211 UP student leaders bat for FOI

MORE THAN 200 student leaders from the various student councils of the University of the Philippines system have thrown down the gauntlet and challenged all government officials to make a full disclosure of all transactions they enter into in the full spirit of transparency.

In a manifesto, 211 UP student council leaders called a DARe (Disclose All Records Urgently) and reminded officials of the maxim that a public office is a public trust.

“We, students of the University of the Philippines, demand all our public officials, especially the high state officers, to fully disclose all records and transactions to the public, including all government contracts, and all statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth. These documents and processes should be made publicly available in an efficient, timely, and inexpensive manner,” the students said.

“We call on Congress, entering its last regular session before the 2013 elections, to pass the Freedom of Information bill, and shed sunlight on the dark crevices of government offices,” the students said.

The statement of the UP students follows:

We DARe U: Disclose All Records Urgently

(DARe Movement Manifesto for Good Governance and the PASSAGE OF THE FOI BILL)

“Public office is a public trust.“

That is the overarching principle governing the conduct of all public servants: public officers act as agents who hold office by the trust given by the people as the principals.

But like any other principal-agent relationship, the agents are more often more knowledgeable, and hold more information, than their principals at any given time. More often, the principals are held in the dark, dependent on their agents’ wisdom and sense of duty.

The framers of our Constitution recognized this complex principal-agent relationship. Thus, the Constitution has clearly commanded full public disclosure of all acts of the public officer in the discharge of his or her duties:

• • Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies), Section 24: “The State recognizes the need for communication and information in nation-building.”
• • Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies), Section 28: “Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.”
• • Article III (Bill of Rights), Section 7: “The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized, Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development shall be afforded to the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.”

A democratic government assumes that the people have a say on what the government does. The people can participate in the decision-making process of their government.

But how can the people participate in governance if they do not have the information necessary for them to make intelligent decisions? How will the people know if their agents are really doing their duties, and are not short-changing or fooling the principals, if the agents are not required to disclose all its official acts?

The public has the right to know all official acts and transactions rendered by its leaders.The public has the right to know and scrutinize its agents’ financial records and dealings, to assure the public that their leaders are not skimming off with public monies for private and personal interests. The public has the right to know all of these because “sovereignty resides in the people, and all government authority emanates from them.”

Thus we, students of the University of the Philippines demand all our public officials, especially the high State officers, to fully disclose all records and transactions to the public, including all government contracts, and all Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALN). These documents and processes should be made publicly available in an efficient, timely, and inexpensive manner.

Further, we call on Congress, entering its last regular session before the 2013 election, to pass the Freedom of Information Bill, and shed sunlight to the dark crevices of all government offices.

The citizens are partners in governance. But how can a partner be productively involved in any endeavor if he or she does not possess all the information necessary to make an intelligent decision?

We DARe them: DISCLOSE ALL RECORDS, NOW!

For good governance and the people,

1. Jules Guiang, DARe Movement Convenor & USC Councilor
2. Sarah Isabelle Torres, DARe Movement Media & Communications Administrator and College of Mass Communication College Representative
3. Stephen Jun Villejo, DARe Movement Media & Communications Administrator and School of Statistics College Representative
4. Joeric Emil Crescini, DARe Movement Movement Expansion Administrator and College of Social Sciences and Philosophy College Representative
5. Heart Diño, USC Chairperson
6. Alex Castro, USC, Vice Chairperson
7. Eduard Francis Ayala, USC Councilor
8. Pat Bringas, USC Councilor
9. Aryanna Canacan, USC Councilor
10. Carlos Enrico Clement, USC Councilor
11. Maria Anna Espinosa, USC Councilor
12. Francisco Jayme Paolo Guiang, USC Councilor
13. Ma. Regina Punzalan, USC Councilor
14. Genesis Rapallo, USC Councilor
15. Alexandra Maria Santos, USC Councilor
16. Jose Miguel Solis, USC Councilor
17. Solomon Vicencio, USC Councilor
18. Erika Mary Erro, Asian Institute of Tourism College Representative
19. Peter Paredes, College of Architecture College Representative
20. Eduardo Gabral, College of Arts and Letters College Representative
21. Jonas Cruz, College of Business Administration College Representative
22. Chris Omega, College of Education College Representative
23. Sara Zemirah Go, College of Fine Arts College Representative
24. Carla Gonzales, College of Home Economics College Representative
25. Rejiel Gonzales, College of Engineering College Representative
26. Justin Palino, College of Engineering College Representative
27. Gayle Krystyle Grey, College of Human Kinetics College Representative
28. Ma. Christina Reyes, College of Law College Representative
29. Patricia Erika Poblador, College of Music College Representative
30. Serene Ezra Bondad, College of Science College Representative
31. Mark Joseph Tagala, College of Social Work and Community Development College Representative
32. Nikole Alicer, National College of Public Administration and Governance College Representative
33. Miko Gloria, School of Economics College Representative
34. Roscelle Cruz, School of Library and Information Studies College Representative
35. Val Yutan, DARe Movement Records Administrator
36. Bea Obcena, DARe Movement Records Administrator
37. Carmela Sotelo, DARe Movement Expansion Administrator
38. Wilzhar Maquinta, DARe Movement Website Administrator
39. Mikhail Tizon, DARe Movement Website Administrator
40. Jean Yap, CSSC Chairperson
41. Jon Stewart Hao Dy, CSSC Vice-Chairperson
42. R. Lorenz Chua, CSSC Councilor
43. Viviene Santiago, CSSC Councilor
44. Ram Vincent C. Tomaneng, CSSC Councilor
45. Kevin Ferrer, CSSC Councilor
46. Ma. Lourdes Stephanie V. Leido, CSSC Councilor
47. Julia Rio Therese M. Negre, CSSC Councilor
48. John Gabriel Q. Nuque, Institute of Chemistry (IC) Representative
49. Joshua Immanuel I. Beringuela, National Institute of Physics (NIP) Representative
50. Joshua Reginald P. Malapit, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) Representative
51. Cher Marie M. Tuason, Institute of Biology (IB) Representative
52. Pam Mesina, Institute of Mathematics (IM) Representativ
53. Dale Wilson A. Garcia II, Asst. Institute of Mathematics (IM) Representative
54. Piere Justin R. Luya, National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) Representative
55. Jethro Antonio C. David, Asst. National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) Representative
56. Norchel Corcia Gomez, Asst. Institute of Chemistry (IC) Representative
57. Kyle Adrianne Benito, Asst. Institute of Chemistry (IC) Representative
58. Rae Anne Anonuevo, Asst. National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) Representative
59. Damian Dailisan, Asst. National Institute of Physics (NIP) Representative
60. Mario Onglao, Asst. National Institute of Physics (NIP) Representative
61. Joannes Paulo Castro, Asst. Institute of Biology (IB) Representative
