Published February 4, 2021, 12:03 PM Opposition Senator Leila de Lima has filed a bill seeking to uphold academic freedom in the University of the Philippines (UP) and provide the institution the “democratic space” to ensure that exchanges and expression of ideas within its premises are free from intimidation from state forces. Senator Leila de Lima (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) “While it is important to protect our national security, it is likewise important to afford our academic institutions the democratic space conducive to free exchange of ideas and critical thinking, which leads to more effective participation in the national conversation,” De Lima said in filing Senate Bill No. 2035.