UP, PUP Students to Walk Out Over Corruption, Budget Cuts

Students at several campuses of the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) will stage a walkout on Friday, Sept. 18, to condemn government corruption and looming budget cuts in 2027. Campus-wide walkouts are scheduled in UP’s Diliman and Los Baños campuses at 11:30 a.m. and PUP students are also expected to join the protest. The demonstrations highlight students' strong concerns over potential reductions in investment in the education sector and allegations of misuse of public funds. This action reflects a growing demand for transparency and accountability in government financial management, particularly regarding its impact on future educational quality and opportunities. Education budgets are considered vital for a nation's future, and any cuts pose serious issues for students and educators. Corruption has consistently been cited as a factor that impedes national development by diverting limited public funds from essential services. The students' collective action signifies the youth's active engagement with the country's political and economic landscape, underscoring the importance of civic participation in the Philippines' democratic processes.