Creating a digital film is an artistic way of expressing your view. Leaps in technology have indeed made it easy for ordinary and simple people to accomplish this. Film-making, as of date, is no longer an exclusive playground for giants.
Being aware of this fact, our class will venture into this game called film-making. Using your cellphones, digicams and pc's, let the world know what's in your mind. Let them know that your opinion count. Be heard!
Here is how we will go about this class project:
The class will be grouped into 3-4 groups with boys and girls evenly distributed, as circumstances will allow. The output shall be guided by the following matters:
A. General subject and theme: "SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE EYES
OF A STUDENT"
Specific topics may be: 1. Common folks as heroes;
2. Weeding out roots of corruption;
3. Inspirational true-to-life stories;
4. Honesty and love for truth;
5. Making schools a better place for everyone;and
6. Leading by example;
B. What to submit?
A Digital Film OR A Documentary
C. Duration/Playing Time: 10-20 minutes including intro, cast and credits.
D. Language: English is preferred.If you will use English as medium, you
will receive an additional 3 points.
E. Format: MPEG, WMV, AVI or any common video format.
IMPORTANT RULES:
1. ALL GROUPS are totally prohibited from filming in risky, remote or potentially hazardous places. Films or documentaries made inside the school will receive additional THREE points. There is absolutely no need to go to far places and risk your safety. Improvisation and resourcefulness are highly encouraged.
2. ALL films shall be filmed during daytime only; otherwise, your film will be rejected.
3. Filming inside the school will be done during your spare time and only during school days.
4. You may also shoot your film/docu in any of your group mate's house BUT MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PERMISSION to do so and that you have been given absolute consent by your parents. Have a responsible adult or parent supervise your group. Again, you may only undertake filming in this case if you will do it during daytime and your classmate's house is just nearby.
5. In making the film, you may seek assistance of an adult; but, this should only be minimal. You are prohibited from hiring anybody.
6. This project is not about how good you are technically; but, it's mostly about how good you are in sending your message. Clarity and simplicity are crucial.
7. Violence and bad language have no place in your project.
WE SHALL USE THIS SET OF CRITERIA from the Nevis Film Festival:
Create a short/feature film that offers the audience an entertaining and interesting insight into our community and world. Each film should be unique and cover a diverse range of issues, ideas or images. Creativity and simple story-telling is the key to a successful and meaningful short/feature film.
Screenplay
Is it original?
Was it captivating?
What is the aim/purpose of the film?
Does it successfully achieve its aim/purpose?
TOTAL: / 10
Cinematography
Are technical skills and/or methods used?
Does the cinematographer make good use of lighting and camera positioning?
TOTAL: / 10
Editing
Does the film flawlessly flow from scene to scene?
Does the editing aid or hinder the emotional build-up?
TOTAL: / 10
Soundtrack
Is it original?
Does it capture the mood of the scene?
TOTAL: / 10
Acting
Are the performances realist?
Are the selected actors suited for their roles?
TOTAL: / 10
(Source: http://www.nevisfilmfestival.com/judging_short.asp)
If you have anything to ask, kindly do so right away. Thanks!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Distinguish Facts from Propaganda Devices
As previously discussed, fact means that something has actual existence. It is one that can be proven by evidence. On the other hand, propaganda means the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Propaganda device is the method, way, or technique by which this is achieved.
The following are some comments of known people on propaganda. These comments strengthen the point that we should always be watchful and critical about the things we see and hear.
"Today the world is the victim of propaganda because people are not intellectually competent. More than anything the United States needs effective citizens competent to do their own thinking." —William Mather Lewis
"Some of mankind's most terrible misdeeds have been committed under the spell of certain magic words or phrases." —James Bryant Conant
"Propaganda must not serve the truth, especially insofar as it might bring out something favorable for the opponent." —Adolf Hitler
Common Propaganda Devices
The Institute of Propaganda Analysis (IPA) identified a number of basic propaganda devices. These are:
1. Name calling
The name-calling technique links a person, or idea, to a negative symbol. The propagandist who uses this technique hopes that the audience will reject the person or the idea on the basis of the negative symbol, instead of looking at the available evidence (Delwiche, 2002). In deciding whether something uses name calling, these questions from the IPA are enlightening:
a.What does the name mean?
b.Does the idea in question have a legitimate connection with the real meaning of the name?
c.Is an idea that serves my best interests being dismissed through giving it a name I don't like?
d.Leaving the name out of consideration, what are the merits of the idea itself?
