USC Statement on the AS Walk Rumble

It is unfortunate that fraternity violence, in whatever form, persists despite the high ideals for which fraternities are founded.

It is even more unfortunate that in our University—touted as the training ground for the best and the brightest young minds of the country, bastion of academic freedom and excellence, and home of no less than the Iskolar ng Bayan—fraternity violence has remained so deeply ingrained in its traditions.

As we celebrate our 100 years of existence, we lament this decades-long tradition, and stand witness to yet another of its incidents.

Yesterday morning, the Beta Sigma fraternity reportedly attacked the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity at their tambayan along AS walk. The attack led to a violent rumble between the two fraternities. Professor Agerico de Villa of the Philosophy Department of CSSP attempted to stop the ensuing rumble but was allegedly kicked while doing so. As a result, five members of Beta Sigma were arrested, three were brought to UP-PGH while four members of APO were given stitches.

These incidents are not uncommon and, after all the resulting deaths and casualties, we in the University Student Council have realized that to condemn the act is nothing more than an exercise in futility. It appears that, from the failure of fraternities to arrest the rampancy of fraternity violence, the call falls only on deaf ears.

And so from this day on, we no longer condemn merely the acts of violence but the actors, the active participants who, despite being among the privileged few who were chosen to become Iskolars ng Bayan, failed to exercise good judgment and circumspection, and flagrantly flouted university rules, much less, basic decorum. We condemn the instigators who were expected, but failed greatly, to conduct themselves as gentlemen not only because such is inscribed in their fraternities’ tenets but because such is expected from a scholar of the people. Lastly, we condemn the fraternities that find themselves constantly embroiled in these incidences, for their failure to uphold the ideals of brotherhood and for tolerating these criminal acts. For any incident of rumble or hazing that takes place, is a sad testament to their failure to curb a pattern of violence that has ripened into an ugly tradition that indelibly smear fraternities as student institutions and the name of our University.

We urge the witnesses to cooperate with the administration, in order to bring the perpetrators of this incident to justice. We urge the UP administration to identify and prosecute fully and swiftly all the active participants- -those who attacked and those who retaliated, while observing their respective rights to due process.

Nearly ten months have passed since the last incident of fraternity violence that resulted in the death of one of our students. There has been no progress in the prosecution of the Cris Mendez case and we, in the University Student Council believe, that this is due largely to the undue observance of technical rules of procedure that hamper substantial justice. In light of this, we call for the continued review and eventual revision of policies in relation to fraternities, sororities and organizations, particularly the highly judicialized rules of procedure in the Student Disciplinary Tribunal.

In turn, we extend our services to the administration and to the witnesses. We guarantee that we will cooperate and assist in the investigation, that we will ensure that the rights of those accused will be observed, that we will extend protection to the witnesses who will come forward and that we will take steps and attempt to reconcile the differences of the erring fraternities.

We likewise urge all fraternities, sororities and organizations to exercise restraint in similar situations, and to observe at all times, the rules set by the administration governing their conduct.

It is high time for these Greek-letter fraternities, premised on excellence and service, to set aside their differences and work collectively to finally put an end to fraternity violence.

Lastly, we urge the UP studentry to remain vigilant and to continue to renounce all acts of fraternity violence against fellow iskolars ng bayan.

Vinzons Hall, 25 June 2008

Support for Victims of Typhoon Frank

The University Student Council (USC) will be gathering support for the victimes of Typhoon Frank. Clothes, medicines, relief goods and financial suport will be appreciated. You may bring them to the USC Office at Vinzons Hall starting Tuesday, June 24, 2008. Please contact Nem Canete (+639153572312) or Issa Baguisi (+639277023359) for questions and your financial donations.

We hope you or your organizations can contribute in helping our fellow Filipinos. Thank you. (Please pass).

Project CHK: Renovate the Varsity Locker Rooms

In the spirit of the UP Centennial, the College of Human Kinetics is also aiming to undergo it’s first student-initiated major renovation project since the College’s construction exactly 70 years ago.

