MANILA, Philippines – As a way to help out during the pandemic, wedding photographer Marvin Dungao is offering to print student worksheets for free at his printing shop and studio in Malabon City.

With the pandemic putting a full stop to mass gatherings, Dungao has been focusing on his printing business to earn money.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has put on hold his job as a wedding photographer, Dungao still wants to help others and think of ways to contribute to his community.

“[I’ve] been thinking and praying of what to contribute to humanity during this pandemic, with us in the wedding and printing industry. Then it hit me, something or someone inside me is telling me to do this,” Dungao shared.

As schools shifted to distance learning, Dungao recounted how his shops have been receiving a lot of inquiries about printing fees for Department of Education (DepEd) Commons worksheets. (READ: Teacher walks extra mile during pandemic to help students in Sorsogon)

The DepEd Commons is an online platform where lessons and enrichment activities can be accessed by students and teachers. (LOOK: DepEd adds cyber safety modules to e-learning platform)

Dungao was saddened to hear that due to financial constraints, some people could not even afford to have 10 sheets of their worksheets printed, which are pegged at P50 if they’re colored. This made Dungao decide to offer the printing service for free instead. 

“It’s sad. Some of them can’t even afford to have 10 sheets printed. So I told myself, let’s give it for free. I asked my wife if she will agree. Without blinking she said, okay, we’re capable of shouldering the cost of paper and inks,” Dungao recounted in a mix of Filipino and English.

By May 26, Dungao announced that he will be printing student worksheets at DPI Print Solutions Malabon and Orange Purple Studios in Malabon for free as a “small contribution to the community.” (READ: This one-month-old bakery is donating its profits to help child abuse survivors)

Each student can print up to 10 pages of colored or black and white worksheets every day. Teachers from nearby areas may also ask to have their worksheets printed and delivered via Lalamove or Grab, so long as they can shoulder the fee. 

"Kaysa gastusin ng mga parents 'yung extra budget for printing, eh ‘di pambili na lang nila ng food or pandagdag sa tuition this coming school year. Nakakatuwa lang pati ‘yung mga teachers nag reach out. So ‘yun print kami in bulk para ipamigay nila dun sa mga parents ng mga students nila sa area nila," Dungao said.

(Instead of allotting extra budget for printing, parents can use the money to buy food or save it for the tuition fees this coming school year. It’s a delight to see even teachers reach out. We print in bulk so they can give some to the parents of the students in their area.)

It’s Dungao’s hope that other printing shops will do the same.

Those who want to have their worksheets printed and can pick up the papers can message Free Student Worksheets Printing. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Several groups slammed the continuing attacks against activists and critics, after longtime Kadamay leader Carlito Badion was found dead in Ormoc City last Thursday, May 28.

Badion’s body was found near a highway in Ormoc City in Leyte, bloated and almost decomposing, based on the account of his daughter Esther Anne Cabrillas. The group Courage said Badion's "body was burned and bore signs of torture."

Initial police reports said Badion was abducted on May 26 by unknown assailants. Kadamay said Badion was red-tagged and sent death threats via text messages days before his abduction.

They slammed the murder of Badion, saying that the urban poor leader has repeatedly received death threats throughout President Rodrigo Duterte’s term and was reportedly surveilled by state forces.

“Wala siyang kasalanan kundi ang mag-alay ng buong panahon para sa maralita at inaapi ng bulok na sistemang panlipunan,” Kadamay said. (He has no fault but to give all his time to the poor and disadvantaged in this broken system.)

Championing rights

Fondly called "Karletz," the Kadamay leader championed the rights and welfare of the homeless and informally settled, leading campaigns for mass-oriented housing and going against demolitions.

At the forefront of Kadamay’s occupation campaign of idle houses in Pandi, Bulacan, in 2017 was Badion, along with other urban poor leaders. Around 4,000 residents have taken over the resettlement sites, with Kadamay saying the government should give them away for free. (READ: Occupy Bulacan: How the urban homeless won shelter)

While President Duterte agreed to give the houses away, he threatened the group with violence from the elite Special Action Force if they repeat their occupation of houses.

Since the enforcement of the lockdown, the Philippines has seen a surge in the number of murdered rights activists. 

Two days before the red-tagged Kadamay leader was found dead, Allan “Mano Boy” Aguilando, chairperson of Northern Samar Small Farmers Association, was killed in Northern Samar. 

Four others have also been murdered during the lockdown according to reports from human rights group Karapatan. These include cultural activist Marlon Maldos, woman peasant leader Nora Apique, peasant leader John Farochilin and Bayan Muna relief volunteer Jory Porquia who were gunned down in Iloilo on separate occasions in April. All of them were reportedly red-tagged and received death threats prior to death.

Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite said that Badion was “another victim of state-sponsored murders,” saying that his death comes at a time when “fellow urban poor activists were repeatedly and ruthlessly maligned and harassed, and were labeled as criminals, or worse as enemies of the state, as terrorists.”

Fear of more deaths

Kadamay noted that the murder occurred as Congress rushes to pass a toughened version of the Philippine anti-terror bill, which seeks to repeal the Human Security Act of 2007 and strengthens the hand of the police and the military against terrorism.

In the proposed anti-terror legislation, "suspected terrorists" can already be detained by law enforcement authorities up to 14 days without warrant of arrest issued by the Court and could face a sentence amounting to life imprisonment without parole. 

Kabataan Partylist raised concerns that others might face the same fate as Badion if the anti-terror bill is passed, saying that “dissent and criticism of the government could easily be branded as terrorism” in the “vague” provisions of the said measure. (READ: Fears of losing freedoms escalate as Congress rushes to pass anti-terror bill)

"[Badion’s] murder should send a clear message to the lawmakers who are fiercely backing the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Law,” said Gaite. – Rappler.com

This is in response to the article written by Dr Jayeel Cornelio and Dr Rico Villanueva in Rappler on May 17, 2020 entitled “Should Christians protest?”

We appreciate the article for pointing out the unhealthy focus of most pastors and ministers in the country on religious traditions instead of conversations that will allow Christians to be agents of social change in their communities.

However, we are deeply bothered by how it zeroed in on its definition of "social justice" to only those who “speak out” against the government. And this was done by questioning the teaching of politeness as a virtue that hinders the speaking of the "truth."

The theory of politeness assumes that when people communicate, they threaten either the speaker or the receiver’s face. Thus, there are two approaches in looking at polite behaviors: first, a desire to be respectful and considerate of others, and second, a strategy in relating with people who regard themselves as more superior than others.

To challenge the first approach of politeness is to disregard the very reason why we fight for social justice: that all humans are created in the image of God and thus, should be treated with dignity and respect. (READ: [OPINION] Do you believe in 'quiet activism?')

This is the very reason why the political and religious leaders were so intimidated by Jesus: he is giving power to the people by letting them experience dignity and respect firsthand – something that these oppressive rulers cannot do. That is where Jesus triumphed even beyond his death.

Now, the second approach of politeness. The father of Filipino psychology Virgilio Enriquez considers the concept of kapwa as the basis of social relationships in Philippine society. This is very different from its English equivalent of “other,” which separates the self from another person. In the Filipino mind, a kapwa is “an extension of one’s self” or “the unity of the self and others.” 

When we say that a person is a kapwa, that is deeply rooted in our idea of putting first the dignity (pagkatao) and rights (karapatan) of a person. Thus, in its most basic sense, when I violate the kapwa, I violate myself. This explains why it is emotionally difficult for a Filipino to go against another Filipino.

This consciousness was confused when we were under colonial rule (similar to Jesus’ time). Because of the dangers posed during that time, we had to break the kapwa into two categories: the ibang tao (outsider) and hindi ibang tao (one of us). This mirrors the two approaches in observing polite behaviors.

To save face (and perhaps, lives), the Filipino would relate with colonials and elites as ibang tao with civility and pakikisama. However, if the relationship truly has a value built on mutual trust, the Filipino will rather insist on their dignity (pagkatao) and rights (karapatan) in the social exchange.

