MANILA, Philippines — State universities and colleges should take pride in socially aware students and should not drop them from school, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said, hitting the proposed move of National Youth Commission chair Gian Caderma. “WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, such proposal, if adopted, would effectively restrain the youth’s constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression,” Guevarra told reporters in a text message. FROM INTERAKSYON: ‘Duterte Youth’ member and National Youth Commission chair are taking aim at youth scholarsThe 1987 Constitution champions every citizen’s freedom of speech and of expression, and to peacefully assemble and petition the government to redress of grieveances. Caderma also serves as the head of so-called Duterte Youth Movement that claimed there were incidents of government scholars being caught as armed rebels. Socially aware students must be laudedBut the Justice chief pointed out that state universities and colleges should take pride in students who are socially aware and delving into matters that involve the country.

Source: Philippine Star February 20, 2019 07:19 UTC