MADJUS, Justin Frederick N.

STS THQ
2013 – 70885 April 3, 2017

Reflection Paper on UPFront 2017

Last Thursday, March 30 2017, the annual UPFront debate was held at the UP Film
Institute. UPFront is an event organized by the UP Economics Society, which is a debate held
before the annual University Student Council (USC) Elections. This program served as a way for
the students to know more about the people running for the USC, what they want to do for the
campus, as well as for the country. The candidates, composed of STAND UP, KAISA, UP
ALYANSA, and the independent candidates all introduced themselves, slating their platforms,
agenda, and plan of actions.

After a brief introduction from the standard-bearers, as well as the councilors, the hosts
started the event. The first part was a fast talk about different issues, wherein the candidates
will be given a small amount of time to answer YES/NO. Many issues were introduced, such as
DENR Secretary Gina Lopez’s order to close 23 different mining sites around the country, the
Magna Carta, free education, as well as if the incumbent USC has done their job adequately.

On the first issue, it was asked if the candidates were in favor of closing the mines.
ALYANSA, KAISA and the independent candidates voted NO; only STAND UP answered YES, and
their reason is that Gina Lopez has her mind set for the welfare of the environment, as well as
the Indigenous People in the country.

On the second issue, it was asked if the candidates were in favor of passing the
Student’s Magna Carta. Again, STAND UP gave an answer different to that of the majority: a NO.
Their reason is that the Magna Carta is a document of surrender, and its passage will only lead
to the School Administration to have more power to increase the tuition and other fees.

On the third issue, it was asked whether or not the candidates were for free education.
Everyone said YES; however, STAND UP questioned ALYANSA’s answer, saying that for the past
years their stand was they were for progressive rollback of tuition, and not free education,
telling them that they were only changing their stands since it is election time again.

On the fourth issue, when asked if the incumbent USC has done their responsibilities,
only STAND UP, Yael Toribio, running Vice Chairperson for KAISA, and Magnolia Del Rosario,
running Vice Chairperson for ALYANSA said YES, while the rest said NO.

Aside from these, a debate and an open forum was also held. During the open forum, a
lot of questions came, such as their stand on the LGBTQ++ rights, as well as Mental Health
issues.

A lot of mudslinging happened for much of the program. Supporters of different parties
also heckled the opposing parties’ candidates. However, I have learned many things from this
debate. One such thing is that STAND UP stands firm on their principles, always echoing the
same sentiments, even if it appears dogmatic to some. On the other hand, KAISA and ALYANSA,
albeit not on good terms, are united in passing the Magna Carta.

For me, the Magna Carta is a very powerful document that can be used by the students
to assert their rights whenever needed. However, the issue right now is the Board of Regents
(BOR), the highest policy-making body of the University. Historically, the BOR has been passing
policies that can be considered anti-student, such as tuition fee increase, and the latest issues
which is GE Reform. And the last section of the Magna Carta states that basically the BOR has
the last say on how they will pass the Magna Carta. This will stem to the fact that the Magna
Carta will only serve as another document that can be used against the students, and that is why
STAND UP vehemently disapproves with the passage of Magna Carta; they would rather have a
long-term solution to a problem, rather than a short-term one that is also not fully for the
students. However, as stated by those in favor of the passage, the Magna Carta is already a
necessity, and that it is better than having nothing to protect the students’ rights at all. The
students can assert their rights against the administration, and if they continue to disrespect it,
the students can elevate it to the court. And since STAND cannot give out a better and effective
alternative to the Magna Carta, then students will still rally for its passage.

At the end of the day, the USC should not limit itself to the issues of the students; it
should also engage in the national scene, also addressing the issues of our countrymen. It should
be composed of students-leaders not only catering to the needs of the students, but also
balances it by taking care of the welfare of the nation, fighting for what is right and what is just.