Calling all formations/chapters and student councils nationwide, join the protest on Friday, February 27, 2009. Assert for our RIGHT TO EDUCATION!
National Day of Action Against Tuition Fee and Other Increases
February 27, 2009
MANILA: Students' Protest CHED National Office, CP Garcia St., UP Diliman, Quezon City
DAVAO: Students' Protest CHED Regional Office
BACOLOD: Presscon and Schools' Trooping
BAGUIO: St. Louis University and University of the Cordilleras Students' Protest and Walk-out; Centralized Protest at the People's Park
CEBU: Picket/Dialogue CHED Regional Office
You can still organize on your own regions and provinces!
IMPOSE A GENUINE MORATORIUM ON TUITION AND OTHER FEE INCREASES!
EDUCATION IS A RIGHT!
ADVANCE A NATIONALIST, SCIENTIFIC AND MASS-ORIENTED EDUCATION!
EDUCATION FOR ALL!
No To Tuition and Other Fee Hike! Impose A Genuine Tuition Moratorium
PRESS RELEASE: Feb 17, 2009
Students demand "genuine" tuition moratorium
NUSP calls CHED appeal to private schools "useless" regulatory measure
The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) led youth and student groups in calling for a categorical tuition and school fee moratorium, saying that the recent memorandum by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is 'toothless' and would have no effect whatsoever on decisions by schools to raise their fees, in a picket rally outside the CHED main office today.
NUSP president Alvin Peters said that CHED's memorandum could only be considered an "appeal" to schools not to increase tuition and other fees in light of the crisis.
"As long as the deregulated environment of tuition persists, there can be no guarantee that any CHED memo will have the political will behind it to enforce genuine regulation of charges that schools impose on students," said Peters.
"At the end of the day, CHED should be able to enforce its regulatory powers over schools and not merely be reduced to "appealing" to schools to observe its policies."
Peters cited an NUSP study of tuition and other fee rates for the past 8 years, saying that since 2001, the national average tuition rate per unit increased by 69.81 percent. Meanwhile, the national capital region average tuition rate increased by 118.53 percent.
Last school year, 372 private colleges and universities have increased their tuition at an average of 36.75 pesos per unit. In the National Capital Region (NCR) where most universities and colleges are located, the rate per unit is pegged at 855.20 pesos, increasing 10.83 percent from last year.
"Meanwhile, according to National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), the participation rate of school-age children is constantly declining. The participation rate at the elementary level, or the percentage of children aged 7-15, enrolled in primary schools dropped to 83 percent in school year 2006-2007 from 96.95 percent in 2000. Also, the percentage of children aged 13-16 enrolled in high schools has fallen from 65.43% in SY1999-2000 to 58.59 percent in SY2006-2007," said Peters.
In the light of the continuing day-to-day economic problems that the average Filipino family experiences—the skyrocketing prices of the daily commodities while the wages of workers remain low; the tuition and other fee increases will be another burden to the Filipino people.
Peters warned that if tuition and miscellaneous fees continue to soar unchecked, more students would be forced to drop out of school.###
PRESS RELEASE:
CHED lambasted for "spineless" memorandum on tuition hike freeze
Students to CHED: appeal to schools NOT ENOUGH!
Student leaders from the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) together with Kabataang Pinoy and the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) lambasted the Commission on Higher Education for its "spineless" memorandum appealing to higher education institutions (HEIs) not to increase tuition and other fees for the coming school year, saying the memo was essentially useless for students and parents facing the economic crisis.
With the subject, "Appeal to HEIs to implement a "NO TUITION FEE INCREASE POLICY" for school year 2009-10, the memorandum from CHED chairman Emmanuel Angeles cited the "requests of various groups, parents and students" and "the current economic condition of our country and the intensifying global crisis" in "seeking support of [HEIs] by implementing a 'NO TUITION AND OTHER FEE INCREASE' policy for SY 2009-2010."
"The memo is merely a publicity gimmick by CHED to convey the idea that CHED is doing its part in protecting the right to education of thousands of students and their parents who are facing an increasingly difficulty economic crisis," said NUSP national president Alvin Peters.
For his part, NUSP vice president Einstein Recedes belied claims that schools would not be increasing tuition and other fees, saying that the NUSP-initiated Tuition Monitor had been able to gather as many a dozen schools which were preparing to hike their fees.
"As early as January, our hotline has been receiving a lot of complaints from our member student councils in Metro Manila and in other regions with indications that their respective school administration had scheduled tuition consultations for the month of February," said Recedes.
Among schools that Tuition Monitor reported as scheduling consultations for their proposed increases are the University of the East in Manila and Caloocan, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Philippines School of Business Administration, Lyceum of the Philippines University. Also expecting a tuition hike is the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City.
Recedes revealed that they had reports that even CHED memorandum no. 13, CHED's existing guidelinea for tuition increases was violated repeatedly by several schools with some schools not issuing notification about proposed fee increases, the lack even of consultations and lack of transparency in general.
The NUSP challenged CHED chairman Angeles to implement a genuine moratorium and not rely on a simple appeal.
"At the end of the day, CHED should be able to enforce its regulatory powers over schools and not merely be reduced to "appealing" to schools to observe its policies," said Peters.
Peters cited an NUSP study of tuition and other fee rates for the past 8 years, saying that since 2001, the national average tuition rate per unit increased by 69.81 percent. Meanwhile, the national capital region average tuition rate increased by 118.53 percent.
Last school year, 372 private colleges and universities have increased their tuition at an average of 36.75 pesos per unit. In the National Capital Region (NCR) where most universities and colleges are located, the rate per unit is pegged at 855.20 pesos, increasing 10.83 percent from last year.
In the light of the continuing day-to-day economic problems that the average Filipino family experiences—the skyrocketing prices of the daily commodities while the wages of workers remain low; the tuition and other fee increases will be another burden to the Filipino people.
Peters warned that if tuition and miscellaneous fees continued to soar unchecked, more students would be forced to drop out of school, citing a study by the National Stastical Coordination Board which confirmed the declining cohort survival rate in schools. ###
PRESS RELEASE: Feb. 19, 2009
Students slam CHED existing tuition consultation guidelines
Schools can raise fees without ever consulting students - NUSP
In a statement today, the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) slammed the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) existing guidelines for higher education institutions (HEIs) intending to increase tuition and other fees, saying CHED's Memorandum No. 13 is "useless" in even ensuring that students and parents are duly consulted regarding proposed miscellaneous fee increases.
NUSP executive vice president Einstein Recedes said that the CMO No. 13 is a veritable "rubber stamp" for schools to increase tuition and other fees.
Recedes pointed to the fact that CMO No. 13 was re-implemented as the guidelines for tuition increases after Malacañang had ordered the lifting of a tuition cap and thereby suspending CHED Memo No. 14, during the same period of tuition consultations two years ago.
No consultation needed for miscellaneous fees
"The difference between CMO No. 13 and CMO No. 14 which at the time was in effect is that the antiquated CMO 13 does not provide for consultation with students of miscellaneous fee increases and new fees," said Recedes.
"By reverting to the antiquated and much-reviled CMO No. 13, CHED had effectively ensured that exorbitant fees such as development fee, energy fee, cultural fee and the like could be imposed on students even without consulting the students."
