Late UP prexy confirmed Lavas’ kill plot vs Joma, de Lima reveals in tribute
The Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) expressed “profound sorrow” on the passing of Dr. Francisco Nemenzo, describing the former University of the Philippines (UP) president a “distinguished political scientist (and a) committed activist.”
In its tribute to Nemenzo, NDFP chief negotiator Julie de Lima said the late intellectual and activist’s dedication to the pursuit of social justice and national liberation left an indelible mark on the Philippine revolutionary movement.
“Dodong’s journey as a Marxist intellectual and activist was deeply intertwined with the history of the national democratic struggle in the Philippines,” de Lima said.
Nemenzo, one of the most famous Marxist intellectuals in the Philippines, died last December 19 due to lingering illnesses brought by his advanced age. He was 89.
Nemenzo served as the 18th UP president from 1999 to 2005. He taught political philosophy and government for more than six decades and was made professor emeritus upon retirement from his beloved university.
He also served as UP-Visayas chancellor, UP faculty regent and dean of UP-Diliman’s College of Arts and Sciences.
In her tribute, de Lima said her late husband Jose Ma. Sison recruited Nemenzo to the old Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) and became close comrades.
“Their collaboration was instrumental during a critical period when proletarian revolutionaries were repudiating the revisionist leadership of the Lava brothers to reestablish the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP),” de Lima revealed.
She added that Nemenzo initially remained with the old Party but, becoming disillusioned with its direction, eventually chose to leave.
Sison had earlier left the PKP to found CPP.
De Lima further revealed it was Nemenzo who confirmed to Sison the assassination attempt on his life and the disappearance of Carlos del Rosario, as well as Sison elder brother Francisco and his driver, “[i]n a testament to his commitment to the revolutionary cause.”
“This act exemplified Dodong’s steadfastness and solidarity with his fellow revolutionaries during times of peril,” she said.
De Lima also praised Nemenzo’s “contributions as an academic and educator” beyond his direct participation in the local revolutionary movement.
“As a professor at the [UP], he was a favorite among students, drawn to his revolutionary ideas on the subject of politics, Philippine society, and life in general,” she said.
Nemenzo’s UP presidency was marked by efforts to modernize the institution and foster critical thought and academic excellence, she also said.
“His intellectual rigor, courage, and dedication have inspired countless individuals within the revolutionary movement and beyond. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life and legacy,” she added.
Nemenzo’s remains were paid tribute to by family, friends, comrades, colleagues, former students and artists for several days at the GT Toyota Center in UP Diliman last week. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
