[Blueming Falcon] Burning Fire

The recent 2022 elections garnered mixed feelings from many Filipinos. Some rejoiced, and some were disappointed, but what alarmed the voters most was the lack of transparency from the Commission on Elections regarding the voting results.

Many were convinced that something unlawful was happening during the vote-counting, and evidence spread online through social media backed these suspicions.

Some citizens took a stand, protesting in Intramuros during the days after the unofficial and partial results were announced. People from all walks of life, even students, participated in these protests.

On May 9, 2022, the University of the Philippines Office of the Student Regent encouraged their students to participate in an Academic Walkout under the guise of a Facebook post saying “no classes under a Marcos presidency.”

A handful of other educational institutions followed suit, namely, Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

Youth groups and organizations also gathered at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, rallying at the Commission on Elections office on the night of the elections.

Other students also participated in different forms of protest online, on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

This major outcry coming from today’s youth is not unaccounted for, since 56% of the May 2022 voters were made up of the youth. Their prior participation in campaign rallies supporting their favored candidates is enough evidence about how much they care for the political state of the country.

However, these past circumstances have alarmed the older generations, most notably, the parents of these said students.

They have voiced their concerns online, instigating that supporting these alleged walkouts and protests may result in serious consequences for these young citizens.

Universidad de Manila even warned its students that joining an academic walkout is considered a “grave offense,” and that any student who would participate in the said activity will be punished with disciplinary action.

Despite these objections, many students are still adamant to stand for their country. These protests and walkouts are merely sentiments towards the government, an outcry of disproval, and a plea for the truth.

Everyone must be given the freedom to voice themselves, even against the government. The youth are only fighting for what’s right because they refuse to live in a future filled with discrimination and prejudice.

Withholding their freedom and stimulating fear will only rile the fire burning in their hearts.