Cebu student protests budget cuts, Duterte's arrest

On March 17, 2025, student activists from multiple universities in Cebu staged a walkout to protest budget cuts in state universities, tuition hikes in private institutions, and campus repression, drawing parallels to historic student protests against the Marcos Sr. dictatorship. Organized by Anakbayan and Kabataan Partylist, the demonstration also called for the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and emphasized concerns over administrative censorship and restrictive school policies affecting students' rights to organize. Kabataan Partylist nominee Paolo Echavez highlighted the connection between these issues and broader accountability demands from current leaders, including Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The protest gained traction following Duterte's recent arrest, which activists see as emblematic of ongoing state repression. Student leaders expressed their determination to continue fighting for their rights amid increasing administrative pressures. Similar protests have also emerged in other regions, showcasing a growing trend of student activism in response to educational and political concerns.