Following the suspension of four University of Santo Tomas (UST) student activists, calls to defend academic freedom have intensified as the Makabayan bloc sought a congressional inquiry, while the UST Central Student Council (CSC) raised its concerns in an open letter to Pope Leo XIV.

The actions stemmed from the UST administration’s suspension of four student activists — Sean Capalar, Dex Frogoso, Ray Manuel, and Raven Racelis — over their confrontation with Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel during the university’s anniversary celebration on April 21.

Students questioned the PAF personnel regarding alleged human rights violations and the military’s use of equipment against Filipinos, two days after a reported encounter in Negros Occidental that left 19 people dead.

In response to the suspensions, the Makabayan bloc filed House Resolution No. 1512 on October 6, calling for an inquiry into alleged violations of academic freedom and the suppression of student activists in Philippine universities.

Representatives Renee Co of KABATAAN Party-list, Sarah Elago of Gabriela Women’s Party, and Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers Party-list introduced the resolution during the second regular session of the 20th Congress.

The resolution cited the role of the youth in nation-building and the importance of protecting students’ freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly, citing provisions of the 1987 Constitution, including Article II, Section 13, and Article III, Section 4.

It also condemned what the bloc described as the continued repression of student voices throughout Philippine history, citing incidents of alleged intimidation and the criminalization of student activists across the country from 2025 to 2026.

“The House of Representatives unequivocally condemn these repressive attacks against youth and students who continue to speak out against corruption and the dangers of militarization in the country,” the resolution read.

Meanwhile, the UST CSC on October 9 released an open letter to Pope Leo XIV expressing concern over student repression after the suspension of four student activists.

In the letter, the council questioned whether the disciplinary measures imposed on the students were “proportionate and consistent with the principles of dignity, conscience, and meaningful student participation that Catholic education is meant to uphold.”

It also raised concerns over the removal of CSC Public Relations Officer Sean Capalar and the revised student handbook

“The revised handbook has raised concerns among students about the increasing scope of administrative authority over student life and the conditions under which students may organize, express dissent, and participate in university affairs,” the letter read.

The PAF and a concerned UST alumnus filed disciplinary complaints against the students, citing alleged violations of the university’s Code of Conduct, which resulted in suspensions ranging from four to 10 days and the revocation of the students’ good moral character certificates.

Meanwhile, The Flame, the official student publication of UST Faculty of Arts and Letters, obtained a copy of the PAF incident report concerning the students’ protest against the agency’s exhibit at UST.

The report identified the incident as “disruptive behavior and altercation during the PAF exhibit.”

According to ABS-CBN News, the PAF said it did not file any administrative complaint against “any student” and described the suspensions as an “internal matter” subject to the university’s regulations.

However, Philosophy student Racelis disputed the agency’s claims in a Facebook post dated October 8, alleging that the PAF was changing its narrative to present the issue in its favor.

Human rights group Karapatan also criticized the UST administration for its decision, raising concerns over the military’s presence on campuses and its implications for academic freedom and students’ right to protest.

“It is alarming enough that the military is encroaching on campuses, stifling academic freedom and the students’ right to free expression and to protest,” Karapatan said.

UST Central Student Council Secretary Clarence Mindo likewise opposed the suspensions, saying they hindered students’ freedom of expression.

“I cannot, within my conscience and individuality, stay silent regarding this matter, especially knowing the context of these cases filed against our own,” Mindo said.