Television host Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza on Thursday called for compassion and understanding following remarks made by Senator Robin Padilla during a Senate hearing where the lawmaker described today’s generation as “weak.”
The comments were delivered on February 11 during deliberations on the proposed Children’s Safety in Social Media Act. Padilla said, “Ang mga bata po ngayon, sad to say, ’wag kayo magagalit sakin… pasensya na kayo, you are weak. Hindi kayo katulad noong panahon namin na hindi kami iyakin. Natuto kami sa kalsada. Natuto kami na ’wag umupo, [’wag] umiyak. Noong panahon namin hindi uso ’yung salitang depression. Hindi ko nga alam ’yon eh, kung ano ’yung depression. Ngayon, batang maliit sasabihin, ‘I’m depressed’.”
In response, Atienza shared a message on social media emphasizing empathy, particularly when addressing mental health concerns.
“A little kindness (and understanding) goes a long way,” Atienza wrote.
He added context to the ongoing debate, noting how quickly reactions surfaced online. “On February 11, during a Senate hearing on the proposed Children’s Safety in Social Media Act, Senator Robin Padilla said depression wasn’t something they talked about in his generation, going as far as to describe today’s youth as ‘weak.’ The internet didn’t take long to respond—it’s 2026, after all.”
Atienza stressed that generational differences in language and awareness should not diminish present-day struggles.
“While views may differ on how depression is understood across generations, one thing is clear: support should always be available. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 24/7 crisis hotlines, because whether or not the word was used before, the need for help is real for many today,” he said.
Padilla had also stated during the hearing, “Maraming mga bata nang magagalit siguro, pero pasensya na kayo, you are weak. Hindi kayo, katulad noong panahon namin na hindi kami iyakin.”
The exchange ignited widespread discussion online, with many netizens arguing that framing mental health issues as generational weakness oversimplifies a complex and deeply personal matter.
Atienza has been vocal about mental health awareness following the passing of his daughter, Emman Atienza, in October 2025.