Now, why should you even care?

UAAP Season 70 is fast approaching, and we want the UP to WIN. We’re not just talking about 1 or 2 varsity teams winning the Gold, we’re talking about getting as much wins as possible. These teams simply cannot train well if only 1 of their two faucets are working with running water. These teams cannot train well knowing that they won’t be able to enjoy a decent shower after their pamatay training. These teams cannot train well knowing that they’re going to retire to a smelly and cramped locker room.

Our athletes need more than just vague ideas of service and self-sacrifice. Our athletes need a concrete reason to give back to U.P.!

This is a major and groundbreaking project on a scale that the college has never seen before. The passions and efforts of the council have already garnered the assistance of 2 BA Interior Design graduates who were part of the Kalayaan Dormitory renovation (who have agreed to lend their talents in designing the 3D Models for the new Locker Rooms).

A new and upcoming organization, Run For Change has also pledged it’s support for the project by making it the beneficiary of it’s first cause-oriented race run on June 29, 2008.

We have also gained the attention of the UP Alumni members who are in the Quezon City Hall, most notably Councilor Dorothy “Doray” Delarmente who came into the college to visit the dilapidated Varsity Locker Rooms of the college (she was so moved by what she saw that she already agreed to donate to the project).

We are gaining much ground, but we still have a long road to travel. On behalf of the UP Varsity Athletes, I am asking for any support that anyone is willing to lend us. We are looking for anyone who is willing to solicit, market, donate, give contacts, or just pledge their support on this website! Spread the word to everyone you know! Any effort, no matter how big or small, is GREATLY APPRECIATED.

If anyone is interested about the project, we are inviting them to text ME (Rep. Yupingkun) at 09063001500.

Privatization Of Power Sector, The Root Of High Power Rates

The impetus behind the current crisis is the restructuring of the sector through the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, or EPIRA, which was one of the first laws signed by President Gloria Arroyo in 2001.

Amid the flurry of accusations between private distributor Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and state-run National Power Corporation (Napocor) over unjust charges, one fact remains clear: privatization and deregulation of the power industry – distribution, transmission and generation – is at the heart of high electricity bills.

For example, consider the multitude of unjust ‘pass-on’ charges levied by Meralco on its customers. These include system losses, in which power lost through pilferage and technical problems are passed on to consumers and P500-million a year of Meralco’s own power consumption which is similarly reflected in electric bills. There is also a reported plan to pass bad debts incurred by the power distributor on to consumers.

These charges have been approved by the government Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which is tasked to regulate the rates of electricity distributors. Although blame has been placed on the ERC’s lax regulation for such excessive ‘pass-on’ rates, in truth the regulatory environment has become lenient because of deregulation of the power sector and while moving towards full privatization.

It should also be noted that although Meralco is a public utility with a congressional franchise, its essential nature is a private, profit-oriented corporation listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange. Thus, it should not be surprising that the company exploits legal loopholes to levy such unwarranted charges in order to fatten its bottom line and make its stockholders and owners happy.

The privatization of the power sector created profit opportunities for private-sector independent power producers (IPPs). In order to quickly attract investors to the sector, government had to ensure the power producers’ profitability. Thus, onerous provisions such as ‘take or pay’ (which required Napocor to buy 70% to 100% of power producers’ output) and ‘fuel cost guarantee’ (which obligated Napocor to source and pay for fuel used by IPPs) were tacked onto IPP contracts. These provisions bloated consumers’ power bills through charges such as the infamous Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA). They also contributed to Napocor’s skyrocketing debt burden.

It will be remembered that a government-mandated review of 35 IPP contracts during the Arroyo administration found that only six were “clean” or without financial or legal issues. Five were found to contain “onerous” terms that were “grossly disadvantageous to government”. However none of these contracts were cancelled, and were instead “renegotiated”.

