An honorary degree for Duterte: A tempest in the tea cup of UP

Last night I saw the reactions online about the plan of the BOR to confer an honorary degree to President Duterte. Now I am a UP graduate from UP DIliman and UP in the Visayas. Before that I studied at U.P. Integrated School. Both of my parents worked at UP and now I am also teaching Science and Technology at U.P. Also it should be made known as well that I supported and still support President Duterte. Also I work as a consultant for the PCOO. Now having said that let me just say that this post is my own and only my own.

I think that there is nothing wrong with this particular proposal placed before the BOR. It is a proposal and will deliberated on. I also think there is nothing wrong with alumni and students airing their protest.

However, I do question though and invite a conversation on-line or off-line on the merits of the case. As one can see here:

“By giving honor to a man who challenges basic human decency, discourages public dissent, promotes a culture of impunity, and lauds extra-judicial killings, UP has taken a major step backward in upholding Honor and Excellence.
#NoDegreeForDuterte #DuterteNotWorthy”

Let us look at one in particular

“By giving honor to a man who challenges basic human decency, discourages public dissent, promotes a culture of impunity, and lauds extra-judicial killings, UP has taken a major step backward in upholding Honor and Excellence.
#NoDegreeForDuterte #DuterteNotWorthy”

So far how has Duterte discourage or inhibited public dissent?

Has Duterte even filed any libel case against anyone who has criticized or maligned him?

Nada

Going back to the proposal before the BOR I have nothing against the protests and I have nothing against the prpopsal. It is all part of the freedom we all enjoy. This does though put into question the honorary degrees given to former Presidents, who were thought of as decent and honorable before they were deemed corrupt or inept.

In the end this President: my President though will not even mind if the degree is given or not. It then becomes the proverbial tempest in the tea cup.

Of course you may want to dispute or disagree with my viewpoint. Let us discuss it.

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2 Responses to An honorary degree for Duterte: A tempest in the tea cup of UP

  1. The BOR are politicians trying to get into Duterte’s good side. Remember he joked about scrapping the institution’s budget because it only produces rebels. Apparently Digong is wrong. It’s worse. UP produces self-righteous misinformed dogmatists. I’ll settle for rebels anytime.

    • Juned says:

      Granting honours like honorary degrees is a poltical act. Today’s rebels can become tomorrows rulers. Self-righteous misinformed dogmatists are sprinkled all over time and space.

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