The Varsitarian P.Y. 2019 - 2020 Issue No. 07

VOLUME XCI / NO. 7 · JULY 15, 2020 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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FR. Richard Ang, O.P.

EDITORIAL

(PHOTO BY CAMILLE ABIEL H. TORRES/ THE VARSITARIAN)

Malevolent 70: Or why Duterte is more evil than you think

FR. RICHARD ANG, O.P. NAMED 97TH RECTOR MAGNIFICUS OF UST Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. will lead UST as the 97th Rector Magnificus amid two big challenges: the transition to the post-K to 12 education system and the coronavirus pandemic that has reduced enrollment and forced universities to shift to online teaching.

FR. Richard Ang, O.P., Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Dean Ma. Lourdes Maglinao and Regent Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Saints Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Building on Jan. 16. (PHOTO BY MARVIN JOHN F. UY/ THE VARSITARIAN)

Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi of the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education approved Ang’s appointment on April 21.

The Master of the Order of Preachers, Fr. Francisco Timoner III, O.P., confirmed the appointment on May 7.

One of Ang’s first acts was to announce a shift to the “enhanced virtual mode” of education, utilizing online and offline strategies and partnerships with industry and foreign universities, in Term 1 of Academic Year 2020-2021.

“Together, let us adapt to our new academic environment not only with our usual adherence to

excellence, but with our renewed sense of competence, commitment and compassion. As a community, we shall overcome,” he said in a letter to the UST community on May 26.

Ang, 52, replaced Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., who ended his eight-year tenure last Jan. 15.

He immediately assumed the post of acting rector after Dagohoy stepped down from office.

Ang topped the voting of the Academic Senate on the terna or list of three eligible candidates produced through secret 97th rector... PAGE 10

OFFICIALS of Dominican schools, including Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. and Fr. Herminio Dagohoy O.P. (first and second from left) and Dominican Provincial Fr. Napoleon Sipalay, O.P. (center) sign an agreement putting Angelicum College in Quezon City under the University’s jurisdiction, in this file photo from June 2017. (PHOTO BY ROY ABRAHMN D.R. NARRA)

THE VOTE by 70 members of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to deny ABS-CBN a renewal of its broadcast franchise shows that the Congress of the Philippines is not, to paraphrase the network’s famous marketing logo, “in the service of the Filipino people,” but in the service of self-interest and partisan political ends. Elected to Congress through the democratic process, they have made a mockery of the same process by transforming the franchise hearings into a witch-hunt that exposed nothing illegal in ABS-CBN’s handling of its old franchise while betraying their own nefarious selfseeking interest and that of Rodrigo Duterte, who has repeatedly threatened to close down the network because of perceived slights and petty wrongs. The Lower House is therefore nothing but a rubber stamp of the Ultimate Underworld. The Malevolent 70 who voted to reject the franchise are grovelling agents of His Most Rotten Malevolence residing in Malacañang.

Editorial PAGE 4

Faculty, staff unions bicker over distribution of tuition hike share

FORMER faculty union vice president Rene Luis Tadle. (FILE PHOTO) TWO FACULTY members hit back at the Samahang Manggagawa-UST (SM-UST) following its call on the UST Faculty Union (USTFU) to negotiate first with the administration to get its share of tuition increases.

Former union vice president Rene Tadle and labor lawyer Danielito Jimenez said USTFU had the right reasons to request for the immediate distribution of tuition hikes from previous academic years.

Tadle, co-convener of the Council of Teachers and Staff of Universities and Colleges in the Philippines, argued that the amounts had been collected and partly used to cover the cost of 3-unit incentives given to faculty as part of K-to-12 adjustment measures.

Faculty, staff unions ... PAGE 2

NEWS p.3

WITNESS p.6-7

SCIENCE p.8

UST opposes anti-terrorism bill

‘Tell stories of faith in this trying time,’ Catholics urged in World Communications Day

Targeted lockdowns, accurate data key to curbing surge in Covid-19 cases — UST researchers

CHRISTIANS should continue to tell stories of faith and love of God even as the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic has changed the way of life and traditions of the Church.

Authorities should keep Metro Manila under general community quarantine (GCQ) while enforcing better public health reporting policies to curb the spike in Covid-19 cases, according to UST researchers.

THE UNIVERSITY joined other Catholic universities in opposing the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3.

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NEWS

The Varsitarian JULY 15, 2020

NEWS COORDINATOR: AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

Classes to start on Aug. 13 THE UNIVERSITY has released the collegiate calendar for Academic Year 2020 to 2021, setting the start of regular classes on Aug. 13, 2020.

The Mass of the Holy Spirit or Misa de Apertura, which marks the opening of the academic year in UST, will be at a later date, Aug. 24.

The traditional Paskuhan festivities were set on Dec. 18.

The second term will start on Jan. 21, 2021 after the registration scheduled on Jan. 11.

The Easter Break will be on March 25 to April 5.

The annual Student Awards Day where the valedictorian is announced was set on May 21, while the Baccalaureate Mass was scheduled on May 28. Solemn Investitures will begin on June 5.

The 2021 special term will begin on June 21 after the registration scheduled on June 17 to 18.

The official calendar was signed by UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., Secretary General Fr. Jesus Miranda Jr., O.P and University Registrar Cesar Velasco Jr. On May 26, the Rector announced that UST would shift to “enriched virtual mode” next academic year, where online and offline remote learning strategies will be utilized by faculty members amid the Covid-19 pandemic. AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

UST cuts fees, allows P5,000 downpayment for Term 1 of AY 2020-2021 THE UNIVERSITY will offer an installment plan with a P5,000 downpayment for Term 1 of Academic Year (AY) 2020 to 2021 to draw enrollees amid economic difficulties resulting from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

The Office of the Vice Rector for Finance said the new payment scheme and lower fees would “provide optimal access to education” to students.

There will be no tuition increase for college freshmen next academic year, which will see the implementation of the “enriched virtual mode” of learning in the first term of the academic year.

Fees for drug tests, retreats and recollections, and PE uniforms were removed from the table of fees, while miscellaneous fees for athletics, library, and medical and dental services were cut by about a third.

Audio-visual, energy, and physical infrastructure development fees were cut by about 50 percent.

Grade 11 students’ tuition was kept at P35,616 while miscellaneous fees decreased by 33.4 percent.

Details and breakdown of the new scheme for tuition and other fees, which will be effective only for the first term of AY 2020-2021, are found on the myUSTe student portal.

Freshmen enrollment was extended to June 17 while enrollment for higher years will be in the last week of July. CHARM RYANNE C. MAGPALI

FR. Isaias Antonio Tiongco, O.P. (PHOTO GRABBED FROM UST WEBSITE)

Canon Law dean is acting vice rector A SUPPORTER of ABS-CBN joins a rally outside the TV network’s compound in Quezon City to oppose the shutdown of the media giant. (PHOTO BY NADINE ANNE M. DEANG/ THE VARSITARIAN)

ABS-CBN grateful for University’s support amid franchise controversy MEDIA GIANT ABS-CBN expressed its gratitude to UST for showing its support following the network’s shutdown.

“We appreciate your stand alongside ABS-CBN after the National Telecommunications Commission issued the cease and desist order against our broadcast operations,” ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak and Chairman Mark Lopez said in a letter to the Rector, Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., dated June 24.

ABS-CBN, they said, was deter-

mined to prove to lawmakers that the network deserved a franchise renewal. “Right now, our priority is for ABS-CBN to return on air as quickly as possible and serve the millions of Filipinos who find our programs meaninngful to them,” the letter read.

ABS-CBN said it had found ways to deliver news and other content via digital means, but not enough to reach

Filipinos in remote areas, they said.

The National Telecommunications Commission on May 5 ordered ABS-CBN to stop operations after the expiry of its legislative franchise. Bills seeking a new franchise for the network languished in Congress for years.

On May 6, UST released a statement lamenting the government order to shut down ABS-CBN. The House of Representatives rejected a new franchise for the network on July 10. LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

Faculty, staff unions... FROM PAGE 1 Thus, there is no reason for the UST administration to hold on to previous years’ tuition increase collections, he said. “The only thing that the USTFU panel and UST management should discuss is the manner of the distribution,” Tadle told the Varsitarian.

In a statement dated June 9, SMUST said it was unfair for the faculty union to demand the immediate distribution of the faculty’s share of tuition increases “without undergoing any negotiation.”

They pointed out that tuition increases were historically distributed only after a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was signed.

SM-UST signed a new CBA, which lays down terms and conditions of work as well as other benefits, with the University administration in September last year.

USTFU has yet to finalize a new CBA for faculty members four years after the expiration of the 2011-2016 CBA. “The UST Faculty Union had the luxury of time to discuss their own concerns and demands from the UST Management last year and yet, they have not held the same meetings and discussions to work out any agreement,” read the SM-UST statement, signed by Malou Maristela, vice chairwoman of the union’s CBA panel.

“We hope that the Covid-19 pandemic will not be used as an excuse,” SM-UST said.

‘Negotiation Unecessary’

Jimenez described as “unnecessary” the support staff’s call on the faculty to first negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), since USTFU’s appeal was “not without any practical and legal basis.”

Under Republic Act 6728 or the

FACULTY of Canon Law Dean Fr. Isaias Antonio Tiongco, O.P. has been appointed acting vice rector of the University.

He replaces Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., who was named the 97th UST Rector on May 7.

Tiongco, who has a doctorate in canon law from the Universidad de Navarra in Spain, concurrently serves as dean of the Faculty of Canon Law. He served as regent of USTAlfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy from November 2007 to May 2020.

Tiongco, who is 62 years old, earned his bachelor’s degree in commerce major in accountancy at the University of the Assumption in 1978.

The Thomasian canon lawyer specializes on sources of canon law, the temporal goods of the Church and sanctions in the Church, according his profile on the Ecclesiastical Faculties website.

The vice rector acts on behalf of the Rector in the latter’s absence or incapacity, and becomes acting rector when the position becomes vacant.

He also exercises powers as delegated by the Rector.