Examples of name calling: dictator, fascist, stingy, “promdi”, “barriotic” and many others
Practice
Write NC if name calling is used and F if the statement is factual.
1.He is a cut-throat.
2.That brand of shirt is for crackpots.
3.Ferdinand Marcos imposed Martial Law.
4.Big countries are modern day imperialists.
5.According to CNN.com, “there have been 4,523 coalition deaths -- 4,209 Americans, two Australians, one Azerbaijani, 176 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, five Georgians, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvians, 22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of December 8, 2008.”
6.With almost five parties for elite figures that she pays out of her own pocket every two weeks, she is a true-blue squanderer and social climber.
7.The titans of boxing meet today to discuss upcoming fights.
8.He was a fascist; so he deserved his fate.
9.The chaos in Iraq is a “war for oil”. It should stop now.
10.One who believes a convict is a fool.
2. Glittering generalities
“When someone talks to us about democracy, we immediately think of our own definite ideas about democracy, the ideas we learned at home, at school, and in church. Our first and natural reaction is to assume that the speaker is using the word in our sense, that he believes as we do on this important subject. This lowers our 'sales resistance' and makes us far less suspicious than we ought to be….
The Glittering Generality is, in short, Name Calling in reverse. While Name Calling seeks to make us form a judgment to reject and condemn without examining the evidence, the Glittering Generality device seeks to make us approve and accept without examining the evidence. In acquainting ourselves with the Glittering Generality Device, therefore, all that has been said regarding Name Calling must be kept in mind..." (Institute for Propaganda Analysis, 1938, as cited by Delwiche) To help you decide if something is mere glittering generality, the IPA suggests these questions:
1.What does the “virtue” word really mean?
2.Does the idea in question have a legitimate connection with the real meaning of the word?
3.Is an idea that does not serve my best interests being "sold" to me merely through its being given a name that I like?
4.Leaving the “virtue” word out of consideration, what are the merits of the idea itself?
Examples of words that may be used in this propaganda device: freedom, nationalism, patriotism, motherhood, science among others
Practice
Write GC if the statement is a propaganda and X if not.
1.We know what’s best for this country because we are true freedom lovers.
2.You should follow us because we are righteous and patriotic.
3.“Come to where the flavor is. Come to Marlboro country.”
4.Vote for me. I’m your hope for a better future.
5.All we need is love.
6.The road to chaos is misunderstanding; but the way to prosperity is strengthening our military.
7.Justice is what we stand for; and we would like you to go with our crusade.
8.The Da Vinci Code is a New York Times bestseller.
9.We want you to taste the sweetness of fame and glory so try our brand.
10.Calibrated Preemptive Response or CPR is the best way to free our roads disturbances.
3. Euphemisms
Euphemism is a propaganda technique that uses pleasant or neutral terms to hide the negative side of something. Simply put, it’s the way of saying a bad thing.
Examples:
1.“Post-traumatic stress disorder” for “war shock”
2.“Mentally handicapped” for “mentally ill” or “insane”
3.“The Peacekeeper” for the MX Missile
Practice
Encircle all the numbers corresponding to the statements that use euphemisms.
1.She has legal incapacity even if she’s already 40 years old.
2.The shooting incident was just a minor operation setback. I’m sure we can fix this.
3.The soldiers had operational exhaustion; so we had to pull them out of the hostile zone.
4.Rejoice! We have just neutralized our target.
5.We deeply apologize for the collateral damage that this pacification initiative caused.
6.The reclaimed water can now be used to support life.
7.The casualty was due to a friendly fire.
8.Military aggression is for peace.
9.He died two years ago.
10.The police shot the suspect.
The following are some comments of known people on propaganda. These comments strengthen the point that we should always be watchful and critical about the things we see and hear.