Slack implementation of tuition increase guidelines
Recedes said that while students have tried to maximize CHED's guidelines despite its "obvious flaws," many schools continue to violate basic provisions of CMO 13.
"Despite the CHED memo, we have documented several schools that do not even hold consultations with the student council before they implement tuition increases," said Recedes.
Recedes called on CHED to investigate and to penalize schools which violated the guidelines.
"If all CHED can come up with to mitigate the issue of soaring tuition fee rates is a flawed and ultimately useless guidelines, the least it could do is to ensure that such guidelines is effectively implemented," said Recedes.
"It is quite clear that existing CHED policies favor the interests of private school owners to make profit at the expense of students and no such policy is in effect to stop or even regulate the skyrocketting fees in schools," said Recedes.
The NUSP challenged the CHED to impose a genuine moratorium on tuition and other fee increases especially in light of the economic crisis. ###
PRESS RELEASE: Feb. 26, 2009
Students to Congress: Enact tuition moratorium bill, Repeal Education Act of 1982
NUSP challenges House leadership to act on tuition moratorium
In a kapihan press conference of the House of Representatives, the largest alliance of student councils and governments in the country called on House Speaker Prospero Nograles to enact House Bill 2440, filed by Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño, which imposes a 3-year moratorium on tuition and other fee increases in all educational institutions. The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) also urged Congress to review Batas Pambansa 232 or the Education Act of 1982, the law which legitimized the deregulated environment of education.
NUSP national president Alvin Peters said that it was high time for the country's legislators to review existing government policies which have led to the soaring cost of education and as a direct result, the rising number of out-of-school-youth.
“There is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of existing government policies on education if we are to address the roots of the crisis of Philippine education and implement concrete policy reforms,” said Peters.
Peters blamed Education Act of 1982 for incessant hikes in tuition and other fees as “it gives school owners limitless powers to determine their own tuition rate.”
He also called on lawmakers to investigate and recommend the filing of charges against schools which are allegedly profiting from exorbitant fees. Schools frequently included in the top 5,000 corporations in the country are Centro Escolar University (CEU), Far Eastern University (FEU), Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT), University of the East (UE), AMA Computer University and STI Colleges .
Peters said that, while the NUSP was aware that many congressmen themselves are school owners and keenly protective of school owners' interests, they nonetheless appealed that these legislators would inhibit themselves from the proceedings which would determine the enacting of the tuition moratorium. “We hope that they put the interests of the greater majority first in this instance,” said Peters.
Peters cited an NUSP study which revealed that since 2001, the national average tuition rate per unit has increased by 69.81 percent. Meanwhile, the national capital region average tuition rate has increased by 118.53 percent.
Peters announced that they would hold a nationally coordinated action this February 27 to voice their calls in key cities around the country. “We warn all potential candidates for the 2010 elections that this is an issue that they and the positions that is critical if they are to gain the youth's vote,” said Peters. ###
PRESS RELEASE: Feb. 23, 2009
NUSP: School fee hikes not improving education quality, for huge profits instead
Students announce National Protests vs. tuition increases on Feb. 27
In a press conference today, student leaders from the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) said that contrary to schools' claims that school fee increases are needed to improve the quality of education, the deregulated environment of Philippine education has only served to fuel schools' profiteering.
NUSP executive vice president Einstein Recedes said that many schools have been "profiting for decades" from exorbitant and some "absurd" school fees such as development fee, energy fee, comelec fee, copier fee, accreditation fee and cultural fee.
Recedes said that the deregulated environment of education has allowed for the existence of profit-making schools which have "repeatedly failed to provide quality education." Recedes cited miserable passing rates in board exams other gauges of education quality showing a decline in Philippine education in the past two decades.
"Many schools, already allowed to collect a gamut of school fees and charges have merely been emboldened by CHED's guidelines on tuition increases since CHED Memo 13 doesn't even require the school to consult proposed miscellaneous fee increases and new fees with students," said Recedes.
Recedes pointed to various "profit-making schemes" that were designed by schools to circumvent possible regulation by the CHED. "Schools are implementing such schemes as the ladderized tuition and other fees and the carry-over scheme which assumes a different rate of tuition for the different year levels."
For his part, NUSP national president Alvin Peters urged lawmakers to review Batas Pambansa 232 or the Education Act of 1982, which Peters said is the behind incessant hikes in tuition and other fees as it gives school owners limitless powers to determine their own tuition rate.
He also called on lawmakers to investigate and recommend the filing of charges against schools which are allegedly profiting from exorbitant fees. Schools frequently included in the top 5,000 corporations in the country are Centro Escolar University (CEU), Far Eastern University (FEU), Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT), University of the East (UE), AMA Computer University and STI Colleges.
"There is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of existing government policies on education if we are to address the roots of the problem and implement concrete policy reforms," said Peters.
Peters announced that they would hold a nationally coordinated action this February 27 to voice their calls in key cities around the country. "We are urging the government to heed the call for a tuition and other fee increase moratorium immediately and the repeal of Education Act of 1982," said Peters. ###
Students demand "genuine" tuition moratorium
NUSP calls CHED appeal to private schools "useless" regulatory measure
The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) led youth and student groups in calling for a categorical tuition and school fee moratorium, saying that the recent memorandum by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is 'toothless' and would have no effect whatsoever on decisions by schools to raise their fees, in a picket rally outside the CHED main office today.
NUSP president Alvin Peters said that CHED's memorandum could only be considered an "appeal" to schools not to increase tuition and other fees in light of the crisis.
"As long as the deregulated environment of tuition persists, there can be no guarantee that any CHED memo will have the political will behind it to enforce genuine regulation of charges that schools impose on students," said Peters.
"At the end of the day, CHED should be able to enforce its regulatory powers over schools and not merely be reduced to "appealing" to schools to observe its policies."
Peters cited an NUSP study of tuition and other fee rates for the past 8 years, saying that since 2001, the national average tuition rate per unit increased by 69.81 percent. Meanwhile, the national capital region average tuition rate increased by 118.53 percent.
Last school year, 372 private colleges and universities have increased their tuition at an average of 36.75 pesos per unit. In the National Capital Region (NCR) where most universities and colleges are located, the rate per unit is pegged at 855.20 pesos, increasing 10.83 percent from last year.
"Meanwhile, according to National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), the participation rate of school-age children is constantly declining. The participation rate at the elementary level, or the percentage of children aged 7-15, enrolled in primary schools dropped to 83 percent in school year 2006-2007 from 96.95 percent in 2000. Also, the percentage of children aged 13-16 enrolled in high schools has fallen from 65.43% in SY1999-2000 to 58.59 percent in SY2006-2007," said Peters.
In the light of the continuing day-to-day economic problems that the average Filipino family experiences—the skyrocketing prices of the daily commodities while the wages of workers remain low; the tuition and other fee increases will be another burden to the Filipino people.
Peters warned that if tuition and miscellaneous fees continue to soar unchecked, more students would be forced to drop out of school.###
PRESS RELEASE:
CHED lambasted for "spineless" memorandum on tuition hike freeze
Students to CHED: appeal to schools NOT ENOUGH!