Under the vice rector’s supervision are the UST Archives, the Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies, the Miguel de Benavides Library, the UST Museum, the UST Health Service, the Human Resource Department, the Office of Student Affairs, the manpower and scholarship committees, the retirement board, and the UST in-house counsel and legal coordinator. AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT WITH REPORTS FROM JOENNER PAULO L. ENRIQUEZ, O.P.

THE SAMAHANG MANGGAGAWA-UST (SM-UST) has called on the UST Faculty Union (USTFU) to negotiate with the administration if it wants to get its share of tuition increases for the past years. (PHOTO GRABBED FROM THE UST HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT’S FACEBOOK PAGE)

Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education, 70 percent of tuition increases must go to salaries of faculty and staff.

Jimenez and Tadle recalled that a similar distribution was done without a CBA negotiation during the administration of Rector Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P. “Legally, while the [tuition] share may be subject to a CBA negotiation, it can also be distributed without it, and both laws and jurisprudence support this,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez also pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic had overtaken the negotiation, and any further negotiation would serve no other purpose but to potentially delay the release of the funds that “rightfully and justifiably” belongs to the faculty members.

SM-UST’s statement that the Covid-19 pandemic should not be used as an excuse is uncalled for and insensitive as crafting a new CBA is “impossible and may only likely be a

cause for further delay,” Jimenez said.

“If negotiation, as suggested, will proceed regardless of the pandemic, even the required ratification will still be a challenge given that the USTFU CBL (constitution and by-laws) requires an actual general assembly and not a virtual one,” Jimenez told the Varsitarian.

Jimenez also said the faculty members’ share must be immediately released as it would be a challenge to conduct any negotiation and ratification with the term of the USTFU officers and negotiators expiring in September.

On June 4, the faculty union’s collective bargaining negotiators wrote Vice Rector for Finance Fr. Rolando Castro, O.P. and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta, to immediately release the faculty’s tuition hike share.

Faculty were struggling amid the Covid-19 pandemic, they said. AHMED

UST subsidizes Thomasians’ subscription to internet plan THE UNIVERSITY announced it had partnered with telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. to provide data plans with free pocket WiFi for students enrolled during the second term of Academic Year 2019 to 2020.

UST subsidized P1,000 of the bill for the month of May in the Smart Bro Plan, which was made available for up to 5,000 subscriptions.

In a June 1 press release, UST said the “Connectivity Assistance Program” was launched to ensure the smooth

KHAN CAYONGCAT AND LAURD MENHARD SALEN

UST subsidizes... PAGE 5

NEWS

The Varsitarian JULY 15, 2020

UST opposes anti-terrorism bill UST JOINED other Catholic universities in opposing the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3.

“We fear that people’s basic civil rights as enshrined in the Constitution will be rendered inconsequential when this becomes a law,” UST said in the statement posted on its social media accounts on June 7, days after the passage of the law in the House of Representatives.

“What is quite alarming is that the law can open the door to arbitrary arrests without warrant, detention without charge up to 24 days before people are presented to courts, and that any abusive law enforcement agent will be exempted from any liability,” the statement read.

On June 5, the heads of universities run by the Jesuit and De La Salle brothers appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to veto the “ill-timed” bill, saying it could be used to oppress people. The priority should be addressing the pandemic and reviving the economy, they said in a joint statement.

UST likewise urged the government to focus on the “deleterious effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“The University appeals to the government

“We fear that people’s basic civil rights as enshrined in the Constitution will be rendered inconsequential when this becomes a law.”

(PHOTO BY GENIELYN ROSARIO M. SORIANO/

to instead draw its efforts to fight the war against Covid-19,” UST said.

UST central and college-based student councils also spoke out against on the bill.

“The councils believe that the state must prioritize implementing policies that directly address the health and well-being of the Filipino people instead,” they said in a statement released on June 7.

The UST Journalism Society on June 5 warned that the bill could be used to crack down on government critics.

“The bill’s definitions are dangerously broad and vague, allowing the state to tag virtually anyone a ‘terrorist’ or accuse anyone of ‘inciting to terrorism.’

These definitions can be weaponized to silence

critics of this administration, which is notorious for using legal tools like quo warranto petitions and cyberlibel charges to harass news outlets who refuse to toe its line,” it said in a separate statement.

The anti-terrorism bill allows the detention of suspects for up to 24 days without warrants and expands surveillance to 90 days from 60 days. It also scraps the P500,000 fine on law enforcers for wrongful prosecution.

A total of 168 lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted in support of the measure. The House copied the version of the Senate, which was passed on third reading in February. AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

THE CENTRAL Student Council (CSC) spoke out against the arrest of at least 20 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) members who held a protest on Mendiola Street in Manila last June 26.

In a statement, the CSC said the participants were arrested despite their observance of social distancing and other health protocols.

“This violent and unlawful arrest is a clear abuse of undignifying power against our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters,” the statement read.

Four of those arrested were Habagat Farrales, a media intern from Manila Today, Marquis Babalian and Gwyneth Pacyaya of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Rey Valmores-Salinas of Bahaghari National.

The CSC said the participants were arrested without being read their Miranda rights and being informed of their violations.

The police allegedly hijacked a demonstrator’s private vehicle to take them to the police station.

The CSC pointed out that the arrest of reporters who only covered the event violated press freedom.

The protesters were detained at Manila Police District Headquarters in Ermita.

CSC earlier released a statement condemning the “injustices and ruling prejudice” against people of color and LGBTQ+ community.

“As we battle against injustices, one thing is clear: police brutality is a universal language, all live matters until black lives do,” CSC said in a statement. LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

THE VARSITARIAN)

Special Report

ANTI-TERROR LAW threatens democracy amid public health crisis

BY JOENNER PAULO L. ENRIQUEZ, OP, CAMILLE M. MARCELO AND NUEL ANGELO D. SABATE

VARIOUS sectors expressed fear for the country’s democracy following the passage of House Bill (HB) 6875 or the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,” which they said contained provisions that could be abused by law enforcers.

The anti-terror law repeals the Human Security Act of 2007 or Republic Act (RA) 9327, which proponents of the law have said was unsuccessful in prosecuting terrorist suspects.

In the “Post No (Terror) Bill” webinar last June 8, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman said the measure was primarily meant to do away with the P500,000 daily fine for the mistaken arrest of suspected terrorists.

“In fact, they say only three persons have been charged under [RA 9327] because Section 50 became a deterrent. This is the payment of P500,000 every day for a mistaken arrest,” he said.

UST remains 3rd top PH university in QS world rankings

—University of Santo Tomas

CSC speaks out against arrest of ‘pride’ protesters in Manila

CSC President Robert Dominic Gonzales.

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Section 50 of the Human Security Act of 2007 states that “The amount of damages shall be automatically charged against the appropriations of the police agency or the Anti-Terrorism Council that brought or sanctioned the filing of the charges against the accused. It shall also be released within 15 days from the date of the acquittal of the accused.”

Human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno said the anti-terrorism bill would be a “game-changer” in the legal system by extending the period of detention of terror suspects without charges to 24 days, when the 1987 Constitution allows

only three days.

“Under the constitution, one can only be jailed for three days without charges so I wonder how can you reconcile a law that allows detention for 24 days without charges with the fundamental law that is the constitution that allows a maximum of 3 days,” he said in “Sa Pilipinas may Batas: The Anti-Terrorism Bill Webinar” on June 10.

Another human rights lawyer, Pochoy Labog, said the anti-terror bill was unconstitutional because it would allow the executive branch of government, through the Anti-Terrorism Council composed of Cabinet officials, to order the detention of terrorism suspects.

Section 29 of the law, which allows prolonged detention without charges, states that the council may authorize in writing “any law

Special Reports... PAGE 10

ART BY RAE ISOBEL TYAPON

UST REMAINED the third top university in the Philippines after maintaining its spot in the 801-1,000 bracket of the Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) World University rankings for the fourth straight year.

The University was in the same bracket as De La Salle University.

The University of the Philippines is still the country’s top university despite slipping to the 396th spot from last year’s 356th.

Ateneo de Manila University kept its position in the 601-650 bracket.

UST was still the only university in the country with a four-star QS rating.

Nestor Ong, head of the UST Office of QS/THE Rankings, said the University should focus on improving its research performance to climb the ranks.

“The University needs to be aggressive on increasing the publication of the research papers and the promotion of past published research papers to generate more citations,” Ong told the Varsitarian.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) kept its recordbreaking streak as the top university in the world for the ninth straight year, followed by Stanford University.

National University of Singapore UST remains... PAGE 8

Board overrules decision to close Angelicum School Iloilo; director resigns THE BOARD of trustees of Angelicum School Iloilo (ASIL) recalled on May 29 the director’s decision to shut down the Dominican-run school.

A statement signed by Fr. Napoleon Sipalay, Jr., O.P., head of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, said neither the provincial council nor the school board approved the announcement to close Angelicum School Iloilo.

Fr. Maximo Gatela, O.P., who announced the “cessation of operations” on May 27, resigned.

“The Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Fr. Maximo Gatela, O.P., as Director of Angelicum School, Inc., Jaro, Iloilo City,” according to the statement.

“The Board of Trustees, as well as the Provincial Council of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, didn’t approve any cessation of operation,” it clarified.

Established by former Dominican provincial Fr. Rogelio Alarcon, O.P. in 1978, Angelicum School Iloilo occupies the Lizares Mansion, an iconic heritage house in Jaro.

In April 2012, the Dominican Province of the Philippines decided to integrate all schools run by the Dominicans in the Philippines into either the UST or Letran systems.

LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

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OPINION The Varsitarian JULY 15, 2020

Where it Matters Most

Fourth Wall

KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES

JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

Survivor Philippines: The Digital Drama WHEN the enhanced community quarantine was imposed in March 2020, almost everyone was forced to move to the world wide web as part of the “new normal.”

Businesses, education, and practically everything else became more dependent on the services provided by the internet and digital technology.

Sadly, the Philippines is not yet ready for this transition.

Statistical data from the Inclusive Internet Index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit in March 2020 showed the Philippines ranking 63rd out of 100 countries when it came to overall internet service, and 82nd in terms of affordability. In the Asian rankings, we are ranked 19th out of 26 countries.

