Statement of the University of the Philippines College of Law Faculty

5 February 2021   

We, the Faculty of the University of the Philippines College of Law, without exception or reservation, very strongly take exception and condemn the commentary entitled “Duterte foes want to control UP law school” under the byline “TDT” published by the Daily Tribune on 3 February 2021.

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.

This is an unacceptable insult to the independence of the UP Law Faculty and a blatant attempt to invite unabashed political interference in a selection process for academic leadership that should be based purely on academic credentials, management experience and competence, professionalism and collegiality, and community within the College and with the University of the Philippines System.

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

We affirm our commitment to independence from political interference and influence from any quarter, and to the ultimate objectives of the UP College of Law of teaching in The Grand Manner to guide the finest learning and practice of law to the end that we may achieve distributive justice, a just and humane society, the protection and advancement of human rights, and the highest standards of public service for the Filipino people, all under the Rule of Law.

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