Today, the colonial rulers have long gone. Yet, the Filipino remains to be civil and "polite." Why? Is it because the churches teach the "theology of politeness?" No. This is because the allocation of power and authority are still the same. The colonizers were just replaced by post-colonial elites or the oligarchs (the rich and powerful families). (READ: How to tame your oligarch)

It is easy for anyone to call on protest if he has the social safety nets when social unrest arises. But what about the poor? Again, that is the very reason Jesus did not come as a military leader or a zealot that Peter and most Jews expected the Messiah to be.

Jesus is beyond speaking out against the oppressive Roman empire. He is about establishing a new social order – that is, a people who are willing to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Him, pouring out their lives and resources to those who do not have. In fact, if we are really serious about establishing social justice here on earth, what needs to change are those power relations, not our level of politeness. – Rappler.com

Arla E. Fontamillas is a graduate of MA Development Studies from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. She is a church and community organizer and an independent writer/researcher.

Hadje C. Sadje is a graduate of MA Ecumenical Studies (who specialized in Sociology of Religion) from the University of Bonn in Germany. He is a Christian activist and minister.

MANILA, Philippines – As Congress rushes to pass the anti-terrorism bill, thousands have called on the government to junk the proposed policy feared to clamp down on Filipinos' basic freedoms.

Set up on May 29, a Change.org petition against the bill has garnered more than 116,000 signatures as of Monday afternoon, June 1.

Defend UPLB – an alliance of University of the Philippines Los Baños student councils, allied institutions, and member-organizations – led the petition in a bid to uphold human rights. 

While the bill is packaged to strengthen systems to fight and catch terrorists, Defend UPLB warned that it has the potential to silence critics. (READ: 'Dissent is duty, not crime': Filipinos slam anti-terrorism bill)

What’s the anti-terrorism bill?

Through the anti-terrorism bill, a council of top cabinet officials will be able to do functions usually reserved for the courts, such as warrantless arrests and detention of people and groups perceived to be terrorists.

Under the measure, a suspect can be detained without a warrant of arrest for 14 days, extendable by 10 more days. They can also be placed under surveillance by the police or the military for 60 days, extendable by up to 30 more days.

Defend UPLB called this a violation of the Philippine Constitution, which states that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Besides extremist groups like ISIS, the Abu Sayyaf, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the government also considers communist rebels “terrorists.”

A sentence equivalent to life imprisonment without parole can be given to persons who provide support to terrorists and recruit others to be members of a terrorist organization.

Over the past year, the government has increasingly “red-tagged” progressive groups as legal front organizations for the Communist Party of the Philippines and its guerrilla force, the New People’s Army. (READ: 'Let this be our final warning': UP CMC slams red-tagging students during pandemic)

How it can affect Filipinos

Defend UPLB pointed out that the toughened anti-terrorism bill uses an “overbroad definition” of terrorism that might end up tagging political activities, mass mobilizations, and major protests by progressive formations as “terrorist acts.” (READ: 'Unconstitutional' anti-terrorism bill targets dissenters, not terrorists – Colmenares)

“Under this law, press freedom is a terrorist act,” Defend UPLB said in its petition. “It criminalizes advocacies and our right to organize in belief of our advocacies. Our academic freedom, right to organize, and freedom of expression can be labeled as terrorism.”

Defend UPLB added that the bill will enable the government to “silence any dissenter or organizer” and slammed the push for the measure “when the time calls for a health-based response to the pandemic.” (READ: UPLB alliance calls on school officials to protect students from red-tagging)

“These turbulent times call for the widest unity among individuals and communities in order to deny such a policy that can and will trample our human rights,” they asserted.

The House committee on public order and safety has recently adopted the Senate version, sparking suspicions of a possible railroading of the bill in Congress. Hardly a week later, Duterte has certified the anti-terrorism bill as urgent on June 1. (READ: Fears of losing freedoms escalate as Congress rushes to pass anti-terror bill)

To show your support to junk the anti-terrorism bill, make sure to sign this petition and invite your friends to take a stand.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – On the first day of general community quarantine (GCQ) on Monday, June 1, bright orange 6-liter plastic bottles stood along Commonwealth Avenue. A group of advocates for bike-friendly roads and cities, Bikers United Marshalls initiated this temporary bike lane meant to protect bicycle commuters. They also distributed reflectorized vests to ensure bikers’ visibility on the road.

Despite the well-meaning intentions of the group, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Spokesperson Celine Pialago criticized the initiative as unsafe for other bikers. 

“There is no bike lane yet, and we cannot just put barricades there, especially one liter plastic containers. It is not safe for bikers because that is not enough to ensure their safety,” Pialago said.

The MMDA also said its officers had to remove the plastic bottles on Tuesday morning, June 2, after they were left unattended by the group.

This was refuted by Bike United Marshalls, saying that “the members of the Bikers United Marshalls are responsible citizens and they pack up the equipment at 8 am after their marshalling duties are over.”

The group also stood by their initiative. 

“For bikers and frontliners to get hurt, it is sufficient that good people do nothing. We believe we have done our bikers (mostly without protective gear) our humble service. If the MMDA sees otherwise, then we have to be ready for the consequences of the incompetence of our leaders,” it said in a statement. 

The spokeswoman said MMDA is already coordinating with the Philippine National Police to file charges against the group for “putting the lives of people in danger.”

Advocating for bike spaces

To cope with the limited public transportation amid Metro Manila's shift to GCQ, many Filipinos returning to work opted to use alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles and scooters.

In fact, anticipating the rise of bike commuters during the quarantine period, the MMDA even conducted a dry run for a bike lane on EDSA. (READ: On their own: Commuters and the looming transportation crisis in Metro Manila)

Yet contrary to reports and the optimistic traction this event gained online, the MMDA did not yet prioritize establishing bike lanes. Later, they announced that bikes are not yet allowed in EDSA.

Bikers United Marshalls said in their statement, “MMDA keeps on promising bicycle infrastructure and to hear them say that it will take time before they take action to protect bikers is utterly disappointing.”

As a result of this shift in priorities, on the first day of GCQ, commuters were either stranded on main roads or forced to walk because of the transportation crisis. 

The group also clarified a number of claims made by MMDA about their initiative. For example, they said that the plastic bottles are not barricades. Instead, they served to “augment the already overwhelmed traffic enforcement personnel on the road.” 

Based on their monitoring, at least 20 bikers per minute traverse the southbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue on the first day of the GCQ. This is equivalent to 2,400 bikers in 2 hours. They added that, on June 2, the southbound lane served 16 bikers per minute or 1,920 bikers in 2 hours. 

“Contrary to the allegation that our actions pose a danger to people, our actions as volunteer marshalls actually protect people… Doing nothing is more fatal. The group has also distributed hundreds of free reflectorized vests to help ensure the safety of bikers,” the group added, hitting the government’s lack of preparedness of public transport plans for workers. 

Bikers United Marshalls is only one of the many communities of cycling enthusiasts in the Philippines advocating for safe and inclusive bike spaces.

Pialago said that it will take time implementing the long-term plans for bike lanes in the country. – Rappler.com 

"Sino-sino ba ang tinutukoy nilang 'lahat?'" asks Nanay Alena of Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP). "At bakit hindi kami kasama?" (Whom are they referring to when they say 'everyone?' And why aren’t we included?)

The extended community quarantine (ECQ) has been especially difficult for people whose access to resources was already limited even before the pandemic. One such group is SNPP, made up of parent-leaders and beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, more popularly known as the “4Ps.” When DSWD announced that it would be suspending cash grant distributions as a precaution against the spread of the virus following the Luzon lockdown, SNPP mobilized in protest aided by online supporters. The strategy must have worked, as not long afterwards, DSWD retracted and announced that it would continue distribution under the recently passed Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Two SNPP parent-leaders tell their stories, their names changed to protect their identities. “Sarah Natividad” lives in Mindoro Oriental with her two school-aged children and her husband, a tricycle driver. They share their home with her two siblings, one of whom has 4 children and the other, 3. “Alena Lopez” resides in Manila with her husband, a construction worker, and their 5 children. 

Two mothers speak

As of May 14, there are 19 cases confirmed for COVID-19 in Mindoro Oriental, with 2 deaths, and 17 recoveries. As of May 28, the City of Manila lists 693 active cases, 101 deaths, and 369 recoveries.

Sarah laments the lack of testing kits in Mindoro. Her neighbors believe that proper testing requires travel to Manila. With public transport banned, even the nearest hospitals and drug stores are far away. 

