THE KABATAAN Partylist has urged young local candidates to resist political grooming and break free from blind obedience to senior politicians.

The group pointed out that local election ballots are often dominated by older incumbents and their equally old rivals—typically representing dynasties or national patrons—leaving little room for new faces except for neophytes being groomed as successors to inherit the system.

“Since 2022, however, we have seen more challengers, especially from the youth, taking on traditional politicians, offering alternatives, and winning positions,” the group emphasized.

In 2025, Kabataan Partylist seeks to sustain this momentum by supporting its members with proven track records as youth leaders, who will be vying for local office in Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Quezon City.

The partylist hopes to inspire more young candidates to reject political grooming, which it argues breeds future “trapos” (traditional politicians).

“Securing ambitions must take a backseat to advancing our alternative vision,” the group stated.

“We must strive to be independent, firm, and self-critical. It’s time for the youth to school the seniors on the need for genuine social change. We call on young candidates to dedicate their campaigns to exposing the evils of our system, instead of pleading to be accommodated by it.”

Kabataan Partylist further emphasized that every young leader who refuses to conform to the system takes a step toward building a new one.

“Breaking the cycle requires new leaders and a new generation—one that remains hopeful about driving change from the margins outside government while maximizing any gains possible from within,” the group concluded.