TOWARDS A MODIFIED BURKEAN APPROACH TO THE RHETORIC OF THE SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT (SPCPD)

The Senators who had given their speeches to explain their votes on the establishment of the SPCPD were foremost considered as the main agents in the rhetoric. Hence, the written explanation of votes was not included. Sample speeches were chosen to represent the “pro” and the “anti” side of the issue. Senators Heherson Alvarez, Neptali Gonzales and Orlando Mercado represented the “pro” side; while Senators Blas Ople, Marcelo Fernan and Francisco Tatad represent the “anti” side. The selection was based on the criteria that the speeches revolve around the “major issues” commonly identified in this study. These issues were: (1) SPCPD as a formula for peace in Mindanao; (2) the composition and constitutionality of SPCPD; and, (3) the Muslim/MNLF domination. The statements uttered, open letters, position papers published in the newspapers and in other forms of documentation were the main materials used for this study.
Since limited studies in the Philippine setting have been done in this area, results of this study would provide additional information on rhetorical criticism using the “dramatistic pentad” of Kenneth Burke.

Karen Joyce Cayamanda, Master's thesis, 2000, UPLB MA Communication Arts; published in Banwa Volume 1