Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PVL) students expressed their condemnation online against the university administration’s suppression of their freedom of expression.
The students said the university administration prohibits them from releasing statements on social media about their sentiments regarding issues inside the university, including those about politics and corruption. The administrators also use red-tagging to intimidate the students.
The youth’s anger intensified when they were banned from posting about their participation in the widespread protest against corruption on September 21. The students deleted their posts from fear of being red-tagged, cited by the Office of Student Affairs, and face expulsion from the university. Even the teachers experience suppression of their right to expression. Administrators nefariously justified its actions with protecting the institution’s reputation.
Corruption in the university is also rampant, as students are forced to purchase materials for their NSTP subject. Each students is required to buy a new P600 book and a P450 t-shirt. Borrowing old materials is prohibited.
The students also have no publication.
On September 23, the Valenzuela Information Technology Society, PLV Cultural Dance Troupe, PLV – Red Cross Youth Council, Union of Public Administration Students, and Supreme Student Council released consecutive statements of solidarity for freedom of expression in the university and condemned the suppression of their rights.
Also expressing solidarity with the struggle of the students are the Sangguniang Kabataan of the barangays Parada, Ugong, Poblacion, Coloong, Isla, Karuhatan, Tiburcio De Leon, Malinta, Punturin, Pasolo, Parada, Wawang Pulo, Rincon, Bagbaguin, Marulas, Dalandanan, Bignay, Malanday, and Angat Kabataan Valenzuela.
The Valenzuela City SK Federation called for a dialogue with the PLV President, the NSTP Department Director, and the Office of Student Affairs Officer in Charge to discuss the students’ grievances.
Anakbayan-Our Lady of Fatima University also expressed solidarity. According to the group, the students must firmly unite to against the suppression of their rights.
