21/12/2024
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ซ: ๐๐จ๐ข๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐งโ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ | ๐๐ข๐๐จ๐ ๐ก
Scholars uphold a unique position in today's society, coming from both privilege and responsibility. According to Cambridge Dictionary, a scholar is โa person who studies a subject in great detailโ. They are often regarded as students who excel and gain a prestigious education and who do not carry a financial burden typically funded by the government through Filipino taxpayers. Gaining benefits and earning the privilege to study with quality education, scholars are to give back to the country through their chosen professions and research that could be supported by the government. But with the amount of financial support and benefits earned, one may think should scholars call out the government when its actions are questionable, or should they align with it out of gratitude for financial support?
The 1987 Philippine Constitution Article III Bill of Rights gives us the right to exercise our civic and political rights, one of which is to participate in expressing oneself without fear of repercussions. This protection is a foundation of our democracy. Scholars may question and hold the government responsible without fear of retaliation with the right to free expression, honor the nation by striving to ensure that government acts are in line with the highest ethical and moral standards, not by conveying their rights to free speech and opinion.
Scholars are not just recipients of an educational institution, but upholders in maintaining the highest standards in protecting the truth. It is also up to us and the people of this country who should be able to keep these standards in life, especially in choosing the right men and women to become leaders of the free world. When government policies are flawed, unethical, or harmful, silence can make scholars complicit. Our responsibility should be strengthened during these times.
As citizens of this country, the continuous effort to conserve the will of the people with the commitment to live up to the integrity of democracy, and scholars should be at the forefront of this. Though most are unable to vote, the role of a scholar is a commitment to the principles that align for the betterment of oneโs nation.
Ultimately, this is not about choosing sides but valuing your morals and obligations in society. As scholars, one is not limited to just serving the nation through their chosen professions, but one should advocate what is true and morally right. Calling out to the government is not a type of rebellion despite their help, it is a fulfillment of a scholarโs duty which is to serve the nation and uphold their roles as safekeepers of truth and justice.
Written by Buenavidez
Comic by Timajo
