Philippine Universities Rally Against Corruption as CHED Upholds Students\' Right to Protest

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has firmly affirmed that students should never be silenced or intimidated for protesting corruption, as universities across the Philippines intensify their campaigns against graft this week.

In a statement released on September 23, CHED emphasized that students are exercising their rightful freedom to speak out against corruption and should be supported rather than punished. The agency urged higher education institutions to safeguard their students and provide assistance to those targeted for participating in protests.

"Students must never be silenced, threatened, or intimidated for standing up against corruption," the commission declared, underscoring the importance of protecting democratic dissent within academic communities.

CHED also clarified that participation in these rallies is strictly voluntary, countering erroneous claims that it mandated student involvement in demonstrations. The commission further encouraged youths to stay vigilant against misinformation while continuing to advocate peacefully for their rights.

The ongoing protests form part of a wider outcry against corruption linked to flood control projects and the misuse of public funds. Educational institutions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have actively joined the movement, condemning corruption as a betrayal of public trust and a threat to communities.

In Cebu, member schools of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) — including the University of Cebu, University of San Carlos, Ateneo de Cebu, University of the Visayas, University of the Philippines Cebu, Don Bosco Technical College, University of San Jose–Recoletos, and University of Southern Philippines Foundation — issued a "Statement of Indignation" during a gathering at Cebu Coliseum.

Meanwhile, students at the University of the Philippines Baguio led a mass walkout, and Catholic educational institutions nationwide, organized under the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), released a statement condemning corruption.

In Davao City, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) became a focal point for activism with the "Blue Movement Academic Walk Out for Accountability" held on September 23 in front of the Finster Building on Roxas Avenue. Hundreds of participants carried placards demanding transparency and accountability.

The university administration and faculty openly supported the demonstration, with professors warning that silence in the face of corruption only perpetuates injustice.

The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMind) also joined the burgeoning campaign, organizing protests involving students, faculty, and staff who sang a revised UP fight song directed at corrupt officials. This collective action, coordinated with youth organizations and endorsed by the university, highlighted the direct impact of corruption on education and the future of Filipino youth.

These nationwide efforts—from Ateneo de Davao to UP Mindanao and Cesafi in Cebu—reflect a growing role of universities as leaders in challenging corruption and shaping public dialogue. Students and academics are not merely participants but are emerging as key advocates for good governance.

CHED's declaration reinforces the momentum of this movement by assuring students of their protected rights while urging vigilance against misinformation.

"The voices of our students must not only be heard but also defended, for they are vital to building a just, transparent, and corruption-free Philippines," the commission affirmed.