BY APRIL GRACE R. PADILLA AND CHRISTINE LORRAINE GALLO
Interns, West Visayas State University – College of Communication
Sereno’s ouster
Do you agree with the decision of the Supreme Court to oust Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno?
No, I do not agree. For me, she was ousted not by the rule of law but by the rule of the clowns that makes Supreme Court a supreme circus.
The Justices once again proved that fairness and impartiality is not in their dictionary. This case isn’t about justice. This is personal vendetta rooted in politics” — BRYAN CASAIG, 20, Journalism student, West Visayas State University
The justices of the Supreme Court should be the first ones to uphold the rule of law but the eight justices who voted in favor of the quo warranto petition against Chief Justice Sereno mocked the Constitution.
What they did showed that the judiciary is no longer fair and apolitical. Instead of exercising judicial independence from its coequal branches – the executive and legislative – the Supreme Court allowed itself to be swayed by the President.
Laban CJ Sereno! The first woman chief magistrate of the Philippines. Ousted but not defeated! — JAMES CAMISORA, student from Barangay Calacaan, Dueñas, Iloilo
OUSTING Chief Justice Sereno proves that President Duterte is trying to gain more power.
We are supposed to be a government of laws and not of men. Seeing our Constitution disregarded as the supreme law of the land is so sad. — NESS LANE DONASCO, 19, PSSO, Inc. vice president for external affairs
It’s a big NO NO! It is a violation of the Constitution. It’s like making the Constitution a trash paper.” — HILFRED PABLICO, 19, Accountancy student
I think, on my own, no. They deliberately crossed the line. I’m not just sure pero I think sa quo warranto case nga gin-file nila, lapaw na sa one-year nga questioning period para hindi pagkilalanon ang iya appointment.” — MA. LEONORA ESTANQUE, 20, Journalism graduate
I think it’s no coincidence that the one closest to exposing Duterte would get the boot.
Where most of those who have beef with who is basically the most politically powerful man in the country would flee or “apologize” for disagreeing with him, the one who actually had the audacity to strike at his wrongdoing is simply a threat someone like Duterte could never have expected, and of course – bar assassination due to legal and ethical reasons – the next best thing to do when dealing with an unexpected threat is to simply remove them.
I think her ouster says a lot about Duterte’s current stance and contentment for his position. No use trying to expose a shady person in power when your position isn’t as high as theirs. – YOSEP JEON, 19, Korean student, West Visayas State University
Wage hike
Should the minimum wage be increased?
I agree that the minimum wage should be increased. This would help us a lot like for our daily needs. – CELINA BARREDO, caretaker
I agree. With high market prices today, the current salary isn’t enough to sustain our daily needs; nothing is left for savings, especially if you have a family to feed. – MARY JOY ESPINOSA, overseas Filipino worker
Super yes. The minimum wage should really be increased. If one has enough take home pay, he would be able to provide more for the family and even extend help to relatives.
An increase would benefit everybody, even the contractual or part-time employees. The proposition to increase the minimum wage should be pursued. – JADE PAROCHELIN, student
I agree with the increase. The salary should also be based on the expenses spent for daily needs – food, fare, etc. A satisfying salary won’t drive people to leave their families for work abroad. – EVELYN NUNIEZA, overseas Filipino worker
Yes, I strongly agree. Everything is expensive. The TRAIN Law made it worse. The current minimum wage is not enough to sustain the needs of people. – BLESSY KAYE MALLORCA, student
