Mob (should not) Rule

I was gravely disappointed in the recent action protest that was held in my Alma matter, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Students who were livid because of the planned tuition fee hike sent several tables and armchairs flying out from the building crashing down into the cement floor.

Protest rallies are part of the campus life of PUPians. They always take their stance in the any political, social or economic issues in the country. They bravely opposed corruption and injustice. They flooded the street to voice their opinions. They actively joined movements that aimed to achieve change towards a better society. PUP created a breed a generation of youth, who are outspoken guardians of truth and justice.

But what I saw on TV was nothing but an irrational, angry, violent mob. Important concern such as a tuition fee increase should be discussed in a democratic, organized dialogue. As university students, they should have learned something about a systematic and proper way of protest. Nothing will be resolved if emotion rather than logic will rule. Our country will not progress if issues will be taken in the street and mob will prevail.