Speedtest Global Index’s June 2020 report revealed that the Philippines’ average mobile download speed was 16.17 Megabits per second (Mbps), a huge gap when compared with the 34.67 Mbps global average. The country’s 23.74 Mbps fixed broadband download speed fared no better against the 78.26 global average.

Internet service in this country is expensive but slow.

On May 28, the official twitter account of PLDT, one of the biggest telecommunications providers in the country, was hacked by an anonymous group that wanted to air its grievances over poor internet service.

“As the pandemic arises, Filipinos need fast internet to communicate with their loved ones,” the tweet posted by the hackers said. “Do your job. The corrupt fear us, the honest support us, the heroic join us. We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget.

Expect us.”

This PLDT Twitter hacking incident is not only an indication of the frustrations of the citizens as regards internet connection in the country, but also a peek into the increasingly concerning problem of poor cybersecurity and data breaches occurring in the country.

The most notable of these data breaches was the emergence of duplicate Facebook accounts bearing the names of students, journalists and professors. This came after several universities released notices that their student portals were hacked.

Another big problem in the online transition is the poor service of Meralco, the biggest electricity provider in the country that seems to have been taking advantage of Filipinos stuck in quarantine.

Electricity bills during the quarantine triggered a wave of confusion across the country as bills were either overestimated or underestimated.

Without any clear explanation as to why the spikes happened, rotational brown-outs and black-outs occurred.

While the company vowed to refrain from sending out disconnection notices until September, where do they expect the people to get the money to pay ridiculously high bills at a time of uncertainty and depression brought upon by the quarantine and the pandemic?

After getting called out by the Fourth Wall PAGE 5

Nothing in this pandemic is in good timing, even our laws EDITORIAL

Malevolent 70: Or why Duterte is more evil than you think FROM PAGE 1 The rejection came after 12 hearings of the House Committee on Legislative Franchise in which agency after executive agency basically said ABS-CBN had done nothing illegal that would merit a denial of its application. Deputy Minority Leader Carlos Zarate in fact concluded that ABS-CBN was able to defend itself against all accusations it violated tax, labor, and foreign ownership laws, as attested “by the government agencies themselves.” Obviously continuing the hearings would expose further to the public that everything had been a vindictive witchhunt by Duterte and his minions in Congress so that Cayetano forced what he called a “conscience vote” on the application. The conscience vote did the unconscionable: deny ABS-CBN its franchise and shoot down Philippine democracy. The Lower House of the Philippine Congress has lived up to its name: it’s a House of Dishonorable Men and Women. It’s a

House of Reprobates.

If conscience is the voice of God, then we know which vile voice the perverted congressmen were heeding. Duterte has lately assumed a neutral position on the franchise, but everyone knows this is mere pose. Since 2016 he has ranted and raged against ABS-CBN and threatened to shut it down. Intolerant of dissent and criticism, he has savagely attacked the free press and independent news media agencies, assuming the despot’s authoritarian ways, much like his idol Ferdinand Marcos, much like Communist China, of which he’s vassal, jester, and all-around sycophant.

It is not surprising that he signed the repressive Anti-Terror Law around the time when China was passing a security law against pro-democracy Hong Kong. And it is not surprising that his government has done what Marcos did to ABS-CBN during martial law—shut it down and silence the free press.

The only success Duterte has accomplished during this national emergency is to intensify the terror and mayhem suffered by Filipinos.

Editorial PAGE 5

FOUNDED JANUARY 16, 1928

EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.P.

KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES

Editor in Chief Associate Editor

NEIL JOSHUA N. SERVALLOS Online Coordinator AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT News Coordinator KLYRA V. ORBIEN Acting Special Reports Editor FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA Sports Editor JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN Features and Circle Editor JOSELLE CZARINA S. DE LA CRUZ Filipino and Witness Editor MARY JAZMIN D. TABUENA Chief Photographer JURY P. SALAYA Art Director

FELIPE F. SALVOSA II Assistant Publications Adviser

JOSELITO B. ZULUETA Publications Adviser

NEWS Charm Ryanne C. Magpali, Laurd Menhard B. Salen, Camille Abiel H. Torres SPORTS Malic U. Cotongan, Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr., Jasmin Roselle M. Monton SPECIAL REPORTS Joenner Paulo L. Enriquez, O.P., Camille M. Marcelo, Nuel Angelo D. Sabate FEATURES Ma. Jasmine Trisha L. Nepomuceno LITERARY Leigh Anne E. Dispo, Sofia Bernice F. Navarro FILIPINO Caitlin Dayne A. Contreras, Bea Angeline P. Domingo WITNESS Ma. Alena O. Castillo, Joenner Paulo L. Enriquez, O.P., Mariel Celine L. Serquiña SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Miguel Louis M. Galang, Jade Veronique V. Yap CIRCLE Nolene Beatrice H. Crucillo, Neil Paolo S. Gonzales ART Karl Joshua L. Aron, Mariane Jane A. Cadiz, Alisa Joy T. del Mundo, Jan Kristopher T. Esguerra, Gwyneth Fiona N. Luga, Catherine Paulene A. Umali, Rae Isobel N. Tyapon, Sophia R. Lozada PHOTOGRAPHY Nadine Anne M. Deang, Jean Gilbert T. Go, Renzelle Shayne V. Picar, Bianca Jolene S. Redondo, Camille Abiel H. Torres, Marvin John F. Uy, Arianne Maye D.G. Viri EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jessica C. Asprer

THE WIDELY opposed Anti-Terror Bill was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3. All protests and rallies to oppose the bill were flicked away by the strongman’s stroke of a pen, as he sat comfortably in the Palace by the murky Pasig River.

Retired Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio, acknowledged by many as the “best chief justice we never had,” said the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, with its many unconstitutional provisions, will place the country “permanently under a situation worse than martial law.”

Most contentious, as observed by many, is Section 29, which allows the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) to authorize the arrest of persons merely “suspected” of committing terrorism, a violation of our Constitution’s requirement that a warrant of arrest should be issued by a judge upon finding of probable cause.

Section 4 (a) of the law vaguely defines terrorism as committed by a person who “engages in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person, or endangers a person’s life,” while 4 (b) says a terrorist “Engages in acts intended to cause extensive damage or destruction to a government or public facility, public place or private property.”

Mass protests and rallies may be equated with these acts, according to Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana.

Moreover, the detention of a suspect for as long as 24 days without being charged of any crime in any court, under Section 29, is eight times longer than the three-day maximum detention period mandated by our Constitution.

Section 25, which empowers the ATC to designate persons or organizations as “terrorists” without due hearings and Section 34, which allows the house arrest of suspects even if they are entitled to bail, are also in violation of the Constitution and are too vague and broad, according to Carpio.

Another alarming provision, Section 10, states that “Any person who shall recruit another to participate in, join, commit or support any terrorism or a terrorist individual or any terrorist organization, association or group of persons… or designated by the United Nations Security Council as a terrorist organization, or organized to engage in terrorism, shall suffer the penalty of life imprisonment without the benefit of parole…” This gives the ATC the power to deem a group as terrorists even without official proscription of the Court of Appeals.

The anti-terrorism bill would seem irrelevant to someone who is not concerned of political affairs, but the possibility that our freedom of speech will be, if not censored, stripped off from us, should leave one anxious. The new law adds the following as acts of terrorism: threatening, planning, training, facilitating, proposing and inciting to terrorism; it’s the last part that deals with freedom of speech.

Any criticism of the government Where it Matters Most PAGE 5

OPINION

The Varsitarian JULY 15, 2020

Editorial FROM PAGE 4 Ruthless and reptilian (apologies to reptiles), Duterte has opted to maximize the suffering of his enemies in the free press in the worst possible way he could, letting his lawmakers do his dirty work just to consolidate his power and gag his enemies. And he couldn’t have chosen a better time. The country is in a very sorry state as its leader remains deaf to the pleas of its people. The only success Duterte has accomplished during this national emergency is to intensify the terror and mayhem suffered by Filipinos.

There is reason to believe that Duterte is more evil than we think he is. As the country grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, he has successfully carried out his dark political schemes to enact the Anti-Terror Law which is an indirect declaration of martial law. Without any clear plan on how to solve the pandemic and stem the ever-increasing number of infected people, and despite aggravating it by the shameful blunders and incompetence of his government, the madman in Malacañang’s real priority seems to be destroying the nation faster than the contagion. A virus and plague stalks the nation. And we know its real name.

What should the nation do?

Stamp out the virus, extinguish the plague.

Fourth Wall FROM PAGE 4 government just recently, Meralco issued an apology and promised adjustments and refunds.

Their adjustment involved the removal of online convenience fees.

The refund was only P0.0286 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or about 6 pesos for households consuming 200 kWh a month.

Is this something we should be thankful for? This barely makes a scratch, especially for people with no jobs during the quarantine but are forced to pay sky-high electricity bills.

Why are we forced to play some twisted game of survival with the same people that should be helping us continue our lives at a time like this? These grievances can be fixed by proper management and assistance from the government.

The Covid-19 pandemic isn’t over yet, but it seems we won’t be ready to take a step further toward the socalled “new normal.” These businesses, which thrived because of Filipino consumers, should return the favor and help citizens in this time of crisis. Otherwise, we are headed toward a disaster worse than what we already have right now.

UST subsidizes...

FROM PAGE 2

flow of online learning for students and faculty members who encountered weak internet connections during the pandemic.

The program was spearheaded by UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. and a committee led by Faculty of Engineering Dean Philipina Marcelo and Institute of Information and Computing Sciences Director Jerralyn Padua.

On May 17, 500 units of pocket WiFi were distributed to students and faculty members in Metro Manila, Cainta and Bulacan.

Marcelo said 2,000 students signed up for this program. LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

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It stops now: Protect your students, not your reputation A Place of Honor

“School administrators are as much accountable as abusers when they refuse to listen and give justice to the survivors.”

KLYRA V. ORBIEN

NEVER AGAIN shall educational institutions sweep sexual violence cases under the rug.

It has always been a David-versus-Goliath situation when survivors of sexual violence talk about their experiences, and especially when they demand justice. It has always been the victim versus the abuser and the institution that was supposed to protect the victims in the first place.

