Volume 2, Issue No. 2 of 2015

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

1Ang Magdalo

SM Joins Trillanes’ Call to Suspend K-12

it is an “additional burden for our already grossly underpaid teachers.” Some said that, “Even most of the parents are not aware of the details of this program, including the financial burden it would bring them,” In the consultation of Samahang Magdalo with its chapters in the provinces one of the noted reaction is the government’s failure to secure the tenure of college teachers and non-teaching staff who are at risk of losing their jobs. It is noted that there will be a dramatic decline in the number of college enrolees by academic year 2016-2017 as a result of K-12. At least 56,771 college

Ang Magdalo

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Pangasinan Provincial HQ

Isang magandang pagtitipon ang naganap noong May 16, 2015 sa Carmen West, Rosales, Pangasinan. Pagkatapos ng pagplano at pag-gawa ng SM Provincial Headquarters, sa tulong ni Governor Amado Espino, na umabot ng isang taon at kalahati ay nagkaroon ng blessing para dito. Dumalo sila Governor Espino, Vice Governor Calimlim at ang representatives ng SM National Headquarters na sila Rajah Norberto Santiago Jr. at Vice President para sa SM International, Segundino P. Orfiano. Kabilang din sa mga pumunta ang lahat ng Sangguniang Bayan Members ng Rosales, at ang lahat ng members ng Pangasinan Chapter.Nagsimula ang blessing, na naging bukas sa publiko, ng 4pm at natapos ito ng 7pm. Nagpahayag ng mensahe ang Representatives ng government ng Pangasinan at ng SM National Headquarters. Nagkaroon sila ng kaunting programa, na nagtapos nang magsimula ang salo-salo.Ikinagagalak ng mga members ng Pangasinan ang pagtayo ng Provincial Headquarters sa kanilang lugar. Mas marami na ang makakapagtipon na members at mas mabilis na malalapitan ang SM. Dahil dito ay higit na lumawak ang maabot ng samahan na mga tao na may kagustuhang makabilang dito. Ang Samahang Magdalo ay bukas para sa kahit sinong may pagnanais na tumulong o gumawa ng marangal at makakabuti para sa kapwa niya at sa bansa..

due to inadequate preparation of the country’s educational system for the implementation of the new education program.Trillanes, voted against Republic Act 10533 (K to 12 Law) during the deliberations running up to the passage of the law. Instead of calling the program K to 12, the senator opts to call it “K minus 12 program.”In that rally, Trillanes explained that “At this point it is more appropriate to call this the K minus 12 program because of the problems besetting the program: 1) inadequate resources, 2) inadequate tools, 3) inadequate classrooms, 4) inadequate teachers, 5) inadequate preparation and planning, 6) inadequate time to prepare for its implementation, 7) inadequate information dissemination among its stakeholders, 8) inadequate consultations among affected sectors, 9) inadequate coordination between the government and private sectors, 10) inadequate opportunities for those who will graduate from the program, 11) inadequate capacity of parents to send children for additional 2 years in highschool, and 12) inadequate heart,” Samahang Magdalo members generally detest the program because

A rally was held early in the afternoon on May 9, 2015. The chant, “Suspend! Suspend! suspend K-12!” sent echoes and ripples to Malacañang when various chapters of Samahang Magdalo in the National Capital Region (NCR) joined Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila City.Prior to that rally, Sen. Trillanes IV headed a coalition composed of groups seeking to convince the government to shelve the K to 12 program. Rajah Norberto E. Santiago Jr., National President of Samahang Magdalo extended the necessary mass support by mobilizing the organization. The mobilization was spearheaded by Gat Filmore Rull, the Samahang Magdalo Vice President for National Capital Region.Under the K to 12 Program, two more years, referred to as Senior high school, will be added to the current education system. The new system covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education: six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School.During Senior High School, students are expected to specialize on the areas or career tracks they want to pursue, which include: Academic; Technical-Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and Arts. The Academic track includes three strands: Business, Accountancy, Management (BAM); Humanities, Education, Social Sciences (HESS); and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM).Early on, the Council of Teachers and Staff of Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (COTESCUP), along with faculty, non-teaching staff, parents, labor unions and faculty associations, called for the suspension of the K to 12 program,

2

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

Nais kong magpasalamat sa lahat ng ating mga kasama sa Samahang Magdalo na nakibahagi sa ating pagtitipon noong Mayo 9, sa Liwasang Bonifacio, upang ipaabot sa ating pamahalaan, lalo na sa ating Pangulong Aquino at mga mahistrado sa Korte Suprema, ang ating pagtutol sa pagpapatupad ng K to 12 Program.Isang tagumpay na maituturing ang nasabing pagtitipon kung saan kasama nating lumahok ang iba’t ibang sektor ng ating bansa upang ihayag ang kanilang saloobin ukol sa isyung ito. Kasama na dito ang mga guro, magulang, estudyante, at mga unyon-manggagawa na naniniwalang walang matibay na basehan na ang programa ay magtataas ng antas ng edukasyon sa bansa.Tayo ho ay nabigyan ng pagkakataon na makapag-ikot sa iba’t-ibang paaralan sa bansa, at nasaksihan natin ang nakapanlulumong kalagayan ng mga paaralan at mga estudyante dito. May pagkakataon pang nakita natin na ilan sa mga mag-aaral ay literal na nagka-klase sa ilalim ng puno. Paano na lang kung tuluyan nang pinapatupad ang K to 12 Program kung saan walang magtatapos na high school at madadagdagan pa ang mga mag-aaral? Saan na natin sila ilalagay upang makapag-klase? Kung pili lamang ang mga paaralan na mag-aalok ng senior high school, paano na ang mga nasa probinsiya kung saan ngayon pa lang ay kilo-kilometro na ang nilalakad o bina-byahe ng mga estudyante para lamang makapasok sa paaralan? Paano na ang mga magulang na ngayon pa lamang ay naghihikahos na para lang mapagtapos sa pag-aaral ang kanilang mga anak? Sinasabi nila na maari nang makapagtrabaho ang mga graduate ng senior high school. Kung ngayon pa lang ay libo-libong college graduates ang ‘di makahanap ng trabaho, ano ang kasiguraduhan na mas pipiliin ng mga kumpanya ang mga senior high school graduates kaysa sa mga college graduates? Kung

