WYSIWYG

"Nabasa n'yo ba 'yong posts tungkol kay you-know-who?"

"You-know-who?"

"Si Sir JC! 'Yong manyak na prof!"

"Ah, oo! Nakakadiri siya! Mabuti't hindi natin siya naging prof, 'no?"

"Pasalamat siya! Yari siya sa 'kin kung nagkagano'n!"

MY EXPOSÉ of the pervert Julio Cesareo was the talk of the town this morning. My UniVerse feed was flooded with posts condemning the lewd professor. Every time I scrolled down with my mouse, I saw at least one post about him. Some students even shared their hair-prickling experience with him and how they luckily dodged the bullet.

Did I deserve the credit for exposing him? Not really. I merely unlocked the door and left it open for other allegations to start pouring in. I wounded him badly, but it was his victims that finished him off.

But Cesareo wasn't my main target. He was nothing more than a step on the staircase I needed to climb to reach my goal—dismantling the MERIT system. The journey to that destination wouldn't be easy or fast, but as long as I was taking one step at a time, I would eventually get there.

The outrage about Cesareo wasn't exclusive on social media. Even beyond our screens, the disgust and disappointment was overwhelming. I was on my way to the ICT building when I happened to pass by a group of students calling for the administration to fire toad-face. Huh? Weren't they the same bunch that I saw a few days ago?

"Cesareo, dapat nang patalsikin!"

"Oras na para siya'y panagutin!"

On the side-lines, I observed some members of the student executive committee, the errand boys and girls of the University Student Council. Unlike the last time there was a protest here, they seemed hesitant to approach the rallyists and deduct merit points from them. It wouldn't look good if they penalized students calling for the termination of an immoral professor. It might be misconstrued as them protecting and siding with Cesareo

Just as I walked in the building lobby, a long table instantly caught my attention. The hot-off-the-press release of Clarion—our official student publication in the university—were piled up on top. Not everyone on campus was interested in checking out the latest news. Not many cared about the passing rate or the new classification system in the university library. So most students normally walked past these stations.

But today was different. Their new copies were selling like hotcakes!

I walked back a few steps and grabbed my own copy of the Clarion. We had already paid for these in a subscription basis through our tuition fee. The banner headline read:

MERIT SYSTEM UNDER SCRUTINY AFTER PROFESSOR EXPOSED FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT

by Horacio Cinco

The university's Management of Educational Records and Incentives Tracking (MERIT) system is facing intense scrutiny following revelations that a college professor allegedly exploited the system for sexual favors from at least 33 female students.

Julio Cesareo, a faculty member of the Social Sciences Department, has been accused of using his authority within the MERIT system to offer students incentives in exchange for sexual favors.

The harassment came to light after a hacker, known as SIGMA, exposed a series of lewd conversations on the campus' electronic billboard.

Cesareo allegedly promised academic rewards for students who agreed to meet with him outside of class, with one disclosed message reportedly inviting a Tourism student to a motel.

"No one would know that you will [censored] me," he said in a message.

It was only a matter of days before that toad-faced instructor would be kicked out of this university. I had already spoon-fed the clues to everyone who might investigate his behavior unbecoming of a college instructor. Once they checked Cesareo's UniVerse chat messages, they would undoubtedly find evidence of him attempting to use his authority to solicit sexual favors from students. Those would be the nails in his coffin.

What if he erased all his conversation threads? No need to worry. The UniVerse administrators could easily recover his deleted chat messages. Anyone who used the community networking site would have left a permanent digital footprint. And the digital detectives wouldn't have any trouble tracing them.

Under the banner story, another headline in bold letters caught my attention.

Abolishing the MERIT system, aye or nay?
USC prexy to address student body today

University Student Council (USC) President Richard Durandal will address the student body this afternoon in response to the recent exposé involving a college instructor accused of exploiting the merit system for sexual favors from female students.

The revelation, which surfaced yesterday, has sparked widespread outrage across the campus. The UniVerse, the university's online forum, has been flooded with posts demanding the abolition of the MERIT system, which hacker SIGMA has described as flawed and open to abuse.

Under the MERIT System's Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the USC holds the authority to recommend changes to the system, including its potential abolition.

Durandal's address is expected to provide clarity on the USC's stance regarding the system and the ongoing controversy.

