Duterte Favors Revoking Scholarship to Students Espousing Rebellion

When asked about his reaction to the proposition of National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairman Ronald Cardema in revoking the scholarships of students joining anti-state protests, the President said he is not keen on doing so unless these students support communist groups like the New Peoples Army or create a rebellion to overthrow the government through arm struggle.

“If you espouse to overthrow the government, then you are committing a crime of rebellion. Basta if you espouse…support the NPAs…espouse the destruction of government…I will consider you an enemy,” President Duterte said.

“Now [if] you become a part or member of the other larger groups… a loose federation or a grouping… then you become a member of that organized group. And that would be rebellion,” he continued.

The President also clarified that joining rallies is not a considerable activity for the students to lose their scholarship because such action is merely an “expression” and not rebellion.

“Well, those are just expression. I need more overt acts. Wala naman kung dissent lang. If you disagree with my move…you disagree…or you are not in…you do not find consonance in our decision,” he noted. (PND)