D I W A niL A K A N

Senator ANTONIO F. TRILLANES IV

documents from Camp Abubakar, it was clear that independence is the ultimate objective of the MILF and I believe it stands until now. That is why, the issue of Peace Process is very sensitive to me because it is the ordinary soldiers and ordinary Filipinos who suffer in this long drawn war in Mindanao. Pilipino laban sa Pilipino. It is therefore our advocacy in Magdalo to find solutions for a lasting peace in Mindanao.I had witnessed as well the miserable lives of both our brother Muslims and Christians in areas where I was assigned. Definitely, I agree that the national government should do more in providing basic social services and needed infrastructures to spur development in the Bangsamoro. However, I very well knew that funds had been made available to all LGUs in the form of Internal Revenue Allotments and National Agencies have allocated portion of their budgets to Bangsamoro. On the other hand, masasabi ko rin na di naman talaga ganoon kahirap ang Bangsamoro dahil sa areas na ako ay nadestino lahat ng latest model ng magagarang sasakyan ay iyong makikita, naglalakihang mansion sa ilang lugar ay hindi pwedeng hindi mapansin. I often heard the phrase “the Bangsamoro people suffered historical injustices and oppression” which led me to ask “Who is oppressing who?”Sa aking tingin, kung may malaking pagkukulang ang ating pamahalaan sa Bangsamoro iyon ay ang pagpapanagot ng mga responsible public officials in Bangsamoro in carrying out their mandates most especially in handling resources given them. Ayon sa mga nakasalamuha kong ordinaryong Bangsamoro, sila ay nagnanais lamang ng isang mapayapang buhay, may trabaho at may pagkain para sa pamilya, mapagamot ang kanilang may sakit at mapa-aral ang kanilang mga anak. Ni minsan hindi ko narinig sa kanila na ang solusyon sa lahat ng ito ay kaguluhan o humiwalay man sa bansang Pilipinas.Based on these experiences, I have concluded that the major factor that led to what Mindanao now is and for that matter, the whole country, are clear, inclusive, sustainable and responsive policies. That is what I felt was lacking at that time when I was in the frontline aggravated by patronage politics na kung saan ang gobyerno mismo ang nagpapalago sa mga private armed groups ng iilang politico sa Mindanao. (With due respect and without offence to my colleagues from Mindanao). Ang nasaksihan ho natin na Maguindanao massacre in 2009 ay nagpapatunay nito. Ang mga Ampatuan ay isa lamang sa marami sa Mindanao na lingid sa kaalaman ng mga nakakarami. Whatever policy solutions the government provides for the policy

kalidad ng edukasyon ang problema, bakit dagdag na dalawang taon ang nakikita nilang solusyon? Hindi ba’t kakulangan sa classroom, libro, guro at maayos na pasilidad ang dapat nating punan bilang solusyon sa problema? Ito ang ilan sa mga problemang nakikita natin na siya ring saloobin ng marami sa ating mga kasama noong pagtitipon noong Mayo 9.Nawa ay marami pa sa ating mga kababayan ang makakita sa mga ganitong problema at makiisa sa ating panawagan upang tuluyan nang mapaabot ng ating pamahalaan ang delubyong aabutin ng ating bansa sa darating na taon.Noong Mayo 6, kasama sina Congressman Gary Alejano at Congressman Francis Ashley Acedillo, tayo ay naghain sa Korte Suprema ng petisyon upang ipasuspinde ang pagpapatupad ng K to 12 Program. Ako ay tiwala na ang ating pagkilos noong Mayo 9 ay nakatulong upang mapaabot sa kinauukulan na marami ang tutol sa programang ito, at kung kinakailangan, tayo ay magtitipon muli, mas marami at mas nagkakaisa, upang ipatigil ang K to 12 Program..

Salamat sa Pagkakaisa

For My Distinguished Colleagues in Congress..

Gary Alejano continuation on page 3....

Senator Antonio F. Trillanes

Ang MagdaloPahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

Ang Magdalo is a quarterly publication of Samahang Magdalo, Inc.

You may wish to visit the following websites to know more about our group, its activities and advocacies:

http://www.trillanes.com.phhttp://www.magdalo.orghttp://www.samahangmagdalo.org

We also accept donations for disaster relief operations. Please contact us through our email samahangmagdalo@gmail.com on how you can help.

