Today, May 9, commenced the 2022 National and Local Elections. However, there are several anomalies in various precincts that the Commission on Election has failed to address and monitor. 

A number of reports circulating online that there are cases of illegal campaigning near the vicinity of precincts, multiple electoral violations, inefficient processes, and more prominently the multiple cases of broken vote counting machines (VCMs). This only proves the importance of being vigilant of the process before, during, and after voting.

As the University of the People, we recognize the role of the UP community and the Filipino youth in participating in the national elections as their civic duty and right. Students are not isolated from the issues that have transpired today, as most of them are first time voters. With this, it is a must that we focus our efforts and have an active role in maintaining and protecting our country’s democracy.

In line with this, we strongly urge the UP Administration to suspend synchronous and asynchronous activities, examinations, quizzes, and deadlines until May 13, 2022. As our future is on the line, we can not afford to just focus on mere academics while there is huge, significant change that is bound to happen within the week.

UP has always been there in the most crucial points of our history. And today is one of those moments, where our honor and excellence come into play. Collectively, not just as individuals, but as citizens of the country, we are called to defend and protect our country’s democracy.