To challenge rampant government corruption, students from the Philippines' top universities are urging the public to join an anti-corruption rally at Luneta Park on September 21, dubbed ‘Flood Luneta.’
Leading the march are the Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA), a network of organizations from schools along Taft Avenue, and the Panatang Luntian Coalition, a group of young environmentalists and various student councils.
According to University of the Philippines Student Regent Dexter Clemente, the recent UP student walk-out protest leader, there is outrage over large-scale thievery, shameless nepotism, and hyper-partisanship among corrupt politicians.
“We call on fellow young people and our elders to gather at Luneta on September 21. Let us call out and condemn the politicians and contractors who wear different colors but worship the color of money, who steal our people’s money,” Clemente said in a joint statement with other convenors of the protest.
De La Salle University Professor David Michael San Juan, a convenor for TAMA NA, clarified that the event is open to all who oppose corruption and advocate for prioritizing social services and systemic change, with the sole exception of those who remain loyal to and defend corrupt politicians.
“Remember, the anomalies in the flood control projects happened both in the Duterte and Marcos administrations. Puno na ang salop. The corrupt must pay. Charge and jail the guilty,” San Juan added.
Niña Fegi of Panatang Luntian emphasized the group's non-partisan stance and called for youth involvement in environmental protection.
"We are neither pro-Duterte nor pro-Marcos; we are the youth who care for the environment," she stated.
Fegi added that protecting the environment means holding officials accountable for resource plundering and urged participation in forums, mobilizations, and student-led actions.
Organizers have intentionally scheduled the rally to align with the anniversary of the declaration of martial law, a date historically significant for political protests in the Philippines.