High transmission charges have also been blamed as a factor in high power rates. But the National Transmission Corporation (Transco) is also set for privatization, and thus, needs to charge high rates in order to attract potential investors. It should also be noted that transmission charges are regulated by the ERC as well.

Open Access
The impetus behind the current crisis is the restructuring of the sector through the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, or EPIRA, which was one of the first laws signed by President Gloria Arroyo in 2001.

Before EPIRA the sector was composed of generation, transmission and distribution sectors. Napocor generated electricity on its own and bought electricity from IPPs, and transmitted this to distributors and large industrial customers through high-voltage wires. Distribution of electricity to end-consumers was done by privately-owned electric utilities, a few government-owned utilities and electric cooperatives.

Under EPIRA, the various components of the power sector are separated into generation, transmission, distribution and supply. Generation and transmission assets of Napocor would be privatized while distribution would continue to be handled by the private sector. The end goal of the sale of Napocor’s generation assets is “open access” which is government’s supposed answer to high electricity prices. “Open access” ostensibly aims to introduce competition into the industry by allowing consumers to select their supplier.

EPIRA advocates claim that competition would lower rates, particularly with a provision which states that no power generator should control more than 30% of supply in a given grid and ostensibly prevents monopolies. But the experience of the deregulation of the downstream oil industry demonstrates that such “competition” does not bring down prices. Deregulation has resulted in new players taking 12% of the market while the big three oil firms (Petron, Shell and Chevron) share the remaining 88% or an average of 29% per firm. This has not stemmed cartel-like behavior with oil industry players raising pump prices nearly simultaneously. It has also not resulted in lower prices, as pump prices of all petroleum products have raised an average of almost 580% since deregulation of the industry was implemented in 1996.

EPIRA also notably allows cross-ownership between distributors and generators. This has allowed the Lopez family to own a controlling share in Meralco while also owning IPPs. This situation has led to questions of conflicts of interest as Meralco would naturally be more inclined to buy power from its sister firms regardless of whether it is cheaper than electricity sourced from Napocor IPPs.

Reversing privatization
In the light of high costs in power rates, the reversal of privatization of the entire power sector becomes an increasingly viable answer. This entails the repeal of EPIRA law, reversal of the privatization of Napocor’s generation assets, and government control over the entire power sector – distribution, generation, transmission and supply.

Of course many would question the return of state control over the industry, particularly in light of corruption allegations against Napocor such as its alleged overbilling of customers by some P10 billion and its purchase of overpriced coal for its power plants.

However there remains no substitute for responsible state control in an industry such as the power sector whose natural monopolies will inevitably be exploited by private interests for maximum profit even at the expense of the public. And as a state-run industry, the people must have the right to subject the power sector to scrutiny and demand transparency in its operations. Effective state control remains the best solution to address high power rates– even as it is acknowledged that leaving the power industry to an administration known for allegations of corruption, unaccountability, and subservience to elite interests’ compromises achieving a pro-people power sector.

This feature also appears as a feature under IBON Foundation

What to do with chronically absent & late instructors

As the academic year begins, it is important that students are aware of their rights inside and outside the classroom. As such, it is imperative that students know the remedies available at their disposal whenever they encounter some difficulties with their instructors or professors. Hereunder are the guidelines released by the Office of the Chancellor that will allow students to report absenteeism and tardiness among the faculty:

1. Students are encouraged to call the attention of the dean concerned about faulty members who are frequently absent or tardy.
2. The dean is enjoined to act on the report of the student(s) within five (5) days and, whenever possible, to give the student(s) feedback on the action he/she has taken.
3. If after five (5) days the dean fails to act on the report, the student is advised to call the Chancellor’s hotline for this purpose.
4. Students are requested to limit their reports or complaints to the following issues:
   • faculty members who do not meet their classes regularly;
   • faculty members whor eschedule their classes permanently wihtout authorization from the Dean’s office;
   • faculty members who come to class late for more than three times, and with ‘late’ being defined as coming in later than ten minutes after the start of the official class time;
   • faculty members who are not available during the scheduled consultation hours for more than two times; and
   • faculty members who dismiss their classes too early, i.e. earlier than 15 minutes before the scheduled end, or too late, i.e., later than 15 minutes after the scheduled end.

