Lawmaker: Next generation will inherit consequences of Senate trial

By Zaldy De Layola, Philippine News Agency

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co (Philippine News Agency/facebook)

MANILA – House trial spokesperson Renee Louise Co of Kabataan Party-list on Thursday said young Filipinos are closely watching the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, stressing that the proceedings will shape not only the country’s political future, but also the kind of governance the next generation will inherit.

“The next generation will inherit the consequences of this trial,” Co said in a news release.

“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.

Co said many members of the youth sector are growing increasingly frustrated with toxic politics, political spectacle, and governance driven by personality cults rather than accountability and competence.

“Ang daming kabataan ngayon ang sawa na sa endless political drama, scripted outrage, at ingay na walang malinaw na pananagutan (So many youth today are already fed up with the endless political drama, scripted outrage, and noise without clear accountability),” 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.”

According to Co, younger Filipinos are now more politically aware and more capable of distinguishing genuine leadership from performative politics.

“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 (That’s why they can readily see who are serious in public service and who are grandstanding only before the camera),” she said.

Co also emphasized that the House prosecution panel intends to approach the trial with professionalism, discipline, and respect for the constitutional process.

She said their role is not to create noise or political theater, but to help present the facts and allow the evidence to speak for itself.

She added that the outcome of the proceedings will have lasting 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,” Co 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 (The government is not a fandom. Content creation is not public service. At stake here is the future of the trust by the next generation to our democracy),” she added.