Isko warns UE for ignoring class suspension

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno yesterday warned the University of the East (UE) that he will cancel its permit to operate if its officials disobey future orders to suspend classes.

A visibly irked Moreno, in a Facebook Live video, lashed out at the school after it ignored his declaration cancelling classes for all levels due to heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression Egay.

“If this happens again I will have their permit to operate cancelled. I want them to know that this is a new administration and we will strictly enforce the law,” he said.

UE pushed through with classes at the college level, he said.

“College students are not frogmen,” Moreno said in Filipino, adding that college students’ welfare should be given the same importance as that of elementary and high school students.

Moreno said he was informed that the school traditionally ignored the city government’s declaration of class suspensions.

He said UE officials should know that “it is the responsibility of the mayor to protect his constituents.”

The city governments of Caloocan, Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon, San Juan and Taguig also suspended afternoon classes in all levels yesterday.

Meanwhile, Moreno also warned city councilors and barangay chiefs that he will personally handcuff them if they are proven to have been protecting illegal drugs and gambling in the city.

“Anyone who is involved should stop now… You are no longer close to the mayor,” he said in his first State of the City Address at the opening of the city council’s session.

Moreno also hit the team of his predecessor, Joseph Estrada, for failing to turn over reports on the city government.

He zeroed in on the Estrada administration’s expenses for commercial contracts, which he alleged reached P2.9 billion from May 13 to June 28 alone. – With Rainier Allan Ronda, Marc Jayson Cayabyab