#HumanRights #DefendUP

“𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚙𝚞𝚜 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚣𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜𝚝” 𝖪𝖨𝖫𝖴𝖲𝖠𝖭 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖴𝖯-𝖣𝖭𝖣 𝖠𝖼𝖼𝗈𝗋𝖽

The unilateral and without basis UP – DND abrogation is the latest attempt to shrink spaces of democratic discourse. Though worded differently, its sinister aim to crush the right to dissent is shockingly clear.

This move by the DND is meant to convey a message not only to the youth but to academic institutions as well which have been a venue for discourse, pursuing learning in all its aspects in the context of academic freedom, to conform to the regime’s policies and its vision for the country’s youth regardless of its Marcosian undertones.

Already, Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Prudente -Ramos Accord is in danger of suffering the same fate as the UP-DND Accord.

Yes, by doing away with protocol, as drafted under the accord, we fear that rights abuse and lack of accountability will not be far behind, even if thinly cloaked in upholding ‘peace and order’ against perceived enemies of the state.

This deepening authoritarian rule by Duterte administration aims to remove academic freedom for youth and students who have been at the forefront of protests in the past months.

The youth, along with other ‘woke’ citizens have taken the government to task for the inept management of the ongoing economic crisis as well as the pandemic, especially abuse of power and privilege.

Such actions have dealt a blow in terms of public trust and confidence. Unfortunately, this regime does not welcome criticism nor suggestions.

We need to protect the remaining spaces and strengthen people’s voices for change, especially since it is ultimately the people’s collective well- being that government must represent and reflect.

Stay safe not silent.
Stand up against tyranny, Defend democracy

ResistTyranny

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