Assumption, UP students to alum Legarda: Reflect on values you once stood for

MANILA, Philippines – Outrage over the blatant political maneuvering at the Senate in recent days had been expected. It is almost unsurprising when both students and alumnae from Senator Loren Legarda‘s former schools called her out for political accommodation.

A recent video posted on Facebook showed the staff in Assumption College San Lorenzo taking down the portrait of Legarda from their Wall of Empowered Women — a stinging act that student leaders petitioned for.

“Recognition within our institution must reflect not only achievement, but also character, responsibility, and moral courage. The Wall of Empowered Women represents leaders whose actions continue to embody the principles of truth, justice, and public accountability. As a community formed by these values, we believe it is our responsibility to speak when those principles are at stake,” the Assumption Student Council (ASC) said in a statement on Friday, May 15.

“It is in this spirit that the council calls upon Senator Legarda to reflect on the principles she once upheld as a student and as a public figure,” it added.

The ASC issued the statement on the heels of recent developments at the Senate involving Legarda.

Legarda is among the 13 senators who voted for Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president on the same day the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte. The leadership change, which even necessitated the sudden reappearance of Senator Bato dela Rosa in the Senate, is widely seen as related to the impeachment case.

Assumption alumnae have spoken up as well. While they did not specifically name Legarda, the Assumption Board of Trustees released a “call to conscience” and a reformation of values addressed
“to our sisters in the public service and to ALL Assumption Alumnae” also on Friday.

“We call on all Assumption alumnae, especially those entrusted with public office, to return to the women they were formed to be, not to a political position, not to a party, but to the value they carry,” the Assumption Board of Trustees said.

Legarda completed her elementary and high school education at Assumption. In 2024, she spent an afternoon with students at the college, talking about a life lived with honor and the values taught at the school.

Assumption College had called out another controversial alumna in the past. In 2005, the Religious of the Assumption and the school called then-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to take accountability for the “Hello Garci” scandal and demanded a “radical purging” of the corrupt through peaceful means.

A day after the Senate leadership change on May 11, a student organization in the University of the Philippines Diliman challenged Legarda “to reflect on the values she once claimed to stand for.”

The UP Broadcasting Association, a university-wide student organization based in the College of Media and Communication, has also called out Legarda, a UP alumna.

“Her political choices now stand in contradiction with the principles of accountability, public service, and democratic responsibility that UP students are taught to uphold,” the group said in a statement on Tuesday, May 12.

Before becoming a politician, Legarda was a journalist. As a legislator, she was known for championing environmental and climate action causes. She was regarded as one of UP’s notable alumni. In 2013, the university hailed her as a distinguished alumna for her work in climate change adaptation. In 2018, she was the commencement speaker at the university graduation.

In her address, she referenced “UP Naming Mahal,” the university hymn that speaks of students taught to be the hope of the country.

Legarda said then: “My work in the Senate is my demonstration against the abuses and inequities that have destroyed our world. But beyond speaking, we need to act, in our respective spheres and communities, to protect the future.” – Rappler.com