil, criminal, labor, and remedial law. The objective of the seminar was to inform the participants that domestic violence is a deadly crime and our law gives us a variety of remedies against these wrongdoings. The seminar made it clear to them that domestic violence may come in many forms. It may be in the form of verbal abuse, threat, or physical assaults. It may also take the form psychological or economic abuse. It made them understand the escalating patterns of these abuses. The seminar also gave them pointers on where to go, what to do, and what documents to prepare in case they wanted to pursue legal actions. Thereafter, the members provided a one on one legal advising and counseling to those participants for intimate discussions. The activity was also attended by LAC directress Atty. Lauren Rose Tanyag, Bedan Alumni Atty. Ryan James Villena and Atty. Julius Santos. Free Legal Aid Consultation In celebration of the Sto. Nino Festival last January 23 and 24, SBCA-LAC offered free legal counseling with the theme “Mercy and Compassion to Achieve Justice,” to the attendees, parents, visitors, and SBCA institution employees. The counseling covered a variety of legal issues which include family relations, property relations, unlawful detainer, obligations and contracts, sales and lease, bouncing check laws, estafa, and other criminal cases. The office of LAC is now open for free legal consultations from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays at Room 12E8 St. Benedict Building, Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City. For inquiries, you may send an email at sbcalegalaid@gmail.com or call 850-8898. As the school year ends, so is the term of the current members of LAC. The SBCA-SOL LAC, on its third year, is now accepting applicants for membership for AY 2015-2016. Qualified applicants should be incoming regular fourth year students or third year completion students without first and second year subjects and capable of taking Practice Court classes next school year. For inquiries contact Ms. Jenny Reyes at 09166197663 or Toffey Mariano at 09154481751. 30

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

A FORTIORI: FORTIORI A FORUM ON THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF LAW By Christine Bernadette Cruz

Last February 24, the Academic Bar Operations

The forum included a discussion on Enhanced Defense Cooperative Agreements with Former Senator Rene Saguisag as speaker. Atty. Bernadette Ongoco discussed International Arbitration, as supplemented by the topic on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) by Atty. Batungbakal. DOJ Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy talked about the New Criminal Code. With respect to the recent updates on International Arbitration, Atty. Ongoco was very generous in giving away bookmarks, notepads, and a handbook containing the pertinent laws in ADR. The forum became a venue for encouraging the newly-elected Student Law Government to draft a memorandum of agreement for free training and workshops in Alternative Dispute Resoluton.

Courtesy of Academic Bar Operations

organized a forum on the recent development in the field of law, entitled “A Fortiori”. It was held at the Fr. Roberto De Jesus Auditorium of San Beda College Alabang School of Law, which was attended by the whole student body. “A Fortiori,” means to strengthen -- one’s knowledge of the law.

The highlight of the event points toward the changes in the Criminal Code. DOJ Assistant Secretary Sy emphasized that the penal code is a result of copying laws that have organic proof elsewhere. According to him, “We need to think on our own and what we need is a criminal law understood by any Juan Dela Cruz for them to quickly discern, read, and grasp penal laws.” In 2010, the Department of Justice constituted the CrimiPhoto by Sarj Mella nal Code Committee (CCC) with DOJ Assistant Secretary Sy as chairman, to review all existing penal laws of include the elimination of the concepts of frustrated the country and draft a simplified Criminal Code. stage, accomplices, special complex crimes, aggravating circumstance of dwelling, impossible crimes, adultery, The New Criminal Code, which is expected to take and concubinage, among others. effect in 2020, includes a five-level penalty that is generally favorable to the accused. Just like the Revised PeStefan Ellise Bernardo, Event Committee Head of nal Code, it also has two books: Book I on criminal the Academic Bar Operations, extends her gratitude to law principles and Book II covering crimes and pen- all who attended the event. It would not be successful alties. This change made procedural and substantive without the full support of the school administration, laws go together. In effect, there will also be changes Rev. Fr. Rector Anselm Manalastas, Honorable Dean in the present Criminal Procedure and some parts of Ulan Sarmiento, and prefect for Student Affairs Atty. the Rules of Court. Some of the changes worth noting Bruce Rivera. MARCH 2015

