Youth groups urge wise voting choices from young, first-time voters

As the 2025 National and Local Midterm Election draws near, youth-led initiatives encourage voters to be wise and reject candidates with questionable public service records, emphasizing the importance of accountability, integrity, and respect for human rights. 

Independent advocacy movement Aksyon Eleksyon 2025 called on all voters, especially the youth and first-time voters, to carefully examine candidates’ track records and take a firm stand against unethical, corrupt, or abusive behavior in public office toward championing good governance and youth empowerment.

Aksyon Election 2025 also promoted thorough research to fight misinformation, discover senatorial candidates who are part of political dynasties and those with pending cases, and warn voters of those involved in the alleged misuse of public funds.

The group emphasized that supporting such candidates equates to endorsing injustice and discrimination, posing a threat to the country’s democratic institutions, and instead appeals to voters not to be swayed by popularity, political dynasties, or toxic personalities. 

With similar sentiments, digital advocates network Digital Pinoys also urged the public to reject candidates connected to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), citing that “a vote for these candidates is a vote for impunity and exploitation.”

The group warned that electing such figures legitimizes illegal and damaging interests, undermining the rule of law following the ban on all POGOs by the end of 2024, citing “grave abuse” and “disrespect” for Philippine laws by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“We must never allow our ballots… to legitimize illegal and harmful interests. This election is an opportunity to… protect our future. Let’s use our vote wisely for our communities, country, and a better tomorrow,” the group said in an online statement.

Several university-level student governments, political parties, and socio-civic movements also endorsed senators and party lists to aid young voters in picking the appropriate candidates to represent the youth in the national seats.

The midterm elections are set for May 12, with an estimated 68 million Filipinos expected to head to the polls.