   In making these reports, students must cite specific facts, such as the name of the faculty member, dates when he/she was absent or late, number of times that he/she was absent or late, class schedule and classroom number. This will facilitate the verification of the complaint.

5. to ensure the success of this project, the students are strongly advised not to misuse this privilege and to follow the guidelines above.

The USC’s Students’ Rights & Welfare Committee and the Students’ Legal Aid & Action Committee are also willing to extend their help to students who wish to air their complaints and grievances.

The local numbers below are accessed through UP Diliman’s trunkline at (63)-(02)-9818500.

POST-SCRIPT: Some of the contact details, taken from http://www.upd.edu.ph/tardy.htm are apparently outdated

UNIT	HOTLINE	EMAIL	CONTACT PERSON
Architecture	5161, 5135	uparchi@arki.upd.edu.ph	Minda Maraan, Grace Razon
Arts & Letters	6736	jwcapili@cal.upd.edu.ph mitaka@mailexcite.com	Jose Wendell Capili Aurora Carandang
Asian Center	9261821/5243 9203535/5143	armando_jr.malay@up.edu.ph normita.recto@up.edu.ph	Armando Malay Normita Recto
AIT	9269477	upait@compass.com.ph	Asuncion Laraya
Business Ad	9297991	elvira.zamora@up.edu.ph	Elvira Zamora Ida Patimo
Education	6432	rcsoria@ced.upd.edu.ph	Robinson Soria
Engineering	4343641 9283144 5620	ega@engg.upd.edu.ph jonat@engg.upd.edu.ph	Edgardo Atanacio Jonathan Salvacion
Economics	9205461	rdanao@econ.upd.edu.ph	Rolando Danao
Fine Arts	4348218, 7024	esilarde@cfa.upd.edu.ph	Elvie Silarde
Home Economics	9202091, 6063 6942, 6972, 9261552, 9202089, 6925, 6973	chedean@che.upd.edu.ph ocs@che.upd.edu.ph heed@che.upd.edu.ph hrim@che.upd.edu.ph flcd@che.upd.edu.ph fsn@che.upd.edu.h ctra@che.upd.edu.ph	Cristina Flor Galvez Carolyn ronquillo Elsa Orlina Lourdes Catral Liza Redoble Mialgros Querubin
Human Kinetics	4381, 4276, 4554, 4837, 4555, 4937	gluy@chk.upd.edu.ph mdraguilar@netscape.net binkyqd@chk.upd.edu.ph	Gilda L. Uy Mynett Aguilar Marie Eloisa Ulanday Artemio Isidro
Islamic Studies	5556	jwadi@islamic.upd.edu.ph neng@islamic.upd.edu.ph	Julkipli Wadi Cristina Carden
Law	5545		Patricia Daway
Library Science	6751	jcc@ils.upd.edu.ph	Josefina Cervas
SOLAIR	4213, 9286396	didi.agustin@upd.edu.ph nicolas.barriatos@solair.upd.edu.ph	Lourdes Agustin Nicolas Barriatos
Mass Comm	4150, 4459	ejp@upd.edu.ph violeta.umali@up.edu.ph	Ellen J. Paglinauan Violeta Umali
Music	4053, 9296963	mauricia.borromeo@up.edu.ph gemma.malicden@up.edu.ph	Mauricia Borromeo Gemma Malicden
Science	7174, 7400	csdean@csrc.cs.upd.edu.ph cssec@csrc.cs.upd.edu.ph	Rhodora Azanza Maritina Castillo
NCPAG	9261432, 9279085	ncpag@broline.com ednaco@cpa.upd.edu.ph	Edna Co
CSSP	6810	dekano@kssp.upd.edu.ph	Elizabeth R. Ventura
CSWCD	9298438, 5278	natividad.caparros@up.edu.ph	Natividad T. Caparros
Statistics	9280881	emma@stat.upd.edu.ph	Emma Dublin
SURP	9206854	luzviminda.rivera@up.edu.ph mary_ann.esporas@up.edu.ph	Luzviminda C. Rivera Mary Ann. P. Esporas
UPEPSF	9292009 (Diliman) 045-5992794 (San Fernando)		Rolando Garcia
ASP	9241836, 5270308	eusebio@skyinet.net	Eusebio Dizon
TMC	4262765	hsv@cba.upd.edu.ph hsv@upd.edu.ph tmcjep@info.com.ph	Helen S. Valderrama Ellen C. Cruz
Office of the Chancellor	9266942, 4003, 4902	daki@upd.edu.ph lulay@upd.edu.ph	Dakila A. Fernando Stella A. Francisco

Stray World War II Bombs in the National Science Complex

Dean Ceasar Saloma released a Memorandum last June 10, 2008 regarding the stray bombs found in the national science complex. Quoting from the memorandum,

“Everyone is advised to use only existing roads and established pathways inside the National Science Complex. Please do not venture into various construction sites without securing prior authorization and guidance from proper authorities.”

The NSC contractors were able to dig up more than thirty (30) stray WWII bombs already during the course of their work. This area is where future buildings of the Institute of Chemistry-Teaching Wing and the National Institute of Physics will be located. The bombs found were actually buried for just about a meter deep or less below the ground.

“Vice-Chancelor Grace Gregorio has already sought the technical assistance of the PNP on the matter. The retrieved bombs were turned over to the UP Diliman Police Force and then brought to the PNP Explosives Ordinance Division in Camp Karingal,” says Dean Saloma.

‘Sangdaan Tungong Vinzons: The Vinzons UPgrade Launch

Dear Isko/ Iska,

Greetings!

You are cordially invited to ‘Sangdaan Tungong Vinzons: The Vinzons UPgrade Launch on 18 June 2008, 10:00 AM at the Vinzons Hall Front Lawn.

We hope that you can be a part of this groundbreaking centennial event. See you there!

In service,
UPD University Student Council Vinzons Hall Committee

For questions/ concerns, please contact Joseph Gutierrez at 0917-8247893

On the eviction of Yakal-based tambayans

On June 4, 2008, Wednesday, the University Student Council (USC) held a meeting with the representatives of the student organizations with Yakal-based tambayans. According to the representatives, they were informed by the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs Elizabeth Enriquez through Office of Student Housing Director Ruby Alcantara that the organizations have no right to have their tambayans at the Yakal complex. According to them, Enriquez also said that the complex is no place for College of Engineering student organizations.

In a meeting with Dr. Alcantara last summer, some of the representatives who attended were told that they should leave the complex on or before May 31. The reps contended, however, that there had been verbal agreements between their org alumni and the Yakal administration that they can stay at the complex (though at the present meeting, the time frame was not specified). Still, as Dr. Alcantara added, no document can support their claim because the MOA (Memoradum of Agreement) is missing. Understanding their situation, the representatives now fear that their organizations might be forced to vacate the area anytime.

The USC and the Yakal-based organization now plan to conduct further investigations regarding the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Furthermore, a statement of unity will be drafted, asserting to the OVCSA (Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs) and the OSH (Office of Student Housing) that these organizations be retained and that a new MOA be drafted to ensure the security of their tambayans. A dialogue with Dr. Alcantara and Dr. Enriquez has been planned in the coming weeks. The Students Rights and Welfare Committee (STRAW) and the Committee on Dorms, Organizations, Fraternities and Sororities (DOFS) will also conduct a comprehensive study on the status of more than 200 student organizations and their tambayans.

Affected organizations are as follows: UP KAISA, PSME-UPSU, UP MSS, UP ALCHEMES, UP CVSF, UP SME, UP Subol, UP Navigators, UP Kapianan.