PS 125 Internship in Political Science

3rd Term AY 2020-21

Baguio City

Practicum
Journal

HENRICK YSON

DATE: May 13, 2021
ACTIVITY: 1st Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Most are quiet most probably quite
nervous for the first day in this Model
Senate while the usual people I deducted
to be active are very active especially my
good friend Senator Lozano. His speech
about the South China Sea issue is both
enlightening and I agree with it whole
heartedly. The election of officers was
predictable as well nothing to talk about.
Moreover the number of bills to be made is
quite a shock where all are giving their all.
REFLECTION:
It does show today that I am not really
ready for this type of OJT still I am
unfamiliar with the ways of politics and its
procedures and I would hope for the best.
DATE: May 14, 2021
ACTIVITY: 1st CLG Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Our bill in CLG did not impress our fellow
senators with the bill having many
loopholes, and lacking in
conceptualization. The Bill at the moment
has good intention but a hard process in
implementing. It was a good decision to
give ourselves more time to fix the bill.
The second bill oddly enough is very
similar to ours.
REFLECTION:
Much can be learned from this over
mounting failure we have put ourselves in
and we must do better for the next
meeting. I need to be more familiar of the
procedures. I do realize while reading the
Journal that I seconded motions a lot
which I find funny.
DATE: May 14, 2021
ACTIVITY: 1st CFR Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The first bill was good but just the wrong
government body to tackle. As for my
team’s bill it went really well. There were
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Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science
supports and our fellow senators sees the
merit and all of the problems have been
resolve and we were given time to resolve
it.
REFLECTION:
I was quite proud and relieve in how our
bill in CFR did.
DATE: May 20, 2021
ACTIVITY: 2nd Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The speech of Minority Leader Martinez
about Civic Studies is an important topic
to be discuss in the lower levels of
schooling because this children will
become the next generation of citizens of
the nation so I do agree with her speech.
Senator Lee is a crushing reality situation,
I believe that legislation is the way to
make a better nation but the lack of action
on the ground and bureaucracies is
disheartening showing that we can make
laws and others but if the people entrusted
to implement it failed or does not do or
follow then law is but ink in paper with no
power for change especially if the people
who are the beneficiaries of the bill does
not get that support needed. As for Senator
Wacnag’s comparison with Miss Universe,
which I did not watch, to the Philippine
Government was interesting. I believe
people are blinded because of what they
believe to be true than what is really true
yet truth is becoming more subjective in
the eyes of many and that facts are look at
with discerning eyes that sees it as false or
untrue to their believe but the world is
mysterious and it does not help in uniting
people but I do hope we the people can
come together thou in the near future.
Hopefully.
REFLECTION:
Today was okay. A new schedule was
created and adopted. The speeches were a
great to hear and be enlighten. As for me
doing a speech well that will be awhile. I
do have a general ideas but nothing yet to
click.
DATE: May 20, 2021
ACTIVITY: 2nd CLG Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Nothing much to report, the bill’s
amendment period seems to be going
alright.
REFLECTION:
It was an okay day nothing much to say.
DATE: May 21, 2021
ACTIVITY: 2nd CFR Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Our decision to make the labor 80:20 to
90:10 is sound and good thing we
convince Senator Martinez and the other
senators about it. As for the goods, I think
my team needs more brainstorming in that
area. However, Senator Macarayo’s
questioning was really interesting.
Interesting in the sense that I took us
awhile to figure out what he was
pertaining was to the leaders of the MNC
but the purpose of the bill is more on labor
and materials which are not about
ownership. I think the decision for me to
lay it on the table was correct but I was
wrong to say indefinitely because the
secretary said it was indefinitely which we
taught was the one that will not kill the
bill. However that was incorrect of the
secretary so the situation was messy but
resolve quickly enough. As for Senator
Macarayo’s bill well it had some faults in
its inception and Sir Edano pointed it out
splendidly.
REFLECTION:
I believe the bill at hand has some tweaks
to fix but it should be fine by next
meeting. In a personal note I should start
reading the parliamentary rules and
procedures so that I would not make
procedural, motion, and so forth mistakes
in the future.
DATE: May 24, 2021
ACTIVITY: 3rd Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Women of politics and the question of
suffrage, a strong topic indeed from
Senator Candelario which I found myself
agreeing but I do see women are taking the
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challenge of leadership compare to
Duterte’s remarks but say that all men are
not doing a good job is something I felt in
the speech that the lack of also successful
men in the speech was not present. It is
obvious that Duterte failed and female
leaders have succeed but to me I have not
yet heard even in media of men who
succeed somewhat in controlling this
pandemic but maybe President Xi Jinping
yet that feels wrong to acknowledge. The
question of power and how one should be
worry of its potential for good and
destruction and as senators we must tread
carefully. A good cautionary message to
all of us by Senator Leano. Senator
Guinanoy’s speech is an eye opening to all
of senators because just like Bato,
Pacquiao and Go. Most of us are like them.
New to the scene of the Senate and I hope
we do better. Hunger is the topic of
Senator Aquino, I do feel reminiscent of
this topic to my beloved professor Sir
Lumsit with this topic and his subject
matter, I have nothing much to add. The
Dissolution of Marriage, I do have my mix
feelings of the matter as I came from a
broken family but the events in the west
does influence me a bit of the matter of
implementing what is essentially divorce
in the Philippines but regardless the need
of this mechanism does have merit.
REFLECTION:
Today’s plenary was good and productive.
The speeches were a good hear to be
heard.
DATE: May 24, 2021
ACTIVITY: 3rd CLG Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The Surplus bill was quite impressive.
Nothing for me to say but a good show of
wits and brains between senators. The
Leadership bill looks quite okay. I
understand its contention.
REFLECTION:
First things first yes our bill passed in the
committee level congrats to our team.
DATE: May 25, 2021
ACTIVITY: 3rd CFR Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Well the bill passed with no objections
with all the changes being accepted.
Hopefully all goes well in the plenary with
this bill.
REFLECTION:
I and my team were proud. I was really
concern with the amendments if they were
all carried cause I had the mistake of not
mentioning any of it in the period of
amendments. Hopefully all would goes
well.
DATE: May 27, 2021
ACTIVITY: 4th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Senator Bantasan’s speech about suicide is
a topic that I say is of great importance
especially in our culture of success and the
disregard of mental health, I myself have
this situation, and the need to address this
is dire as the youth are beginning to feel
less and less confident than ever before.
Senator Lepting’s speech about is very
telling story for which the late DENR
Secretary Gina Lopez also remark on how
our environment is now deteriorating and
the need to restore especially in the
situation of climate change is rising
concern must have us put efforts to restore
and mitigate the loses suffer for years.