I am on my first term as a representative of the Magdalo Para sa Pilipino Partylist of the sectors of the retired and former members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, urban poor and the youth. I am a member of the Adhoc Committee on BBL, Peace, Unity and Reconciliation Committee and of the Committee on National Defense and Security.I was detained for seven years for rising up against the previous administration out of our frustrations in the policies it implemented in Mindanao. Before that, I served in the Philippine Marine Corps as a Captain and spent most of my tours of duty in Bangsamoro areas like Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan and Sulu. I had witnessed the events leading to and after the signing of the 1996 GPH-MNLF Final Peace Agreement. I was also a witness to the integration of the MNLF fighters to the ranks of the AFP and in fact had conducted combat operations together with some of them. I was wounded in action during the all out war campaign of President Estrada against MILF in the year 2000 in Matanog Maguindanao, the gateway to Camp Abubakar. I lost some of my men and several of them were wounded as well. Based on recovered

AlejanoON THE GO!

Representative GARY C. ALEJANOMagdalo Partylist

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

3

problems in Mindanao such as this HB 5811 we are discussing now have long term implications on the lives of all people in Mindanao. Aaminin ko na sa aming pagkadismaya sa mga tingin naming palpak na polisiya sa Mindanao naitanong naming “ano ba ang ginagawa ng ating policy makers? alam ba nila ano nangyayari dito habang sila ay nasa air-conditioned office nila? Ngayon na nandito na po ako sa kagalang galang na mababang kapulungan ng kongreso, nakita ko ang tunay na proseso ng paghubog ng isang polisiya na katulad nitong Basic Law for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Ako po ay nalulungkot. Marami akong realizations at questions because this is beyond party affiliations, this is beyond numbers, this is beyond interests and political career. This is national interest. I am proud of the heritage of the Bangsamoro and their courage to stand up against mighty colonisers like all other ethnic groups in the country. Each ethnic group and each province have their own share of gallant stories of how they fought the Spaniards, Americans and the Japanese. Marami ang lumaban, marami ang namatay, marami ang nagdusa pero itong mga karanasan ang nagbuklod sa atin kung ano at sino tayo ngayon bilang nag-iisang lahing Pilipino..

Gary Alejano continuation....

Ashley “Ace” Acedillo continuation on page 4....

(Subi) Reefs. Of these, three (3) – Johnson, Kennan, and Mischief -- are well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).From the time of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DoC) in 2002 until the time immediately prior Scarborough standoff in 2012, most of the original structures in Chinese-occupied features had a standard set of equipment, which include 2-3 naval guns, various antennae and communications equipment lighthouses, and observation platforms. Fiery Cross Reef has a pier and a helipad. However, since the reclamation, China continues to achieve significant progress in develop-ing and fortifying her occupied features with the construction of new facilities over her occupied areas.Land Reclamation and Construction As of May this year, the total landmass area of Johnson Reef is approximately 7.4 hectares or 74,464 sq.m. A 6-storey high building is observed as a primary structure while secondary buildings are also noted. Port facilities include a jetty and a permanent pier that can cater to a 130-meter ship. Signs of vegetation is also noted.In Kennan Reef, the total landmass area is now approximately 6.8 hectares or 68,112 sq.m. Similar to Johnson Reef, Kennan’s primary structure is also a 6-storey high building. It now has port facilities that include a jetty and a permanent pier. Additionally, one (1) octagonal and three (3) rectangular structures were built on the farther end of the reclaimed area.The total landmass area of Gaven Reef is now approximately 7.9 hectares or 78,867 sq.m. The pier is more polished and construction of the concrete seawall has been completed. The reef already has a 6-storey structure and a permanent pier. Also present are several blue container vans, presumably to house the personnel undertaking the operation, as well as various engineering and construction equipment.In Cuarteron Reef, the total landmass area is now approximately 12 hectares or 119,712 sq.m. The construction of the seawall has been completed. Also notable is the increase in the number of pre-fabricated rectangular-shaped structures and the presence of cranes. The construction of a 4-storey building beside the original structure is almost completed. Several octagonal structures and other buildings are strategically located around the new island.Latest photos also show that the reclaimed areas of Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs appear to have expanded compared to previous estimates. In April, Fiery Cross has approximately 10 hectares or 100,000 sq.m of reclaimed area. How-ever,

Representative ASHLEY “Ace” ACEDILLOMagdalo Partylist

SoaringHigh!

China’s Activities in the West Philippine Sea

China continues to maintain its aggressive posturing and effective control over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the entire South China Sea (SCS), demonstrating her unwavering resolve to strengthen her territorial claim and safeguard her national interest in the disputed maritime area.Since the Bajo de Masinloc (BdM or Scarborough Shoal) standoff, China has been actively conducting aggressive activities in the Shoal and other areas of the SCS. Of significance is the unimpeded land reclamation and construction since early last year in all seven (7) Chinese-occupied features, namely: Mabini (Johnson), Chigua (Kennan), Gaven, Calderon (Cuarteron), Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), Panganiban (Mischief ), and Zamora

