Kabataan Party-list Representative Atty. Renee Co said her “yes” vote on the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte was not only about accountability but also about protecting the future of younger generations.

During the plenary voting, Co stressed that the impeachment push seeks to prevent abuses of public funds and power from happening again.

“This is about justice, yes. But more importantly, ako, kaming kabataan, tayo, ginagawa natin ito para hindi na maulit ito,” she said.

The lawmaker emphasized that the House hearings over the past two months presented evidence and testimonies related to alleged corruption and misuse of confidential funds under Duterte’s leadership.

Co argued that ordinary Filipinos often face harsher treatment under the justice system compared to powerful officials.

“Yung mahirap na nagnakaw ng delata kulong agad pero yung mataas na opisyal na nagnakaw ng milyon-milyon sa kabangyaman nakakalusot? Hindi po pwede ng ganoon,” she said.

She also criticized Duterte for allegedly failing to personally respond to accusations during the hearings, saying, “Sa bawat oportunidad na hiniling natin kay VP Sara na ibigay ang kanyang panig, hindi siya nagpakita ni isang beses.”

Addressing criticisms that impeachment does not address hunger and poverty, Co said recovering allegedly stolen public funds could help provide services to struggling Filipinos.

“Kung matagumpay na mapanagot natin ang mga magnanakaw at maibalik ang ninakaw na pera sa taumbayan, mabibigyan ng nararapat na serbisyo at suporta ang mga kababayang nagugutom,” she stated.

Co ended her speech by affirming the Kabataan Party-list’s support for continuing the impeachment proceedings in the Senate, saying the youth sector stands “on the side of justice.”