In Manila, Nanay Alena reports that community members showing flu-like symptoms avoid going to hospitals lest they be rejected, or even worse, actually be admitted and there contract the virus. They fear being ostracized by the community and barred from receiving aid if they disclose their actual conditions. She wishes that barangay officials would take the initiative to let people know which hospitals are already overloaded and which hospitals and health centers can be approached for non-COVID-19-related health concerns. That would ease tensions in the community.

Recently (May 17, 2020), complaints have arisen about the inefficiency of the emergency subsidy program's (ESP) cash distributions to 4Ps and non-4Ps recipients. Only a small fraction of the recorded number of low income families received the promised aid. Even the amounts normally allocated to 4Ps recipients appeared threatened. Delays in the release of ESP forms and the approved list of recipients heightened anxieties.

Nanay Alena is disturbed by media portrayals of the violence directed at the poor in Metro Manila.   Seeing TV images of citizens from low income households being beaten, publicly humiliated, jailed, and even shot adds to the community’s disquiet. Soldiers enforcing restrictions on mobility rather than providing guidance on public health measures has become a dominant image of government. “Bakit kami ang kalaban? 'Di ba COVID ang kalaban? Mas okay na mamatay sa virus kaysa sa baril,” she comments. (Why are they fighting us? Isn’t COVID the enemy? We’d rather die from the virus than a gun.)

Given the strict schedule whereby only a limited number of people are allowed outside the household, residents rush to markets at the prescribed times. The lack of public transport means walking long distances and carrying heavy purchases back home. Even if they have bank cards, ATMs are out of easy reach, delaying the collection of their cash grants and financial aid. 

Older persons and PWDs in Manila experience similar difficulties claiming their cash grants. Add to this their particular vulnerability to the virus; many avoid venturing outside. The situation of pregnant women is similarly worrisome because of their unmet need for check-ups, vitamins, and nutritious meals.

In Manila’s urban poor communities, any delays or failure of the government to supply food relief packs have been somewhat offset by private donations activated through their well-developed networks. However, the limited number of relief packs and faulty beneficiary lists means that distribution is often chaotic. Nanay Alena has made it a point to distribute donated food packs to as many families as possible, even those not included in SNPP. Sharing and caring are important values.

In Mindoro, food donations from city hall are distributed regardless of family size, with one pack per household even though several families may be living under one roof. Lately, Nanay Sarah and her family purposely wake up at noon or later so that they need prepare only one or two meals for the day. Sarah observes that the food donations generally fail to meet the children’s nutritional requirements of milk, vegetables, and fresh food. She is however thankful that she can grow vegetables in her small patch of land. 

An added worry for Sarah is the lack of accurate or clear information about the spread of COVID-19 and the corresponding protocols. Most of their information comes from community organizer group chats, which they disseminate widely. Both the Manila and Mindoro groups rely on social media and one another for information on the virus. They want to know the location of accessible health centers, scheduled sanitation programs in public areas, information campaigns on the virus, and how to prevent its spread. 

Aware only of vague plans and safeguards that government sources say will be implemented after the ECQ is lifted, parent-leaders and community members in both Mindoro and Manila worry constantly about their income insecurity and accumulating bills. Most are anxious to start earning again to make up for the many weeks of lost income.

“Maganda din na sanay kami sa [simpleng] pagkain,” says Sarah. “Ang pagkakaiba nga lang ngayon iniisip na namin ang susunod na araw.” (It’s a good thing we’re used to simple meals. The difference now is we’re already thinking about the next day.)

Reflections of the researcher – Simone Sales

The reality is that the ECQ has affected the urban and rural poor in far more disastrous ways than the rest of society. Not only do they lack secure access to essential goods, but their appeals and complaints often go unheard by officials. Social media is fraught with comments and criticisms on the “special attention” going to 4Ps beneficiaries. The degrading stereotype of “the lazy poor” still flourishes, more dangerous than ever in being utilized to justify neglect and violence directed at the poor. 

Nanays Alena and Sarah show that vulnerable though these SNPP communities are, they nonetheless display strong currents of bayanihan and togetherness and appreciate the same from outside benefactors. Some households even deflect aid asking that it be given to still needier families. Already at the bare minimum, families donate what they can to frontliners in gratitude for their generosity in attending to the needs of COVID-19 victims. (READ: Pay it forward: Cebu 4Ps beneficiaries organize coronavirus relief drive)

Although these communities live on society’s margins, they make up the majority of the country. What does it say when our leaders belittle the people who largely comprise the nation? Perhaps the “poorest of the poor” can teach them what lahat really means. – Rappler.com

Simone Sales is a graduate student at the University of the Philippines Department of Anthropology. She did the cellphone interviews as a member of Prof Mary Racelis’ Engaged Anthropology class. Her two SNPP co-authors reviewed the resulting article in its Filipino translation, and gave their permission for its posting on Rappler.com.

The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act created an emergency subsidy program (ESP) which intended to give between P5,000 and P8,000 to 18 million poor families nationwide. This was to help them survive the enhanced community quarantine imposed over Luzon and several parts of the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The wisdom behind this intervention is pretty straightforward. Aside from being the most humane way of helping our people cope during the pandemic, it also makes economic sense because it can help sustain demand in the market alongside other macroeconomic policies that will assist businesses to stay afloat.

While the ESP intends to cover 18,000,000 low-income families for its first tranche and 23,000,000 for its second tranche, it remains eerily silent about how social minorities actually benefit from the program. Indeed, the Memorandum Circulars of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on the ESP mentioned that poor families with social minorities were qualified to receive the cash assistance, but the guidelines were unclear as to how social minorities, specifically persons with disabilities (PWDs), are targeted for the ESP or their unique needs factored in in the ESP. (READ: As May ends, DSWD unable to release cash aid for 2nd tranche)

The message that the government will provide aid to 18 million vulnerable families is not always an assurance, especially if you belong to the 12% of the population with family members who have disabilities.

Social minorities are groups of people who are excluded from society on the basis of their identity (i.e. gender, disability, ethnicity). The society’s inflexible social and political arrangements that are designed for non-minorities conveniently leave these people outside social protection measures and basic public services even before the pandemic.

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) face multiple layers of marginalization because of their disabilities and the structural and attitudinal barriers in society that affect them exclusively or more severely compared to individuals without disabilities (i.e. inaccessible built environment, public transportation, education, and health services). This is despite national policies and international treaties recognizing their rights as human beings and citizens as early as the 1980s.

In the Philippines,  the Accessibility Law or Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 legislated in 1982 was clearly unsuccessful in making mobility inclusive in the country, with many buildings, sidewalks, roads, and public transportation unsuitable for wheelchair, blind, and deaf users. This immediately disproportionately affects 1.4 million individuals according to the 2010 Census or the 12 million individuals with severe disabilities 15 years and older captured in the 2016 Disability Prevalence Survey (DPS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

In addition, the mere exclusion of PWDs in the 2015 Census automatically made them statistically invisible to the State, thus making inclusion a challenge for various social protection measures. Consistent with this is their marginal participation in the government’s flagship poverty reduction program — the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) — with only over 30,000 registered PWD beneficiaries. Meanwhile, there were only approximately 320,000 households with members with disabilities identified in the government’s official targeting system for poverty reduction — The National Household Targeting System or Listahanan — in 2015.

The said figures are way below the 12% estimate of PWDs nationwide. In particular, the small recorded number of PWDs in the Listahanan means that they are disadvantaged from the very beginning of the government’s effort to assist the poor. The 4Ps and all other government social protection measures rely heavily on datasets generated from databases like the Listahanan for their lists of beneficiaries.

The COVID-19 pandemic and government’s corresponding response measures magnified the challenges confronted by PWDs pre-pandemic. For example, PWDs were not automatically included in the list of ESP beneficiaries and disability costs were not considered in designing the ESP. (READ: [ANALYSIS] Free money for every Filipino, at least during emergencies)

Our proposal to give a health grant to all PWDs as part of the government’s ESP is informed by feedback from the experience of a household with a member with disabilities that needed to allocate at least 25% of their ESP cash grant to disability-related expenses (i.e. medicines and transportation). As such, the said household was able to spend significantly less for basic commodities and utilities using their ESP money compared with households without members with disabilities.

