MANILA — Members of the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman community on Sunday joined a lightning rally urging graduates to champion Philippine sovereignty.
Faculty, staff and students at the state-run university’s commencement exercises unfurled a bright red banner emblazoned with the phrase “Atin ang Pinas,” which translates to “The Philippines is ours”, as seen by a photo from the UP Academic Employees Union.
Towards the end of the program, some graduates also raised placards with messages on various issues, including China, press freedom, political prisoners and LGBT rights.
The protest comes on the heels of President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that Chinese fishers can venture into waters in the West Philippine Sea where Manila has exclusive rights over natural resources.