Thanks, but Duterte 'doesn't give a heck' about UP honorary degree –Paolo Duterte

Thanks, but no thanks. 

Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte on Wednesday defended his father against criticism over University of the Philippines' plan to bestow an honorary degree on President Rodrigo Duterte.

Vice Mayor Duterte, in a statement, explained that his father taught his family well about the importance of education and hard work. 

"Given that, and knowing my father, he does not give a heck with any 'honorary degree' simply because he knows he did not work hard for such a degree," he said. 

Some UP students and alumni protested against the conferment of an honorary degree on a man they see as directly responsible for thousands of deaths.

The UP Student Regent said Duterte did not deserve recognition, because his actions legitimize the killing of the poor through his drug war and his desire to reimpose the death penalty. 

But it seems that this is a moot point, at least insofar as the younger Duterte is concerned.

"To the so-called learned individuals who frown upon the plan of the University of the Philippines to grant an honorary doctorate degree to the President, you can have that honorary degree for all we care," vice mayor Duterte said. 

The president's son said that the senior Duterte is not the type to claim glory. 

"All throughout the years of his public life, President Rodrigo Duterte has always shied away from public recognitions," the vice mayor said. 

"He has always been a simple man, satisfied with what he has and works hard to make a difference not just for his family but for the Dabawenyos and now the Filipino nation," he added. 

Pulong as he is fondly called said that being President is enough for his father. 

"Being elected as president is enough recognition. No other recognition or honorary degrees could eclipse that," he said. 

"Our family though thanks the UP Board of Regents for even considering our father. Pero ok na akong papa as being the President of the Republic of the Philippines," he added. — TJD, GMA News