5,000 Benguet students walk out to protest corruption

Around 5,000 students from major Benguet universities staged synchronized classroom walkouts on November 18, culminating in a centralized protest in Baguio.

The demonstrations denounced government corruption amid national budget controversies, specifically citing businessman Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co's claim of P100 billion in budget insertions.

Student groups highlighted that widespread corruption deprives schools of resources, leading to inadequate services and outdated facilities.

Representatives from Saint Louis University (SLU) criticized yearly tuition increases, noting a recent 6.25 percent rise in tuition and other fees.

The protests also addressed local concerns, including a Public Private Partnership proposal for a new public market and the phase-out of traditional jeepneys.

These campus walkouts are seen as a prelude to larger nationwide protests scheduled for Bonifacio Day on November 30.