Conflicts of Law 2015 By Pauline Ubaldo

he recently concluded 25th Conflicts of Law was held last February 8, 15, 22, and March 1. The annual sports fest organized by the Association of Law Students of the Philippines-National Capital Region (ALSP-NCR) has been participated by numerous law schools in the region since 1990. This year, the event was hosted by Adamson University. It aims to promote sportsmanship and camaraderie among the member-schools. San Beda College Alabang-School of Law (SBCA-SOL) teams had remarkable standings in the different sport events. At the end of this four-week event, the futsal team won third place over-all, while the men’s basketball team finished third against the University of Sto. Tomas(UST) and San Beda College Mendiola (SBCM), which placed second and first, respectively. The women’s basketball team placed fourth against the University of the Philippines (UP), the latter securing its third place berth. For the women’s volleyball team, SBCA lost to SBCM which emerged as champions. SBCA-SOL also sent teams to the debate competition. It is the only school to have two debate teams included in the Top 5 team standings to represent NCR. The national round of the debate competition is scheduled this April to be held in Baguio City.

Photos by Sarj Mella THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

Vox Populi

Do you think it is only appropriate for PNoy to resign? Why or why not?

Yes. He has shown that he is incapable of acting as a good president by not being able to perform his duties properly. Examples include: the Luneta hostage crisis, Mamasapano, Zamboanga siege, and Yolanda. - Karl Carvajal, 3rd year Yes. The situation (Mamasapano incident) called for an immediate action but was left unheeded/delayed. Because of this, the Philippines is nothing more than a laughing stock to other countries that could not even defend itself from internal threats. -Angel Ramirez, 4th year Yes. The situation (Mamasapano incident) called for an immediate action but was left unheeded/delayed. Because of this, the Philippines is nothing more than a laughing stock to other countries that could not even defend itself from internal threats. -Angel Ramirez, 4th year No, that’s what you get for voting for someone who ran based on someone else’s credentials (his parents). Let him finish his term. Let the people lay in the bed they made so we can learn from that mistake and make a more intelligent decision in the future. - Francis Derek Grimares, 3rd year No need for PNoy’s resignation; it will only create more problems by lowering the morale of the people. Besides, no one is qualified to replace him. -Robert Melchor, 3rd year No, I don’t think it is appropriate for PNoy to resign because of a lot of reasons, but my main reason is that he only has one year left in his term. Should he resign, Binay will step-in. I can’t imagine the Philippines under his reign for six years, let alone seven. –Anonymous Yes, it is appropriate. However, the consequences of his resignation are dire and it will be advantageous on the part of the vice president who also plans on running as president in 2016. It is like a double-edged sword; if PNoy doesn’t resign, he will continue being president until 2016 but if he does, he will be replaced by Binay. It’s somewhat a no-win situation for us Filipinos. - Mae Bautista, 4th year

Does social media do more harm than good to the Filipino youth? It cuts both ways. Some abuse the platform and are douche [sic] when they are online. But social media is also very informative; it breaks communication barriers. -Steven Gatacelo, 4th year Does both in equal measure. -Robert Melchor, 3rd year Yes. It is harmful especially to teenagers who are prone to peer pressure and influence by others. They mimick what is popular among their age group, even if it is bad for them. - Mae Bautista, 4th year It is harmful to the youth if such information is corrupted, when its no longer about information dissemination but rather to spread false statements and ignorance. Social media does not do more harm than good if it is given and used in moderation; if it can be filtered properly; and if we can guide them accordingly to what is true and what is a lie. -Francis Derek Grimares, 3rd year Not really. In general, social media opens the minds of the youth to what is really happening in the Philippines and it provides a venue for them to express their thoughts and opinions without feeling fear. In other words, it is a place where they may actually exercise their Constitutional right of freedom of expression. - Karl Carvajal, 3rd year Yes and no. No, in the sense that it facilitates the transmission of information more efficiently, thus making our youth more knowledgeable and aware of our current affairs. It also stimulates participation in social issues which is healthy for a democratic country like ours. Yes, because there’s just too much rubbish out there. -Anonymous Not to the responsible ones and not to those who know their responsibilities. Ultimately, it all boils down to how their parents raised them. If at an early age they were taught the importance of discernment, I don’t think social media can any harm in anyway. -Anonymous MARCH 2015

