MANILA, Philippines - Militant student organizations will lead a Metro Manila-wide walk-out on Friday to protest against Charter change and a possible all-out war" against secessionist rebels, a statement released on Thursday said.
Youth for Accountability and Truth Now! (Youth ACT Now!), a coalition of militant student organizations, said students from various universities and public high schools from Metro Manila have pledged to walk out of their classes show the youth's opposition against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's moves to perpetuate herself in power."
Youth ACT Now! spokesperson and National Union of Students of the Philippines president Alvin Peters said youth and students are opposed to charter change or any moves to implement martial rule because these would allow the extension of a corrupt, treacherous and unrepentant regime."
The students will hold programs in their respective campuses before convening at Taft Avenue at noon for the central program.
They will then march to Roxas Boulevard to merge with other sectors for the Truth Festival rally, said the group.
For his part, League of Filipino Students (LFS) chairperson Vencer Crisostomo said they are protesting because President Arroyo's 'game plan and scenario-building' are becoming apparent.
"First, Charter change, then Arroyo and her militarist-thinking advisers are now manipulating the Mindanao conflict to sow an atmosphere of panic and chaos even in Manila and other regions," said Crisostomo.
Anakbayan chairperson Ken Ramos, meanwhile, said the government should prioritize boosting the economy before politicking.
"Instead of self-serving schemes, Mrs. Arroyo should address the present economic crisis burdening the people. Last we checked oil prices are still at record-high levels, the lines at NFA retail shops are not getting any shorter and the government is earning more windfalls via the VAT at the expense of our poor countrymen," said Ramos.
Youth ACT Now! said they are expecting participation from students from the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, College of St. Benilde, St. Scholastica, Ateneo, University of the East, University of Sto. Tomas, Far Eastern University, Adamson, Philippine Christian University, Lyceum, Letran, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Philippine Normal University, Jose Rizal University, Technological Institute of the Philippines and some public high schools around Metro Manila.
Members of Youth ACT Now! earlier staged a noise barrage in preparation for Fridays walk-out. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV