Here's a recap of the things you might have missed last September:
POE EYES PRESIDENCY DESPITE CITIZENSHIP ISSUES
In spite of the issues questioning her Philippine citizenship, Senator Grace Poe officially announced her candidacy for 2016 presidential elections on September 16 at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
“Ako po si Grace Poe. Pilipino. Anak, asawa, at ina, at sa tulongng Mahal na Diyos ay inaalay ko sainyong lahat ang aking sarili sa mas mataas na paninilbihan bilang inyong Pangulo.” She stated.
The speculations began when Atty. Rizalto David filed a case against Senator Grace Poe claiming that the senator failed to complete the two-year residency requirement for senatorial candidates. However, Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio stated that the Senator can be considered a Filipino under international customary law but only as a naturalized citizen and not as a natural-born citizen.
This issue regarding Senator Grace Poe’s eligibility to run for presidency is still being examined.
Source: http://opinion.inquirer.net/85819/grace-poes-citizenship
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537162/news/nation/grace-poe-s-speech-announcing-her-presidential-bid-in-2016
“Ako po si Grace Poe. Pilipino. Anak, asawa, at ina, at sa tulongng Mahal na Diyos ay inaalay ko sainyong lahat ang aking sarili sa mas mataas na paninilbihan bilang inyong Pangulo.” She stated.
The speculations began when Atty. Rizalto David filed a case against Senator Grace Poe claiming that the senator failed to complete the two-year residency requirement for senatorial candidates. However, Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio stated that the Senator can be considered a Filipino under international customary law but only as a naturalized citizen and not as a natural-born citizen.
This issue regarding Senator Grace Poe’s eligibility to run for presidency is still being examined.
Source: http://opinion.inquirer.net/85819/grace-poes-citizenship
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537162/news/nation/grace-poe-s-speech-announcing-her-presidential-bid-in-2016
MMDA CHIEF TOLENTINO MISSES TV APPEARANCE CAUSED BY HEAVY TRAFFIC
MMDA Chief Tolentino experienced the effect of traffic by missing his scheduled TV appearance last September 10.
The MMDA chair was supposed to be a guest in an 8:00 o’clock morning show, ANC’s “Headstart” hosted by Karen Davila, to talk about his views for running on the upcoming 2016 senatorial elections when he got stuck at EDSA because of the traffic.
Tolentino contacted Davila to tell that he is “already” in front of Camp Aguinaldo, that he might still make it. However, the TV show decided to have a telephone interview instead to keep up the program. At the end of the show, Davila said that she hopes that the chairman could make it next time.
Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/720888/mmda-chief-tolentino-stuck-in-traffic-misses-tv-appearance
The MMDA chair was supposed to be a guest in an 8:00 o’clock morning show, ANC’s “Headstart” hosted by Karen Davila, to talk about his views for running on the upcoming 2016 senatorial elections when he got stuck at EDSA because of the traffic.
Tolentino contacted Davila to tell that he is “already” in front of Camp Aguinaldo, that he might still make it. However, the TV show decided to have a telephone interview instead to keep up the program. At the end of the show, Davila said that she hopes that the chairman could make it next time.
Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/720888/mmda-chief-tolentino-stuck-in-traffic-misses-tv-appearance
UNITED STATES WELCOMES POPE FRANCIS
Last September 22, Pope Francis visited the United States for the World Meeting of the Families in Philadelphia, but before that, he decided to make stops in Cuba, Washington D.C., and New York. Thousands of people attended the parade during his visitation and the Pope blessed some children during the event. He also visited a prison and shook hands with the inmates without hurrying. His visit targeted some issues in politics and the Catholic rally but his main reason is his missionary visitation. During the mass held in Philadelphia, he addressed the issue of the Catholic Church’s sex abuse scandals and told the people that “God Weeps” regarding this. He also met five people privately who were sexually abused as minors.
The pope spent six days in the U.S. and went back to Rome afterwards.
Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/notes/all/2015/09/pope-francis-visit-to-the-us/404983/
The pope spent six days in the U.S. and went back to Rome afterwards.
Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/notes/all/2015/09/pope-francis-visit-to-the-us/404983/
UZBEKISTAN BANS TEACHING OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
In 2010, universities across Uzbekistan stopped admitting students to political science majors. The latest decision by the Uzbekistan government of banning the teaching of political science eliminates all taught political science courses. Officials have explained the decision by stating that it does not follow the scientific method, that it is based exclusively on Western publications and that the "Uzbek model" of development is not taken into account. A standard college course that used to be called "Political Science: the Theory and Practice of Building a Democratic Society in Uzbekistan" has been renamed by dropping the first two words from the title. A dozen political scientists working in Uzbekistan have written an open letter asking the government to reverse the decision. Uzbekistan is a presidential constitutional republic that has been ruled by the same government for the past 25 years.
Source:https://meduza.io/en/news/2015/09/01/uzbekistan-bans-political-science
Source:https://meduza.io/en/news/2015/09/01/uzbekistan-bans-political-science
DE LIMA BIDS DOJ FAREWELL IN ANNIVERSARY SPEECH
During the Department of Justice's 118th founding anniversary, a teary-eyed Justice Secretary Leila De Lima bids farewell to DOJ employees and admits to having failed to accomplish her mission which is "to give complete justice for all" during her five-year stint as Justice Secretary. She, however, said that her successor must finish the mission that she will leave behind. She summarized her achievements into three points: good governance in the system, improving the investigation and prosecution, and a stable legal framework. In the latest Social Weather Stations pre-election senatorial survey, she ranked 7th scoring 33 points. Despite rumors of her aiming for a senatorial candidacy, no confirmations have been made. Yet, her decision to resign gave way to people talking about the possibility of seeing her in the 2016 senatorial line-up under the Liberal Party. As for her replacement as DOJ secretary, refusing to give names of possible candidates, she said that she had already endorsed one to President Benigno Aquino III.
Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/538132/news/nation/de-lima-bids-doj-goodbye-in-founding-anniversary-speech
Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/538132/news/nation/de-lima-bids-doj-goodbye-in-founding-anniversary-speech
JAPAN REVIVES ITS MILITARY POWER
Last September, Japan has taken a giant leap and is now geared towards the expansion of its military role. Backed by Shinzo Abe and his cabinet, the collective defence bill has already passed the lower house last July and has already passed the upper house as well last September 18. With the collective defence bill, it allows Japan to use its military might overseas under three conditions: 1) when Japan is attacked, or when a close ally is attacked, and the result threatens Japan's survival and poses a clear danger to people; 2) when there is no other appropriate means available to repel the attack and ensure Japan's survival and protect its people; and lastly 3) when use of force is restricted to a necessary minimum. This move by Abe and his cabinet has gained the approval both of the United States and the United Kingdom. On the other hand, it is highly criticized not just by the citizens of Japan but also other Asian countries such as China and South Korea.
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34287362
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34275968
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34287362
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34275968
RUSSIA READY TO STRIKE ONCE APPROVED BY UN
RUSSIA READY TO STRIKE ONCE APPROVED BY UN
During the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, both Presidents Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama met on the sidelines to talk about the alarming issue regarding the Syria conflict. Putin says that they are ready to air strike against Islamic States (IS) if the UN approves their suggestion. As Putin said, it is a mistake if they would not work with the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in quelling the terror brought by the IS in Syria.
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34387433
During the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, both Presidents Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama met on the sidelines to talk about the alarming issue regarding the Syria conflict. Putin says that they are ready to air strike against Islamic States (IS) if the UN approves their suggestion. As Putin said, it is a mistake if they would not work with the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in quelling the terror brought by the IS in Syria.
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34387433
ISLAMOPHOBIC SCHOOL EARNS CRITICS
Muslim teenage high school student Ahmed Mohamed, got arrested by bringing a homemade clock to school to impress his teacher. Apparently his teacher mistook it for a bomb which alarmed him to call the police and arrest Ahmed. Ahmed spent roughly a day in prison being questioned by the police on why he made a hoax bomb. He eventually proved his innocence and got out. This issue gave a big pang over social media regarding islamophobia which in return got Ahmed the hearts of the people, and through this issue, he opened awareness and advocacies fighting stereotyping and discrimination.
Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/16/us/texas-student-ahmed-muslim-clock-bomb/
Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/16/us/texas-student-ahmed-muslim-clock-bomb/
STAMPEDE KILLS MORE THAN 700 MECCAN PILGRIMS
During the first day of the celebration of the Eidh’l Adha, over 800 people injured, 717 killed, and plenty more who are in a critical state due to the stampede caused by pilgrims during the pilgrimage in Hajj. Undisciplined, fatigue pilgrims were the sole cause of the stampede which killed and injured thousands of pilgrims.The tragedy is second to hit the kingdom in a fortnight, after the collapse of a construction crane at Mecca’s grand mosque which killed more than 100 people days before the Hajj pilgrimage began.
Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/24/middleeast/stampede-hajj-pilgrimage/
Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/24/middleeast/stampede-hajj-pilgrimage/
EU LEADERS CALL FOR EMERGENCY SUMMIT DUE TO GROWING REFUGEE CRISIS
The large influx of mainly Syrian, Afghanistan, and Eritrean refugees headed towards Europe to seek shelter is literally a problem knocking on the doors of EU countries. Almost 500,000 refugees had fled their war-stricken homes and hoped to seek shelter in neighboring European countries. Surprisingly, the majority vote to take in refugees was passed although it was met by harsh criticism from mostly Eastern European countries like Hungary who referred to this as a 'violation of their sovereignty'. This dilemma has led to an emergency refugee summit that took place in Brussels in order to discuss a unified consensus to EU's 'biggest' refugee crisis to date, despite a fragmented European leadership.
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/21/we-must-act-together-on-refugees-says-merkel-as-eu-prepares-for-crisis-summi
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/21/we-must-act-together-on-refugees-says-merkel-as-eu-prepares-for-crisis-summi
CHR ON LUMAD KILLINGS: 'UNACCEPTABLE, DEPLORABLE’
On September 22, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement that said: “Military occupation of civilian institutions and killing of civilians […] are unacceptable, deplorable and contrary to international human rights and international humanitarian standards." This is a response to the killings of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao or the Lumad, allegedly, by the military and an anti-communist paramilitary group called the Alamara. Aside from the murders particularly in Mendis, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, and Northern Mindanao, human rights groups also reported issues of "harassment, vilification and indiscriminate firing" over "tribal conflict", thus, displacing the Lumad from their territories.
Source: http://www.rappler.com/nation/105758-ph-army-lumad-killings-tribal-conflict
http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/106848-lumad-killings-philippines-indigenous-peoples-united-nations-experts-unacceptable-deplorable
Source: http://www.rappler.com/nation/105758-ph-army-lumad-killings-tribal-conflict
http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/106848-lumad-killings-philippines-indigenous-peoples-united-nations-experts-unacceptable-deplorable
STUDENTS ROAST VP BINAY AT UPLB FORUM
Iskos and Iskas from the University of the Philippines-Los Banos interrogated Vice President Jejomar Binay on a Forum on Governance, Transparency and Social Transformation last September 15. A part of the said forum was a question-and-answer session wherein students were given time to cross-examine Binay and such event started the turmoil. Consequently, students expressed their hatred and resentment at Binay’s equivocal answers through social media sites by using the hashtag #BinayBwisitsUPLB.
Source: http://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/105991-binaybwisitsuplb-trending-twitter-binay-uplb
Source: http://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/105991-binaybwisitsuplb-trending-twitter-binay-uplb
PNOY’S FINAL VERDICT: SAF KILLED MARWAN
President Benigno Aquino III confirmed on September 15 that there is no uncertainty that the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) killed Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan in the January 25 operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Aquino’s basis was the photos displaying SAF troopers cutting the finger of Marwan inside his house. Aquino also made a firm stand that Marwan’s aides did not kill him and that there is no substantial basis for such claim.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/17/15/pnoy-saf-killed-marwan
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/17/15/pnoy-saf-killed-marwan
IMMIGRATION CRISIS IN EUROPE CONTINUE
Last year, people from Syria and its neighboring countries started to migrate in Europe because of the war that the Isis caused. During this year, it gradually increased that even European countries are unable to accommodate the large number of people migrating, some enter the territory illegally. There are a lot of Syrian refugees who spend their night sleeping in the streets to cross the borderline and be migrated. This brought bigger problems for Europe aside from their economic downfall. They are starting to take precautions since war might trigger in the borderlines.
