Not Your Ordinary Summer Activity

Issue 10 AY 11-12

Students have no class on May 1. Just like any other holiday, people usually use this time for leisure, stress relief, bonding with the family and other activities. But for other people, May 1 is no ordinary holiday.

May 1 commemorates and celebrates the workers of the world. In the Philippines, May 1 is usually tied with the concept of workers protesting in the streets and demanding improvements from the current administration. But more than that, May 1 is a special day because people from all walks of life - whether laborers, students, ordinary citizens, - join the Filipino worker in his call for more quality and decent jobs, security of tenure in his employment, better wages, and the protection of his rights and privileges that he deserves.

I had the privilege of attending the mobilization last May 1, 2012. In the heat of the summer, thousands of Filipinos walked the streets to make their voices heard. From morning until noon, you could see that everyone there had a purpose - a purpose that should be worth fighting for every single day, not just on this special day. The challenge for us is not to see this as any other mobilization, but rather a form of activism that transcends different perspectives.  

The laborers call for the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill, the across-the-board wage increase, the guarantee of their right to organize and form unions, and of course better working conditions for each and every one of them. Disputes arise from their call, citing problems such as owners losing profit, the economy not being able to provide the salaries – the list goes on and on. That is why maybe for some people, they see this cause as irrelevant. Workers fight for their rights every single year, yet nothing really changes. But the moment that we lose sight of why these works fight for their rights, why they walk the streets enduring the summer heat, we in a sense, a bit of our humanity. The moment that we can stand to see the employee suddenly being terminated from work, the tricycle driver working hard to earn a decent living and the security guard working long night shifts just to provide for his family, and be apathetic about it, that is when the vision of a better country and a brighter future us and the future generation starts to slip away.

From a students' standpoint, why should I join this activity when there are countless of other things to do during this summer? I believe that the issue involves us all even at this early age. We may not see it now, but as future members of the workforce, we should protect and support the call of the workers. The matter is not far from us. We only need to look at our surroundings to see proof that there is a better environment that can be provided for the Filipino worker. The challenge for us is to see beyond our own insecurities, our own selfish demands, our own self interests, and to start acting and helping others.

Next year, there will still be a May 1 holiday. There will still be people gathering in the streets, marching along during the intense heat. But the question is – will there be a celebration of the workers victory or will it be the continuing call of fighting for the betterment of the laborers and society? The answer depends on you.

Chris Erwin SG Alquizalas, 10A

 * Notice to readers: The views expressed in the Weekly Perspective do not necessarily reflect the views of the Academic Committee or of UP POLITICA

Tindig ng UP POLITICA Hinggil sa Pagtaas ng Pamasahe bunsod sa Pagtaas ng Presyo ng Langis

Sunod-sunod ang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis noong nakaraang buwan ng Marso, bunsod ng pagtaas sa presyo ng krudong langis sa pandaigdigang merkado na dulot naman ng kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan at Hilagang Africa (ikatlo ng kabuuang pandaigdigang suplay ng krudong langis ay nanggagaling sa mga bansa sa rehiyong ito). Tinugunan ito ng mga militanteng grupo ng protesta at tigil-pasada, kasabay ang panawagan ng provisional increase ng pamasahe sa mga pampasaherong dyip.

Kaugnay nito, inaprubahan ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ang .50 sentimos provisional increase sa pamasahe sa mga pampasaherong dyip. Matatandaang nagdulot ng kalituhan sa ilang mga pasahero at tsuper noong unang araw ng pagpapatupad ng pagtaas nito, dahil na rin sa kakulangan ng kaukulang pagbibigay-impormasyon sa mga pasahero. Sa kasalukuyan, dinidinig ng LTFRB ang petisyon ng mga grupo ng jeepney operators at mga tsuper, kabilang ang FEJODAP, ACTO, Piston at Pasang Masda, na maging sampung piso na ang minimum fare sa mga dyip.