By Maria Danise Ranchelle Ravago and Johann Kelly Lao

It is typical for a law student to bury himself into piles of cases and laws, turning minutes into hours. And at the end of every page, tired eyes and exhaustion give way to the buzzing stomach. In this issue, we give you a different perspective on your choices of treats to satisfy your irresistible hunger. We have searched near and far to find the places that offer the best versions of your favorite food. So, whether you are traveling far up north or lounging down south, here are some of the places to check out. Mang Raul’s Budget: Php 50 and above This famed grill in BF Almanza, Las Piñas is everyone’s go-to place to satisfy their cravings for exotic grilled delicacies. Mang Raul’s churns everything grilled such as pork barbecue, isaw (chicken or pork intestine), chicken ears, and even the childhood favorite hotdog on a stick. Besides their juicy and well-marinated barbecue, Mang Raul’s is fondly remembered because of its succulent sauces that perfectly complement their grilled offerings. The wayward traveler must undergo this authentic southern experience in three simple rituals. First, line up with the fellow culinary pilgrims to await the dripping meats. Second, get a table and wait for the number to be called or for the food to be delivered. And last, gorge upon this dripping decadence. The feelings of contentment and satisfaction may be too much for others, as some forget to pay (but seriously though, please do pay for the meal). The isaw experience may, however, not be so convenient during lunch and dinner. It is hard to get a table as Mang Raul’s popularity has drawn in a lot of diners from nearby cities. But we are certain that its food is always worth the long wait.

Mang Raul’s

Mang Larry’s Budget: Php 50 and above

Mang Larry’s

This famous and well-spoken food stand is located across the UP College of Law, nestled inside the heart of the University of the Philippines Diliman campus. Mang Larry’s offers a wide range of grilled street food such as pork barbecue, isaw, gizzard, liver, as well as the popular chicken ass. This food stall eschews the comforts of a typical eatery. The eager customer is forced to stand and appreciate those delectable treats, as there are no tables and chairs. As such, patrons are given other choices, as vendors offer other distractions like fish balls, squid balls, and ice cream. There is no denying that what they sell at Mang Larry’s are really mouth-watering especially those chicken bottoms spiked on a stick. The quality of its food is surely the main reason why this street food staple inside the State University has gotten quite a following among food lovers. Trying out this street food hub will definitely be a memorable experience. Shawarma Snack Center Budget: Php 150 and above In the last decade, the Filipino’s affinity for Mediterranean food has grown fonder through the years. And out of the budding romance sprung forth a slew of restaurants offering such cuisine. Shawarma Snack Center or SSC is one of those that has an established popularity in the south. Located at Presidents Avenue in BF Homes Paranaque, it offers its patrons different Mediterranean dishes such as kebab, keema, ox brain, hummus, and of course, their own version of the famous shawarma. The choices in SSC are quite good, but we have to say that its savory kebabs are a must try. The pita bread has a nice texture perfect for wiping clean its equally tasty hummus off the saucer. However, the eponymous shawarma seems to be lacking the flavor that the tongue craves for. Though there is a multitude out there offering authentic Mediterranean food, SSC is a fair choice. Mister Kabab Mister Kabab is a fusion of classic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine found along West Triangle, Quezon City. They offer authentic classics from beef kebabs, kofta balls, lamb chops to the all-time favorite combination of pita and hummus. One dish that stands out is its flavorful beef kabab which can be enjoyed either with rice or pita bread. Its satisfied diners and their empty plates have testified to this. Mister Kabab seems to satisfy everyone’s cravings, as there were a variety of customers from students to employees, and foreigners who are even Middle Eastern them-

Mister Kebab

THE RED CHRONICLES VOLUME 8 NO. 2

Shawarma Snack Center

selves. Moreover, there is an assurance that the restaurant uses pure beef or lamb in their dishes, as attested to by Muslim students who opted to dine in the place after a gathering. While some things are not fair, we can say that the pricing here is. The diner will definitely get his/her money’s worth.