Early in June, the viral hashtag #HijaAko surfaced on social media along with many young women and alumnae of different schools coming forward with their experiences of sexual harassment and assault under the roofs of their institutions. Alumnae from well-known and mostly exclusive Catholic private schools such as Miriam College High School and St. Theresa’s College of Quezon City criticized how school administrators poorly handled their demands for justice after being subjected to harassment in the hands of faculty members. This situation has been happening for decades because of institutions who chose to sanction the survivors rather than hold abusers accountable.

In 2017, the Student Welfare and Development Board came under fire after allegations of “victimblaming” and an order to remove a social media post by a Thomasian who shared her experience of sexual harassment.

Her harasser was later on identified as a graduating engineering student. The victim’s brother

expressed dismay over the poor handling of the sexual harassment case by school officials.

In 2018, Diane Arcena, a student of the College of Science, slammed administrators’ leniency in handling her physical abuse case after they imposed a “compassionate approach” penalty on her abuser and fellow student, Kyle Viray. The investigating committee subjected him to 250 hours of community service and he was barred from attending the graduation rites. It was only after another victim emerged when Viray was kicked out.

On July 2, Fabel Pineda, a 15-year old girl who accused cops of rape, was shot dead by gunmen aboard a motorbike as she was on her way home from the police station.

Survivors of abuse and sexual harassment have found refuge on social media because institutions failed to provide them security and a proper avenue.

Movements such as #HijaAko and MeToo are already outcomes of institutions’ refusal to act efficiently on harassment cases and the lack of a proper response to those who demand justice.

What is more enraging is that there are already laws to protect victims, such as the Safe Spaces Act or Republic Act (RA) 11313 and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877).

Women’s rights advocate Lidy Nacpil lamented that women’s issues have always been a class issue, and said calling out abusers online entailed a sense

of responsibility. Women who came forward with their experiences online also entailed a degree of privilege. The poor especially have everything to lose if they speak out – financial security, employment, or a family. If there are poorly handled abuse and sexual harassment cases in exclusive private schools, how about underfunded public schools in remote areas?

That is why it is important for women to speak now and demand accountability, so the mishandling of sexual harassment cases would once and for all be acknowledged and stopped.

Shaping future women leaders is not done through conformity but through empowerment.

Empowerment is achieved by teaching young women to question and not just follow, by teaching them that they have a voice that matters and have the right to be heard, and by encouraging them to speak and lead in a space where they can both continue to learn and feel safe.

Survivors of sexual harassment should have never experienced abuse in the first place. These abuses continue because of the unwillingness of some school administrators to investigate, understand the survivors’ trauma and experience, and provide safe spaces for their students.

School administrators are as much accountable as abusers when they refuse to listen and give justice to the survivors.

daigdig ng Pilipinas, at a time where no one is even allowed to leave the country!

These unconstitutional provisions are also dangerous because these may be prone to abuses by those tasked to enforce the law. The government has a poor track record in protecting people’s rights and enforcing security laws. Who’s to say that citizens will be safe against harassment under this Anti-Terrorism Law? Rappler’s Executive Editor, Maria Ressa, was charged with cyber libel despite the article in question being published four months before the cyber libel law was passed. The VIP violators of quarantine protocols, in contrast, are scot-free.

Human Rights Watch has warned that this law could give security forces the power to arrest anyone

– journalists, activists and social media users – by simply linking them to terrorist activities. They can do this under the law’s provisions on surveillance and wiretapping. If one is tagged as a terrorist, all messages, calls, social media accounts and precise location can be traced by the government. The emergence of fake accounts on Facebook had one thing in common – they mimicked the accounts of users expressing their opinions about our failed government. It could be a preview of things to come.

The timing of this law makes one feel angry, confused and cheated on by the people who should be respecting our opinions and rights. They say this is about security, but what it will do to citizens is to give them insecurity.

Where it Matters Most FROM PAGE 4 could lead to anyone being tagged as a terrorist and arrested by the all-powerful ATC without a warrant. This law must be a treat for the Palace instigators, who now have the power to detain a suspected terrorist without any liability for damages due to wrongful arrest. This gives them a reason to have a mañanita every night.

Instead of working on the passage of economic bills that will help the Filipino people in this time of pandemic, our government had the audacity to approve and deem the anti-terror bill as urgent. Also taking precedence over the health emergency and economic crisis are the shutdown of ABS-CBN, one of the country’s top media outlets, which jeopardized the jobs of 11,000 workers; and the proposal to change the name of the country’s airport to Paliparang Pan-

EDITOR: JOSELLE CZARINA S. DELA CRUZ

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Face pandemic with unending faith, Thomasians urged DAET BISHOP Rex Andrew Alarcon urged Thomasians to have unending faith and belief in salvation amid fears brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We face this pandemic with this faith [w]hich is tested when one feels alone, abandoned, desolate, helpless, and unloved. Hindi lang ‘yong management [in handling the pandemic] ang kailangang solusyunan,” Alarcon said in a webinar titled “Unending Grace: Now and Beyond — Building on Faith” organized by the Office of Alumni Relations and the UST Alumni Association last June 27.

The Thomasian bishop lamented that some people look at faith with disdain and find it unreasonable and even superstitious amid the crisis.

Alarcon said the kind of certainty that people got from scientific knowledge was lacking and unstable without faith.

“Hindi sapat ang siyensya o agham, medisina at ekonomiya sa panahon ngayon. [W]e need love, meaning, and hope — a solid terrain that will help us live with authentic meaning in this time of crisis. We need this certainty that is given to us by faith,” he said.

“Despite the technological advancement, people have not become freer or more human [because] there are many situations

and forms of injustice like exploitation, manipulation, violence, and abuse,” he added.

UST Hospital resident and Covid-19 survivor Dr. Carmina Fuentebella, who also spoke in the webinar, thanked the people who prayed for her, adding that her experience made her realize the importance of faith in Christ especially in trying times.

“Faith is believing in things you don’t see. [I] will continue to inspire other people na ‘wag mawalan ng faith. I’ll use this second life again to be a competent, compassionate and committed physician,” she said.

The story of Fuentebella, the young doctor who became a Covid-19 patient but defeated the virus in time for her 27th birthday, became viral on social media.

She encouraged everyone to pray for Covid-19 patients.

Other speakers were health mentor Dr. Christian Lubaton and architect and urban planner Felino Palafox Jr. Sculptor Wilfredo Layug, singer and actor Jose Herrera, and guidance counselor Maria Klara Giannotti served as reactors in the webinar.

The webinar series aims “to inspire to build faith while facing the challenges of the new normal brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.” MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO

DAET BISHOP Rex Andrew Alarcon delivers his homily during the Philippine Conference on the New Evangelization in UST in July 2019.

‘Tell stories of faith

Catholics urged on Worl

BY MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO, JOENNER PAULO L. ENRIQUEZ O.P.

CHRISTIANS should continue to tell stories of faith and love of God even as the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic has changed the way of life and traditions of the Church.

This was the message of Boac Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr., chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Commission on Social Communications, as the Church marked the 54th World Day of Communication on Ascension Sunday, May 24.

Maralit called on Catholics and social communication ministries to be “story tellers of God [and] His love for humanity.” “[Ikuwento natin] ang kuwento ng ating karanasan sa Diyos. Ang kuwento ng karanasan ng mga mananampalataya sa panahong ito tungkol sa pag-ibig ng Diyos ay siyang dapat ikuwento bilang storytellers ng Simbahan,” he said in a video posted on the CBCP Social Communications Facebook page.

Maralit said telling stories would serve as a reminder of how God continues to value his people.

“Tayo ay inaanyayahan [ng Santo Papa] na isagawa muli ang pagkukuwento na nagpanibago sa ating lahat — ang mga kuwento na nagbibigay mensahe na patuloy tayong minamahal ng Diyos.

At itong mga kuwento

[ng karanasan ng Kristiyano] ay mga kuwento hanggang sa kasu Manila Apostolic Administ media has been a great help to Masses and the dissemination activities.

“Sa Simbahan, nakita natin inabangan ng media. Dahil dito pormasiyon na kailangan natin ay frontliners dahil tinulungan pamamagitan nga mga online M online Flores de Mayo,” Pabillo Thomasian graduate Fr. San to be wary of the spread of disin to catch up with.

“As promoters of truth and to make constant effort to educ cation and critical thinking to p isinformation is always there… and good information for the sa Digal told the Varsitarian.

On May 6, Pope Francis cal media workers exposing thems pandemic.

“I pray today for the worked in the m They risk a May the transm at Cas

(PHOTO BY ARIANNE MAE VIRI)

Catholic universities in ‘state of disequilibrium’ because of pandemic— Education dean THE EDUCATIONAL sector, including Catholic higher educational institutions (CHEIs), have been thrown into a “state of disequilibrium” because of the Covid-19 pandemic and would need to recover their vitality, College of Education Dean Pilar Romero said.

Romero said schools’ “viability” has become an urgent concern but the crisis was also an opportunity for renewal among CHEIs that had lost track of their Catholic identity. “[The] private education sector stands to lose 55.2 billion pesos in revenues if the opening of the school year will be pushed to August instead of June,” Romero wrote in her note titled “Catholic Higher Educational Institutions in the Cusp of the Pandemic” published by the

by The Antoninus Journal of the UST Graduate School.

The Education dean urged Catholic universities to focus on the Catholic vision and to impart to students the idea of doing things for the common good amid the pandemic.

“This journey is perilous because along the way, CHEIs may realize that they have fallen into pitfalls that compromise their Catholic identity. [T]he pandemic offers more to CHEIs than the opportunity to craft innovative ideas that will help them emerge unscathed from it,” Romero said. “[T]eaching, the emphasis should

EDUCATION Dean Pilar Romero (PHOTO GRABBED FROM UST OFFICIAL WEBSITE)

not be acquisition of knowledge for its own sake but service to others, Research activities…need to articulate the CHEIs’ mission to serve the Church and the broader human family,” she said.

Romero said viability does not only mean continued existence.

“Viability in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic is a real issue that Catholic Higher Educational institutions must face. But viability does not only mean continued existence. Viability is very much tied to vitality – to life and identity,” she said.