62. Giannina Nicole R. Feliciano, Asst. Institute of Biology (IB) Representative
63. Iris Jill G. Ortiz, Asst. National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) Representative
64. Maria Almira S. Cleofe, Asst. National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) Representative
65. Jose Maria F. Hizon, Asst. Institute of Mathematics (IM) Representative
66. Andrew Rex Manalang, CSWCD Chairperson
67. Tricia Ann Mae Topacio, CSWCD Vice-Chair for Internal Affairs
68. Erika Isabel Yague, CSWCD Vice-chair for Externals
69. Keshia Villasper, CSWCD Secretary – General
70. Bianca Diaz, CSWCD Finance Officer
71. Rogerine Miguel, CSWCD Community Development Representative
72. Miguel Fernando, CSWCD Social Work Representative
73. Abbie Pundol, CSWCD Graduate Representative
74. Mario C. Urrutia III, CMC SC Chairperson
75. Carla Patrice S. Cucueco, CMC SC Vice Chairperson
76. Maria Fatima I. Gaw, CMC SC Secretary
77. Ma. Angela Teresa G. Sebastian, CMC SC Treasurer
78. Myra A. Cabujat, CMC SC Journalism Representative
79. Ma. Angerica Emmanuelle L. Hainto, CMC SC Journalism Representative
80. Macario B. Manicad III, CMC SC Broadcast Communication Representative
81. Triciah S. Terada, CMC SC Broadcast Communication Representative
82. Alyssa Mariel Suico, CMC SC Film Representative
83. Earl Joseph N. Usi, CMC SC Film Representative
84. Mari Angelyn M. Arambulo, CMC SC Communication Research Representative
85. Maylene L. Manzano, CMC SC Communication Research Representative
86. Abighael Dawn Marabut, ESC Chairperson
87. Lorraine Aguion, ESC Vice Chairperson
88. Leomer Paul Agcamaran, ESC Councilor
89. Jonathan Bantigue, ESC Councilor
90. Lalaine Malaluan, ESC Councilor
91. Alyanna Jean Maliwanag, ESC Councilor
92. Raymond Nhil Shappit, ESC Councilor
93. Charlene Bartolome, ESC CE Representative
94. John Philip Cabañero, ESC CE Representative
95. Jacob Carreon, ESC CE Representative
96. Joseph Romeo Diño, ESC CE Representative
97. Jayson Silang, ESC CE Representative
98. Edna Vianzon, ESC CE Representative
99. Megan Arsitoy, ESC ChE Representative
100. Paulette Canlas, ESC ChE Representative
101. Van Mintello Galman, ESC ChE Representative
102. Raymond Velasco, ESC ChE Representative
103. Anna Louise Wy, ESC ChE Representative
104. Catherine Marie Angangco, ESC CS Representative
105. Ricardo Bautista Jr., ESC CS Representative
106. John Joel Cabuhat, ESC CS Representative
107. Czelina Ellaine Litimco, ESC CS Representative
108. Gyver Acuna, ESC EEE Representative
109. Shakira Arguelles, ESC EEE Representative
110. Angelo Joseph Basilan, ESC EEE Representative
111. Bruxelle Jazschwa de Leon, ESC EEE Representative
112. Daniel Raymund Nieva, ESC EEE Representative
113. Kevin Orpilla, ESC EEE Representative
114. Rowen Palma, ESC EEE Representative
115. Daniel Fadi Rahayel, ESC EEE Representative
116. Vergel Villanueva, ESC EEE Representative
117. Carlyn Ann Ibanez, ESC GE Representative
118. Rey Rusty Quides, ESC GE Representative
119. Adriel Jireh Cucio, ESC IE Representative
120. Francisco Luis del Rosario, ESC IE Representative
121. Emmalie Claire Llanes, ESC IE Representative
122. April Rose Ramos, ESC IE Representative
123. Everett Lucien Antoine Ubiadas, ESC IE Representative
124. Isagani Barrameda, ESC ME Representative
125. Job Immanuel Encarnacion, ESC ME Representative
126. Jack Nicol Villanueva, ESC ME Representative
127. Ralph Nicolai Nasara, ESC MMM Representative
128. Katriel Gail Sadorra, ESC MMM Representative
129. Sylvester Sanchez, ESC MMM Representative
130. Kimberly Vielle Santiago, ESC MMM Representative
131. Racquel Vergara, ESC MMM Representative
132. Joseph Benjamin Del Mundo, ESC Graduate Representative
133. Shaina Santiago, KAISA – UP Chairperson
134. Mitchka Nicanor, PALS-NCPAG Chairperson
135. Karla Badong, Magkaisa – CSSP Chairperson
136. Elise Mendoza, Architecture SC Chairperson
137. Patricia Sim, Architecture SC VC-Externals
138. Aedriane Celis, Architecture SC VC-Internals
