Be responsible in words, deeds, Negros Occidental gov urges fellow La Sallians

BACOLOD CITY –– Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson called on fellow La Sallians to be responsible and conscientious in both their words and deeds.

“Being a La Sallian is not a title, but a duty to live honorably,” he said.

A 22-year-old college student in this city is in hot water over an indecent post on Facebook that maligned Vice President Leni Robredo.

The controversial remark posted on Johnrey Apellido’s Facebook account urged President Duterte to have sex with the vice president so she would be awakened, saying her lack of it has made her stupid.

The statement was accompanied by a photo of Apellido, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student of the University of Saint La Salle (USLS), flashing a dirty finger and identifying himself as a “Diehard Duterte Supporter.”

Officials of the USLS, a Catholic private university run by the De La Salle Brothers, have launched a thorough investigation on the matter, which they consider as “alarming” and “upsetting many,” including their alumni.

Lacson said he was disheartened when La Sallians utter dishonorable, imprudent, sexist, and injurious comments.

He also pointed out that being a La Sallian means having respect for all persons.

“While it is true that freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed by the Constitution, such does not allow irresponsible and offensive speech meant to damage another,” Lacson said.

“Education sets civilization apart from barbarism, particularly the La Sallian brand of education,” he added.