Perpy’s

Perpy’s Budget: Php 165 and above Located along Rose Avenue in BF Pilar Las Piñas, beside Baliwag Lechon Manok is the sisig place known as Perpy’s. Perpy’s can be considered as the south’s favorite sisig take-out place. This food place offers only one food item: their heart-stopping liempo sisig, which fetches for Php165 per order. Perpy’s does not offer dine-in services. One can see a glimpse of heaven in those pork bellies lined up, slowly roasting above the grill before being chopped down into tidbits and mixed with a pinch of sauce and chili to create the special liempo sisig. The sting from the chili, gives the dish the right amount of kick to complete the southern sisig experience. Their simple rendition of this Filipino classic will leave one wanting for more. Perpy’s liempo sisig may be a simple looking dish, but it is definitely a must try. Aysee’s Budget: Php 150 and above

Aysee’s

This hole-in-the-wall restaurant is the pride of Pasig City when it comes to the Filipino favorite pork sisig. The sweet buttery taste overpowers the natural flavors that the famous sisig should have. On the other hand, the chicken sisig is a tastier hit since it is packed with more flavors despite having that sweet larded taste as the pork sisig. What makes this restaurant stand out is their own version of the Ilocano delicacy papaitang baka. The place was filled with other diners who ordered the famous papaitang baka. And it is safe to say that it is, aside from the sisig, one of the dishes that made Aysee’s popular Aguirre Street, BF Homes Parañaque City Budget: Php 100 and above All food and recreation in the south leads to Aguirre Avenue along BF Homes Parañaque. This avenue hosts different establishments where students, young professionals, as well as families may spend time together. It may be for eating lunch or dinner, having coffee or drinks, going on a date, or even just hanging out with friends. For food enthusiasts, Aguirre Avenue offers a wide variety of restaurants that serve different cuisines. A law student can find solace among coffee shops and tea joints, which offer sweet confections. Some of the popular food establishments along Aguirre Avenue are Atoy’s Porkchop, Aladin, Dusadee Thai, Magnum Opus, Larcy’s Cupcakes, and Milky Moustache. For those who crave for their drinks, Aguirre Avenue has a lot of places where you can grab that ice cold beer or that shot of Jack and Cola like Tavern Asia, Mulligan’s Irish Pub, as well as those staples such as Central BBQ Boy Grill and Tides Bar and Restaurant. But what makes this winding avenue more interesting is the fact that it offers a lot more recreational establishments in its lap. It has barbershops, tattoo parlors, spa and massage places, and grocery stores. The better news is that the establishments in Aguirre are economical compared to other food and recreational spots in the metro. A law student’s tired body and bated mind can find oasis along Aguirre Avenue. And the people who live in the south are surely happy that they have this street, since it is definitely one to be considered as the place to be. Maginhawa Street, Teacher’s Village, Diliman Quezon City Walking along Maginhawa street is akin to joining a festival of flavors. Block after block of the long street boasts of different restaurants. Different treats from quesadillas to churros, to the all time favorite pizza and pasta. Maginhawa street offers cuisines both for the humble and haughty. Sancho’s is one of the popular places in Maginhawa street which offers a wide range of choices from appetizers, salads, soups, pastas, sandwiches, to myriads of beef, pork, chicken, and fish dishes. But the people’s choice and the most popular is their Churros con Chocolate, which is only 85 pesos. There is also Bobo’s pizza which fits perfectly in its roadside location. They offer a lot of pizza flavors from their savory Bobo’s special to sweet treats such as their apple cinnamon pizza. They also serve different variations of greasy pasta, which gives a lot of savor. If one is craving for something Mexican, Casa Quesadilla will be a good choice. Their chicken and spinach quesadilla, complemented by dips of salsa and garlic mayo, gives off a wonderful creamy taste. Another is Artsy, which gives a childlike experience once the customer enters the place. One would be forgiven for straying in Alice’s Wonderland through their wooden chairs and tables to the interior design. There are tons of nooks to try in Maginhawa street and there is always a new hidden treat waiting to be discovered. MARCH 2015