Defend UP, freedom, and peace

While COVID continues to be top priority -- how to contain the virus, how best to protect people during this pandemic, suddenly, without prior notice or dialogue, the 1989 UP-DND Accord was unilaterally abrogated.

For more than 30 years, both DND and UP accepted this agreement that contained guidelines which respected and allowed both military and police operations inside the University of the Philippines and the exercise of academic freedom -- a right guaranteed by the Constitution.

Sadly, however, out of the blue, the DND decided to revoke the 1989 Accord. Why?

How can an agreement signed by two parties, the DND and UP, be unilaterally repealed by just one party -- the DND? How can DND, within a democracy, revoke the Accord without even the benefit of prior notice or dialogue? Surely, a dialogue/consultation would have cleared a brighter path forward for both the military/police and UP to promote, together, the best interest and protection of our country, our Filipino youth and people?

Surely, reliable intelligence data of the hugely-funded military/police force know which is the real threat to our nation -- the UP community that may be recruited by communists and those who want to undermine the government or the Chinese forces now actually intruding into Philippine-owned territories?

Surely, solid intelligence data will show not all those in or from UP are communists.

Check Harry Roque, Ferdinand Marcos, others. Check the medical doctors/nurses serving the sick, even at the risk of their lives. Check the other UP graduates who excel in science/research, business and industry, in honest government service, those even among the religious and military service.

Because choice is respected, because academic freedom as a right is enshrined within UP, surely intelligence data will confirm that many more iskolars ng bayan are not overthrowing government but instead doing their best, peacefully, quietly, to render genuine public service and love for country and the world.

Because of academic freedom in UP, where minds are set free, where critique considered healthy for a democracy is protected/respected, the scholars reciprocate and continue to bring honors not only for UP but for the whole country. Surely, intelligence data will show that UP ranks 65th of 489 universities based on high quality of its achievements.

Surely, honest, reliable data will confirm that UP is a genuine partner together with all those, in government and in other sectors, sincerely serving and protecting our people and our country.

Defend UP then, defend peace, freedom, and dialogue. Give this 1989 Accord the chance to continue healthy and respectful partnership between the military/police and UP.

Just as the military is bound to protect our people and the Constitution, so is the University of the Philippines! Are we not all for peace and for freedom for all as guaranteed by our Constitution?

Allow our healthy, respectful partnership in the past to continue and grow stronger through the years.

Can we not proceed on fostering faith among ourselves rather than sowing fear and division? Can we not believe that we can unite, despite disparities and differences? Can we not respect genuine critique and be open to working together to resolve issues and challenges?

Can we not move forward together, with respect and hope, for a better country, a better world for all?

Shall we pray together then, for freedom, for peace, for unity for our country with respect, love, faith, and hope, with God, our shining light through our present darkness?

We pray the same for the United States of America. With newly elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, may God bless America now poised to move on beyond darkness to light.

May God allow a genuinely peaceful, prosperous, protected planet for all!