UP exec says call to wear black for UAAP Finals ‘stupid,’ disrespectful

University of the Philippines (UP) Executive Vice President Ted Herbosa on Saturday slammed the call to wear black to the first game of the UAAP Season 81 Men's Basketball Finals.

Herbosa on Facebook said that the call made by the student councils from UP and Ateneo de Manila was "stupid."

"Wearing black or a black shirt is a STUPID idea! Pag natalo tayo eh di sasabihin ng Ateneans 'kaya pala naka black .... naka luksa!'! Talo!" Herbosa said.

He explained that maroon and green are the official colors of UP and branded those who would choose to wear black as lacking UP spirit.

In a separate post, he asserted that the match between the Fighting Maroons and Blue Eagles shouldn't be used by "freeloaders" for their "agenda."

"This is not the place and time. This is Basketball. Bakit nakikisali ang agenda ng iba? Such disrespect for the UPMBT who fought tooth and nail to get here! This is their Show not you freeloaders!

"UP MBT this is your Spotlight! Let none take that stage away from you! Sports teaches us life lessons," Herbosa wrote.

An hour before the match, Herbosa used the hashtag #notoblack to further condemn the proposed campaign to unite against violence, impunity and misogyny.

"Those who wear black are showing their disrespect for the hard work that these #16strong did the whole season. The UP Figthing Maroons worked hard to get to the UAAP Finals! This is their show and this is their time!" he said.

Herbosa was the Health Undersecretary of Philippines from 2010 to 2015. He is from Upsilon Sigma Phi, which figured in a brawl inside campus against the Alpha Phi Beta.

Upsilon Sigma Phi was also dragged into a controversy after conversations between members leaked online. — MDM, GMA News