More than 5,000 youth and students marched together toward Mendiola in Manila on October 17 as part of the National Youth Day of Action Against Corruption. Led by national democratic organizations, student councils, and alliances, the youth chanted: “Kick out Marcos-Duterte! Change the rotten system!”

Students walked out and held local programs in their respective universities before heading to Mendiola. Youth groups from private and public universities, large and small schools all joined the demonstration. Students from 28 universities and private institutions took action.

These included the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP); schools under the One Taft Alliance such as UP Manila, De La Salle University (DLSU)-Manila, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, St. Scholastica’s University Manila, Philippine Normal University, Technological University of the Philippines, and Adamson University; the One University Belt Alliance members including University of Sto. Tomas, Far Eastern University, University of the East (UE)-Manila, National University-Manila, Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), Arellano University, San Beda University, Centro Escolar University, and National Teachers’ College; One Intramuros Alliance members including Mapua University, Unibersidad de Manila, Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran; One Quirino Alliance members including Our Lady of Fatima University-Quezon City, Bestlink College of the Philippines, and Quezon City University (QCU); as well as Philippine Christian University and UE-Caloocan.

Some universities had already protested and joined the expanding walkout movement that started in the second week of September. From Luzon to the Visayas and even in Mindanao, students took a stand against corruption.

An estimated over 40,000 students and youth participated in walkouts nationwide. The most recent of these were held at Mapua University and De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.

“The youth once again took hold of history and stood up against corruption and the rotten system. The youth clearly see that the problem does not just involve a few corrupt individuals but the entire system,” Anakbayan said. According to the group, the large demonstration showed that young people no longer believe in achieving justice and accountability under the Marcos regime.

“We clearly have nothing to expect from the current regime,” said Anakbayan. This is proven by the widespread corruption in government, the halting of Senate and congressional investigations, the bogus Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the exoneration of Sara Duterte for her plunder of public funds, billions in confidential funds, unprogrammed appropriations, ghost flood control projects, and substandard projects in the 2026 national budget.

Kabataan Party-list (KPL) Rep. Renee Co attended the Mendiola march. “A raised-fist salute to all the youth who understand that the we are the nation’s hope, we who have decisively walked out, and prioritized the historic struggle for the people’s welfare, for the nation, and for the future!” she said.

The party challenges to further broaden the anti-corruption movement. According to KPL, the power of the youth alone is not enough because the fight against corruption is every Filipino’s struggle. “The youth are challenged to take the fight beyond campuses. Let us organize with the working class, farmers, and other toiling sectors that form the majority. Let us study the roots of our nation’s poverty!” KPL stated.

Outside Metro Manila, students also staged walkouts and protest pickets in Baguio City, Nueva Ecija, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Cebu City, Iloilo City, and Davao City. Hundreds walked out at Central Luzon State University (CLSU), UP Los Baños, Southern Luzon State University, UP Visayas, and other campuses that day.