News reports have also been published and aired recently indicating how PWDs suffered from their attempt to avail of the ESP benefit, such as lining up despite excruciating pain for the entire day. The media likewise captured stories detailing the difficulties PWDs faced when accessing healthcare needs and basic essentials, particularly in transportation (e.g. to get to a dialysis center).

In addition, our consultations with some barangay officials also revealed that some poor families with PWDs might have been removed the final DSWD-approved list of ESP because 1) the DSWD’s process of elimination in the barangay endorsed list was unclear; and 2) some barangays did not record which households had members with disabilities. As such, when the DSWD cut households from the final ESP list, the households with disabilities could have easily been among them.

The 2016 disability prevalence number of PWDs alone and the multiple burdens confronting PWDs are strong enough reasons to ensure that social protection measures like the ESP be designed to be disability-inclusive, with inclusion meaning the actual targeting of PWDs for the said benefits, factoring in the unique predicaments and needs of PWDs.

We have to do more than surface PWDs in the statistics of the ESP beneficiaries. We hope that the government takes notice of these issues and shows that our society is not just designed for non-PWDs, especially in the time of COVID-19. The reality is that we can all have a disability (permanent or otherwise) at any point in our lives, and how we take care of PWDs now can also dictate partly the quality of our lives in the future. – Rappler.com

Bianca Lapuz and members of Advocates of Inclusion worked to put this piece together. They are
currently lobbying for an emergency health grant for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in
Congress. You can help by writing to your representative in Congress and our senators to
support the advocacy.

In 2018, I was teaching children of all ages 5 days a week, 10 months a year at a small private school in San Juan. 

There was a student named Elsa. She was smart and athletic, and she loved learning a lot. In addition, she had a pleasant personality. However, she was having some difficulties in coping with her subjects, which in turn decreased her confidence at times.

She always lamented the fact that she didn’t have any other hobby besides sports. Most of her friends inside the classroom weren’t the “physical” type; they would rather go to a corner and talk about stuff than play games.

One day, I asked my students who among them wanted to join a student photography contest organized by the Bureau of Fire Protection.

She raised her hand.

I taught Elsa and a couple of other students the basics of photography and encouraged them to try different things. Before they started taking pictures, I reminded them, “Be confident, don’t be afraid to ask permission, and learn how to take the best shots possible!”

It turned out that she was really interested in photography. Elsa always asked to take more shots, and she made it a point to borrow my camera every day.

Two weeks later, she joined the contest, and after a day of photography exercises, she came back to school with a big smile on her face: she got third place in the competition.

“Sir, I would like to thank you for introducing me to this hobby. I am now more confident and I have a new hobby to practice!”

The following school year, she would go on to win second place in the Division Schools Press Conference for Photojournalism.

I felt happy that I was able to become a part of my student’s personal development, and that Elsa was able to attain the fruits of her hard work. Later on, she finished her elementary education as an honor student. 

Teaching was never my dream. However, it didn’t mean that I wasn’t committed to the vocation. On the contrary, I did my utmost best to train myself, to undertake professional development, to be the most effective version of my teaching self. (READ: [OPINION] Have you asked your teachers how they're doing in this pandemic?)

I knew that in order to attain the respect and affection of my students, I had to give the teaching profession the respect it deserves. It meant that I had to come on time for class, to dress well, to be at my best mental and physical form, and to prepare my lessons and rehearse them before I entered the classroom.

I firmly believe that every single person who professes to be a teacher is exerting all their efforts to provide the best education and guidance for their students. I also see the endless sacrifices that these educators make in order to reach out to their students, to empathize with them, and to become “second parents” to them.

If these people were not committed to their jobs, and thus caused students to supposedly fall behind in soft skills, as Senator Marcos claimed in a recent interview, then why do they spend time beyond their working hours just to ensure that their classrooms are well-designed? Why do teachers even bother to go beyond their specialization and learn new skills? 

If teachers weren’t good at teaching soft skills at all, then how do we explain the endless stories of people who were inspired by their former teachers?

I couldn't understand how the Senator could blame teachers this way. I am sure that teachers know they need to provide holistic education to their children. (READ: [OPINION] Glorified but ignored: How to truly honor our teachers)

Instead of blaming teachers for not being able to teach soft skills, as Senator Marcos claims, the government could alleviate the issue by investing more in the education system – publishing better books, providing more classrooms, and enabling teachers to better tackle the educational challenges brought about by the 21st century. The government could also tackle this problem by increasing teachers' salaries.

It makes me sad that teachers have to get the short end of the stick once again. – Rappler.com

Earl Carlo Guevarra is an English teacher at an international school in San Juan City. 

Subscribe to I've Got An Opinion on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Soundcloud.

The Catholic Church and the LGBT. To a lot of us, they’re not exactly the best of friends. Pro-LGBT issues, from same-sex marriage to sexual reassignment surgery, are fiercely contested by Catholics — because it is quote-unquote “unnatural.” Even just coming out as gay can be a nightmare if you’re from a Catholic family. 

Is it even possible, then, to be both an out and proud member of the LGBT and a Catholic? (READ: A gay Filipino priest's story: In God's service)

In this episode of I’ve Got An Opinion, Rappler’s podcast on ordinary people speaking up on extraordinary issues, we speak with Mela Habijan, who is both a trans woman and a Catholic. How does she reconcile the two? Let’s find out! – Rappler.com

The death of George Floyd outraged millions of people, not just in the US, but across the world. I watched the video on Twitter and grieved for him, and I still do today.

I’m a Filipino millennial with roughly 10 years of work experience delivering various projects internationally, and have been based in London for the last 3 years. I mostly work in the tech startup sector, with frequent collaborations with the UK government and NGOs. Before coming to London in 2017, I was scared of possible racism towards me, an immigrant who was clearly unwanted by a society that voted for Brexit.

While there were no racist words uttered out loud, the microaggressions were not to be missed.

If only I could hide behind emails to communicate so that nobody could hear my voice. Besides my non-native accent, my occasional grammar mistakes, my ethnicity, and my way of thinking are also deal breakers. Despite my hard work and my achieving more than my posh, white male colleague, I’m still not taken seriously when pitching ideas or applying for a senior role. 

There’s always a slight air of animosity when I’m in a boardroom with the UK’s best community program builders. Perhaps someone like me, an Asian girl with whimsical trousers and radical openness, who did not graduate from Oxbridge and can’t put on a poker face or a stiff upper lip, would not be able to match the pitch of the alpha employee.

Despite the diversity policies in the workplace, there’s still a gap between theory and reality. I was still the unwelcome foreigner who couldn't quite achieve the perceived image of a leader. I'm still that bloody foreigner who stole someone’s job.

Does my experience with microaggressions resonate with you, in the Philippines or abroad? I bet it does. And unconsciously, you may even be the aggressor too. (READ: [OPINION] A Chinese-Filipino teen speaks out on racism and the coronavirus)

If you are someone who has judged people based on the color of their skin, their accent, or their origins – you are not so far away from the cops who murdered George Floyd. The sad reality is racism, in various forms, is systematically and deeply embedded in our culture and subconscious.

Beyond racism

We always want change in our governance, but we fail to call out the so-called "servants of the people" who rob us of public funds, opportunities to make real change, and our dignity. Many of our past and present politicians continue to rob us of a bright future.

We have seen thousands of deaths from the drug war, and now from the coronavirus. 

If you are still not outraged by the atrocities committed against the Filipino people, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, how many more deaths could you bear to see? How much stolen public money are you still waiting to go missing? Are you silent because you benefit from the broken system? Are you blind to the bloodshed? Deaf to the weeping widows and their children? Too numb to fight for equality, justice, and the truth?

Today, I've seen enough and I can't breathe. The system is killing us.

We must demand answers. We decide what we deserve from the institutions we fund. We must hold our public officials, including the police, accountable from top to bottom. It is our duty to command transparency from our barangay councilors, captains, district councilors, mayors, congressmen, senators, the civil service, and the president.

Let’s all be part of the global protest. To be silent is to be complicit. It might be difficult these times to march on the streets, but we must not stop calling out the aggressors that perpetuate bigotry, ignorance, and inequality in our communities. 

