UP GeogSoc calls for Antiporda’s resignation after ‘bayaran’ outburst

The Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc) has called for the resignation of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Benny Antiporda as a form of accountability after he labeled UP experts as “bayaran.”

According to the UP GeogSoc, this will also give way to better-qualified candidates to work in the department.

“Considering your ill-fitting background for the job as well as your disregard for the opinions of other Filipino scientists, we call on you to formally retract your statements against the UP MSI and to resign from your position as undersecretary,” the society said in a statement.

“The DENR needs a spokesperson who, instead of antagonizing homegrown scientists, articulately expresses and explains the department’s goals and policies, moreover this country deserves a DENR Undersecretary who is credible, responsive, and committed to protecting, conserving, and managing our environment and natural resources,” it added.

Antiporda on Wednesday slammed UP Marine Science Institute for allegedly milking public funds since 2016. He made the statement when asked about the offer of UP biologists to help in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

The UP GeogSoc said this was “unacceptable” for a government official as the MSI released the paper due to its desire to help the Philippine government make sound and scientifically-based decisions.

“Yet you have taken offense over these suggestions and proceeded to baselessly accuse the MSI, even calling them “bayaran.” We find this type of behavior unacceptable for a government official,” it said.

It added that Antiporda’s department, the DENR, has to make “sound scientifically based decisions in its mandate to protect the environment and not cause its further destruction.”

“UP scientists work tirelessly for the benefit of Filipino society, despite being underfunded, yet you, Usec. Antiporda, have seen it fit to attack not only the MSI but the valuable contribution of the scientific work of the Filipino Academe,” it said.

“This anti-science sentiment is disappointing, as the statements from these institutes are not personal attacks towards you nor the DENR, but rather an effort to present the truth and alternatives for better policy-making decisions,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Antiporda  apologized to UP over his outburst, saying he was carried away by his emotions as he was "hurt" by the criticisms on the DENR's “white sand” project in Manila Bay.

Meanwhile, the UP-MSI has defended its institution from Antiporda’s allegations.

“The correct amount is P364,073,909.40 total for the last decade, spanning ten collaborative projects between the UPMSI and the DENR as well as co-sponsorship support for a scientific symposium,” it said.

“This is hardly the half a billion the Undersecretary has been claiming. It is simply the cost of the collaborative projects for which the DENR had the need for the expertise of the UPMSI,” it added.

GMA News Online has sought Antiporda’s comment on UP GeogSoc’s resignation call but he has yet to reply, as of posting time.

But in an interview on CNN-Philippines, Antiporda said only President Rodrigo Duterte can order him to leave his post.

“You can write to the President or you can, you know, make a complaint against me. Now if the President says I should leave my post, then I will do it. Wala pong problema ‘yun,” he said.—AOL/RSJ, GMA News