Opinion
EDITORIAL
LIEcence to KILL
Fountain The
Upholding Truth, Beyond the Headlines the official Student Publication of Estipona National High School VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
R
ed tagging in the Philippines has severely harmed many filipinos, including journalists who are unjustly accused of being against the government and are therefore subject to threats, unlawful surveillance, or even unlawful killing.
where critical voices are suppressed, the country. Her opinions was seen censorship, where individuals are Red tagging intimidates freedom and alternative perspectives are as a way of rebelling against the afraid to speak out for fear of being of expression. This practice serves as marginalized. In the long run, this government which was then proven labeled as enemies of the country. a license to kill given that this regime can have harmful outcomes on the as a false accusation after not This not only violates the rights of involves labeling individuals or groups development and well-being of the finding enough evidences. individuals but also undermines the as communist rebels or sympathizers Filipino people, as it limits their Freedom of expression is principles of democracy and the rule without due process, which has led ability to address pressing issues continuously threatened by a of law. Red tagging i a gross violation to widespread fear and intimidation and find sustainable solutions. competitive authoritarian regime, of human rights. towards Filipinos. Thís environment of As journalists continuously according to the Human Rights Red tagging also has significant fear not only undermines democratic voice their insights within the Foundation’s (HRF) political regime impact upon youth or young values but also restricts the open country’s crises, they are silenced analysis. In order to gain control, journalists. The fear created can exchange of ideas and perspectives by this ridiculous way of gaining the Philippine government only see lead them to censor themselves essential for a diverse society. control over Filipinos, red tagging. the absurd usage of restrictions and avoid stories critical of those Many argue that red tagging An objective news report, public serves as a way to discipline information, and holding people Filipinos or Filipino youth who seems “Filipinos are not silent but instead are silenced; if action in authority accountable are the to have so much violent insights roles of journalists. By spreading about the Philippine government. and progress are not seen now, then when?” fear and intimidation, red-tagging Their actions are justified as a sabotages these efforts by making way of “bringing peace” upon the it more difficult for journalists to protests and activisms expressed by carry out their duties which can and policies against activist and in power. This can limit the public’s Filipino citizens. also undermine their credibility and journalist as the primarily way to access to important information and However, besides of being a way impact their ability to report freely ignore the rising concerns within the perspectives. Additionally, red tagging to silence criticisms, red tagging also and safely Filipino people. can cause psychological harm, debunks reasoned ideas. In 2020, Red tagging poses a significant In the Philippines, red tagging including stress, anxiety, and trauma. the Philippine government accused a threat to every Filipinos specifically is not just a matter of political In extreme cases, it can even result community journalist named Frenchie in the aspect of speaking and strategy but a systematic way to in physical harm or harassment, Mae Cumpio of being part of New expressing within freedom. Filipinos silence dissent and control the forcing young journalists to leave their People’s Army (NPA) after expressing are not silent but instead are narrative. By targeting journalists profession or go into hiding. opinions and possible solutions about silenced,if action and progress is not and activists, the government aims This whole situation contributes the current crisis’s and management seen now, then when? to create a climate of fear and selfto a culture of silence and conformity, of the Philippine government within
EDITORIALBOARD EDITOR IN CHEIF Yuriel Sai Gagelonia ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rhian Mallari MANAGING EDITOR Mirah Fe Casugay SECTION EDITOR Edlyn Diamsay NEWS EDITOR Rhian Mallari FEATURE EDITOR Xia Juvesano SCI-TECH EDITOR Yuriel Gagelonia SPORTS EDITOR Mirah Fe Casugay GRAPHIC ARTIST Almyra Delosantos CARTOONIST Dareljay Polido PHOTO JOURNALIST Elyza Urma LAYOUT ARTIST Yuriel Sai Gagelonia STAFF WRITERS:
ADVISERS JHS SPA MARICEL GARLITOS SHS SPA :
JOSHUA MARIE DACANAY
CartoonBy: Dareljay Polido
Lost for cost DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed by the Fountain Editorial Board do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those in the administration of Estipona National High School. Any content provided by our writers are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
T
HARSHTRUTH by:FAITHMELEGRITO
he education department has the biggest slice of pie when it comes to budgeting, but why are teachers still forced to bust their own pockets to deliver quality education?
Well, I guess all of it got lost, so they now have to pay the full cost. This is a persistent problem occurring in almost every department of governance in the Philippines. Money like a pie is flowing through different hands and is slowly cut in slices until its completely lost in the abyss of endless hunger of corruption. This leaves the actual teachers and those who are in need of that education with barely any. Educators are constantly
considered heroes for sacrificing their own pockets, which could possibly be for their families, but are being supplied for the betterment of education. Oftentimes, in order to provide the quality education their students deserve they’re forced to buy their own appliances and school supplies for their students. Moreover, the lack of transparency and accountability in the allocation of educational funds perpetuates a culture of corruption. It is crucial to address these systemic issues to ensure that the budget allocated to the education
sector truly benefits those who need it the most. A comprehensive and holistic approach is necessary to reform the education system in the Philippines. This includes not only increasing budget allocations but also implementing strict measures to curb corruption, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and fostering a culture of accountability. Only through such reforms can the education sector truly thrive and for quality education truly be attained with nothing lost more than its cost.
125M
peso of DepEDs confidentail fund was spent in only the span of 11 days
INNUMBERS