No apology from UP president over Kabataang Barangay reunion

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines president Danilo Concepcion expressed regret but stopped short of issuing an apology for attending the reunion of Marcos-era Kabataang Barangay (KB) in UP’s flagship campus in Diliman, Quezon City last Saturday.

Saying he intended no offense to those who fought against the Marcos regime, Concepcion – the former head of the KB Metro Manila chapter – said he overlooked the impact of his attendance because of his desire to meet his old-time friends.

Among those who attended was Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, the national chair of KB when it was established during the Marcos presidency.

“I deeply regret the pain my appearance at the Kabataang Barangay reunion in UP Diliman last Aug. 25 caused the UP community. I intended no offense, most especially to the UP community that I serve… Tao lang po!” he said.

“I would like to assure the UP community that the university under my watch will never forget the dark period of our country during the martial law years and will continuously hold in high esteem the university’s best and brightest who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for freedom and democracy,” added Concepcion.

The statement did not abate criticisms against Concepcion, who appeared to have delivered a speech and posed for a photo flashing the “V” sign associated with Marcos during the event.

Some members of the university community, including professor and former social welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo, said Concepcion’s attendance at a Marcos event is dangerous and might be misconstrued as the university’s official stance.