The problem is not the teaching of ethics. The real culprit is an unjust system that favors the interests of a hegemonic global order that focuses on using the human person and reducing the same into a mere means to an end. This is apparent in an economic system that values profit over human freedom. The mistake lies in the desire to serve the ends of business and industry instead of humanity.
Society is corrupt not because of the way ethics is taught. The reason has something to do with unjust structures. The poor teacher has been reduced into a tool, now begging not to be removed from his job. There is no greater way of demeaning the human person, whose rational nature or intrinsic value is supposed to be celebrated, and not to be subjected to threats of losing his means of living.
We reserve every right to say what we want to say and to express the same in the way we find it most meaningful. We recognize the value of solidarity in pursuing not only our common interest but also in protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of each. But we owe nothing to nobody. To even mention being well connected in order to succeed in this struggle is a betrayal of the honest work of every ethics teacher.
Ethics professors do not only teach. We also engage in research, write, and publish. We help develop not only the minds of our students but their character as well. We do not only instruct, make course outlines, or join meetings, seminars, and conferences. We also advocate and fight for social justice, democratic participation, and the pursuit of true happiness. We do this despite all the unfavorable circumstances so that every man and woman can live freely upon this earth.
How ethics is taught is not the issue here. Academic freedom must be upheld by any government. Any higher authority cannot violate, demean, nor take away from the teacher this solemn constitutional right. The job of Congress, government regulators, or any private administrator in higher education is to support and enhance the capacity of teachers to do their work. The dignity of human labor is rooted in the creativity of each individual.
We, therefore, herewith state in unequivocal terms, that as professionals we are one with the government in helping shape this nation, whether you agree with every opinion that we make or not. We are not out there to create enemies, but to show forth that every human being is born equal and has the power to express his freedom to the fullest extent under God because the emancipation of each human being is the highest and most noble purpose of humanist education.
- Dr. Godiva Eviota-Rivera (MSU Marawi)
- Dr. Rogelio Bayod (North Valley College)
- Prof. Migs Mansueto (MSU-IIT)
- Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc (AdDU)
- Dr. Ian Clark Parcon (AdDU)
- Social Ethics Society BOD
- Dr. Gleemoore Makie (BSU-Bokod)
- Mr. Evan Larona (AdDU)
- Mr. Ruben Balotol (Barauen)
- Mr. Francis Jeus Ibañez (BISU)
- Ms. Diane Auza (CMU)
- Mr. Zandee Jaquias (MUST)
- Prof. Boni Solsoloy (USM)
- USM Cogitatores Moderni Societatis
- Mr. Weldon Sacro Jr. (La Salle - Ozamiz)
- Mr. Giovanni Udtohan (UM-Main)
- Mr. Karl Exala (AdDU)
- Prof. Oliver Perater (MSU-IIT)
- Mr. Peter Albert Columna (Silliman)
- Prof. Rey Atacador (UM-Main)
- Mr. Spencer Reyes (CNU)