Singson tells youth: Ditch classes, revolt vs corruption
By Joseph Pedrajas and Patrick Garcia
Business magnate and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson has called on students across the country to boycott their classes in protest against the government over billions-worth of anomalies in the flood control projects.
Singson, a former ally-turned-critic of President Marcos, called on parents, including those who are members of the military and the police, to let their children to take to the streets and lead the "revolution against corruption."
"This is for the future of the children. Mga kabataan—pabayaan natin sila. Sila ang mag lead ng revolution para matanggal ang corruption natin (Let them. They should lead the revolution against corruption)," he said in a press conference on Friday, Sep. 19.
As tens of thousands of disgruntled Filipino are expected to hold rally over the weekend, Singson expressed concern that it might be violent.
"Ang suggestion ko lng wag na natin pahirapan ang taumbayan. Rally rally baka may manggulo pa. Ang pakiusap ko lng, it will be a peaceful revolution about corruption. Ang mga kabataan, ang mga estudyante, ang mag lelead ng revolution na ito (My only suggestion is just not to make it even harder for the people: that they will have to keep rallying. I'm afraid that it may lead to violence. I hope it's gonna be a peaceful revolution abouyt corruption. The youth, the students, must lead the revolution)," he said.
"Wag na tayo magpunta sa kalye. High school and colleges—pwera yung mga nasa kindergarten, mga elementary—hinto muna sila hanggat di bumababa ang mga kurap sa gobyerno (Don't go to the streets anymore. High school and colleges, except those in kindergarten and elementary—should ditch classes until those who are corrupt step down)," he added.
Singson called on the youth "to stand up because it is their rights."
"Hindi 'to para samin. Tumutulong lang po kami sa inyo (This is not for us. We're just helping you)," he added.