February Newspaper

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THE SPECTRUM THE SPECTRUM

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FEBRUARY 26, 2008

VOL. 51 NO. 14 • February 26, 2008

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OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE, BACOLOD CITY

THESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUMTHESPECTRUM

Krazelle Escarilla Photo

e LASALLIANS FOR TRUTH. Last February 22, the Political Science Society together with other members of the University of St. La Salle Community joined a Motorcade Rally in the streets of Bacolod to call for truth in the ZTE-NBN investigation.

THE SPECTRUM POLL

73% of Lasallians believe Lozada 73.2% of Lasallians believe in the testimonies of Jun Lozada in the senate probe on ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) Scandal that involved former COMELEC Chair Benjamin Abalos and the first family. In a poll conducted by The Spectrum last February 20 and 21, 732 students of the 1000 who were asked said that Jun Lozada’s statements are credible enough, 17.8% or 178 remain undecided, while only 9% or 90 students said they don’t believe Lozada. University Student Government President Amy Grace Gargar who remains undecided said the poll stressed the strong influence of the media in shaping the youth’s opinions. “Most of the students just followed what is the popular opinion about the matter. They did not actually take time to weigh things and it’s so easy to say yes,” Gargar said. Dean of Student Affairs Roger Marapo meanwhile said the poll’s

College

CAS CBA BSN ENG’G EDUC TOTAL

result shows a positive indication. “It means Lasallians are not apolitical and apathetic. The youth are capable of shaping their own judgments based on how they see Lozada and his statements,” Marapo said. 43% of those who said they don’t believe Lozada were Nursing students while the remaining 57% were shared by four other colleges. 41% of the Undecided were also Nursing students, 21% from the College of Engineering, 18% from the Arts and Sciences, 17% from the CBA and only 3% were education students. The Spectrum Poll Explained The Spectrum Poll only asked one question: Do you believe in Jun Lozada’s statements on ZTENBN Scandal? Their options: Yes, No and Undecided. 1000 students were to represent the total student population of the University of St. La Salle. The Spectrum Poll was conducted to have a glimpse on Lasallian’s pulse on the issue.

Composition in the Student Population

14% 30% 35% 15% 6% 100%

Number of Respondents

140 300 350 150 60 1000

Undecided 17.8%

No 9%

Yes 73.2%

Do you believe in Jun Lozada’s statements on ZTE-NBN Scandal?

Jun Lozada: Let me be the change I want to see “DO WHAT IS RIGHT, WALK IN THE LIGHT. AKO AY PILIPINO, NAGSASABI NG TOTOO.” By Jay Calleja, DLSP Media Bureau Chief

After the Eucharistic celebration at La Salle Green Hills last February 17, held to show support for Jun Lozada's valiant stand for truth, the ZTE scandal star witness and La Salle parent shared that the One La Salle prayer prayed during his son's first communion ceremony in the same venue was what started

him in his journey for truth. The prayer was disseminated by De La Salle Philippines, the headquarters of the 18 La Salle schools in the country, in June 2007 as the anchor of the One La Salle fund campaign which aims to provide 20% full scholarship equivalents in all the La Salle campuses by the time it celebrates its centenary in

