(Manila, 9th) The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara officially kicked off this week. In this case, which involves corruption allegations and high-level political infighting, many young Filipinos feel that their core concerns have been marginalized and have lost confidence in the country's deeply rooted political turmoil.
According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the impeachment case is not only about Sara's personal political future, but also represents a severe test for the Philippine democratic system and its credibility. Facing democratic backsliding, the prevalence of political dynasties, and strongman politics, many young Filipinos feel disillusioned, frustrated, and ignored.
Araneta, a 20-year-old university student and deputy secretary-general of the youth wing of the left-wing Akbayan party, said that the Philippines should have a system that upholds justice and accountability. But now many young voters feel that they have become nothing but "political decorations."
"We feel that the youth are just being used by politicians as ornaments to create the illusion of a vibrant young workforce in the country. Truly important issues, like improving the education system and breaking the monopoly of political families, continue to be marginalized."
For many young voters, this impeachment is more like a reshuffling of power between the political clans represented by President Marcos Jr. and Sara—that is, a result of the rift between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties. This conflict, full of dramatic clashes, has not resolved the country's real issues and has instead deepened young people's disillusionment with the national political system.
This sense of powerlessness and discontent with the current political situation is directly reflected in Sara's popularity ratings. Although Sara still holds about a 51% approval rating overall, her popularity among young Filipinos has sharply declined.
According to a survey conducted this May, among the 18–24 age group, satisfaction with Sara has dropped from 49% to 33%, a plunge of 16 percentage points.
Sara's Impeachment a Test for Philippine Democracy
Sara is accused of misusing public funds, amassing unexplained wealth, bribery and corruption, as well as threatening to assassinate Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. If convicted, Sara would not only be removed from office but would also lose her eligibility to run in the 2028 presidential election.
Sara herself has not yet attended the impeachment trial. However, on Tuesday (July 7), she appeared at the Senate building at noon, declaring that although she is "battered and bruised" in this political battle, she will "never surrender."
Francisco, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, said that the impeachment is not only a trial of Sara, but also a test for the Philippine democratic system. "The public urgently needs to ensure that the Senate's trial process is completely legal and legitimate at the constitutional level, or public trust in the democratic system will be completely undermined."
Human rights lawyer De Leon said, "Regardless of the final verdict, this will test the Duterte family's political capital and strength."
Araneta, a 20-year-old university student and deputy secretary-general of the youth wing of the left-wing Akbayan party, said that the Philippines should have a system that upholds justice and accountability. But now many young voters feel that they have become nothing but "political decorations."
"We feel that the youth are just being used by politicians as ornaments to create the illusion of a vibrant young workforce in the country. Truly important issues, like improving the education system and breaking the monopoly of political families, continue to be marginalized."
For many young voters, this impeachment is more like a reshuffling of power between the political clans represented by President Marcos Jr. and Sara—that is, a result of the rift between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties. This conflict, full of dramatic clashes, has not resolved the country's real issues and has instead deepened young people's disillusionment with the national political system.
This sense of powerlessness and discontent with the current political situation is directly reflected in Sara's popularity ratings. Although Sara still holds about a 51% approval rating overall, her popularity among young Filipinos has sharply declined.
According to a survey conducted this May, among the 18–24 age group, satisfaction with Sara has dropped from 49% to 33%, a plunge of 16 percentage points.
Sara's Impeachment a Test for Philippine Democracy
Sara is accused of misusing public funds, amassing unexplained wealth, bribery and corruption, as well as threatening to assassinate Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. If convicted, Sara would not only be removed from office but would also lose her eligibility to run in the 2028 presidential election.
Sara herself has not yet attended the impeachment trial. However, on Tuesday (July 7), she appeared at the Senate building at noon, declaring that although she is "battered and bruised" in this political battle, she will "never surrender."
Francisco, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, said that the impeachment is not only a trial of Sara, but also a test for the Philippine democratic system. "The public urgently needs to ensure that the Senate's trial process is completely legal and legitimate at the constitutional level, or public trust in the democratic system will be completely undermined."
Human rights lawyer De Leon said, "Regardless of the final verdict, this will test the Duterte family's political capital and strength."