DAVAO CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte appeared unfazed by the walk-out and the protest of students of the University of the Philippines, who were calling for his ouster. He even encouraged them to quit UP for one year if they want.
He said there are many other deserving poor students, children of soldiers and members of the Indigenous Peoples communities who want to have the good education offered by UP.
“Kamong dili mang-iskwela, hawa mo diha kay dad-on ko nang mga nitibong bright ngari. Mao’y ipabutang nako diha. Daghang Pilipino nga gusto’g edukasyon nga gwapo,” the chief executive said,in reaction to the walkout of the UP students in Diliman, Quezon City to protest the alleged “unholy” ties between the Duterte regime and the U.S. government.
[Those who do not want to go to school anymore, you get out because I will bring these intelligent lumads. I will put them there. There are many Filipinos who want good education.]
The students of UP Mindanao also walked out and called for Duterte’s ouster.
Duterte prodded demonstrating students not to walk out as he will give them the privilege not to go to school for one year. He the slots could be given to Filipinos who were unlucky to get free education.
“UP? Sige sila’g walkout? I encourage them. You do not go to school anymore. Diha mo sa dalan. Sige. Kay mag-kuha ko’g bag-o, ibutang nako diha— tutal kwarta man na sa tao,” the President said during the second day of the Panagtagbo alang sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan – an indigenous people leaders’ forum at the Eastern Mindanao Command in Camp Panacan, this city on Thursday.
[UP? They always walkout? I encourage them. Do not go to school anymore. Stay on the street. Go. And I will get new ones…anyway that’s people’s money.]
Duterte hinted at reconfiguring rules to accommodate students with minimum qualifications.