Kung susuriin, napapanahon lamang ang pagtaas ng pamasahe upang punuan ang kabawasan sa kita ng mga tsuper dulot ng tumataas na presyo ng gasolina. Gayunman, dagdag-pasanin ito para sa mga kababayan nating mga commuter. Sa mas malalim na pagtatasa sa mga nangyayari, maiiwasan sana ang ganitong suliranin kung may matibay na aksyon ang pamahalaan upang mapigilan ang paglobo ng presyo ng langis. Gayunman, sa kasawiang-palad, kapansin-pansin ang kawalang-aksyon ng administrasyong Aquino upang mabigyan ng pangmatagalang solusyon ang suliranin bunsod ng mga pagtaas na ito. Maaaring nariyan ang Pantawid Pasada program upang magbigay ng tulong sa mga tsuper na kayanin ang nagmamahal na presyo ng gasolina, ngunit hindi ito sapat sa tiyak na pag-unlad ng mga kababayan nating tsuper. Kinakailangan ng isang pangmatagalang solusyon at matino at konkretong plano para tuluyan nang maiwasan ang suliraning ito. Sa ilalim ng Oil Deregulation Law, walang magagawa ang pamahalaan upang pakialaman ang presyo ng langis kundi ang matiyak na ang pagtaas sa presyo, halimbawa, ay hindi labis.

Layunin sana ng deregulasyon ang mas epektibong pamamahala sa merkado sa pamamagitan ng kompetisyon at iba pang mekanismo. Ngunit sa pagpapatupad nito, nagmistulang oligopoliya ang negosyo ng langis sa bansa, kung saan ang presyo ay itinatalaga sa kolektibong pagpapasya ng tatlong pinakamalalaking kompanya ng langis sa bansa, ang Shell, Caltex at Chevron. Sa ganitong sistema, pinagkakaisahan ng tatlong kompanyang ito ang uring-mamimili. Patuloy silang nagkakamkam ng malalaking kita samantala maraming tsuper at mga pasahero ang namomroblema sa pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Walang nakikitang mali ang aming organisasyon sa mga layunin ng deregulasyon ngunit kinikilala namin ang mga mali sa pagsasapraktika nito.

Kaya tumitindig ang UP POLITICA na panahon na upang repasuhin ang Oil Deregulation Law upang maiwasan ang pagsasabwatan ng mga kompanya ng langis upang pahirapan lamang ang mga mamamayan. Panahon na upang ituon ng pamahalaan, ng administrasyong Aquino, ang tunguhin nito na pagsilbihan ang mamamayang Pilipino, at hindi ang mga kompanya ng langis. Ani pa nga ni Pangulong Aquino mismo, TAYO, ang mamamayang Pilipino, ang boss niya, hindi ang kung sino lang iba.

To Build Or Not To Build

Issue 9 AY 11-12

As a commuter, I have experienced my fair share of the so called, “good and bad times for commuting.” It is usually a bad day to commute during morning and afternoon rush hours. This leaves us the times in between the rush hours as the better time for travelling. I travel from place to place, usually by public transportation or by private vehicle, but the most common inconvenience that a commuter would face is that of heavy traffic. Countless of times we’ve heard our friends, family, and colleagues mutter the same excuse: “It’s so traffic here! Sorry! I’ll be a bit late!” or your friend saying “Maghintay ka lang diyan, malapait na kami. 5 minutes.” But they end up getting there after 20 minutes on top of that 5 due to unexpected traffic clogging up the roads. This is why the Citra – Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC) is proposing to the Aquino administration to start a Skyway-style project connecting Buendia to Balintawak. Dubbed the Citra – PNCC Alignment (CPA for short), this project’s main goal is to lessen traffic passing along Edsa, consequently decongesting it. A major detail to take note of from this venture is that the government will not spend a single centavo on the construction of the project. However, the toll will be capped at Php99 for the entire 14-kilometer stretch. Another point is that the project would cost only about 24 billion pesos as opposed to the initial 35 billion as well as the promise by the Citra-PNCC that the project would be finished in 30 months, being well within the term of President Benigno Aquino III.

If the Aquino administration decides to let the project push through Citra-PNCC President and CEO Shadik Wahono state, “everyone, not just motorists and commuters, will benefit from this project.” Motorists, including those who operate public utility vehicles, will experience a less congested road way along Edsa while commuters will enjoy faster travel times. With less vehicles travelling along the road, there will also be less risk of accidents, not to mention having less angry drivers behind the wheel as well.

