THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS from universities across Metro Manila, along with other participating institutions, marched to Mendiola as part of the National Day of Action Kontra Korapsyon, demanding accountability over the alleged multibillion-peso corruption scandal by government officials last October 17.
The demonstration was organized through the concerted efforts of the recently formed coalition of youth groups, Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK), drawing contingents from universities situated around the University Belt and other participating educational establishments such as the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and other political groups such as the Gabriela Partylist, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, and Kabataan Partylist.
The assembly was also joined by labor organizations and journalists’ alliances in a show of force described by organizers as “the continuation of a flood of outrage” that began with protests such as the September 21 “Baha sa Luneta” and “Trillion Peso March.”
The march began at around 2:00 p.m., with the different universities and coalitions, who held their own snake rallies at their establishments, converging at the intersection of Recto Avenue and Nicanor Reyes Street, with protesters also coming from Legarda Street.
Having officially convened in front of the gates of Mendiola, various advocacy groups and pertinent civil society organizations took to the stage to empower the youth as a collective and to shed light on the matter at hand—the severity of corruption and lack of accountability.
One of the labor organizations present was Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), represented by its chairperson Jerome Adonis, who was one of the speakers that took the stage to address the Filipino youth’s frustration and the corruption that thrives and plagues the overall future of the nation.
“Ang determinasyon ng kabataan na mag-walkout at pumunta mismo sa tarangkahan ng Mendiola…ay nagpapakita na ang kabataan ay hindi sila [makapapayag] sa paulit-ulit na cycle ng generation by generation na pinagnanakawan lang ng kasulukuyang gobyerno,” he told The Bedan in an interview.
Adonis further emphasized the correlation between these acts of corruption and the stolen future, accentuating how the funds stolen were the future stolen from the Filipino people
“…Sa bawat sentimo na pinagnanakawan tayo, ang katumbas niyan, maraming mga kabataang Pilipino ang hindi makakapag-aral and therefore, ninanakawan [ng] kinabukasan,” he expressed in defiance of the corrupt system.
One of the key personalities who took the stage to address the youth protesters was Kabataan Partylist Representative Atty. Renee Co, who commended the youth for taking an active stand and leading the call for accountability. She also drew parallels between today’s mobilizations and the origins of the Kabataan Partylist, elucidating the historical account of the youth advocacy group.
“Ang Kabataan Partylist, actually, ginawa siya dahil sa anti-corruption protest ni President Estrada. Nagkaroon ng Estrada Resign Youth Movement, at ang mga grupong lumabas dito ang bumuo ng Kabataan Partylist. Kaya po sa amin, malaki ang appreciation na ito ang kilos ng kabataan,” she shared, underlining the unchanging fact of how youth action holds significant power.
On the other hand, Brell Lacerna, national spokesperson of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), underscored the historical significance of walkouts, framing them as both an educational act and a form of resistance.
“Historically, walkouts have shook the government. Historically, walkouts have paralyzed our schools because the students know, and the students chose to go out of their classrooms to even learn here in the streets and to decry the current rotten system that we have. And this militant tradition still exists and is still as powerful as ever. Kaya kailangan na patunayan ito ng mga kabataan na lumikha siya ng kasaysayan para sa pagbabago,” he voiced.
Lacerna also expounded as he condemned what he described as a pattern of impunity under the current administration.
“Nakakagalit na si Marcos ang numero unong perpetrator ng impunity sa ating bansa,” he said as he questioned the incumbent president’s presence in the face of the violence surrounding the September 21 demonstration, wherein several youth participants were “hinaras… at kinulong ang mga minor de edad at maging [ang] mga mamamahayag…”
Adonis and Atty. Co both echoed these sentiments as they directed their message to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., establishing how these anomalies are happening more than halfway into his administration.
All pertinent speakers in the demonstration collectively called on the young people to sustain their participation beyond one-day demonstrations and to not be afraid, as “fighting for one’s rights will never be wrong.”
“Sana hindi dito matapos…Huwag tayong tumigil, ituloy natin ang mga protesta dahil ito ang tama — hanggang sa mapanagot natin ang mga dapat managot,” Adonis said.
By late afternoon, protesters began hanging uniforms and placards along the barbed-wire fences on Mendiola as a symbol of youth resistance and solidarity. Speeches alternated with performances and chants, punctuated by calls to “defend truth, demand justice.”
The demonstration concluded with a sing-along as demonstrators vowed to continue their campaign for truth and accountability.
Despite a heavy police presence in the area, the mobilization remained peaceful, with the crowd dispersing at around 5:00 in the afternoon.
“Kayo mismo ang magbabago ng lipunan,” Adonis told the students. “Kayo ang magmamana ng bayan na ito. Ipaglaban ninyo ang isang lipunan na para sa mahihirap, hindi para sa mga magnanakaw.”
(with Nicko Gabriel Dela Vega)