Mocha Uson to return UST alumni award

Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson posted on her Facebook page, Mocha Uson blog, that she is returning the award given to her by the UST Alumni Association Inc., James Agustin reported for Super Radyo's dzBB.

"Lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat bago pa po lumabas ang statement nila ay sinabi ko na po sa President ng UST Alumni Association Inc. na si Sir Henry Tenedero na akin na pong isasauli ang award," she posted on Tuesday evening.

"Ngunit sinabi niya sa akin na wala sa isip nila na ito’y bawiin. Hindi ko lamang ito isinapubliko dahil sobrang nao-OA na ako sa ilang Thomasians sa pagpapalaki ng issue na ito," she added.

Uson added that there are more important things that should be discussed, including the Dengvaxia issue and relief operations for those affected by the Mayon volcano eruption.

"Let's all MOVE ON at tumulong tayo sa ating mga kababayan," she said.

Uson, who graduated with a Bachelor's degree in medical technology, was given the Gawad Thomasian Alumni in Government Service award by the USTAAI on Sunday.

The Varsitarian, UST student publication, posted a message from Uson stating that she is unable to return the award in person because she is part of the entourage of President Rodrigo Duterte to India.

BREAKING: Palace Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson to return her award for government service from the UST Alumni Association tomorrow -resigned president Henry Tenedero pic.twitter.com/md2raaj9ht

— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) January 23, 2018

Tenedero had said the association chose its awardees on two main criteria: a UST graduate and involved in government service.

Other awardees include Senator Joel Villanueva, Health Secretary Francisco Duque, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Tom Villarin.

Earlier in the day, Akbayan party-list Representative Tom Villarin told reporters in a press conference  that he will return the award given him by the association.

"I intend to return it, siguro bukas, mainly because that award, while it was supposedly for recognition for achievements in government service, when it was given also ASec. Mocha Uson, it did not reflect the true intent why Thomasians like myself should be proud of," he said.

On Tuesday evening, the UST Alumni Association issued a statement announcing the resignation of Tenedero.

In a statement on Tuesday night, Tenedero "humbly takes full responsibility on what has happened."

The Alumni Association stressed that they would not revoke the award given to Uson.

"The USTAAI stands firm with its decision not to rescind the recognition already conferred," the association said. — BAP, GMA News