Apparently, there’s a Facebook post going around claiming that the University of the Philippines — through its Board of Regents (BOR) — has issued a resolution declaring Davao City Mayor and presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte as “persona non grata.”
In a statement posted on the UP website, UP Vice President for Public Affairs Prof. Prospero de Vera called the said Facebook post as “malicious” and reiterated that UP as an institution remains “non-partisan.”
Below is De Vera’s full statement:
Statement of the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs on the fake Board of Regents resolution against Rodrigo Duterte circulating on social media.
It has come to our attention that certain individuals and organizations have issued and circulated a Facebook post purportedly claiming that the Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines, issued a resolution declaring 2016 presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte as persona non grata.
In very clear and in no uncertain terms, the university would like to make it known that the Board of Regents has not made any such issuance. There has been no resolution of such nature passed by the Board.
We condemn and decry the malicious attempt of the individual, or group behind the social media user, to drag the name of the University of the Philippines into partisan political conflict. As the national university, UP is non-partisan and does not support nor hold adversarial views against any candidate.
University authorities have undertaken the necessary steps to investigate the matter, with the aim of making those responsible for the malicious act, liable under relevant laws.
For questions and clarification, please contact:
Prof. J. Prospero De Vera, DPA
Vice President for Public Affairs
University of the Philippines
(+63) 9178074722
