No time for despair as Gen Z and and other youth voters show the way

It is exciting to see in-depth analyses of the Philippine elections. The victories of Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Chel Diokno, and Leila de Lima are a great testament to the existence of voters who care about the quality of leadership and not just popularity or self-interest.

The rise of the strong voice of Gen Z and youth voters in general (as reported twice by Funtanilla 2025, https://tutubi.ph/millennials-and-gen-z-dominate-2025-philippine-elections-comprising-63-of-voters/ and https://tutubi.ph/voter-turnout-na-81-65-naitala-sa-halalan-2025-comelec/) is a major victory for democracy in the country. It seems that there has been an “awakening” among the youth—not just choosing candidates with care and integrity, but voting based on the right information and the right choice.

If the trend of ethical and educated voting continues, the political landscape may gradually change. In the next elections, voters may continue to be critical and more educated. It is not just because of the popularity of a candidate, but also due to credibility and concrete plans for Filipinos.

My colleague tells me: “I can’t fight your sentiments about Heidi Mendoza’s defeat. She is an exemplary person in government, and maybe in 2028, especially if the political maturity of voters continues to increase, there is a good chance that she will enter the Senate. And if this type of voting continues, especially among the youth, maybe the advocacies for a cleaner and more transparent government will be even stronger.” Abangan muli si Heidi.

Many of the poor in society do not feel the benefits of the government. A large part of the middle class contributes to the economy, but it seems that the poorest still do not see any concrete help or improvement in their situation. So, there is a real need for higher voter education, not only on how to vote but also on what issues should be promoted and how they can reflect their dreams for the country when they cast their ballots.

There is hope in the coming years if this trend of change among voters continues. And we must find ways to further expand the engagement of young people in national issues, not only on social media but also at the grassroots level, as advocated by political science professor Jerrifer B. Tirao.

Surveys, what’s up?

Combating the mind-conditioning effect of pre-election surveys is a big step. It has happened many times that pre-election surveys have served as a guide for people on who to vote for, becoming the basis for making choices, even when there are unworthy candidates. We therefore find voters today becoming more critical, more educated, and not simply following the predicted winners. Atty. Luke Espiritu and Mendoza both have a good track record, but of course, this is not always enough when there is a lack of exposure and support from the mainstream media or major political forces.

In the coming years, if the trend of educated and ethical voting continues, there is a strong possibility that people like Luke and Heidi will have the opportunity to rise, as well as young people with care and integrity in public service. In 2028, this could also be an opportunity for people like them to enter the Senate and continue with the same advocacies they are fighting for. If young people can influence the elders, the entire political landscape may change and alternative candidates who care about the people may be strengthened.

A big part of the growth of this movement is also having more education about national issues, not just among the youth but also among the entire electorate. For instance, if more information is shared with communities, using organizations, local leaders, and social platforms, it could open up a deeper discourse on what and who the country needs to address much-needed reforms, including electoral ones.

Losses of celebrities celebrated

The failure of artists like Willie Revillame, Philip Salvador, and Bong Revilla to make it to the Magic 12, and the success of candidates like Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, and other progressive leaders, is a good sign that “celebrity appeal” no longer overshadows the quality of a candidate in the eyes of voters. Even though pre-election surveys pointed to the good chances of actors, we have seen that the youth are more concerned with looking at the track record and advocacy of the candidates, which is why it did not work this 2025.

What about the loss of Cynthia Villar in the congressional race? As a name that has long been a prominent part of Philippine politics and business, perhaps this is an indication that even established political figures are no longer safe from the scrutiny of voters, especially if voters are more educated and aware of real issues and not just names or popularity. It would be better if this were a permanent trend, where not only celebrities or names with “power” will be prominent, but candidates with integrity and a track record that will prove their competence to lead.

As for the use of social media, it is a very powerful tool for disseminating information. Today’s youth do research, verify facts, and disseminate information, which means they play a major role in shaping a more educated electorate. If young people serve as info hubs for a larger segment of the population, it could have a broader impact on politics and the election of leaders who care more about the people.

