Throughout the Sanggunian’s recent history, some groups have been constantly present to speak their minds on the situation of student politics in the Ateneo. They had unabashed criticisms of the way the Sanggunian was run, the posturing of the different student political parties, and the lack of genuine politics and politicization in campus.
Four groups have distinguished themselves, however, for the genuine concern they have shown over the years about the political environment in the Ateneo. They have discussed about such in their meetings, debates, their blog posts and opinion pieces, and, as a result, campus politics is now much richer and better off. Say hello to Matanglawin, the Ateneo Debate Society, The Assembly and the Gadfly Society.
MATANGLAWIN
Founded in 1975, Matanglawin has always distinguished itself by its constant interest in the well-being of campus politics. Its opinion pages are often replete with commentaries about the issues involving the Sanggunian or the Atenean’s role in the greater context of Philippine society.
ATENEO DEBATE SOCIETY
Though usually busy preparing for their tournaments, the Ateneo Debate Society has nonetheless taken the time to issue statements about campus politics in the past. In fact, they once spearheaded an ‘abstain campaign’ in the face of underwhelming candidates during the student elections.
THE ASSEMBLY
The Assembly is the official political science organization in the Loyola Schools, and they have utilized this role to provide stinging critiques of the student government. They are usually vocal in the promotion of democracy, as evidenced by their repeated calls for further democratization in the Sanggunian.
THE GADFLY SOCIETY
The Gadfly Society first emerged around mid-2007, and gained much prominence during that school year. The Society is purportedly a group of anonymous students on a constant lookout of what the Sanggunian is up to. It disappeared from the radar around 2009, but it has once again reemerged last school year.