Senator Suplino’s speech about child labor
is an interesting topic for which to the best
of my knowledge must have been
eradicated but much to my surprise there
are still instances. The story she presented
struck me in two ways one is that the
mother left and no repercussion were given
to her and the father was arrested for
illegal possession of firearms. Although a
crime was committed by the father it lead
to the child being abandon so question is,
is imprisonment the only method of
punishment? However this matter is a hard
one to tackle but regardless a sad tale
indeed. Fake News, Media and the
Question of Neutrality is the topic of
Senator Lida. As Minority Leader says it,
this is timely topic to be discuss and I
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agree with her with the media changing to
which it is now open to fake news and its
subsequent negative effects has damage
people of all walks of life including the
speaker himself that eventually turned him
from a loyalist to a neutral man. Media
must change but change must not hamper
individual freedom of speech so we must
find that happy medium someday to
resolve this. Some may say education is
the key but in our present situation even
education is not enough as information is
becoming more subjective in nature than
objectively factual. As for the topic of
neutrality and as a politically neutral
person same as the speaker, I believe that
the old notion of political neutral is wrong
and choosing a side and sticking to it is the
right way this is wrong and the best
example is the speaker himself blinded by
his loyalty in the Marcos Faction that he
tolerated all and all it crumbled when the
truth came out for which he was
devastated. His neutrality is commendable
and that the term and notion of neutrality
should change in the minds of people for
they weigh the sides and factions of this
society and if the time comes to take a side
they shall choose correctly always for they
have weigh them to be worthy of our
support. A quite heated debate indeed that
was as pointed out before I do have mix
feelings but such specificity should be
address as but I do commend both senators
to debate and rebuttal each other.
REFLECTION:
Today’s plenary was quite lively. It made
me see the dark side of poverty. The
dangers of fake news to a person. And
question neutrality and how it should be
seen.
DATE: May 27, 2021
ACTIVITY: 4th CLG Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The Leadership and Legislation Bill is just
good intention but its context is lacking
and its implementation might be difficult
in the flow of politics plus its nationwide
coverage is also a problem. Another
problem is what Majority Leader Lozano
mentioned that there is already an existing
body that handles this function for what
this program is for.
REFLECTION:
I believe the bill at hand will not survive
with so much friction and the bill itself
being impractical and wasteful of
government resources and energy.
DATE: May 28, 2021
ACTIVITY: 4th CFR Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Nothing much for me to observe or
critique but it was quite a fast meeting.
REFLECTION:
All is good for now.
DATE: May 31, 2021
ACTIVITY: 5th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Senator Sinong’s speech about poverty and
its false correlation with happiness is
something we should be ashamed off but
the topic of poverty is really a problem that
to me is hard to solve for which it’s been
thousands of years since such states have
been experience by millions yet not yet
been solve. I do believe it will require few
dedicated people with wealth, knowledge
and connections as well as empathy and
charisma to really tackle such a challenge
ahead but this generation and the
generations that shall come would
hopefully up to the task to solve such an
embedded societal world problem. OFW
are heroes akin to US troops who fought in
Vietnam yet suffered when they came
home. A true tragedy that Senator Pilawen
portrayed. In all honesty much can be done
but we as a weak nation in many aspects
might become difficult in addressing this
but with international support I can be
solve but Philippine initiative is necessary
to protect OFWs and create a better
economic system at home. And so the
Dissolution of Marriage Bill is on its way
to becoming a law and quite impress with
Majority Leader Lozano. All seems well
for the bill at hand for next meeting to be
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tackled. The second bill which is the
National Preventive Mechanism. First I am
in support of this and I do feel like that jail
system or punishment system is one old,
another abused not only by our own
government but crime lords and it punishes
the poor more than help them. I do see the
problem of poverty and criminality to be a
web or a perpetual cycle for which at this
moment has no end wherein the poor
cannot find job so he or she enters crime
and gets imprison and gets mistreated
inside but serve his or her sentence then
get release and back to cannot find a job
because of criminal record and so result to
crime and gets arrested and jailed and the
cycle repeats. I do believe the individual is
not fully at fault because I can observe that
lack of opportunity could be the problem
as well. Nevertheless the bill is sound at its
purpose.
REFLECTION:
Today’s plenary was very productive and
strong with the leaders of the UC model
senate coming out with strong bills and a
strong performance of defense and
negotiation. I do hope there energy and
skill rub on me thou as I feel like I will
need it the most.
DATE: May 31, 2021
ACTIVITY: 5th CLG Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Miraculously the bill got through even
though last meetings friction made me
think it would pass.
REFLECTION:
I congratulate the authors of the bill and
hope they do well in the second reading.
DATE: June 02, 2021
ACTIVITY: 5th CLG Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Nothing much to report.
REFLECTION:
I do see the mistake in my vote today must
have been the bandwagon effect. Senator
Guinanoy does have a point but somehow
I forgot about it. My mistake.
DATE: June 03, 2021
ACTIVITY: 6th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
I sympathize with Senator Joel in his
speech. I see the Philippines as an Elites’
private property than an actual nation state.
If we look at it, it has been 70 years since
the liberation and independence of the
Philippines since the last occupation of the
Imperial Japan and till now we have not
became a second class country even with
the benefits of our alliance with the US
compare to the other war torn countries
like Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore
that came out strong and powerful. It such
shame, the Philippines has so much
potential but being wasted by rhetoric and
actions of the oligarchs and alike. The
Police murder incident was an unfortunate
event that I can say in full confidence that
our armed services have definitely lose its
mantle in society. Although there are
individual policemen that are doing their
job as what society expect of them but
slowly this men will fall to a dark path.
There are cases of this with this as an
example because of a government that
seems to allow it yet we also cannot forget
what happened in the Quirino Grandstand
Hostage Taking. Rolando Mendoza was a
great policeman but the system failed him
and the politicians failed him. The
statement is clear yet none listen or none
saw the severity of not only that incident
but how the system within the PNP or the
Government at whole is failing and
degrading. That incident in 2010 is
reminiscent to the recent incident. The
PNP is failing so is too the government.
Time will tell if the people lose complete
confidence in the organizations that
supposedly serve them. On to the business
at hand, the National Preventive
Mechanism is a good legislation giving
human rights defender the body, funding
and support to protect people from any
sorts of human rights abuses from the
government backed up by the constitution
and international commitment to the
international community. However the
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questions of Pro Tempore Macarayo and
Senator Edano does have merit in regards
to CHR and its lackluster delivery of its
mandate.
REFLECTION:
I think giving the Human Rights
Defenders a body or should I say a home
to operate their passion to protect people
from abuses is a good thing especially in a
country that has a massive instances of
human rights violation throughout history.
DATE: June 03, 2021
ACTIVITY: 1st CENRCC Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
I believe the creation of the BFPC is a
necessity. I do believe that their concerns
about funding and weaponry towards the
forest ranger is justified after the bloody
drug war I can understand why they are
worried of another armed service. But I
can see potential here to have a specific
body task for protecting the environment.
