By Jeffrey Damicog  Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has opposed proposals to remove the scholarships of government students, who have been found participating in anti-government protests. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra
(TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) “With due respect, such a proposal, if adopted, would effectively restrain the youth's constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression,” said Guevarra in a statement. The Secretary responded to the proposal made by National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairman Ronald Cardema who asked President Rodrigo Duterte to take the steps against these “rebellious” scholars. Guevarra, instead, said schools should take pride in their students, who have committed themselves into taking firm stand on issues affecting society. “Our state universities and colleges, instead of taking it against militant students by dropping them from the roll, should be proud that they are producing young people who are socially aware and concerned not only about themselves but also about the nation,” he pointed out. Cardema said he has asked Duterte to issue an Executive Order, removing the government scholarships of all anti-government scholars. “Specifically those students who are allied with the leftist CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front), a terrorist group that is trying to overthrow the Philippine Government and killing our government troops,” he added. In the meantime, Cardema urged youth leaders including those from Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and Citizen Army Training (CAT) to report scholars who are linked with communist groups. “It is the duty of every Filipino Youth to become our hope, in strengthening our nation, & to fight those who are trying to crush our Republic,” he stated.