How-ever, latest aerial photos dated 07 May reveal that the southwest portion of the Reef has also been reclaimed. Six (6) cutter suction dredgers, seven (7) fishing vessels and fourteen cargo vessels were monitored in the area. Mischief Reef has approximately 7.3 hectares or 72, 647 sq.m. last month. Aerial photos dat-ed 05 May show that two of the three (3) distinct dredging areas proximate to the southern outpost of the Reef are already connected. Meanwhile, Subi is approximately 100 hectares or 989,584 sq.m in April. As of 06 May, the previously monitored separate landmass in the southeast portion of the Reef is now connected to the massive reclaimed area, which was also connected to where the original outpost was constructed. There were 12 cutter section dredgers, 26 cargo vessels and a Yuting III landing ship tank observed. Sustained Maritime Patrols and Harassment of Filipino VesselsChina has continuously deployed its naval and maritime law enforcement assets to conduct patrols and block other vessels from entering the vicinity of Scarborough and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoals. The number of China Coast Guard (CCG) assets ranges from 1 – 3 vessels, reinforced by PLAN ves-sels, such as frigates and landing ship tanks (LSTs). The number increases during crisis situations. As of 11 May 2015, two (2) CCG vessels remain in Scarborough while one (1) is currently deployed at Second Thomas. Earlier on 27 March, three (3) cargo vessels and three (3) CCG ships were monitored in Scarborough. Said cargo vessels were carrying a dinghy and a backhoe loader while one of the CCG ships was loaded with concealed cargoes. Since 2014, CCG vessels have been demonstrating aggressive behavior through water dousing, ram-ming and blocking of personnel rotation and resupply operations in Second Thomas Shoal. On 26 Jan-uary this year, three (3) armed CCG personnel onboard a rubber boat approached and ordered Filipino fishermen to leave Scarborough. This was followed by the ramming of two (2) Filipino vessels on 29 January. On 17 March, CCG vessel with bow number 3308 used water cannons to drive away Filipino vessels. On 13 April, six (6) CCG personnel aboard CCG vessel 3402 boarded Filipino fishing boats and forci-bly cut off their anchor lines. They threatened and toted a gun at the Filipino fishermen and then forcibly took their

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

4 Ang Magdalo

catch. The Chinese also destroyed the Filipinos’ fishing equipment and announced “leave this area and no fishing”.A week later on 18 April, CCG vessel 3402 approached the four (4) Filipino fishing boats an-chored in the vicinity of Scarborough. The Chinese crew angrily shouted at the Filipino fish-ermen “No Fishing” and forced them to vacate the area by water dousing. This resulted in the destruction of the pilot house glass of one of the fishing boats.Thereafter on 23 April, CCG ship 3408 fired a water cannon against a Philippine fishing vessel, injuring at least three (3) people onboard and smashing the windows of the ship.

ACTIONS OF CONGRESS RELATED TO WPS

The Philippine Senate and House of Representatives (HR) sought separate inquiries into the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) in 2008. Several senators alleged that “the agreement weakens the government’s position in its claim over the disputed islands” The JMSU is a tripartite agreement between the Philippines, China and Vietnam (signed in Sept. 2004 and took effect on July 2005) to conduct seismic exploration in an area spanning 142,886 square kilometers west of Palawan, all of which are within Philippine territory (as defined by EEZ of UNCLOS)Congress passed Republic Act (RA) 9522 (Archipelagic Baselines Law)• Technical adjustments to baselines and basepoints under RA 3046 (1961) / RA 5446 (1968)• Treatment of KIG and Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) as regime of islands• Baselines law (RA 9522) assures compliance with UNCLOS• RA 9522 reaffirms Philippines’ commitment to the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Code of Conduct in the South China SeaCongress passes Republic Act 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Program in September 2012• It provides for a 15-year modernisation period until 2028• Aims to develop and transform the AFP into a multi-mission oriented force capable of effectively addressing internal and external security threats• Provides for at least Seventy-five billion pesos (P75,000,000,000.00) or

$1.667 billion for the first five (5) years• Created a Congressional Oversight Committee to monitor and oversee the implemen-tation of the new Modernization ProgramCongressional hearings on the PH-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)Joint hearings by the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and National Defense and Security looked into issues surrounding the signing of the EDCA as an executive agree-mentPlenary speeches of several congressmen calling government’s attention to the activi-ties of China in the WPS and Spratly IslandsSeveral members of the House, especially from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, delivered privilege speeches warning of China’s aggressive activities in the WPS (this Representative delivered three speeches on said topic)Take note that that just this month, the Senate, through Sen. Trillanes’ Committee on National Defense and Security, called for a hearing attended by government’s highest security officials and other subject-matter experts, to look into the WPS affair. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs will itself hold a hearing on the WPS tomorrow, May 26, albeit in executive session.

Military Implications of the Reclamation Activities Chinese activities in four (4) of its occupied features -- Johnson, Gaven, Kennan and Cuar-teron -- have transitioned from land reclamation to construction stage.The latest photos of Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs clearly show the rapid transfor-mation of these features into islands that are much larger than the other Chinese-occupied features. Considering the projected massive land areas, these reefs could become staging platforms, such as airstrips, runways or berthing areas, that would enable PLA to efficiently expand its operational area and extend the combat radius of air assets. Also worth noting are the locations of the three reefs that create a virtual strategic defense triangle, which would enable China to control the entire SCS. Fiery Cross could oversee op-erations to the west up to the Malacca Strait, Subi to the north and center, while Mischief could be tasked with operations to the east. Of particular concern is the development of Mischief Reef, the closest Chinese-occupied feature to the Philippines, as this may hinder future personnel rotation and resupply operations for the Ayungin Detachment.It has also long been anticipated that the CCG will become more aggressive in Scarborough, as demonstrated in the boarding and the water dousing incidents. The CCG’s actions and the challenge to Philippine and US aircraft apparently indicate that Beijing is already enforcing a combination of both aerial regulations and maritime domestic laws over the WPS. The audio messages further suggest that the areas are regarded as military zones. Without publicly declaring ADIZ, China may have already been enforcing such.Given these, the Philippines may be subjected to more limitations in conducting both mari-time and aerial patrols in Chinese-occupied features. This may lead to further restriction of assets even in PHL-held features.

Ashley “Ace” Acedillo continuation on page 5....

Ashley “Ace” Acedillo continuation....