“For what value is there in continued existence when the CHEI’s core, its Catholic identity is left languishing, gasping for breath at the wayside?” she added. JOENNER PAULO ENRIQUEZ, O.P.

OUTGOING Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle delivers his homily during the 7th Philippine Conference on the New Evangelization last Jan. 28. (PHOTO BY RENZELLE SHAYNE V. PICAR/ THE VARSITARIAN)

Wo

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WITNESS The Varsitarian JULY 15, 2020

Thomasian priest among 2019 Bar passers

in this trying time,’

rld Communications Day

y dapat isagawa sapagkat ito ay ulukuyan,” he said. trator Broderick Pabillo said Catholics through online of information on church

n ang kabutihan at kapako napaabot sa marami ang imn. Kaya ang mga media people n tayong manatili sa Diyos sa Masses, online reflections at said. ntosh Digal urged journalists nformation that could be hard

information, I think we need cate people on media edupromote news literacy. [D] so we need to promote truth ake of society and people,”

lled on the faithful to pray for selves to risk in covering the

e men and women who media during this pandemic. lot and they are working a lot.

Lord help them in this work to mit the truth always,” the Pope sa Santa Marta in Vatican.

In Pope’s message for the 54th orld Communications Day,

he urged Catholics to be mindful in disseminating stories, because a destructive and provocative narrative could strip one’s dignity.

“We may not even realize how greedy we have become for chatter and gossip, or how much violence and falsehood we are consuming,” the Pope said.

Francis said the history of Christ is always timely and that every human story is divine.

“Every human story has an irrepressible dignity. Consequently, humanity deserves stories that are worthy of it, worthy of that dizzying and fascinating height to which Jesus elevated it,” he said.

The message was released on Jan. 24, the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of communicators and journalists.

World Communications Day was celebrated last May 24 with the theme, “That you may tell your children and grandchildren, life becomes history.”

The celebration of World Communication Sunday was established by Pope Paul VI in 1967 following the Second Vatican Council, which recognized the potential of modern means of social communication in communicating the gospel.

BY MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO

A THOMASIAN priest based in La Union was among the law graduates who passed the 2019 Bar examinations.

Fr. Victor de Guzman, who is taking up his licentiate in canon law, said he had mixed feelings after knowing that he passed the 2019 Bar exams.

“Passing the Bar is like hurdling a formidable obstacle. [There] are mixed feelings of triumphant joy and elation, but at the same time, sadness because some friends that I know and expected to pass did not make it,” de Guzman said in an online interview with the Varsitarian.

De Guzman, 55, said he took a leave of absence to review for the exams in August 2019. He also enrolled in canon law at the University.

He finished law at St. Louis College of La Union in 2018.

The priest-turned-lawyer is also a civil engineer. De Guzman obtained his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1987 and passed the civil engineering licensure examinations in the same year.

De Guzman was parochial vicar of

FR. Victor de Guzman (PHOTO COURTESY OF JERWIN ESTOLAS)

the San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish in Balaoan, La Union from 2018 to 2019.

He was spiritual director of the minor seminary in San Fernando City, La Union from 2015 to 2018, and served as a private secretary to the late Bishop Rodolfo Beltran of the Diocese of San Fernando from 2013 to 2017.

Dominican commission, Catholic schools warn of dangers in anti-terror bill

BY MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO, JOENNER PAULO L. ENRIQUEZ O.P. AND MARIEL CELINE L. SERQUIÑA

Pope names Cardinal Tagle to Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue

BY MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO

POPE FRANCIS appointed former Manila archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue on Wednesday, July 8.

Tagle is among the 22 new appointees to the council, including five other cardinals, seven archbishops and nine bishops from around the world.

According to Vatican News, the council is the Catholic Church’s central office on the promotion of interreligious dialogue in line with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council.

It is also responsible for “promoting mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration between Catholics and followers of other religious traditions,

promoting the formation of persons dedicated to dialogue, and encouraging the study of religions.”

Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot has served as the president of the council since May 2019.

In May 1964, the council was formed as a special department of the Roman Curia, the administrative body overseeing affairs of the Church.

The Roman Curia has 12 pontifical councils for different sectors and areas of concern, namely Laity, Promoting Christian Unity, Family, Justice and Peace, Cor Unum, Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Health Care Workers, Legislative Texts, Interreligious Dialogue, Culture, Social Communica-

tions and Promoting New Evangelization.

In May, the Pope elevated Tagle as Cardinal-Bishop, the highest rank in the Church’s College of Cardinals. He was the first Filipino, Asian, and the youngest among the 11 cardinal bishops in the Vatican.

Tagle was also appointed prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Vatican’s missionary arm, on Dec. 8.

The Church in the Philippines marks this year the “Year of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue, and Indigenous Peoples,” as part of preparations for the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the country in 2021.

A COMMISSION of Dominican religious and laypersons involved in the “justice and peace” advocacy have urged lawmakers to withdraw their support for the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, warning of dangers to human rights.

“The bill is objectionable in its provision on unregulated surveillance […], uninformed denial of the rights to liberty, privacy, compensation[;] infringement on the freedom of opinion, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of the press,” the Dominican Family Commission for Justice, Peace and Care for Creation (JPCC) said in a statement on June 6.

The commission said the illdefined understanding of terrorism could tag someone as “terrorist” on mere disagreement with government policies.

“There is a danger [to any group]… including political opposition leaders, human rights advocates, churches, workers, community and civic leaders, student leaders and ordinary citizens,” it said.

The statement was signed by priests, nuns and laypeople, including the rector and president of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez, O.P. The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) has also objected to the bill, saying it contradicts Catholic teachings on human dignity. “[I]t decries the articulation of those provisions in the bill as they fundamentally conflict with the Catholic tenets of treating each person

as created in the image and likeness of God,” the statement read.

CEAP, a national association of 1,500 Catholic educational institutions, said the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission of Higher Education (CHEd) would become “support agencies” of the Anti-Terrorism Council under the bill due to its unclear provisions.

The association warned of breaches of confidential information, unrestricted access to campuses and monitoring of classes if the bill became law. “[T]he CEAP remains firm in safeguarding the constitutionally guaranteed academic freedom of educational institutions and of faculty against any form of suppression,” said the statement, signed by CEAP President Fr. Elmer Dizon and Executive Director Jose Arellano.

Last June 7, UST, a member of CEAP, also released a statement opposing the bill.

The anti-terrorism bill allows the detention of suspects for up to 24 days without warrants and expands surveillance to 90 days, from 60 days.

It also scraps the P500,000 fine on law enforcers for wrongful prosecution.

The ATC may designate a person or a group as terrorist on the basis of probable cause.

In June, Senate President Vicente Sotto III sent copies of the enrolled bill to Malacañang for the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte signed the bill into law on July 3.

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SCI-TECH The Varsitarian JULY 15, 2020

EDITOR: EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.P.

Targeted lockdowns, accurate data key to curbing surge in Covid-19 cases — UST researchers

BY JADE VERONIQUE V. YAP AND MIGUEL LOUIS M. GALANG

Authorities should keep Metro Manila under general community quarantine (GCQ) while enforcing better public health reporting policies to curb the spike in Covid-19 cases, according to UST researchers.

FR. NICANOR AUSTRIACO, O.P. (FILE PHOTO)

Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P. and Assoc. Prof.

Bernhard Egwolf reported on July 14 that the rise in the positivity rate, or the proportion of Covid-19 tests that turned out positive, as well as the rate of hospitalization, indicated that the National Capital Region (NCR) was undergoing a “real surge” in the pandemic.

The positivity rate for the NCR had increased to 12 percent, the researchers noted. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing the rate to below five percent to control the pandemic.

Positivity rates should be stable below 10 percent and ideally below five percent, while hospital occupancy rates should be below 50 percent, the researchers said.

They also noted a “dramatic rise” in the number of positive cases in the category “Unknown City” in Metro Manila, as labelled by the Department of Health (DOH).

“These are positive cases that are not assigned to a particular city, but are known to be in the NCR,” they said.

Some local government units (LGUs) may be withholding geographical information regarding Covid-19 positive cases to avoid enhanced community lockdowns in their barangays, they said. “[W]ithout proper geographical identification of positive cases, it will be difficult for public health authorities to properly understand the extent of the surge and to control the pandemic through contact tracing, tracking, and isolation,” they said.

2-week lockdowns needed

ASSOC. PROF. BERNHARD EGWOLF (FILE PHOTO)

LGUs should continue local and targeted lockdowns under the supervision of the national

government to ensure that the lockdowns were enforced properly and maintained for at least two weeks, which is the incubation period of the virus, they said.

“It is troubling to read news reports that reveal that some of the targeted lockdowns have only been kept in place for several days. This is not enough time to allow asymptomatic carriers to become non-infectious,” the researchers said.

Austriaco and Egwolf said that if these localized lockdowns were unable to curb the virus spread in the NCR, the government should be ready to return cities to the stricter modified enhanced or enhanced community quarantine.

‘LSIs and OFWs’

The government should also restrict the movement of all locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) until the surge in the NCR has been put under control, the researchers said.

“This should be done to protect the fragile health care system in the provinces that will not be able to handle a surge in their locations,” they said.

They also recommended that provincial LGUs implement mandatory 14-day quarantines for all returning LSIs and OFWs regardless of their testing results in the NCR. “It has become a concern that rapid testing in the NCR has not been able to detect all the asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19 who have then transported the disease back to their home provinces,” they said.

As of July 14, the Philippines has recorded 58,850 cases of Covid-19, of which 36,260 were active cases. The number of fatalities stood at 1,614.

‘Social support, connectedness key to reducing suicidal tendencies among youth,’ says Thomasian psychologist SOCIAL support and social connectedness are key factors that can reduce suicidal thoughts among adolescents, a new UST study showed.

These factors can serve as buffers to “risk factors” present in the life of an individual, according to the study led by Prof. Marc Eric Reyes, a clinical psychologist from the Department of Psychology.

“Social support is the feeling of care from other people, while being socially connected means having the assurance that one has somebody to talk to,” Reyes said in an online interview with the Varsitarian.

The study is titled “Relative Importance of Social Support and Social Connectedness as Protective Factors of Suicidal Ideation Among Selected Filipino Late Adolescents.”