Student leaders from the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) together with Kabataang Pinoy and the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) lambasted the Commission on Higher Education for its "spineless" memorandum appealing to higher education institutions (HEIs) not to increase tuition and other fees for the coming school year, saying the memo was essentially useless for students and parents facing the economic crisis.
With the subject, "Appeal to HEIs to implement a "NO TUITION FEE INCREASE POLICY" for school year 2009-10, the memorandum from CHED chairman Emmanuel Angeles cited the "requests of various groups, parents and students" and "the current economic condition of our country and the intensifying global crisis" in "seeking support of [HEIs] by implementing a 'NO TUITION AND OTHER FEE INCREASE' policy for SY 2009-2010."
"The memo is merely a publicity gimmick by CHED to convey the idea that CHED is doing its part in protecting the right to education of thousands of students and their parents who are facing an increasingly difficulty economic crisis," said NUSP national president Alvin Peters.
For his part, NUSP vice president Einstein Recedes belied claims that schools would not be increasing tuition and other fees, saying that the NUSP-initiated Tuition Monitor had been able to gather as many a dozen schools which were preparing to hike their fees.
"As early as January, our hotline has been receiving a lot of complaints from our member student councils in Metro Manila and in other regions with indications that their respective school administration had scheduled tuition consultations for the month of February," said Recedes.
Among schools that Tuition Monitor reported as scheduling consultations for their proposed increases are the University of the East in Manila and Caloocan, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Philippines School of Business Administration, Lyceum of the Philippines University. Also expecting a tuition hike is the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City.
Recedes revealed that they had reports that even CHED memorandum no. 13, CHED's existing guidelinea for tuition increases was violated repeatedly by several schools with some schools not issuing notification about proposed fee increases, the lack even of consultations and lack of transparency in general.
The NUSP challenged CHED chairman Angeles to implement a genuine moratorium and not rely on a simple appeal.
"At the end of the day, CHED should be able to enforce its regulatory powers over schools and not merely be reduced to "appealing" to schools to observe its policies," said Peters.
Peters cited an NUSP study of tuition and other fee rates for the past 8 years, saying that since 2001, the national average tuition rate per unit increased by 69.81 percent. Meanwhile, the national capital region average tuition rate increased by 118.53 percent.
Last school year, 372 private colleges and universities have increased their tuition at an average of 36.75 pesos per unit. In the National Capital Region (NCR) where most universities and colleges are located, the rate per unit is pegged at 855.20 pesos, increasing 10.83 percent from last year.
In the light of the continuing day-to-day economic problems that the average Filipino family experiences—the skyrocketing prices of the daily commodities while the wages of workers remain low; the tuition and other fee increases will be another burden to the Filipino people.
Peters warned that if tuition and miscellaneous fees continued to soar unchecked, more students would be forced to drop out of school, citing a study by the National Stastical Coordination Board which confirmed the declining cohort survival rate in schools. ###
PRESS RELEASE: Feb. 19, 2009
Students slam CHED existing tuition consultation guidelines
Schools can raise fees without ever consulting students - NUSP
In a statement today, the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) slammed the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) existing guidelines for higher education institutions (HEIs) intending to increase tuition and other fees, saying CHED's Memorandum No. 13 is "useless" in even ensuring that students and parents are duly consulted regarding proposed miscellaneous fee increases.
NUSP executive vice president Einstein Recedes said that the CMO No. 13 is a veritable "rubber stamp" for schools to increase tuition and other fees.
Recedes pointed to the fact that CMO No. 13 was re-implemented as the guidelines for tuition increases after Malacañang had ordered the lifting of a tuition cap and thereby suspending CHED Memo No. 14, during the same period of tuition consultations two years ago.
No consultation needed for miscellaneous fees
"The difference between CMO No. 13 and CMO No. 14 which at the time was in effect is that the antiquated CMO 13 does not provide for consultation with students of miscellaneous fee increases and new fees," said Recedes.
"By reverting to the antiquated and much-reviled CMO No. 13, CHED had effectively ensured that exorbitant fees such as development fee, energy fee, cultural fee and the like could be imposed on students even without consulting the students."
Slack implementation of tuition increase guidelines
Recedes said that while students have tried to maximize CHED's guidelines despite its "obvious flaws," many schools continue to violate basic provisions of CMO 13.
"Despite the CHED memo, we have documented several schools that do not even hold consultations with the student council before they implement tuition increases," said Recedes.
Recedes called on CHED to investigate and to penalize schools which violated the guidelines.
"If all CHED can come up with to mitigate the issue of soaring tuition fee rates is a flawed and ultimately useless guidelines, the least it could do is to ensure that such guidelines is effectively implemented," said Recedes.
"It is quite clear that existing CHED policies favor the interests of private school owners to make profit at the expense of students and no such policy is in effect to stop or even regulate the skyrocketting fees in schools," said Recedes.
The NUSP challenged the CHED to impose a genuine moratorium on tuition and other fee increases especially in light of the economic crisis. ###
PRESS RELEASE: Feb. 26, 2009
Students to Congress: Enact tuition moratorium bill, Repeal Education Act of 1982
NUSP challenges House leadership to act on tuition moratorium
In a kapihan press conference of the House of Representatives, the largest alliance of student councils and governments in the country called on House Speaker Prospero Nograles to enact House Bill 2440, filed by Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño, which imposes a 3-year moratorium on tuition and other fee increases in all educational institutions. The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) also urged Congress to review Batas Pambansa 232 or the Education Act of 1982, the law which legitimized the deregulated environment of education.
NUSP national president Alvin Peters said that it was high time for the country's legislators to review existing government policies which have led to the soaring cost of education and as a direct result, the rising number of out-of-school-youth.
“There is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of existing government policies on education if we are to address the roots of the crisis of Philippine education and implement concrete policy reforms,” said Peters.
Peters blamed Education Act of 1982 for incessant hikes in tuition and other fees as “it gives school owners limitless powers to determine their own tuition rate.”
He also called on lawmakers to investigate and recommend the filing of charges against schools which are allegedly profiting from exorbitant fees. Schools frequently included in the top 5,000 corporations in the country are Centro Escolar University (CEU), Far Eastern University (FEU), Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT), University of the East (UE), AMA Computer University and STI Colleges .
Peters said that, while the NUSP was aware that many congressmen themselves are school owners and keenly protective of school owners' interests, they nonetheless appealed that these legislators would inhibit themselves from the proceedings which would determine the enacting of the tuition moratorium. “We hope that they put the interests of the greater majority first in this instance,” said Peters.
Peters cited an NUSP study which revealed that since 2001, the national average tuition rate per unit has increased by 69.81 percent. Meanwhile, the national capital region average tuition rate has increased by 118.53 percent.
Peters announced that they would hold a nationally coordinated action this February 27 to voice their calls in key cities around the country. “We warn all potential candidates for the 2010 elections that this is an issue that they and the positions that is critical if they are to gain the youth's vote,” said Peters. ###
PRESS RELEASE: Feb. 23, 2009
NUSP: School fee hikes not improving education quality, for huge profits instead
Students announce National Protests vs. tuition increases on Feb. 27
In a press conference today, student leaders from the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) said that contrary to schools' claims that school fee increases are needed to improve the quality of education, the deregulated environment of Philippine education has only served to fuel schools' profiteering.
