UP and Ateneo pep squads slam corrupt officials during basketball match halftime
The University of the Philippines and Ateneo De Manila University may be rivals on the basketball court, but their recent match saw them united in protest, as their pep squads called out corruption in the government.
During the halftime of the Ateneo Blue Eagles–UP Fighting Maroons’ UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball game at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Oct. 8, the cheering squads' halftime routines called for accountability amid the flood control projects mess.
In a video, UP Pep Squad, Boosters, and Varsity Pep Drummers could be heard shouting, "Ikulong na 'yan, mga kurakot!" at the end of their performance, solidifying their message with a pyramid stunt as they clapped to the beat.
Ateneo's Blue Babble Battalion, on the other hand, similarly made a bold statement after their halftime performance, where several of their performers gathered together with shirts that spelled out the message, "Kurakot ikulong."
They also belted out chants demanding the arrest of corrupt officials.
The two squads were planning to collaborate for a performance but were not able to take the court together due to a lack of prep time, Mandy Reyes, who helps manage the UP Pep Squad, told PhilSAR L!fe.
Many viewers praised the squads for using their platform to raise awareness and inspire action against corruption.
"Tama 'yan, importante maging aware at proactive ang mga kabataan sa kalagayan ng bansa," one user said.
Another commented, "Nakatutuwa kasi halos ang mga occasions or events na may large crowd, merong ganitong mga pangyayari. 'Wag nating tigilan ang paguusig sa mga kurakot, political dynasties, at nepo babies. Let them know na sawang-sawa na tayo sa kanila!"
"Ikulong na 'yan, mga kurakot" was among the chants heard during the Sept. 21 protests against corruption.
Massive flooding in July triggered the uncovering of billions of pesos lost to corruption in projects to mitigate floods.
In hearings at the House of Representatives and Senate, Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, Chiz Escudero, ex-House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and former Rep. Zaldy Co were tagged in flood control kickbacks. They have since denied the allegations.
The issue prompted the formation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which is specifically investigating irregularities in flood control projects in the last 10 years.
The ICI has also requested the Department of Justice to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order against the linked lawmakers and officials.