NextSharkNextShark.com

Philippine President Duterte Says Oxford University is a ‘School for Stupid People’

Philippine President Duterte Says Oxford University is a ‘School for Stupid People’

July 31, 2017
SHARE
Oxford University, which ranks consistently among the top five universities in the world, has recently been dismissed as a “school for stupid people” by no less than the brash-talking Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.
The 72-year-old leader’s pronouncement was reportedly a response to a study from the institution that exposed his use of “keyboard trolls” which allegedly boosted his popularity on social media.
Oxford University, ranked number 1 in Times Higher Education’s 2016 list, did a recent study on how governments around the world allegedly use fake social media accounts to sway public opinion and advance political agenda.
The research has found that Duterte paid $200,000 in 2016 for an online army of trolls to launch a social media campaign to influence civilians and groups to back his every move online.
Subscribe to
NextShark's Newsletter

A daily dose of Asian America's essential stories, in under 5 minutes.

Get our collection of Asian America's most essential stories to your inbox daily for free.

Unsure? Check out our Newsletter Archive.

Responding to a question by news outlet Rappler about Oxford’s research called Troops, Trolls, and Troublemakers: A Global Inventory of Organised Social Media Manipulation,” Duterte lashed out, claiming he no longer needs it.
While he has admitted to doing so during the campaign period, he claims that it has been discontinued once he was elected.

“Now I do not need it. I do not need to defend myself against attacks. I stated my piece during my inauguration and my campaign. Oxford University? That’s a school for stupid people,” Duterte was quoted as saying.
The report, however, has found that many of the so-called “keyboard trolls” hired to spread propaganda for presidential candidate Duterte during the election have continued their purpose of spreading posts supporting his policies even after his victory.
Duterte, whose presidential campaign focused on a so-called tough stance against drugs and crime, has remained popular despite thousands of deaths in his nationwide anti-drug crackdown.
Losing Philippine vice presidential candidate and staunch Duterte ally Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. once claimed he earned a “diploma in political science” from Oxford University, which turned out to be a special diploma in social studies,” not political science.
Feature image via Wikimedia Commons / Philippine Presidential Communications Operations Office
MOST READ
    HAPPENING NOW
      Ryan General

      Ryan General is a Senior Reporter for NextShark

      SHARE THIS ARTICLE:

      RELATED STORIES FROM NEXTSHARK

      Support
      NextShark's
      Journalism

      Many people might not know this, but NextShark is a small media startup that runs on no outside funding or loans, and with no paywalls or subscription fees, we rely on help from our community and readers like you.

      Everything you see today is built by Asians, for Asians to help amplify our voices globally and support each other. However, we still face many difficulties in our industry because of our commitment to accessible and informational Asian news coverage.

      We hope you consider making a contribution to NextShark so we can continue to provide you quality journalism that informs, educates, and inspires the Asian community. Even a $1 contribution goes a long way. Thank you for supporting NextShark and our community.

      © 2023 NextShark, Inc. All rights reserved.