Kalasaglahi

| “Para po.”

“Para po.” An imperative sentence used by passengers as a signal to be dropped off at a certain place.

But what happens when the places are switched, and the jeepney drivers are the ones who shout “Para po,” not as a request but as a plea for survival?
These recent months have seen a drastic spike in gasoline prices, with Diesel being estimated to soar to as high as 170 pesos per liter. In response, thousands of jeepney drivers across the country protested on March 19 and appealed for government intervention. Despite this, there have been no observable signs of prices falling. Coupling this with the suspension of a fare hike, time has seemingly halted for jeepney drivers, as their livelihoods are thrust into dire straits.

Time and time again, the government has failed our jeepney drivers. While they have long served as one of the most established means of mass transportation, the government has yet to provide actionable solutions. How much longer can they wait until they can no longer provide food on the table? How many more days, weeks, or even months will it take for politicians to hold themselves accountable and address any of the issues raised in protests? At last, how much longer can we tolerate an incompetent system that has neglected the Filipinos’ pleas for survival?

In light of these, may we echo the cries of our jeepney drivers, “Para po!” as a demand for accountability, intervention, and better governance. In a country where incompetence remains the norm, may the people rise as the constant driving force of administrative reform.

✍️ Nicole Aquino
🖼️ Ervin Teng Gui

| Abortion: A Criminalized Choice

Among 200 countries, the Philippines remains a constituent of the approximately 20 countries that criminalize abortion. Despite this, women of unfortunate (and often nonconsensual) circumstances are forced to rely on underground or illegal abortion clinics, especially when the option of travelling to a different country is not viable. These services pose high risks not just in health, but also in the possibility of being punished under anti-abortion laws.
Jane, a 31-year-old whose name was changed to protect her identity, was one of many women who had to rely on underground services to abort her unborn child. Jane described the illegal procedure where the doctor inserted pills inside her cervix without any pain medications. "It was as if my abdomen was being twisted", Jane added. After the procedure, Jane suffered for three months. She also mentioned that, if forced, she would do it again.
The Catholic Church's stance on intentional abortion remains absolute, even in cases of sexual assault. "The Catholic Church has a very strong adherence to the preservation and dignity of life", Dan Cancino, a Catholic priest, said.
In return, many lawyers are actively advocating for the decriminalization of abortion. Clara Padilla of the Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network (PINSAN) is a lawyer who is pushing for the bill to decriminalize abortion. She mentioned that people will need clear and legal access to these services, especially under circumstances of assault and/or abuse.
Abortion being outlawed in the Philippines is a major problem for Filipino women, as some people are already fighting for their lives to keep the pregnancy, just because it is illegal. Women should not be forced by a man-led government to carry a child, when it was also a woman who carried those same people who restrict them today.

🖼️: Ervin Teng Gui
✍️: Chester Rivera

| DISMANTLING MISOGYNY IN POWER

Anne Curtis is a public figure who has spent decades in the entertainment industry, building a career through talent, hard work, and perseverance. Yet in a moment for serious public discourse, she was reduced to the subject of a man’s private fantasies.

Recently, Congressman B**g Suntay sparked controversy after openly sharing his "strong surge of desire” towards Anne Curtis during a formal congressional hearing. Instead of acknowledging why such a remark was inappropriate, he argued that his thoughts were not punishable.

This is exactly the kind of behavior that reinforces a culture where women are viewed not as professionals, leaders, or individuals—but as objects to be desired, commented on, and publicly dissected.

Rep. Anne Matibag has called attention to the issue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in Congress. Her call to accountability is not about censorship or overreaction. It is about protecting the integrity of institutions and ensuring that women are treated with dignity in public discourse.

Women do not exist to feed men’s fantasies and desires.

🖼️: Jill Tambongco
✍️: Jara Doria