Respect begets respect

Dear President Duterte,

It is a basic Filipino right to have freedom of expression, and also that everyone’s rights must be respected. As you are looked up to as a role model in our country, we believe that respecting these rights should go both ways.

We respect that you have these views and opinions about our faith. But, although we all have the right to freedom of expression, it is still important to remember that we must uphold respect for others and be more vigilant about what we say.

We understand that you have your own opinion on our religion because you see us from an outsider’s point of view. In the same way, we too, are outsiders to your beliefs, yet we continue to uphold our respect toward you. Your generalizations and comments regarding the leaders of our religion make your position as President questionable.

We acknowledge that your duty as our President comes with a lot of pressure and stress. However, we believe that having an open mind toward the different cultures and beliefs of Filipinos would help unite our country amid our diversity. President Duterte, please don’t take this matter lightly as it deals with the beliefs of the people who look up to you.

ISABELLE MARTINNE I. CRISOLOGO, MARIA ELENA TRINIDAD S. DACO, LIANDRA ELISE C. ESPINOSA, ARIANNA SOFIA D.C. ROSAS, DIANE ANDRE M. VELASCO, Grade 12, Paref Woodrose School