UP professors, progressive groups give Aquino failing grade

MANILA – The progressive professors of the University of the Philippines and sectoral groups gave President Benigno S. Aquino III a failing grade.

Professor Gerardo Lanu-za, chairperson of the Congress of Teachers and Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) said in a forum that Aquino, in his entire presidency, has only been a puppet that exploit and oppress the masses in a semi-feudal, semi-colonial society.

The farmers remain the poorest of the poor, education serves the interest of multinational companies, Lanuza said. “His kabarilan, kaklase, kaibigan and kainuman (shooting buddy, classmates, friends and drinking buddies), have partaken of this government.”

Lanuza said there is no equivalent grade that can summarize the Aquino presidency with the “cruelty and suffering” that the people have endured under his administration. He said, Aquino can only be deemed as passed or failed. “He gets a failed mark,” said Lanuza.

Suffering Members of the different sectors shared their situation at the forum that was jampacked with students. Celia Veloso, the mother of Mary Jane, the Filipina in death row in Indonesia, cried when she recalled how her daughter’s case was neglected by the government and how they were given the runaround by the Department of Foreign Affairs. She said they were maltreated and maligned. (Bulatlat.com)