To my fellow netizens who are robustly active on social media, let’s reinvent the discourse by being vigilant but kind, constructive, and informative. Hating and alienating a group of people due to their lack of awareness or bigotry would just grow and divide us. (READ: [OPINION] Dear white people in the Philippines)

Finally, let’s treat each other equally with respect. At the end of the day, we breathe the same air. Our goal is to live in a world where we are all equal regardless of the color of our skin, the language we speak, the amount of money in our wallets, or the place we come from. – Rappler.com

Bien King is from Quezon City. She is a Filipino startup founder in the UK, a scholar and MA degree holder in International Relations from China Foreign Affairs University, a program manager, and a WEF Global Shaper based in London.

MANILA, Philippines – My mom battled breast cancer twice for 3 years. For a simple family like ours, Mama getting cancer was earth-shattering.

My dad resigned from his job in 2017, so he could be with Mama throughout her recovery. But ever since then, the hospital bills for chemo, radiation, and medicines grew more and more expensive to the point where my dad's savings, insurance policies, and my siblings' salaries were hardly enough. 

My mom successfully beat cancer in early 2018, but little did we know that cancer would come back in a worse form. It now affected her lungs, her lymphatic system, to the point where one time, she woke up early in the morning unable to breathe. My family had to rush her to the hospital. At that time, I was resting for a school competition to take place that same day. I couldn’t help but break down in front of my teacher and classmates later on.

We had our last normal day in April 2019. We were out buying clothes for my recognition day. After that, she suddenly experienced heavy migraines which would continue until her death.

I couldn't remember a time when I felt more helpless.

Ever since I was a child, my mother had been the most encouraging parent. She always found time to answer my questions, and support me in my school competitions. When I would stay up all night trying to complete a requirement, she would wake up at midnight and help me finish it, even until dawn.

Later on, I dreamed big and aimed for the University of the Philippines. UP had always been my dream university. I frequented it whenever I had competitions such as the Patalasanlahi Debate competition. I fell in love with it, as well as my mom who was an academic achiever herself when she was young. I realized then that her love for studies was one of the traits she wanted to impart to me.

My mom had convinced my dad that review classes would help me in my college entrance tests. Even in her state, she helped us save money for the classes. (READ: How a low-performing student passed the UPCAT)

It struck me how much she wanted to invest in my future despite the many bills we were already paying. I like to think that this was something she wanted to leave me with: a great future ahead where I can fulfill both of our dreams.

It was really difficult because I would leave home every day for review classes knowing she's in pain at home.

My dad told me to try not to worry about my mom and focus on my review. It was difficult but I had to do my best for us.

When she passed away, I kept asking my mom to guide me in every competition I joined and every school activity I did. Even minutes before I took the UP College Admission Test, I prayed that she would help me. (READ: For UP hopefuls, the struggle starts with UPCAT)

Seeing the results, I know she was there with me through and through. She did not leave my side so she could see me fulfill our dream for me to be an Iskolar ng Bayan. 

It's hard not to see her face and be with her in the future but I know she is happy and proud of what I had accomplished.

I want to offer everything I would do to her. That's why I plan to become a doctor who will specialize in cancer treatment. I got admitted to BS Statistics in UP Diliman, which I hope will help give me a great foundation for research when I become a doctor.

It will take me a long time, but I want to help other families who have gone through the same horrors as we did and enable me to empathize with them. 

I am so grateful for having such a great support group of teachers, students, family, relatives, and friends. I owe everything to everyone I love.

Ma, Iskolar na ako ng Bayan. – Rappler.com

Christopher Al Eugenio is a graduate from Don Bosco Technical Institute of Tarlac and an incoming University of the Philippines Diliman student. He hopes to become a doctor-researcher on cancer in honor of his mother.

MANILA, Philippines – On Wednesday, June 3, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 6875 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 on third and final reading. 

A total of 173 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, while 31 others opposed it. Some 29 lawmakers abstained. 

The passage of the bill sparked outrage among human rights groups and concerned citizens who noted that this will institutionalize Duterte’s abuse of power. These groups called on concerned Filipinos to take their outrage to the streets and show their opposition to the bill. (READ: ‘Draconian' anti-terror bill, feared to be used vs gov't critics, hurdles Congress)

Here’s a list of protests and activities you can join to express your dissent to the anti-terror bill:

Kadamay, Kabataan Partylist, Movement Against Tyranny

Several progressive organizations will protest against the passage of the anti-terror bill on June 4, from  2 pm to 4 pm, along UP Diliman University Avenue.

Akbayan Youth

At 10 am on June 4,  Akbayan Youth will hold an online protest to show the youth’s unity against the anti-terror bill.

Student Christian Movement of the Philippines

The Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP) will hold a virtual indignation rally through a “social media kalampag” and online candle lighting.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Jeepney drivers have not earned anything since coronavirus lockdowns were imposed on most of the country. 

Mass transportation was suspended in areas under lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease beginning mid-March. Although the country has eased quarantine measures starting June 1, jeepney drivers have not been allowed to return to the roads just yet.

In order to continue operations, jeepney drivers will have to apply for a special permit from the Land Transportation Franchising Board (LTFRB). The process involves getting clearances from each town or city covered by their route and being part of a cooperative or corporation, among others.

Aside from the complicated process, traditional jeepneys also fall in the lower tier of LTFRB’s priorities in granting special permits, while buses and modern jeepneys rank higher.

To help jeepney drivers who have had no income for almost 3 months now, transport group Piston is accepting donations of the following items:

• Surgical masks
• Hand soap
• Medicine
• Baby diapers
• Rubbing alcohol
• Canned goods
• Rice
• Instant noodles
• Baby families

These may be dropped off at Balai Obrero Foundation, 63 Narra Street, Barangay Claro, Project 3, Quezon City. Donors may coordinate with Nedy Gonzaga through 09208580754.

Piston is also accepting cash donations to help the affected families of jeepney drivers. Interested donors may deposit to the following account:

BPI
Piston Land Transport Coalition
003323-2909-53

For more details, people may contact Cely Floranda at 0929 296 6099.

Help Piston 6

Piston is also calling for support to help free 6 jeepney drivers who were arrested in Caloocan City on Tuesday, June 2, while holding a protest calling for the resumption of their operations during the general community quarantine.

Among the drivers who were arrested are Piston deputy secretary general Ruben Balyon and 72-year-old Elmer Cordero.

According to Piston, the 6 drivers were brought to the precinct and then to the Caloocan City Hall, where they learned that they were charged with "disobedience to social distancing" and fined P3,000 each.

Piston refuted the claim, saying the drivers observed physical distancing and wore face masks. The group said it was "unjust" to punish them on top of the hunger they already experienced due to the halt in their operations.

As of Wednesday night, June 3, the drivers were still detained in a holding area at the Caloocan City Hall. Piston said it was still unclear what charges would be filed against the jeepney drivers, as they awaited the prosecutor’s resolution.

Piston is accepting cash donations to be used to help free Piston 6. To donate, deposit to any of the accounts below:

GCash
Anje Marquez
09176742345

BPI Bank Account
Piston Land Transport Coalition
3323-2909-53

Bank transfers should include a note saying #FreePiston6.

Aside from donating, people may also help affected jeepney drivers by signing this petition that seeks to allow jeepneys and other public utility vehicles to operate.

Palakasin din natin ang panawagan ng mga driver at operator na makabalik sa pamamasada at makaagapay sa mga manggagawang umaasa sa pampublikong transportasyon!

PETISYON PARA IPABIYAHE ANG LAHAT NG JEEPNEY AT IBA PANG PUV - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/xzv6EItYRS

— PISTON (@pistonph) June 2, 2020

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – How do fact-checkers verify claims from the past?

Historical controversies continue to persist in the age of social media. In fact, the spread of disinformation on alleged “hidden facts” in Philippine history, the historic EDSA People Power Revolution, and even Martial Law are continue to be shared and debated online. 

Since 2018, Rappler has debunked a number of false claims on the EDSA Revolution and the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos’ imposition Martial Law, known as the dark chapter in Philippine history.