JUN/3

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 14

Photo from DLSP Media Bureau

By Manuel Jeffrey O. Sistoso

FORUM THE SPECTRUM

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FEBRUARY 26, 2008

Timeline: ZTE-NBN Scandal

Source: Newsbreak

2007

April 21. The Office of the President comes out with a press release that President Arroyo stood as a witness to the signing of five economic and trade agreements between the Philippine government and China. One of these agreements is on the national broadband network (NBN) project with the Zhong Xing Telecommunication Equipment Company Limited (ZTE). April 27. Jarius Bondoc writes in his Philippine Star column of an “unnamed Comelec official” who had a hand in the approval of the overpriced NBN deal. Aug. 29. Rep. Carlos Padilla identifies Comelec chair Benjamin Abalos as the official who brokered for the project. Aug. 30. Abalos denies Padilla’s allegations, but confirms that he and some officials of ZTE are golfing buddies. He says that ZTE officials have paid for his trips to China. Sept. 3. ZTE issues a press statement that that there has been “complete transparency in the proposal, evaluation, and approval of ZTE’s application for the Philippines’ NBN contract.” Sept. 5. Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. files a resolution asking the Senate blue ribbon committee to investigate the NBN deal. Sept. 18. Speaker Jose de Venecia’s son, Joey, tells a Senate hearing that First Gentleman Mike Arroyo was the “mystery man” that pushed for the overpriced ZTE contract. Joey claims that Arroyo told him to “back off” from the project. Sept. 22. President Arroyo suspends the NBN project. Sept. 27. Iloilo Vice Gov. Rolex Suplico files an impeachment complaint against Abalos. Sept. 26. Former economic planning secretary Romulo Neri tells a Senate hearing that Abalos offered him P200 million to approve the ZTE contract. Neri says he mentioned the bribe offer to President Arroyo, who reportedly told him not to accept it. Invoking executive privilege, Neri declines to answer questions on whether or not he got specific orders from President Arroyo to approve the ZTE contract. Abalos denies Neri’s allegations and tells the senators that Neri is lying under oath. He denies brokering the deal with ZTE but confirms that he has friends in the Chinese corporation. Oct. 1. Abalos resigns as chair of the Commission on Elections. Oct. 2. First Gentleman Mike Arroyo denies that he told Joey de Venecia to back off from the NBN deal. President Arroyo, while on a state visit to China, cancels the NBN deal with ZTE Corp. Oct. 25. Joey de Venecia tells a Senate hearing that Abalos promised First Gentleman Mike Arroyo US$70 as kickback from the NBN project.

2008

Jan. 30. Philippine Forest Corp. president Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., an IT expert who allegedly knows how the ZTE contract was overpriced, flies to Hongkong two hours before the start of the Senate inquiry. The Senate orders his and Neri’s arrest. Jan. 31. The Senate attempts, but fails, to arrest Neri in his office at the Commission on Higher Education because he did not report for work. Feb. 1. The Senate sergeant-at-arms fails to arrest Neri in his house. Feb. 5. The Supreme Court orders the Senate not to arrest Neri. Lozada arrives from Hongkong at 4:40 p.m., but reports and text messages circulates that airport officials have kidnapped him. Malacañang denies any involvement in Lozada’s disappearance. Feb. 6. Philippine National Police Chief Avelino Razon in the morning says he wasn’t aware of Lozada’s whereabouts. Arthur Lozada, Rodolfo’s brother, files a writ of amparo before the Supreme Court. Arthur’s wife, Violeta, files a separate writ of habeas corpus. Razon says later in the day that Lozada is in police custody. Feb. 7. Lozada, in a 2 a.m. press conference at La Salle Greenhills, links Abalos and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo to the US$329.5-million national broadband deal with ZTE Corp. He reveals that: • Abalos threatened to have him killed. • When he quit the project in Jan. 18, 2007, the project was priced at $262 million, but when it was approved it was already $329.5 million. • Abalos had wanted a kickback of $130 million, with $70 million meant for Mr. Arroyo . • He did not know the people who took him and that Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza had him fetched from the airport. • Abalos threatened to have him killed. • He has no direct line to the President and that it was Secretary Neri who talked to her about the deal. Feb. 8. Lozada tells a Senate hearing the details of his departure for Hong Kong and his disappearance upon arriving. Among his claims are: • He told Environment secretary Lito Atienza that he did not want to testify.

• Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite prepared antedated travel order to Hong Kong. • While he was in Hong Kong, Neri called and told him to write a letter to Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to withdraw the motion to arrest him and to not to drag First Gentleman Mike Arroyo into the controversy. • Men, whom he did not know approached him, hauled him into a vehicle, brought him to different locations and asked him to write a letter requesting for security detail. • He met police officer Paul Mascarinñas and lawyer Antonio Bautista in a restaurant in Libis. • Bautista told him to sign an affidavit while Mascariñas asked him to convince his sister to sign a letter requesting for security detail. • Mike Defensor told him to call a press conference to deny that he was kidnapped and to say that he has not been involved in the issue. Feb. 11. Lozada and some government officials involved in the controversy faces off in a Senate hearing. • Lozada stresses that he was taken against his will on his arrival from Hong Kong. • Atienza says he was acting on his own when he helped Lozada. • NAIA general manager Alfonso Cusi says his office received a request Feb. 5 at 4pm from his deputy Angel Atutubo for security for Lozada filed by Senior Supt. Paul Mascariñas Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) and Rodolfo Valeroso of the Aviation Security group. • PNP Director General Avelino Razon testifies that there was no kidnapping or abduction took place because the PSPO group was provided upon Lozada’s request. • Former environment secretary Michael Defensor says he never asked Lozada to stop testifying about the ZTE deal. He adds that he gave Lozada P50, 000 for his expenses. • Bautista denies Lozada’s allegation and says that the affidavit he prepared was based on his conversation with Lozada in the restaurant. • Manuel Gaite says Lozada requested assistance in avoiding the Senate hearing. • Mascariñas says no force was used against Lozada.

Where are the Filipino Youth? By Harvey Keh

The past weeks we have witnessed yet another political scandal that has rocked our country, the ZTE Broadband Scam wherein former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos with the apparent blessings of the First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo was said to have asked for a commission of US$ 130 Million or a whopping 6 Billion Pesos in exchange for his influencing our government’s decision to award the broadband deal to ZTE, a Chinese Telecommunications Company. To make this happen, the ZTE Broadband Contract was greatly overpriced at US$ 329 Million and worse, the government to be able to make this deal push through would have to loan this amount from the Chinese government. In short, the US$ 130 Million kickback of Abalos and his cohorts will have to be paid for by our tax money. To make things even worse, the government tried its darn best to cover this deal by pressuring Joey De Venecia, the first star witness to stop talking about this in the Senate and in public, Joey didn’t want to cover up the truth thus, Malacañang led by the congressman sons of President GMA led a revolt at Congress which ousted Joey’s dad, then Speaker Jose De Venecia. The next star witness whose courage we so admire, Jun Lozada initially didn’t want to go to the Senate and take part in their investigation because as he said, if he ends up in the Senate, he will be forced to say

Source: www.pinoyworld.wordpress.com

the Truth. Again, our government tried every trick to ensure that Lozada wouldn’t be able to testify in the Senate, leading to his alleged kidnapping as soon as he arrived from Hong Kong where he hid for a few days. Two men picked up Lozada as soon as he got out of the plane and brought him around Metro Manila and even to Laguna against his will. If that can happen to Jun Lozada, that can happen to every Filipino in this country. In Jun Lozada’s words, when he was picked up against his will, he already thought about the late

Bobby Dacer who at the height of the Erap impeachment was also picked up by unidentified men and after weeks of looking for him, they finally found his body along with the body of his driver. I can go on and on about this but the point is, this government has continued to steal our people’s money from under our nose and they continue doing this because they know they can get away with it. Just look at the many scandals that have rocked the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which we already have no idea

what happened like the 1 Billion Peso Fertilizer Scam and the Hello Garci Scandal. As Jun Lozada further said in his testimony at the Senate, the Standard Operating Procedure in our country now is that every government contract is overpriced by 20%, the 20% goes to the pockets of our government leaders who helped in pushing the deal. This is indeed very disappointing since 6 Billion Pesos can help build so many classrooms for our public school students, it can provide so many college scholarships to deserving

