UP Diliman student council chair slams PNP subpoena over Sept. 21 rally

The chairperson of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman University Student Council on Thursday called out the Philippine National Police (PNP) for issuing subpoenas against him and other students who participated in the September 21 rally against corruption.

In a press conference, UP Diliman University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Joaquin "Waks" Buenaflor said the police should have subpoenaed, filed cases against, and arrested politicians and contractors involved in corruption instead of targeting students.

"Para naman sa PNP, doon po kayo mag-angas sa mga mandarambong. Kung talaga pong matatapang at makikisig ang ating kapulisan, doon po kayo sa mga bahay ng kurakot na politiko pumunta," Buenaflor said.

(As for the PNP, you should confront the plunderers. If our police force is truly brave and gallant, cops should go to the houses of corrupt politicians.)

"Ang i-subpoena, ang kasuhan, at arestuhin po ninyo ay 'yung mga politiko at mga kontratista na nagnakaw ng bilyun-bilyon sa pondo ng bayan, nandoon po ang totoong mga kriminal. Dahil hangga't walang nananagot, hangga't walang nakukulong, hinding-hindi kami mananahimik!" he added.

(The ones you should subpoena, charge, and arrest are the politicians and contractors who stole billions from the country's coffers. The real criminals are there. Because as long as no one is held accountable, as long as no one is imprisoned, we will never be silent!)

According to him, three police officers on Wednesday went to his house and handed over a subpoena for allegedly leading protests against corruption since September.

Buenaflor said at least four more youth leaders have received subpoenas from the PNP this past week.

Asked for comment regarding Buenaflor's claims, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño gave a short reply to GMA News Online:

"We respect his opinion," Tuaño said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News