NUSP executive vice president Einstein Recedes said that many schools have been "profiting for decades" from exorbitant and some "absurd" school fees such as development fee, energy fee, comelec fee, copier fee, accreditation fee and cultural fee.
Recedes said that the deregulated environment of education has allowed for the existence of profit-making schools which have "repeatedly failed to provide quality education." Recedes cited miserable passing rates in board exams other gauges of education quality showing a decline in Philippine education in the past two decades.
"Many schools, already allowed to collect a gamut of school fees and charges have merely been emboldened by CHED's guidelines on tuition increases since CHED Memo 13 doesn't even require the school to consult proposed miscellaneous fee increases and new fees with students," said Recedes.
Recedes pointed to various "profit-making schemes" that were designed by schools to circumvent possible regulation by the CHED. "Schools are implementing such schemes as the ladderized tuition and other fees and the carry-over scheme which assumes a different rate of tuition for the different year levels."
For his part, NUSP national president Alvin Peters urged lawmakers to review Batas Pambansa 232 or the Education Act of 1982, which Peters said is the behind incessant hikes in tuition and other fees as it gives school owners limitless powers to determine their own tuition rate.
He also called on lawmakers to investigate and recommend the filing of charges against schools which are allegedly profiting from exorbitant fees. Schools frequently included in the top 5,000 corporations in the country are Centro Escolar University (CEU), Far Eastern University (FEU), Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT), University of the East (UE), AMA Computer University and STI Colleges.
"There is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of existing government policies on education if we are to address the roots of the problem and implement concrete policy reforms," said Peters.
Peters announced that they would hold a nationally coordinated action this February 27 to voice their calls in key cities around the country. "We are urging the government to heed the call for a tuition and other fee increase moratorium immediately and the repeal of Education Act of 1982," said Peters. ###
Students reiterate opposition to random drug testing in schools
Students reiterate opposition to random drug testing in schools
The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) today reiterated its position against the proposal to implement random drug testing in schools, saying that arguments against they made against the measure in 2002 still apply today.
NUSP national president Alvin Peters said that the recent announcement of implementing drug testing in schools is merely a knee-jerk and shortsighted reaction by the government to the Alabang boys scandal. "The measure is punitive, arbitrary and discriminatory and essentially illustrates the lack of any comprehensive plan to go after the real culprits in the drug problem: the drug dealers and corrupt government officials who turn a blind eye to drug dealers' activities," Peters said.
Peters cited provisions in the existing Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 which his group opposed in 2002 when the said Act was recently signed into law.
Article III section 35 of the new law obliges students in secondary and college levels to undergo drug testing upon recommendation of a faculty or school authority; while section 42 empowers the same school officials in apprehending students suspected of using illegal drugs.
"Drug testing in schools is open to abuse and discriminate against delinquents, emotionally-troubled children, fraternity members, activists, gangsters and other students the school may want to get rid of," said Peters.
NUSP questions effectiveness of drug testing in schools
Peters also questioned the effectiveness of drug testing to curb drug use among the youth saying that the United States which started conducting drug tests in schools in 1998 had no conclusive evidence to show that the measure was successful in discouraging drug abuse.
A study published by the Journal of School Health in the US in 2002 revealed that drug use in schools which conducted drug tests is the same with schools that did not implement the program. The US National Institute of Health funded research was done by researchers of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan.
Peters said the government would only waste precious taxpayers' money by implementing a program whose scientific validity is being questioned in other countries.
"Already scarce funds for education must be used wisely to buy basic school needs like textbooks, classrooms and facilities and not for an expensive and ineffective drug testing program," Peters said.
Peters said that drug testing in schools can be abused by corrupt bureaucrats looking to signing juicy contracts with private laboratories and companies.
The student leader instead urged education officials to focus their time and energy on instituting a program that will include drug education in the curriculum of schools.
The NUSP said the government should trust educators and their students to be able to deter drug use and identify drug users even without the drug test.
The NUSP clarified that students are very eager to join the battle against illegal drug trade and use in the country since it also victimizes their fellow youth "but they are rejecting the regulatory measures proposed by the government which seek to punish the victims instead of running after drug pushers outside the school and preventing drug use in the first place."
The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) today reiterated its position against the proposal to implement random drug testing in schools, saying that arguments against they made against the measure in 2002 still apply today.
NUSP national president Alvin Peters said that the recent announcement of implementing drug testing in schools is merely a knee-jerk and shortsighted reaction by the government to the Alabang boys scandal. "The measure is punitive, arbitrary and discriminatory and essentially illustrates the lack of any comprehensive plan to go after the real culprits in the drug problem: the drug dealers and corrupt government officials who turn a blind eye to drug dealers' activities," Peters said.
Peters cited provisions in the existing Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 which his group opposed in 2002 when the said Act was recently signed into law.
Article III section 35 of the new law obliges students in secondary and college levels to undergo drug testing upon recommendation of a faculty or school authority; while section 42 empowers the same school officials in apprehending students suspected of using illegal drugs.
"Drug testing in schools is open to abuse and discriminate against delinquents, emotionally-troubled children, fraternity members, activists, gangsters and other students the school may want to get rid of," said Peters.
NUSP questions effectiveness of drug testing in schools
Peters also questioned the effectiveness of drug testing to curb drug use among the youth saying that the United States which started conducting drug tests in schools in 1998 had no conclusive evidence to show that the measure was successful in discouraging drug abuse.
A study published by the Journal of School Health in the US in 2002 revealed that drug use in schools which conducted drug tests is the same with schools that did not implement the program. The US National Institute of Health funded research was done by researchers of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan.
Peters said the government would only waste precious taxpayers' money by implementing a program whose scientific validity is being questioned in other countries.
"Already scarce funds for education must be used wisely to buy basic school needs like textbooks, classrooms and facilities and not for an expensive and ineffective drug testing program," Peters said.
Peters said that drug testing in schools can be abused by corrupt bureaucrats looking to signing juicy contracts with private laboratories and companies.
The student leader instead urged education officials to focus their time and energy on instituting a program that will include drug education in the curriculum of schools.
The NUSP said the government should trust educators and their students to be able to deter drug use and identify drug users even without the drug test.
The NUSP clarified that students are very eager to join the battle against illegal drug trade and use in the country since it also victimizes their fellow youth "but they are rejecting the regulatory measures proposed by the government which seek to punish the victims instead of running after drug pushers outside the school and preventing drug use in the first place."
Students denounce CHED's "lies" about additional year for college courses
Student leaders from the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) were joined by various youth and student groups in a press conference hosted by Atty. Adel Tamano, president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila to belie recent claims by CHED that it had put off any measure to extend the number of years of university and college courses.
The groups reiterated their call against any measure to extend the number of years of education. NUSP national president Alvin Peters said denounce claims by CHED that they were ready to shelve the proposed 5-year nursing and education courses, saying that the alternative 10+2+3 scheme was essentially the same as a 5-year course.