Forest rangers are low paid, its
qualification is up in the air, it is basically
a passion work with the risk to their lives
involve. I think arming them with guns is
natural because they are being made in par
with the PNP as the brother in arms. If the
PNP is for the city then the BFPC is for
the Environment making security tasks be
specific and less taxing to the Service. I
would have prefer heavily towards the
DILG than the DENR because there is
already a mature system there than in the
DENR but the merit that DENR should
have this enforcement agency is also there.
I should really critique myself here this is
no easy tasks and my team might not be
suitable for the tasks at hand. The only
good thing is that there is support for the
bill but the bill itself is not perfect more
like very far from it knowing that it
borrows heavily in the BFP organization
and procedures as the basis of its
inception. Another is the problem that
there is already a Forest Management
Bureau task with this but reading it, it was
more in management than protection. It
isn’t the enforcement agency that the
BFPC is being made.
REFLECTION:
I think I am taking something too hard to
handle, I got this idea when I was listening
to sir Edano about this forest ranger and
with research of death statistics created my
passion to pursue it but looking at what
happen today, I don’t believe I might
actually pull it off. However, I can
certainly try. Funny thing that happened as
well, I was consulting my father about this
forest ranger stuff and he said it would
have been better if it was more like a
barangay level solution, an exact saying
from Senator Macarayo that literally taken
me a back and think hmm maybe they’re
both right which I do believe but the
problem was I do not know how to do that.
If it isn’t obvious crafting bills and
legislating might not be for me to be
honest I prefer working in the field.
DATE: June 04, 2021
ACTIVITY: 1st CND Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The first bill was about adding more
people in the National Defense Council,
first time hearing this, but although I can
see why its good idea to add more people
yet I believe it’s not really necessary cause
leadership is one problem but I see that
there are more pressing problems than
leadership to be honest. However those
concerns were not needed because the idea
of the bill has been done by former
presidents making the bill redundant. As
for the second bill about making a sub-
department for finance within the finance
section of the Military is not really needed
and its disapproval was right so.
REFLECTION:
Two bills being taken out. It appears that
we might lose things to talk about real
soon.
DATE: June 07, 2021
ACTIVITY: 7th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
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There is no surprise that everyone was
super happy to the bone to see the most
beloved Vice President Leni Robredo
delivering her video recorded speech to the
body. It is quite sad that it wasn’t live so
we can interact and ask questions but
regardless it is still surreal to us. This day
made everyone’s day great. Nothing much
to say about the National Preventive
Mechanism as everything of concern was
already address so I have nothing to add to
it but my support.
REFLECTION:
I am just happy.
DATE: June 07, 2021
ACTIVITY: 2nd CENRCC Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
My assumption is correct since the last
meeting, this will be difficult to pull off
but I am too deep now to pull out now. I
think that there will be a lot of
amendments that cannot be finished today
because if anything there is more questions
to the organization and my contention. All
I can do now is probably try. I do observe
that the body does want to get this bill into
fruition but I do not know if me and my
team can deliver the results expected. As
for the National Hazard Mapping Act of
2021 seems a good idea, I cannot wait for
next meeting. I think the body needs a
break from our bill to be honest. Its
complication is really bring it down maybe
because it was my fault for doing in a
somewhat of a rush.
REFLECTION:
Laws are just ink and paper, I believe that
it is powerful if implemented properly. But
we forget about the human, the people who
are implementing this laws. I always think
in the back of my mind are servicemen are
but means to the end result of law and
governance. Mere expendables. I think
Senators who debated against me today are
correct. I do believe I will fail in this bill
but the true success that I can garner from
this heated debate is the recognition. It felt
like the focus in the environment and its
brave defenders ignited their hope and
passion and died as well with the late and
beloved former DENR Secretary Gina
Lopez. The nail in the coffin was her
removal from office by this administration.
Now that she is gone it’s up to us to
continue the fight in any way possible. I
will keep pushing forward then.
DATE: June 08, 2021
ACTIVITY: 2nd CND Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The first bill of the day is about
Cybersecurity. Nothing can be said that the
Philippines needs one but the sponsors
were not prepared enough to convince the
body and also their bill has many
deficiency. The next bill is about
increasing the benefits of the servicemen
especially for the living in partner and
their children if one died in active service
as well as expand its scope to cover all
uniformed personnel in the government. I
say it’s good but the debates seems to
show that the bill is lacking.
REFLECTION:
Two bills out. This committee come up
strong with so many bills and now we are
down to few. I do think Sir Edano’s
decision to barred new bills in this
committee was an not needed cause I
could not fathom that so many bills will be
gone in just a few meetings. Well at least I
can now pass my own bill. I need to do
good in this Committee especially I am an
advocate of the military.
DATE: June 10, 2021
ACTIVITY: 8th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Senator Magno’s speech about child
exploitation is powerful. We do have laws
but we lack enforcement. It is even sadder
to hear about the Philippines being a major
hub for child pornography. Poverty is the
issue too although enforcement should be
strengthen but that is just a dead end but it
will help yet it does not solve the poverty
problem which is the cause of this problem
as well as other problems like drugs and
robbery. As for the bill at hand about anti-
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discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ is to
me unnecessary as pointed out many times
in the session. There are already existing
laws that cater to the problem at hand.
Another is the social or cultural problem of
the bill pointed out by Assistant Majority
Leader Guinanoy. I believe that the
problem with this is not legislation but
more like a social and cultural one cause
such things can never be avoided
completely even if we have laws that
would. It is important that the people
themselves change and accept them than
force them to accept them. With the world
going in that direction thou sooner or later
this will be accepted in a degree which I
have already observe in public.
REFLECTION:
I think not everything can be solve through
legislation and the problem of the
LGBTQ+ is not laws with the exception of
the same sex marriage but the social
environment they are living in. Until the
population enforce social accountability to
those that discriminate people of unique
self-outlook so they maybe be punish
socially or even criminally to further stop
discrimination for someone who is true to
themselves.
DATE: June 10, 2021
ACTIVITY: 3rd CENRCC Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
I believe the National Hazard Map is good
until Majority Leader Lozano mention the
GeoRisk Hunter Hazard PH which is an
application that is the same with the
proposed statute at hand. Although having
a physical map is good and all after the
session I am thinking the amount of money
and paper needed to provide maps for a
mass of LGUs nationwide would be
immense of resources drained that its
effectiveness is only three years and also
the problem that the world is not static but
dynamic, it changes per second.
REFLECTION:
I think the bill will be as hot as my group’s
bill.
