UPLB USC Chair deprived from arguing as DND, CHED ‘used too much time red-tagging’ in UP-DND talks

First update (May 17, 2021 1:27 PM)

UPLB University Student Council (USC) chairman Siegfred Severino was not able to present his speech representing the UPLB studentry in a deliberation today by the House of Representatives (HOR) Committee on Higher and Technical Education.

Severino says that this was due to “blatant red-tagging” by the Department of National Defense (DND) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Prospero de Vera’s anecdotes that failed “to add anything to the discussion”.

Severino’s speech regarding the UP-DND Accord, which he later posted on Facebook, highlights the safety and security of all UP constituents, especially in light of recent attacks on progressives.

Severino emphasizes that UP is and must remain a safe space for activism and critical thinking. He further reminds that the UP-DND Accord involves serious matters of protection for the lives and democratic rights of all UP constituents.

The meeting done earlier today was an initial deliberation regarding House Bills no. 8437, 8514, and 8545, proposing to amend UP Charter to include salient provisions from the abrogated UP-DND Accord.

Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Elago requested to give the floor to hear from other UP student leaders, but was denied by Committee Chairman Rep. Mark Go citing time constraints.

(Related story: UP-DND Accord is unilaterally ‘terminated.’ UP community strikes back with an indignation protest the next day)

More details to follow. [P]

Photo by Dianne Sanchez