MANILA, Philippines – Amid the proposal to revoke the scholarship of “anti-government” students, senators from both the majority and the minority agree that criticizing the government or free speech is a basic right. Senator Panfilo Lacsonon Wednesday said that taking part in rallies is a basic right which can be exercised by anyone, even if the student is against the government. Lacson, however, clarified that the state has a responsibility to implement laws, especially if anti-government scholars will take up arms and engage government forces. Meanwhile, Senator Francis Pangilinan said that there is nothing wrong with joining leftist groups, noting that the National Youth Commission’s suggestion is what is illegal. Ang NYC ang gumagawa ng iligal na hakbang kung itutuloy nila ang iligal na patakaran,” he added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 20, 2019 08:03 UTC