PROGRESSIVE youth group Anakbayan, along with more than 100 other youth organizations, submitted a unity statement to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday, May 27, calling for the disqualification of the Duterte Youth party-list over alleged misrepresentation of the youth sector, abuse of state resources, and violations of election laws.
Anakbayan said the statement was backed by over 1,000 signatures from students and youth across various schools, cities, and provinces in the Philippines.
“That more than 1,000 Filipino youth signed this unity statement is no insignificant number. Patunay ito ng growing disgust ng kabataan sa mga gumagamit lang sa sektor namin para isulong ang interes ng sarili at iilan katulad nalang ng Duterte Youth,” said Anakbayan National Chairperson Mhing Gomez in an emailed statement to Gold Star Daily.
Anakbayan asserted that it is the genuine and critical youth who will ultimately dismantle what they described as the Duterte Youth’s false facade. The group said young people can see through the party-list’s “fake representation.” They pointed out that Duterte Youth remains silent on issues such as education budget cuts, rising tuition fees, and attacks on youth rights — yet becomes highly vocal when defending the Dutertes.
Gomez also criticized the party-list for aligning with controversial programs and defending public officials.
“Ang agenda lamang nila ay protektahan ang mga Duterteng pangunahing traydor sa kabataan,” she said, citing the Maharlika InKvestment Fund and confidential funds issue linked to Sara Duterte.
Gomez added that the only track record of Duterte Youth is endangering the very youth they claim to represent. She said that despite presenting themselves as a youth sector party-list, their tactics are outdated and harmful. According to her, Duterte Youth should no longer be emulated, and more importantly, should no longer be allowed to run for public office.
Youth-led election watchdog Kabataan, Tayo ang Pag-asa (KTAP) also submitted a similar statement to the Comelec, echoing Anakbayan’s call for immediate disqualification of Duterte Youth. KTAP’s statement was signed by over 100 youth groups nationwide.
“Decide on the disqualification of Duterte Youth Party-list now! Malinaw sa napakaraming mga kabataan na mula umpisa, binabalahura ng mga pekeng party-list tulad ng Duterte Youth ang sistemang elektoral sa Pilipinas,” said KTAP National Convenor Brell Lacerna.
Lacerna said Duterte Youth’s actions in Congress amount to a waste of public funds.
“Malaking aksaya sa kaban ng bayan ang dalawang terminong pananatili nito sa Batasang Pambansa na ang tanging track record ay red-tagging at pagiging mouthpiece ng Duterte-era policies,” she said.
Lacerna pointed out that the Duterte Youth must be held accountable and called on Comelec to address the alleged irregularities, adding that the future of millions of Filipino youth is at stake.
The Duterte Youth’s proclamation has remained suspended pending multiple disqualification petitions before the poll body. Youth groups are urging Comelec to issue a decision before the government transition on June 30.
