ILOILO City — Youth and church-based groups in Iloilo pushed back hard against Sen. Robin Padilla after he branded today’s young Filipinos as “weak” and “iyakin”, saying his remarks insult a generation that has been at the forefront of anti-corruption mobilizations and social reforms.
The backlash, which erupted both online and offline, intensified after Padilla claimed that his generation possessed greater street smarts than Gen-Z and millennials while discussing legislation regulating children’s social media use.
Arlie Bosque, spokesperson of the Pamatan-on Kontra Kurapsyon, rejected the senator’s characterization outright.
“Senator Padilla’s assertion that the youth of today are weak is not only misguided but also harmful. The strength of the youth is evident in their active participation in societal issues, especially their mobilization for significant events like the February 25 rallies against corruption,” Bosque said.
“These young individuals are not simply passive observers; they are champions of change, bravely confronting the entrenched corruption in our systems,” Bosque asserted.
Critics also questioned what they described as double standards, noting that Padilla himself has shown emotional vulnerability in public settings.
Bosque further challenged the senator’s track record on youth-related concerns.
“When news broke about the legal troubles of his colleagues like senators Bong Go and Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, it was Padilla who displayed emotional distress. In stark contrast, our youth face real, pressing challenges related to their mental health and education — issues that Padilla has failed to adequately address,” he said.
Support for the youth also came from the education sector. Myrna Abad, educator and representative of the Commission on Laity — Social Action, said the younger generation is more politically aware and equipped with leadership skills than previous ones.
“In the education sector, we have implemented leadership training programs that equip young people with the skills necessary to understand and influence governmental processes — something that was severely lacking in past generations. Our youth are empowered and understand the significance of their voices,” Abad explained.
She disagreed with the label of weakness.
“The young people of today are not only more intelligent but are also eager to make their mark on society. As Filipinos, we are often conditioned to hide our vulnerabilities. However, this does not equate to weakness,” she emphasized.
Padilla’s remarks have since sparked a broader national debate on generational divides, emotional health, and the role of youth in shaping public discourse, with Iloilo advocates insisting that civic engagement — not silence — is the true measure of strength./PN
