Duterte unfazed by call for students’ strike vs gov’t response to typhoon

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is unfazed by the call for students in major colleges and universities in Metro Manila to go on strike in protest against the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent spate of typhoons.

In a taped speech aired Tuesday night, Duterte dared the students to stop attending their class and just criticize government inaction during disasters and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“I suggest to you: Stop schooling… and you wait for another typhoon and wait to see if the help we extend is enough to your satisfaction,” Duterte said.

“Just wait for typhoons to come and look for those who need help but are not getting any help,” he added in Filipino.

[Original statement: “Bantayan nalang ninyo iyong mga bagyo na darating at tignan ninyo ang mga nangangailangan ng tulong na hindi natulungan.”=]

The President went on to threaten to stop government funding to schools such as the University of the Philippines.

“Okay. The school is UP? Stop studying. I will stop the funding. All they do anyway is recruit communists,” he said.

[Original statement: “Sige. ‘Yung eskwelahan. UP? Fine. Maghinto kayo ng aral. I will stop the funding. Wala naman ginawa itong mga ano kundi magrecruit ng mga komunista diyan.]

He went on: “Don’t be frightened – or rather don’t frighten me — because I will oblige you.”

[Original statement: “Huwag kayong matakot— manakot rather— kasi I will oblige you.”]

The Ateneo de Manila University started the academic strike online last week. The students said they plan to stop submitting school requirements starting Nov. 18 until the national government “heeds the people’s demands for proper calamity aid and pandemic response.”

[atm]