Thousands of PUP students walk out to protest alleged government corruption

Thousands of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) students from 10 campuses participated in a coordinated walkout on Friday, October 10, to protest alleged government corruption.

The event, dubbed the "United PUP Walkout Against Corruption," aimed to demand increased and adequate funding for state universities and colleges and called for swift justice and harsher punishments against those accused of corruption.

Protesters highlighted their opposition to escalating corruption, particularly concerning alleged anomalous flood control projects involving lawmakers, DPWH officials and engineers, and contractors.

Organizers estimated that between 20,000 and 30,000 students joined the protest, which received cooperation from PUP faculty, staff, and the university administration.

Arlan Camba, president of the PUP Teachers' Union, stated that the walkout was a show of solidarity with Filipinos condemning the rise of corruption in the country.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Sarah Elago commented that "Our youth felt that their future is being stolen from them."

PUP students in Sta. Mesa, Manila staged a walkout on Friday to protest against the corruption in the government, with students vowing to continue their fight regardless of the weather.

Employees of PUP also joined the rally, expressing frustration over their lower salaries due to corruption.

Meanwhile, civic and religious groups held a "white ribbon" protest in EDSA Shrine, calling for the detention of corrupt individuals, with similar protests planned for the following Fridays.