Pangilinan files resolution urging DND-UP dialogue
Opposition Senator Francis ‘’Kiko’’Pangilinan on Tuesday filed a Senate resolution expressing the sense of the Senate to oppose the unilateral termination of the 1989 University of the Philippines (UP)-Department of National Defense (DND) accord and to urge UP and DND to commence a dialogue and find a common ground that promotes peace and security, and protects academic freedom, and the pursuit of excellence in the University.
Co-authors of the Senate resolution were Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto, Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Maria Lourdes ‘’Nancy’’ S. Binay, Leila M. de Lima and Joel Villanueva.
UP President Danny Concepcion emphasized that the 1989 accord was not sought and secured ‘’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’’ and urges the DND ‘’to reconsider and revoke (its) abrogation.’’
