The Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines takes note of the apology of Regent Frederick Mikhail I. Farolan during the Board of Regents meeting today regarding his post on social media that appeared to advocate the use of violence against members of the men’s basketball team of the Ateneo de Manila University.
We dissociate ourselves as a Board from Regent Farolan’s statements and actions. Whatever his motives may have been, there is no excuse for sowing fear and confusion, especially at a time when the University’s attention should have been focused on the rising successes of its athletic program. We view with extreme disapproval and strongly condemn violence in any form.
The Board continues to uphold the principles of civility and sportsmanship. All Regents, officials, and members of the UP community are expected to keep with the highest standards of decorum.
We apologize to the officials, staff, and athletes of the Ateneo de Manila University and to the UP community for any anxiety Regent Farolan’s statements may have caused. We also deeply regret the dampening of the euphoria of UP reaching the UAAP finals.
Committed to a higher standard of accountability for its members, the Board hereby withdraws its recommendation for the reappointment of Regent Farolan to the Board of Regents. We enjoin Regent Farolan from making any such further statements which can compromise the reputation and the goodwill of the University.
UP Fight! One Big Fight! Mabuhay ang pagkakaisa at diwa ng Katipunan!
The Board of Regents
University of the Philippines
3 December 2018