DATE: June 11, 2021
ACTIVITY: 3rd CND Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The bill at hand was a combination of what
happen with the National Security Council
and the Cybersecurity wherein there is
already an existing EO that covers what
the bill is trying to achieve while also
having many deficiency with the proposed
bill.
REFLECTION:
I believe that the bill was good but the
research side of things was also good but
not good enough because they didn’t see
and also didn’t acknowledge immediately
that there was already an existing EO.
Nonetheless the sponsors and authors
showed tremendous steel and courage to
fight to the bitter end. In a personal note
Happy 23rd birthday to me. Geez I’m
getting old and I still don’t know if politics
is my forte because I’m more in the hands
on side when I do work and debating is not
really my thing, it is needed in the future
because I will be put in that situation but I
do prefer action to be honest.
DATE: June 14, 2021
ACTIVITY: 9th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Senator Gambican’s speech about child
labor is very telling when a child named
Reymark Mariano, age 10 years old,
became a farmer to support his family that
made netizens romantized such actions as
good. But the more surprising thing about
the story and why I raise the question I did
is that the mother returned to the son after
his son’s story went viral through various
media that made me ask what happened
with the mother. Was she arrested for
abandonment? But to my dismay the
speaker had no answer for me. However
child labor must end. Senator Lamagon, is
to me, the most passionate environmental
defender we have in the UC Senate and his
speech is powerful; full of emotion and
anger towards what is happening to our
environment. It was weird that although
this senate is very active towards the
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protection and conservation of the
environment that I was the only one to
agree with the speech of Senator Lamagon
which I found uncharacteristic by many of
the senators that I know would support this
speech. It was just weird other than that I
am right to manifest that such a problem is
truly an intergenerational responsibility by
us all to protect the environment at all
costs. The increase of age of consent is
something that I have nothing to add to it.
From 12 to 18 years of age of consent is
sound to me.
REFLECTION:
A quick search in the case of Reymark
Mariano in regards to what happened to
the mother because I was just that curious
that it turns out that the story showcase in
National TV is misleading made to be as
sad as possible for the rating. Although
child labor should be ended but there is
something wrong here when traditional
media misleads people to think and act in a
way they want them to react. In my
opinion such disgraceful and disservice act
towards the public for views and money is
appalling to my eyes and should be punish
especially the family featured especially
the mother is being slander online by many
netizens and such things should be punish.
As for the age of consent, I do have some
reservation that it could be increase to 21
since this the age where women becomes
really mature but 18 is also good and
universally accepted. However the
questioning of Senator Estudillo struck me
about relationship and how this bill could
affect it. The West has had a surge of
relationship turmoil and controversy with
women coming out and accusing men of
exploitation of all sort whether true or
false. One particular case is with the
famous YouTuber CallMeCarson when he
was in hot water for grooming 17 year old
girls when he was 19 years old yet many
were angry but many also saw it as normal
teen relationship age gap as well. All in all,
debates fired up and I believe bills such as
this is good in all but there are tradeoffs in
real life that affects the dating market
which is in turmoil in the West as I heard
and observe.
DATE: June 14, 2021
ACTIVITY: 4th CENRCC Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The Ban of Single Use Plastic Bag to me is
good but with the current commerce
climate and lack of actual alternatives is
quite concerning. The bill’s idea is good
but to me it feels lacking. To me I would
propose a major shakeup in how we
package our products into some sort of
reusable standardized packaging because if
I look at it the way we package products is
the problem because it goes from the
factory to the market and to the dump.
Rarely does the packaging go back to the
factory to be refilled. Another shake could
be changing the social environment of the
population from buying food and cooking
food at home to going out and eating
outside reducing home waste in a degree.
Both ideas can reduce or further reduce
waste.
REFLECTION:
After this session, I was thinking really
hard of materializing my ideas and also
maybe create a more industrialize waste
management than what we have now
similar to which how European countries
does like Sweden to name one. However
friction might come from the incinerators
thou but it is debatable since the
Philippines is an island nation with a
yearly decrease of land mass and a
growing consumer base as well as waste
generation.
DATE: June 15, 2021
ACTIVITY: 10th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The focus in the bill in regards who will be
prioritize in the delivery of food was a step
in the right direction where we did not see
as a team but the suggestion of Majority
Leader Lozano about the 4Ps as the
beneficiaries is a good suggestion that we
accept.
REFLECTION:
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Nothing much to say, the bill seems great
and received fair enough. Other than a few
things of concern which all can be fixed in
the period of amendments.
DATE: June 17, 2021
ACTIVITY: 11th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
I believe the Anti-Discrimination to
LGBTQ+ as I mentioned in my previous
entry to the journal but a pressing problem
in the bill itself is that it is lacking as well
as it is really not the solution the problem
but I guess the mistake of mine is in the
voting yes in the second reading and
abstaining in the third which Senate
President Edano got mad at us for
essentially wasting time and not aligning
our vote to our true thoughts. And as for
our bill well we knew this will happen
since the committee level.
REFLECTION:
I did the right thing a left the authorship of
the Food to Table Act and apologize
profusely for not being active and they did
receive it well since it was something I
was not passionate about but I knew it was
important but I had nothing to add or
contribute to the team and I wish them the
best of luck in their course of action.
DATE: June 17, 2021
ACTIVITY: 5th CENRCC Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
First of all congratulations to the National
Hazard team. I do have to say no because
of the information shared by Majority
Leader Lozano in the previous meetings
and I don’t agree that this is a backward
way of solving a modern and ever-
changing climate of a problem. As for the
Total Ban of Single Use Plastic although
its good step in the right direction but I do
see it as lacking. An interesting note was
Minority Leader Martinez observation
which I agree with that I think the total ban
of single use plastic is a good thing but
doing it in sudden way would impact the
social and economic environment or the
status quo rendering operation to be
disturbed immensely so I do agree that
such a major change should be done phase
by phase. Regardless I do believe it should
be pass still.
REFLECTION:
Change is good. It gets things done
whether it has positive or negative impacts
to society will depend in the outcome of
the implementation. Regardless a good
productive session today.
DATE: June 18, 2021
ACTIVITY: 4th CND Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
My bill is about training and evaluating the
reserved forces. I do believe we need to
keep this force to be as ready as possible
as war or conflict with China is a real
possibility. My talk with Major Matthew
Erich enlighten this fact that the reserve
force is not really tested unlike major
military services across the globe that do
maintain their reserve forces. Plus I think it
was a mistake in my part that I have not
much mention other things that my
discussion with the Major especially that
the Armed Forces and the Philippine
Government has no post-occupation plan
to liberate ourselves from occupation. I do
believe this bill needs to be pass as for one
our complacency has cost us a major
military disaster waiting to happen and
with how our armed forces performed in
the recent Marawi Siege, we are
completely unready for full out
conventional warfare with another state.
