Davao city: Malaca±ang on Thursday called for a return to decency and respect following the circulation of videos showing students heckling President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his visit to Davao City. The appeal came after the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Davao apologized for the incident, saying the learners involved are undergoing disciplinary action, guidance and counseling, and values formation interventions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stressed the importance of setting good examples for the youth. 'Hindi matututo ng tamang pag-uugali ang mga kabataan kung ang nakikita nilang iniidolo nila na lider o ang mga nasa paligid nila ay wala ring modo, palamura at nagdarasal sa kapahamakan ng iba (The youth will not learn proper behavior if the leaders they idolize or the people around them lack manners, use offensive language and wish harm on others),' Castro said.

She lamented that the incident happened in a school setting, where values and character are expected to be nurtured. 'Nakakalungkot lamang na nangyari ito sa eskwelahan pa na nagpapakita kung ano na nga ba ang natutunan nila sa mga paaralan, sa bahay at sa paligid nila (It is saddening that this happened in a school, as it reflects what they have learned in school, at home, and from their surroundings),' Castro said.

The Palace official urged Filipinos to help instill good values among the youth. "Let us bring back decency to our country. Huwag natin pabayaan ang ating mga kabataan (Let us guide our youth),' she said.

The DepEd Schools Division of Davao earlier said the behavior of the students 'does not reflect the values of respect, discipline, and responsibility that our schools uphold.'