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LOOK: Students demand truth, protest corruption ‘theatrics’


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LOOK: Students demand truth, protest corruption ‘theatrics’


MANILA, Philippines — Chanting “Kabataan, magkaisa! Baguhin ang bulok na sistema!” hundreds of students and youth groups marched to Mendiola on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, to mark the National Day of Action Kontra Korapsyon, a coordinated protest demanding accountability and justice over the alleged misuse of flood control funds.


The action was organized by a coalition of youth groups under the newly formed Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (People’s Movement Against Corruption), which emerged after a series of campus walkouts and rallies across the country.


 Protesters accused the Marcos administration of failing to hold top officials accountable in what they described as the worst corruption scandal in recent history.


A continuation of ‘Baha sa Luneta’


Friday’s protest was a continuation of the “Baha sa Luneta” demonstration held on Sept. 21, which culminated at Mendiola. That earlier march brought together students, teachers and civic groups calling for transparency in flood control projects that allegedly benefited a handful of favored contractors.


 At Mendiola, students carried banners that read “Pondo sa edukasyon, hindi sa korapsyon” and “Baguhin ang sistema.” They denounced what they called Malacañang’s “performative” response to corruption scandals and demanded that public funds be redirected to education and social services.

Youth groups unite under new alliance 


 Organizers said the Oct. 17 mobilization was facilitated by youth organizations that first met during the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot convening meeting. The gathering sought to build a broad alliance to sustain anti-corruption actions and encourage more students and first-time protesters to join.


They said the nationwide action sought to build unity across campuses and encourage first-time participants to speak out against corruption.



‘No to cover-ups’


In an Oct. 15 statement, youth groups accused the government of using “violence, disinformation and political theatrics” to divert attention from the scandal involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).


“No to cover-ups! We cannot trust an investigation that the public cannot scrutinize and that is controlled by the so-called OG ‘nepo baby’ in Malacañang and his cronies. All those involved in corruption must be held accountable — including Marcos Jr. himself,” said Joaquin Buenaflor, chairperson of the University of the Philippines Diliman University Student Council.


“The fact that the House-approved budget remains filled with pork, especially the Unprogrammed Appropriations under the President’s discretion, proves that Malacañang’s supposed investigations are nothing but peak performative behavior,” said Rep. Renee Co of Kabataan Party-list. 


“Police have been quicker to summon and jail those who fight corruption than those actually named in the anomalies — or even the unnamed masterminds and enablers, including the President himself,” said Aldrin Kitsune of Kalayaan Kontra Korapsyon.


“If Vice President Sara was not held accountable with Malacañang’s blessing, it is hard to expect that responsibility will reach the top if it is left to the President alone. Protest is our only way to make the truth come out,” said Fran Reyes, national spokesperson of Gabriela Youth.



White Ribbon Friday movement 


 In Quezon City, members of Akbayan Partylist, Tindig Pilipinas and Youth Against Kurakot held a White Ribbon Friday rally at Kamias corner EDSA, part of the ongoing Trillion Peso March Movement. Volunteers distributed white ribbons to motorists and pedestrians as a symbol of truth and accountability.


Placards read, “On Fridays, we wear white ribbon — Katotohanan at Pananagutan.”



Marching for a future


Under a gray sky threatening rain, the protests continued into the afternoon. The energy of the youth, their banners, chants, and unity spoke of a generation determined to claim their voice.


For these demonstrators, the fight against corruption is not just a political act — it is a declaration of ownership over the nation’s future. /dm





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