REFLECTION:
I believe I did well but a part of me tells
me I did worse. I do panic that the body is
against me on this one with the body being
so silent and the Majority Leader not being
satisfied. I do believe this is a needed bill.
I might be overthinking and exaggerating a
bit especially I am on my own with this
bill but how I wish this entire UC Model
Senate be face to face so that I can read the
room better than just their voices.
DATE: June 21, 2021
ACTIVITY: 12th Plenary Session
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OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Religion and Society had remained quite
static in the Philippines. Being a Catholic
country, the notion of the LGBTQ+ as
spawns of immorality has been said and
debated for a very long time. Many have
accepted it in various degree. A friend of
mine support them as people but still sees
them differently because of religious belief
compare to myself that just accepted them
as part of society yet I believe in time they
will be accepted completely by society for
its just a matter of time. The song mention
by Senator Dacasin about being different is
wrong did struck me because such
situation can be seen in Japan and how
their society discourage any form of
difference and embrace conformity and
collectivity above all else which does
impact society in the worst way
imaginable in this case their population
decline. Individuality is still better cause to
be different has its merit to make society
feel less stale and dynamic. The political
dynasty speech by Senator Pangalian is
very timely as elections is on the horizon,
we must become more smarter to get
actual good statesmen in the office to truly
have some sort of change for the better.
The quota bill is a good bill to be honest
but interpellating the bill was very stressful
in my end because I am a man and if I ask
anything that can be deemed patriarchal.
I’m gonna be killed socially but I do
support it. It’s just that I have seen
instances in European countries that put
quotas and having some positive and
negative effects on it. Positive is that more
female professionals got their positions
secured but the negative will be if they
could be up to the tasks, it is why I ask
about the meritocracy yet there is also the
contention that it is because of being a
woman that she gained her position. Men
do not have that luxury of security and
assurance. Men had to grind and compete
not only with other men and women but
the government policy to and I do have
mixed feelings about the bill but I don’t
want to risk my social life for this thou. As
for the Party List System, I am quite
impress with the senators involve in the
debate. As for me I have nothing to
contribute to the debate for I am not
familiar with the subject matter.
REFLECTION:
Other than the stress that I got with the
first bill because of an anti-patriarchal
senate which I had to thread carefully but
nothing much left to comment.
DATE: June 22, 2021
ACTIVITY: 5th CND Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Continuation of my bill, everything went
well and was passed.
REFLECTION:
I should really be less overthinking and
worried and be more focus. Although it
passed with flying colors, I hope
everything goes well in the plenary. But I
am very proud of this bill especially it is
one for which I am very passionate about
but I do feel bad for the bill in the CLG
being barely of any help since it’s not
something I’m passionate about and I have
decided to recall my authorship of the bill
and profusely apologies to them for being
no use.
DATE: June 24, 2021
ACTIVITY: 13th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Education as the topic of Senator Challoy
does make me look at how the government
and the educational institutions when they
used the online way of teaching. I was
completely against it because not only that
they are not ready or the country is not
ready but the people are not ready
especially in this pandemic. I do believe
that the money spent in education could
have been used for the families’ survival
as well as reduce significantly the mental
strain of not only studying but also the
consequences of adopting this modality in
a country or system not yet ready or rush
in its implementation. The next topic at
hand is how society itself see rape victims
but for one this is a serious matter and this
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instances should be address. Although I
have to put a bit of reservation of doubt
cause of the events happening in the West
but regardless we should really take care
of rape victims instead of putting them in
the hotspot. Well the National Foreign
Mandate Act will failed. It was
disappointing but I do believe it was a
good bill but it lack substance of research
and data.
REFLECTION:
I am quite down and tried my best but I
knew it would fail because of the lack of
research but also my father commented
that it was vanilla meaning it’s okay but
also lacking as well. Much to learn I guess.
DATE: June 24, 2021
ACTIVITY: 6th CENRCA & CLG
Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The National Greening Program is too me
the most well thought out bill this senate
has seen that even made my good friend
Senator Lida almost question less. It is to
not surprise that our Professor is skilled
and knowledgeable and its passing is
assured. However with the Alternative
Paper bill, it’s a miss for me although good
but I believe it’s not something the
government should put into law but it can
fund or invest in it seeing the lack of
industry for it yet times are changing to a
digitize future and paper might become
redundant sooner or later. However
anything that can minimize the man-made
harms in the environment is still welcome
but much must be done to make the bill
better I suppose.
REFLECTION:
Nothing much to say than the dichotomy
between a well thought out bill from a
highly lacking one. Both of which has
good intention yet differ from content.
DATE: June 25, 2021
ACTIVITY: 1st CND TWG
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The renaming of Camp Aguinaldo to
Camp Bonifacio is to me a mixed feeling
one. I know that former President
Aguinaldo is not worthy to be the name of
the main headquarters of the AFP. I would
have prefer General Luna to be honest but
there is already one. However while in the
TWG, sir Edano pointed out many points
politically and historically that I have to
agree with that President Aguinaldo is
more suited because in terms of it, he
practically started the Armed Forces
compare to Andres Bonifacio. I hate to say
it but changing it might be a mistake but
then again to have a traitor be the face of
our military also holds some weight for the
outlook of the AFP to the people. In
conclusion, politically and historically it’s
wrong to change it but morally it is right
and technically all started with Andres
Bonifacio.
REFLECTION:
It is interesting to see politics and history
go hand in hand in making good bills. The
insights of sir Edano is quite awe
inspiring. I wish I had that level of
knowledge.
DATE: June 28, 2021
ACTIVITY: 14th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
It was strange to hear a topic of death
when I am going through something but
regardless I do not have a clue how to
solve such a problem in Abra for I am not
from Abra myself but I do sympathize
with Senator Cabatic and the pain he is
suffering from such a location tag. The
next topic is the Rice Tarrification Law
and its impact to local industries and it’s a
shame that we have to import rice than
improve our agricultural industries. The
Bill proposed by Majority leader Lozano
about adultery and others, I fully support it
as the old laws must be change to be on the
times of today. As for the next bill is about
the Anti-Red-Tagging Act which to me is
a really needed legislation to be past and as
I have read the bill it seems to be great.
The bill is quite timely as the Duterte
Administration and its subsequent PNP
organization is using this tactics against
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Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science
any opposition to the government which
must be put to stop.
REFLECTION:
I’m quite in low spirit as my beloved
grandmother passed away. It does hit
different watching one of our family in her
final days in a screen far away from our
family. I enter todays plenary out of
commitment to my family and to my
grandmother as she would have wanted me
to continue forward for the family and I
shall continue forward. However, I do feel
bitter and angry that I and my brothers
weren’t there for her at her final moments.
