The University of the Philippines Diliman defended on Friday its students and faculty's right to dissent, saying that the learning institution would continue to be a venue of critical thinking and academic freedom especially during these times of economic distress and political divisiveness.

"In keeping with its tradition of academic freedom, UP is a safe haven for civilized and intelligent discourse. But it has no place for intolerance, bigotry and Red-tagging. Red-tagging in particular is dangerous because it focuses on labels over substance and encourages intimidation and violence," UP Diliman chancellor Fidel Nemenzo said in a statement. ---NIKKA G. VALENZUELA