Cover Photo By Danni Lim
Cover Photo By Danni Lim.

To Vote or Not To Vote: Get to know your Student Government candidates


As the student body's votes will determine the next set of future Benildean leaders, get to know where your aspiring Benildean student officers stand on specific national and college-related issues.


By Zophia Emmanuelle Tendido, and Rachelle Tonelada | Monday, 25 October 2021

As a conclusion to the campaign period, the Benilde General and Frosh Elections 2021 candidates disclosed their viewpoints on specific issues concerning national and college-related matters with The Benildean on Oct. 22.

 

14 out of 36 positions available for the College’s Central Student Government (CSG) and School Student Government (SSG) were vied upon, with only one running for CSG and some major positions left out vacant in the SSGs. 

 

Among the 21 candidates, two candidates did not respond and some refused to be interviewed or to answer all questions due to time constraints and reservations. Aside from the fast talk, The Benildean explored their further viewpoints about the topics provided where most shared their statements, gearing towards a substantive electoral discussion as future representatives of the Benilde student body.

 

Finding their hue as part of the youth

As the Filipino youth represent 52% of the total registered voters in the incoming 2022 elections, one choice can make a difference. Thus, the candidates’ standpoints in line with the pressing national issues, especially as aspiring leaders, are crucial to determine their advocacies, awareness, and political rationale as it will reflect their priorities and readiness in governance.

 

When asked about their presidential, vice-presidential, and top five senatorial bets in the incoming 2022 National Elections, only 14 candidates provided their own stance as some did not respond to the interview questions, some were still reviewing the platforms, some were not able to answer due to time constraints, or were open for discussion but not yet ready to choose.

 

Presidential candidate and incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo took the majority with 13 votes, followed by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno and Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao with 0.5 votes each. The 0.5 vote came from vying School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies President Jeanette Diolola, who is still deciding on either of them.

 

Nonetheless, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan (11 votes) led as a Vice Presidential preference. Other aspiring VP candidates chosen are as follows: Dr. Willie Ong (1.5 vote), academic and environmentalist Mr. Walden Flores Bello (one vote), and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (0.5 vote). Diolola chose either Dr. Ong or Go, explaining the 0.5 vote in the tally system.

 

For the senatorial bets, the preferences were divided and some did not provide five due to their need to research. Amongst the votes, Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) chairman and former Dean of DLSU College of Law Atty. Chel Diokno and Senator Risa Hontiveros obtained 12. Other preferred candidates with their corresponding number of votes are as follows: 

  • Atty. Neri Colmenares (eight votes), 
  • Senator Leila De Lima, Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero, ex-budget undersecretary and late Miriam Defensor Santiago’s staff Agnes Bailen, civic leader Samira Ali Gutoc, and Senator Richard J. Gordon (three votes each),
  • Senator Joel Villanueva and labor leader Bong Labog (two votes each),
  • Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi’s (KKK) Marieta Mindalano-Adam, former Sulu Representative Nur-Ana Sahidulla, Labor Party Philippines' Melchor Chavez, Philippine Green Republican Party’s Agnes Afable, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, TV personality and former Liberal Party official Jopet Sison, Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino’s Arnel Paciano Casanova, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Labor Leader Luke Espiritu, Environmentalist Roy Cabonegro, Kapatiran Party’s Alex Lacson, and broadcaster  and TV personality Raffy Tulfo (1 vote each).

 

On the other hand, in line with the alarming issues raised about Resolution No. 10717’s COMELEC’s Substitution Policy, majority went against due to its implications of “deception,” abuse,” and “assault on the process…[and] the whole essence of running for candidacy,” among others.

 

“To be fair, I don’t see any problem with the act of withdrawal if it is voluntary, but the problem is who will substitute and take the place of the one who stepped down. The substitution is a huge issue right now since last 2015, our current president, Rodrigo Duterte, got his position due to substitution. Knowing that there are some candidates that are under his administration, the public seems to see a pattern where they will substitute once again,” aspiring School of Design and Arts (SDA) President Nicole Anne Lazaro stated.

 

Nonetheless, despite agreeing to the said rule due to its relevance, the candidates who voted for the policy highlighted the importance of placing restrictions and ensuring that the Omnibus Election Code is strictly enforced.

 

“I do think that [COMELEC] should be more specific and have strict guidelines when it comes to checking and allowing those [who] are in substitute of the candidates that would withdraw, be disqualified or have passed. [...] If the substitutes are able to create change throughout their careers despite not being in previous elections or government positions, then they could potentially qualify and create a change that would be for the betterment of the country and the people,” School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (SHRIM) Frosh Representative candidate Calista Asela Aquino mentioned.

 

Other than the substitution policy, the candidates’ stance on Moreno’s statement, highlighting that Filipinos should move on from the “away-pamilya of the Marcos and the Aquinos” and direct their focus to the real pressing issues faced by the country, were divided. Majority of the candidates went against his statement as it implied injustice to the victims and survivors and lack of accountability for those in power, removing the “very essence of #NeverForget [and] #NeverAgain.”