Other benefits consist of both the direct and indirect effects of the actual construction of the skyway and when it’s completed. According to Wahono (CEO of PNCC), the project would directly stimulate economy due to the employment of the construction workers and the utilization of raw materials to be used for the project. An indirect effect would be the probable increase of land value due to the changes the skyway can impose in the future.
Some argue that it is not probable for the project to be done so cheaply and so quickly, but we cannot doubt the positive effects it has on the citizens. However it may seem alarming that it is not the government who is funding this project, it may also serve as an advantage against those who might criticize the project in the same way that the government-funded MRT/LRT project was criticized.

There is no final word from the Aquino administration on whether or not the project will get the go-ahead signal as of yet, but for me it seems clear what the final decision should be. It will benefit some people for short term duration and will benefit a lot more people through a longer period as well. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.


Kenneth Geolina, 11B

* Notice to readers: The views expressed in the Weekly Perspective do not necessarily reflect the views of the Academic Committee or of UP POLITICA

The Queen's Fall Down

Issue 8 A.Y. 1112

I thought the series of events that unfolded in our very eyes last week are controversial enough, the Supreme Court voted 8-6 in favor of the issuance of TRO to lift the hold departure order of the DOJ, then we saw a weak Gloria Macapagal Arroyo trying to leave the country to seek medical help abroad but Justice Secretary Leila De lima stopped GMA’s attempt in the process defying Supreme Court order on the ground that the Motion for Reconsideration that they have filled was not yet resolved by the high tribunal because of this action GMA was forced to go back to St. Lukes Medical Center in Taguig. But come this week we have realize that there are still yet to come, Pasay City Judge Jesus Mupas issued warrant of arrest to GMA because of her alleged participation in the 2007 electoral sabotage and was placed under hospital arrest. Indeed this is the most controversial topic in our nation today, it created debates from different people in our society because of the many perspectives that we can utilize to look at this particular topic so I’m aware that mine will only be part of this many perspectives.

The Great Jose Rizal once said, “Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?” As far as GMA’s allies are concerned (In fact even some of President Aquino’s allies) we can use this framework to explain the story behind today’s biggest issue, they said that P-noy is taking this on a personal level it is evident when they impede GMA’s departure of the country even when it means defying the rule of the highest tribunal in the land. They also claimed that P-noy is using his influence to incarcerate GMA for the alleged cheating and corruption allegations. In effect of this according to them, P-noy is taking the short cut on his “Madaan na tuwid” virtue.
But GMA’s critics tells us another story, according to them it is just right for the Executive Branch to do that because the Motion for Reconsideration that the Government filled was not yet resolved by the SC and according to Justice Sereno the petitioner’s camp failed to comply with one of the conditions that was set by the high tribunal (The petitioners shall appoint a legal representative common to both of them who will receive subpoena, orders, and other legal processes on their behalf during their absence.) she also inquired why the petitioner is questioning a circular order  which she created herself during her administration.

After laying down both sides of the argument it is just imperative for me to take a position. I believe the second argument represents the general will of our people, now why did I say so? One of the main reasons why Noynoy Aquino won the election is that they believe he will file cases against the alleged corruption and other misdeeds that the past administration have committed and in line with that he use the slogan “Kung walang corrupt walang mahirap!” that emphasizes his main flat form which is to somehow lessen the corrupt practices that was seen in the past government. Seeing this picture we can directly say that majority of our people want to know the truth behind these allegations. Somehow Arroyo’s camp kept on insisting her right to travel and I gave her that but just like Neal Cruz stated in his column “Every right has its limits.” that is when it is crosses the rights of other people and in this context it is the right of our people to know what had happened in their Government during those 9 years! Of course GMA camp defended that by saying she will seek medical help abroad because no one here is capable to perform the operation needed to cure her illness. Contrary to this claim Philippine Medical Association and the Health Secretary insisted that GMA is healing and the operation she needed can be perform in our country and even by a non specialize doctor! So at this point we would want to choose between the arguments of highly paid lawyers versus well established doctors. The Government even offered to send specialize doctor in our country if GMA really wanted a foreign doctor. Now, we can ask the inevitable question: Why does GMA insist on leaving the country? I know you can answer that question by yourself.

