By: James Murillo Elaco
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — With raised voices, placards, and unshaken resolve, students of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan filled the streets outside their campus on September 13, 2025, to denounce what they called the “rotting system of corruption” in government.
The protest, led by the Central Student Government together with the Social Involvement and Advocacy Program, was not just another campus activity. It was a loud, collective cry from the youth: enough of the lies, enough of the theft, enough of the silence.
Luis Nicholai Wong, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs, minced no words. “Corruption kills. Every peso stolen from the people robs us of education, health, and safety. We see it in useless flood control projects, in classrooms that never get built, in lives lost because funds were pocketed. As Filipinos, we deserve better.”
For Wong and the protesters, this fight carries no political color, no partisan ties. It is about justice, accountability, and survival. “Dili ni politika. This is about calling out whoever is guilty, no matter what position they hold. We will not stay quiet while our future is stolen,” Wong added.
The students’ action echoes the growing unrest nationwide, with youth groups from other Ateneo schools and universities also staging similar protests. Across the country, young Filipinos are refusing to inherit a system rotten with corruption.
Their message is clear: the youth will not be passive. They will mobilize, they will resist, and they will demand accountability. “Enough na ang paghilom. Enough na ang pagtabon sa isyu. If leaders think they can continue this cycle, they are wrong. The youth are awake, and we will not stop until we get the governance we deserve,” Wong declared.
As 2028 elections loom, the Xavier Ateneo students vowed to intensify their calls, hold more forums, and push harder for reforms. For them, the fight is far from over.
Their protest ended with chants echoing through the streets: “No to corruption! Yes to accountability! The youth deserve better!”
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