OFFICIALS of the University of Santo Tomas rejected the appeal of students to suspend classes amid the political situation in the country.

Earlier, UST student leaders demanded the postponement of classes for a week and requested to move the submission of deadlines to May 14.

They claimed that students suffered “election anxieties” after unofficial election results showed a landslide victory in favor of Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

However, UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel said that suspending classes could be “counterproductive as this may lead to overlapping timelines for the submission of the remaining requirements in order to comply with the academic calendar.”

He said that the university had “existing policies and procedures to accommodate those who may communicate beforehand that they may not be able to return to work or study for valid reasons.”

“This may cause even greater anxiety for teachers and students alike,” Coronel added.

Meanwhile, Coronel lauded the “extreme effort and dedication” exhibited by the Thomasian community during the elections.

“Indeed, this historical event brought all Thomasians together to do what we think is best for our beloved country, regardless of our political preferences,” he stressed.

“We may not know what the future holds after these elections, but what we do today will definitely determine the change that we want for tomorrow. We find ways to balance our academic responsibilities with our volunteer activities,” he said.

“We remain vigilant in promoting the common good and protecting the interests of our country and the people we serve. May we remain discerning of all information we encounter, and distinguish facts from opinions,” he added.