Youth and students led by the League of Filipino Students (LFS) and KABATAAN Partylist walked-out of their classes and held a protest action in Manila today to denounce what they described as ‘bureaucrat capitalism’ in government.

The students came from the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas, University of the East and from various High Schools. Out of school youth from different communities around Manila also joined the protest.

The protesters carried an effigy of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that had many hands holding a spoon, a fork, and a rifle to illustrate her “greed and tyranny.” The effigy was later burned
“The bureaucracy and government seats have become a milking cow of politicians. They try to gain seats in government not to serve the people, but only to serve their pockets. That is bureaucrat capitalism,” said Terry Ridon, secretary general of the LFS.

Ridon explained that no less than the Arroyo family has become the models of “bureaucrat capitalists,” putting their people in key positions such that they could rule the country “Mafia-style.”

Punish Arroyo
“Government officials think that they can steal and earn through shady deals because the biggest thief, the President, remain unpunished,” said Ridon.

The protesters vowed to continue mobilizations until the Arroyos are punished of their crimes to the people, which they said is a key step towards stemming out corruption in government. ###

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