Youth Coalition Re-files Historic Impeachment Complaint Against Vice President Sara Duterte
In a powerful demonstration of civic engagement, the Youth Against Kurakot (YAK) Coalition, alongside civil society leaders and church representatives, officially re-filed a historic impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte at the House of Representatives on Monday, February 2, 2026. This move comes after technical setbacks, but the coalition refused to let such obstacles stall their pursuit of justice and accountability.
Students Decry Corruption's Impact on Education
Matthew Silverio, secretary-general of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, voiced the frustrations of many young Filipinos. "As students, we are constantly told that there is no budget for education, mental health services, and student welfare," Silverio stated. "When serious allegations of the misuse of public funds surface, it becomes clear that corruption directly steals from the youth and from our future."
He further emphasized the tangible consequences, adding, "Our classrooms are overflowing, yet our budgets are being drained in secret. This isn't a script; it is a reckoning. We are reclaiming the education that was taken from us."
A Broader Fight for Accountability and Vulnerable Sectors
Anna Cubacub, convenor of the Babae at Akla Kontra Korap Coalition, highlighted that corruption disproportionately affects marginalized groups. "The push to impeach VP Sara Duterte is young people holding the line on public accountability," Cubacub explained. "It is a continued fight of all young Filipinos — especially LGBTIQ+ youth and young women — to end impunity and corruption in all their forms."
Cubacub also addressed the broader political context, noting, "It has been incumbent for us to ensure that our democratic institutions work, even against a political dynasty like the Dutertes, who for too long have bent so many laws and treated public funds as their own. They have normalized and contracted killings, and we are here to say that the era of impunity must end."
Youth Vow to Defend Democratic Integrity
Zik Rivera of UP Alyansa reinforced the coalition's determination, warning against political tactics that evade responsibility. "We are picking up exactly where we left off. This is a defense of the integrity of our institutions," Rivera declared. "The youth will continue to seek accountability until every centavo of the public's money is fully accounted for."
Broad Support and Specific Allegations
The re-filing garnered support from a diverse united front, including notable figures such as Kiko Aquino Dee, former peace secretary Ging Deles, and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Fr. Flavie Villanueva. The impeachment complaint outlines five detailed articles, which include:
- Culpable violation of the Constitution
- Graft and corruption
- Betrayal of public trust
Silverio concluded with a stark warning about the future, stating, "The question here is what kind of future we are willing to accept. Whether it's billions from the flood control scam or millions from Sara Duterte's confidential funds, every peso stolen is an attack on the youth's future. We refuse to stand by while classrooms go unbuilt, teachers go unpaid, and students are left behind. The likes of Sara Duterte must be held accountable."
Fueled by the resolve seen in movements like the Trillion Peso March, the Youth Against Kurakot Coalition stands firm. They assert that impunity ends only when democracy is actively defended, institutions serve the people, and no political dynasty or official is permitted to steal the future of the youth.