"Today the world is the victim of propaganda because people are not intellectually competent. More than anything the United States needs effective citizens competent to do their own thinking." —William Mather Lewis
"Some of mankind's most terrible misdeeds have been committed under the spell of certain magic words or phrases." —James Bryant Conant
"Propaganda must not serve the truth, especially insofar as it might bring out something favorable for the opponent." —Adolf Hitler
Common Propaganda Devices
The Institute of Propaganda Analysis (IPA) identified a number of basic propaganda devices. These are:
1. Name calling
The name-calling technique links a person, or idea, to a negative symbol. The propagandist who uses this technique hopes that the audience will reject the person or the idea on the basis of the negative symbol, instead of looking at the available evidence (Delwiche, 2002). In deciding whether something uses name calling, these questions from the IPA are enlightening:
a.What does the name mean?
b.Does the idea in question have a legitimate connection with the real meaning of the name?
c.Is an idea that serves my best interests being dismissed through giving it a name I don't like?
d.Leaving the name out of consideration, what are the merits of the idea itself?
Examples of name calling: dictator, fascist, stingy, “promdi”, “barriotic” and many others
Practice
Write NC if name calling is used and F if the statement is factual.
1.He is a cut-throat.
2.That brand of shirt is for crackpots.
3.Ferdinand Marcos imposed Martial Law.
4.Big countries are modern day imperialists.
5.According to CNN.com, “there have been 4,523 coalition deaths -- 4,209 Americans, two Australians, one Azerbaijani, 176 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, five Georgians, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvians, 22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of December 8, 2008.”
6.With almost five parties for elite figures that she pays out of her own pocket every two weeks, she is a true-blue squanderer and social climber.
7.The titans of boxing meet today to discuss upcoming fights.
8.He was a fascist; so he deserved his fate.
9.The chaos in Iraq is a “war for oil”. It should stop now.
10.One who believes a convict is a fool.
2. Glittering generalities
“When someone talks to us about democracy, we immediately think of our own definite ideas about democracy, the ideas we learned at home, at school, and in church. Our first and natural reaction is to assume that the speaker is using the word in our sense, that he believes as we do on this important subject. This lowers our 'sales resistance' and makes us far less suspicious than we ought to be….
The Glittering Generality is, in short, Name Calling in reverse. While Name Calling seeks to make us form a judgment to reject and condemn without examining the evidence, the Glittering Generality device seeks to make us approve and accept without examining the evidence. In acquainting ourselves with the Glittering Generality Device, therefore, all that has been said regarding Name Calling must be kept in mind..." (Institute for Propaganda Analysis, 1938, as cited by Delwiche) To help you decide if something is mere glittering generality, the IPA suggests these questions:
1.What does the “virtue” word really mean?
2.Does the idea in question have a legitimate connection with the real meaning of the word?
3.Is an idea that does not serve my best interests being "sold" to me merely through its being given a name that I like?
4.Leaving the “virtue” word out of consideration, what are the merits of the idea itself?
Examples of words that may be used in this propaganda device: freedom, nationalism, patriotism, motherhood, science among others
Practice
Write GC if the statement is a propaganda and X if not.
1.We know what’s best for this country because we are true freedom lovers.
2.You should follow us because we are righteous and patriotic.
3.“Come to where the flavor is. Come to Marlboro country.”
4.Vote for me. I’m your hope for a better future.
5.All we need is love.
6.The road to chaos is misunderstanding; but the way to prosperity is strengthening our military.
7.Justice is what we stand for; and we would like you to go with our crusade.
8.The Da Vinci Code is a New York Times bestseller.
9.We want you to taste the sweetness of fame and glory so try our brand.
10.Calibrated Preemptive Response or CPR is the best way to free our roads disturbances.
3. Euphemisms
Euphemism is a propaganda technique that uses pleasant or neutral terms to hide the negative side of something. Simply put, it’s the way of saying a bad thing.
Examples:
1.“Post-traumatic stress disorder” for “war shock”
2.“Mentally handicapped” for “mentally ill” or “insane”
3.“The Peacekeeper” for the MX Missile
Practice
Encircle all the numbers corresponding to the statements that use euphemisms.