Given the changes that have occurred, there now seems to be room for progressive views on good governance—views that focus not only on self-interest but on the long-term benefits for all sectors of society, especially the poor. So if this surge in critical thinking and educated voting continues, perhaps by 2028, we will see even greater changes in how the country’s leaders are chosen.

Here are some suggestions that will help young people expand their influence and promote more educated voting, especially among older voters:

1. Organize Discussions and Forums

One of the easiest ways to disseminate information and promote critical thinking is to hold community discussions and forums. This can be online or face-to-face, where youth and adults can come together to discuss political issues. Youth can also invite experts or people with a track record in public service to give presentations. These discussions can help not only disseminate information but also present concrete solutions to the country’s woes.

2. Using Social Media for Fact-Checking

A large portion of today’s youth use social media, making it a great platform to disseminate information. However, due to so much amount of dis/disinformation, fake news, and deepfakes, it is important to teach young people how to fact-check. Young people can invite experts to explain issues and use social media to disseminate verified facts. They can also launch online campaigns focused on significant matters meant for the nation’s sustainable goals, such as education, health, zero corruption, transparency, and finally resolving the unimplemented constitutional provision against political dynasties.

3. Building Intergenerational Dialogues

At the risk of being misunderstood as walang modo (ill-mannered), young people’s significant measure is to promote intergenerational dialogues, where the young and old talk and share their perspectives. Older people have more experience and lessons from the past, while young people have fresh perspectives. If there is a healthy exchange of ideas and mutual respect, it will help broaden perspectives and pave the way for more educated choices by the electorate.

4. Promoting Voter Education in Schools and Community Centers

One of the most important steps that senior high and tertiary students can take is to start voter education campaigns in their schools and communities. They. Can. Teach. (My ten-year experience of teaching college students says so.) These students know how important ethical voting is and how to avoid devious schemes such as vote buying and selling or emotional manipulation like paawa or pagtatapang-tapangan. They can also explain the key issues that candidates must address to become more responsible voters.

5. Spreading Success Stories

A powerful tool for change is showcasing success stories. Whether they are young people who have successfully transformed their communities or candidates who have a track record of promoting real change, it is important to share them with more people. Through storytelling, elders can see that there are just and caring leaders who are truly capable of bringing positive change to the country.

6. Building Community Support Networks

It is helpful to have community networks where youth and elders work together to promote just causes. For example, if there are local projects that aim to improve the health, education, or economy of a community, the youth can start initiatives—ala Patricia Non’s community pantry—that can provide a platform for elders to convey their concerns and perspectives. When elders see genuine concern from the youth they are more likely to help spread the right information.

7. Tackling Local Issues

Not all change starts at the national level. Sometimes, the biggest impact happens at the local level. If young people focus on issues in their barangays or localities such as health, education, and livelihood projects, they can more easily communicate their needs and build the confidence of their elders in their abilities as future leaders. Such local initiatives can also serve as an example to elders that the young care about their communities and are not just protesting or criticizing.

8. Promoting “Model Voter” Campaigns

We need “model voter” campaigns, where youth and adults come together to demonstrate the right way to vote, with increasing civic engagement. The more models of proper voting there are, the stronger the impact will be on the broader population.

If these steps continue and the youth become more active in spreading correct information and education, we will see a broader change in the political landscape of the country. An educated voter is not only capable of making the right decisions but also has a concern for others and the country. If there is a deeper understanding of the true meaning of “good governance,” our leaders will certainly be more just and progressive.

Pasig voters and the administration of their chief executive, Mayor Vico Sotto, are a great example of good governance and educated voter choice. Despite being a young leader, Vico has shown transparency, concern, and good leadership, which is why he has earned the trust of Pasig residents. He is not just famous because of his name, but because of the concrete steps and projects that benefit the people, especially those that other politicians’ promises cannot reach.

Despite the controversies of previous administrations, Vico served as proof of concept that good governance is possible and has direction. Through his model, young people will learn that leadership should not be based solely on popularity or name, but on the ability to implement corruption-free, concrete projects and serve with concern for the people without “tongpats” or “SOP.” We can use social media to spread Vico’s good example.

Perhaps, in the future, if more young Filipinos see Vico’s example, it will bring about a major change in the way leaders are selected and elected across the country.