University of the East (UE) students picketed the campus in Caloocan and Manila on January 27-28 concurrent with the UE’s so-called consultation regarding its push for a 5% tuition and other fees increase (TOFI). If implemented, the 5% TOFI will be third in the series of tuition increase from the 2023-2024 academic year (9.5%) and 2024-2025 (6%).

On January 27, the UE-Caloocan Central Student Council and other youth organizations expressed their opposition to the tuition and other fees increases at the “consultation.” UE President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Zosimo Battad attended the activity but left in the middle of the “consultation.”

At the same time, UE-Caloocan students conducted a silent protest march on campus which culminated in front of the building where the consultation was being held. They also questioned the sudden departure of Dr. Battad from the consultation which they say indicates that UE ignored their grievances.

On January 28, the UE-Manila council and student leaders participated in the “consultation” held in campus. They also held a silent protest and carried calls “Ang hirap mong mahalin, UE!,” (“UE is costly to love!”) and labeled UE the “University of Earnings”.

UE ignored the students’ objections and continued to raise tuition and other fees this year. The “right” of private universities to raise charges is in accordance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 03 Series of 2012, which outlined the policy for this.

For this, councils continue to stand against tuition and fees, to call for the UE administration’s accountability, and promoting student well-being. The National Union of the Students of the Philippines (NUSP) supports UE councils and students in the fight against TOFI.

The private university is owned by Lucio C. Tan, one of the largest bourgeois-compradors in the country. Like his other businesses, he serves as Chairman of the Board and its CEO.