A total of 811 Filipino youth from various colleges and universities in Metro Manila went through tests, which assessed the degree by which they felt connected to others in their social environment.

Published on May 7 in Suicidology Online, a peer-reviewed open-access journal, the study also evaluated how often these individuals received various forms of assistance during the preceding month at the time of testing.

While both factors showed protective effects, social connectedness was found to be more strongly associated with suicide ideation than social support.

Interventions that increase the perception of social connectedness are likely to be more successful in protecting a person

against suicide ideation, the study found.

‘Pandemic anxiety’

Reyes said people could be experiencing a lot of psychological stress during this pandemic. One should look for positive points amid the community quarantine to decrease anxieties, he said.

“Start connecting physically inside your homes. If you’re living alone, then connect, and call your family,” Reyes said.

He also urged everyone to practice “digital detox,” which can be done by disconnecting from or limiting time spent on social media.

“Get a new hobby. Learn something new. Read, during this enhanced community quarantine,” he said.

The study was co-authored by an American psychologist, Roger Davis of the Institute for the Study of Personality, and Thomasians Cyrille Ann Patrice Chua, Gabrielle Olaveria, Louise Jenri Pamintuan, Ma. Katrina Serrano and Joshua Lou Erik Tan. MIGUEL LOUIS M. GALANG AND JADE VERONIQUE V. YAP.

ART BY ALISA JOY DEL MUNDO

PROF. Maribel Nonato (PHOTO GRABBED FROM UST WEBSITE)

Vice rector for research named to scientific academy VICE RECTOR for Research and Innovation Prof. Maribel Nonato has joined the ranks of scientists conferred the title “national academician” by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).

Nonato was acknowledged by the scientific body on May 27 for her pioneering work on the pandanus species, locally known as pandan.

Her research won the 2006 National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Award in Chemical Sciences, 2016 Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology Gregorio Zara Award for Basic Science Research, and the 2017 Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies Shimadzu Achievement Award for Chemical Research.

After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry at the University, the former Science dean acquired her doctorate degree in chemistry of natural products at the University of Wollongong in Australia.

Other Thomasians previously named to the NAST were Prof.

Emeritus Fortunato Sevilla, graduate school faculty members Mudgeekeewis Santos and Veronica Chan, tropical medicine specialist Dr. Remigio Olveda and historian Gregorio Zaide.

The title “academician” is one of the highest distinctions conferred on a scientist, whether in the natural, health or social sciences, in the Philippines.

Founded in 1976, the NAST is the highest recognition and scientific advisory body of the country and is under the Department of Science and Technology. JADE VERONIQUE V. YAP

UST remains... FROM PAGE 3 was ranked top university in Asia, retaining the 11th spot in the QS ranking.

Nanyang Technological University, also in Singapore, slipped to the 13th spot from last year’s 11th.

The QS world ranking is based on six factors: academic reputation (40 percent), employer reputation (10 percent), faculty/student ratio (20 percent), citations per faculty (20 percent), international faculty ratio (five percent) and international student ratio (five percent). AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

CIRCLE

The Varsitarian JULY 15, 2020

EDITOR: JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

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Jesuits go live with online prayer concert THE JESUITS held an online prayer concert titled “Mga Awit ng Paghilom,” to help ease the people’s anxieties during the Covid-19 pandemic through a night of prayer and music at the Jesuit Residence in Ateneo de Manila last July 4 Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ, UST Philosophy alumnus and former Filipino staffer of the Varsitarian, said the idea was hatched after a live-streamed jamming session between him and Ateneo de Manila University’s former president Fr. Jett Villarin, SJ and Fr. RB Hizon, SJ was seen by some 2,000 viewers.

“So, the proximate trigger was the evening jamming, but the deeper motivation was to offer people a respite from the tensions of this Covid-19 pandemic,” Alejo told the Varsitarian.

The songs in the concert program were mainly written by Jesuit composers, and performed by Jesuit priests, and musical artist Rey Malipot.

Fathers Rene Javellaba, SJ and Jr Orbeta, SJ led the opening rites with a musical rendition of “The First Version of Pasyon,” originally scored by Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ. The concert started with Fr. Arnel Aquino’s “Awit ng Paghilom,” sung by Malipot and Fr. Hizon with Fr. Ro Atilano on the guitar.

Father Atilano afterward played the guitar and sang “Pag-ibig Ko,” composed by Fr. Charlie Cenzon, SJ. Father Alejo, with Fr. Villarin on the piano, whistled to the tune of Lucio San Pedro’s “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,” which was Alejo’s favorite “sipol” music.

“My fellow Jesuits here often hear me whistling, and so they asked me to whistle ‘Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,’” Alejo said. “It has a long and deeply spiritual mark in my biography, which I can’t share for now.”

The group also performed “Sa Diyos

Lamang Mapapanatag,” “Hesus ng Aking Buhay,” “Gabing Kulimlim,” and “Sayo Lamang,” songs that express trust in God’s providence and the gift of peace that one receives from having faith.

In the second half, they performed “One More Gift” and “Pintig ng Puso” based on Hosea 11:1-9, which tells of God’s constant love for his people despite their constant infidelity and sin.

“Huwag Kang Mangamba” was based on Isaiah 43 and “City of God” based on Isaiah 9:60 and 1 John 1 were also part of the line-up, as well as Fr. Aquino’s “Inay” and Fr. Hontiveros’ “Pananagutan.”

Other performers included Fr. Manoling Francisco, Fr. Nemy Que, Fr Nono Alfonso, Fr. Ben Nebres, Fr. Joe Quilonglong, Fr Jason Dy, Fr. Munching De Guzman, Fr. James Gascon, and Fr. Cesar Marin.

When asked about the significance of music in prayers, Father Alejo explained that music was a language that expresses feelings and constructs a world of meaning.

“Music is that particular kind of language that both can make you process your own pain and open a new horizon of hope,” Alejo said.

During this pandemic, Alejo stressed that it’s still important to be connected to each other in solidarity and active service, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Be near to the soil, appreciate the dignity of work, and increase your love and compassion. Lastly, don’t neglect your musical and artistic talents and be very creative!” he said.

As of July 11, the concert, which can be viewed online through the Jesuit Communications Facebook page, had already garnered 229,000 views. N. B. H.

Thomasian bags gold in national architecture design contest ARCHITECTURE junior Bridge Lee won first place and best presentation in the annual ArchiNext: Hocheng Philippines Corp. (HCG) Young Designers Competition last June 11.

CRUCILLO

PPO and CCP launches virtual concert series THOMASIAN musicians are spearheading “Music for Healing: PPO in Quarantine,” a series of digital performances by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), for Covid-19 patients and medical front-liners fighting the pandemic.

The series kicked off on July 3.

With the remaining two episodes, the Music for Healing Pocket Concert Series will continue until the end of August, with four new playlists to be released every Friday at 8 p.m. through the PPO Facebook page and CCP YouTube channel.

PPO director and Conservatory of Music professor Eugene de los Santos said that the virtual concert series should provide “therapy” for these anxious times.

“Music therapy is often used to promote mental and emotional health…” De los Santos said, “it may also improve the quality of life for people with physical health problems as studies in this field have continuously proven and promoted… [A]s PPO, we want to help in the best and only way we can through this offering, our music.”

Oboe player John Peter Bautista, a graduating Conservatory student, said that the concert intends to make music a part of the fast healing and recovery of the Covid-19 patients.

“We musicians may not be recognized as frontliners in this battle,” he said “I wish the music that I make will be my own little way to ease their worries and fears.”

“PPO by Your Bedside,” is composed of 12 musical pieces ranging from Baroque to Romantic music, then on to 20th century popular music and Original Pilipino Music or OPM consisting of solo and ensemble

(PHOTO FROM UST FACEBOOK PAGE)

performances.

Bautista played “Gabriel’s Oboe” from the 1986 motion picture “The Mission.” The film was scored by the acclaimed Italian composer Ennio Morricone who passed away last July 6.

“I chose to play Gabriel’s Oboe because every time I play it, it gives me a glimpse of hope, [which is what] I want my audience to feel,” Bautista said.

Joven Edward Aquisap, a BM Major in viola and 2017 alumnus, performed “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen.

Aguisap said he chose to play the song Hallelujah by Lenard Cohen for its “uplifting melody” which could give hope to people in their current situation.

Dino Decena, who majored in violin at the Conservatory and received his BM degree in 2017, performed Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” accompanied by his 20-year-old son, Jascha Decena, on the piano.

“The song was intended for the frontliners…” Decena said, “as a way of acknowledging their sacrifices everyday, those recovering from the virus, and those who have lost a loved one,”.

He added the song should impress upon people that “we can all overcome the pandemic.”

According to De los Santos, using the internet as an alternative to the traditional concert hall because of the physical restrictions imposed by the quarantine period.

“The greatest impact I think is learning and re-learning how to use modern technology as an aid to convey the arts to the people,” De los Santos said. M. J. T. L. NEPOMUCENO, J. A. C. CASUCIAN

His design, titled “The Bridge,” represented a site situated above water, the community of fishermen in Western Visayas.

“The work focuses on helping the fishermen of Bancal Bay by incorporating mangroves in the design which works to help with the overfishing crisis and the marine life reproduction,” Lee said in an interview with the Varsitarian.

The mangrove church in his design used boats as pews and waterproof leaves of the mangrove trees as the roofing.

His piece used a simple, modular design, using locally available materials and a combination of building solutions that give the locals the ability to build it themselves and making it adaptable to many parts of the Philippines.

Lee’s design also included businesses such as restaurants, inns and learning centers.

“What is most notable about the design is that it does not make use of new and untested technology.

Everything in the design has been done before by Filipinos. The best part about this is that it is doable and a local solution for a national cause,” he said.

Three Thomasians landed in the top 10, including Timothy James Arambulo, who placed seventh, and Lorenzo Angelo Mauricio, who placed ninth.

Established in 2016, ArchiNext: HCG Young Designers Competition is a nationwide contest for sustainable architectural designs.

