Friday, June 14, 2013
The recent increase in water, tuition and power rates sent a message to the youth, and they vowed to fight it back.
Students and youths led by Kabataan Partylist gathered in Palma Hall Lobby in the University of the Philippines at noon, voiced their outrage against the "triple combo" imposed on students and millions of families.
In response, they presented their recommended "combo breaker" - putting a stop on the government's privatization schemes while denouncing the moves made by big businesses.
Protesters carrying empty water containers in Philcoa voiced this idea, believing that privatization led to the increase in utility rates.
Calling the rates increase "unjust", "highly dubious" and "ironic", Kabataan party list led youth groups to blasted big companies and businesses for their actions.
During the past few weeks, several big businesses and conglomerates announced their increase in utility fees.
Commission in Higher Education, for example, approved the tuition fees increase application of over 300 colleges and universities in the midst of students clamor against it.
While the Metro's two water distribution companies, Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc., applied for an increase in water fees that would translate to an additional P 234 - 342 monthly household fees.
At the same time, MERALCO announced a 22 centavo hike in generation charges after it had suffered losses because of the Luzon wide blackout last May 8.
Kabataan Partylist added that only by scraping the government's privatization scheme and reviewing how they manage the economy would be the only way to counter the triple combo threat.
