SU president: Uphold truth, participate in politics
Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, Silliman University (SU) president, advised the SU community to uphold the truth and avoid participating in “political campaigns that seek to win voters through fraud, especially the deliberate spreading of disinformation or misinformation.”
McCann talked about civic responsibility and the coming national and local elections this May 2022 in her message during the virtual All-University Academic Convocation last March 23, 2022.
McCann emphasized SU’s commitment to “truth [and] its discovery, investigation, and dissemination.”
“Even as individuals, we must oppose lies, smear campaigns, and other ways of sowing confusion among voters,” she added.
Fighting disinformation
Those who have access to social media, said McCann, should “use their expertise to challenge disinformation, and where necessary, work together to take down websites deliberately engaged in it.”
“Members of the University community should use their expertise to promote fair and honest political journalism, consistent with our values,” McCann said.
McCann also encouraged the community to support or organize voter information events, at which the public can be given honest and reliable information on the candidates, their parties, and policies.
“Such information campaigns may be the best way to counter those who spread disinformation and misinformation,” said McCann.
Upholding values
McCann urged all members of the SU community to uphold the values of civility, honesty, and service to the common good in all political activities.
“Civility is not just about being nice. It means to uphold basic standards of fairness, mutual respect, and human dignity, even in our dealings with those with whom we disagree. The erosion of civility is a sure sign of a weakening in democratic institutions,” said McCann.
Participate in politics
McCann encouraged the public to exercise the right to suffrage, saying: “You, registered voters, must go out and vote on election day and make your vote count.”
McCann also urged all members of the SU community, especially students, to participate in political activities and be guided by SU’s motto, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).”
The said Bible verse, said McCann, should be the “key to how we exercise our civic responsibilities, and not just at election time.”
While SU “remains nonpartisan” and “supports no single candidate” as in the past elections, McCann said the University “leaves the decision to each and every Sillimanian” and remains committed to upholding its values.
“The University is pledged to be nonpartisan. The administration, its officers, and anyone officially representing the University is not to be directly involved in political campaigning, however, as a citizen of the Philippines and, as individuals, everyone should exercise our civic duties and responsibilities. Each is free to participate in political campaigns, but as individuals, not as representatives of the University, which must remain neutral with reference to these,” she explained.
