Thousands of students from the University of the Philippines – Diliman (UPD) gathered at Quezon Hall on Friday, October 17, to amplify their call for accountability amid allegations of widespread government corruption.
UPD College of Media and Communication Dean Dr. Maria Diosa Labiste endorsed the activity, which sought to sustain the momentum of youth-led actions demanding justice and transparency from government institutions.
“The lack of concrete action from the relevant government bodies necessitates that the youth and the broader masses unite once more on October 17 to demand full accountability from the highest offices of the land,” the UP CMC Student Council said in its letter requesting Labiste’s endorsement.
In an interview with Manila Standard, UP Student Regent Ron Dexter Clement expressed frustration over the government’s perceived inaction on corruption issues.
“Sa tingin ko, dalawang buwan na ang lumipas mula nang pumutok ang isyu ng mga anomalya sa flood control at korapsyon sa Pilipinas, ngunit hanggang ngayon, wala pa ring napapanagot. Walang nakakulong, walang napatunayan,” Clement said.
As investigations and hearings continue, students demand accountability from top government officials—including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte—for their alleged involvement and complicity in corruption scandals.
They also criticized the perceived lack of transparency in the ongoing probes and the persistence of pork barrel allocations in the recently passed national budget.
“Taking action is no longer an option; it has become a duty,” said Joaquin Buenaflor, chairperson of the UPD University Student Council.
This is the second time UPD students walked out to protest government corruption. The previous “Black Friday” protest attracted a crowd of over 3,000 people in one of the biggest walkouts in the university since the pandemic.
“Malinaw na ang galit ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan ay umaapaw na hanggang gobyerno, hanggang kahit saang lupalop ng bansa,” said Moira Alfonso, UPD University Student Council vice chairperson.
