School shuts off lights on Sass Sasot graduation speech, CEO issues apology

Consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquaSass Sasot (inset) is an outspoken transgender vlogger and supporter of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr."]

School shuts off lights on Sass Sasot graduation speech, CEO issues apology

  The president a Philippine school caught in controversy for shutting off lights during a graduation speech of vlogger Sass Sasot has apologized in a statement clarifying the issue. The incident happened on June 3 when Sasot, an outspoken transgender vlogger and supporter of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., was invited as a speaker at a graduation ceremony of Southern Philippines Institute of Science and Technology (SPIST). While Sasot was giving her commencement speech to graduates, the lights and sound system at the venue were switched off. Sasot was soon approached by a staff and asked to step down the podium. The graduation rite was cut short after that. The school blamed the incident on the venue owner who is a member of religious group Church of God. The venue owner reportedly objected to the transgender Sasot giving the commencement speech. In a statement, Dr. Erlinda Manzanero, President and CEO of Southern Philippines Institute of Science and Technology in Imus City, apologized over the incident. “What transpired yesterday was beyond our control. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience it caused, and we understand your frustration because you’ve waited for this event but suddenly the thrill and excitement was lost,” Manzanero said. Manzanero said that school officials will hold accountable whoever was responsible for the incident. She described the act as an “attack to our institution causing damage against SPIST, graduates, parents, and respected guests.” The owner of the venue has yet to issue an official statement. ICA/Expat Media

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