My lips curled into a smirk as I read the entire article. My wake-up call yesterday had reached the top level of the student hierarchy. Perfect! The University Student Council couldn't just ignore the cries of their constituents any longer. After all, they were supposed to serve the student body, not their personal interests or those of the administration.

I would find out later this afternoon if they were truly the voice of the students or just some glorified event organizers.

Rolling up the latest Clarion issue, I tapped my palm with it. Thanks to our student publication, the whole university would read about the revolution I wanted to lead. Students had begun singing the lyrics and melodies I had composed for them. Soon, that music would reach a crescendo.

I wouldn't stop with Cesareo. If I had to expose every professor or person who had abused the MERIT system, I would. That was my promise. I wouldn't stop until the administration finally came to its senses.

The walk to the third floor of the ICT Building was not crowded, so going up wasn't much of a hassle. Morning light greeted me as I emerged from the staircase. I came to a halt soaking in the renewed ray of hope shining on Clark University.

Today was a new opportunity to take another step forward. I was not the only player in this game. Everyone who shared my sentiments could be part of it. And the game was just beginning.

I couldn't recall any assignment due today, which made me wonder why my classmates were huddled in front. They had formed a circle with their chairs, their faces serious, as if they were deliberating the fate of mankind.

"Oras na para i-abolish ang merit system na 'yan!" argued a tough-looking classmate of mine named Andres, punctuating his words with emphatic hand gestures. "Pare-pareho tayong mga estudyante rito, pare-pareho rin ang tuition fee na binabayaran natin. 'Tapos hindi natin ma-e-enjoy ang lahat ng amenities kung hindi natin mare-reach ang certain amount ng merit points?! Unfair!"

Smirking, I walked past their circle of chairs and headed to my usual spot at the back. The "abolition fever" had even reached our classroom. This was already a hot topic on campus, and no one wanted to be left out of the discussion. Personally, I would much rather have this profound debate than endure pointless gossips.

I pretended not to care, mindlessly typing on my laptop. But deep down, I wanted to hear my classmates' opinions—especially Irene's, who was part of the circle—to see if they agreed with what I was fighting for. I would be disappointed if most of them did not.

"I get your point, but don't forget that because of the MERIT system, nag-improve ang productivity ng mga estudyante," my bespectacled classmate, Emilio, replied. "Most of us used to take for granted the privileges of studying in this uni kaya nakatulong ang system para mas ma-appreciate natin ang bawat effort."

I wasn't surprised to hear his take. After all, Emilio is a member of the Escolarean-Luxurian Intertwined Ensemble, or the ELITE faction. He would defend the system to his last breath—it benefits him and his friends, after all.

"Yeah, yeah, tinake for granted nga ng mga estudyante ang privileges noon, pero tine-take advantage naman ng mga prof natin ang sistema!" Andres shot back. He even stood up and pointed at the door. "Napanood n'yo naman 'yong presentation kahapon, 'di ba? Mismong Logic prof natin, ginamit ang authority niya para manamantala ng mga estudyante!"

I raised my gaze to Serena who was seated beside Irene. Her eyes were cast down. She had almost fallen victim to our toad-faced instructor. She dodged the bullet by not becoming desperate and giving in to the toad's desire.

"You have a point and that's exactly what I want you to take note of," Emilio raised his voice, his tone sharpening as the debate began to heat up. "One professor took advantage of a system that benefited the university. One professor. Ang dapat na maging focus natin ay hindi ang pag-abolish sa MERIT system, kung 'di ang pag-o-orient sa mga taong may access nito. If I were the student council president, I would propose to the administration to regulate and restrict the powers of our college instructors."

I let out a soft sigh, shaking my head in disapproval. For me, regulation was not the solution to the abuse of power. Maybe in an ideal setting, that might have been the answer. But in reality, it was not—and it never would be.

"What do you think, Wysiwyg? Are you in favor of abolishing the MERIT system?"

My shoulders jerked when a familiar voice called my name. Usually, I would have replied with "no comment" or "not interested." I was the type of student who wanted to remain in class. But the one who asked for my opinion was none other than Irene. She must have heard me sigh. Her sparkling eyes locked onto mine, full of curiosity. The debaters and the spectators also turned their attention toward me, as if I were the one who could settle the debate.