 

“Are we not supposed to be vocal about state-sanctioned murder? Graft? The state-sanctioned erosion of freedom and democracy? The developing culture of impunity? [...] Are we supposed to be quiet about pressing issues that continue to take lives and opportunities from the Filipino people the more silent we get? [...] There is a reason as to why making sure the Marcoses and Dutertes never return to power matters. It’s to ensure the Filipinos don’t have to face these pressing issues again. Is the possibility of the Filipino people having more threats to democracy and human rights, or the possibility of history repeating itself, not a pressing issue?” CSG Vice President for Internal Affairs candidate Justine Mendoza emphasized. 

 

Meanwhile, aspiring SHRIM Frosh Representative Princess Aniscol was the only interviewee that agreed with Moreno’s statement, pointing out that it is not necessarily forgetting but focusing on things that society can still control and fix, such as drawing “our attention more regarding the pandemic and the lack of vaccines in some places” instead of concentrating on the Marcoses and Aquinos who are “only part of our history” when “we can’t turn back time.”

 

“Despite Mayor Moreno’s occasional controversial statements, this is one that I have to agree with. The two political clans have long been part of Philippine history and have made the country a playing field for their personal conflicts. In this day and age, we truly should focus on what we need as a people, what we must improve, and what we must change. In a country like ours where unreliable and unaccountable authorities are somehow the norm, the best thing we can do is make the change ourselves and not put it in the hands of such people,” School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG) Frosh Representative candidate Andrea Melendez added amidst her opposing stance in the fast talk.

 

The candidates also discussed the issue of presidential candidate and labor leader Ka Leody de Guzman who recently stated that the opposition has been divided for years and emphasized that Duterte was only voted into power because of the masses’ desperation in EDSA’s broken promises. He added that neither the existing elitist democracy nor the oppression of farmers’ rights were addressed by leaders from former president Cory Aquino’s rule onwards. In response, they pointed out generally that they appreciated de Guzman’s rationale in running for presidency, particularly to prevent history from repeating itself. 

 

“The people opted to vote for Duterte thinking he [could] replicate the fear tactics he imposed in [Davao City] and apply it on a national scale to eradicate the social evils. He came at a time when promises [were] being made but not fulfilled. They thought that Duterte’s tough and mean approach would give the country the quick fix it needed. It turns out that you cannot fight evil with another evil,” aspiring SDA Frosh Representative Ysabella Wuthrich mentioned. 

 

However, as much as they agreed with his statement that the farmer’s rights and the country’s progress remained stagnant, if not worsened, throughout the years despite our freedom from Martial law, there is a difference between the past and present that one might need to consider.

 

“If we forget our history, we’re doomed to repeat ourselves; so, it’s a valid concern to think that the situation we find ourselves in seems a little familiar. However, I think the difference between the present and the past is that now, the candidates are more aware of the circumstances they’re in. Assuming we’re comparing Cory and Leni, Leni does not come from a political family,” SDG Secretary candidate Bianca Isabelle Andal pointed out. 

 

To continue the discussion about Robredo, The Benildean raised a question regarding their opinion on Robredo being persistently vocal about the unified opposition. In a statement, she expressed that this method was one of the efficient ways to keep the Marcoses and Dutertes out of Malacañang, making them accountable for the abuses they have committed against Filipinos. With such concern, candidates agreed that those who committed grave crimes to the Filipinos must be held liable for their violations against the law and the nation.

 

“Though I also tend to feel skeptical about the results myself, most presidential polls tell us that [current Davao City Mayor] Sara Duterte is a front-runner among the Filipinos’ top picks for president. [...] Thus, I am completely for Leni’s effort in establishing a unified opposition as not only does it strengthen her vision towards a cleaner and more compassionate government, [but also] the very essence of leaders being hungry for justice and change as a group gives us hope that those who were in the offense will be finally held accountable to their actions,” running SDG President Ian Vince Guina said.

 

However, despite their optimism with the idea, most cannot help but feel skeptical in line with unifying the opposition with the candidacy of Moreno, Pacquiao, and other candidates among others. SHRIM Frosh Representative Liezl Anne Nierves mentioned that amidst her appreciation for Robredo’s courage, this battle is not only between the Marcoses or Dutertes versus the opposition, but between the government and the state which deserves better leadership.

 

“I do get where she is coming from but I believe that she should stop making the Marcoses and Dutertes a reason for the unification. The idea of unification is really commendable; it just shows how ready Leni is to stand up against the wrongdoings done in our country. [...] But [instead of] direct criticism, why not propose [the goal of the unification in a broader and humanitarian sense]? Rather than this is to keep certain Marcoses and Dutertes out of the government, they could spark the unification to point out the abuses done to the Filipino people,” she highlighted.

 

In pursuit of a better Benilde

As student leaders, it is due that the incoming officers are aware of the issues related to the College which will help them direct their service, platform, and leadership for the interests and well-being of the community. The candidates addressed their stance with underlying issues left unresolved, including face-to-face classes for the A.Y. 2022-2023, Benilde’s COVID-19 policy, and student representation in the Academic Council. 

