Last December 5, 2008, after the Velez Cultural Dance Competition, a friendly debate was held in the EMVM Hall. It was a CDU V.S. Velez College. Now many of us know the ongoing competition between the two schools, not only in sports, but also in academic achievements. The topic for the friendly debate was: “Resolve: That Philippines be one of the federal states of the USA”

Velez College was on the Affirmative side and CDU on the Negative side. I was at first, pessimistic about this especially since Filipinos are culture loving people and since USA is in a state of recession. However, the debate only got better.

Ms. Vera Bajarias of BSMT-2A, started a very good introductory speech regarding the good side of integration with the USA. Now take note, listening to this parameter is a vital part of the whole process of debate. This is where the arguments start to form. Ms. Bajarias started to explain that integration will be a good way for the Philippines to increase their resources and that we can have increase of security. She also explained in great detail the many possibilities of the end of exploitation. Economically and politically, this was in our advantage. She also mentioned that the USA has already given permission for the Philippines to integrate with the USA.

The first interpolator questioned Vera’s statement of increasing allies because the Philippines is located in an area where terrorism is most evident. Meaning, even if we gain allies, we gain enemies as well. Not only are we prone to terrorists in our area, but we are also geographically advantageous for the terrorists.

Miles, the second speaker for Velez and the beneficial speaker, explained that integration is beneficial for us because we can become secured by the USA through military logistics. After all, if we integrate, we no longer have to thrive on the second hand military resources we receive as a form of “donation”. A good example would be that of the US Chopper which was given to us, but crashed in the end. Again, as part of the benefits of this integration, Miles explained that the Philippines will also no longer need to exploit our resources, since we are already connected to USA.

In the interpolation for this round, Miles was once again questioned with the concerns on terrorism. Knowing that we are geographically in favor for terrorists, meaning we will be more prone to Terrorist attacks and that wars of the USA shall be fought here. Miles countered by saying, US military forces are capable of defenses which no state can compare to, after all USA, is a superpower. Interpolation was continued to the topic of economy. Since the USA has been in an economic decline, how can this be beneficial for us? USA may be in a state of decline, but it is normal for a superpower to be in its ups and downs in the economy. There is no need to worry about it now for it may be possible that USA will once again do better in the economy. But the interpolator again disagreed by saying the Philippines has at least a 2.7% economic growth so we can actually stand on our own without the help of USA.

Miles did well in explaining that Free Trade would be evident once the Philippines can integrate with the USA. His weak point was when he was not able to explain the process of free trade. Meaning, he did not use the two important words: Quota and Tariff.

Alex at Her best

One of the most favorite parts of the debate is the one where Alex starts to talk. One thing you should know about her is the way she talks, she seems infallible.

Alex, being the practicability speaker, explained why the integration was possible. She stated it in her three important points:

1.The Philippine Constitution allows integration

-Article 17 of the Philippine Constitution agrees with integration

2.Our cultural backdrop is quite similar to that of the US.

-culture is not at all that shocking for us since we are after all, a neo-colonial country

3.Philippines will not be alone in this endeavor.

-meaning the US will be supporting us in this in every aspect, which includes financial support.

Alex was very sure not to be questioned unnecessarily, so she already made it clear in the first part:

Alex: Ms. Speaker, are you aware of what kind of speaker you are?

CDU: Yes Ms. Interpolator, I am practicality speaker.

Alex: Practicality speaker?

CDU: Practicality speaker…

Alex: Ms. Speaker, are you aware that in an Oxford debate, we are practicability speakers not practicality speakers.

At that point, Alex already won the round. The other speaker could not defend herself because her principles revolved under the concept of the practicality of the integration instead of the practicability. I would like to quote Ms. Tonette in her comment to Alex’s clarification of speakers: “Speech slapped!” Lol.

Going back, Alex was questioned of the possible estimated budget for the whole integration process. Alex answered that this is a trap question since no formal integration as such of the Philippines’ has ever happened so she will not answer the question. Period.

The Negative side voiced out, “Is the Philippines too hopeless that we integrate ourselves with the US? History will show that we have long ago tried avoiding integration with any state including the US. Integration will only make us surrender our independence!" Alex countered by saying that Integration does not make us lose our independence. A good example would be that of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.

CDU speaker mentioned in her speech, that how sure we are that USA will allow integration to occur. Of course, Alex said that the CDU speakers were not listening to the parameters since Vera already mentioned that USA has already given permission for the integration of the Philippines.

Funny moment

Amidst the arguments and discussions, when the speaker tends to be scared and intimidated, he/she tends to answer the wrong answers to the right question. Knowing how scary it must have been to debate with Alex, she must have forgotten what the question was. (I would never dare to debate with Alex Escobal!)

Alex: Are you aware of why the US always comes to the Philippines? (e.g. outsourcing, resources, and trade)

CDU: I did not say that…. 0_o

Conclusion:

CDU speaker mentioned that we will lose our national identity once we integrate with the US, but then again, VC clarified this by saying there is a big difference when you say “state” and “nation”.

Melissa, the VC rebuttalist, explained that USA and the RP can be compared to a layered cake. Chocolate may be delicious, and Vanilla may be good, but combining the two creates a symphony of flavors. She restated all the benefits of the integration. But one highlight of her concluding speech was the fallacy pointed out of the CDU speakers. The fallacy of not listening. (ouch!) And there was also the fact that integration destroys exploitation and creates Reciprocity.

My word: In fact, if you look at history, Jose Rizal did not really propose a country free from the Spanish Government. He actually proposed to be equals with the Spaniards.

CDU Team (negative side)

Team Manager: Mr. Silop

Members:

Ariane Gabrielle Obejas

Marald Joyce Gurapo

Gwenelyn Nikka Quiñanola

Marie Agnes Ceniza

Velez Team (affirmative side)

Team Manager: Leo Zosa

Team Coach: Cyril Bryan Cuizon (a.k.a. CBC)

Members:

Vera Joy Bajarias BSMT 2A

Miles Jude Flores BSN 2F

Alexandra Escobal BSN 2C

Melissa Rosales BSMT 1A

Click on the Images to enlarge!!