1.She has legal incapacity even if she’s already 40 years old.
2.The shooting incident was just a minor operation setback. I’m sure we can fix this.
3.The soldiers had operational exhaustion; so we had to pull them out of the hostile zone.
4.Rejoice! We have just neutralized our target.
5.We deeply apologize for the collateral damage that this pacification initiative caused.
6.The reclaimed water can now be used to support life.
7.The casualty was due to a friendly fire.
8.Military aggression is for peace.
9.He died two years ago.
10.The police shot the suspect.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Adverb Clause
An adverb clause functions much like an adverb. It has a subject (implied or explicit) and a predicate; and it modifies a verb. It is a dependent clause and as such cannot stand on its own.
John Sinclair summarizes the Kinds of Adverb Clauses as follows:
1. Time clauses- used to say when something happens by referring to a period of time or to another event.
Example: Her father died when she was young.
2. Conditional clauses- used to indicate a condition upon which another part of the sentence is predicated or connected.
Example: If they lose weight during an illness, they soon regain it.
3. Purpose clauses- used to indicate the purpose of an action.
Example: They had to take some of his land so that they could extend the churchyard.
4. Reason clauses- used to indicate the reason for something.
Example: I couldn't feel anger against him because I liked him too much.
5. Result clauses- used to indicate the result of something.
Example: My suitcase had become so damaged on the journey home that the lid would not stay closed.
6. Concessive clauses- used to make two statements, one of which contrasts with the other or makes it seem surprising.
Example: I used to read a lot although I don't get much time for books now.
7. Place clauses- used to talk about the location or position of something.
Example: He said he was happy where he was.
8. Clauses of manner- used to talk about someone's behavior or the way something is done.
Example: I was never allowed to do things the way I wanted to do them.
FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENT, WRITE TEN SENTENCES WITH ADVERB CLAUSES. UNDERLINE THE ADVERB CLAUSE AND INDICATE ITS KIND. USE ONE-HALF CROSSWISE.
John Sinclair summarizes the Kinds of Adverb Clauses as follows:
1. Time clauses- used to say when something happens by referring to a period of time or to another event.
Example: Her father died when she was young.
2. Conditional clauses- used to indicate a condition upon which another part of the sentence is predicated or connected.
Example: If they lose weight during an illness, they soon regain it.
3. Purpose clauses- used to indicate the purpose of an action.
Example: They had to take some of his land so that they could extend the churchyard.
4. Reason clauses- used to indicate the reason for something.
Example: I couldn't feel anger against him because I liked him too much.
5. Result clauses- used to indicate the result of something.
Example: My suitcase had become so damaged on the journey home that the lid would not stay closed.
6. Concessive clauses- used to make two statements, one of which contrasts with the other or makes it seem surprising.
Example: I used to read a lot although I don't get much time for books now.
7. Place clauses- used to talk about the location or position of something.
Example: He said he was happy where he was.
8. Clauses of manner- used to talk about someone's behavior or the way something is done.
Example: I was never allowed to do things the way I wanted to do them.
FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENT, WRITE TEN SENTENCES WITH ADVERB CLAUSES. UNDERLINE THE ADVERB CLAUSE AND INDICATE ITS KIND. USE ONE-HALF CROSSWISE.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
For Students with No Grades
Make a HANDWRITTEN report in English of the Filipino classic short story entitled "Tata Selo" written by Rogelio Sikat.
