UST admits high school salutatorian in viral video

MANILA, Philippines — The University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Tuesday allowed the enrollment of the high school salutatorian who became controversial after her graduation speech was cut short by her former school.

The decision to admit Krisel Mallari to the UST Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy was approved following the release of her conditional certificate of good moral character.

A video of Mallari's interrupted speech at the graduation ceremony of the Santo Niño Parochial School went viral on social media in March. The Quezon City school then refused to release the certificate needed for admission to the UST accountancy program until an order of the Court of Appeals last week.

Mallari, however, was told that the UST council has yet to decide on her admission.

"She (Mallari) was accepted on the merit of the credentials she presented to us," UST Accountancy Dean Patricia Empleo told the Varsitarian, the official publication of the university.

"She was advised already together with her lawyer (Public Attorney’s Office Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta)," Empleo said. The student processed her enrollment with her legal counsel and father.

Mallari's camp refused to comment on the UST's decision to admit her.