The Student Christian Movement of the Philippines has issued a powerful statement calling for radical political change, demanding the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte amid what they describe as a deepening political crisis.
Calls for Presidential Resignation
In a statement published on November 25, 2025, the student organization asserted that both President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Duterte must resign from their positions, characterizing them as leaders of what they call the "biggest criminal syndicates" in the country. The group emphasized that mere changes in cabinet positions are insufficient, specifically mentioning the resignations of Executive Secretary Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman as inadequate measures.
The organization criticized President Marcos Jr.'s leadership, stating that he cannot avoid accountability for the systematic corruption occurring under his administration. They invoked the Filipino concept of "delicadeza" - the sense of propriety and knowing when to step down - as necessary for the president to demonstrate.
Political Crisis and Family Dynamics
The statement also addressed the recent allegations made by Senator Imee Marcos regarding the president's supposed drug use. The student group condemned what they see as an attempt to reduce serious corruption issues to mere family conflicts, arguing that such statements ultimately serve the political interests of the Duterte faction within what they describe as a corrupt government system.
The organization drew historical parallels, noting that the current political situation requires the Filipino people to look beyond personalities and focus on systemic change. They cautioned against a military takeover, warning that such a development could lead to worsened human rights conditions in the country.
Path Forward and People's Power
The Student Christian Movement proposed the establishment of a civilian-led transition council that would implement crucial political and socio-economic reforms. Among the specific changes they advocate for are anti-dynasty laws that would break the pattern of political families dominating government positions.
In their statement, the group referenced biblical imagery, comparing their call for systemic change to Jesus flipping the tables of money changers in the temple. They argued that the current system of "bureaucrat-capitalism" has turned government into a business enterprise that exploits ordinary Filipinos.
The organization also defended the people's right to pursue justice outside constitutional boundaries, noting that the celebrated People Power uprisings in Philippine history were extra-constitutional movements. They encouraged broad masses of Filipinos to persevere in their struggle for genuine change, distinguishing their movement from what they characterized as the morally compromised protests led by Iglesia Ni Cristo that endorsed what they called corrupt leaders.
The statement concludes with a powerful assertion that if the people's revolt leads to establishing a transition council to clean up the government, this outcome would represent the will of God for the Filipino nation.