"CHED is lying through its teeth when it says that they will not push through with plans to extend college education by an additional year, especially because CHED chairman (Emmanuel) Angeles is part of the taskforce which has recommended an additional 1-year pre-baccalaureate system for education," said Peters.
Peters was referring to the Presidential Taskforce on Education Reforms which was formed last year and recently released its recommendations. CHED chairman Emmanuel Angeles is the vice chairman of the taskforce.
John Henry Rico, vice chairperson of the Health Students' Action said that they would step up efforts to oppose the measure since it would ultimately result in more students being forced to drop out of college.
An additional year means additional expenses for parents and longer agony for those longing for employment. It does not necessarily mean increased competency for nurse graduates. The deterioration of the quality of nursing education, brought about by the increasing profit-orientation of the nursing education and training will neither be resolved nor lessened by the added year," Rico said in a statement.
For his part, Peters said the proposal to extend all courses to 5-years was a ploy by the government to "disguise its neglect in providing jobs for new graduates."
"By extending students' stay in college for an additional year, the Arroyo government is trying to avoid graduates immediately becoming a part of the swelling number of unemployed."
"Gusto na naman ng gobyernong ito na i-magik ang mga datos para palabasin na hindi siya inutil, bagay na pinatunayang sanay na sanay na siya," said Alvin Peters, NUSP national president. (The government is clearly attempting to do magic with the data once again in order to disguise its inaction and neglect, something it's been shown to have a penchant for)
The NUSP slammed the proposal, saying it was the "height of insensitivity" to mandate an additional year for already struggling students and parents amidst the worsening economic crisis.
No one is fooled by CHED's justifications of the proposal," said Peters. "If the government really wants to improve the quality of education, CHED should monitor the performance of and regulate higher education institutions in the implementation of their programs," Peters emphasized.
"If the recommendations of the PTFE are anything to go by, the Arroyo government would push the country's education system into a crisis from which it might never recover," said Peters.
Among the other recommendations of the PTFE include: the rationalization within a moratorium period of the creation and conversion of state universities and colleges; re-orienting the premises of financing public higher education; establishment of the National Educational Evaluation and Testing System (NEETS); establishing common standard for accreditation per discipline; and curricular reform in higher education.
Peters warned that the proposal to add an additional year to course offerings in universities would ultimately result in a "more intensified exodus of students from tertiary education and subsequently a larger out-of-school-youth population." ###
Resign, CHEd chief told
By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
http://newsinfo. inquirer. net/breakingnews /nation/view/ 20090202- 187019/Resign- CHEd-chief- told
MANILA, Philippines -- Youth groups are demanding the resignation of the chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) for being "profit-oriented" following his proposal for an extra year in college to improve the quality of education in that level, their officials said Monday.
At the same time, the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) and Kabataang Pinoy [Filipino Youth], along with lawyer Adel Tamano, president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila, PLM) and United Opposition spokesman, said that CHEd Chairman Emmanuel Angeles' plan only "favored profit-oriented higher educational institutions" and were "anti-poor and anti-student."
"CHEd Chair Angeles is currently listed as member of the Board of Trustees of Angeles University Foundation as its corporate secretary. He has a reputation to have a negative bias towards the poor and marginalized," said Tamano in a statement.
Vencer Crisostomo, Kabataan Pinoy spokesman, said the planned five-year program was "insensitivity to the difficulty being experienced by the students and parents due to high education and living costs."
"This policy will cause a significant number of students to drop out from school especially considering that there is a global economic crisis. Instead of coming up with senseless projects like this, the government should focus on lowering education costs and making education more accessible," he added.
At the same time, CHEd should "overhaul its educational policies" if it really wanted to improve the quality of education, said NUSP national president Alvin Peters.
"The current recommendations of CHEd and the government will only push the country's education system into a worse crisis. This has been the case for the past years. The government should reverse its policy of deregulation and privatization of education and should raise the budgetary allocation for public higher education," he said.
TANGGULAN Paralegal Training
January 31, 2009
To our Fellow youth leaders,
Warmest greetings!
To date, there are 194 victims of enforced disappearance and 927 victims of extrajudicial killing since President Gloria Arroyo assumed her post in 2001, according to KARAPATAN, an alliance for the advancement of human rights in the Philippines. These alarming numbers were affirmed by the United Nations (UN) through UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution, Philip Alston.
This alarming situation, which is deeply rooted in the economic issues of the country, led to the establishment of TANGGULAN in 2001 as the national center advocating for democratic and academic rights of youth and students. TANGGULAN continues to unite various youth groups from different sectors in defense of our civil liberties and human rights.
On February 7, 2009 (Saturday) at 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, TANGGULAN will conduct a Paralegal Training as part of its campaign and advocacy program for Human Rights. This will be held at Good Samaritan United Methodist Church (beside World Vision and across Maxima building) along Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. There will be PhP 50 registration fee which will cover lunch, snack and kit.
Objectives of this whole day event are as follows:
1. To provide young people of the basic knowledge on Human Rights in relation to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR);
2. To deepen understanding of the current National Situation that give stress on the intensifying human rights violations among Filipino people: politically, economically and culturally;
3. To be equipped on legal mechanisms in countering vilification, harassments, arrests and other forms of human rights violations happening inside and out of campuses and;
4. To be active participants in human rights advocacy in the country.
Attached is our enlistment form to be submitted to TANGGULAN Secretariat: scmp(dot)national(at)gmail(dot)com not later that February 3. You may also reach us thru text at 09289526973 for further queries.
With these at hand, we look for your utmost response. Working together, we hope to extinguish the plague that is spoiling the future of the youth, and this country.
For human rights,
(SGD) (SGD)
BIYAYA QUIZON JOHANNA MAE DELA CRUZ
National Chairperson Youth Desk
Student Christian Movement of the Phils. National Council of
Churches in the Phils
NUSP NOTE: Our Union is a main convenor of TANGGULAN. If you are interested to attend this activity please notify Henrie Enaje at 0908-5048925.
To our Fellow youth leaders,
Warmest greetings!
To date, there are 194 victims of enforced disappearance and 927 victims of extrajudicial killing since President Gloria Arroyo assumed her post in 2001, according to KARAPATAN, an alliance for the advancement of human rights in the Philippines. These alarming numbers were affirmed by the United Nations (UN) through UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution, Philip Alston.
This alarming situation, which is deeply rooted in the economic issues of the country, led to the establishment of TANGGULAN in 2001 as the national center advocating for democratic and academic rights of youth and students. TANGGULAN continues to unite various youth groups from different sectors in defense of our civil liberties and human rights.
On February 7, 2009 (Saturday) at 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, TANGGULAN will conduct a Paralegal Training as part of its campaign and advocacy program for Human Rights. This will be held at Good Samaritan United Methodist Church (beside World Vision and across Maxima building) along Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. There will be PhP 50 registration fee which will cover lunch, snack and kit.
Objectives of this whole day event are as follows:
1. To provide young people of the basic knowledge on Human Rights in relation to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR);
2. To deepen understanding of the current National Situation that give stress on the intensifying human rights violations among Filipino people: politically, economically and culturally;
3. To be equipped on legal mechanisms in countering vilification, harassments, arrests and other forms of human rights violations happening inside and out of campuses and;
4. To be active participants in human rights advocacy in the country.
Attached is our enlistment form to be submitted to TANGGULAN Secretariat: scmp(dot)national(at)gmail(dot)com not later that February 3. You may also reach us thru text at 09289526973 for further queries.
