True enough, nothing can stop a strong heart. On Valentines Day, with some stroke of political luck, the Alliance of Concerned Law Students (ACLAS) retook the Student Council presidency back from the hands of our political opponents in the Far Eastern University – Institute of Law., the Students’ Cause Reform Agenda (SCRA). However, victory is bitter sweet, as only Philip Cabugao and I, from ACLAS, won in the SC elections last February 14. Well, paraphrasing Neil Armstrong, “that’s one small step for us, but one giant leap for the party.”
It has been 3 years since ACLAS cornered the presidency, and 4 years since we captured majority of the seats in the SC. In those years, the party has been in the back seat of campus politics in FEU-IL. In those years, the party has relegated to a measly position, letting the SCRA to monopolize power and dismally lead the law students. Basic services by the school were left to deteriorate; student activities aimed at boosting intellectual pursuits were sidetracked; and the Institute’s populace was left without tough leaders. Yes, SCRA won the student council elections in the past because of the students’ support, but we lost a strong voice that would weather any storm just to air our sentiments to the administration.
Our vice-presidential candidate Benedict Pichay explained what ACLAS was about. He traced the etymology of the party to the Filipino word “aklas” meaning to revolt, to break free, to change. The party is about change. It is revolting against the present system, breaking free from the bondage that currently enslaves the studentry, and aiming for change in the ruthless cycle of student apathy. Pichay added that aklas necessitates a joint action, emphasizing pag-aaklas as the product of our communal action. The party, together with the students, requires active collaboration in order to achieve our ends and goals.
ACLAS won by retaking the power from SCRA, but victory would be complete if we give back the power with whom it ultimately lays – with the students. With a re-energized program of government, the student council shall truly be the students’ council, rather than just being a mere figure head. We shall not fail our voters. Philip and I shall work together to in order that students’ needs are met, and the students’ wants are satisfied. This year shall be the foundation of a revitalized party – a party grounded on the principle of pag-aaklas.
It has been 3 years since ACLAS cornered the presidency, and 4 years since we captured majority of the seats in the SC. In those years, the party has been in the back seat of campus politics in FEU-IL. In those years, the party has relegated to a measly position, letting the SCRA to monopolize power and dismally lead the law students. Basic services by the school were left to deteriorate; student activities aimed at boosting intellectual pursuits were sidetracked; and the Institute’s populace was left without tough leaders. Yes, SCRA won the student council elections in the past because of the students’ support, but we lost a strong voice that would weather any storm just to air our sentiments to the administration.
Our vice-presidential candidate Benedict Pichay explained what ACLAS was about. He traced the etymology of the party to the Filipino word “aklas” meaning to revolt, to break free, to change. The party is about change. It is revolting against the present system, breaking free from the bondage that currently enslaves the studentry, and aiming for change in the ruthless cycle of student apathy. Pichay added that aklas necessitates a joint action, emphasizing pag-aaklas as the product of our communal action. The party, together with the students, requires active collaboration in order to achieve our ends and goals.
ACLAS won by retaking the power from SCRA, but victory would be complete if we give back the power with whom it ultimately lays – with the students. With a re-energized program of government, the student council shall truly be the students’ council, rather than just being a mere figure head. We shall not fail our voters. Philip and I shall work together to in order that students’ needs are met, and the students’ wants are satisfied. This year shall be the foundation of a revitalized party – a party grounded on the principle of pag-aaklas.
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