ALL FIVE candidates for the UST Central Student Council (CSC) expressed support for controversial issues such as the legalization of divorce and the promotion of transgender rights during Tagisan 2025, the mandatory debate for aspiring student leaders.
Except for secretary bet Nashville Mauricio, the CSC candidates also voiced support for legalizing abortion.
The debate format, however, did not allow them to elaborate on their stances, sparking online discussions over whether their positions aligned with UST’s.
The Varsitarian spoke with the candidates to understand the rationale behind their stances.
Divorce
Vice presidential candidate Annie Agon and public relations officer (PRO) aspirant Nathan Blaza said they support divorce as a safeguard against abusive marriages and a chance for individuals to rebuild their lives.
“The legalization of divorce is long overdue and timely, especially given the increasing cases of abuse and violence within marriages. No one should be forced to stay in a harmful relationship,” Agon told the Varsitarian.
“Naniniwala ako na dapat itong maging option sa isang married couple upang protektahan ang kanilang mga sarili laban sa anumang pang-aabuso, mapa-pisikal man o mental. I know marriage is a sacrament, but divorce is optional,” Blaza told the Varsitarian.
Heavenly Nerizon, candidate for PRO, said divorce gives people another chance at life.
“I am from a broken family and I believe that it’s just right that we give couples another chance at life and love,” Nerizon told the Varsitarian.
The Philippines is the only country in the world aside from the Vatican, the center of power of the Catholic Church, where divorce remains illegal.
In 2024, lawmakers passed House Bill 9349 or a proposed absolute divorce act, though this measure has yet to receive approval from the Senate.
Secretary aspirant Nashville Mauricio said he believes divorce would eventually be legalized.
“In our country, the legality of annulment already provides a window for the possibility of divorce, and I believe that, in time, divorce will also be legalized,” Mauricio told the Varsitarian.
Abortion
All candidates supported the legalization of abortion except Mauricio, who abstained, citing ethical and legal conflicts.
“The issue is that under the current legal system, abortion is still considered illegal, even though the principle of autonomy supports the idea that individuals should have the right to make decisions about their bodies,” the CSC secretary bet told the Varsitarian.
“Agreeing or disagreeing with abortion would be contradictory to the scientific and ethical principles I uphold.”
Agon, a legal management sophomore, said decriminalizing abortion and opening access to reproductive services are key to attaining “real reproductive justice.”
“Women should have the right to decide what happens to their own bodies. If a woman chooses to have an abortion — especially in cases of rape, incest, or health risks — that decision should be respected, not criminalized,” she said.
Auditor bet Joseph Coronel argued that to support abortion’s legalization is to be “pro-life.”
“I hope that in discussing this topic, we prioritize the protection of human rights. The right of a woman to have a choice and to live a life she wants, and the right of a child to be born and to live a meaningful life free from harms, neglect, and abuse,” Coronel told the Varsitarian.
Blaza claimed there are cases where abortion is the better option.
“Kung hindi kayang tustusan ng mga magulang ang bata, dala na rin ng bagsak na ekonomiya ng Pilipinas, ay mas mabuti na lamang na ipa-abort ito kaysa ipanganak at hayaang maghirap sa mundo,” he said.
Transgender rights
All candidates expressed support for the protection of transgender rights within UST.
“Ang pagiging parte nila ng LGBTQIA+ ay hindi nakababawas ng kanilang pagkatao. Ang trans rights ay rights na pumoprotekta sa kanila laban sa mapang-abusong mga tao,” Blaza said.
“Trans people are humans too, and they need all the love and recognition, especially while facing various issues,” Nerizon added.
Coronel said recognition within UST is just a starting point, and equal legal rights must follow.
“Wala tayong karapatang humindi sa ekspresyon nila ng kanilang sarili pero mayroon tayong responsibilidad na protektahan at suportahan sila hindi lang bilang transmen or transwomen, kundi bilang mga inibidwal na naging matapang sa pag eexpress ng sarili nila,” he said.
Mauricio echoed Coronel’s sentiment, emphasizing that “we cannot deny the presence of the transgender community in our university.”
Meanwhile, Agon said advocating for equality entails standing against gender-based hate.
“If we truly believe in equality, we must stand against the hate and violence faced by trans and gender-diverse Filipinos.”
The University-wide CSC elections will run from April 7 to 12. with reports from Sydney Venice V. Berba, Micah G. Pascua, Ella Mae A. Sison, and Amanda Luella A. Rivera
