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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Taft universities unite vs corruption; to join Sept. 21 rallies on flood-control scam

Taft universities unite vs corruption; to join Sept. 21 rallies on flood-control scam

Published Sep 20, 2025 01:48 pm
An alliance of Taft universities is set to join the Sept. 21 rallies in Manila against the flood-control scam and systemic plunder. (Mark Balmores / Manila Bulletin / file)
An alliance of Taft universities is set to join the Sept. 21 rallies in Manila against the flood-control scam and systemic plunder. (Mark Balmores / Manila Bulletin / file)
Administrators, academics, and students from major universities along Taft Avenue have joined forces under the One Taft alliance to condemn corruption in flood-control projects and pledge participation in nationwide protests on September 21, coinciding with the anniversary of Martial Law.
In a joint statement, the group said Filipinos are “drowning in suffering” while “the corrupt are feasting on a flood of profits,” citing recent exposés on billions of pesos in public funds allegedly pocketed by contractors, congressmen, and bureaucrats for substandard or non-existent flood-control projects.
“The recent weeks have seen exposés on billions of pesos in public funds being divided among contractors, congressmen, and bureaucratic accomplices, in exchange for flood-control projects that are either substandard or nonexistent,” the statement read.
“But this is not just a matter of stolen money. When public funds are plundered, the lives of ordinary Filipinos are also put at risk,” the alliance said, stressing how perennial floods endanger urban communities and devastate farmers’ livelihoods.
The alliance also highlighted deaths caused by raging floodwaters, leptospirosis, and other flood-related tragedies, pointing to government negligence and “bureaucrat capitalism” as the root causes.
Broad academic-student alliance
The One Taft alliance was first formed in January 2025 to push for accountability and social justice.
The latest unity statement gathered signatories from De La Salle University (DLSU), Philippine Normal University (PNU), St. Paul University Manila, St. Scholastica’s College Manila, Santa Isabel College, and the University of the Philippines Manila, along with faculty groups, workers’ unions, and student councils.
Among the prominent signatories were DLSU President Bro. Bernard Oca, PNU President Dr. Bert J. Tuga, St. Paul University Manila President Sr. Evangeline Anastacio, and St. Scholastica’s College Manila Student Affairs Dean Victor Vigo Jr. Leaders of student councils, faculty unions, and professional organizations, including those from UP Manila, the PGH Physicians’ Association, and Manila Science High School, also endorsed the call.

Sept. 21 protest actions
The alliance said it will join mass rallies on September 21 to demand justice, accountability, and an end to systemic corruption in infrastructure spending.
The date marks the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, which they described as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked abuse of power.
“The One Taft alliance will stand with fellow Filipinos in facing the deluge of our time,” the alliance said. “Let us drown the plunderers in the rage of our just demands!” it added. 
RELATED STORIES: 
https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/18/teachers-urged-to-join-september-21-rally-vs-corruption
https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/20/symbol-of-resistance-white-ribbons-tied-around-luneta-ahead-of-anti-corruption-rally

Related Tags

One Taft alliance Taft universities unite vs corruption Sept. 21 rallies Philippines flood-control corruption scandal Manila student protest 2025 corruption Philippines student activism Manila
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