 

Majority of the candidates said prioritizing contact tracing and mass vaccination are necessary to ensure a #LigtasBalikEskwela for the next academic year. They agreed that these were necessary for a comprehensive COVID-19 policy that would administer face-to-face classes. 

 

“[It is imperative] to prioritize fully vaccinated students, establish a strict schedule with regard to the use of campus facilities, allot large learning spaces, and implement cashless transactions,” said Kyle Nicole Viola running as the next SHRIM PRO. 

 

“Adapting one of the DLSU USG’s plans for the safe return, the 30 minutes interval in between classes, distribution of sanitation kits to students attending classes and [accessible] swab test kits,” vying SHRIM Secretary Catherine Anne Wong added.

 

Majority of the candidates believed that gradual reopening of the classes for 2022 would be a crucial decision to make given the lack of vaccination rollout plans and comprehensive COVID-19 guidelines within the College. The uncertainty that this matter holds is deeply embedded in the inadequacy of the existing policies, as claimed by the majority of the candidates. 

 

“The existing Benilde COVID-19 policy is not enough to cater to the needs of the student body, especially when they refuse to be held accountable if a student is found positive of COVID-19,” SDA Secretary aspirant Janelle Villagracia expressed.

 

“There's no doubt that there would be challenges since we cannot accurately dictate how the pandemic would go about. With that in mind, I, alongside my fellow officers, would do our best to overcome these issues as we see fit as long as it would benefit the Benildean community in the long run,” SDG PRO candidate Diane Jane Marquez assured.  

 

In addition to recognizing the student welfare as the utmost priority, the candidates also expressed their concern regarding the student body being underrepresented in the Academic Council. 

 

“We are seen more as an organization than a student government. We are meant to implement policy and agendas on a community level but there seems to be a wall making it harder to do so,” Andal stated. 

 

Villagracia supported this statement by saying that Benildeans are not as informed on what the administration plans for its students and the school and that transparency shall be demanded.

 

Geared towards a responsive student body 

Apart from the issues concerning national and college-related matters, questions regarding their general plan of action and platforms were also addressed. 

 

When asked about lobbying for term break extension, the candidates gave their equal share of their proposed solutions in establishing a more responsive mechanism in addressing the mental health and welfare of students.

 

“I can maximize tools such as constituency checks to gather essential information and feedback of the students that would match our goal of extending the need for a longer term break,” SHRIM PRO candidate Kyle Nicole Viola stated. 

 

“That is why we aim to improve the existing services, like Student Rights and Concerns.. As to the extension of term break, there should be a floor to lobby the student needs..,” suggested by Nicole Anne Lazaro running as the SDA President.

 

Furthermore, the candidates expressed their aspirations to push forth for the localization of the existing CSG policy proposal on Mental Health, Safe Spaces, and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIE-SC) as this would ensure a holistic approach in putting forward the students’ welfare. 

 

“I have my general plan for the Deaf communities, most of whom are unaware about safe spaces, and cognition of how Deaf people can social construct. I want to help and encourage students to learn more for the future,” Diolola expressed. 

 

SDG Frosh Representative candidate Sakura Kakizaki proposed a Benilde Discord Safe Space with the goal to strengthen “inclusivity, transparency, and diplomacy in SDG” and serve as a platform to raise their concerns.

 

Furthermore, when asked about their priority in the first two months, the candidates shared the platforms and services they plan to implement. 

 

“We will raise the #LigtasNaBalikEskwela recommendations as according to UNICEF-Philippines; implement the VSSA or the Virtual SDA Student Assistance, and; propose [the] PANAMA or Participation and Awareness on National Affairs through Movement with Art,” SDA President candidate John Romel Ortua stated. Aspiring SHRIM Secretary Wong envisioned the same goal with Ortua, elevating her plan by partnering with “different SSG presidents, the CSG [Executive Committee], and even the [organization] presidents to gather their input” for the proposal.

 

Other candidates proposed the strengthening of information dissemination by utilizing Discord, Freedom Wall, and improving the existing Students’ Rights and Concern platform. Some proposed a mechanism for policies, statements, and memorandums database to strengthen accountability and transparency in Benilde. 

 

Amidst the restrictions posed by the pandemic, the candidates decided to take the challenge to be of service to the Benildean community. They laid out their platforms and lobbied what they can offer and where they stand as beacons of governance and student representation. 

 

As you have discovered some of their viewpoints nationally and in the College, it is highly encouraged that you will choose your leaders wisely. The future of the Benilde student body is in your hands. The question is, to whom will you entrust your future to?

 

Along with The Benildean’s fast talk collaterals for your visual reference, don’t forget to practice your right to vote from Oct. 25 to 27

 

Stay tuned to Benilde COMELEC’s official announcement for the election proper on their social media handles.

Last updated: Monday, 25 October 2021