The University of the Philippines Speech Communication Association (UP SPECA) has apologized to actor-writer Juan Miguel Severo for the hostile messages posted by a member of its organization on Feb. 16.
"It was a gesture uncalled for, unbecoming of the principles that we strove to embody," read a statement from UP SPECA on Feb. 17.
Severo has been invited to speak in UP. He accepted the invite.
Later, a member of UP SPECA posted "program details" for his speaking engagement.
Netizens found the post offensive. Here's the post:
Severo responded with a tweet: "Huwag ganito, guys. May mga trabaho ang taong paglalaanan kayó ng oras na hiningi ninyo. Huwag na lang ninyong imbitahin. :)"
Netizens urged Severo to boycott the speaking engagement.
Moments later, the UP SPECA issued a public apology to Severo.
*ERRATUM: The last paragraph of the first image should read, “We do not, in any way, condone the culture of unprofessionalism, hate, and irresponsibility within our organization.”