Ex-Kabataan Partylist member exposes sexual assault by fellow member

On June 1, 2025, Maria Kara, a member of Kabataan Partylist, publicly revealed she was sexually abused by three different leaders from 2023 to 2025. Despite reporting the incidents internally, she received no meaningful support—no immediate medical or mental health aid, and was even mocked and threatened. A top officer downplayed her trauma, saying it was better than “staying idle.”

Only after public exposure did KPL issue a vague statement, deflecting accountability. Kara, who had sacrificed school, work, and family for the movement, is now seeking legal justice. Her case exposes a disturbing culture of silence, neglect, and impunity within the militant youth organization.