What's with those looks? It seemed I had no choice but to answer. I did not want to be rude to her either. After all, what was the point of humiliating Cesareo in front of everyone?

I paused my fake typing and lowered the screen of my laptop. That was a point-blank question. "Well . . . I'm actually . . ."

I scratched my head. This was tough. Through SIGMA, I made my intentions clear yesterday about why I wanted to abolish the MERIT system. But of course, they would not know it

Shutting my eyes for a moment, I took a deep breath. I had to answer as Wysiwyg Watson, an IT student who had watched the exposé yesterday—not as SIGMA, the hacker demanding the abolition. I needed to express a well-founded opinion to change the perspective of those who opposed my cause.

"Narinig n'yo naman ang hacker kahapon, 'di ba?" I began as soon as I reopened my eyes. "Let's compare the merit system to a deadly weapon—a gun, for instance. It can be used to protect yourself or save someone's life from danger. But if it falls into the wrong hands, that gun can be used to promote violence."

Like everything else, the MERIT system had its ups and downs.

"Ang ipinupunto ni Emilio sa debate n'yo ay imbes na i-abolish ang system, kailangang i-regulate ang power ng college instructors at iba pang puwedeng mag-manipulate nito. But his answer isn't as simple as that."

"Why?" Emilio's eyebrows knitted in confusion.

"Because what we're dealing with is a lot more complicated than what you think: human nature," I explained, locking eyes with him. "The MERIT system symbolizes power. Humans are not immune from the temptation of power. Yes, we can create a list of what they can and cannot do with the system. But they will eventually find loopholes to exploit it."

"That's assuming na may hidden evil intentions ang magpapatakbo nito!" Emilio countered. "Not every professor is like Sir Cesareo. May fair tayong mga prof! And I highly doubt they would be tempted to abuse their power lalo na kapag nagkaroon ng restrictions."

"The best solution to this dilemma is to take away the system that can corrupt our instructors. We shouldn't just trim the weed, we should root it out entirely," I said firmly. "Three years ago, wala namang MERIT system na ipinapatupad noon, pero productive pa rin ang mga estudyante. We can live without it."

"Okay, okay!" Emilio raised both hands in surrender. "Let's agree to disagree. Kahit anong debate ang gawin natin dito, walang magbabago. Let's leave it to the USC for now. They have the power to change the system."

You're wrong, Emilio. The power to change the system also lies with us. With me. I would not entrust it to students who would act superior and pretend to be our voice. After all, the very reason they were in power now was because of the students who voted for them.

Huh? My eyes blinked repeatedly when I noticed Irene staring at me, her expression a mix of curiosity and seriousness. Was there dirt on my face? I rubbed my eyes just in case there was sleep in them and wiped my lips if I had been drooling. Seconds later, her expression softened, and she smiled at me.

Maybe she was impressed with my answer? Given what almost happened to her friend Serena, she must share the same sentiment about the MERIT system. We probably both wanted it gone.

If Irene and the other students like Andres were with me, there would be no doubt about the path I was taking.

The class debate ended when our first subject instructor walked in. My classmates began rearranging the chairs. I tried to focus on the discussion, but every word from our professor's mouth went in one ear and out the other. My mind was elsewhere.

Right now, all I could think about was my campaign to revolt against the system.

"Wiz?"

I almost jumped out of my seat when a familiar voice called my name. For a moment, I thought an angel had been sent down from heaven to guide me with my campaign. Well, it was not an angelic being, but probably the closest thing to one—Irene.

"Wys?" she called again, waving a hand in front of my face. "Okay ka lang ba?"

I shook my head and brushed away whatever thoughts were clouding my mind. Glancing around, I realized our instructor was no longer in front of the class. Most of my classmates were standing up and heading for the door.

Class was over? I haven't even noticed it.

"Parang ang lalim ng iniisip mo, ah?" Irene commented when I did not immediately respond. She sat down on the vacant chair next to me and placed her laptop on the armrest.

"Nakatulog yata ako habang dilat ang mga mata," I jested, feeling embarrassed. Honestly, I could not recall a single thing our instructor had discussed! I felt like I had gone on autopilot, letting the time pass without absorbing anything.

