MALOLOS, BULACAN — A group of students from Bulacan State University held a rally on Wednesday (07 May 2025), expressing dismay over the use of university grounds for political activities.

The students insisted that the university should remain a space solely for students, not for politicians.

The demonstration took place outside the venue where Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas was holding a press conference.

Students chanted against what they saw as the politicization of their campus.

In response, Alyansa senatorial candidate and former Senator Panfilo Lacson emphasized that neither he nor his team had prior knowledge that the press conference would be held at the university.

“First of all, we had nothing to do with the venue. We didn’t even know we’d be here until last night—myself in particular,” Lacson explained.

“I understand where the students are coming from, and they have a valid point. But we shouldn’t be blamed. We were simply invited to attend,” he added.

ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Erwin Tulfo echoed Lacson’s sentiment and expressed surprise at the students’ reaction.

“I was shocked when students started yelling. It reminded me of when I was a student myself,” Tulfo said.

“They do have a point—schools should be free from politics. Honestly, we didn’t know we’d be here. I thought we were headed to a sports complex, then suddenly we were told to turn into Bulacan State. Next thing I knew, we were holding a press con here. The students rallied, and of course, that became the bigger story,” he explained.

Tulfo added that he asked Alyansa Campaign Manager and Congressman Toby Tiangco to investigate who made the arrangements, reiterating that schools should be off-limits to political activities.

Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III also clarified the confusion.

“It was a misunderstanding. Many problems arise from wrong assumptions. But we weren’t planning to rally inside the university anyway,” he said.

Lacson concluded by stating that the rally was scheduled at a nearby sports complex and not inside the university premises. The event inside Bulacan State was strictly for a press conference and light refreshments.