Parts of the Report:
Part I
a. Summary and Plot
b. Time and Setting
c. Characterization
d. Major Social Issue Tackled
1. Main Parts of the Story that Discusses the Issue
2. Author's View as Inferred from the Story
3. Why I Agree or Disagree with His View
e. Highlights of the Story
f. My Criticism
g. About the Author
Part II
a. Tata Selo and our Concept of Social Justice
b. Real Life Examples of Injustice (From News)
C. Main Reason Why Injustice Continues
d. How Can I Help
Mechanics and Format:
1. Short Bondpapers
2. The report should consists of at least 16 pages including the cover page.
3. The letter size should be more or less the size of the space in long pad paper.
4. Write in Gothic letters (in case you can't write this way, use cursive writing but IT MUST BE LEGIBLE) .
5. The final copy should contain no erasures.
6. Again, the report should be ENTIRELY HANDWRITTEN BY YOU.
7. No need for folder; just put them together by means of staple wire.
8. YOUR WORK MUST BE ORIGINAL. (IT MUST BE "your" WORK.)
Parts of the Report:
Part I
a. Summary and Plot
b. Time and Setting
c. Characterization
d. Major Social Issue Tackled
1. Main Parts of the Story that Discusses the Issue
2. Author's View as Inferred from the Story
3. Why I Agree or Disagree with His View
e. Highlights of the Story
f. My Criticism
g. About the Author
Part II
a. Tata Selo and our Concept of Social Justice
b. Real Life Examples of Injustice (From News)
C. Main Reason Why Injustice Continues
d. How Can I Help
Mechanics and Format:
1. Short Bondpapers
2. The report should consists of at least 16 pages including the cover page.
3. The letter size should be more or less the size of the space in long pad paper.
4. Write in Gothic letters (in case you can't write this way, use cursive writing but IT MUST BE LEGIBLE) .
5. The final copy should contain no erasures.
6. Again, the report should be ENTIRELY HANDWRITTEN BY YOU.
7. No need for folder; just put them together by means of staple wire.
8. YOUR WORK MUST BE ORIGINAL. (IT MUST BE "your" WORK.)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Ninoy Aquino's Arrival Statement
I have returned on my free will to join the ranks of those struggling to restore our rights and freedoms through nonviolence.
I seek no confrontation. I only pray and will strive for a genuine national reconciliation founded on justice.
I am prepared for the worst, and have decided against the advice of my mother, my spiritual adviser, many of my tested friends and a few of my most valued political mentors.
A death sentence awaits me. Two more subversion charges, both calling for death penalties, have been filed since I left three years ago and are now pending with the courts.
I could have opted to seek political asylum in America, but I feel it is my duty, as it is the duty of every Filipino, to suffer with his people especially in time of crisis.
I never sought nor have I been given assurances or promise of leniency by the regime. I return voluntarily armed only with a clear conscience and fortified in the faith that in the end justice will emerge triumphant.
According to Gandhi, the WILLING sacrifice of the innocent is the most powerful answer to insolent tyranny that has yet been conceived by God and man.
Three years ago when I left for an emergency heart bypass operation, I hoped and prayed that the rights and freedoms of our people would soon be restored, that living conditions would improve and that blood-letting would stop.
Rather than move forward, we have moved backward. The killings have increased, the economy has taken a turn for the worse and the human rights situation has deteriorated.
During the martial law period, the Supreme Court heard petitions for Habeas Corpus. It is most ironic, after martial law has allegedly been lifted, that the Supreme Court last April ruled it can no longer entertain petitions for Habeas Corpus for persons detained under a Presidential Commitment Order, which covers all so-called national security cases and which under present circumstances can cover almost anything.
The country is far advanced in her times of trouble. Economic, social and political problems bedevil the Filipino. These problems may be surmounted if we are united. But we can be united only if all the rights and freedoms enjoyed before September 21, 1972 are fully restored.
The Filipino asks for nothing more, but will surely accept nothing less, than all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the 1935 Constitution -- the most sacred legacies from the Founding Fathers.
Yes, the Filipino is patient, but there is a limit to his patience. Must we wait until that patience snaps?
The nation-wide rebellion is escalating and threatens to explode into a bloody revolution. There is a growing cadre of young Filipinos who have finally come to realize that freedom is never granted, it is taken. Must we relive the agonies and the blood-letting of the past that brought forth our Republic or can we sit down as brothers and sisters and discuss our differences with reason and goodwill?
I have often wondered how many disputes could have been settled easily had the disputants only dared to define their terms.
So as to leave no room for misunderstanding, I shall define my terms:
1. Six years ago, I was sentenced to die before a firing squad by a Military Tribunal whose jurisdiction I steadfastly refused to recognize. It is now time for the regime to decide. Order my IMMEDIATE EXECUTION OR SET ME FREE.