ISSUESDisruption of Economic ActivitiesAccording to our Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Chinese maritime patrols have deprived around 12,000 fisherfolk from nine (9) municipalities in Zambales of their main source of livelihood.China’s other operations in the WPS, particularly the hydrographic and oceanographic survey in Northwest Banks, point to the possibility of an oil rig deployment in the WPS, particularly in Recto Bank. It may be recalled that in May last year, China deployed its Hai Yang Shi You 981 oil rig in the Paracels. The deployment of an oil rig in the WPS may be much more risky and costly compared to the Paracels given the distance and the depth. However, China’s goal to produce 15 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas every year from the SCS starting this year may be a driving factor for such undertaking. Thus, China may instead deploy a much smaller oil rig in the area.

M E D I U M - T O - L O N G - T E R M GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATIONSOverall, Chinese actions are clearly in support of not just of Beijing’s immediate plans, but also its medium-to-long-term strategic requirements. Apparently, China is hastening the completion of her reclamation within

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

unfortunately, for the Philippines, for the most part - deal with a China that has: replaced the United States as the primary power in Asia, weakened the U.S. alliance system in Asia, undermine the confidence of Asian nations in U.S. credibility, reliability, and staying power, used its economic power to pull Asian nations closer to PRC geo- political policy preferences, and elevated its People’s Liberation Army’s capability to prevent or deter U.S. military intervention in the region.That is why China has continued to cast doubt on the U.S. economic model and vigorously resisted the foothold of U.S. and Western democratic values which are tantamount to diminishing the China Com-munists Party’s hold on domestic power. Curiously, or maybe intuitively, it has tried to avoid a major con-frontation with the United States for the last decade. Will it continue to do so? Your guess is as good as mine.Thank you, and good day to everyone..

the year in view of the impending decision on the Philippine arbitration case, which will determine the maritime entitlements of the reefs occupied by China in the disputed areas in the SCS. By then, whatever the ruling of the UN Arbitral Court, China shall have demonstrated effective occupation with her permanent military presence thereat.Such effective occupation of the SCS, along with the enforcement of maritime and fishing regulations, will not only have direct impact on the Philippines but also on the entire region as this may hinder freedom of navigation. This, in turn, may adversely affect seaborne trade routes, which is a primary concern of both regional and global stakeholders.Why disrupt seaborne trade of goods and old, when China itself is a chief beneficiary of that trade? Indeed, why “rock the boat” in the region?

5Ang Magdalo

patungkol sa Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at sa programang K to 12, ngunit isinusulong pa din ang mga ito ng madalian. Nagsimula na din po ang mga kuro-kuro sa Eleksiyon 2016 at ilang politiko na ang nagpapatutsadahan. Masarap sana maki-sawsaw sa mga usaping ito ngunit mahirap na po kapag may emosyon na sa gitna ng diskusyon. Ang tanong lang naman po ay napaghandaan ba natin ang lahat o may sapat ba tayong preparasyon sa lahat ng mga ito?May mga maiinit din pong mga balita, na sa pakiramdam ko ay Kulang Sa Pansin (KSP). Hindi naman dahil sa ang mga ito ay nagpapapansin lamang kundi sadyang wala ang mga ito sa prioridad na pag-ukulan ng oras ng karamihan sa atin. Pero mga mahal kong kababayan, ito po yung mga bagay na dapat nating paghandaan, dahil ang mga ito po ay totoo at hindi balitang kutsero lamang. Dalawang punto lang po muna. Ang threat ng China sa West Philippine Sea at ang babala ng napipintong pagyanig ng lupa o paglindol.Hindi na po biro ang mga istrakturang itinatayo ng China sa ilang Reefs na sakop ng Pilipinas sa loob ng West Philippine Sea. Ang mga dating reef ang sa ngayon ay nasa pitong (7) ektarya na ang bawat isa, na may mga konkretong pasilidad at mga armas pang-digma. Hindi na din po biro ang mga ginagawa nilang pagtaboy sa mga lumalapit at nangingisda doon, katunayan madami sa mga mangingisdang Pilipino ang ayaw nang mangisda sa mga nasabing lugar. At gaya nitong huli, ang warning sa mga amerikanong naglayag at nagpalipad sa disputed territory ay nagpapakita ng pagiging agresibo ng China. Hanggang kailan natin papayagan ang China na mamayagpag sa kagustuhan nila? Kung magtutuluy-tuloy po ba ang pag-harrass at pag-bully sa atin ng China, patuloy lang din po ba tayong aasa sa tulong ng iba? Kailan natin ipapakita sa kanila na kaya din nating gawin ang ginagawa nila gaya ng community development kabilang na ang mga istraktura at pamumuhay sa mga islang ating inuukupa, idagdag pa ang pagpapalakas ng ating mga garrisons o detachments at tumayo sa sarili nating mga paa? Bilang indibidwal naman po o bilang puno ng isang pamilya, handa po ba tayo sa senaryong magka-giyera? Huwag naman po sanang mangyari. Pero may kasabihan po tayo, “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.” Huwag din po sana nating ipasa-walang bahala ang babala ukol sa mga faultlines at sa mga maaring mangyaring pagyanig o paglindol. Baka po meron nabubuong false sense of security sa atin na dahil ang lugar po natin ay wala sa listahan ng mga lugar na apektado ng pagyanig dahil sa mga naturang faultline. Ang

Mainit ang panahon. Naglalaro sa temperaturang 32 – 40 degrees centigrade and bawat araw na lumilipas. Puwede daw magluto ng itlog sa kalsada, na-imagine ninyo po ba iyon? Ngayon, masarap ang malamig na softdrinks… masarap ang sorbets at ice candy… masarap ang halo-halo. So akala ninyo po ba na dahil tag-init ay papayat na kayo? Pag-isipan ninyo ulit.Mainit ang mga usapan, hindi pa din matigil-tigil ang mga komento at paninisi dala ng Mamasapano incident. Hindi pa din nagkakatugma ang mga pananaw sapagkat hindi pa din nakunsulta ang karamihan Cash Talks continuation on page 6....

