Kabataan Party-list Rep. Mong Palatino welcomed Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero’s announcement this morning, calling it a ‘welcome development for platform-based politics this coming 2010 elections.’

“Chiz resignation from NPC signals a new stake in 2010 politics, reflecting how the youth and people who are clamoring for meaningful changes in our society now shun empty popularity contests and personality-based campaigning in 2010. We hope other presidential aspirants follow suit,” Palatino said.

Palatino said that youth and student groups under Kabataan Party-list encourage Chiz to also hear out and consider their ‘Youth Agenda.’

The youth solon said that the youth criteria in choosing future leaders would revolve around the following ‘Youth Agenda’ for 1.) youth empowerment, participation and representation in nation-building, 2.) good governance and the fight against corruption, 3.) upholding of the youth’s fundamental rights in education, employment, environment, health, and others, and, 4.) assertion and safeguarding of national independence and patrimony.

Palatino said that, so far, only Chiz has declared clear-set stands on issues that ‘interest and matter to the youth.’