Students Stage Walkouts,Protests at UP Diliman and Manila Over Flood Control ‘Corruption‘
MANILA,Philippines – student protests erupted at the University of the Philippines’ Diliman and Manila campuses on Friday,as students walked out of classes and marched to demand accountability regarding alleged anomalies in flood control projects. The demonstrations coincided with nationwide “Black Friday” protests.
Protesters at both campuses called for accountability in the flood control controversy and increased funding for state education. In a striking display of dissent, students threw mud at tarpaulins bearing the images of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
President Marcos Jr. recently formed an independent commission to investigate the flood control anomalies.
at UP manila,protesters marched near a college building construction site and gathered at the Oblation statue.
The University of the Philippines issued a statement expressing its support for the protests,stating the issue of corruption in flood control projects is a matter of “gravest concern.” UP President Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez stated, ”The University views with gravest concern the revelation of deep-seated and massive corruption plaguing the flood control projects in the country. We cannot stay neutral.”
The Philippine National Police (PNP) stated it was “fully prepared“ for the black Friday protests, deploying over 2,000 police officers. PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. indicated security plans were in place should protests escalate to major government establishments, similar to recent events in Nepal and Indonesia.