With these at hand, we look for your utmost response. Working together, we hope to extinguish the plague that is spoiling the future of the youth, and this country.
For human rights,
(SGD) (SGD)
BIYAYA QUIZON JOHANNA MAE DELA CRUZ
National Chairperson Youth Desk
Student Christian Movement of the Phils. National Council of
Churches in the Phils
NUSP NOTE: Our Union is a main convenor of TANGGULAN. If you are interested to attend this activity please notify Henrie Enaje at 0908-5048925.
Tuition Monitor (TM, Empowering the Students)
Tuition Monitor (TM, Empowering the Students)
What is Tuition Monitor?
Tuition Monitor or TM is a campaign initiative of various student councils, publications and student organizations specifically created to address the issue of tuition and other fee increases in Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs).
TM is a national network of students uniting against the rising cost of education in the country with a definite objective of disseminating information on the illegal suspension of CHED Memorandum Order No. 14 (CMO 14) and its amendments (CMO 42) to the reimplementation of CMO 13, providing assistance (even legal assistance) to student councils who will primarily be consulted on school fee increases, documentation of the events occurring during the whole consultation process. A TM hotline will be available to all students to air their grievances over the school consultation process.
Proponents
The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) is a nation-wide alliance of student councils/governments/unions committed to the advancement of the students’ democratic rights and welfare. Since its establishment in 1957, the NUSP has been consistently at the forefront of the students’ struggle for their rights and welfare.
What are the objectives of Tuition Monitor?
- to vigilantly examine tuition and other fee increases imposed by school administrations
- to gather data on specific cases of questionable tuition and other fee imposition and the lack of consultation with students
- to ensure that students are properly and thoroughly consulted on each and every increase in tuition and other fees as specified by CHED Memorandum Order No. 13 (CMO No. 13)
- to critically examine the suitability of CMO No. 13 from our concrete experiences during its implementation
- to push for legislation guaranteeing a genuine regulation of school fee impositions.
- to push for a review on the illegal suspension of CMO No. 14 and its amendments (CMO 42) and the reimplementation of CMO 13
- to push for a nationwide moratorium on tuition and other fee increases in all colleges and universities
What are TM’s activities?
- We organize focus discussion groups on CHED Memorandum related to tuition and other fees increase.
- We arrange conferences among student councils and organizations to share experiences and lessons with their respective campaigns against tuition and other fee increases in their schools
- We conduct forums and symposia in various schools to discuss and disseminate the issue of tuition and other fee increases and the right of students to be consulted
- We initiate lobbying sessions with our lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives.
- We conduct dialogues with officials from the CHED to air our grievances and raise our concerns
- We popularize our campaign against unabated tuition and other fee hikes by producing and distributing TM pins, t-shirts, and cell phone logos to our fellow students
- We build alliances with other sectors in the university with the aim of gaining further support for our issues and aiding them with their struggles
- We organize mass actions such as pickets, walk-outs and rallies with the students as symbolic protests in furtherance of our goals
- We expose anomalous tuition and other fee impositions and the lack of consultation through investigative reporting by student media.
How can you contact us?
Please contact us at our TM hotline (09238177804) or email us at nusphilipines@yahoo.com for any inquiry or if you have any concerns regarding tuition and other fee increases in your school.
When gov’t works with private sector
Inquirer
The front-page photo (“Batanes schools now fully wired”) in the Inquirer’s July 31 issue, which showed students of the University of the Philippines helping “erect an antenna near the Batanes National High School in Basco,” was reminiscent of a picture of Iwo Jima taken during World War II.
The story tells how the joint effort of local leaders, civil society and the private sector led to the interconnection of all public schools in the island province of Batanes. It is a particular story with general implications. Time and again we say, “Filipinos can do it.”
To drive the point: The government did not have to enter into a shadowy contract like the $329-million NBN deal (financed through an official loan, by the way) with China’s ZTE since Filipinos can actually do the job -- at practically less cost and with no strings attached.
To drive the point further: It shows that development and infrastructure projects (which the government is fond of) may be done by local industries -- with capital from the government for pump priming; the projects don’t have to be farmed out to foreign countries. This way, the benefits to be derived from the projects will be enjoyed by more sectors.
Think about it, the Department of Transportation and Communication need not even have run a full-page ad (Inquirer, 8/4/07) paid with public funds to defend ZTE. That was simply too much for a project that Filipinos can do.
MARCO M. DE LOS REYES, national president, National Union of Students of the Philippines (via email)
Applause in Congress, boos in streets
Seems like the only people who applaud the President’s speeches are her aides and allies.
On several occasions, civil society has pointed out conflicting statements in Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s speeches -- especially in those speeches regarded as policy pronouncements. For instance, some time last month, during the declaration of the La Mesa watershed as a protected area, Ms Arroyo said that the watershed is a protected area “subject to private rights.” Among those who applauded that pronouncement was former Mayor Lito Atienza, who is now the environment secretary.
Of course, environmentalists took a more critical stand. Rather than praising the President, they held a press conference expressing their resolve to continue their fight for the protection of the watershed -- the “lifeblood” of Metro Manila.
In reaction to another speech, no less than the State of the Nation Address at that, agrarian reform advocates took offense at the ambivalent stand of the government on agrarian reform. Ms Arroyo said: “DAR will be moved to Davao…. 'Dapat maging daan sa tagumpay sa agribusiness ang reporma sa lupa' [Land reform should become a way for success in agribusiness]…. We must reform agrarian reform so it can transform beneficiaries into agribusinessmen and agribusinesswomen.”
Where else could it have been better said than in front of the landed class in Congress? A thunderous clap. Outside, the farmers booed.
In many other instances, the President has blurred the difference between public concerns and private interests. It is no wonder, then, that the rift between the rich and the poor is widening. Ms Arroyo has become the symbol of affluence and lack of sensitivity, as well as the guardian of the elite.
MARCO M. DELOS REYES, national president, National Union of Students of the Philippines (via email)
Students gear up for SONA protest
News Release
Students gear up for SONA protest
Dismal state of education, more dropouts show real state of the nation
Thousands of students are expected to swarm
“Year after year, Mrs. Arroyo drowns herself and the people of fabricated achievements by bragging self-induced fairytales of improving conditions of governance and the economy. But the students have had enough of her promises, more so her lies” NUSP Secretary General Alvin Peters said.
Peters also disproved claims made by Arroyo of making education the legacy of her government, saying education remains one of the most neglected programs of this administration.
“How can this government make education its legacy if it continues to spend poorly on education and college diploma remains an elusive dream to ordinary Filipino youth?”
“Students and parents continue to bear the brunt of paying high fees for education. The past seven years under the Arroyo administration witnessed the further deregulation of the tuition system leading to bigger increases in tuition and other fees both in private and state schools. The recent tuition hike in the country’s premier state university, the University of the
“Students can no longer be swayed by the president’s big words. The ailing condition of Philippine education and the growing number of out-of-school youth are enough indicators of the real state of education and the Filipino youth.”
