by Timothy Gerard Palugod
The current LYCESGO administration prides diversity: two officers hail from Pamana (Partido ng mga Mag-aaral na Nagkakaisa), two officers are from Kalayaan (Kabataang Lakas ay Alay sa Bayan), and President Patrick Sarsalejo represents Partido Independiente, the political party exclusive to the College of International Relations (CIR).
There are two scenarios that may befall this structure: either conflicting opinions will affect their decision-making, or the officers will go beyond partisanship and serve the student body without outside influence.
But if there is one instance where they were united, it’s their indecision during the time when The Sentinel needed them most.
An argument for its subservience
In LYCESGO’s Constitution, it is clearly stated in Art. 2 Sec. 1 (a) that: “The protection and promotion of the rights and general welfare of the LPU Manila studentry and the Filipino people shall be its principal concern.”
By compelling them to make a stand against the administration, LYCESGO may point out Art. 2 Sec. 2 (f) which states that they should: “Establish and maintain a harmonious and peaceful relationship among the studentry, faculty and the administration, based on the mutual trust, respect and equality.”
The student government had a difficult time deciding whether to post an official statement supporting the campus press or not, with 3 of its 5 officers reportedly voting in favor of The Sentinel.
However, the problem is not LYCESGO. Their dilemma is strongly influenced by the fact that LPU is still a private university, and the student government can serve the students better if they have their funds to execute projects. Even the college student councils cannot bear to imagine if they are compromised just because of their support for The Sentinel.
Hence there is no other way to avoid blind allegiance. Student leaders reduced the issue to a mere allegation of irresponsible journalism, blamed The Sentinel for the miserable fate it faced, and escaped from the reality of censorship and loss of professional integrity.
In their eyes, it’s a win-win situation. They post official statements online, the admin can continue with their agenda, and The Sentinel must feel contented with whatever support they can muster.
This is what justice means.
Holding them accountable
If LYCESGO stood true to their own constitution, they would have used their analytical and critical thinking from the beginning.
The Sentinel remained transparent throughout the course of its predicament: a Timeline article, a report on the “revamping” of the student publication, and a series of Factcheck infographics that debunked the claims of the admin.
Regardless of who claimed that they stand with The Sentinel, the powerlessness of some and the hidden agendas of others converged into one: inaction.
Here is how the student government and its councils could have done better: pressure the admin, assist The Sentinel, pursue follow-ups, and oversee the whole process from start to finish.
The definition of “pressure” is limited in scope for student politicians, associating it with holding placards in front of the university and chanting in unison. “Pressure” can be a fight against bureaucracy, where offices would require several levels of paperwork before, for example, a dialogue may ensue. It can also be fast-tracking the recruitment of members for The Sentinel and encouraging students to apply not only online, but also room-to-room or putting posters around classrooms and designated council bulletin boards.
But no, the condescending student leaders choose the middle ground, explaining that they are mediators who see to it that The Sentinel and the LPU admin come to an agreement. It also meant that they are mere voyeurs who have little to no involvement. No plans to evaluate and adjudicate. No plans to announce who won a debate that already had a winner.
For the future student leaders of Lyceum of the Philippines University, a piece of advice: the “middle ground” is not an excuse for ineptitude and inaction.
Comments