I was sentenced to die for allegedly being the leading communist leader. I am not a communist, never was and never will be.
2. National reconciliation and unity can be achieved but only with justice, including justice for our Muslim and Ifugao brothers. There can be no deal with a Dictator. No compromise with Dictatorship.
3. In a revolution there can really be no victors, only victims. We do not have to destroy in order to build.
4. Subversion stems from economic, social and political causes and will not be solved by purely military solutions; it can be curbed not with ever increasing repression but with a more equitable distribution of wealth, more democracy and more freedom, and
5. For the economy to get going once again, the workingman must be given his just and rightful share of his labor, and to the owners and managers must be restored the hope where there is so much uncertainty if not despair.
On one of the long corridors of Harvard University are carved in granite the words of Archibald Macleish:
"How shall freedom be defended? By arms when it is attacked by arms; by truth when it is attacked by lies; by democratic faith when it is attacked by authoritarian dogma. Always, and in the final act, by determination and faith."
I return from exile and to an uncertain future with only determination and faith to offer -- faith in our people and faith in God.
I seek no confrontation. I only pray and will strive for a genuine national reconciliation founded on justice.
I am prepared for the worst, and have decided against the advice of my mother, my spiritual adviser, many of my tested friends and a few of my most valued political mentors.
A death sentence awaits me. Two more subversion charges, both calling for death penalties, have been filed since I left three years ago and are now pending with the courts.
I could have opted to seek political asylum in America, but I feel it is my duty, as it is the duty of every Filipino, to suffer with his people especially in time of crisis.
I never sought nor have I been given assurances or promise of leniency by the regime. I return voluntarily armed only with a clear conscience and fortified in the faith that in the end justice will emerge triumphant.
According to Gandhi, the WILLING sacrifice of the innocent is the most powerful answer to insolent tyranny that has yet been conceived by God and man.
Three years ago when I left for an emergency heart bypass operation, I hoped and prayed that the rights and freedoms of our people would soon be restored, that living conditions would improve and that blood-letting would stop.
Rather than move forward, we have moved backward. The killings have increased, the economy has taken a turn for the worse and the human rights situation has deteriorated.
During the martial law period, the Supreme Court heard petitions for Habeas Corpus. It is most ironic, after martial law has allegedly been lifted, that the Supreme Court last April ruled it can no longer entertain petitions for Habeas Corpus for persons detained under a Presidential Commitment Order, which covers all so-called national security cases and which under present circumstances can cover almost anything.
The country is far advanced in her times of trouble. Economic, social and political problems bedevil the Filipino. These problems may be surmounted if we are united. But we can be united only if all the rights and freedoms enjoyed before September 21, 1972 are fully restored.
The Filipino asks for nothing more, but will surely accept nothing less, than all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the 1935 Constitution -- the most sacred legacies from the Founding Fathers.
Yes, the Filipino is patient, but there is a limit to his patience. Must we wait until that patience snaps?
The nation-wide rebellion is escalating and threatens to explode into a bloody revolution. There is a growing cadre of young Filipinos who have finally come to realize that freedom is never granted, it is taken. Must we relive the agonies and the blood-letting of the past that brought forth our Republic or can we sit down as brothers and sisters and discuss our differences with reason and goodwill?
I have often wondered how many disputes could have been settled easily had the disputants only dared to define their terms.
So as to leave no room for misunderstanding, I shall define my terms:
1. Six years ago, I was sentenced to die before a firing squad by a Military Tribunal whose jurisdiction I steadfastly refused to recognize. It is now time for the regime to decide. Order my IMMEDIATE EXECUTION OR SET ME FREE.
I was sentenced to die for allegedly being the leading communist leader. I am not a communist, never was and never will be.
2. National reconciliation and unity can be achieved but only with justice, including justice for our Muslim and Ifugao brothers. There can be no deal with a Dictator. No compromise with Dictatorship.