How do we deal with disinformation on social media being spread at lightning speed? What are the challenges that fact-checkers face in verifying historical claims at a time when resources or recorded facts from the past may be limited?

To answer these questions MovePH, Rappler’s civic engagement arm will host a webinar on fact-checking historical claims in the digital age on Thursday, June 11, at 4 pm – the eve of Philippine Independence Day.

Filipino historian and assistant professorial lecturer at De La Salle University-Manila Xiao Chua and Gemma Mendoza, Rappler’s head of research, content strategy and partnerships, will join the discussion. 

The webinar is free but slots are limited. You may register here. 

– Rappler.com  

MANILA, Philippines – Several sectoral and progressive groups continued its call to junk the anti-terrorism bill through simultaneous indignation protests held nationwide on Thursday, June 4. 

This came a day after the House of Representatives approved on 3rd and final reading the House Bill (HB) No. 6875, colloquially known as the anti-terror or anti-terrorism bill. 

Groups including Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Migrante International, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, and Karapatan Alliance Philippines among others, gathered at the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City.

The passage of the bill sparked outrage among groups and concerned citizens who noted that this would institutionalize President Rodrigo Duterte’s abuse of power. 

Despite the consistent online uproar calling to abolish the bill, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) representative France Castro challenged the public officials who gave it a thumbs up. 

“Hanggang ngayon po, although nanalo na sa third and final reading ang Anti-Terror Bill, nananawagan tayo sa mga kasama nating Kongresista na magisip-isip sa kanilang naging desisyon dahil obvious ang naging pagtutol ng mga tao dito,” Castro said.  

(Even until now, although the anti-terrorism bill was approved on its 3rd and final reading, we call upon the public officials in the Congress to think through about their decisions because it’s obvious that the people were against it.) 

An overwhelming 173 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, while only 31 voted no. A total of 29 abstained from the vote.

Turning a blind eye

She also questioned railroading of the bill after it has been certified urgent by Duterte especially at a time when the country grappled with the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Sa gitna ng pandemya, ginawang urgent ang anti-terror bill imbes na solusyong medikal (In the midst of a pandemic, the anti-terror bill was made urgent instead of medical solutions),” she continued. 

Since it was certified urgent, it no longer needs to go through bicameral conference hearings and can be sent to Malacañang for Duterte's signature. 

Migrante International chairperson Joanna Concepcion urged the government to prioritize safety and security of Filipino migrant workers overseas.

“Libo-libo sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) natin ang nawalan ng trabaho at kita dahil sa pandemya. Ngunit ang tugon ng gobyerno ay ipiit sila sa mga mala-kulungang quarantine facility kung saan marami ang nagugutom at binawian ng buhay.”  Concepcion said. 

(Thousands of OFWS have lost their jobs and income because of the pandemic. But the government's response involves forcing them into prison-like quarantine facilities where a lot of them went hungry and died.)

Multi-sectoral group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary General Renato Reyes expressed that even if the government turned a blind eye to the plea of its people, sectoral groups will continue to unite in a bid to uphold their rights.

“Walang makapagpapapigil sa pagkilos ng mga tao oras na sinusupil sila. Kahit natalo tayo sa Kongreso at sa Korte Suprema, sa kalsada tayo lalaban. Hindi nagtatapos sa kanilang boto ang ating kapalaran, para sa ating karapatan at kalayaan,” Reyes said. 

(No one could stop the movements of the people they are trying to control. Even if we lost the support of those at the Congress and probably in the Supreme Court, we will fight on the streets. Our fate doesn’t end with their votes. This is for our rights and freedom.) 

Worried about implications

Through the anti-terrorism bill, a council of top cabinet officials will be able to do functions usually reserved for the courts, such as warrantless arrests and detention of people and groups perceived to be terrorists. 

“Sa ilalim ng Anti-terror bill na ito, maaring i-surveillance ang mga aktibista man o ang ordinaryong mamamayan. Bawal na po ang pagtitipong tulad na ito (Under this bill, activists or ordinary citizens may be put under surveillance. Gatherings like this will not be allowed),” labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Secretary General Jerome Adonis said. 

"Kaming magsasaka ang frontliner sa kanayunan, nagsisigurong sapat ang kinakain ng bansa habang may pandemya. Kaya hindi natin maisip ang kalalagyan ng mamamayan kung walang produksyon dahil pinapangalanan kaming mga terorista," Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Secretary General Tonying Flores said.

(We farmers are the frontliners in the countryside, we ensure that food supply is enough during the pandemic.  We can't imagine how the people will get by if food production stops because we have been tagged as terrorists)

Flores added that under the Duterte administration, 257 farmers have already been killed. 

"Kami ay hindi mga terorista kung hindi mga aktibistang gusto ng tunay na reporma sa agraryo (We are not terrorists but activists who demand for true agriculture reform ," he continued.

Students of UP Los Baños marched to Agapita St. seconded this as it also held a simultaneous protest calling to junk the anti-terror bill, which threatens the freedom of student activists and critics to express dissent. 

“Ginamit nila ang pandemya para tuluyang siraan ang ABS-CBN at patuloy na kitilin ang press freedom. Kagaya ng diktador na si Marcos, pinapasara nila ngayon ang mga media outlets na nagpapalaganap ng kanilang mga pagkukulang,” a representative from University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) said. 

(The government used the pandemic to shutdown ABS-CBN and to kill press freedom. Just like the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, they also want to close media outlets amplifying the government’s inadequacies.) 

While the bill is packaged to strengthen systems to fight and catch terrorists, Defend UPLB, an alliance of UPB student groups warned that it could be used to stifle government critics.

“Halos 3 na buwan na pero hanggang ngayon wala pa ring ayuda, mass testing,  kongkretong aksyon para proteksyunan ang ating mga karapatan (It’s almost 3 months since the government implemented lockdown in various cities and provinces and yet there is no assistance, mass testing, concrete action to protect everyone’s rights),” it added. 

Continuing the fight

Meanwhile, Akbayan Youth organized a virtual rally with representatives from various youth organizations across the country joined by human right lawyer Chel Diokno.

For Diokno, the country has longed experience acts of terrorism since 2016 such as the extra-judicial killings (EJK) and use of warantless arrest to ordinary citizens. 

“Nakakalungkot na yung mismong nagsusulong ng anti-terrorism bill ay sila rin pala ang gumagamit ng iba't ibang klase na pagterrorize sa ating bayan mula sa EJK at sa ibang mga paninikil sa atin kaparapatang pantao,” he said. 

(It is sad that those who are pushing for the anti-terrorism bill are also those who use different ways to terrorize our nation through EJK and other measures to attack human rights.)

“It's really not a question of numbers. It's really a question of principle. It's a question of what we believe in and it's a question of our convictions,” he added. 

Diokno also expressed his support and commended the youth for their response to fight back. 

“This is the time for us to get together. This is the time for us to unite. This is the time for us to stand as one in opposition not only to the anti-terror bill but to all measures that are anti-people, to all measures that are designed to destroy our democracy,” Diokno stressed. – with reports from UPLB Perspective, Philippine Collegian, The GUIDON and The Catalyst/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The coronavirus pandemic opened the public’s eyes to how fragile the Philippine public health system is. 

Despite the relaxation of quarantine measures in most parts of the Philippines, there is not end in sight for the COVID-19 crisis. Experts have also warned that this will not be the last pandemic to hit the globe. (READ: Where are the promised 30,000 tests a day? The government's moving targets) 

Actions driven by the Filipino bayanihan spirit provided key lifelines to many during the pandemic. How can citizens continue to take part in strengthening the public health system?  

Join the conversation through #CitizensInHealth: An Online Career Talk Series to Strengthen Our Public Health System. 

The online series is a collaboration of Rappler, Ateneo de Manila University, Bagumbayan Initiative, GoodGovPH, EpiMetrics, Liyab, and Covid-19 Action Network Philippines. 

The first talk “Our health workforce needs us all” is happening Saturday, June 6, at 2 pm. The discussion will be about the need for people coming from different disciplines in ensuring a robust health system.

Invited speakers are Dr Beverly Lorraine Ho, Department of Health Director for Health Promotion and Communication Service ; and Dr Norman Dennis Marquez, former director of the Health Sciences Program of Ateneo de Manila University. The discussion will be moderated by Bagumbayani’s Ken Abante.

