Various youth organizations across the country are preparing to launch a series of protests against what they describe as the “rampant corruption” in government—days ahead of the planned nationwide demonstration on November 30.
In an interview with True FM on Wednesday, October 22, UP Diliman University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Joaquin Buenaflor revealed that talks are already underway among youth groups both inside and outside universities.
“Definitely po, hindi kami maghihintay ng November 30,” Buenaflor said. “Kami mismo ‘yong hihinog sa kondisyon sa paglaban ng mga kabataan.”
He added that coordination among student leaders and youth advocates continues to intensify nationwide.
“Tuloy-tuloy ‘yong mga student leaders across the country. Mga lider hindi lang ng mga kabataan mula sa pamantasan pero may kabataan din kaming kausap across [interested] organizations. Mayroong hiphop united, mayroong mga members ng iba’t ibang community na nakakausap din namin,” he explained.
Buenaflor also assured the public that the youth movement’s collective actions will persist in the coming days.
“Definitely, makakaasa kayo na tuloy-tuloy ‘yong paglaban leading to November 30 ng mga kabataan,” he emphasized.
Addressing those who remain indifferent to the ongoing protests, Buenaflor reminded the public that corruption affects everyone in their daily lives.
“With or without participating, you are affected with this issue. Dikit sa sikmura ‘yong isyu ng korapsyon. Paggising pa lang, may korapsyon agad na nangyayari, ‘yong presyo ng iniinom mong kape, ‘yong presyo ng mga almusal mo, lahat ‘yan may portion na napupunta sa corruption,” he said.
“Maging active tayo na mag-participate sa paglikha ng kasaysayan dahil ‘yong mga pagkilos naman ay hindi naman siya for the interest of the youth lang. Interes siya ng sambayanang Pilipino[…]” Buenaflor concluded.