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“I invoke my right against self-incrimination.” Aside from the line, “Hindi ko po alam (I don’t know),” this is the common utterance that has been probably overused by celebrated resource persons or witnesses during congressional or senate inquiries on controversial cases. For instance, the most recent to attest at the Senate is Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged Pork Barrel scam mastermind. During her first Senate hearing, she repeatedly used the line to protect herself from being involved in the crime. What does this right against self-incrimination entail? Who are entitled to this right? When should a witness invoke such right? Can the authorities find other means to gather information even if the witness insists the right? Firstly, under Section 17 of Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, “No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.” Lastly, to complement this, under the Rules of Criminal Procedure, particularly Rule 115, Section 1 [e], an

Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged pork barrel scam mastermind, appeared for the first time before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, last November 7, 2013, Thursday.  Napoles is now facing plunder charges at the Ombudsman for the P10-billion pork barrel scam involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of lawmakers.  Among her co-accused are the former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.  The involved government officials and their staff suspectedly received kickbacks from Napoles when their PDAF was channeled to the fake non-government organizations (NGO’s) allegedly established by Napoles herself.

Photo by INSI The Paris-based International News Safety Institute (INSI) previously reported the top 5 most dangerous countries for journalists in 2013. The ranking was based on the number of recorded killings of journalists and media-men. Let us see which among the 196 countries in the world top the rank. 5th SOMALIA (8 recorded killings) 4th PAKISTAN (9  recorded killings )  3rd IRAQ (11 journalists killed) 2nd PHILIPPINES and INDIA (both have 12 journalists and 1 media worker killed) 1st SYRIA (19 journalists killed in 2013) Journalists collect, write, and distribute news and other information relevant to the present society. Their aim is to publish the truth to the people. Hence, they deserve to be respected and saluted not killed. May there be many aspiring journalists to fulfill their dream despite the many alarming news about the possible risks they might be going through.

“An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” -Pantone The color of the year expresses an extraordinary transition of the new year. According to the Psychology of colors, pink incorporates tenderness, sensitivity, care, emotion, sympathy, love and even sex, and purple associates royalty, mystery, arrogance, luxury, childishness, creativity, and even sadness. Combining all these elements in one, we can say that this year won't seem to be that lousy. There will surely be a dominant taste of love and luck among the humanities. Therefore, this year won't be as cruel as the previous one. The well-being that could be brought about by everyone's optimism will be present and hopefully dormant. May the color of the year inspire us to excel and move on. As a nation full of positive vibes, let us together expect

With its theme "Engaging the youth towards purposeful growth in personal and social accountability," a leadership summit organized by the Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN) was held last Nov. 21 and 22, at D'Leonor Inland Resort and Adventure Park, Davao City.The event was participated by the student representatives of its member institutions: Assumption College of Davao, Brokenshire College, Davao Doctors College Inc., Holy Cross of Davao College Inc., Philippine Women's College of Davao, Rizal Memorial Colleges, University of Mindanao, University of Southeastern Philippines , University of the Immaculate Conception, and the University of the Philippines Mindanao. The resource speakers were Mr. Derf Miaz who gave a talk about Cyberwellness: Respect for self and others, Safe and responsible use; Ms. Melissa Yeung about Eco-ethical Entrepreneurship, and Mr. Perfecto 'Jojo' Rom about Container Gardening: Household-based waste management and fo