Please register ahead of time by clicking this link. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Following the arrest of at least 7 activists in an indignation rally in Cebu City on Friday, June 5, Filipinos online urged authorities to #ReleaseCebu7. 

This came as students and members of various youth and progressive groups held a mass mobilization near the University of the Philippines Cebu to denounce the approval of the anti-terrorism bill.

Before the protest began, police officers were spotted near the rally site.

The rally started peacefully until the protesters were met by Cebu City police in combat gear and members of the SWAT team.  According to the College Editors’ Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Cebu, protesters were told they would be given 5 minutes to stop the protest otherwise, the police would forcefully disperse them. 

A few minutes later, protesters scurried towards UP Cebu after police officers moved to disperse them. The cops followed them inside the campus. 

CEGP Cebu said that UP Cebu guards were seen helping with the dispersal but Chancellor Liza Corro denied this, emphasizing that the guards instead blocked the police from entering the campus and even chased them out when they jumped into the walls of the university as they ran after the student protesters. 

Meanwhile, CEGP condemned the arrest, saying it was “unjust” and what the government was doing was a “militaristic approach instead of heeding the people's demands."

The UP Office of the Student Regent echoed this citing that the arrest clearly showed how the systematic targeting of critical voices was prevalent everywhere.

“When those in power are not even held accountable, students like ours who are only echoing the public’s sentiments are those who are handcuffed and silenced. This proves how much worse the national situation would be if the Terror Bill is enacted into law, inevitably causing the surge of human rights violations,” it said in a statement.

It also urged the safe and immediate release of the 7 protesters.

“Their safe and peaceful gathering amid a pandemic shows the desperation of the masses to protect our Constitutional rights. UP and the youth are known to stick to our mandate to serve the broader masses and it is a duty to be fulfilled,” it said. 

The office also pointed out a 1989 agreement between UP and the Department of National Defense prohibiting entry of the military inside the university’s campus without proper coordination with the UP police and the school administration. It was reported that police officers were caught on video chasing protesters inside the UP Cebu campus. 

CEGP called the arrest “unjust” and what the government was doing now involved use of “militaristic approach instead of heeding the people's demands” 

Netizens outraged

Outraged by the arrest, netizens also called for the protesters’ immediate release. Filipinos on social media criticized the police action, saying the cops were quick to arrest those in mass mobilizations but continued to be tolerant to their political allies. 

“The police were so quick to arrest those who were peacefully protesting outside UP Cebu but turned a blind eye on  Sinas who violated ECQ guidelines through organizing a birthday party with 50 visitors who were not following proper social distancing protocols,” Cat Melendres writes on Twitter. 

Melendres was referring to Metro Manila police chief Major General Debold Sinas, who faces criminal raps for violating community quarantine rules when he and a number of other cops held a party for his birthday on May 8 but President Rodrigo sided with him. 

Netizens also expressed worry that even before the anti-terrorism bill becomes a law, government has already abused its power to silence dissent.  (READ: 'This is not terrorism': Filipinos take to the streets after anti-terror bill hurdles Congress) 

“Hindi pa naipapasa yung batas ganito na nangyayare, paano na kaya kung tuluyang maapprove yan? mawawalan na talaga ng malayang pamamahayag ng saloobin ang mga Pilipino,” @mendozachie_ tweeted. 

(The anti-terrorism bill isn’t a law yet but look at what’s happening. What would happen if it gets approved? Filipinos will lose their freedom of speech and expression.)

The anti-terrorism bill, which was passed by Congress earlier this week, sparked outrage among groups and concerned citizens who noted that this would institutionalize President Rodrigo Duterte’s abuse of power.

“The Cebu 7 were arrested with no charges. Their phones were confiscated for contacting legal professionals. It is their right to contact lawyers. It is very clear who are the true terrorists here – the Philippine state forces,” netizen Jecon Dreisbach said in a mix of English and Filipino on Twitter. 

Here are other tweets from netizens:

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Groups initiated a donation drive to raise a community bail fund for at least 8 activists arrested in an indignation rally near the University of the Philippines Cebu against the anti-terrorism bill on Friday, June 5.

UP Fighting Maroons players led by Kobe Paras already vowed to help raise money for their bail. (READ: Paras, Rivero to raise funds for bail of arrested Cebu activists)

The passage of the bill sparked outrage among groups and concerned citizens who said this would further shrink democratic space and empower law enforcers. (READ: 'This is not terrorism': Filipinos take to the streets after anti-terror bill hurdles Congress)

The activists were arrested over the violation of the ban on mass gatherings under general community quarantine, according to Cebu City police. They are detained at the Cebu City Police Office headquarters at Camp Sotero Cabahug.

Initial reports said among those arrested was Dyan Gumanao, a community organizer and a reporter for ANINAW Productions, a local affiliate of AlterMidya – People's Alternative Media Network.

None of those detained have been charged as of this posting.

Filipinos criticized authorities online for its move and called for the immediate release of the protesters. (READ: #ReleaseCebu7 trends in PH as netizens condemn arrest of Cebu City activists) 

Several organizations including UP Cebu University Student Council, Akbayan Youth - Loyola and Kabataan Partylist UP Cebu amplified the call to help protesters. Those who want to donate to the community bail fund may send their cash donations to these accounts: 

• GCash
• Howell Villacrucis
  09064414320
• BDO Unibank Inc.
• Acct name: Karen Ong Yap
• Acct no. 010780114639 

– Rappler.com

Being Wasian (white and Asian), I'm part of a minority. But what do you call a minority that doesn't look like they're part of a minority? I look very white, and most people just assume I'm white because they find it too hard to trace the subtle, exotic features I display, which make me look slightly different than the basic white girl.

They assume I'm white because I have no accent, and I can't speak Tagalog, my mother's tongue. I embrace my Filipino culture, but at the same I've always struggled to converse deeply with my peers about it since I don't have much to show for it on the outside. I consider myself a banana smoothie – I'm not yellow on the outside and white on the inside. I'm blended up, but I also have a lot of milk mixed into me.

Sometimes I have to choose between the role of a spicy, flavorful Caucasian around my white friends or a watered-down Filipino among the other Asians. My Asian friends have always admired my light hair, which tends to turn blond in the sun, while my white friends are jealous of my capability to tan without burning the slightest bit. It's tiring to play double agent, but then again, it's convenient to pass for either identity depending on who you're with and what circumstance you're in. 

As a Gen-Z teen (aka a zoomer), who attends a liberal high school, I have been educated about race quite a bit, especially in the mandatory EBI (Equity, Balance, and Inclusion) classes. In my biracial household, race has always been an accepted concept in our casual dinner table talks and free-flowing road trip conversations. I've always considered myself to be well-informed when it comes to race due to my education around it and the fact that I am a person of color (POC). I've always been in diverse friend groups, and a lot of my best friends are, in fact, POCs who display more vibrant and exotic features than I do – which in turn means that they are subject to more discrimination because of the way they look. The way their melanin absorbs more light than the majority will submit them to the mistreatment and systematic racism that takes place in the US. I feel very helpless because by blood I am truly part of the minority, but due to the way I look, I've never been discriminated against or oppressed. (READ: [OPINION] A Chinese-Filipino teen speaks out on racism and the coronavirus)

The fact is that racism is superficial: you have to look the part or have the stereotypical characteristics of your particular minority group to be subjected to discrimination. And this is why I often feel like I have no right to attest to being part of a minority since I haven't endured the hardships that others have. There are probably a lot of mixed children like me out there who feel this way. Do they identify as a POC when they don't look a certain way, and they haven't experienced discrimination and inconvenience from it? 

I will never completely understand how it feels to be racially-targeted and racially-discriminated. My Caucasian features bestow upon me the so-called “white privilege,” an advantage that gives me benefits over other racial groups. Whether I like it or not, I have this privilege, thus it is challenging to find my voice in the matter. Not because I do not want to speak up, but my skin color comes between me and my voice. For example, it feels taboo to comment about Black Lives Matter (BLM) given my privilege. I’ve been told many times that I will never be able to relate to a black person's suffering; I do not have the right to express their pain or to represent their problems to others with my own opinion. I often find myself resorting to silence to avoid judgement. 

