Several students of Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City staged an academic walkout on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, to protest what they described as rampant corruption in government projects.

Students left their classrooms and gathered at the university’s oval plaza to voice their frustration and call for corrupt officials to be held accountable.

Among the issues they highlight was the testimony made during a Senate hearing earlier in the day where former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara revealed that 20 suitcases, each containing P50 million, amounting to a total of P1 billion, were allegedly delivered to Congressman Zaldy Co at a hotel and other high-end subdivisions in Metro Manila.

The university’s administration also expressed its support for the academic walkout, saying ti was a legitimate response to the massive misuse of public funds.

“This means lives and well-being of people at risk including students in school buildings and patients in hospitals,” Ateneo de Davao University President, Rev. Fr. Karel San Juan, said.