By Kasharelle Javier and Lana Laurel

Far Eastern University (FEU) students, alongside progressive groups, marched at the ‘Baha sa Luneta 2.0’ protest to carry on Andres Bonifacio’s spirit and denounce widespread government corruption at Luneta Park, Manila last November 30.

Commemorating Bonifacio Day, Tamaraws joined the protest in reiterating the masses' call for rightful justice following the issue of flood control ghost projects. 

Students from other schools in the University Belt also joined in solidarity once again for the cause. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Anakbayan (AB) FEU member Siean Bayutas explained the importance of embodying Bonifacio’s spirit in the fight for the nation’s future. 

“I think it's [a] good symbolism na ‘yun ang ginagawa natin ngayon (that this is what we’re doing here today)… We're expressing our beliefs outside, just like what he [Bonifacio] would have done,” he said.

Additionally, Bayutas expressed that becoming modern manifestations of Bonifacio is better than inaction.

“By doing what we're doing [protesting], marching here in Luneta, parang nako-continue natin ‘yung ideals niya (it’s like we’re continuing his ideals)… By marching outside, by expressing and showing all across Manila what we're fighting for, as opposed to not doing anything,” Bayutas added.

The AB FEU member further underscored parallels between Bonifacio’s era and today, noting that the same systems of corruption and exploitation he fought against still persist and that the Luneta march is an effort to carry forward his resistance through collective action.

As a student, Bayutas emphasized the importance of collective action as corruption threatens the education sector, pointing to the recurring budget cuts faced by state universities and colleges (SUCs) that limit students’ opportunities to learn.

“Well, first of all, ‘yung problema is, alam na natin ‘yung budget cuts ng UP [University of the Philippines], paulit-ulit ang bumabawas, na-restrict ‘yung options ng UP [students]. Who says na hindi tayo masusunod sa ganiyan in the way na magka-restrictions sa atin (The problem is we know about the budget cuts of UP, they keep decreasing the budget which constricts the options of UP students. Who says that we will not be next in line when it comes to those restrictions)... Basically, it's important for us to start now protesting and expressing our ideas,” he asserted.

In relation to this, the House of Representatives (HOR) rejected a proposed amendment last October 10 to increase the 2025 budget for 25 SUCs that were affected by last year’s budget cuts, asserting that allocations were already sufficient.

Kabataan Partylist Representative Renee Co filed a P6.7-billion increase for SUCs in the 2026 budget, citing the continued strain on 25 of 26 institutions that faced budget cuts. 

However, the amendment was once again rejected for the same reason, with the HOR stating that SUC allocations could no longer be increased.

In response, the Kabataan Partylist condemned the rejection, stressing that every student deserves accessible, quality, and free education.

Meanwhile, League of Filipino Students (LFS) Chairperson Jham Evangelista sympathized with the anger from the first Baha Sa Luneta. 

“Hindi natin maitatanggi ‘yung galit ng masa noong may nangyari noong September 21 (We cannot deny the masses’ anger last September 21),” Evangelista stressed. 

Alongside the sympathy that he feels, the LFS Chairperson understood the uproar because those involved are most affected with the initiative’s main cause. 

“Valid ‘yan para sa amin dahil, una, sila ‘yung unang-unang nakakaranas ng kahirapan at sila rin ‘yung susceptible sa mga ganitong klaseng pangwawalanghiya ng mga politiko at mga sangkot sa katiwalian (That is valid for us because first, they are the ones who experience poverty firsthand, and they are the most vulnerable to these kinds of abuses and corrupt practices by politicians involved in wrongdoing),” they asserted.

The LFS Chairperson highlighted the importance of continued resistance against corruption and abuse of power, stressing that politicians ignore the Filipino masses’ dissent and needs.

In addition, Evangelista explained that corruption also manifests in education through worsening infrastructure and disruptions in learning, citing the recurring floods in España Boulevard in Manila that leaves students struggling with resources, class suspensions, and inconsistent access to education.

“Dahil sa corruption, nababaha ‘yung España at ‘yung Morayta. Bagama’t matagal na silang binabaha, napapansin natin na mabilis na ‘yung pagbabaha, ‘yung pagtaas ng baha. Pangalawa roon, dahil nga may pagbaha, hindi na natin nagagamit ‘yung mga pamantasan natin,” the Communication student asserted.

They also highlighted that FEU’s shift to the hybrid setup for school year 2025-2026 has made it difficult for students to keep up with their studies, noting that not all students have proper spaces and resources at home, which compromises the quality of education.

Recalling the post-pandemic period when FEU was among the first universities in Manila to resume full face-to-face classes, Evangelista questioned why the institution regressed with the shift to a hybrid set-up this semester.

Moreover, the Communication student expressed frustrations over the lack of accountability on the misuse of funds in the flood control scam and the violent arrests of September 21 protesters, emphasizing that they are the ones who suffer the consequences of corruption.

In relation to this, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, alongside the Philippine National Police, denied allegations of violence such as the use of tear gas and firing a gun along Mendiola and Recto Avenue, adding that no deaths were reported.

However, reports from several witnesses stated otherwise and also claimed to have heard the sound of gunshots during the incident on Recto Avenue. 

The Manila Police District later confirmed that Eric Saber, a 35-year-old construction worker, was killed after being hit by a stray bullet during the Recto incident.

The student-activists encouraged the youth to get organized, stating that waiting for the elections is not enough as collective action is the most effective way to demand accountability from abusive politicians and push for genuine social change. 

The march was initially set to continue in Mendiola, but the program was cut short as the Philippine National Police had set up a barricade in Recto, prompting the protesters to disperse. 

(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)