The UP Board of Regents (BOR) gave unanimous approval to the amended resolution on the proposed institutionalization of the UP-Department of National Defense (DND) accord.
After its abrogation ten months ago, the sectoral regents made numerous amendments in their first draft resolution on Jan. 27 prior to its eventual completion.
The newly approved BOR resolution underscores the Board’s commitment to supporting House Bill 10171 which seeks to lobby changes in the 2008 UP Charter (R.A. 9500).
Furthermore, the BOR amplified the call to nullify the motion for reconsideration filed by Cavite 7th District Representative Jesus Crispin Remulla to overturn HB 10171.
Seven lawmakers initially objected to Remulla’s bid to reconsider the pending bill:
- Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party)
- Rep. Carlos Zarate (Bayan Muna)
- Rep. Eufemia Cullamat (Bayan Muna)
- Rep. Ferdinand Gaite (Bayan Muna)
- Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers Partylist)
- Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte (6th District, Quezon City)
- Rep. Sarah Jane Elago (Kabataan Partylist)
The Cavite congressman’s motion was claimed to be invalid by the aforementioned legislators since it was filed beyond the designated deadline in Congress.
Moreover, the BOR called on the Senate to initiate similar measures to approve such legislation to codify the institutionalization of the accord.
A request was also issued to the DND, seeking to return to the status quo ante or the previous state of affairs amid the proposed legislation of HB 10171.
UP President Danilo Concepcion previously acknowledged the active measures being made to constitutionalize the accord.
“The University of the Philippines and the UP community strongly supports the proposed law […] seeking to incorporate into the UP Charter the principles of academic freedom embodied in the UP-DND [accord],” Concepcion said.
Student-leaders alike welcomed these developments which amplify the collective stance of the university.
“This is a strong manifestation sa kung anong nagagawa ng continuous and collective action ng buong UP community — students, councils, faculty and workers, and we shouldn’t stop here.” said Samantha Chomi, Broadcast Media Arts and Studies representative of the UP College of Mass Communication Student Council. DZUP