On the other hand, the European government is trying their best to solve this crisis and at the same time, save the lives of the people trapped in the war with hospitality and accommodation.
Source: http://www.voanews.com/media/photogallery/europe-migrant-crisis-september-24-2015/2976942.html
On the other hand, the European government is trying their best to solve this crisis and at the same time, save the lives of the people trapped in the war with hospitality and accommodation.
Source: http://www.voanews.com/media/photogallery/europe-migrant-crisis-september-24-2015/2976942.html
TPSF HOLDS CAREER ORIENTATION SEMINAR
The Political Science Forum had once again shown their camaraderie and concept of family as they held their General Assemblylast September 11, 2015 at the Benavides Auditorium with the theme,“Political Science beyond Supremacy and Towards Transcendence”.
The said event also included a career orientation seminar to discuss among TPSF students the possible tracks that a political science graduate can pursue. The talk was facilitated by Prof. Eric Daniel C. de Torres, a TPSF alumnus, now a professor at University of the East - Manila.
The seminarwas also an avenue for the Forum to formally induct the Executive Board 2015-2016 through an oath taking led by the president Neil Kirby L. Ada. It was followed by the Committee reports which briefed the Forum on the different projects and programs for the academic year.
The program ended with inspiring remarks from the professors, Asst. Prof. Edmund Tayao, Atty. Rigor Pascual, and Dr. Dennis Coronacion.
The said event also included a career orientation seminar to discuss among TPSF students the possible tracks that a political science graduate can pursue. The talk was facilitated by Prof. Eric Daniel C. de Torres, a TPSF alumnus, now a professor at University of the East - Manila.
The seminarwas also an avenue for the Forum to formally induct the Executive Board 2015-2016 through an oath taking led by the president Neil Kirby L. Ada. It was followed by the Committee reports which briefed the Forum on the different projects and programs for the academic year.
The program ended with inspiring remarks from the professors, Asst. Prof. Edmund Tayao, Atty. Rigor Pascual, and Dr. Dennis Coronacion.
TPSF READY TO “TAKE A VAW
Another TPSF project pushed through with the efforts of the Visual Arts Committee last September 26, entitled “Take A VAW: A Visual Arts Workshop”, which was held in room 403at the Tan Yan Kee Bldg. It ran for the whole day consisting of two sessions. The workshop on the basics of photoshop was held from 9am-12nn and the afternoon session from1pm-4pm was dedicated for photography. The workshop on the basics of photoshop and graphic designing was conducted by Ms. Jamie Superable, a Lasallian Ambassadress while the basics of photography was instructed by Mr. RennellSalumbre, a photographer and TPSF alumnus. Both of which required the participant to bring their own devices as the workshops were done through hands-on activities and actual tutorial.
TPSF BRINGS GAZA STRIP ISSUE UPFRONT
Last September 30, The Political Science Forum held a seminar entitled “Conflict Resolution: Gaza Strip,” to tackle the on-going Gaza Strip conflict between Israel and Palestine at the Engineering Conference Hall. Asst. Prof. Alfredo Sureta of the University of Makati discussed that territory expansion for resources can be a cause of conflict – as shown in the case of Gaza dispute. Sureta highlighted that the geography of a certain area can set fire to interests for other groups in bringing disagreements and claims. A group will strike the other once the former gets an opportunity to develop its nation with the use of the latter’s geography. As Chair of the Department of Political Science, Asst. Prof. Dennis C. Coronacion, Ph.D. delivered his closing remarks saying that the topic raised on Gaza Strip is a complex matter in the sense that conflict resolution is a multi-dimensional field. Its multi-dimensional character includes the aspect of religion, diplomacy, foreign affairs, and to the greater extent, of politics itself.
SANTOS AND APOSTOL HAILED AS 1ST YEAR REPS TO THE TPSF POLICY BOARD
The TPSF Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducted the Miting de Avance for the candidates of this academic year’s Special Elections of First Year Representatives to the Policy Board, on September 15 in Rooms 101 and 103 at the St. Raymund de Peñafort building. This was followed by the election proper the next day.The first year students who ran for candidacy are JecaPacis (1POL1), Francis Gabriel Santos (1POL2) and Yvonne XyzaApostol (1POL3).Santos placed first having 66.41% of total votes from the freshmen while Apostol placed 2nd with 41.22% of votes.