I will admit, before the protests all over the country following George Floyd's murder, I would have been more inclined to say "all lives matter" in place of "black lives matter." But now, I realize the wrong in that. Right now black lives matter. And after black lives matter, then all lives matter. The other day my 12-year-old sister asked me why "all lives matter" takes the backseat. I explained to her why with an analogy: 

If you have two children and one of them is bleeding, you will give the Band-Aid to the one who's bleeding. You wouldn't give a Band-Aid to both of them, and you most definitely wouldn't give a Band-Aid to the child who wasn't bleeding because that child is not hurt. Right now, the black minorities are the ones who need a Band-Aid. They are the ones who are being killed and discriminated against the most in the US. This doesn't diminish the fact that other racial groups are struggling, but right now, they don't need the Band-Aid. 

Yesterday, I was talking to my English teacher, whom I admire deeply, on Zoom. She's a proud black woman who finds beauty in her natural curls, but most importantly, she's never afraid to speak her mind about racial injustice, whether it's in the classroom or to the school board and other teachers. My teacher even organized a 10-day Civil Rights trip from the deep South to Chicago in order to enlighten students about the roots of poverty stemming from racism. When the Zoom for the class was over, I stayed behind to ask her what I could do as I was overwhelmed by the news of the protests. So far what I have done is to sign online petitions and make BLM signs for my front yard. 

She strongly encouraged me to view, appreciate, and share the work of black and brown creators. She recommended must-read novels written by both writers and those who write (there is a difference between the two). The writers included Maya Angelou (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings), James Baldwin (The Fire Next Time), and Ta-Nehisi Coates (Between the World and Me). She also suggested reading some non-writer works (aka works by those writing just to communicate) like Malcolm X's autobiography and novels by Heedy Jones, Angela Davis, and Asada. She advised me to read works by both the writers and the non-writers to find examples of art and rawer, more relatable works. 

In addition, she emphasized the importance of exposing oneself to black culture and understanding that systematic racism is a pyramid: the base being unconscious bias and prejudice, leading up to stereotyping, implicit bias, and micro-agressions, and finally at the top, pure racism and discrimination. By exposing ourselves to more works of black and minority creators, we can diminish stigma and explicit bias we might have towards certain groups of people (people fear what they do not know, so let them make the unknown familiar). By not educating ourselves, we become ignorant and silent. By being silent, we are letting the oppressors win and the injustice that does not affect us directly continue. (READ: [OPINION] I can't breathe: A Filipina's experience with racism in the UK)

Though the major cases of racism seen are often televised, most of the racism in the US is minute and almost undetectable. Maybe those thoughts you've been thinking like "Why does she talk like that" or "I don't want to eat with them because their food smells" or "I hate their kinky hair" or calling someone the n-word seem innocent. Those Minnesota police officers probably had similar thoughts in their heads; however, what seems like harmless thoughts build up. As the saying goes, thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, and habits becomes character. In other words, the original implicit thoughts of those men made them racist murderers. Education and immersing oneself in a foreign culture can make those presumptions simply vanish. 

So yes, as a teenager, at the very least I'm choosing to educate myself and to voice my opinion, because along with the rest of my fellow zoomers, my implicit thoughts will define our future. – Rappler.com

Sabby Clemmons, 15, is a 10th grader at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. 

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – The daughter of slain activist Jory Porquia has joined calls to reject the anti-terror bill, warning that once it is passed into law, incidents like her father's death would be part of the new normal under the Duterte government.

Jory Porquia – Bayan Muna's Iloilo coordinator – was shot dead by unidentified armed men in his rented home in Arevalo in Iloilo City on April 30. More than a month since the incident, liittle progress has been made in investigating her father's death. (READ: 'They shot my tatay 9 times') 

Activist Krisma Niña “Tsinkay” Porquia said that before her father's death, he became the target of police harassment after he led humanitarian and relief operations, and established community kitchens in urban poor communities severely affected by COVID-19 in the city.

Tsinkay described her father, who had fought Marcos' Martial Law, as a personification of the dictum “serve the people.” 

Speaking up

Tsinkay had written open letters opposing the anti-terrorism bill in the hope that what happened to her father will not happen to anyone else.

She addressed her letters to loilo City Lone District Representative Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda, Iloilo 2nd District Representative Michael Gorriceta, and Iloilo 5th District Raul "Boboy" Tupas – all co-authors of the controversial House Bill No. 6875 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.  

"They killed my father because he was conducting relief and feeding operations for the urban poor in our city. With the anti-terror bill, they want to normalize what they have done to my father. Have mercy on your constituents. Please withdraw your support for ATB. Please. There is no place for martial rule and violence in Iloilo," she said in Hilgaynon. 

Through the anti-terrorism bill, a council of top Cabinet officials will be able to do functions usually reserved for the courts, such as warrantless arrests and detention of people and groups perceived to be terrorists. 

Human rights groups and concerned citizens also noted that the bill would institutionalize President Rodrigo Duterte’s abuse of power. ([EXPLAINER] Proposed Anti-Terror Act of 2020 a devil’s playground in the hands of a despot)

Holding officials accountable

On the same day Tsinkay posted her open letters, Baronda asked that her name be omitted as one of the co-authors of the bill. 

Baronda then told a local paper that she had never expressed interest in sponsoring this particular piece of legislation. “I was surprised that I was being asked about this because I didn’t remember signing my intention to co-author this bill,” the congresswoman told the Daily Guardian. 

Baronda went on to say that she was looking into co-authoring a House resolution condemning the killing of Jory Porquia.

Gorriceta followed suit, asking House Secretary General Jose Luis Montelas to strike his name from the list of principal authors of the bill.

For Tsinkay, the response of local officials proved the power of people when they unite and speak up. 

“I called on our Ilonggo representatives because I wanted them to genuinely represent the people, their constituents, and protect our human rights and our constitutional rights,” she said in her open letters that gained traction online. 

Close to home

The issue hit close to home for Tsinkay.

She recalled that in December 2018, Tsinkay, her father, and a handful of other Ilonggo critics of the Duterte administration were red-tagged and labeled as “terrorists” in posters anonymously circulated and posted around the city.

In another incident that happened on May 1, Tsinkay and 41 civic group leaders and friends of her father, were arrested for planning to hold a caravan to pay their respects for Jory. 

Bayan Panay said in a statement that they decided to ask permission from the authorities to proceed to where Jory was killed in Arevalo district, to offer flowers and light candles. 

The group gathered at Jaro Plaza in front of the Jaro Cathedral, their designated pickup point where the cars intended for the caravan had been parked. 

They then decided to disperse after 3 rounds of negotiations with the local police. However, the group was barred from leaving and was apprehended by authorities, citing violations of the strict enhanced community quarantine rules implemented to curb the spread of the coronavirus. 

They were released after a day, when they each posted P12,000-bail. More than half a million bail in total was collected through the crowdsourcing efforts of the National Union of Peoples Lawyers and its allied multi-sectoral groups.

Concern for the future

The young activist said no one should ever be afraid to speak up.

“Waking up to the news of my father’s untimely death, I was filled with a mixture of shock, sadness, and anger. Now more than ever, I don’t want my fear and trepidation to get in the way of speaking up,” Tsinkay told Rappler in Hiligaynon.

“Even without the anti-terror bill, we have seen a prevalence of an abuse of power and human rights violations. How much more if this bill becomes a law?” she added, citing the deaths of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos and Delfin Britanico. In both cases, policemen were confirmed as their killers.

Tsinkay said the measure can be used to tag critics of the administration as "terrorists." 

“Once you’re labeled a terrorist, the authorities can justify whatever they may do to you. Whether you will be arrested, you will be abducted, or you will be killed, they will have the means to justify their unconstitutional actions,” she said.

Tsinkay said her vocal dissent against the anti-terror bill is her way of paying tribute to her father. She said that the last time she had a conversation with her father was during a relief operation led by the group Tulong Kabataan in San Juan, Molo, Iloilo City, in mid-April since they were able to see each other regularly because of the quarantine.

“He never stopped serving the people,” she recalled. – Rappler.com 

Rhick Lars Vladimer Albay is a Rappler Mover based in Iloilo. He reports mostly on the local cultural community and art scene.