Students of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro held a noise barrage outside the campus on Saturday, 13 September 2025, to denounce corruption in government. The protest, attended by at least 80 students and employees, featured chants of “Ipang priso ang mga kurakot! (Jail the corrupt)” and placards with messages like “Drowning in Corruption” and “Pera ng bayan, ingatan (Safeguard the people’s money).”
XU Central Student Government president Phillip Talaba expressed hope that ongoing government investigations would yield results, lamenting that no high-profile figures have been jailed despite years of corruption scandals. “Walay partido nga gidapigan, walay pamilya nga gidapigan. Kung kurakot, kurakot (We’re not supporting any party or family. If you’re corrupt, you’re corrupt),” he said.
University president Fr. Mars Tan supported the student-led protest, calling it issue-based rather than political. The event concluded with a reflection and prayer led by Fr. Tony Moreno.
XU’s official statement condemned corruption as a betrayal of public trust, emphasizing that disaster funds should never be misused for personal or political gain. The protest was sparked by allegations of misused billions in flood control projects. (MindaNews)