Ashley “Ace” Acedillo continuation on page 5....

Ashley “Ace” Acedillo continuation....

CASHTALKS

MANUEL “Cash” CABOCHANPresident, Magdalo Para sa Pagbabago Movement

KSP

In answering that question, allow me to elucidate some points raised by a Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Special Report released just this March, entitled Revising U.S. Grand Strategy Toward China, since I prefer to view things from the lens of Revisionist Theory. I believe that China seeks to fundamentally alter the balance of power in Asia, diminish the vitality of the US-Asian alliance system, and ultimately displace the United States as the leader in Asia. To quote Chinese theorist Ye Zicheng in his 2011 treatise on Chinese grand strategy, “There is a close connection between the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and China’s becoming a world power. If China does not become a world power, the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will be incomplete. Only when it becomes a world power can we say that the total rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has been achieved.” This vision of strengthening the Chinese state while recovering China’s centrality in international politics - both objectives requiring the accumulation of “comprehensive national power” - suggests that the aims of Beijing’s grand strategy both implicate and transcend the United States’ and China’s other Asian rivals (Blackwill and Tellis 2015). For China, which is both heir to a majestic ancient civilization as well as currently being a burgeoning modern polity, they must pursue four (4) broad Strategic Objectives: Maintain internal order, Sustain high economic growth, Pacify the periphery, and Cement international status.Even if the Philippines pursued its

most ideal form of independent foreign policy (which I think it cannot), it cannot escape the realities and inevitabilities of great power politics, or as Asians are wont to say: the clash of two big elephants. For better or for worse, our country has sat on the corner of the American elephant. If Beijing were to achieve these strategic objectives, it must -

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

6 Ang Magdalo

taxes or fees. Most are willing to give a certain amount of money to the traffic enforcer rather than having a ticket and surrendering their driver’s license in order to avoid the hassle of attending seminars and paying a bigger fee.The fight against graft and corruption starts from each and everyone of us. Hence, in the Samahang Magdalo Code of Conduct, I will not bribe nor be bribed; I will pay my taxes; …I will not sell my vote. Before we put the blame to our leaders, let us examine and change ourselves first.If there is no corruption, government can implement more quality infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and public markets which will spur economic activity in the area. Government can also allot more funds for the improvement of peace and order situation to encourage investors to do business in the country and in turn create jobs and business opportunities for our countrymen. More funds can also be allotted to social programs like medical and educational assistance to alleviate the plight of the poor in order for them to have a chance and opportunity to improve their condition.This is not an easy battle, but at least in Samahang Magdalo we are taking this advocacy seriously and no matter how minute the changes we will have, at least we are moving for change..

It averaged 8.9 percent from 1994 until 2014, reaching an all-ime high of 13.9 percent in the first quarter of 2000 and a record low of 6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014. This data is taken from the National Statistics Office of Philippines; the record of the government itself. Knowing this fact, it is ironic that the Philippines prides itself as exporter of labor force. Is this not some kind of a disturbing phenomenon? When the labor force is going out of the country, it only shows that employment in the land is scarce.The unemployment problem can be attributed, but are not limited to, economic policy which favors the rich, , graft and corruption, and poor economic management. From a certain viewpoint, political leadership cannot manage the economy very well if it will not address the issue of corruption. It is corruption that bleeds the economy, an issue our political leaders have to address.Samahang Magdalo is taking the crusade to fight corruption because it is one of the root causes of unemployment and poverty which compels our workforce like Mary Jane Veloso to seek employment in foreign lands and become easy prey to drug syndicates and other local and international crime groups. It is imbedded in the Samahang Magdalo Code of Conduct that corruption must be fought and defeated. Graft and corruption has become a norm that while we know it is wrong, it is very hard to eradicate because it has become “accepted”. One way or another, directly or indirectly, most Filipinos have become part of or at least have tolerated graft and corruption. When we deal with government agencies, we often give something to government employees in exchange to services they render as public servants. We are often willing to transact “under-the-table” in order to avoid long queue or to pay lesser

hindi po pagkadamay sa listahan ay hindi nangangahulugan na maging kumpiyansa na tayo na hindi po tayo maaapektuhan. Sa akin pong karanasan nung niyanig po ng 7.7 magnitude at tinaguriang killer earthquake ang Baguio City, ang naturang pagyanig po ay nasabing sa Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija po lamang mararamdaman. Makaraan lamang po ang ilang sandali ng lindol, ang Baguio City po ay naging isolated na sa kalakhang Luzon at totally devastated. Nasaksihan ko po ang ibat ibang tagpo ng mga kababayan nating wala nang buhay, nadinig ko po ang pagtangis ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay, naramdaman ko ang hirap ng pagsusumikap na magsagip ng buhay na sa isang saglit lang ay napapalitan ng kalungkutan dahil ang nais tulungan ay hindi na inabutan.Huwag po tayong maging KSP. Huwag po tayong “Kulang Sa Paghahanda”. Huwag po tayong “Kulang Sa Pakialam.”.

