QUEZON CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Quezon City Bureau) – When it comes to their alma mater and all that represents it, Iskolar ng Bayan (taxpayer funded scholars) are extremely loyal to the University of the Philippines.

Case in point, U.P. Diliman students are planning a march and protest rally this Saturday at the site of the new “The Victor” statue at the border of Pasig and Quezon City.

Designed by Fil-Am artist Jefre Manuel-Figueras, the sculpture which officials claim is taller that the Statue of Liberty (minus the pedestal), is supposed to represente the success of Filipinos worldwide.

But the Iskolar ng Bayan think otherwise. They are calling “The Victor” nothing but a cheap, trying-hard copycat of their own Oblation statue.

The protesters will demand that the new statue be taken down or at least given a weather-proof robe.