The youth demand transparency and accountability

As the country’s political climate continues to focus on the misuse of government funds, the youth have become more involved than ever in movements to spark change in society.

In 2025, several anti-corruption protests were launched, and at the forefront of most mass demonstrations were student organizations and party-lists dedicated to the young.

And so, we called upon the latest crop of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Summa Cum Laudes for their thoughts on the role of the youth in demanding transparency and accountability from public officials. This is what they had to say:

Cyril Karl B. Carandan

AB-Diplomacy and International Affairs

While practicing transparency and accountability within their own capacities, the youth’s specific role is to demand action. We, the youth, must use our collective voice to scrutinize official conduct, advocate for open government policies and mobilize against any breach of public trust, thereby setting the standard for the next generation of leadership.

Jayson M. Pua

BS Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management

The youth are the voice that amplifies a message, not noise. They continue to fight the same battle once fought by previous generations, as the Philippines remains in a deep hole, governed by the same dynasties with ambitions not to lead but to loot the Filipinos.
For generations — from Marcos to Duterte — the youth have voiced out, marched in the streets and even sacrificed their lives to demand a better system for Filipinos. And as long as the youth can still speak, the hope of Filipinos for a better Philippines cannot be silenced.

Amanda Simone Ma. Katrina F. Kalaw

BS Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management

The youth have multiple avenues to access digital resources and platforms to stay continuously informed about government activities. Their collective and prominent online presence enables them to use these platforms to educate themselves and the public about their rights and engage in constructive discourse. Through official digital channels, they can promote accountability and swiftly call out government officials for actions that violate the public interest. This can help establish a culture that demands transparency and accountability from government officials. The challenge now is to sustain this culture and protect the voices driving this necessary change.

Clint Yestin G. Manangkil

BS Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management

Beyond simply being voters, the youth must be a decisive force challenging systemic oppression. The youth are fearless. They have the power to amplify the people’s exhaustion, help the silenced be recognized, and champion the future in hopes of societal progression. By being decisive forces, we express our dissent against government dishonesty and collectively push for proactive action. Our micro efforts in suppressing corruption can lead to macro possibilities, shaping the future. As decisive forces, it is our oath to the nation that our future will not be built on immorality but on integrity, wisdom and societal strength.

Miguel Louis N. Rivadenera

BS Information Systems

The youth play a crucial role in demanding accountability from government officials. As digital natives, they are well-informed and adept at navigating the intricacies of a polarized online landscape. With information at their fingertips, they are aware of injustices affecting their fellow countrymen and are proactive in channeling their desire for positive change. Through civic participation, voting and community engagement, the youth work tirelessly as advocates for good governance and transparency.

Bianca Mae S. Elpedes

AB-Diplomacy and International Affairs

The youth hold power not only in numbers but in voice and conviction. As more than half of recent voters, the youth must stand not only as critics but as informed watchdogs — actively engaging in policy discussions, community education and monitoring government performance through fact-based advocacy. The next step is to channel our collective anger and hope into strategy, institution-building and accountability mechanisms, asserting our role in advocating for the passage of key bills, including the Anti-Dynasty Bill, the Independent People’s Commission Act, the Party-List System Reform Act and the Citizens’ Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability. In doing so, we can effectively push for transparency and reinforce a culture in which officials are truly accountable to the people.