I can understand and sympathize with Conrado de Quiros when he says that he ?will root for La Salle against Ateneo in UAAP games .? (Inquirer, 2/21/08) As an Atenean, he is understandably frustrated with the seemingly tepid response of the Ateneo community to the current political crisis.

But I believe that something as petty?at least for now?as the rivalry between Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University should hardly matter at all given the critical situation the country now finds itself in. Ateneans and La Sallites have come together in the past and today to confront pressing social and political issues, and are more than willing to shed their respective school colors to rally around the flag.

And, as De Quiros knows full well, there are many in the Ateneo community who, even at the outset, have taken a strong stand against the present administration, yet have remained loyal to the ideals of their school?ideals which they feel their classmates now associated with the Arroyo administration have compromised or betrayed outright. For sure, they remain ardent and loyal fans of the Blue Eagles, but nevertheless are patriotic and upright Filipinos who dearly love their country as well.

REUEL R. HERMOSO, The Alexandra, 29 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605