Rajah Norberto E. Santiago Jr. Samahang Magdalo , National President

RAJAH’SC O R N E R

Balitang Samahan continuation on page 7....

Coastal Cleanup

Cash Talks continuation....

Mary Jane Veloso, and Graft and Corruption in the Philippines

The death sentence against Mary Jane F. Veloso in Indonesia was suspended, but the controversy surrounding this issue and the misery of Mary Jane and her family is far from over. The story captured the attention of the international community. And once again, it exposed the frail economic state of our country. Record illustrates that unemployment in the Philippines is indeed taking a turn for the worst. A glimpse of statistics shows that unemployment rateincreased to 6.6 percent in the first quarter of 2015 from 6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014. It

Isang Coastal Cleanup ang pinamunuhan ng San Jose at Rizal

Image courtesy of “The Spratlys - China vs Philippines Issue, by: Fordz-Anims (http://fordz-anims.deviantart.com/art/The-Spratlys-China-vs-Philippines-Issue-458049172).

SM Joins Trillanes’ Call to Suspend K to 12 continuation....

teachers and 22,838 non-teaching staff may lose their jobs by 2016. In his message to the rallyists, Trillanes said, “We must work together and let our voices be heard by PNoy and the Supreme Court. Our goal is to make them realize that our country doesn’t need the K to 12 Program and the people cannot afford it,” “The present system worked for the earlier generations, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t work for the present crop of students. We just need to fill in the shortages in classrooms, teachers, desks, and books; and increase the salaries of teachers.” Samahang Magdalo is bracing for a bigger mass movement against K-12 in the near future..

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

nitong nakalipas na April 19, 2015. Apat na oras nilinis ang Caminawit Shoreline ng 50 SM officials at members, at barangay officials. Isang linggong pagpaplano ang ginawa para dito, kasama ang Magdalo Youth Scholars. Ang barangay Caminawit ang nagmungkahi na Coastal Cleanup ang isagawang aktibidad ng SM chapters bilang pagsunod sa bagong cleanliness program nila. Nagsilbi na rin itong paghahanda sa kanilang Barangay Fiesta, lalo na para sa Sinulog Fluvial Parade.

7Ang Magdalo

Ang SM Calbayog chapter ay nagkaroon ng Mangrove Tree Planting activity para sa dalawang barangay sa Calbayog City. Sa tulong ng Philippine Army, Coast Guard, Cenro, City Mayor’s Office, NSTP and ROTC office ng Northwest Samar State University ay nakapagtanim ng mga punla ng bakhaw sa barangay Busod noong February 7 at sa barangay Tomaligues noong February 14. Nagsimula nang 5am at natapos nang 12nn ang aktibidad para sa dalawang barangay. Umabot sa humigit kulang 586 ang lahat ng nagtanim, na karamihan ay studyante ng nabanggit na unibersidad. Halos dalawang buwan ang paghahanda para sa aktibidad na ito. Bukod kasi sa pagprotekta sa kapaligiran, nakita ng Calbyog chapter na makakatulong ito sa kalagayan ng mga residente. Sa kagustuhan nilang makatulong, sa kabila ng mga balakid at limitadong suporta upang maisakatuparan ito, itinuloy pa rin ang nasabing activity. Ang pagtanim para sa mangrove nursery kasi ang nakita nilang pinaka-kailangan para sa pagpaparami ng mga isda na ikinabubuhay ng

Dahil sa SM Quezon City District 3 chapter ay nagkaroon ng Eye Checkup nitong nakaraang February 1, 2015 sa dalawang barangay. Sa pakikipagtulungan ng Quezon City Mayor’s Office, Philippine Army at Avon Foundation ay nakapagpapunta ng 20 doktor na sumuri sa 132-katao. Sa 82 katao mula sa barangay San Roque, 20 ang naoperahan. Sa barangay Socorro ay 50 naman ang nagpakonsulta, at 30 ang naoperahan. Sina Melchior Cacatian at Isabelita Bercasio, ang Vice President at President ng

Medical Eye Examination

Dugo mo, Buhay ko

Balitang Samahan continuation on page 7....

Balitang Samahan continuation.... nabanggit na chapter, ang nanguna sa aktibidad.Libre ito para sa mga may PhilHealth, pero kung sakaling wala ay ang Q.C. District 3 chapter ang naglakad nito para sa mga members, bilang karagdagang medical assistance na inaabot ng Samahan. Nakita kasi nila ang pangangailangan ng mga may karamdaman sa mata, na kadalasan ay cataracts, kaya pinili nila na makatulong sa ganitong paraan. Ikinagalak ng mga miyembro na maraming naoperahan at marami ang gumaling ang paningin. Dahil sa dami ng natulungan ay nais pa ng chapter na ulitin ang aktibidad sa labas ng Quezon City para mas marami pa ang mabigyan ng tulong. Kung saan laramihan ng mga nagkakaroon ng problema sa mata ay ang mga matatanda, na lalong nangangailangan ng tamang pansin at pag-aalaga. Sa Samahang Magdalo, binibigyan pansin at importansya ang bawat mamamayan, bata o matanda, dahil tayo ay may pantay-pantay na karapatan sa buhay. Karapatan na dapat mabigyan pansin at maprotektahan nating lahat..Mangrove Tree Planting