students, it can help build public hospitals so people can receive proper health care and it can provide adequate housing to thousands of families. But in this case, 6 Billion Pesos will just end up in the pockets of one or maybe a few families and worse, we will all have to pay for their greed. Nakakainis at Nakakagalit ang nangyayari sa ZTE Deal na to, harap harapan na tayong ginagago ng gobyerno natin and as one of my students in class said, he wouldn’t be surprised if another scandal comes out within the next few months… it seems that Malacañang is already so used to scandals because they know they will eventually get away with it once media and the public grow tired of hearing about these scandals. Pero para sa akin, mas nakakalungkot na parang walang pakialam at walang ginagawa ang karamihan sa kabataang Pilipino sa mga nangyayaring ito, it seems that the Filipino Youth which led the change in EDSA 2 is nowhere to be found. Could it be that the Filipino Youth has given up all Hope for making this

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 14

country great again? Could it be the Filipino Youth has given up in its fight for a clean and effective government? Has the youth given up on our future? I hope I am wrong because what is at stake here is not just my future or the future of the poor; it is our shared future that we have to continue to fight for. Ayaw ba natin na dumating ang araw na bawat Pilipino pwede nang magkaroon ng kalidad na edukasyon? Ayaw ba natin na dumating ang araw na hindi na natin kailangang mag abroad at mahiwalay sa pamilya para magakaroon ng magandang trabaho? If we can all work together and join forces, we can show this administration that we will not just sit idly while they continue to corrupt and destroy our future, remember that in 2010 the Filipino Youth will be able to elect the next President of our country. *Let us not wait till then to make a change, let us act now, our country needs US Now! [Editor’s Note: It was Valentine’s week when Harvey Keh sent an email with the subject "Where are the Filipino youth" to various youth e-groups. Harvey Keh is the Director for Youth Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship of the Ateneo de Manila-School of Government and a Lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University-Loyola Schools’ Development Studies Program and Department of Theology. Harvey is also Executive Director of AHON Foundation, a corporate foundation of Filway Marketing, Inc. that helps build public elementary school libraries.]

FORUM THE SPECTRUM

FEBRUARY 26, 2008

Corruption allegations bombard PGMA Admin By Arjay D. Solitario

FOUR DAYS after she assumed the presidency, Gloria MacapagalArroyo approved the controversial power plant contract and awarded the project to the Argentine firm IMPSA (Industrial Metalurgicas Pescamona Sociedad Anonima). 14 days later, Arroyo administration approved the sovereign guarantee on IMPSA’s loans that was alleged to be in exchange of a $14 million bribe. On how the bribe was divided according to reports: Hernando “Nani” Perez collected $2 million, the Arroyo couple collected $7 million, and the rest to their accomplices. ON AUGUST 18, 2003 the first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was accused by Senator Panfilo Lacson of money laundering amounting to P 321 million in campaign funds and contributions to a secret bank account under the fictitious name Jose Pidal. Mr. Arroyo’s younger brother, Ignacio, came out to say that he is Jose Pidal. HELLO GARCI scandal started after the audio recording of the conversation of President Arroyo and then Election Commissioner

Virgilio Garcillano allegedly talking about rigging the election results, was released to the public. The Arroyo administration challenged its critics to bring the matter to the court. Arroyo’s coalition dominates the lower house and blocked attempts for impeachment. JOCELYN I. BOLANTE, Mr. Arroyo’s classmate at the Ateneo de Manila University and a colleague at the Rotary Club District 3830, oversees the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani program. The alleged diversion of funds that is supposedly for the project was used for President Arroyo’s campaign. Jocelyn Bolante cleared the name of the First Gentleman from any involvement. NORTHRAIL PROJECT that costs $503 million will evict 40,000 families that will be relocated somewhere else. The cost is allegedly overpriced. According to reports, evicted families were forced to buy overpriced construction materials from suppliers favored by National Housing Authority (NHA) using the provided assistance money. BEFORE THE May 2004 elections, a disqualification case was filed before the COMELEC

