“Impose yourselves. Being young doesn’t mean knowing less.”
This was the key message shared by Partido Reporma chairman and standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and his running mate Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III for the Filipino youth.
On Friday, the Lacson-Sotto tandem met with officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in Baguio City as guest keynote speakers for their recently concluded ‘Tumindig’ Youth Empowerment.
In his speech, Lacson reminded the youth of their value in society, saying that he still believe’s in Jose Rizal’s age-old adage, “the youth is the hope of the future.” He also urged the youth to not be afraid to make their voices heard, particularly in the upcoming 2022 elections.
“Most importantly, exercise your right to vote. Be discerning and critical and be aware of the impact of your choice for the next three years in the case of local officials and six years in the case of national officials,” Lacson said.
The presidential aspirant also assured the youth leaders that under his leadership, they will receive sufficient support so that they would no longer fund community projects out of their own pockets.
He underscored the need to invest in capacity building programs for the youth sector, saying that it will develop the hearts and minds of the SK officers and help them become more efficient and well-rounded community leaders in the future.
Sotto advised the youth that should their village captains fail to provide their share of the Internal Revenue Allotment, they must bring it to the attention of their mayors, who have the power to enforce discipline among barangay officials.
“Isumbong niyo. Kung matigas ang ulo, file-an niyo ng kaso. (Take it to your mayors. If they [barangay officers] remain obstinate, file a case against them.),” said Sotto.
The Lacson-Sotto tandem went all the way north over the weekend to visit the provinces of Benguet and Pangasinan. This is a part of their Online Kumustahan series, where they go directly to local government units and the people to hear out their concerns and plan corresponding solutions.
This is in support of their BRAVE campaign or Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment, which will give LGUs a stronger voice in the government.
On Saturday, Lacson also joined the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Military Academy Matatag Class of 1971. During his speech, he said that PMA’s virtues of Courage, Integrity and Loyalty will be his guide in addressing the challenges facing the country, should he be elected President in 2022.
