'Ayaw ma-FOMO': Kabataan Party-list wants SK polls to push through
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co is calling for the continuation of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections this year because "Gen Zs are ready" and that they "are excited to vote".
"Bakit si Marcos Jr., hindi (Why Marcos is not ready)?" Co asked.
The lawmaker said the youth "must not be stripped off of their democratic rights". She argued that only those who want to stay in power do not want elections.
Her statement came as President Marcos was expected to sign a law postponing the SK elections from Dec. 1, 2025 to the first Monday of November 2026.
"Mahalagang pagkakataon ang SK elections para lumubog ang kabataan sa kanilang komunidad. Kapag ginalaw ito, may mga kandidato sana na di na pwede tumakbo at may mga botante na di na pwede bumoto (SK elections are a great opportunity for the youth to blend in their community. If we postpone it, there are qualified candidates who can no longer run and individuals who can no longer vote)," he said.
"Ayaw nating ma-FOMO ang kabataan sa pagpapaunlad ng kanilang barangay (We don't want the youth to experience FOMO when it comes to the development in their barangay)," she added, using Gen Z's jargon for the "fear of missing out".
Co says the youth also deserve an acceptable reason for postponing the polls.
"Even if political momentum is not yet favorable for the Marcoses after the 2025 midterm national elections, Malacanang should veto the BSKE postponement bill," she said.
"Local politics shouldn't be hostaged to the whim of national elite actors," she added.