Recommendation for UP Board of Regents Farolan’s reappointment withdrawn

The University of the Philippines Board of Regents (UP-BOR) on Monday decided to withdraw its recommendation for the reappointment of UP Board of Regent member Frederick Mikhail “Spocky” Farolan following his controversial post which was perceived as advocating violence against members of the Ateneo de Manila University’s (AdMU) men’s basketball team.

In a statement, members of the UP-BOR “dissociate” themselves from 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,” the Board said.

Farolan was also enjoined from making “any such further statements which can compromise the reputation and the goodwill” of UP. While the BOR “takes note” of his apology during the meeting earlier today (Monday), the Board said that it views his statements and actions “extreme disapproval” – noting that members of the UP community and BOR, “strongly condemn violence in any form.”

“The Board continues to uphold the principles of civility and sportsmanship,” the BOR said. “All Regents, officials, and members of the UP community are expected to keep with the highest standards of decorum,” it added.

Keep it noble

As tension and excitement build up for the second game between the UP and Ateneo men’s basketball teams, UP System President Danilo Concepcion also expressed hope that the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 championship will resume in the “noblest of spirits and intentions.”

Ateneo beat UP, 88-79, in Game 1 of the UAAP Finals last Saturday. Emotions of fans and supporters of both teams went high when UP center Bright Akhuetie was injured from an accidental collision with Ateneo's big man Angelo Kouame.

Following the incident, Farolan wrote a Facebook post suggesting that three Ateneo Blue Eagles players would be “injured” by Wednesday. On December 5, the UP Fighting Maroons is scheduled to face the Ateneo Blue Eagles for the second game of the UAAP Season 81 men's basketball finals.

In a statement, Concepcion said the UP “dissociates” itself from the statements and actuations that advocate the use of violence against Ateneo’s basketball team. Farolan, in his post, said: “Sayang hindi kumpleto ang players ng Ateneo sa Wednesday. Tatlo injured. Pili na kayo kung sinusino mga yon. (Too bad the players of Ateneo will not be complete on Wednesday. Three are injured. Choose who these will be.)”

Farolan’s post, which has since been deleted, has been making the rounds of social media. “While this regent has deleted the post and has apologized for its contents, claiming that they were made in jest, I wish to make it clear the University of the Philippines takes these statements seriously and dissociates itself from the post and from the actuations of this regent, matters which I intend to take up with the Board of Regents,” Concepcion said.

Concepcion added that Farolan’s statements “do not in any way represent the values of the University, and the high esteem in which it holds sportsmanship, fair play, and civility in athletics as well as in other aspects of our academic and social life.”

In a separate post, Farolan admitted that he “posted something which might be construed as advocating violence and frat violence.” He insisted that “there was sarcasm in that comment which may not have been immediately and easily perceived by some.”

Farolan also clarified that as he mentioned in the comments section of the now-deleted post, “violence, especially frat-related ones are barbaric, machismo, stupid, and ignorant.” He added that he “deleted the post just in case some interpret it wrong.”

The UP’s BOR also issued an apology to the officials, staff, and athletes of the Ateneo and to the UP community “for any anxiety” Farolan’s statements may have caused. “We also deeply regret the dampening of the euphoria of UP reaching the UAAP finals,” it ended.

Meanwhile, senators on Monday sought the immediate resignation of Farolan over his Facebook post.

Senator Francis N. Pangilinan, president of the opposition Liberal Party (LP) and a UP alumnus, said the views expressed by on social media are “totally unacceptable and a disgrace to the University of the Philippines.”

“Having served as a member of the UP Board of Regents twice (first as Student Regent in 1986 and then as ex-officio member being chairman of the Senate Committee on Education in 2003), I believe Regent Farolan should tender his resignation as member of the UP Board of Regents immediately,” Pangilinan said.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., a former Senate President and a UP alumnus, and Senator Nancy Binay also supported the position of Pangilinan.

In Malacañang, Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said UP should conduct an investigation into the alleged threats made by Farolan.

Panelo said Farolan should be given a chance to explain himself in the investigation amid mounting calls for his resignation.

“I think there should be a body that will objectively investigate that incident so that the finding will come out,” Panelo said during a Palace press conference.