House Assistant Minority Leader and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address what she described as the worsening conditions facing the Filipino youth when he delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
In a statement, Co said she remains skeptical that Marcos would touch on the country’s education and economic challenges, arguing that previous commitments to improve the education sector have yet to translate into meaningful reforms.
“What a letdown. Every year, the administration promises to improve the state of education for the youth, yet to this day, we have failed to realize that dream,” Co said in Filipino and English on Sunday.
“The education crisis felt by every young student continues to worsen,” she added.
She said that students continue to bear the burden of rising prices and what she described as regressive taxes.
The lawmaker likewise called on Marcos to acknowledge the administration’s shortcomings and outline a genuine plan to address the problems confronting the youth.
Co said many young Filipinos have grown frustrated with unfulfilled government promises.
“While the people continue to demand accountability, no one is truly held accountable from those involved in corruption,” she said.
“The youth are tired of being repeatedly let down by those in power. While Marcos continues to make his SONA sweet, the stench of the rotten system he leads will still be felt,” she added. Kristina Maralit
