A GROUP of lawmakers called on the leadership of the House of Representatives to immediately pass House Bill 10171 or the proposed University of the Philippines-Department of Defense Accord law.

The group believes that the approval of the measure is urgent, citing the persistent attacks on academic freedom across the country.

“A victory for the protection of academic freedom of UP is a victory for human rights and civil liberties,” the lawmakers said in a statement.

“This will pave the way for more to attain the academic freedom integral to the formation of holistic, conscientious, and patriotic students who will serve the Filipino people and the nation,” they added.

The lawmakers, the principal authors of the bill, are representatives of party-lists Kabataan, Bayan Muna, ACT Teachers, Gabriela Women’s, and several district representatives.

The Department of National Defense abolished its security accord with UP last year. The agreement barred soldiers and police from entering UP campuses without prior approval of school officials.