3. In a revolution there can really be no victors, only victims. We do not have to destroy in order to build.
4. Subversion stems from economic, social and political causes and will not be solved by purely military solutions; it can be curbed not with ever increasing repression but with a more equitable distribution of wealth, more democracy and more freedom, and
5. For the economy to get going once again, the workingman must be given his just and rightful share of his labor, and to the owners and managers must be restored the hope where there is so much uncertainty if not despair.
On one of the long corridors of Harvard University are carved in granite the words of Archibald Macleish:
"How shall freedom be defended? By arms when it is attacked by arms; by truth when it is attacked by lies; by democratic faith when it is attacked by authoritarian dogma. Always, and in the final act, by determination and faith."
I return from exile and to an uncertain future with only determination and faith to offer -- faith in our people and faith in God.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Due Process
Of all the rights guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution, the right to due process is one of the most significant. It is in fact our foremost safeguard against any invalid act that curtails our right to life, liberty and property. Thus, the fundamental law declares: No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, and property without due process of law...".
Contrary to common notion, the right to due process is not only inherent in judicial proceedings but in administrative proceedings, as well. An employee can only be removed for just cause. This "just cause" must be proved by clear, convincing evidence before a tribunal, a tribunal that is impartial. The process must not however end there; the tribunal must hear the defending party, with or without the service of counsel. In addition, when the defending party presents controverting evidence the tribunal must consider such evidence presented; otherwise, the process is incomplete, therefore undue or invalid. After both parties have been accorded their respective day in court, the tribunal renders judgment based only on the matters proved and evidences duly submitted. In sum, this is the essence of due process--hear, after wards, condemn if warranted.
Due process as a principle is inherent in any civilized and moral society. This is because due process is based on fairness and equity, which are foundations of any God-fearing community. There is thus no point in making due process limited to legal and administrative proceedings; it must be sacredly observed even in our day-to-day dealings.A father, before he employs the harshness of the rod, must hear his child first; otherwise, the lesson he wants to impose is likewise lost by such denial. More so with persons who are privileged to hold high offices. With more reason that they should act with caution. They must be responsible in whatever words they utter and whatever judgment they make. A false belief, which is held as "the" truth by the official becomes "the" truth that almost everybody believes in. If the official opines that a group is "bad" and all "rotten eggs", the people who hears the opinion will be more inclined to hold that the opinion is true. As people differ in understanding situations, there will be those who will believe that the opinion is flawless whether or not it has basis. And when this happens, we perpetrate injustice. We perpetrate an act of depriving some faultless individuals with their right to a clean name. And there is nothing more regretful than that....
Contrary to common notion, the right to due process is not only inherent in judicial proceedings but in administrative proceedings, as well. An employee can only be removed for just cause. This "just cause" must be proved by clear, convincing evidence before a tribunal, a tribunal that is impartial. The process must not however end there; the tribunal must hear the defending party, with or without the service of counsel. In addition, when the defending party presents controverting evidence the tribunal must consider such evidence presented; otherwise, the process is incomplete, therefore undue or invalid. After both parties have been accorded their respective day in court, the tribunal renders judgment based only on the matters proved and evidences duly submitted. In sum, this is the essence of due process--hear, after wards, condemn if warranted.
Due process as a principle is inherent in any civilized and moral society. This is because due process is based on fairness and equity, which are foundations of any God-fearing community. There is thus no point in making due process limited to legal and administrative proceedings; it must be sacredly observed even in our day-to-day dealings.A father, before he employs the harshness of the rod, must hear his child first; otherwise, the lesson he wants to impose is likewise lost by such denial. More so with persons who are privileged to hold high offices. With more reason that they should act with caution. They must be responsible in whatever words they utter and whatever judgment they make. A false belief, which is held as "the" truth by the official becomes "the" truth that almost everybody believes in. If the official opines that a group is "bad" and all "rotten eggs", the people who hears the opinion will be more inclined to hold that the opinion is true. As people differ in understanding situations, there will be those who will believe that the opinion is flawless whether or not it has basis. And when this happens, we perpetrate injustice. We perpetrate an act of depriving some faultless individuals with their right to a clean name. And there is nothing more regretful than that....
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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