Based on online reactions, people are dismayed at the recent Facebook post from Upsilon Sigma Phi commemorating the 101st birthday anniversary of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos. The post describes then President Marcos as a “prolific orator,” an “intelligent statesman,” and likewise “polarizing” for “his administration’s marred corruption” and “rampant human rights abuse (sic).”

 

Marcos was a member of Upsilon Sigma Phi, a fraternity based in the University of the Philippines. According to its website, it currently has two chapters—a combined chapter in UP Diliman and Manila, and another in UP Los Baños.

Among the fraternity’s notable figures are former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon, UPLB Chancellor Fernando Sanchez, and UP President Danilo Concepcion.

Recently, UP President Danilo Concepcion was under fire for his appearance last August 25 at the Kabataan Barangay reunion in UP Diliman where Ilocos Norte Governor (and daughter of the late dictator) Imee Marcos was guest of honor.

Below are some of the reactions regarding the post:

Day of Remembrance

UP President Danilo Concepcion recently declared September 21, 2018 and September 21 of every year hereon as UP Day of Remembrance in honor of UP’s contributions at the forefront of the resistance against dictatorship and martial law. The proclamation was signed on September 17, 2018.

Likewise, the UPLB Department of Social Sciences is set to pay tribute to the victims of Martial Law on the Day of Remembrance, which will take place at the Humanities Steps in UPLB on September 19, Wednesday.

WORDS: Sonya Castillo
EDITED BY: Mac Andre R. Arboleda