UP College of Law condemns commentary on dean candidates

The University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law on Friday condemned a commentary that warned President Rodrigo Duterte of supposed troubles should its next dean have anti-government sympathies.

“The commentary is an unwarranted and offensive attack that not only sullies and casts doubt upon the personalities of the four candidates currently being considered for the position of Dean of the UP College of Law but also upon the professionalism and track record of the entire Faculty,” it said in a statement.

The UP College of Law was referring to a commentary published on the website of the Daily Tribune, which claimed that a “communist infestation” at the UP campus may also be “a potential problem” for the leadership of the college.

It also shared the supposed views of the students on the four candidates.

According to the College, the commentary was an “unacceptable insult” to its independence, adding it was a blatant attempt to “invite unabashed political interference in a selection process for academic leadership.”

“The four candidates for Dean have their respective unique qualities and qualifications that we, as a collegial body and institution, all respect and accept,” it said.

It also reiterated its “commitment to independence from political interference and influence.” — DVM, GMA News