DATE: June 28, 2021
ACTIVITY: 7th CENRCA & CLG
Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
I confirmed in my previous entry that the
Alternative Paper bill would be in trouble
from its lack of content within the bill. I
was also at point with the lack of industry
to support this endeavor.
REFLECTION:
I have said everything in my recent
reflection entry above.
DATE: June 29, 2021
ACTIVITY: 2nd CND TWG
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
My stance in the renaming of Camp
Aguinaldo to Camp Bonifacio stil stands
so I shall support this in the senate. As for
the School as Zone of Peace Act thou, I
have my reservation. But I will reserve all
that in the regular meeting.
REFLECTION:
It’s hilarious that I keep messing up and
thinking the TWG is like the regular
meeting and ask question that should be
for the regular meeting. I’m laughing to
myself with the many opsies I made in the
TWG.
DATE: June 30, 2021
ACTIVITY: Week 1 – 3 (Course Road
Map – Public Policy Challenges in the 21st
Century – The Media and Changing
Nature of Politics)
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The lecture shows me a lot issues that we
of this generation will inherit and really
need to find solutions. Public Policy is
facing a challenges upon challenges that
money alone cannot solve challenges we
are facing but its actually worsening. It is
not a small problem but an interconnected
web of problems dating back hundreds of
years and also in the future. Not a good
inheritance that will be acquiring as the
replacement of the old generation
All of the information that we are
receiving from all type of media are now
changing by the seconds. I can see this is a
challenge not only is news now being
disseminated by the seconds but it is being
observe that it is also causing the division
of society. Recent social observation that I
have been keeping eyes on reinforce the
speakers observation and it does have
negative ramification cause people would
prefer to listen more to the people they are
alike with and not bother listening to the
other side. I think information should be
objective in nature and that news outlets
should not take sides but be credible and
neutral force.
REFLECTION:
In the world of politics, there are a lot of
challenges that governments are handling
in a daily basis and as the generation that
will replace them, we must always be
aware and always be informed of the
changes of the world. This session thought
me that you need to listen to others
perspectives for us to achieve a good
mutual understanding. I am not always
right and the world does not revolve
around me and listening is the key. In
order to create a good decision one must
consult the opposition and try to work a
middle group. Although people criticize
you publicly, they do still acknowledge the
good things you do. I have seen this before
from my school bully so I do see this
happening.
DATE: July 01, 2021
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Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science
ACTIVITY: 15th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
My good friend Senator Lim’s speech was
great to hear wherein our Filipino people
are increasing in wanting foreign products
more than local one is of great concern and
such a speech to tell us to support local is
good so that we can help our industries and
business to rise in prominence and
hopefully be in par with foreign products.
Nothing for me to add in the Anti-Red-
Tagging Act but for the Alternative
Weapons Act thou I do have yet I do
support it but I have some concerns.
Concerns to be asked and answered in the
next meeting.
REFLECTION:
Today is a sad day as it is my
grandmother’s funeral and still in pure
commitment to family. I remained strong
and attentive to the today’s session. Later
in the day I will attend the funeral via
messenger call. The rain does go with the
sadness of today. As a Buddhist myself, I
do correlate it as if the Gods and Goddess
weeping towards the loss of their beloved
and devout daughter. May she rest in
peace.
DATE: July 01, 2021
ACTIVITY: 8th CENRCA & CLG
Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Although I wasn’t in the meeting due to
the funeral reception. I was informed that
the BFPC bill had done poorly in its
reception to the body. After the funeral, I
immediately makes some calls and do
damage control. How I wish I could have
move this bill to another date but I cannot
due to time constraint.
REFLECTION:
Nothing much to say but I am sad and
stressed at the same time. It’s quite a
miracle that I have kept my sanity not only
from the loss of my grandmother, but also
being away from my parents and family,
and also this pandemic and my role as big
brother and its responsibilities are really
taking a toll in my shoulders. It’s been so
long since my shoulders were loosen up.
However there is work to be done.
DATE: July 02, 2021
ACTIVITY: 6th CND Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
As mention in the past TWG regardless of
today’s meeting I shall fully support the
renaming of Camp Aguinaldo to Camp
Bonifacio. As for the School as Zone of
Peace Act thou, I do support it but there
are some things that needs to be tweak in
the bill to make it stronger. In regards to
their performance thou they did fine but
what I call my grilling of them is also
going to hot too. I think they realize how
it’s impossible for international or some
local terror groups like ISIS and Abu
Sayyaf to agree with this bill being
enemies of the state and as well as this
government not negotiating with terrorists.
As for armed groups like NPA and the
MILF is a different case as long as they
can find some sort of evidence to suggest
that they will agree with this bill then this
bill could be in danger in the field but
regardless the bill is not perfect but can be
make stronger.
REFLECTION:
I did great in interpolating the School of
Zone of Peace Act. But I do see my fellow
senators or friends having a hard time so I
just gave them my entire research
materials and questioning so that they can
have some chance to show some prowess
in the upcoming debate next meeting for
which I will attend.
DATE: July 05, 2021
ACTIVITY: 16th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Senator Abes’es speech about parenting
was nice as future parents ourselves
learning about this is good thing. As for
Senator Celino’s speech of the decline of
indigenous culture, it is saddening but I see
it as an effect of the modern era and
exposure to modern things. Change is
inevitable but I do believe with right
amount of effort things can be preserved
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Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science
and taught to the youth. As for Senator
Agustin’s speech about the sex industry, I
am against it but it’s also hard to be
against it when the West is somewhat
embracing it as the new culture for women
from songs to business opportunities like
only fans and the dramas in certain big
tech corporation such as Twitch. It is a
hard debate to where should we go with
this topic. The Alternative Weapons Act
had one flaw which is that the alternative
weapons presented had short range and the
lack of a long range alternative weaponry
is alarming. I did mention some but I do
agree with Pro Tempore Macarayo with
the airsoft guns being seen as dangerous
yet I do not agree with the rest of the body
in regards to not having a long range
alternative weapon or research and
development of it because in some point in
the future, our police officers will just be
armed with this type of weaponry as their
primary defense.
REFLECTION:
It was concerning to pass the Alternative
Weapons Act but the body was against for
such research and development of an
arsenal of alternative weaponry but
regardless the mentioned alternative
weapons are enough I guess.
