Assumption College San Lorenzo has removed the portrait of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda from its “Wall of Empowered Women” following criticism from the school’s student council over the senator’s role in the recent Senate leadership change.
A blank frame now appears in place of Legarda’s portrait among the row of women recognized by the institution for their contributions and leadership.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Friday night, the Assumption Student Council (ASC) expressed support for a petition calling for the removal of Legarda’s portrait, saying the senator’s recent political actions no longer reflected the values upheld by the school.
“While her past contributions are acknowledged, her recent political actions no longer reflect the values that Assumption upholds,” the student council said.
The ASC also called on Legarda, an alumna of the school, to “reflect on the principles she once upheld as a student and as a public figure.”
“She is encouraged to clarify her actions, correct her course, and demonstrate renewed commitment to accountability and justice,” the council added.
According to the ASC, the change in leadership came as the Senate was preparing to receive the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, who faces accusations of grave misuse of public funds and betrayal of public trust.
“The takeover occurred as the chamber prepared to receive the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, who stands accused of grave misuse of public funds and betrayal of public trust,” the statement read. “Its timing raised serious concerns that the move was politically engineered to delay or influence the proceedings.”
The council noted that Sotto had earlier stated that the impeachment trial would proceed immediately upon receipt of the articles of impeachment and would be decided based on the merits of the case.
The ASC stressed that public officials must remain accountable to ethical standards, saying that “any act that enables impunity and obstruction of justice, however subtle or procedural, diminishes public trust, and compromises the dignity of institutions that serve the Filipino people.”
The student council also emphasized that Assumption College seeks to form leaders who act with integrity and uphold the values expected of Assumptionistas in public service.
“The Council maintains that a place on this wall is an honor reserved for women who continuously embody Assumption’s ideals in action and character, and only those who do so will ever belong there,” the ASC said.
As of Saturday, Legarda has yet to publicly respond to the statement or the removal of her portrait from the school’s Wall of Empowered Women.
