THE HEAD of the UST Office for Student Affairs (OSA) denounced the multi-billion-peso flood control anomalies involving lawmakers and government contractors and called for “zero tolerance” against corruption during a “solidarity night” on Friday, Oct. 3.
Ong, who delivered a message representing the University administrators, said the protest was a continuation of UST’s legacy in fighting for justice.
“We call for [a] strict policy of zero tolerance [of] any form of dishonesty, bribery, and any malpractice,” Ong said during the “Thomasian Solidarity Night against Corruption at the Quadricentennial Pavilion practice gym.
“Today, we continue that legacy, not with any fear or hesitation, but with the courage to speak, to act, and to lead in building a nation founded on truth and integrity,” she said.
Ong said UST does not only express dismay and anger against corruption, but condemns everyone who takes part in it.
“We do not just call out names. We condemn those who, during elections, promised to take care of us but did not,” she said.
In an interview with the Varsitarian, Ong said speaking up against the acts of corruption committed by public officials was important for Thomasians.
“Very important kasi kapag mali, ano dapat ginagawa? Papansinin mo ‘di ba, gagawan mo ng paraan. Kasi Thomasians tayo, pero hindi ibig sabihin, we allow these things to happen,” she said.
Three UST system alumni have been linked to anomalous flood-control projects — Sen. Joel Villanueva, resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and former district engineer Henry Alcantara.
Ong said UST was committed to collaborating with the Church, civil society groups, the government, and other educational institutions to promote anti-corruption advocacies.
“We are UST. We fulfill our role in upholding the values we stand for. We are vigilant, courageous, and faithful in our commitment to finding the light, to knowing the truth, especially in these challenging times,” she said.
Ong also urged the Thomasian community to be the “light” against corruption, and to carry the “torch of truth” beyond the walls of the University.
“Thomasians, corruption is a shadow, but even the darkest shadow disappears in the light. Let us be that light. Let us carry on the torch of truth wherever we go, into our families when we go home, our communities, and our nation,” she said.
The solidarity night followed the University-wide walkout on Sept. 29, when over 1,500 Thomasians marched inside the UST Manila campus to condemn “ghost” flood-control projects carried out by lawmakers and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The initiative revealed the UST anti-corruption tagline, “In Truth and Hope, there is Strength.”
Ong said she encourages similar demonstrations proposed by students, as long as they follow correct processes.
“Ang lagi ko lang reminder to our student leaders, follow the process. Kapag tama ‘yong naging proseso, walang problema kasi may permission. So kapag nasunod ang proseso, we’re all good,” she told the Varsitarian.
The solidarity night was led by Organisasyon ng Nagkakaisang Empleyado ng UST, the coalition of UST labor unions such as the UST Faculty Union, Samahang Manggagawa – UST, and Ugnayan ng mga Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng UST Hospital.
It was attended by faculty members, administrators, members of UST labor groups, and students. Micah G. Pascua with reports from Alexandra S. Demaisip, Amador Denzel M. Teston and Louisse Raye Shara C. Santos
