'Ikulong na 'yan!': Youth groups, students rally in Manila against corrupt politicians
Student and youth groups staged a protest in Mendiola, Manila, on Friday, Oct. 17, to condemn the alleged misuse of government funds. (Photo by John Louie Abrina)
Around 1,000 individuals from various progressive youth groups and student organizations trooped to Mendiola, Manila to protest widespread corruption in the country, particularly the flood control project scandal that allegedly involves top officials of the national government.
The Manila Police District (MPD) said the protesters, who joined the demonstration dubbed as "National Day of Action Kontra Korapsyon," came from several universities and colleges across Manila and Quezon City, as well as other progressive youth groups.
They angrily chanted "Ikulong na 'yan, mga kurakot," demanding that corrupt politicians be jailed immediately and calling for systematic change in governance.
Despite the ongoing probe into anomalous flood control projects discovered nationwide, the protesters criticized the investigations as "slow paced," saying that as time passes, it is the youth and ordinary Filipinos who suffer and feel the brunt of corruption's effects.
In addition to corruption, student rights, and the lack of government support for the education sector, some demonstrators also called for justice for Eric Saber, a 35-year-old man who died during the Sept. 21 riot on Recto Avenue after being hit by a stray bullet in his neck, the MPD said.