Now that the queen is falling down, we are about to see the repetition of the historic fall down of the king 10 years ago, as the song of Celine Dion goes “It’s all coming back to me now!”.

Romard Kevin Ramoso, 11A

* Notice to readers: The views expressed in the Weekly Perspective do not necessarily reflect the views of the Academic Committee or of UP POLITICA

The Height of Injustice

Issue 7 A.Y. 1112

Despite Vice President Jejomar Binay’s recommendations, President Benigno Aquino III declared that state burial or military honors will not be accorded to Former President and Dictator Ferdinand Marcos. 
A state burial is an honor accorded only to heads of state, soldiers and other people of significant contribution to the country, while a funeral with military honors usually involves the firing of shots as salute and the draping of the flag on the coffin of the deceased. 

The fundamental question here is: is President Marcos worthy of these honors? Since his downfall, Marcos has been known for being a dictator and authoritarian. His administration was marked by human rights violations, corruption and nepotism. How could someone like that be accorded as a hero?

But upon further reflection, it would also be considerable to note that as a head of state, Marcos certainly made significant contributions to the country. His administration was marked by wide-ranging infrastructure development and economic reforms. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Philippine Heart Center and the North Luzon Expressway are some of the Marcos administration’s notable achievements that stand strong until now. Aside from his achievements as a leader, Marcos was also a lawyer par excellence and an acclaimed war hero. 

Aside from the aforementioned considerations, the interests of the Filipino people and the different sectors of society must also be noted. First and foremost, we must think of the victims of Martial Law; those who suffered from political persecution, torture, and those who lost their loved ones. As President Aquino put it, it would be the height of injustice to honor the mastermind of all their sufferings. However, people like Gregorio Honasan and Bongbong Marcos believe that Aquino’s decision caused nothing but division in the country, and made worse the suffering brought by Martial Law.

Taking these things into consideration, I believe President Aquino made the right decision. I believe the Libingan ng mga Bayani must be put in a pedestal; it is an honor that must be bestowed only upon those who made positive contributions to the Philippines and its people. Yes, President Marcos was brilliant and made remarkable progress during his administration, but these achievements cannot overshadow the fact that he plunged the Philippines into military rule, violated the Filipinos’ human rights and sunk our country into millions of debts.

We should recognize the achievements of this man as leader; that is giving him what is due. But by declaring him a hero, we are rewriting history and overglorifying a dictator.

Trixie Peralta, 11A


* Notice to readers: The views expressed in the Weekly Perspective do not necessarily reflect the views of the Academic Committee or of UP POLITICA

Persecution Amidst the Inevitable

Issue 7 A.Y. 1112

  

Within this week, Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, will die due to his defiance of the Sharia law, which he should renounce his faith towards Jesus Christ. The Iranian Supreme Court gave its final verdict amidst of the appeals of Nadarkhani's family because of the fact that he has denied the state religion, Islam. 

The State of Iran declared its sovereignty as an Islamic state and putting its principles into effect since its foundation in the late 20th century. Recently, Iran has continued proudly its efforts as an Islamic State without any confrontation or intervention by the western powers, except to the Nuclear Power program which was put into effect for about two years ago. But it was long debated in the Iranian legislature about the issue of religious freedom within the state and that it has to consider the Christian minorities in the state. 

Once it was a sign of a smooth sail to Nadarkhani because of the findings that he was indeed a Christian and he hasn't practiced the Muslim faith long ago, which according to the defense panel is an exception to Sharia rule which is against apostasy (leaving Islam), since Nadarkhani wasn't even practicing the religion before he became a Christian. It was promising at first, but the light got dim when the final verdict was heard. 

Yousef Nadarkhani's case was defended by Mohammed Ali Dadkah who is reportedly now facing charges by using "acts and propaganda against the Islamic Regime". It is natural for the defense panel, to defend its client but I think it is not rightful for the Iranian Supreme Court to denounce his findings as a case of libel against the state. In the case of his client, many sources are now saying that he will be executed secretly in order for the people not be encouraged to do a mass riot. Perhaps by hanging, which is the most common means of execution in Iran. 

