UP president says unilateral termination of DND-UP pact totally unnecessary, unwarranted

University of the Philippines president Danilo Concepcion on Tuesday underscored that the unilateral termination of the Department of National Defense-UP pact on the ban on entry of state forces in UP campuses was unnecessary and unwarranted. 

Concepcion expressed concern over the DND's decision, noting that it could just adversely affect the relations between the agency and the university. 

"I must express our grave concern over this abrogation, as it is totally unnecessary and unwarranted, and may result in worsening rather than improving relations between our institutions, and detract from our common desire for peace, justice, and freedom in our society," Concepcion said in a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. 

"That agreement was forged with the formalities that attend the execution of agreements, imbued with the highest sense of fidelity of the parties. It was grounded in an atmosphere of mutual respect, which we were able to maintain for 30 years through the observance in good faith of its provisions," he added. 

Concepcion said the deal never hindered the police and military from conducting lawful operations inside UP campuses, adding that problems or misunderstandings have always been "amicably and reasonably resolved" between the two parties. 

No prior consultation

The University president said he regrets that the deal was ended unilaterally and that no prior consultation was done to address the issues raised by the DND in its letter last January 15.

Concepcion also said the DND's action would only sow confusion and mistrust among the public.

"Instead of instilling confidence in our police and military, your decision can only sow more confusion and mistrust, given that you have not specified what it is that you exactly aim to do or put in place in lieu of the protections and courtesies afforded by the agreement," he said.

"Perhaps this will be a good opportunity to emphasize that we sought and secured that agreement not to evade or weaken the law, but to protect the climate of academic freedom—guaranteed by the Constitution—that makes intellectual inquiry and human and social advancement possible," he added.

Concepcion said: "We want to maintain UP as a safe haven for all beliefs and forms of democratic expression. In that, all the signatories to the agreement believed and bound themselves to uphold."

In his letter, Lorenzana said the DND decided to terminate the agreement as he claimed that UP has become a safe haven for enemies of the state and that communist groups are supposedly recruiting students as its new members.

But Concepcion maintained that they do not condone sedition, armed insurrection, or the use of violence for political ends. He added that the UP administration also values and appreciates the contributions of the security forces to attain a safe environment.

However, he said any form or semblance of militarization in UP campuses, which will have a chilling effect deleterious to academic freedom, would be rejected. 

"Our police and military authorities should have no fear of academic freedom. Indeed UP has bred rebels and nonconformists—as well as it has bred presidents, senators, congressmen, and business, civic, and even military leaders. All the world’s great universities have produced the same range of thinkers and doers," Concepcion said.

"By and large, intellectual and political dissidents in UP have always been in the minority, but it is a critical minority that has historically been vital to the maintenance of a healthy democracy," he added.

'Reconsider abrogation'

Concepcion is urging Lorenzana to "reconsider and revoke your abrogation." He is also suggesting that UP officials and Lorenzana could meet to discuss the latter's concerns in the shared spirit of peace, justice, and the pursuit of excellence.

GMA News Online asked Lorenzana for comment but the defense chief has yet to reply as of posting time.

In an earlier statement, Lorenzana said the agreement was already obsolete as times and circumstances have changed since it was signed in 1989.

Some youth and progressive organizations have denounced the DND action. A protest action will be held in UP Diliman campus this morning.

Vice President Leni Robredo, for her part, said the termination of the agreement would sow fear instead of law and order.

"If this was simply about law enforcement, all the Accord asks is that military authorities give notice to University officials before any operations in UP. This is neither a difficult nor onerous rule, and five Presidents since 1989 have managed to protect both the UP community and the Republic without breaking it," Robredo said. — KG/RSJ, GMA News