By: Denise Go Since President Duterte released the much-awaited ‘drug matrix’ on Thursday regarding how Senator Leila De Lima is allegedly involved in the drug operations inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), De Lima and the rest of the gang found on the paper is now under the “spotlight.”
Under the “spotlight” are former Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, Pangasinan Administrator Raffy Baraan, General Franklin Bucayo, De Lima’s driver and said to be boyfriend - Ronnie Dayan, Pangasinan Board Member Raul Sison, and a certain “Ms Cardenosa.” We all know that Duterte has been revealing details about De Lima for the past few days and in defense, De Lima continues to deny those accusations and she even considers the drug matrix to be rubbish because even a 12-year-old can draw it. In a press conference, De Lima said that the drug matrix contained names with descriptions and arrows that points outward from her name which failed to establish her involvement in illegal drugs inside NBP. Even though she didn’t totally admit it, technically she’s already guilty because even if the arrows point outwards from her, she’s still part of the matrix; she had a role there and let us be clear on that. De Lima even said that she’s willing to resign if there’s real evidence that links her to illegal drug trades inside NBP and she also warned Duterte that he’ll lose face if he continues in pointing her out in this drug matrix. No one is perfect in the world but one thing is for sure, Duterte would not release something big like that if he’s not confidently sure about it. In a latest interview, De Lima said that the war against drugs has become war versus De Lima. Nobody can be blamed for this statement because things have been intriguing for De Lima for the past few days since tons of information about her are being revealed. She is currently heading a Senate hearing on extrajudicial killings which is being linked to the Duterte administration campaign against illegal drugs. Judging people is wrong but we simply can’t help it, it is in our nature, but if there’s such evidence present then there’s no need to feel bad about judging. With the drug matrix revealed, life of the people involve will surely not be at peace even though they deny the accusation. It’s just surprising to see those names of certain powerful people on the matrix. People with such reputations are now being exposed with their own dirt. As they say, there are no secrets that time does not reveal.
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By: Allyn I. Villahermosa During the campaign period last elections, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte promised the whole nation a safer and better Philippines for the first six months of his term, which made the majority of the Filipino voters believe that he is the “savior” of our dying motherland.
Mainly, his administration focuses first on eradicating drugs. Pres. Duterte seeks safer streets at night and a more peaceful home for every Filipino family because he strongly believes that it kills not only the one who abuses it but the user’s home as well. However, massive killings on drug-related scenarios are bothering the community because of its countless victims, both identified and unidentified pushers/users of drugs are being killed on-the-spot. Recently, a jeepney driver was shot and killed by unidentified suspects while driving and fetching passengers at Burgos Street, Dagupan City. The said victim was identified as a user and hence, undeniably was listed for “shoot to kill” among the drug pushers/users. On the other hand, a fourth year Mass Communication Student was reportedly shot and killed and was thrown along the fields of Parian, Manaoag Pangasinan last month. Until now, the victim is still unidentified as a pusher/user yet her life was taken by unknown suspects. Killings nowadays are worsening. You may never know who will be shot and killed any time, or you may be shot and killed accusing you as one of the violators. Streets are quiet now; there are lesser reported crimes (other than the drug-related killings). Students are afraid to stay late outside their houses, all afraid to witness shoot-outs. Yet is this really what a “safe” community depicts? These victims, both identified and unidentified violators were never given a chance to defend themselves. They were given their choices but not the chance to begin and start a change. Is it really a better Philippines with these killings? Who wants to die now and defend later… or never? Opinion by: Christelle MarambaWhat is the true meaning of feminism?--Feminism, by definition, is the social, political and economic equality of the sexes; but is this really how everyone believes it to be?
There is a new law forbidding the catcalling, whistling and harassment of women, however, I wonder why there isn’t a law forbidding the same for men? Women can harass a man the same way. I also wonder why is it that when a man and a woman go on a date and the man asks the woman to split the bill, he is labeled as a cheapskate but when a woman does it, it’s then called women empowerment. I wonder why is it that when a woman rides public transportation and there is no empty seat left, a man is obligated to stand and let the woman have his seat. When he doesn’t do it, women get irritated and call the man “ungentlemanly”. Why, why, why? The answer is simple, Double Standards. Feminism began when women wanted to be treated equally with men. They wanted the same rights as voting, same amount of wage, same amount of respect, but society shaped our minds into thinking that men are superior to women. It has been that way since the beginning of time, even in the Bible, a woman was created through the rib of a man, but does this belief still hold true in today’s generation? Dogma and Stereotyping are the factors that keep Feminism from flourishing. Why? Because as I stated earlier, Society shaped our minds. The backlog of our history is our basis for how we live today, and in that history of events, women are not equal with men. Women nowadays seem confused when they say they fight for “Feminism”. They say they want to be equal with men but they don’t realize that Feminism is not with reservations. If women really want equality, they should also be prepared to lose their “benefits”, such as a man needs to open the door for women, a man is responsible for paying things and all the other stuff I stated as an example earlier. The big question now is “Are women ready to lose these ‘benefits’?”. Think about it please. By: Denise Go People are now afraid to step outside their houses because of the endless and shocking killings. Picture yourself getting home safe and sound and after a couple of minutes you get news that someone from your neighborhood just got shot. Terrifying right? Apparently there have been numerous killings as well here in Pangasinan for the past few weeks. Some of the victims that were shot were just college students; one was a female graduating Mass Communication student and the other one was male student about to finish a Seaman course, there is also this former policeman victim who was suspected to be involved in drugs, there’s also this victim who was shot because it was believed that the victim was involved in drugs but shockingly during the autopsy, he was tested negative for drugs, and another victim even had a signage attached to his chest saying “Wag tularan tulak/mamamatay tao ako susunod na kayo … DDS.” (Do not imitate me. I am a pusher and a killer… you're next… DDS). DDS is actually known as Davao Death Squad. DDS is a vigilante group in Davao City who are allegedly responsible for the killings of certain individuals who are involved in drugs and other crimes. According to a particular consolidated report from 1998 up to the end of 2015, DDS has a total number 1,424 of persons killed, out of that number 57 were female and 1,367 were male and 50 percent of the victims were young at age. Based on that report it is understood that DDS disregards gender and age. Has DDS gone national? Or are these killers just vigilantes using DDS for fun? These questions are bugging everyone’s mind because no one really knows the real answer. Some officials and netizens say that the victims are involved in drugs. On the other hand, are they really guilty of using or selling drugs or are they just the wrong target? Since President Rodrigo Duterte became the president, the police started to do these buy-bust operations all over the country. Yes, changes are clearly seen but after a while it seems like the people who are being killed on the streets are increasing and no one really knows who are behind these events. Whoever may be behind these killings, they’re not into fair justice. Officials should take special actions immediately to resolve and to finally put an end to this madness. It’s not a healthy environment for the people. What is happening to humanity nowadays? It’s like killing a human being is just a sport. Drugs are evil and crimes will always be present, but there is really no need to kill people, who kill other people, to show that killing people is wrong. This isn’t what’s best for the whole society. |
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