“Aquino’s ‘Philippine Miracle’ is an alien concept to the youth and the people struggling to survive the worsening and deepening poverty in the country,” said Charlotte Velasco, spokesperson of the League of Filipino Students. “There is no miracle, only tragedy!”

Protesters who were gathering in Makati CBD to show protests in the World Economic Forum were dispersed by the Philippine National Police due to lack of permit. Bayan with Renato Reyes and former member of the House of representative Teddy Casino were among the said dispersed protesters.

According Makati PNP, four militants named Edhie Boy Pillada – 20, Jon Sto. Domingo – 38, Gabriel Lopez – 61, and Felix Reyes – 66 are in the custody of the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City and will be charged resisting arrest and physical injuries.

Reyes said, they were “shoved by policemen under the command of one Col. Manuel Lucban and the Southern Police District.” Their placards were confiscated by the PNP, which, according to Reyes is a violation of freedom expression.

One major issue the protesters want to voice out is inclusive growth, according to them only the higher class citizens and investors are enjoying the economic success of the country.