Palace urges public to ‘bring back decency’ after Marcos heckling

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday urged the public to “bring back decency” in the country following a video showing several students in Davao City heckling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his recent visit.

In the video circulating on social media, Marcos was walking toward the presidential chopper after his visit to Davao City on July 28.

READ: DepEd Davao City apologizes after students heckle Marcos

Among the Bisaya insults directed at Marcos in the more than one-minute video were: “I’d love to f**k him in the *ss,” “I hope it [the helicopter] explodes,” “He’s rushing because he’s afraid of getting shot,” and “He’s high on drugs.”

“Young people will not learn proper behavior if the leaders they admire or the people around them also lack manners, constantly use foul language, and pray for the misfortune of others,” said Palace press officer Claire Castro in a Viber message to reporters.

She added, “It’s truly saddening that this happened in a school — a place that should reflect the values and lessons students have learned from their education, their families, and the people around them. Let us bring back decency to our country. Let us not neglect our youth.”

The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Davao City has already issued a statement apologizing for the students’ “inappropriate behavior.”

It said the administration of Calinan National High School and its School Child Protection Committee immediately conducted an investigation on July 30.

The students are undergoing “appropriate disciplinary measures, guidance and counseling, and values formation interventions focusing on responsible behavior, digital citizenship, and respect for others.” /das