DATE: July 05, 2021
ACTIVITY: 9th CENRCA & CLG
Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Most of the questions or the lack of things
to be question in the newly rendition of
two bills into one Surplus Act in my part
was quite answered quite well with the
exception with the penalty of the indigent
families of 10000 Php which to me is
overkill especially their definition of terms
says that Indigent Families are families
whose annual income is 15000 Php and
with the penalty takes away 2/3 of their
finances. I did try to change it into 2/5
which is 6000 Php but due to the authors
or one particular author who wishes not to
change it at all costs. I had to withdrew the
amendment knowing the body would and
will vote not in favor making it a waste of
time. However the situation was really
unfavorable in my end with the
amendment I propose and withdrew. I do
want to critique that is the bill here to help
this poor beneficiaries or to punish them
because of their survival decision. We of
the body live in a different life from those
of the poor and seeing that penalty was in
my eyes wrong. I believe punishing the
poor because of their need to survive is
wrong. I believe it’s not the poor that is the
problem but how society function and its
deficiencies to provide our citizens decent
jobs and others is the root cause of the
problem. An old proverb says give a man
fish and he will be fill for a day but teach
the man how to fish and he will be fill
every day but I would like to add if there is
no opportunity or lack of fish in the water
then the man’s fishery skill is but a waste
and must resort to other things for
survival.
REFLECTION:
Truth be told, there is nothing really wrong
with the bill. I believe it is just a
philosophical or policy differences
between me and the authors but regardless
it is a fine bill that will help the poor.
DATE: July 06, 2021
ACTIVITY: 7th CND Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
I am quite shock that they still have not
realize what I have said about last meeting
that armed groups without actually
agreeing with the contents of the bill
means that even if the school is now a
Zone of Peace to the government it is not
same with the armed groups. However it is
obvious for conventional armies thou
much like how hospitals are to the
international community. Although it has a
lot of shortcomings, we as the body or
more like I did all possible thing I can
think of that could make this bill as strong
as possible before it goes to the plenary.
REFLECTION:
I do support it but they have to carry
themselves. Their poor performance in
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Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science
defending the bill says a lot that the bill
might fail. It was the reason my good
friend and Assistant Majority Leader
Guinanoy voted no because of it. I might
need to step in for them in the Plenary and
help them out cause I do feel passionate to
defend and make this bill to be pass.
DATE: July 07, 2021
ACTIVITY: Week 4 – 5 (Healthcare
Systems and Insurance Markets –
Federalisms and the Power of State
Governors)
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
I think having a robust Health Care System
is a necessity nowadays especially in this
pandemic era however this session show as
that this program have its problems
because depending on the economics and
social environment there will be friction
and a government must form a Health Care
System that is best for this country because
one system may be good for this country
but might not be good in another country.
The Federalism and the State Governors
Session is kind of interesting especially the
past debates about Federalism in the
Philippines is still there in my mind and
after listening to the session, I so have
some mix opinions about it because unlike
the US, the Philippines is smaller in
comparison but I think giving the Local
Government more power and finances to
solve local problems is a good concept for
our nation without the need to go for
Federalism. It’s just a matter of
implementation to be honest.
REFLECTION:
What I learned from this two session that
we need to be more social priority focus in
how we govern and also think more in the
regional or provincial level than national
cause I do believe that each region has
regional difference with other regions and
that local government units should have
some leeway to change a bit the national
mandate to be in line with regional
socioeconomic environment.
DATE: July 08, 2021
ACTIVITY: 17th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Senator Domingo didn’t have to make us
cry there not gonna lie but it was very
touching speech. As for Senator Sucgang’s
speech, I have the same contention as the
previous speech that tackled this topic. As
for my bill thou I decide to kill the bill
seeing the body is not impress or will kill
it anyways. At least I fought hard for it. As
for the merge Local Food Security Act and
I do have concerns for the reason why I
abstain my vote.
REFLECTION:
As mentioned before I was quite sad but
much sadder that this is the final few days.
DATE: July 08, 2021
ACTIVITY: 10th CENRCA & CLG
Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
One thing to say for the BFPC bill, it is too
complicated and all over the place that it
should have been killed last meeting. It’s
not because of lack of trying but as I
mentioned previous entries in the journals
but the problem of the organization of the
bill being too complicated. This was the
reason why I wanted the BFPC to be in the
DILG than the DENR not only because the
benefit systems and other supporting
systems are already there but also it
streamlines the entire force in to one
department since the DILG is task of
internal security however due to pressure I
had to make it work in the DENR but I
believe it would not work not because it’s
impossible but me and my team are not
really too smart enough to make it happen.
I think I should have fight for the DILG
route but even then when they mentioned
the FMB it did hit hard in the bill but I
could have counter argue more effectively
but it’s quite hard and jittery to come up
answers on the spot. However this not a
failure but a learning experience. The bill
maybe dead but it is still revivable yet I
think time is not on our side anymore and
this could be the last meeting.
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REFLECTION:
It’s a failure but at least fought hard for it.
My lack of knowledge is really painful
torn in my efforts to pass bills.
DATE: July 09, 2021
ACTIVITY: 3rd CND TWG
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The National Greening Auxiliary Force is
what I can describe as being all over the
place with many inconsistencies and plot
holes. I think to sum it all up on how this
bill is problematic is that why is it in the
CND. I think I did what I can to add stuff
that will probably help in the upcoming
meeting.
REFLECTION:
I think the bill at hand might not do well
next meeting. It looks like it has a lot of
holes for prying hawks to swoop in and
catch them off guard resulting in a kill.
DATE: July 12, 2021
ACTIVITY: 18th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The Speech of Senator Mondiguing was
about our population tripled in 50 years
but then again that’s normal but what is
not normal is the country hasn’t improve
since then. Senator Soni’s speech about
Campus Journalism and what happens
behind scenes is appalling but not a
surprise with how the country actually
communicate or interact with the actual
news outlet. Senator Bautista’s Speech was
one of the most shocking and informative
among the speeches I heard today that give
as a cautionary tale for which all of us
must be wary of the scams of the internet
and be careful as well as be informed
always. Ecotourism is good as presented
by Senator Yago and I agree. Our people
and landscape is unique for us to witness
and hear its story. The bill at hand which is
the introduction of the Philippine
Constitution in the Junior High School
Curricula to which I say a good legislation.
Next is the Mandatory Early Voting for
PWDs and others of similar conditions and
again no quarrel in my end and I support.
Next is the Prohibition of Political
Dynasty to which I support as well.
REFLECTION:
Nothing much to say today because all the
bills, I support.
DATE: July 13, 2021
ACTIVITY: 19th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The Prohibition of Political Dynasty to
which I support. The next bill is the
Granting of Civil Service Eligibility for
Non-regular Workers is also something I
support.
REFLECTION:
Really good bills being pass I got to say.
DATE: July 13, 2021
ACTIVITY: 8th CND Meeting
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
So my prediction was correct in the TWG
and the bill will be killed off. However I
did get a bit heated with the author Senator
Dacasin in terms with the military
personnel not being armed. If I were to be
the commanding officer for this men, I
would not just send out men for greening
programs without certainty that the ground
for which they will be operating is not safe
and his argument that the LGU should
know is a weak argument cause how
would they know if they are in the city. Is
the PNP scouted the area or has the AFP
scouted the area, none was clear on how
was the area deemed safe. Plus this patrols
had civilians with them leaving them
expose as collateral damage if a fire
incident could happen. Not only did I lose
highly trained men but civilians were also
victims’ especially high skilled ones too. I
was not satisfied in his argument for there
was too much risk to lose than gain and I
believe as well as the Army shouldn’t be
doing this but they can assist but that is not
the priority.
