A party-list lawmaker said young Filipinos are closely watching the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that the proceedings will help define the country’s political culture and the kind of governance future generations will inherit.
The Kabataan party-list representative said the case goes beyond political personalities and partisan lines, as it raises broader questions on accountability, public trust, and the strength of democratic institutions.
“The next generation will inherit the consequences of this trial,” House trial spokesperson and Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co said.
“This is bigger than personalities and political camps. For many young Filipinos, this is about the kind of political culture we normalize, tolerate, and pass on to future generations,” she added.
She said many young Filipinos have grown frustrated with toxic politics, political spectacle, and personality-driven governance that distract from real accountability.
“Ang daming kabataan ngayon ang sawa na sa endless political drama, scripted outrage, at ingay na walang malinaw na pananagutan,” she said.
“They want the government to grow up. They want leaders who take institutions, public trust, and accountability seriously. The youth are looking for seriousness, honesty, and transparency from public officials and institutions,” she added.
According to the young solon, younger Filipinos have become more politically aware, especially after witnessing corruption scandals, disinformation, and political disorder unfold online in real time.
“This generation grew up seeing corruption scandals, disinformation, and political chaos unfold online in real time. Kaya mas mabilis nilang nakikita kung sino ang seryoso sa public service at sino ang nagpapapogi lang para sa camera,” Co said.
She noted that the House prosecution panel will approach the impeachment trial with professionalism, discipline, and respect for the constitutional process.
“Our role is not to create noise or political theater. Our role is to help present the facts and allow the evidence to speak for itself,” she said.
She added that the trial’s outcome will have long-term implications on how young Filipinos view democracy, accountability, and public institutions.
“If institutions show courage, seriousness, and integrity, this trial can also become an important reminder that democracy is still capable of self-correction,” the solon said.
“Hindi fandom ang gobyerno. Hindi content creation ang public service. Ang nakataya rito ay kinabukasan ng tiwala ng susunod na henerasyon sa ating demokrasya,” she added.