THE YOUTH must be at the forefront of transforming society and calling out power-abusive leaders and “unconscious” members of the older generation, human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno said.
Diokno urged student leaders to serve as the “national consciousness,” citing the Philippines’ history, diversity, environment and needs as areas they should strive after.
“As youth leaders, I believe that you can all serve as our national consciousness. That you will be the ones to call us, elders, out whenever we forget to be conscious about these four concepts,” he said in a forum held on Tuesday, April 2, at the UST Benavides Auditorium.
“But that is not enough. You must also be the national conscience, telling those in authority not to abuse their power. Let us seek to always advance the truth, justice and equality.”
Diokno lamented that such goals are not yet experienced “on the ground,” as some people pursue leadership only for transactional interests while others do so for the title.
He added that the Philippines needs “transformational leaders” who are responsive to the needs of the less fortunate. Students, as recipients of education, are equipped to initiate developments in their communities and country, the lawyer added.
“We have so many lives we need to transform in the Philippines…Our brothers and sisters don’t just need charity, what’s more important is that we give them enough knowledge so they can improve their lives on their own,” he said.
Placing emphasis on the patriotism and political resistance of national hero José Rizal, Diokno said the passion of younger people to push for justice and truth in various media draw Filipinos closer to equality.
“Throughout the critical points in Philippine history, those who stood up for us are the Filipino youth,” Diokno said.
“Who else can be the hand of progress in the Philippines but you, the Filipino youth.”
The forum titled “Youth To Be Summit ‘24: Global Dialogue on the Institutionalization of SDGs” was organized by The Political Science Forum. F – M.G. Pascua with reports from Mc Neil Zyh Serrano
