1 month ago
8
CEBU CITY — A Cebuano youth leader and the second nominee of a progressive party-list has voiced strong support for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it a crucial political moment for the country, especially for young Filipinos.
Paolo Echavez, second nominee of the Kabataan Party-list, told The Manila Times on Thursday that the impeachment process underscores the importance of accountability in government.
He urged both lawmakers and the youth to actively engage in the proceedings to ensure a fair and just outcome.
Echavez said the impeachment serves as an opportunity to hold those in power accountable.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte, with 215 lawmakers backing the resolution that was transmitted to the Senate for trial. Among those who signed the impeachment was Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
He also called on the Senate to ensure that the trial remains impartial and free from political influence.
According to him, the process should not be seen as political maneuvering but as a way to uphold the highest standards of accountability for public officials, regardless of rank.
A licensed agriculturist who placed second in the 2022 board examinations, Echavez urged lawmakers to prioritize the interests of the Filipino people, stressing that the impeachment should serve the cause of justice rather than partisan agendas.
He emphasized that the Senate must treat the impeachment with utmost objectivity and fairness, prioritizing justice and the welfare of the Filipino people above personal or political agendas.
For Echavez, the impeachment process marks an important step toward ensuring accountability and transparency in government, sending a message that no one is above the law.
Echavez also focused on the significant role the youth must play in this process, urging young people to reflect on their values and principles when it comes to making political decisions. He stressed that the current political situation serves as a powerful reminder of the influence that the youth hold.
"Amid the confusion in our national politics, the role of the youth in our country has become clearer. This is about choosing leaders based on their principles. Now, the weight of your vote is more evident than ever," said Echavez.
The ongoing impeachment, he pointed out, underscores the importance of voting based on conviction and not on political affiliations or pressures. He highlighted that the weight of one's vote has never been clearer.
Echavez stressed that the youth must recognize the impact of their participation in shaping the country's future.
He encouraged young Filipinos to engage in thoughtful reflection, asking themselves what their values are and which candidates align with them.
He called on the youth to make their choices based on strong principles, urging them to take the time to reflect on their beliefs and decide which candidates best align with those values.
"We must make it clear that all young people have the power to demand a just government and the proper response to the anomalies in our country that continue to worsen the hardships of the people," said Echavez.