“The youth’s future will remain dim under this administration which prefers to spend more on war than education.”
Reference: Krish Rainjit Salas, NUSP Media Officer, 09196145108
ATTENTION: All Student Councils and Student Governments in the National Capital Region (or Metro Manila)We will be having an NCR Student Councils' Assembly this coming June 9, 2007 at the conference room of the National Youth Commission building (along Quezon Avenue, near cor. Banawe Ave.)
This will feature a grand discussion on the NUSP's history and orientation and will be followed by a skills training course which is especially designed for new student council officers and members. We will also discuss our joint plans for the semester, in particular our campaigns and advocacy.
For details, please contact Kae at 09266740679 or Alvin at 09206209362. We hope to see you there!
Press Release
April 19, 2007
NUSP joins more than 240 organizations from more than 90 developing nations urging US Congress: Help Combat Global Poverty by Rejecting Fast Track
Widespread Opposition to Fast Track Weighs on Continuation of
These groups from more than 90 nations signed onto a letter that conveys to members of the U.S. Congress that the Doha Round of WTO expansion is passionately opposed by civil society organizations from developing countries as a threat to their livelihoods, the global environment, democracy and stability. The NUSP has signed onto the letter among other groups in the
“There is overwhelming evidence across the globe that this round of trade talks could be the most damaging in history to developing nations.
The letter emphasizes the harmful effects of
We are writing to share our view that this New Direction [on trade policy] must include rejection of the current attempts to expand the failed World Trade Organization (WTO) through the "
The letter, delivered to Democratic members of the House and Senate, arrives while the Bush administration responds to changes to proposed NAFTA expansions to
Peters reiterated the negative effects these policies are having on Philippine education, citing government policies on education leading towards the further commericialization and deregulation of education. “The fact that so many students aren’t able to study anymore in the
The full letter and all its signatories can be found at the website www.ourworldisnotforsale.org
Students warn of relentless tuition hikes
Manila Standard Online
February 28, 2007
By Florante S. Solmerin
Manila Standard Online
February 28, 2007
By Florante S. Solmerin
MEMBERS of the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines are up in arms over the decision of the Commission on Higher Education suspending memorandum order 14 and effectively lifting the cap on tuition increases.
Ched made the move at the height of the consultation on the proposed tuition increases by higher education institutions, the students’ group said.
“The CHED suspension of CMO 14 is suspect as much as it is a betrayal of the students and their parents,” said Dion Carlo Cerrafon, SCMP chairman. “The result is like an automatic imposition of tuition and other fee increases.”
Leni Valeriano, SCMP vice chairman said that for many students and parents, the suspension of CMO 14 means “the comeback of relentless tuition and other fee increases. It will resurrect the uncapped tuition increases and takes our struggle a decade backwards.”
SCMP also calls on school administrators “not to take an opportunistic stance on this sudden back-tracking of CHED. We call on especially the colleges and universities run by the religious to restrain increases during this consultation period which is also the start of the Lent.”
SCMP cites the National Union of Students of the Philippines ‘ report that many schools had already proposed increases as high as 15 percent and 20 percent.
The University of Sto. Tomas, Philippine School of Business Administration and the Far Eastern University held their tuition consultation with students this week and yet to publicize its proposed increase.
SCMP called for a moratorium on increases in tuition and other fees. ###
Long, fearsome night
Inquirer
Last updated 01:23am (Mla time) 03/28/2007
Last updated 01:23am (Mla time) 03/28/2007
Like any typical Filipino kid, I was taught to fear the darkness of the night. "Tikbalang," "aswang" and "kapre" were creatures that ate young kids strolling in dark alleys way past bedtime.
As I grew older (and stayed up late longer), I learned that drug addicts, snatchers and holdup men were to be feared more than the "aswang" in the dead of night. Boy, I must have grown so fast -- now I fear for the country more than I fear for myself in the dead of night. Let me explain by citing some of the incidents that led me to such fear:
• At 3 a.m. of March 19, 2007, detained Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Satur Ocampo was taken out of prison for a plane ride to Leyte. Anyway, the flight was aborted halfway.
• Past 11 p.m. of Dec. 29, 2006, convicted rapist Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith of the US Marines was surreptitiously transported from the Makati City Jail to the US Embassy.
• Twice the House of Representatives stayed up late till the early morning hours the next day to quash two attempts to impeach Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; and once to railroad Charter change.
Hell must be jubilant over Ms Arroyo’s leadership. After all, under her guidance, the government operates “like a thief in the night.” Unfortunately, every time the thief strikes, democracy suffers; and we are robbed of our rights and liberties.
With barely two months left before this year’s elections, I can’t help but worry that there is going on a sort of dress rehearsal for late-night operations come May. Oh yes, of course, three Sundays ago, a building of the Commission on Elections went up in smoke in the dead of night. I just hope this incident wouldn’t count.
But definitely, there are enough reasons for us to wake up from our deep slumber and keep the lights on through this long night.
MARCO M. DE LOS REYES
National President
National Union of Students of the Philippines
National President
National Union of Students of the Philippines
Manifesto: Sign the ONLINE PETITION FOR KA SATUR 
To: Department of Justice and Philippine National Police
To: Department of Justice and Philippine National PolicePETITION FROM FRIENDS OF SATUR OCAMPO IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
Free Satur Ocampo! End Political Repression!
We, parliamentarians and friends from different countries, express grave concern and great alarm over the arrest of Rep. Satur Ocampo, Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, who is currently campaigning for reelection under the opposition party Bayan Muna.
We fail to comprehend why a warrant of arrest was issued based on a criminal case for murder committed 22 years ago at the time when Satur was in prison during the martial law regime of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. We are also concerned why a 22 year-old case was resurrected during the campaign period at the time when Satur, a staunch critique of the government, is heading the campaign of his party for reelection. We are alarmed that Satur is not granted at least, his right to bail, since it is improbable that the evidence of his guilt is strong considering that the crime imputed is more than 2 decades old.
We are aware of the escalating political killings in the Philippines targeting members of opposition parties and government critiques. We were also informed of escalating harassment against them during the election period, and would like express our belief that opposition parties, including their leaders, must be allowed to campaign freely during the campaign period.
We express our deepest concern over these developments and urge the Philippine government to respect Saturs rights to due process. We urge the speedy release of Satur Ocampo from prison and that he and his party, and all opposition parties for that matter, be allowed to freely campaign. We call for a stop to the political killings and human rights violations in the Philippines.
*To sign the petition click here
PRESS RELEASE: UST Students Slam Admin Deception in the Fee Consultations
6 March 2007
“It was an attempt to fool the students.”
Thus said incoming Faculty of Arts and Letters Student Council President JC Valeroso regarding the conduct of fee increase consultation in the University of Sto Tomas a week ago.
The UST Administration issued a notice calling for a dialogue on February 26 between the Student Council Presidents and the Rector to talk about myriad issues and grievances with regard to tuition. It turned out that the dialogue was a tuition increase consultation for the next school year. The time and venue of the February 26 consultation was not stated in the said notice.
At the end of the one-sided meeting, the UST administration posted an 8.4 percent increase in their tuition.
