University of the East as a business interest of Lucio Tan

Mongster Nest

Friday, 22 April 2005

Lucio Tan: When education becomes business

Not too long ago, it was Lucio Tan who holds the distinction as the most notorious capitalist-educator in the country. He boasted of turning the University of the East into a profitable school by charging higher fees and started the practice of collecting dubious charges such as aircon fee. Today UE is still making money but enrollment has dwindled and student rights such as freedom of assembly are violated.

Lucio Tan's notoriety of exploiting schools for profit is obscured by the accolade he receives in the media for being a "philanthropist and benefactor" of many education programs.

Lucio Tan’s success in reinventing his image from a tax evader and Marcos crony to an avid promoter of education while earning big money has inspired other wealthy businessmen to invest in education as well. Senator Recto once exposed that the motive of these new school owners is to apply for tax discounts.

Studies must be made to determine the impact of corporatization of our schools especially in the light of the government policy of pressuring state universities to be operated as semi-corporatized institutions.

This magnanakaw Intsik thinks he can fool all the Filipinos with his bogus philanthropy feats?