UP and Ateneo De Manila University, despite being rivals in basketball, have united in denouncing corruption in the government. During halftime of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball game last Oct. 8 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the pep squads showed their message against corruption.
UP Pep Squad, Boosters, and Varsity Pep Drummers shouted "Lock up, you corrupt people!" at the end of their performance, with a pyramid stunt that encapsulated their message. Meanwhile, Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion wore shirts that read "Lock up corrupt people" and chanted for the arrest of those involved in corruption.
According to Mandy Reyes, manager of the UP Pep Squad, they planned to join forces for a performance but it was not possible due to lack of time for preparation. Many viewers praised their performance, as it conveyed the message that awareness and action of the youth against corruption is important.
The massive flooding in July exposed billions of pesos lost in flood control projects due to corruption. In Congressional hearings, several senators and former lawmakers were implicated in kickbacks, but they denied the allegations. This led to the formation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate irregularities in flood control projects over the past 10 years.
The pep squads' message reflects the public's grievance: enough of the deception of corrupt and political dynasties. It calls on everyone to be active and critical of government affairs.
