PAP fires back at Sen. Padilla’s remark: ‘Filipino Youth Not Weak’

Written by Charlie Oranza • Board by Jian Muyano | 16 February 26

The Psychologist Association of the Philippines (PAP) on Friday, Feb. 13, addressed claims made by Sen. Robin Padilla after he described Filipino youth as “weak,” saying depression is uncommon in his generation.

In their official facebook page, PAP said labeling young people as “weak” stigmatizes legitimate mental health problems.

“Equating mental illness with weakness of character is scientifically wrong and socially dangerous,” the organization claims.

PAP added that Filipinos deserve governance that communicates responsibly about health, relies on credible data, reduces stigma, and supports policies to protect mental well being.

“We invite policymakers and government agencies to engage with us in sharing scientific knowledge, best practices, and proven strategies in public communication and intervention,” the organization said.

At the senate hearing on the proposed Children’s Safety in Social Media Act on Feb. 11, Padilla and other senators pushed for regulations or potential ban on social media, saying younger generations are less resilient in the context of their mental and emotional capacity.

“Noong panahon namin, hindi uso ang ‘yung salitang depression. Ngayon, batang maliliit, sasabihin ‘I'm depressed,’” he stressed.

Padilla also mentioned that children of the past decades grew up playing outdoors, learned life skills on the streets, and were not prone to being “crybabies.”

In their statement, PAP added that records from UNICEF Philippines estimate that about one in eight adolescents and one in 17 children live with diagnosable mental disorder, including depression and anxiety, which imposes psychosocial impacts.