By: Sophia Pacheco
Photo courtesy of Julia Iris Eguillano | The LANCE
The Letran Politicvs Kapihan 2026 gathered students and invited speakers to discuss accountability in the Philippines through the lenses of law, media, and governance, on Friday, February 27, 2026.
Anchored on the theme, "Progresibong Pilipinas: Catalyst of Accountability through Law, Media, and Governance in the Philippines,” the event aimed to promote informed dialogue and civic responsibility among the youth.
Asst. Prof. Kobe Bryan Loterinia of CELAS delivered the opening remarks, formally welcoming participants and underscoring the importance of academic spaces that encourage critical engagement on national issues.
Politicvs Vice President Deborah Ysabel Ambas presented the rationale of the event. She described Kapihan 2026 as a platform for meaningful and informed dialogue, focusing this year on the interconnected roles of law, media, and good governance.
Ambas emphasized that the initiative seeks to bridge academic knowledge and real-world problems in the Philippines.
The first speaker, TikTok content creator Mr. Gabe Pineda, discussed the power of raising youth leaders and the role of media in shaping perceptions of accountability.
Mr. Pineda noted that accountability and influence are often associated with individuals who already have platforms. However, he stressed that leadership begins even without a microphone or a large following.
“Pero ngayon pa lang, kahit wala pa kayong platform you are actually a leader…it doesn't start at the top, it starts now,”
He also pointed out that many politicians begin with aspirations for a better Philippines but may lose sight of integrity when faced with compromises.
Second speaker, Atty. Lyndon Rom T. David centered his discussion on impeachment, corruption, and institutional gaps in the Philippines.
He explained that while corruption can be difficult to define comprehensively, it can be identified through acts such as bribery, kickbacks, fraud, nepotism, conflict of interest, and vote buying.
Despite numerous laws addressing corruption, he observed that the problem remains widespread.
“Governance that works is not imported or imposed, but co-created through collaboration, context, and citizen voice.”
Atty. David urged participants to shift attention not only to electing good leaders but also to strengthening institutions. He noted the importance of operational clarity, coordination, conflict resolution mechanisms, and appropriate forms of control.
Furthermore, Mr. Genesis Khen Demano, Program Officer of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), discussed participatory governance and its role in empowering citizens in nation-building.
He explained that participatory governance ensures that citizens are not merely observers but active contributors in decision-making processes.
He posed a reflective question to the audience: “Para kanino ka bumabangon?” emphasizing the personal stake of each citizen in national development.
During the panel discussion, speakers addressed the strength of Philippine institutions in combating corruption.
Atty. David reiterated that institutions operate within designed systems and that their effectiveness depends on how these systems are structured.
He stressed the need to identify coordinators, establish conflict resolution mechanisms, and create appropriate forms of control.
Kapihan 2026 concluded calling for accountability that begins at the individual level and extends to institutions.