Naging magandang karanasan ang aktibidad na ito para sa mga SM members ng Occidental Mindoro. Dahil dito ay nagkaroon sila ng pagkakataon na makilala at makipagtulungan sa isa’t isa bilang SM members. Mas nabigyan diin din ang halaga ng code of conduct ng Magdalo, na “I will love my environment, I will be a good example to my fellowmen.” Ang pagbalik sa kalinisan ng ating kapaligiran ay tungkulin natin bilang mga tao. Hindi kasi natatapos ang responsibilidad ng isang tao sa kanyang mga gawain lamang. Dapat laging isapuso nating lahat ang pag-gawa ng tama, may makakita man o wala. Lahat tayo ay ehemplo sa ating kapwa, at may kanya-kanyang bahagi sa pagbuo ng isang disiplinado, respetado at malinis na bayan..

mga taga-roon. Kaya maluwag sa kaloobang nakapagtanim ang mga SM members dahil naramdaman nila na, “Sa bawat bakhaw na naitatanim, marami ang matutulungan sa darating na panahon.” Pinakita nila ang halaga ng dedikasyon, na hindi hadlang ang paghihirap sa matinding pagnanais ng taong makagawa ng tama. Tayo ay may kakayahang mamili kung papaano mabuhay, at kung papaano mababago ang mundong ginagalawan natin sa ikabubuti ng mga darating na henerasyon..Dahil sa pagbaba ng supply ng dugo sa Bicol Medical Center (BMC) Blood Bank ay nagkaroon ng Bloodletting ang Iriga City chapter ng Camarines Sur. Isinagawa nila ang aktibidad noong May 2 sa LCC Mall sa Iriga City. Mahigit 100-katao ang pumunta para tumulong, kasama dito ang Local Government Unit ng Iriga city, Bicol Medical Center, volunteer nurses, bank personnel at ang 42 katao na nagdonate ng dugo.Dalawang buwan itong pinaghandaan ng mga Magdalo chapter members at officers, katulong ang mga barangay coordinators. Napansin kasi nila na kakaunti na lang ang supply ng Magdalo Blood Stock sa BMC. Kung ikukumpara nga sa unang blood drive noong nakaraang August 30, 2014, ay mas marami ang nakuha dati. Dahil ditto, plano ng chapter na muling magsagawa ng bloodletting sa August ng taong ito.

Nais pangalagaan ng mga members ang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan ng Iriga, kabilang man o hindi sa samahan. Makabubuti kasi sa nakararami kung hindi mawawalan ng supply ng dugo, dahil sa hindi masisigurado ang bilang ng mga taong mangangailangan. Mas maigi na handa tayo para sa kahit anong sitwasyon na maaari nating harapin. Lalo na sa panahon natin ngayon, na responsibilidad ng bawat

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

8 Ang Magdalo

BA L I TA N G Samahan

Alert Rescue Team 675, ay naging maayos ang pagdalo ng mga studyante na mula sa paaralan ng Madrasah Campong sa Barangay Campong, Pantar, Lanao del Norte. Ginanap sa paaralan ang nabanggit na aktibidad nitong nakaraang October 28, 2014, sa gabay ng mga guro dito. Sa obserbasyon kasi ng mga miyembro ay napansin nila na ang ng mga kabataan sa Pantar ay may kakulangan sa nutrisyon kaya ito ang isinagawa nilang aktibidad. Hindi maisalaysay ng husto ang naramdamang tuwa ng mga miyembro habang pinapanuod nilang kumain ang mga bata. Sa kasalukuyan ay limitado lang ang suporta na maaring maibigay ng Samahan para sa kanila. Kaya pinili ng Pantar chapter kung alin ayon sa pananaw nila ay mas makakabuti para sa mga bata, na kahit isang araw man lang ay masagot nila ang pangangailangan pangkalusugan ng mga ito.Sa dami ng kakulangan at kaguluhan sa Pilipinas, hangad ng lahat ang pagbabago. Sa Samahang Magdalo, hindi inaantay ang pagbabago, ito ay isinasagawa, isinasabuhay. Hindi sa sistema o bansa nagsisimula ang pagbabago, kung ‘di sa mga tao na bumubuo nito..

pakikipagtulungan ng Rotary Club of Marikina (Main), Rotary Club of Marikina (Valley), at Marikina Motorcycle Riders Federation. Sa pamumuno ng president ng Samahang Magdalo Marikina na si Kabisig Dennis Villoso,

Kasama si Bro. Alexander Alag, SM Lanao Del Sur Secretary, at ang SM presidents ng Pantar at Tagoloan, isinagawa ng Pantar chapter ang Breakfast Feeding Program kung saan humigit sa 500 studyante ang nakinabang. Sa tulong ng SMART Frequency, ang Samahang Magdalo

Breakfast Feeding Program

mamamayan ang maging handa at mag-abot ng tulong..

Nagsagawa ng “Brigada Eskwela” ang Samahang Magdalo Marikina Chapter sa Mababang Paaralang ng Concepcion at Mataas na Paaralan ng Nangka sa Lungsod ng Marikina. Ang brigada eskwela ay ginanap noong ika -20th at 23rd ng Mayo, 2015 sa pakikipagtulungan ng Rotary Club of Marikina (Main), Rotary Club of Marikina (Valley), at Marikina Motorcycle Riders Federation.

Brigada Eskwela

naisakatuparan ang pagsasaayos at pagkukumpuni ng dalawang paaralan bilang paghahanda sa pagsapit ng pasukan ngayong buwan ng Hunyo.Dahil sa matagumpay na aktibidad na ito ay itinakdang layunin ng Samahang Magdalo Marikina Chapter na magkaroon muli ng isang malaking “brigada eskwela” sa iba’t ibang pampublikong paaralan sa lungsod ng Marikina sa susunod na taon..