139. Lance Monfort , Architecture SC Councilor
140. Josef Ponce, Architecture SC Councilor
141. Timothy Ong, Architecture SC Councilor
142. Andoni Rex Centino, Architecture SC Councilor
143. Aura Soriano, Architecture SC Councilor
144. Angel Abrajano, Architecture SC Councilor
145. Kr Pueblos, Architecture SC Councilor
146. Stephanie Martinez, Architecture SC Councilor
147. Alex Aldaba, Architecture SC Councilor LArch Representative
148. Miguel Sebastian, Architecture SC First Year Representative
149. Alfonse Rulloda, Architecture SC Second Year Representative
150. Paula Francisco, Architecture SC Third Year Representative
151. Angeli Luna, Architecture SC Fourth Year Representative
152. Alver Remolar, Architecture SC Thesis Batch Representative
153. Christine-Joy Boller, AIT SC Chairperson
154. Danielle Grace Lopez, AIT SC Vice Chairperson
155. Joyce Marian Magsino, AIT SC Councilor
156. Paulo Riel Sotto, AIT SC Councilor
157. Quennie Mynette Lao, AIT SC Councilor
158. Arthur Jarold Ranola, AIT SC Councilor
159. Ana Grace Tayag, AIT SC Councilor
160. Darline Anne Salazar, AIT SC 4th Year Representative
161. Ma. Ysabelle Clarisse Anne Myca Bonoan, AIT SC 3rd Year Representative
162. Po Teresa Santiago, AIT SC 2nd Year Representative
163. Anne Belen, AIT SC 1st Year Representative
164. Andrea M. Castro, CHK SC Chairperson
165. Celize y. Mayuga, CHK SC Vice Chairperson
166. Daniel L. Guzman. CHK SC Councilor
167. Joseph H. Lu, CHK SC Councilor
168. Kevin R. Sandiego, CHK SC Councilor
169. Paolo Enrico H. Siasoco, CHK SC Councilor
170. Blesylda T. Busto, CHK SC BSS Representative
171. Jan Michael James F. Lazaro, CHK SC BSS Representative
172. Kim Aldrin M. Ammay, CHK SC BPE Representative
173. Andrea isabelle S. Callanta, CHK SC BPE Representative
174. Habagat D. Santos-Cuyugan, CHK SC CSS Representative
175. Ellaine Joyce Malelang, CHK SC Councilor 2011-2012
176. Ma. Theresa Carlos, NCPAG SG Chairperson
177. Beatrice Marie Achacoso, NCPAG SG Vice Chairperson
178. Charmen Balana, NCPAG SG Socio-Academic Affairs Administrator
179. Frances Grace Damazo, NCPAG SG Internal Affairs Administrator
180. Francheska Nicole Refuerzo, NCPAG SG Finance Administrator
181. Paolo Alcantara, NCPAG SG Undergraduate Councilor
182. Krista Emmadelle Andres, NCPAG SG Undergraduate Councilor
183. Hanna Giselle Miralles, NCPAG SG Undergraduate Councilor
184. Raymond Clarence Rodis, NCPAG SG Undergraduate Councilor
185. Russell Jef Castaneda, NCPAG SG Graduate Councilor
186. Marikris de Guzman, NCPAG SG Graduate Councilor
187. Cristymer Sheena Pimentel, NCPAG SG Graduate Councilor
188. Kelvin Tagnipez, SESC Chairperson
189. Benedict Bismark, SESC Vice Chairperson
190. Arianna Zapanta, SESC Secretariat Councilor
191. Simone Carpio, SESC Finance Councilor
192. Kevin Estopace, SESC Media and Publicity Councilor
193. Alan Orquinaza, SESC Sports, Arts and Culture Councilor
194. Louisa Poco, SESC Education and Research Councilor
195. Bettina Ramas, SESC Internal Affairs Councilor
196. Anne Trajano, SESC Marketing Councilor
197. Justin Baniqued, SESC Senior Representative
198. Marvin Marayag, SESC Senior Representative
199. Kim Philip Salazar, SESC Junior Representative
200. Romano Alonzo, SESC Junior Representative
201. Regine Rodriguez, SESC Sophomore Representative
202. Allan Dacanay, SESC Sophomore Representative
203. Justine Nuque, SESC Freshman Representative
204. Cara Latinazo, SESC Freshman Representative
205. Darrell Magsambol, SESC STRAW Ad Hoc Chairperson
206. Raila Puno, UP Environmental Law Society President
207. Alex Gamboa, UP Environmental Law Society External Vice President
208. Rocky Guzman, UP Environmental Law Society Internal Vice President
209. Kester Kua, UP Environmental Law Society Vice President for Finance
210. Mara Herrera, UP Environmental Law Society Vice President for Secretariat
211. Vino Lucero, UP Society of Progressive Students for Gender Emancipation and Human Rights (SPECTRUM)