By Francis Jayco Dela Cruz
Generation Z and Millennials make up a significant number of registered voters. With 20 days left before the 2025 national and local elections, the youth’s choice is deemed to be of utmost importance as their votes would fill most of the country’s ballot boxes.
With that in mind, Iskoolmates invited three youth voters from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines to discuss their perspectives on this year’s midterm elections.
Hosted by Tricia Bersano and James Ramada, the upcoming episode—which will air Thursday, April 24, on the People’s Television (PTV)—will delve on how the younger generation chooses the country’s next leaders.
“It is really important that we know how to properly scrutinize the candidates in the coming elections. Fake news and misinformation are rampant today and people are easily swayed,” 21-year-old John Edmar Pineda said. “I’m glad that the show is giving attention to this discussion as this election is crucial for our future.”
This episode will unravel the youth’s approach on analyzing the candidates’ platforms and agendas and which characteristics they consider as positives and non-negotiables.
Pach Dizon, 22, and Alyssa Ann Lumido, 22, gave insights on filtering facts from false information and mere lip service—particularly on how they fact-check what the candidates say during campaigns.
The guests will likewise share how various factors, such as family dynamics and their respective local government units, have affected their decision to vote.
“In our area, candidates are not offering any solution to our town’s central concern which is traffic; that is one of the reasons why I think none of them are suited to be our leader,” Edmar said.
James then challenged Edmar’s perspective by saying that he should choose the “lesser evil.” Pointing to the direction that he should still make his vote count as he is not voting only for himself but also for the sake of his townspeople.
The discussion will also revolve around the differences in perspectives between a newbie voter and a second-time voter.
Not long after, Tricia reminded young voters to channel their “gigil” for change into something substantial by choosing their battles wisely and leading by their own actions.
-bjlc/iro