NOLENE BEATRICE H. CRUCILLO AND

BRIDGE Lee (PHOTO FROM UST

KARL JOSHUA L. ARON

FACEBOOK PAGE)

INTERIOR perspective of ‘The Bridge’. (PHOTO FROM BRIDGE LEE)

10

COMICS The Varsitarian JULY 15, 2020

ART DIRECTOR: JURY P. SALAYA

TOMAS U. SANTOS SOPHIA R. LOZADA

MAÑANA HABIT KARL JOSHUA L. ARON

97th rector... FROM PAGE 1 ballot by the Dominican fathers in UST. Ang became vice rector of the University in 2012.

He was also dean of the Ecclesiastical Faculty of Philosophy, where he is a full professor.

He graduated from the Faculty of Arts and Letters in 1990 with a degree in philosophy and finished sacred theology at the Faculty of Sacred Theology in 1997. He was ordained to priesthood in 1998.

Ang earned his master of arts in theology in 1999 and doctor of philosophy, summa cum laude, in 2010. He specializes in oriental philosophy and rational psychology. Research papers include “The Confucian Li” published in Colloquia Manila and “On Conceiving Ren Towards Birthing RuJin” published in Philippiniana Sacra.

Ang published his book, “Between the Confucian Li and Ren: a Philosophical Hermeneutics,” in 2018.

Special Reports

FROM PAGE 3

enforcement agent or military personnel” to take custody of terror suspects.

“It’s in Section 2 of the Bill of Rights [of the constitution] that only a judge can issue a warrant of arrest, and upon probable cause after personally examining the complainant and witnesses,” Labog said, citing former Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio.

Labog said the passage of the bill could exacerbate human rights violations and abuses by bypassing the judiciary and authorizing the executive branch to arrest suspects.

He noted that the executive branch was dominated by ex-generals.

“The judiciary checks the executive and the legislative… The Anti-Terrorism Council may authorize the arrest of citizens who commit the crimes. The executive department has the power [and the people there are] very militaristic,” Labog said.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3.

On June 12, Independence Day, protesters gathered in a “grand mañanita” rally at University of the Philippines-Diliman to decry the passage of the bill.

“Mañanita” was a reference to the widely criticized birthday celebration of Metro Manila police chief Debold Sinas in May, amid the ban on mass gatherings during the coronavirus lockdown.

‘Authoritarian tendency’ Dennis Coronacion, chairman of the University’s political science department, questioned the government’s focus on toughening laws against terrorists instead of “flattening the curve” of Covid-19 infections.

“By spending its precious time on a national security matter during the pandemic, the government has lent credence to the suspicions

of the executive's authoritarian tendency,” he said in an interview.

"They must have forgotten that we are in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic," he added.

Coronacion said the proposed bill might have “safeguards" but abuses could not be ruled out given law enforcement’s track record in implementing the bloody war on drugs under "Oplan Tokhang."

"These (safeguards) could be easily disregarded based on the poor human rights record of the Duterte administration," he said.

Political science professor Louie Benedict Ignacio believes there is no need for new legislation to amend the Human Security Act of 2007.

“The argument that the law enforcement authorities are restricted by possible fines for ‘Damages for Unproven Charge of Terrorism,’ only shows how weak the intelligence-gathering and logistic utilization of the law enforcement are for the authorities themselves not to trust their own information and action,” he said.

Ignacio warned that the “vagueness” of the terms and concepts in the anti-terror law might be interpreted “in such a way that it would be used arbitrarily against anyone.”

‘Bill may be used against critics’ In the “Post No (Terror) Bill” webinar last June 8, opposition senator Risa Hontiveros warned that bill could impede people's freedoms and endanger the critics of the government. “[T]he threat of terrorism should not be used to trample upon fundamental freedoms and suppress dissent and criticisms especially when the government should be focused, indeed, on managing a health crisis that has left more than a thousand, and counting, Filipinos dead,” she said.

Diokno noted that the anti-terror bill did not carry a provision suspending implementation

during election periods, unlike RA 9327, which states that the law “shall be automatically suspended one month before the election and two months after election.”

“Malaki ang aming pangamba na gagamitin ito sa politika, ibig sabihin kahit sa loob ng halalan ay pwedeng-pwedeng gamitin itong batas na ito para habulin ang mga oposisyon at kritiko ng administrasyon,” he said.

(We are worried that this will be used to play politics. During elections it can be used to run after the opposition and critics of the administration.)

Labog said not agreeing with the anti-terror bill did not make one a terrorist, and called on lawmakers and the public to review and study the bill thoroughly.

“Baka mamaya ‘yung lunas o gamot natin baka may side effect na mas malala pa doon sa sakit na ginagamot natin. That is why we are scrutinizing the law, we are ensuring na alinsunod siya sa Saligang Batas,” he said.

(The cure might have a side effect that is worse than the illness being treated. That is why we are scrutinizing the law, we are ensuring that it adheres to the constitution.)

Diokno said the most effective and longterm solution was fixing the rotten justice system in the country, such as by ensuring certainty of punishment, and not an anti-terror bill that he described as a “band-aid solution.”

“Kahit isang libo pang batas ang ipasa ng ating Kongreso pero hindi naman nila aayusin ang ating sistema ng hustisya hindi natin maaayos ang problema ng terorismo,” he said.

(Even if we pass a thousand laws but we don’t fix the justice system, we won’t solve the problem of terrorism.) “[T]he certainty of punishment that matters...

It is not the sovereignty of the punishment, it is the certainty of the punishment,” Diokno said.

Selection process The end of Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.’s eightyear tenure as Rector of UST in January triggered the process of selecting the next head of Asia’s oldest university.

The selection process is outlined in the UST General Statutes, the set of rules by which UST is governed. The latest statutes were approved by the Vatican in 2014.

Under the General Statutes, the Rector of UST must be a member of the Order of Preachers, or the Dominicans, and a holder of a doctorate degree.

The Rector of UST is appointed by the Master of the Order, who is ex-officio the chancellor of UST. The Master of the Dominicans, Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III, O.P., is a Filipino Dominican with deep ties to UST. The process began with the nomination of three candidates or the terna, which is akin to the selection of diocesan bishops. This was done through secret ballot by Dominicans living in the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas in UST, and Dominicans assigned to teach in the University in the current academic year.

The names of the three candidates were then submitted for the approval of prior provincial, or the head of the Filipino Dominicans, Fr. Napoleon Sipalay, Jr., O.P., who is ex-officio the vice chancellor of UST. The vice chancellor was tasked to submit the three names to the Academic Senate, the body composed of the vice rectors and college deans, to determinate by secret ballot the ranking or order of preference of the three names.

The ranked list was then transmitted by the vice chancellor to the Board of Trustees, UST’s highest policy- and decision-making body composed of top officials of the University and members of the Dominican Order.

Under the rules, the Board of Trustees “endorses the names of the three (3) nominees with such observations and recommendations as it may deem fit to the Vice Chancellor for submission to the Chancellor.”

The three nominees were then sent by the vice chancellor to the Chancellor “together with the protocol of elections conducted by the professors of the Order of Preachers and by the Academic Senate, and with the observations and recommendations of the Board of Trustees and his own.”

Only after securing the nihil obstat (“nothing stands in the way”) of the Holy See, a declaration of “no objection” from the Vatican, was the Chancellor able to appoint his choice of Rector.

Thirty-four Dominicans were deemed qualified to be candidates for Rector.

Aside from Ang, the candidates included UST Secretary General Fr. Jesus Miranda, O.P., Manaoag convent prior Fr. Stephen Redillas, O.P., Arts and Letters Regent Fr. Rodel Aligan, O.P., and College of Tourism and Hospitality Management Regent Fr. Roland Mactal, O.P. LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

NEWS

The Varsitarian JULY 15, 2020

OB I T UA R Y

Artlets faculty member Emilia Consing, 52

EMILIA MENDOZA-CONSING

(PHOTO GRABBED FROM

UST’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE)

HUMAN Resources practitioner Emilia Mendoza-Consing of the Faculty of Arts and Letters passed away on June 6. She was 52 years old.

Interdisciplinary Studies head John Kliatchko said Consing was confined at Imus Medical Center for cancer treatment.

“She was a human resources practitioner for many years, served as HR manager in Lufthansa for a while until she decided to render full-time teaching in UST about five years ago,” Kliatchko told the Varsitarian.

Consing finished her master’s in human resource management in UST. She finished psychology at University of San Agustin Iloilo in 1988.

Lara Alfaro, a former student, wrote about her memories of Consing on Facebook.

“Siya talaga yung professor na pwedeng-pwede mong malapitan at masabihan ng kahit ano. Tapos hindi ka ipapahiya pag mali ang sagot mo, itatama ka pa niya in the most gentle way as possible,” Alfaro’s social media post read. CAMILLE ABIEL H. TORRES

Biochem department’s Peter Torres, 63 ASST. PROF. Peter Torres of the biochemistry department passed away on June 3. He was 63.

Described by many in UST as the “Filipino Albert Einstein,” Torres earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and master’s degree in chemistry at the University.

He was elected to the board of the Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2017.

“I will always remember Sir Peter for every good laughter we shared especially when we were once partners in the laboratory,” Alexis Labrador, a biochemistry professor, told the Varsitarian. “[H]e had supported a lot of students from scholarships, and [even gave] sponsorships to faculty and student activities,” Labrador said.

A requiem Mass was offered at the Santisimo Rosario Parish on June 6.

AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

ASST. PROF. PETER TORRES (PHOTO GRABBED FROM

UST Hospital director apologizes to Philhealth, blames Varsitarian for putting it ‘on the spot’; Dominican provincial suspends retrenchment of workers

BY LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

UST HOSPITAL (USTH) in May apologized to state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) after the hospital claimed that P180 million in unpaid reimbursements were partly to blame for its financial losses.

In the letter to PhilHealth dated May 5, hospital medical director Dr. Marcellus Francis Ramirez said he only wanted to “emphasize the financial challenges” that led the hospital to retrench non-crucial employees. “[T]here was no intention on our part to put your corporation on the spot. The hospital statement was a reply to repeated questions of the Varsitarian regarding manpower reduction strategies which involved certain employees,” the letter read.

“Unfortunately, [the news publication hyped] the Philhealth reimbursements. Obviously, this has been blown out of proportion,” it said.