“It was their long-crafted tactic to be able to implement anti-student policies. With this, the administration has once again committed blatant crime of depriving us, the students of our right to be consulted and right to be informed,” Valeroso said.
The questioned tuition increase in UST came a week after the controversial suspension of CHED Memo Order No. 14, which provided for a ceiling on the allowable school fee increase. CHED Chairman Carlito Puno has earlier defended their action saying that the suspension of the Memo is only for one year. In lieu of CMO 14, an old 1998 guideline was re-implemented – CMO 13.
“We already expected this to happen because of the suspension of the tuition increase ceiling – tuition increases will shoot up. Unfortunately, CHED is the one which encouraged the private schools for their ulterior motive for profit,” NUSP Executive Vice President Diana Directo explained. “Worse, that is at the expense of the students and their parents,” she added.
According to the student leaders, “the UST Administration violated both CMO 14 and CMO 13, but this whole hullabaloo can be attributed to the whimsical and biased action of CHED,” Directo said.
The Thomasian student leaders who led the campaign against the incessant fee increases were charged with violations against the Student Conduct and Discipline, particularly prohibiting students from engaging in assemblies, boycotts, and marches. However, it seems that they are far from being cowed.
“We will file counter-charges against UST for implementing an unconstitutional policy. We are, in fact, getting more support,” Valeroso finally said. ###
“It was an attempt to fool the students.”
Thus said incoming Faculty of Arts and Letters Student Council President JC Valeroso regarding the conduct of fee increase consultation in the University of Sto Tomas a week ago.
The UST Administration issued a notice calling for a dialogue on February 26 between the Student Council Presidents and the Rector to talk about myriad issues and grievances with regard to tuition. It turned out that the dialogue was a tuition increase consultation for the next school year. The time and venue of the February 26 consultation was not stated in the said notice.
At the end of the one-sided meeting, the UST administration posted an 8.4 percent increase in their tuition.
“It was their long-crafted tactic to be able to implement anti-student policies. With this, the administration has once again committed blatant crime of depriving us, the students of our right to be consulted and right to be informed,” Valeroso said.
The questioned tuition increase in UST came a week after the controversial suspension of CHED Memo Order No. 14, which provided for a ceiling on the allowable school fee increase. CHED Chairman Carlito Puno has earlier defended their action saying that the suspension of the Memo is only for one year. In lieu of CMO 14, an old 1998 guideline was re-implemented – CMO 13.
“We already expected this to happen because of the suspension of the tuition increase ceiling – tuition increases will shoot up. Unfortunately, CHED is the one which encouraged the private schools for their ulterior motive for profit,” NUSP Executive Vice President Diana Directo explained. “Worse, that is at the expense of the students and their parents,” she added.
According to the student leaders, “the UST Administration violated both CMO 14 and CMO 13, but this whole hullabaloo can be attributed to the whimsical and biased action of CHED,” Directo said.
The Thomasian student leaders who led the campaign against the incessant fee increases were charged with violations against the Student Conduct and Discipline, particularly prohibiting students from engaging in assemblies, boycotts, and marches. However, it seems that they are far from being cowed.
“We will file counter-charges against UST for implementing an unconstitutional policy. We are, in fact, getting more support,” Valeroso finally said. ###
Student leaders plan filing of TRO against CHED's suspension of Tuition Cap
Alleges possible Malacañang intervention
1 March 2007
"The lifting by CHED of the tuition cap to appease school owners reeks of Malacañang's intervention and we students will stop at nothing to ensure that this injustice is corrected."
This was the statement today of the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) secretary-general Alvin Peters when he revealed plans by the students to file a temporary restraining order (TRO) against CHED's Memorandum from the Chairman which lifted the tuition cap provided for by the amended CHED Memorandum Order No. 14 (CMO 14) last week.
"We are infuriated that the government agency that is supposed to safeguard the right of the students to quality and affordable education has turned its back on the students for the umpteenth time."
Earlier this week, the Commission on Higher Education had made public the suspension of CMO 14 and its subsequent amendments while restoring CMO 13, series of 1998, as the guidelines for tuition fee increases for the next school year.
"The students' hard-won gains in their campaign for a genuine mechanism of tuition and other fee regulation, has suffered a major setback because CHED has chosen to kowtow to private schools' interests."
Peters claimed that fierce lobbying by private school groups like COCOPEA (Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations) and CEAP (Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines) resulted in CHED's capitulation, thereby suspending the amended CMO 14 and as a result the tuition cap based on the inflation rate. Peters further alleged that Malacañang may have had a hand in CHED's action, saying "it is a grave possibility and one we are looking closely at, that powerful private school owners might have petitioned the President herself to intervene in the matter of the tuition cap."
"The CHED can no longer deny the reason behind the dubious suspension of CHED Memorandum Order number 14 and its amendments, which provides that tuition and other fee increases should not be more than the current inflation rate," Peters said.
"It is clear as the sun that COCOPEA has exerted undue influence and pressure for the removal of the tuition hike cap by claiming it "has affected their competitiveness and has prevented them from improving their facilities," he added.
Peters vowed that the NUSP together with other national youth groups such as KABATAAN Partylist and the College Editors Guild of the Philippines would resort to legal moves to enforce a moratorium on tuition and other fee increases for the next school year while CHED reviews its memorandum.
"We demand a freeze of all tuition and other fee hikes for Academic Year 2007-2008 while the matter of the CMO 14 is unresolved," Peters said. ###
Suspension of CHED memo 14 triggers bigger tuition hikes, sparks students' uproar
Students call for moratorium on tuition and other fee increases
27 February 2007
Student leaders from different private schools in Metro Manila led by
the Kabataan Partylist and the National Union of Students of the
Philippines (NUSP) stormed the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
main office today to protest the hasty suspension of the CHED
Memorandum Order 14 (CMO 14) few days before the end of consultations
for tuition and other fee hike proposals.
This morning, student leaders from NUSP, LFS and Kabataan Partylist,
joined by students from University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern
University, held a dialogue with CHED to seek enlightenment about the
abrupt suspension of CMO 14 and re-implementation of CMO 13. Students
spray painted the façade of CHED office to show its disgust over the
immediate suspension of the said CMO, saying CHED was inutile and it
easily capitulated to the demands and pressure of COCOPEA
(Coordinating Council of Private Educators Association) and CEAP
(Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, student councils from the University of the East and the
University of Santo Tomas led other schools in the university belt in
a series of noise barrage action this afternoon to protest the sudden
increase in the rate of tuition hike proposals in several private
schools in the country immediately after the suspension of the CMO 14.
A candle lighting activity against unabated tuition increases will
ensue infront of the UST Jubillee gate at 5:00 pm.
Last February 20, CHED Chairman Carlito Puno released a new memorandum
informing all higher education institutions that CMO 14 and all
amendments thereto have been suspended "pending review by the
commission." In lieu of CMO 14, the memo provides that CMO 13 is to be
used for all tuition increase proposals for AY 2007-2008.
The re-implementation of CMO 13 effectively removes the cap on tuition
hikes based on the national inflation rate and the inclusion of
miscellaneous fees among the items that require student consultation.
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