Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co is calling on the youth and the general public to actively follow and critically engage in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying it should not be treated as passive viewing.
The solon made the appeal during the launch of Bantay Impeachment: A Citizen Watch Campaign for Accountability, Justice, and Truth at Claret School in UP Village, Quezon City, where civil society groups, academics, faith-based organizations, and youth advocates gathered ahead of the expected July 6 Senate trial.
She said the proceedings should be discussed beyond formal spaces and brought into schools, communities, and households to help citizens better understand the allegations and their broader implications.
“Puwedeng magkaroon ng watch parties,” she said, adding that the public should go beyond simply watching and instead interpret and analyze the proceedings.
She stressed that the trial has implications not only for the national budget but also for public services that affect ordinary Filipinos.
She also emphasized that citizens should not be treated as mere observers in the impeachment process, but as active participants in holding public officials accountable.
She also encouraged the public to use the coming weeks to explain the issues to family members, peers, and community members who may still have questions or confusion about the case.
The lawmaker also drew parallels between youth experience in face-to-face and online learning and the importance of direct participation in democratic processes, saying physical presence and engagement matter in accountability mechanisms.
Co said the citizen watch initiative aims to strengthen transparency and encourage informed public scrutiny of the impeachment proceedings.