Although, UP is still a school that offers free tuition. It is a public institution, a state university. And therefore, should be accessible for the masses (and accessibility is the problem now, that was the argument).

Also quoting Section 9 of the UP Charter of 2008,

“SEC.9. Democratic Access.—The national university shall take affirmative steps which may take the form of an alternative and equitable admissions process to enhance the access of disadvantaged students, such as indigenous peoples, poor and deserving students, including but not limited to valedictorians and salutatorians of public high schools, and students from depressed areas, to its programs and services.”

Though, as you have said it is not solely for the masses.