Former UPLB prof tells student who asked Duterte: You can stand up for your cause without being rude

• Former UPLB professor penned an open letter to student who told Duterte to hurry with his answer


• He told the student he can fight for his cause without being disrespectful


• He hoped the student can change his attitude lest it becomes a big problem for him in the future

MANILA, Philippines – You can fight for your cause without being rude.

So summed up the open letter penned by former University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) professor Nol Montalbo to student Stephen Villena after the latter told Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to hurry up with his answer so he could go home during a forum.

In his letter on Facebook which has since gone viral, Montalbo — who is also an alumnus and owner of the Mont Albo Massage Hut — told Villena there are many ways to advocate for something without being offensive or disrespectful especially to someone as accomplished and advanced in age as Duterte.

“Stephen, there are many ways to fight for an issue. There are also many ways to ask a question such that it will not offend or embarrass the one you’re talking to,” he said in Filipino. “It’s not a student you’re talking to but a person who has proved so much and most of all, is older than you by decades.”

“I hope you change your attitude because when you finally work, you’ll be the type to gripe even if the problem is small, or if you’re talking to your supervisor and you don’t like his answer, you’ll embarrass him in front of other people,” he continued. “If you can do that to Duterte, how much more to other people? Your issue was education versus defense. You won’t die from it.”

Ending his post, Montalbo urged UP students and graduates never to forget honor and excellence. He also reminded Villena that his education will count for nothing if he’s disrespectful especially to those older than him.

“Just because you’re from UP and you’re better than others, even if you’re a Summa Cum Laude but you’re still rude and disrespectful especially to the elderly, you’re no better than those who are not educated,” he said.

Kicker Daily News