Mabuhay Kabayan!
We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. Only a little bit over one more month until we see one another on campus (6 feet apart, with masks on)!
Let us take this moment to reflect on our surroundings with an open-mind and a willingness to adapt. In times of crisis, people have a tendency to retreat into an us-versus-them mentality. People alienate the different and seek comfort in the familiar. By passing an Anti-Terrorism Bill, the Duterte Adminestration forces a divide when what the country needs is unity. The recent decision of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) forces universities to choose between reopening in the fall and the students’ health and safety; a decision that places the fates of many international students on the line.
During these past few months, our concept of normal has continuously been challenged for better or worse. Yet the forces that resist the currents of the new age could only find solace in the status quo. Maybe this is why we’ve seen a surge in COVID-19 cases. People fail to recognize that the status quo wasn’t made for a pandemic. Extra precautions and a change of pace are necessary whether you are ready for it or not.
The concept of being makabayan (patriotic) does not only identify with one’s country but also refer to the support for its interests. Being makabayan also calls out the nation when change is due. From healthcare to human rights, we believe it is time for us to grow and to develop the scope of our nations’ interests.
Current Event in Filipinx/Filipinx-American Community
Anti-Terrorism Bill
President Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Bill on July 3rd, 2020. This bill allows police enforcement and the government more discretion when defining what is a terrorist act and determining who is a terrorist. This allows warrantless arrests and allows people to be detained for a prolonged period, a time where torture can be used without approval from a judge. There have been high criticisms of this bill, arguing it violates human rights and is merely a way for the government to have more power over the people. Click here to read more about this topic.
Please consider signing this petition to junk the terrorism bill.
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ABS-CBN Formally Shut Down
After 13 hearings, the Philippine Congress has officially denied renewal and shut down ABS-CBN, the leading broadcasting network in the Philippines. President Duterte has outwardly spoken against the network, accusing them of bias. Kapamilya stars and staff are openly against the decision while critics stress the company’s oligarchical structure revealed during the investigation. It is unsure what the next steps will be. ABS-CBN no longer provides free TV and radio to the public after the franchise was shut down in May. Read more in this article.
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