Press Release
August 12, 2019

De Lima calls on youth to contribute positive change amid challenges

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has encouraged the Filipino youth to serve as instruments for positive change to society amid the enormous challenges facing the country.

"I am calling on all the Filipino youth to let their voices be heard and to contribute in achieving our shared causes for your family and our country," De Lima said in her message for the International Youth Day celebration on August 12.

The Filipino youth, as the country's future leaders, should be given a chance to succeed and to live in a society founded on the principle of humility, compassion and selfless public service, De Lima emphasized.

Sadly, the lady Senator from Bicol said, today's youth are faced with enormous challenges that could derail their development towards becoming responsible and productive citizens of the nation.

"Unfortunately, what we are witnessing right now are leaders who promote and tolerate the killings of thousands of Filipinos including innocent children and human rights defenders," said De Lima

De Lima also lamented the relentless harassment of critics who only advocate for truth and accountability and the failure of leaders to fulfil their sworn duty to defend the country's sovereignty and national dignity.

"For the past three years, we have seen the government deceive our people with utter lies and massive propaganda for their personal and political agenda," De Lima said.

Despite these challenges, De Lima expressed belief that the Filipino youth could play a key role in achieving a just and humane society through the responsible use of social media and by standing up against excesses in society.

"Isa na po rito ang pagiging mulat sa mga tunay na pangyayari, at sa makabuluhang paggamit ng social media para mailantad ang mali at mapanagot ang mapang-abuso," said De Lima.

De Lima, a former election lawyer, also called on the Filipino youth to register for future elections to secure a chance to elect the right leaders who will advance their welfare and rights.

"Hinihikayat ko kayong mga kabataan na magpatala upang makalahok sa pagpili ng mga pinuno, na magsisilbi ninyong huwaran at mangangalaga sa inyong buhay at mga karapatan," De Lima said.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has slated the voter registration period from August 1 to September 30, 2019 despite calls for the postponement of the 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

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