(Eagle News Service) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday declined the University of the Philippines’ offer to confer upon him an honorary doctorate degree.
In an interview in Tagbilaran, Bohol, Duterte said, “I simply declined.”
The President said his decision was in line with his “personal and official policy” of not accepting such awards.
“With due respect sa UP, I do not accept, even when I was mayor. Hindi ako tumatanggap,” he said.
On Tuesday, Commission on Higher Education Chair Patricia Licuanan said that the powerful UP Board of Regents had offered to make the conferment as part of the university’s tradition.
News of the offer caused a stir among some, who said that Duterte was undeserving of such an honor given the so-called extrajudicial killings during his administration.
But Duterte’s son, Paolo, lashed back at his father’s critics, saying the President “does not give a heck.”
“To the so-called learned individuals who frown upon the plan of (UP) to grant an honorary doctorate degree to the President, you can have that honorary degree, for all we care,” he said.
He noted that his father “has always been a simple man, satisfied with what he has and (who) works hard to make a difference, not just for his family but for the Dabawenyos and now the Filipino nation.”
“My father’s OK being the President of the Republic of the Philippines…Being elected as the President of the Republic of the Philippines is already a recognition for my father,” he said, as he thanked the BOR for “even considering (their) father” for the honor.
