PUP condemns student-activists who disrupted graduation rites

MANILA, Philippines - The officials and faculty of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines on Monday condemned the lightning rally staged by five student activists during the university’s year-end commencement exercise. In a statement, PUP President Dante Guevarra labeled the act as “inappropriate, untimely and uncalled for." “It was however quite unfortunate that five of the almost 5000 graduates expressed their sentiments during the time that a formal and solemn academic function was being held-- during the year-end commencement exercises. I see this act inappropriate, untimely and uncalled for," he said. The rally was done in front of more than 4900 students during their graduation rites at the World Trade Center before Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita was about to deliver his speech as commencement speaker. The activists were carrying placards and banners calling for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the cessation of political killings in the country. Jellyn L. Santos, topnotcher of the graduating class who delivered the valedictory address, said in an interview that protest rallies no longer surprise her since they are an "everyday scenario in PUP." “But activists do not have the right to spoil the most anticipated moment of our academic life—the moment when we savor the fruits of our years of labor and struggles," she said. - GMANews.TV