against President Arroyo by two lawyers from PROCON(stitution) saying that she was behind in giving out 1 year PhilHealth Insurance Card to persuade the recipient to vote Arroyo for President. FIRST GENTLEMAN Jose Miguel Arroyo allegedly stayed at a $20,000 per night suite at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada during the boxing match, last March 19, between Manny Pacquaio and Erick Morales of Mexico. One of the many controversies the first family had was the alleged illegal importation of 32 HIGHBRED HORSES. The mastermind - first presidential son Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo. These are just among the many scandals that erupted during the PGMA Administration. Now, it’s the ZTE-NBN Scandal. The President is predicted to face more challenges as PGMA continues to reject calls for her resignation. Sources: Newsbreak, PCIJ, “Scandals in the (First) Family” by Yvonne Chua

Computing the Overpriced ZTE Wednesday, 30 January 2008 vs

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Statement of the University Student Government On the NBN-ZTE Expose of Jun Lozada The University Student Government calls on all LASALLIANS to exercise responsible citizenship NOW and to show utmost concern and awareness to the present political and social crisis that burdens the lives of all FILIPINOS. We call all LASALLIANS to guard the TRUTH and to uphold JUSTICE. We stand united with the Lasallian Family of the Philippines to seek for Truth and Justice. We urge all LASALLIANS to be DISCERNING of the facts presented by Mass Media and by Political Personalities involved. We ask all LASALLIANS to be CONSCIENTIOUS of their choices and decisions. All Lasallian Student Leaders, WE believe this crisis is crucial in shaping the future of our beloved country; in our HOPES of building a united Philippines; and in our IDEALS to become witness as a CHRISTIAN NATION. Today, we COMMIT to promote this stand as ONE LA SALLE.

University of St. La Salle Political Science Society A PRAYER We, the Political Science students of the University of St. La Salle, guided by the principles anchored on Fides, Veritas, Fidelis and Servitium, declare the following statements in response to the issues of corruption and moral bankruptcy that are plaguing our government: Fides (Faith) - We believe that amidst these dark, turbulent times, there is a God of justice and mercy who guides those who seek, stand and fight for the truth; - We believe that the values and teachings that Jesus Christ espoused in His ministry are vital in reinvigorating our morally exhausted society; - We believe that, in line with our La Sallian idealism, we are called to move hearts, change minds and touch lives; - We believe that the La Salle Brothers are guided by the wisdom of God in their decisions and actions with regard to the issues at hand. Veritas (Truth)

Source: Newsbreak

- We trust that the statements of Mr. Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada, Jr., under oath, are true and driven by the right motives; - We urge CHED Chairman Romulo Neri and all those who have knowledge about the network of corruption by our public officials to speak out and join the pursuit of truth; - We insist that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her allies should not hold back the truth from the people, especially with the use of government resources; - We call on our fellow students, especially our student leaders, to condemn the culture of corruption not only in government but also in all institutions of our society and join the call for truth and accountability; Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )

Fidelis (Loyalty)

THE SPECTRUM FOUNDED 1956

www.thespectrum.ph VOL. 51 NO. 14 FEBRUARY 26, 2008 Editor-in-Chief Manuel Jeffrey O. Sistoso Managing Editor Arjay D. Solitario Newspaper Editor Aries D. Cariño Asst. Newspaper Editor Allen Gabriel M. Iñigo Magazine Editor Janela Joy R. Libo-on Asst. Magazine Editor Neslie Faith V. Sianson Literary Editor Jamie F. Bentinganan Layout & Graphics Editor Rigil Kent B. Ariola Asst. Layout Editor Timothy A. Escopete Newspaper Writers Arthur Jason I. Javellana Kathreen Joyce I. Tubid John Alexander M. Cuyoca Epi Ma. Kassandra A. Dajao Randell T. Aranza Layout Artists Jumpee P. Tipon Mark Romulo C. Tumbagahan Illustrators Patrick U. Ellaga Jobelle G. Vallega

Magazine Writers Andrea Y. Derecho Marcelina Yandall Celine Chua Photojournalists Hector Gregory A. Benedicto Krazelle M. Escarrilla Paolo Trio Editorial Assistants Regi Joseph B. Arguelles Mervin G. Vera Charmae Labao

Moderator Ms. Hannah Papasin-Mariveles The Spectrum is the Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle. Its editorial office is located at the USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100; it can be reached through the telephone number, (034) 432-1187 local 172 and e-mail address, [email protected]. All rights reserved. No part of The Spectrum may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publication. All contributions become The Spectrum property and the Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication.

