Amid the heated discussion about the mental health crisis, the Kabataan Party-list and various youth organizations strongly criticized Sen. Robin Padilla's statement that allegedly described the youth as "weak." According to the groups, this view is irresponsible and unscientific, especially in the face of the rising cases of depression and other mental health problems in the country. They insist that the issue of mental health is a serious public issue, not simply a lack of individual resilience.
The controversy originated during a Senate hearing on the Children's Safety in Social Media Act, where the senator said that the term “depression” was not common when he was young. He also cited data from Sen. Raffy Tulfo that at least seven students have died due to cyberbullying. For youth and mental health advocates, these numbers are proof that there is a deep and systemic problem that must be addressed through clear and humane policies.
A statement signed by more than 30 organizations including student councils, mental health advocates, and several university offices asserted that such comments can cause shaming and fear among young people suffering from depression and anxiety. According to them, placing blame on the character of young people drives them away from seeking help from family and community. They also emphasized that such a view deepens old prejudices against today's more open and sensitive generation.
The groups are calling on the administration to acknowledge the reality of the mental health crisis and support alternative frameworks and solutions presented by experts. They are also pushing for the enactment of House Resolution No. 559 to review the implementation of the Mental Health Act and other national policies. Above all, they emphasized the need for higher funding, wider access to quality services, and more intensive mental health education to truly safeguard the well-being of Filipino youth.
