Mocha’s UST honor stirs up social media

Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson was conferred yesterday by the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association Inc. (UST AAI) with the Thomasian Alumni Award for Government Service, drawing negative reactions from netizens.

The UST Central Student Council (CSC), the institution’s highest student body, was quick to denounce UST AAI’s move, saying Uson is undeserving of the recognition given by the alumni association during the Grand Alumni Homecoming.

“We express dismay over this even as Mocha Uson does not, in any way, embody the ideals of a real Thomasian, and with all due respect, Ms. Esther Margaux ‘Mocha’ Justiniano Uson does not deserve an award that was supposed to be meant solely for outstanding Thomasian alumni,” the UST CSC said in a statement that was posted on its official Facebook page.

The UST CSC said Uson is “widely known as the main purveyor of politically motivated propaganda against known members of the government’s opposition, and an avid spreader of fake news.”

Uson, a columnist of The STAR, was given the award “to serve as an inspiration to other government workers.”

UST AAI president Henry Tenedero explained that Uson was recognized to inspire her “to return to the old Thomasian values.”

Netizens took to Facebook their dismay.

Joy SJ Marcial wrote: “Shame shame shame USTe !!!!! KADIRI !!!!!! Not a proud Thomasian right now.”

“If Mocha has decency, she should return the award. She shouldn’t wait for UST Alumni Association to recall it.

Unahan na niya,” Philip Jr Lustre said. “As Thomasians, we regret the (award) given to Mocha Uson. The conferment of the award is a great disservice to the countless other Thomasians who have dedicated their lives to genuine public service,” several UST students posted as they shared a solidarity statement with a hashtag #ItStartsWithUST.

Today is the UST’s first day of classes for the second semester of the current school year.

Uson expressed her gratitude for having received the award. She told her bashers to just enjoy their freedom of expression or speech.

She also said that the administration does not mind what critics say because that is what democracy is all about.

Uson, 35, was one of the 27 awardees for government service. She earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.