Member: National Alliance of Lasallian Campus Journalists.

Jun Lozada... from page 1

school year 2011-2012. Mr. Lozada recounted that when he decided to testify in the Senate, 'I was just trying to save my soul. I didn't know I would save our country's soul.' He then led his supporters in praying the One La Salle prayer:

Let me be the change I want to see to do with strength and wisdom all that needs to be done and become the hope I can be Set me free from my tears and hesitations Grant me courage and humility Fill me with Spirit to face the challenge and start the change I long to see Even if I am not the light I can be the spark In faith, service and communion let us start the change we want to see The change that begins in me Live, Jesus, in our hearts FOREVER!

- We insist that the powers granted by the Constitution to our government officials, be exercised properly and judiciously to defend OUR Civil Liberties and Human Rights and not to be used for selfish ends; - We call on our congressmen and local government officials that they must act in accordance with the will of their constituents and not as servants of political largesse for political ends; - We demand that the Rule of Law should be respected to protect the whole citizenry and not for political convenience and expediency; Servitium (Service) - We join in the Communal Action that calls for the liberation of truth and moral renewal of our society; - We urge our fellow students to be vigilant and to stand for what is just and true; - We implore our mentors to continue guiding us with the values and principles of our founder, St. John Baptiste de La Salle, in these times of turmoil in the country; and - We call on every Filipino, in service to the nation, to walk the path of truth that Jun Lozada treaded. WE BREAK OUR SILENCE BECAUSE: - We do not want the values that St. La Salle and our Mentors instilled in us be sown in unfertile grounds; - We do not want to live in a society where the culture of lies and deceptions is a way of life and telling the truth is an extraordinary thing to do; - We do not want to inherit a political system with corruption, greed and avarice; and - More importantly, we do not want EVIL TO TRIUMPH BECAUSE WE DO NOTHING. St. John Baptiste de La Salle, PRAY FOR US. Live Jesus in our hearts, FOREVER.

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 14

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FORUM THE SPECTRUM

LASALLIANS S SPEAK

FEBRUARY 26, 2008

The ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) Scandal has caught the attention of the youth at the start of 2008. The Spectrum randomly asked Lasallians about their stand on the issue. Compiled by Timothy A. Escopete

He who has no sin cast the first stone. Any truth change must come from those who have clean hands. In confusing times, (1) beware of false prophets, (2) discernment over emotions and (3) look who’s talking. To oust GMA and replace her with another trapo is not the answer. We will again repeat the cycle from EDSA 1 to EDSA 2. We will never change. We will only repeat history. - Mr. Jose Marie T. Bayona, Asst. Discipline Officer Being a civilized and democratic society, we should always adhere to the rule of law and it dictates that we should follow the constitutional process. I’m not saying that Lozada’s statements are all wrong but I’m sure not all his statements are correct. We should not be easily swayed by his theatrics and we should not be so emotional or passionate in confronting this kind of issues. Only in the Philippines that it’s so easy to make saints and heroes and with the kind of attention and media treatment given to Lozada, he is now in the pedestal as that of a saint. - Atty. Cesar Distrito, Political Science Professor

