UP Department of Political Science

[ICYMI] Yesterday, the UP Department of Political Science commenced its three-day workshop at the Department Conference Room, bringing together faculty members to revisit the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) of the BA Political Science Program.

The workshop serves as an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and collaboration as the department reviews its curricular goals and ensures that the program remains responsive to contemporary developments in the discipline and the evolving needs of its students.

The workshop will continue in the coming days as faculty members build on these discussions and work collectively toward strengthening the BA Political Science Program. Through this initiative, the department reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and meaningful political science education.

“The Philippines has already communicated not only to the US but also to other countries that we are striving for strategic autonomy and our multi-alignment strategy of having all these defense partnerships.”

— Prof. Aries A. Arugay

Binigyang-diin ni Prof. Arugay na patuloy na isinusulong ng Pilipinas ang strategic autonomy o ang kakayahang magpasya at kumilos batay sa sariling pambansang interes. Kaakibat nito ang pagpapaigting ng ugnayan sa iba't ibang bansa sa larangan ng seguridad at depensa, nang hindi kinakailangang umasa o pumabor lamang sa iisang kapangyarihan.

Panoorin ang buong panayam: https://youtu.be/Gf9P46NXslg

The UP Department of Political Science congratulates Assoc Prof Jan Robert R Go on his election as Vice Chair of Division VIII (Social Sciences) of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) for the 2026–2028 term.

Congratulations, Assoc Prof Go!

How will the US-Iran peace deal affect Asia and Southeast Asia’s energy security?

In this South China Morning Post article, Asst. Prof. Enrico Gloria argues that while the deal may bring relief, the region will remain cautious because “what matters is...whether it can produce a lasting and credible peace.” He noted that the Gulf crisis has shown the “unpredictability and the perceived unreliability of US foreign policy,” especially for developing Asian economies vulnerable to global shocks.

Relief and wariness: Asia watches US-Iran deal for real impact While the deal may ease some economic pressure on Asian governments, the ‘real test’ is whether it will hold, analysts say.

In an interview with BBC Chinese, Asst. Prof. Enrico Gloria commented on the Philippines and Japan’s efforts to jointly delimit their overlapping EEZs. He argues that while this reflects Manila’s more proactive role in shaping the regional order with like-minded partners amid uncertainty over US reliability under Trump, the larger challenge is sustaining this assertive posture amid potential security and economic risks.

印太新局？日本与菲律宾最新军事经济结盟为何引发中国抗议？ - BBC News 中文 日菲两国宣布正式启动太平洋专属经济区划界谈判，这个被视为强化“第一岛链”的战略举动立即引发中国强烈抨击，称有关举动“完全非法且无效”，并派遣海警巡弋台湾东部海域。

‘THE HONORABLE THING TO DO IS RESIGN’

Political analyst Jean Franco said Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano no longer has control of the chamber following recent developments and would be better off stepping down from his post.

Franco made the remark amid changes in Senate leadership roles on Wednesday, June 3. | via Hiroshi Suto, INQUIRER.net trainee

Watch the live stream here: https://inqnews.net/Senaterecap

“The majority is not always right. It is not always on the side of justice.”

— Prof. Aries A. Arugay

Sa gitna ng mga usaping pulitikal at institusyonal, mahalagang tandaan na ang tunay na demokrasya ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa dami ng boto o bilang ng kaalyado. Nakasalalay rin ito sa kakayahang manindigan para sa tama, kahit hindi ito popular.

Panoorin ang buong panayam: https://youtu.be/e_86xiw2ZXA

“If they continue to behave as they see fit, then it becomes a violation of the fiduciary trust entrusted to them by the voters—to work and fulfill the functions they swore an oath to uphold.”

— Prof. Aries A. Arugay on the ongoing turmoil in the Senate during an interview on Dateline Philippines.

Kasunod ng hindi pagdalo ng ilang majority senators sa sesyon ng Senado, binigyang-diin ni Prof. Arugay na ang kapangyarihan ng mga halal na opisyal ay nagmumula sa mamamayan at kaakibat nito ang pananagutang tuparin ang kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin.

Aniya, ang usapin ay hindi lamang tungkol sa bangayang pulitikal kundi tungkol sa pananagutan, institusyonal na integridad, at pagpapanatili ng tiwala ng publiko sa demokratikong institusyon ng bansa.

Panoorin ang buong panayam: https://youtu.be/1CQ1SdCr-LM

The UP Department of Political Science joins the UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and the wider UP community in mourning the passing of Prof. Emeritus Zosimo E. Lee, PhD of the Department of Philosophy.

A respected scholar, former Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, and steadfast advocate of interdisciplinary engagement, Prof. Lee dedicated his life to intellectual inquiry, principled leadership, and public service. His contributions to the academic community and his commitment to nurturing critical thought and democratic values will continue to inspire generations of scholars and students.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, students, and loved ones.

Maraming salamat po, Prof. Lee. Rest in peace.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Prof. Zosimo E. Lee, PhD of the Department of Philosophy. He was 73 years old.

He was the Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy from 2004 to 2010, serving two (2) consecutive terms. A champion of interdisciplinary research and a proponent of John Rawl’s justice as fairness, he was a steadfast supporter of student-led movements and activities.

His towering physique hides a kind and gentle voice that speaks of the value of balance, reason, and introspection. He strolled through the corridors of Palma Hall with an almost solemn pensiveness that earned him the nickname, “Walking Dean”. He will be dearly missed.

His wake will be held at Room 308, St. Peter Chapels, Quezon Avenue from June 6-8, 2026.

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Photo by Mr. Eddie Concepcion