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KASAMA Vol. 12 No. 4 / October–November–December 1998 / Solidarity Philippines Australia Network

Sydney, Australia — Trade unionists and Filipino community activists are outraged that the University of Sydney chose to confer an honorary degree on former Philippines President Fidel V. Ramos.

Two protest actions were organised. The first, on Nov. 29, was outside the Sydney Hilton. The second, at Sydney University, on Dec. 3, so disrupted the award ceremony with a noise barrage that the traditional parade of academics was cancelled.

"If Sydney University wants to demonstrate its positive orientation to Asia, it should confer its honours on long–term democracy advocates from the region, not on a military figure like Fidel Ramos," said Peter Murphy, representing Philippines Australia Union Link. Ramos' presidency included a massive attack on trade union rights and repeated efforts to undermine the Constitution.

Philippines Australia Union Link (PAUL),
PO Box A671,
Sydney South NSW 2000.

Phone: Peter Murphy on (02)9211 4164
or
Brian Beer on (02)9897 2011