Ramirez himself told the Varsitarian on May 2 that Philhealth owed the hospital “more than P180 million and counting.” His statement was published on the Varsitarian website in full.

PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales replied that his agency did not owe anything to UST Hospital, and told hospital officials to check their accounting records.

Ramirez told PhilHealth that UST Hospital was continuously reconciling its data with that of the state health insurer.

He also acknowledged receipt of PhilHealth’s advanced reimbursement of nearly P86 million.

Retrenchment order The head of the Filipino Dominicans suspended Ramirez’s order terminating non-crucial UST Hospital employees, and said this would be subject to review by the board of trustees on May 20.

Ramirez had decided to cut “non-crucial” manpower amid heavy financial losses since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ramirez cited the more than P180 million debt of PhilHealth as a reason for the downsizing.

Earlier, Ramirez said some patients were discharged on promissory notes.

He said the retrenchment plan “was reviewed in detail by our Legal Counsel and after we have complied with all legal requirements for the same, such as the notification to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the 30-day notice to the affected employees.” “[W]e first implemented non-renewal of fixed term contracts and recently, retrenchment, which, based on our collective bargaining agreement (CBA), would be based on the principle of last in first out,” he said.

He pointed out that retrenchment is a “recognized valid and legal management measure and it remains as such even during the Covid 19 crisis.”

Ramirez said employees affected by the retrenchment measures would receive a 150-percent separation pay based on the hospital’s CBA, which was 50 percent higher than what the Labor Code provides.

Online labor protest on Labor Day The Ugnayang Nagkakaisang Manggagawa–University of Santo Tomas (UNM–UST) protested on May 1 what it said was the “wrongful termination” being implemented by the hospital management, supposedly in the guise of business losses.

It said USTH hospital workers remained committed to their work even after their pleas for additional benefits during the pandemic “fell on deaf ears.”

An employee from the Hospital affected by the retrenchment measures said he pleaded with the hospital administrators to keep his job, as looking for another job would not be possible amid the pandemic.

“Kahit na pakiramdam ko wala na ako magagawa sana talaga may maisip pang paraan,” the employee told the Varsitarian.

UST WEBSITE)

Junior TIger Spiker...

UST HOSPITAL STATEMENT

FROM PAGE 12

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Prudenciado continued therapy at home.

"During enhanced community quarantine lockdown, nag te-therapy po ako sa bahay and nag vi-videocall po kami ng physical therapist para sabihin sa akin 'yong kailangan kong gawin," the 5'6 libero said.

The junior Tiger Spiker explained that after the strict lockdown, he decided to continue his therapy at UST Hospital three times a week.

"I have finally recovered after five months of continuous physical therapy.

Medyo mahina pa po `yung knee ko pero anytime puwede na po ako bumalik sa training, kahit nag te-therapy ako ngayon,” he told the Varsitarian.

While repairing his knee through physical conditioning, the UAAP Season 82 bronze medalist also resolved to bring back his strength and endurance.

"I’m excited for my rookie year as a senior and I’ll come back stronger than ever. Gusto kong makabalik sa finals at mag-champion ang men’s volleyball team.”

The Junior Tiger Spikers slipped off the podium this season, settling for fourth place behind the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws. MALIC U. COTONGAN

On the retrenchment of workers, May 3 THE UST HOSPITAL was constrained to implement manpower reduction measures in order to minimize its expenses and to reduce the significant losses it had been sustaining due to the Covid 19 crisis. Since the start of the pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and lockdown that followed, the overall hospital census went significantly down. Moreover, most of the patients admitted were CoVid patients. Ordinary and elective patients stayed away from most hospitals even up to now due to fear of possible Covid 19 infection. While the news around significantly highlights the health and medical impact of the pandemic, the huge economic and financial impact brought about by this crisis to all business establishments, most especially to healthcare institutions, is often overlooked. The huge cost brought about by our contingency measures to address the demands of the pandemic, which included cancellation of elective procedures and admissions to give way to the intensive care of CoVid patients, as well as the tremendous impact on our patient census, is taking a very serious toll on the hospital’s sustainability.

While

Philhealth

has

instituted

not come to the hospital because of lim-

pandemic, USTH has to implement the

same, such as the notification to the

healthcare coverage of admitted CoVid

ited transportation while others filed for

right-sizing of its non-crucial(non-front-

Department of Labor and Employment

patients, reimbursement is delayed by

unused leaves. There were even some

liner) manpower complement, in addi-

(DOLE) and the 30-day notice to the

an average of 5-6 months. Currently

who were not allowed by their parents

tion to other measures which included

affected employees. Employees affect-

the receivable of USTH from Philhealth

and family members to report for work.

adjustment of operating hours and im-

ed by the retrenchment measures will

stands at more than P180 million and

We have no idea when our opera-

plementation of other cost efficiency

receive 150%

measures.

on our CBA, which is 50% higher than

counting.

Despite the foregoing, the hospital continues to operate and pay utilities,

tions will return to normal and we are uncertain if we can actually fully operate within the year.

separation pay based

We first implemented non-renewal

what the Labor Code provides. It must

of fixed term contracts and recently, re-

also be noted that retrenchment is a

(electricity, water, and communications,

The new normal, as it is called and

trenchment, which, based on our collec-

recognized valid and legal management

etc.) services (security and janitorial

which we are gradually transitioning

tive bargaining agreement (CBA), would

measure and it remains as such even

services and waste management, etc),

into, will not be an assurance that the

be based on the principle of last in first

during the Covid 19 crisis. Thank you for

medications and supplies needed for

hospital’s current manpower will still be

out. The retrenchment was implement-

allowing us to clarify about the matter.

patients, and for the salaries of employ-

the number needed to operate it. Pain-

ed after it was reviewed in detail by our

ees most of whom are on leave.

ful decisions were needed to be made.

Legal Counsel and after we have com-

In view of the enormous impact of the

plied with all legal requirements for the

Many of the employees also could

11

—MARCELLUS FRANCIS L. RAMIREZ, MD

Sports

FOR MORE SPORTS UPDATES, FOLLOW:

@VSportsUST

The Varsitarian JULY 15, 2020

UST JINS HAUL 12 MEDALS AS ONLINE NATIONAL TILTS CONTINUE THE UST Jins claimed 12 medals in the first online National Taekwondo Speed Kicking Championships on July 13.

A 4-4-4 gold-silver-bronze medal tally was recorded by 11 Thomasians at the end of the three-day event.

Lady Jin rookie Aidaine Laxa and senior Gianne Chiong struck gold at the women's senior bantam and lightheavy weight categories, respectively.

UST’s Realis Tabiando settled for a silver behind Chiong while Laizel Angela Abucay landed a bronze.

Lady Jin Abigail Faye Valdez placed second in the fin-fly category.

In men’s play, Poomsae Jins team captain Miguel Baladad notched a silver in the kickpad event while Darius Venerable took home bronze in the same category.

Baladad also pocketed a bronze in the free-kicking bantam weight category while rookie Vincent Rodri-

guez nabbed a bronze in the fly weight event.

"We are used to face-to-face training, given that we are a contact sport.

Because of the current situation, we did our best to cope with the current trend," UST Jins assistant coach Christian Al Dela Cruz told the Varsitarian.

In juniors play, UST’s Stella Yape and Nicole Labayne notched golds in their respective categories while Raven Allyson Pablo garnered a silver behind Yape.

Online training ‘not new’ While the pandemic has affected a number of contact sports and martial arts events, the taekwondo community has adapted to the “new normal” and proceeded with tournaments online.

UST's Poomsae Jins have since joined three online competitions, and made it to the 2020 National Inter-school Poomsae Championships.

Poomsae head coach Rani Ortega said the transition to online competitions was not difficult for the team as training through videos has been part of the program even before the pandemic.

“Hindi bago sa sistema namin ang video checking at analysis kasi we do this talaga,” head coach Ortega said.

Since the pandemic, the Jins have gathered 17 medals, including veteran Jocelyn Ninobla's gold for the Online Daedo Open European Poomsae Championships.

The Poomsae Jins took home four medals at the first Online National Poomsae Taekwondo Poomsae Championship last May 31. ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

UST JINS film kicking routines for their online competition entries. (SCREENSHOTS FROM YOUTUBE)

FOR THE LATEST COVERAGE ON THE UAAP, VISIT www.varsitarian.net/sports

Junior Tiger Spikers' libero recovers during quarantine AFTER SUFFERING from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) partial tear, Junior Tiger Spiker Vantracy Prudenciado used his free time during quarantine to bounce back through physical therapy.

The UAAP Season 81 best libero told the Varsitarian he had twisted his knee during training but chose to pursue playing for UST in his final year in the juniors division.

"I had my MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and I showed it to my coaches.

Nag-decide po sila na ipa-PRP (plateletrich plasma) injection po ako para po makapaglaro ako," the 18-year-old defensive specialist said.

Despite the injury, Prudenciado joined the Tiger Spikers' training in Thailand in January. He felt pain in his knees upon return.

"After training in Thailand, I decided na ipa-opera na para maging okay 'yong tuhod ko at mawala 'yong iniinda ko," he narrated.

VANTRACY PRUDENCIADO Junior Tiger Spiker... PAGE 11

(FILE PHOTO)

UST Softbelles cope with indoor training amid pandemic DESPITE big adjustments in routines, the UST Softbelles kept both their individual and team conditions in shape through virtual training.

The Softball team adapted to the “new normal” in sports, with workouts conducted through Zoom after the Covid-19 pandemic protocols prohibited field training.

“Mahirap for us na ganito ‘yong sitwasyon. Lalo na at outdoor sport kami. Pero, siyempre, as an athlete, gagawa at gagawa naman ng paraan para makayanan ‘yong sitwasiyon,” UST Softbelles team captain

Charlotte Sales told the Varsitarian.

The team members work with their coaches three times a week to sustain their program and make up for postponed outdoor trainings.

Sales said the Softball team remained strong by keeping a positive mindset and constant online communication with each other.

The softball event for UAAP Season 82 was cancelled due to the pandemic, along with other sporting events. JASMIN ROSELLE M. MONTON