I believe in him because he’s consistent. If what he’s saying is not true, he could have contradicted himself. - Rodniel R. Rospuesto ENEC 5 His statements are true because (1) his family is at stake and (2) he is credible. - Farah Jenny D. Ambag COMT3A In yearning for the truth, we have nothing to lose but our chain and a great nation to gain. - Matthew O. Parreño, ABPO3A What he’s saying is real but there is no better president than PGMA because our economy has improved. - Bea Grace L. Pedreso BN2K He is credible and he’s telling the truth that is why he was kidnapped to prevent him from telling it. - Jimmy D. Bustamante Jr. BN4I

Actually, it’s tiring to hear all those expose because we have all of those every year and it’s a trend in the government. They want change but there is no real change. The situation is He is saying the truth because there is consistency in his getting worst especially each time testimonies and whatever question there is a new official. the senate will ask, he can answer. - Gladys May P. Guinabo, BEGS4B - Carmela C. Tadena BDSP2A I don’t watch that news. I don’t really care. - Madelyn T. Lobaton, COHM2A I believe in Lozada because the La Salle brothers do and because I am a La Sallian. Anybody who can quote Rizal deserves my support too. - Ma. Sophia G. Chua BEEN4A I don’t think he is credible. I think he is babbling nonsense. That’s all. - Mark Alvin CastorHinolan COMA3A I don’t believe in him. He could have done it before. Why only now? Personal Interest? - Anduesito V. Esparar, USLS Security Guard Lozada is reliable. I can say that he’s telling the truth. I support him. - Deljun V. Ordon ENEC3D

Lozada was against PGMA right? I think he is trying to correct what was wrong. But there are still people who are opposing. But it depends, on how you interpret the story. - Lydee C. Ledesma COHM2A Sometimes he is crazy that’s why I can’t believe him because he is moody - smile, cry, etc. It’s his style and all is “drama.” What he’s saying can’t be trusted. - Marc Emerson R. Gabriel ENCH5A I believe he is credible. He is consistent in his statements. These days it’s hard to find a person who would risk his own life for his country. - Marie Diane Andrea G. Taleon BN2 His allegations has basis but lack of witnesses and support of the officers from the government. I think he is right. - Cyril V. Villason COMT3B , COMK3C

What is $130 Million? By Reese Fernandez, Team RP

6,500,000,000 PHP for ONE family IS EQUAL TO:

I believe in Lozada. He won’t risk his family’s safety if what he’s saying isn’t true. It would be useless to testify if the people won’t do something to stop the continuing corruption. - Marie Michelle L. Pama, BSPS2A

Luxury cars they could parade in the streets with no speed limit, coding, or any respect for traffic policies Vacation houses that would be empty for 11.75 months a year Family vacations in Europe, the US, the Moon, etc. Handbags that are more expensive than low cost houses Watches that could send a dozen scholars from pre-school to high school 6,500,000,000 PHP IS EQUAL TO:

He is credible. If I were in his place, I won’t risk my life if I am just lying. - Roda M. Hugo ABMC3A 50% true and 50% I pitty him. Because he speaks the truth, his life is in danger. Why bother to speak and sacrifice life if it isn’t the truth. - Cristina Reynes COMA2B

I am for the truth but we have to follow the process. Senate inquiry brings us to nowhere. We have to use the courts of

108,000 families that would be given decent homes that they could live in for 15-20 years 77,380 employees that would be fairly supported for one year 135,416 Scholars who could go to decent colleges for four years 40,000 people who would get health insurance for a year 11,607 Scholars who could study in ATENEO or LA SALLE for 4 years with stipend and school supplies allowance 9,285 Public School libraries that would serve 18,570,000 public school students

WHAT IS 130 MILLION DOLLARS TO YOU? How many schools would that be? How many children would be given laptops for their education? How many street children could be saved from the streets? I am inviting you to calculate for your country.

law to seek the truth and not public opinion because it is extremely dangerous. We may lose control of the situation and end up in anarchy. - Atty. Jovi Gayatao, Political Science Professor

Make a Difference through educating the Filipinos in your own network. Fan the Flames and NEVER allow ANYONE to get away with our money, our rights, our opportunities, and our dignity as a Nation.

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 14