Francisco "Dodong" Nemenzo. Facebook/Aida CF Santos

MANILA —  Political scientist, martial law activist, and former University of the Philippines (UP) president Francisco "Dodong" Nemenzo passed away on Thursday, his family said. He was 89.

No other details on his death were immediately available.

Nemenzo's friends, colleagues, and students shared their heartfelt condolences, hailing him as a "man of principle and unflinching nationalism" and a "pillar of Filipino education and political thought."

"Dodong Nemenzo was a distinguished political scientist and Marxist scholar, known for his fearless views on Philippine society, politics, and international affairs. As the 18th President of the University of the Philippines, he left an indelible mark on the institution. He modernized the university and spearheaded initiatives that fostered critical thought and academic excellence," his family said.

Nemenzo was born in Cebu City on February 9, 1935. 

He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UP and his PhD from the University of Manchester. 

He joined the UP faculty in 1957, later becoming a professor of political science. He also served as UP Faculty Regent, Chancellor of UP Visayas, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UP Diliman.

He was incarcerated during the martial law regime of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Nemenzo "advocated unwaveringly for social justice and reform, and played leadership roles in political organizations and social movements," his family said.

In a 1977 seminar, Nemenzo said that academic freedom "has value only when actually used, and it has usefulness only to those who have ideas to profess which imperil the interests and outrage of those in power."

"It has meaning only where members of the university perform the essential function of social critics; otherwise it is worthless," he said.

Dodong is survived by his wife of 65 years, fellow activist Princess, and their children Fidel, Leonid, and Lian.

A memorial service will be held for his friends and family.