Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEU CSO) on Tuesday afternoon concluded its Yugto ng Pagmulat sa Nasyonalismo Webinar Series. As the country of the Philippines battles through the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Filipino Nation of more than 100-Million citizens are some of the country’s most pressing issues which the webinar addressed. The Webinar Series consisted of three episodes concerning the controversial Anti-Terror Law, the response of the Philippine Government to COVID-19 and the Voters’ Education – a manner of catalysing change in the system.
Episode 1: Anti-Terror Law
Keynote speaker – Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Elago said that the Anti-Terror Law (ATL) is a “threat to the Filipino Nation.” The various Human Rights violations and unresolved killings of individuals who are vocal of their criticisms to the administration has been transpiring long-before the law was passed, and more human rights violations might transpire after the passing of the ATL. Moreover, President Rodrigo Duterte recognized the act as urgent instead of focusing the efforts of the government to its COVID-19 response. The unconstitutionality of Anti-Terror Law encompassed three different sections in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which builds-on to an increasing problem to the nation and its state of democracy.
Episode 2: COVID-19 Response
Dr. Kim Patrick Tejano (representing Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire) and Professor Guido David from the University of the Philippines OCTA Research explained the present responses of the government and the plan-of-actions to be enacted. According to Dr. Kim Tejano, the Department of Science and Technology gathered professionals on Public Health Microbiology and Vaccines and Infectious Diseases as they continue to have studies and trials. Dr. Tejano also stated that based on the studies abroad, the most effective way to prevent having COVID19 is the minimum public standards. However, according to Professor Guido David, it was efficient at some level but the government is continually lacking on providing testing kits which highly contributes to the difficulty of determining infected people and worsening the situation, and that the key aspect to manage the pandemic should be science-based.
Episode 3: Boses ng Iyong Boto, Tinig sa Bayang Progresibo
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Spokesperson James Jimenez and Active Election Lawyer Atty. Romulo Macalintal highlighted the significance of Voter Registration and Suffrage in the Philippine Democracy. When asked about his comment on the proposed postponement of the 2022 National Elections, Mr. Jimenez claimed that it would be a ridiculous move and the COMELEC will not let it transpire as he said, “the elections must push-through as scheduled by the constitution.” Moreover, Attorney Macalintal emphasized the importance of the National Election as the day wherein the rich and the poor became equal, entitled to a single vote. He said,“We are voting not only ourselves, but as well for the youth, the greatest neutralizer. The youth can make and unmake a President.”
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