REFLECTION:
I think Assistant Minority Leader
Guinanoy sums up the bill at hand which
is good in intention but weak in its crafting
for which the whole thing is confusing.
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Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science
And to me it was both confusing and also a
danger for the already small number of
troops we have.
DATE: July 14, 2021
ACTIVITY: Week 6 – 7 (US-China
Relations – Congress and Politics)
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
A topic I closely follow cause this two
major power has the influence to change
the modern world, As of now in the
Philippines, I believe right now China has
major influence in the country but still the
US influence has not waned even after the
friction between Pres. Duterte and Pres.
Trump but as for with Pres. Duterte and
Pres. Xi Jinping thou has soured. I do
think war is looming but the losses in war
would be detrimental to their economic
growth especially how intertwined their
economy are.
As for the next session thou I was very
intrigued on the level of friendship
between the guest speakers, a republican
and a democrat, it was quite enduring to
see because recent news shows that there
is great divide in the US politic sphere that
also stretch to medias and the masses. But
I did learn in order to have a good
legislation we have to listen and work with
the opposition in order to get things done.
REFLECTION:
I believe war is coming between the two
superpowers it’s just a matter of what will
be the catalyst that will start it. For now we
can breathe. As for congressional
communication skill is a really a good
thing to learn although with the divide
even witness in the Philippines. It will be
difficult.
DATE: July 16, 2021
ACTIVITY: 20th Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The National Health Passport System, I
had no issue with it thou I would also think
that everything could be digitized or be an
app but I guess this is okay too since not
all have the technology or the funds to buy
one for themselves.
REFLECTION:
Another good bill although I have my
differences in such a system to be
implemented but still it’s good still.
DATE: July 19, 2021
ACTIVITY: 21st Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Senator Dongpin’s speech about healthcare
and the need for it to get better especially
in this pandemic era is really a necessity.
Senator Sapla questioning and appalling
towards how society is from what it show
than what it really want to show. Senator
Calixto’s speech towards how farmers and
the agricultural industries is not being
focus upon in addition to how they were
treated for so long is very reminiscent of
how this government as well treat there
journalists and news outlet. It took a long
time and many ideas but finally I settled in
my advocacy of National Defense with my
privilege speech which also timely as well
cause of my bill in the plenary session. I
put all my heart, history, reality, and irony
in the speech to portray that the
Philippines is on route in the third
surrender of the nation. The bill at hand
was about decreasing Teacher’s duty in
public school which I do hear about how
much work this teachers do so I say it is
good. As for the bill mandating students to
plant trees is also a good bill although
there is already the National Greening Act
already so not sure if this one is redundant.
REFLECTION:
Nothing can be said that I am very proud
with the speech and feel a very patriotic
and nationalistic while speaking.
DATE: June 20, 2021
ACTIVITY: Week 8 – 9 (War Powers –
Wrapping Up)
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
Although I was quite disappointed that
Senator McCain was not there in the panel
(rest in peace good sir) overall I was quite
intrigued in the dynamics of politics
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Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science
between the two bodies. While listening I
was also seeing the parallel of it to the
Philippine Government not only in
questions of security and power in this
case with the USA with war but in the
Philippines case is the submissiveness of
the legislative towards to the executive
where both countries are suffering but the
Philippine a lot more. If power was used
correctly I would be fine with it but me
saying that does seem contradicting with
how a democratic government should be
so I do back pedal that each branch of the
government should check their power but
also do their responsibilities as part of that
branch.
In the end of this course, I have learned a
lot but knowledge is nothing without doing
the work in the field so I hope that I can
use all of I have learn the UC model
Senate or failed trying but at least I tried
REFLECTION:
Overall I enjoyed the entire course more so
that I drunk San Miguel Apple every two
lesson but just 1 can. I do not know why I
refuse to watch, listen, and read the lesson
without a can of beer must be my inner
British coming out now and also because I
keep watching the Trash Taste podcast of
British people all the time that their habits
rub off on me. Anyways it was
enlightening and a bit scary that my
generation will be inheriting a global
problem with major minor local base
problem. A cobweb of problems but as
Professor Warburg says that he is
optimistic that we can do it and I hope not
to disappoint him and even my family,
country and people as well as my
ancestors.
DATE: July 22, 2021
ACTIVITY: 22nd Plenary Session
OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
The first bill was about the National
Hazard Map which is 50/50 I do support it
but also no since I was part of the
committee that deliberated with it.
However it’s still good legislation and I
think it should still be passed and if to myself is painful now I know why the
technology fails we have analog methods. samurai culture or bushido is what it is.
As for my bill for giving Annual Training
for the Reserve Force was a total DATE: July 23, 2021
disappointment in the end if I wasn’t the ACTIVITY: 23rd Plenary Session
author and sponsor this bill would have OBSERVATIONS/CRITIQUE:
pass. I did such a poor job defending it but None of the bills that I saw and ask were
I was listening although it did get heated bad. They were all good bills.
especially with Senator Aquino but I REFLECTION:
didn’t know but all my problems would Nothing much to say still just depress. My
have been solve if I had removed the activeness is just to compensate my failure
Separability Clause since it was the only at the previous day.
thing hampering the bill but alas even
Senate President Macarayo was shock, I
wasn’t cause I knew the atmosphere is kill
me. As for Sex Education nothing much to
be said I just support it cause its write to
teach them young and know the truth. A
famous YouTuber named Gigguk shared
in a podcast called Trash Taste that his
mom told him that babies come out of the
belly button then in sex education class his
teacher told him babies come out of the
vagina and to a child such information
crush him and that he knew his mother just
lied to him. In that story, it is important to
have a proper sex education. As for the
ban of single use plastic, I say I support it
but the consequences would hopefully not
that severe hopefully.
REFLECTION:
I am just depress. Months of work and set
up that led down to unable to defend what
I think is relatively an easy to understand
bill. Train Reserve Force and ready for a
real possible defense. I think I didn’t also
use more extensive scenario or war game
tactics to emphasize the need of this. The
advantages is clear. The reason was with
the two speeches I made from the plenary
to the sponsorship speech. I think, I
strongly think if I’m not the author or the
sponsor of the bill the bill would have been
passed. I am just for the pass hours just
giving reason upon reason but I just failed.
It was the only thing I wanted to pass
because out of many things national
defense was my main advocacy to fail is to
simply say I’m not fit for it or I’m not fit
to defend our nation as well. This dishonor
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Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science