"You shouldn't stay up too late para hindi ka lutang sa klase," she said, booting up her laptop. "Anyway, pag-usapan natin 'yong group project natin? Hahabol daw si Serena, may binili lang sa cafeteria."

"Oh, yeah!" I nodded, pulling my laptop out of my bag and placing it on my armrest. "I'm almost done with the second part, but I need your opinion. Baka hindi siya okay sa inyo."

Irene quickly glanced at my laptop screen as I entered my password. Thankfully, I had already hidden anything that could connect me to my alter ego, Sigma. If I were a criminal, I would not leave behind any trace to get caught.

"Let's wait for Serena?" Irene asked, checking her phone. "Pabalik na raw siya."

"Sure," I replied, pressing the enter key with a bit of unnecessary flair to open an application.

The silence between us felt awkward. Irene and I were not particularly close, so our conversations rarely ventured beyond schoolwork.

"I heard your answer earlier," Irene began, breaking the quiet. "About the MERIT system."

I turned to her, intrigued. We did not share much in common—not that I knew of—but this Sigma and MERIT system controversy seemed to resonate with both of us.

"Ano sa tingin mo?" I crossed my arms, leaning back against the chair. "Are you pro or against?"

She shrugged. "May point ang parehong side kaya ina-assess ko pa kung ano ang magiging stand ko."

I raised an eyebrow slightly. I had expected her to be firmly on board with the anti-MERIT crowd, given what happened to her friend.

"But I'm curious," she added.

I relaxed my expression, though her words left me puzzled. "Tungkol saan?"

"I wonder who Sigma is," Irene said, her gaze locking onto mine. "Hindi ka ba curious?"

I leaned forward, still crossing my arms, and looked away briefly. "Curious din ako kung sino siya. Pero para sa 'kin, mas importante kung ano ang ipinaglalaban niya kaysa sa kanyang identity. This anti-MERIT campaign could have been started by anyone, anytime, and it shouldn't matter who it is."

"That's making me even more curious." Irene narrowed her eyes as she continued to study me as if I was a magnificent work of art. "Bakit ngayon lang? Gaya ng sinabi mo, puwedeng simulan ang movement na ito sa kahit anong oras. Pero bakit ngayon lang naisipan ng Sigma na 'yon na magparamdam at umaksyon?"

Think, Wysiwyg! Come up with a reason!

"Baka dahil malapit na ang student council elections?" I answered, shrugging. "Baka gusto niyang ma-elect ang mga candidate na against sa MERIT system para tuluyan na 'yong ma-abolish?"

Nice save!

"Pero hindi ba 'yon contradicting sa messaging niya?" Irene countered. "He told us to abolish the MERIT system now, not two or three months from now. Gusto niya ng immediate action."

"You have a point there." I nodded, feigning contemplation. "Maybe he timed it before the academic year ends para makapagsimula tayo nang bago sa susunod na academic year?"

Irene squinted further, her gaze sharp and penetrating. "Or maybe something happened to Sigma that compelled him to act now. Puwedeng na-witness niya firsthand ang pang-aabuso sa MERIT system . . . o puwede ring may na-witness o narinig siyang case ng ibang estudyante."

"Possible din 'yan." I nodded again. "He felt the need to act because he was directly impacted by the system. Gano'n naman ang mga tao minsan, 'di ba? Hangga't hindi nila nararanasan, hindi sila aalma at kikilos."

Irene leaned closer to me, her voice dropping to a whisper. She glanced around, making sure no one else was paying attention. "Is it possible na nasa class natin si Sigma? The exposé on Sir Cesareo—hacking into his account and taking over the LED screen—is something that someone here might actually be capable of doing."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, maintaining eye contact to avoid suspicion. Acting strangely or avoiding her gaze might give her a reason to doubt me.

"Well, now that you've mentioned it—"

"Uy! Napaka-serious naman yata ng usapan n'yo?"

"Serena!" Irene exclaimed, leaning back in her chair as our groupmate arrived. "Nandiyan ka na pala!"

I exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. Serena's timing was perfect, saving me from having to continue the conversation.

As Irene smiled and shifted her attention to Serena, I could not help but wonder about her questions. Why was she so interested in Sigma? And why did she bring it up so suddenly?

Does she . . . No, I don't think so.

-30-

NEXT CHAPTER: Wysiwyg gets into a dangerous encounter.