The International Community is now pressuring Iran to release Yousef, which the government will not acknowledge since it will cause them a dilemma of defeat when they release him, yet if they don't and executed him, it will cause a massive crime against humanity and for thwarting the right of religious freedom given to an individual. The Iranian government argued that it is based on the principles of Sharia and they must do what is written. 

We all know that our freedom is the birthright of every individual and it must be protected by the state which is a part of the Social Contract. Many times the Christian and Muslim faith has been clashing with blood spilled on the pages of history, both were persecuted by other religion because of difference and defiance against the status quo. In this modern era, persecution we have to admit, is still there. In the case of Nadarkhani and his family, it is indeed a nightmare to be facing the open arms of death just because of your faith. 

At the end of the day, we will realize that we ourselves are persecuted in a different manner. Even in the Philippines, persecution still lives which was emphasized by the religious minority in the country, they too are experiencing the state of Nadarkhani in Iran. Let us not have more Nadarkhanis in this realm, for we as an individual has the right to religious freedom.

- Brandon P. De Luna, 11A

 * Notice to readers: The views expressed in the Weekly Perspective do not necessarily reflect the views of the Academic Committee or of UP POLITICA

Striking Against Outsourcing Alongside Pedring

Issue 7 A.Y. 1112

As typhoon Pedring was devastating the country on Tuesday, members of the Philippine Airlines Employees’ Association stopped their work and went on a strike opposing the planned outsourcing next year. 172 domestic and international flights were cancelled not only due to the typhoon but also due to work stoppage and approximately 14,000 passengers were affected.

Malacañang Palace called the mass action “insensitive” since the country was already experiencing a typhoon but despite that, these employees still insisted on walking out of their jobs. President Benigno Aquino III said that members of the PALEA who participated in the strike shall be held liable for upsetting the airport services. Under the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008, any person who disrupts the services of an airport is criminally liable, may be imprisoned or may be entitled to pay a fine ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 pesos. PAL President and COO Jaime J. Bautista said in an interview that what the protesters did is an illegal strike and constitutes administrative and criminal charges.

Moreover, President Aquino said that a meeting between the Ninoy Aquino International Airport management and PALEA members was held on Monday and the latter assured that they would be no strike. However, contrary to their earlier statement, about 300 PAL ground workers still walked out of their works to protest. The legal team of President Aquino is on a study on the possibility of filing economic sabotage charges against these workers.

The said protest against outsourcing may be viewed in two different ways. First, the workers merely showed participation in the form of activism. Since the outsourcing sees 2,600 workers being laid off by October of this year, members wanted to retain their jobs because it is their only source of living and they have families to support. PAL said that compensation to laid-off employees will include 100% cash payment of vacation and sick leave balance regardless of years of service, one-year extension of medical and hospitalization package, and continued trip-pass benefits depending on the years of service rendered. But PALEA members say that the termination is not “necessitated nor justified by the company's financial situation”; hence, a strike. Most of the employees have been working for the airlines for years and some are already old making it hard for them to search for new jobs.

But whatever the situation is, it is clearly the obligation of these workers to serve the passengers. A number of flights were suspended due to the impact of typhoon Pedring so they have to attend to the customers’ needs. Their action was in part insensitive because they did not consider the fact that thousands of people will be affected. They could have done the mass protest on a different day, when the country is not in a situation where it is losing a number of lives and infrastructures. Also, they should have held on to their assurance that they will not push through with the protest. They must have planned this step very carefully and made sure that it would not be a big hassle both for the airlines and the passengers. Because of this insensitivity, they might not only lose their jobs but also be charged with administrative cases.

PAL management says that the outsourcing will push through on October 1, 2011 as they have scheduled earlier. Flights will be reduced as the flag carrier prepares for the transfer of catering, ground handling and call center reservations units to third party service providers. In addressing the issue, PAL management and the administration should talk about the welfare of the employees very carefully and lay out efficient plans regarding it. On the other hand, the government is just adhering to the rule of law if they continue to file charges against the protesters. In this case, there must be an effort from the PAL management and PALEA alike. After all, both parties will be affected when the said outsourcing is implemented.

- Judienne Capiz, 11A

* Notice to readers: The views expressed in the Weekly Perspective do not necessarily reflect the views of the Academic Committee or of UP POLITICA