Editorial Fact Sheet: Signing of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Act into Law
Event Overview:
Date Signed: October 18, 2024
Location: Malacañang Palace, Manila
Law Signed By: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Purpose: The ARAL Act is a new law aimed at addressing learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by
providing a national learning intervention program for struggling students.
Key Figures Present at the Signing:
Senate President: Francis "Chiz" Escudero
House Speaker: Martin Romualdez
Education Secretary: Sonny Angara
Senator: Sherwin Gatchalian
Representative: Roman Romulo
Other Attendees: Members of Congress and officials from the Department of Education (DepEd)
Key Features of the ARAL Act:
Target: The law aims to help students in Grades 1 to 10 catch up with the necessary learning standards,
focusing on areas like reading, mathematics, and science.
Focus on Kindergarten: The ARAL Program will also prioritize foundational skills for Kindergarten learners to
enhance literacy and numeracy.
Learning Intervention: A national program designed to provide additional support for students who have
fallen behind due to disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Program Details:
Target Audience: Struggling learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10.
Subjects Covered:
o Reading and Mathematics for Grades 1-10
o Science for Grades 3-10
o Foundational literacy and numeracy for Kindergarten learners
Delivery Modes:
o Face-to-Face: In-person tutorial sessions
o Online: Virtual tutorials for remote learning
o Blended Learning: A combination of online and face-to-face methods to accommodate diverse needs
Personnel Involved: Teachers, para-teachers, and pre-service teachers (students in teacher education
programs) will conduct the tutorials.
Key Statements:
Education Secretary Sonny Angara:
o "This law demonstrates our collective resolve to uplift the state of education in the Philippines. With
ARAL, we can help students regain their momentum and achieve the learning milestones they
deserve."
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.:
o Marked the signing as a crucial step in improving education in the Philippines, particularly for
students who have been most affected by learning disruptions.
Significance of the ARAL Act:
Educational Recovery: ARAL is a major step towards addressing the long-term educational disruptions
caused by the pandemic, which disproportionately affected students' learning outcomes.
Flexible Learning Options: By offering multiple modes of delivery, the ARAL Program ensures accessibility for
students from diverse backgrounds, including those in remote or underserved areas.
Government Commitment: The ARAL Law reflects the government’s commitment to prioritizing education as
a vital sector for national recovery and development.
Long-Term Impact:
Strengthening Education Systems: The ARAL Program is expected to help close the learning gaps and bring
students back to the required academic levels, contributing to the overall improvement of the education
system.
Support for Teachers: Teachers and para-teachers will receive support and training to deliver the
intervention programs effectively.
Editorial Column Fact Sheet: Slow Progress in QUAD Committee Probe into Links of POGOs to Drug Trade and EJKs
Date: November 2024
Overview:
The much-anticipated investigation by the QUAD Committee into the alleged connections between Philippine
Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), the illegal drug trade, and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) is progressing at a slower
pace than expected. While the probe has the potential to shed light on serious criminal activities linked to the
gambling sector, delays in hearings, a lack of concrete evidence, and institutional inertia have hindered its
momentum.
Key Issues Hindering Progress:
Since its inception, the QUAD Committee has struggled with scheduling and conducting consistent hearings.
Witnesses and experts have often failed to appear, and when they do, testimonies have been inconsistent or lacking
in substance, delaying progress.
Despite initial claims of a thorough investigation, the committee has faced challenges in obtaining solid evidence of
POGOs' direct involvement in drug trafficking or EJKs. Law enforcement agencies have been criticized for not
providing the necessary support or sharing critical intelligence with the committee.
There has been considerable resistance from certain sectors, particularly those with financial interests in the POGO
industry. Some lawmakers have been accused of stalling the investigation or downplaying the significance of the links
between POGOs and criminal activities, possibly due to financial or political ties.
While regulatory bodies are supposed to oversee the POGO sector, many have been criticized for being either too
lenient or ineffective. This lack of robust oversight has made it difficult for the committee to trace criminal
connections and hold accountable those involved.
Context:
POGOs: Offshore gambling companies operating in the Philippines, primarily catering to foreign players,
especially from China. They have been under scrutiny for potentially being used as fronts for illegal activities,
including money laundering and drug trafficking.
Drug Trade and EJKs: Reports have suggested that criminal syndicates involved in drug trafficking might be
using POGOs to launder drug money, while also allegedly being involved in extrajudicial killings (EJKs), often
targeting those with ties to drug trade or gambling.
EJK Concerns: The Philippines has faced ongoing issues with extrajudicial killings, especially in relation to the
government's controversial war on drugs. POGOs are suspected of being used as a cover for criminal groups
carrying out such killings.
What’s at Stake?
1. Criminal Accountability:
Delays in the probe undermine efforts to expose the full extent of criminal networks operating through
POGOs and may allow these activities to continue unchecked.
2. Public Safety:
The longer the investigation is delayed, the more difficult it becomes to address the potential threat posed by
criminal groups linked to POGOs, including their involvement in drug trade and violence.
3. Economic Impact:
Slow action could have long-term consequences on the Philippines' gaming industry, especially if
international investors lose confidence due to ongoing investigations or perceived corruption.
