Unprecedented Tensions: Polytechnic University of the Philippines Students March Against Corruption and Demand Education Reform

On October 10, 2025, an unprecedented wave of activism swept through the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Manila, as thousands of students staged a massive walkout to protest rampant corruption, demand increased education funding, and call for systemic reforms. The demonstration, which unfolded across multiple campuses, marked a significant moment in the nation’s ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability in governance.

The Spark of Protest

The catalyst for this large-scale mobilization was the government’s alleged involvement in a massive corruption scandal linked to flood control projects. Investigations revealed that billions of pesos intended for critical infrastructure were misappropriated, with politically connected contractors allegedly siphoning off funds through fraudulent schemes. This revelation ignited widespread outrage among the Filipino populace, particularly among the youth, who felt the brunt of the government’s misallocation of resources.

In response, PUP students, who have a history of activism, organized the walkout to voice their dissent against the government’s priorities. They decried the diversion of funds from essential services like education to corrupt practices, highlighting the dire need for systemic change.

The Walkout: A Unified Stand

On the morning of October 10, students across PUP’s 10 campuses simultaneously walked out of their classes, holding placards emblazoned with slogans such as “Fund Education, Not Corruption” and “Convict the Corrupt Now.” The demonstration was marked by its peaceful nature, with participants marching in unison, chanting for justice and accountability.

Student leaders emphasized that the protest was not just about the corruption scandal but also about the chronic underfunding of the education sector. They pointed to deteriorating campus facilities, lack of resources, and the increasing financial burden on students as evidence of the government’s neglect of public education.

The Broader Context: A Nation in Uproar

The PUP walkout was part of a larger wave of protests sweeping across the Philippines. On September 21, 2025, tens of thousands of Filipinos took to the streets in what was dubbed the “Trillion Peso March.” The demonstration was a response to allegations that over ₱1.9 trillion had been misused in flood control projects over the past 15 years. The protests drew support from various sectors, including students, church groups, and civil society organizations, all united in their demand for accountability and transparency.

In the wake of these revelations, several high-ranking officials, including Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, resigned, acknowledging the need for an independent investigation into the matter. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also expressed support for the protests, stating that the public’s anger was justified and vowing to hold those responsible accountable.

The Role of Social Media and the Youth

Social media played a pivotal role in organizing and amplifying the voices of the protesters. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok were flooded with hashtags such as #FundEducationNotCorruption and #ConvictTheCorruptNow, which trended nationally. These platforms allowed students to share their stories, mobilize peers, and garner support from the wider community.

The youth’s active participation in these protests underscores a generational shift towards greater political awareness and activism. Many students expressed frustration over the government’s failure to address their concerns and vowed to continue their advocacy until meaningful changes were implemented.

The Aftermath: Calls for Reform

In the days following the walkout, PUP student leaders met with university administrators and government representatives to present their demands, which included:

Increased Funding for Education: Allocating a larger portion of the national budget to public universities to improve facilities, hire qualified faculty, and provide scholarships for deserving students.

Accountability for Corruption: Conducting thorough investigations into the alleged misuse of funds in flood control projects and prosecuting those found guilty.

Transparency in Governance: Implementing measures to ensure that government projects are subject to public scrutiny and that funds are allocated based on merit and need.

These demands reflect a broader call for systemic reforms aimed at addressing the root causes of corruption and underdevelopment in the country.

Conclusion: A Turning Point

The October 10 walkout at PUP stands as a testament to the power of student activism and the collective will of the youth to effect change. It highlights the critical role that education plays in shaping a nation’s future and the necessity of safeguarding it from the corrosive effects of corruption. As the Philippines grapples with these challenges, the voices of its students serve as a beacon of hope, reminding the nation that the fight for justice and accountability is far from over.