Protest actions marked the University of the Philippines Manila's day of mourning for a freshman who committed suicide last Friday for failure to pay her tuition.

Protesters covered the statue of oblation with black cloth to symbolize their sadness for the death of 16-year old Kristel Pilar Mariz Tejada who was a Behavioral Sciences freshman. Some students also wore black ribbons on their right arms as they called for the school to junk the 'no late payment' on tuition policy.

Classes were suspended at UP Manila yesterday as the school held masses  for Tejada at the chapel of the Philippine General Hospital.

The Department of Behavioral Sciences Faculty of UPM also asked for the resignation of Chancellor Manuel Agulto and Vice Chancellor Josephine de Luna  as they held the two officials accountable for the death of Tejada.

Meanwhile, in a media forum, Party-list representative Teddy Casino said it is time for lawmakers to pass a law prohibiting the 'no permit, no exam' policy.

According to Casino, HB 4791 or the 'Anti-no permit, no exam act of 2011 was approved by the lower house of representatives in 2011 but failed to get a counterpart in the senate.

The bill declares unlawful the prohibition of students with unpaid tuition or school fees to take the midterm or final examinations. However, the measure allows school authorities to withhold the release of grades of a student with unpaid tuition.