The Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in UP (STAND UP) announced its withdrawal from this year’s University Student Council (USC) elections earlier today to focus on addressing sexual harassment cases within the organization that surfaced in the past weeks.

The withdrawal of the red party from the race came four days after they issued their apology for mishandling sexual harassment cases among their ranks. 

“Admission and criticism are initial steps as we proceed with long-term reparations towards eventually reinvigorating the alliance to become, once again, a significant force at the forefront of forwarding mass campaigns and people’s struggles,” STAND UP wrote in their statement. 

Last week, local chapters and candidates from STAND UP splintered from the party due to the leadership being privy to unaddressed cases of harassment disclosed in Aktibisita, a forum between political parties, on May 4. 

After the splits, STAND UP’S USC slate consisted only of Don Alejandro Aison for chairperson, Louise Espina for vice chairperson, and Mattheo Wovi Villanueva for councilor. 

UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP Alyansa) is the sole remaining political party in the race with the only candidates for standard bearers after the red party’s withdrawal. 

Despite their discontinuation, STAND UP affirms their commitment to continue serving the people. Amid many issues hounding within and outside the university, the party still encouraged fellow students to participate in the USC elections by exercising their right to vote. ●