Students, Kabataan Partylist Opposing Mandatory ROTC Conduct Protest
A group of students and Kabataan Partylist members stage protests against the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).
Members of the Kabataan party list and students from a number of institutions organized a protest through a unity march to voice their opposition to the ROTC program’s reinstatement. It also commemorated the 81st International Students’ Day and the 4th Philippine National Students’ Day.
They started to congregate at the University of Sto Tomas entrance on Espana Boulevard, then marched in Mendiola with more students to the Far Eastern University in Morayta. The police petitioned to hold the demonstration and event at Freedom Park because of the traffic it generated.
“Kami ay nakikiusap. Kung gusto niyo ituloy ang programa doon kayo sa Liwasang Bonifacio. Bawal po dito,” said Station 14 commander P/Lt. Col. Ramon Nazario.
However, Rep. Raoul Manuel of the Kabataan Party list insisted they could protest without a permit despite this, based on the report. He contends that they have the right to exercise their freedom of expression.
“Karapatan namin. We are exercising our right to freedom of expression,” said Manuel.
The cops will be forced to scatter the group if they continue to refuse to go. Divisoria is now surrounded by traffic. It is not permitted here. Nazario claimed that the traffic is making people upset. The protesters made the decision to shift their program to Liwasang Bonifacio by 5 o’clock the same day.
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