TPSF RELEASES FIRST POLSCI MONEY WATCH
The Political Science Forum‘s Committee on Audit released two official statements of accounts which showed the breakdown of expense of the forum for every seminar or project achieved. The committee’s project, the PolSci Money Watch, aims to beat apathy through transparency.
The first statement reviewed the expense during the UST Freshmen Week and TPSF Welcoming Day. The fund used for whole duration of the Freshmen Week totaled to 3,383.25 PHP and was outsourced from the TPSF fund. This covered for the food expense, office supplies, promotions and other materials.
The other event subjected to public scrutiny was theCareer Orientation Seminar of TPSF held last September 11 at the Benavides Auditorium. It declared an overall total expense of PHP 15,231.00 which was gotten from the Student Activity Fund (SAF). PHP 8,000 of which were spent for the venue and equipment rentals. PHP 5,800.00 was spent for the food given at the end of the event.The remaining fund covered for the office supplies, transportation, documentation, token and honorarium for guest speaker Prof. Eric Daniel De Torres.
The first statement reviewed the expense during the UST Freshmen Week and TPSF Welcoming Day. The fund used for whole duration of the Freshmen Week totaled to 3,383.25 PHP and was outsourced from the TPSF fund. This covered for the food expense, office supplies, promotions and other materials.
The other event subjected to public scrutiny was theCareer Orientation Seminar of TPSF held last September 11 at the Benavides Auditorium. It declared an overall total expense of PHP 15,231.00 which was gotten from the Student Activity Fund (SAF). PHP 8,000 of which were spent for the venue and equipment rentals. PHP 5,800.00 was spent for the food given at the end of the event.The remaining fund covered for the office supplies, transportation, documentation, token and honorarium for guest speaker Prof. Eric Daniel De Torres.
4 TPSF REPRESENTATIVES JOIN HIMIGSIKAN 2015
The Faculty of Arts and Letters’ Himigsikan continues AB traditions in celebrating Filipino music for the Buwan ng Wika.With this year’s theme “Ito angAtingHenerasyon”, contestants sang both old and new pre-selected songs.The singing contest held last September 4 at the Education Playgrounds consisted of 3 categories: solo, duet and band. TPSF members qualify for the contest’s championship round including Jayne Kathlyn Abad and Lorena Tupas, both from 4POL1, who competed for the solo category, and 4POL3’s Eunice Trinidad and Noah Villanueva paired up for the duet category.ChiefSir, last year’s Himigsikan champion for Band category and TPSF pride, also went up the stage to perform. Jessa Buensalida of Behavioral Science won in the solo garnering 84.66 points. TPSF’s Noah Villanueva and Eunice Trinidad won in the duet category with their 91.3 points.The Krispy Krewe from the Legal Management won for the band category having 83.6 points.
UST COMELEC LAUNCHES AKTIBOTO
AKTIBOTO (AktibongBotong Pilipino), the student-initiated voter education program for the 2016 national elections, was formally launched last September 16, 2015 at the Plaza Mayor, encouraging Thomasians to be informed and responsible voters. The launching was divided into two parts. The Election Forum was held in the afternoonat the UST High School Benavides Auditorium, wherein several speakers were invited, including Asst. Prof. Dennis Coronacion, Ph.D. who talked about the significant matters related to elections such as the importance of voting, the process of voters registration, and issues during elections. Moreover, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Alumni Association, The Varsitarian, UST Education and Technology Department, UST Social Media Bureau, UST Central Comelec, and College of Education Student Council officially signed the memorandum of understanding on the same day.
SENIOR STUDENTS HOLD SEMINAR ON PH TAKING PART IN UN SDG
The students from 4 Political Science 3 conducted a seminar entitled “From MDG to SDG: The Status of UN Millennium Development Goals in the Philippines and the Introduction of Sustainable Development Goals” last September 21, 2015 at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC) Auditorium. Invited speakers were Assistant Director Myrna Clara Asuncion of the National Economic and Development Authority and Mr. Kritzman Caballero of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces, Office of the President.
