UNIVERSITY of the Philippines Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo on Tuesday clarified that the school “never banned any group” from holding a rally inside the campus.

“I uphold the long-standing principle that UP Diliman is a site for free thought and speech, and I would never prohibit any gathering as long as university protocols are respected,” Nemenzo said.

“When a group called Yes for Peace applied for a permit to rally in UP Diliman in December 2020, we granted it and gave the same support, Including facilities, which we normally provide to others,” he added.

In November 2020, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, an anti-communist group, slammed the “unfair” treatment that its members allegedly got from UP after they were not allowed to stage a rally inside the campus.

Nemenzo however said that any group regardless of “social, political, or religious affiliations” is welcome to hold a peaceful rally in the campus as long as the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs was informed beforehand.

“This is not for seeking permission, however, but simply to allow the office to inform members of the community who may be affected — or should respond or prepare according to university guidelines,” he said.

Nemenzo stressed that the university does not suppress any individual or group who wishes to exercise their “constitutional right to speak up and hold assemblies.”

“I am also open to dialogue with the public and welcome any further discussion, requests for clarification, suggestions, or even criticism regarding UP Diliman’s policies and actions, including those that concern gatherings inside the campus,” he said.

“Such dialogues are opportunities to improve services, enhance communication, and cultivate a better understanding and relationship between UP Diliman and the general public,” he added.