SK abolition sparks debate

The proposed abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) has provoked debate among those who favor and those against it. Commissioner Benjie Oliva of the National Youth Commission, however, bats for the SK reform. The National Youth Commission unanimously approved En Banc Resolution No. 65 series of 2010 entitled, Resolution Urging the Congress of the Philippines for the passage of the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Bill before holding any SK elections in the country, he has introduced and sponsored. Oliva, is the chairman of the Committee on Values and Integrity Development of NYC. One of the staunchest advocate of the SKs elimination from the poli tical landscape is the outspoken Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri-Lim. I am 100% in favor of the move to abolish the SK, he said. His reaction came after the pronouncement of the DILG of abolishing the youth sanggunian because the SK has not addressed the youth concerns. Most of the time, the SK president is either the child, relative or political supporter of mayors and governors, the city mayor said. FAMILY CORPORATION A check In Bohol showed that a lot of SK federated presidents are indeed children of municipal mayors and other political figures of the locality. The supposed moulding of the youth as future leaders of the country has indeed been incorporated into the family political corporation The Sangguniang Kabataan was created by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 whose objectives are to tap the energy, enthusiasm, and idealism of young people ages 15-17 years old for grassroots development and to provide a venue for youth participation in local governance, said Oliva in his press statement sent to the STANDARD the other day. For her part, SK National Federation president Jane Censoria del Rosario Cajes, daughter of former Rep. Roberto Cajes, who is now Trinidad Mayor, also agrees on the proposed SK reform instead of abolishing it altogether. Cajes, who was guest of the public affairs program RUNDOWN over ANC Cable Channel 16 hosted by veteran TV journalist Ces Orena-Drilon on Monday night, admitted that corruption among the SKs occurred at some point. She blames politicians for using the youth for traditional politicking. UP FINDINGS NYC Commissioner Oliva cited in particular as reason for the needed SK reform the findings of the University of the Philippines-Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS).

The UP analysis said: SK falls short in carrying out their legislative functions; SK projects mostly revolve around sports and culture, environment, and infrastructure and fail to address the real and pressing problems of children and young people that pertain to education, livelihood, and drug abuse; SK fails to submit annual and end-of-term reports which lead to non-monitoring of their projects and programs, hence, the effectiveness of their projects are seldom gauged; youth consultation and coordination with community members are often done; and a little youth involvement in program planning and implementation. (With reports: RVO)

SK: on the verge of abolition

Posted on March 12, 2012 by heinrichmarkfil

When we hear the words SK or Sangguniang Kabataan, things that come across our minds are basketball tournaments, waiting sheds, street names, and sign boards. These are the things tagged to the council that should supposedly empower the youth. People think that the institution for the younger ones has already been limited to those kinds of petty and insignificant projects. The agency was believed to be boxed in these kinds of projects that do not really involve and empower the youth on their roles in nation building. The Office of the Baguio Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) City Federation President of Baguio said that 12 among 129 barangays in the city do not have SK officials yet. As of today, these barangays do not have representation of the youth to the barangay council. This problem can be a cause of other major difficulties that SK faces today. Some of these are multi-sectoral information drives on elections, effectiveness of SK, and the recent debate on the reform versus abolition of SK. So what is the result of having no SK officials in a barangay? Lack of projects for youth and in some cases, no project at all. SK getting too old? The huge drop of SK registrants last October 2010 SK elections and the statements of some barangay chief executives about the youth councils ineffectiveness now question the relevance of SK. Though there have been barangays standing firm for the youth councils abolition, there are also people who still believe on what the SK can do for the youth. Barangay secretaries Reynaldo Mogan and Jaime Lee of Kagitingan and Alfonso Tabora, respectively, believe that the SK should not be abolished since new generation of youth

leaders will emerge. They also agree that governance in the barangay level is not yet totally politicized. With their hopes still high for the institution, they agree for the SK reformation. Despite the hopes of people in the community who believes in the ability of the youth, there are also people inside the SK institution who say that it should be abolished. Baguio SKF President Yangot said that all hopes are lost. She blames the national officers of the SK Federation as the main reason why many SK chairmen and kagawad do not excel on their own barangays. Baguio DILG City Director Ms. Evelyn B. Trinidad said that she is also for the abolition. She also said that in previous years, she is for reformation but through the years SK officials fail to do their duties. According to her, previous SK of Baguio have involved her in the issue of vote buying, they have become discourteous to her and her office. Some are even filed with cases on act of lasciviousness, she said. Atty. Modesto Bahul Jr., of COMELEC-Baguio said that he is for the SK abolition because youth of today became more irresponsible. He said that they are not capable of holding government positions. According to him, the SK members who are 15-17 years old are not yet mature enough these days. The youth are not yet ready to hold such vital positions in the government. In the Constitution Article II Section 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that; The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs. In this part of the Constitution, it can be seen that youth have a very important part in developing the nation thus, this has been the foundation of creating the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) a body where the youth will be able to exercise their rights provided by our constitution. This specific part of the constitution is never contested, but the presence of its offspring (the SK) was constantly questioned by politicians, citizens and even youth. Moreover, this part of the constitution is the main basis of including youth in the politics of local government. This vital role of the youth in governance was pushed through the inclusion of youth leaders in the Republic Act (RA) 7160 also known as the Local Government Code.

According to the Chapter 8, Section 423, Paragraph (a) of this code; There shall be in every Barangay a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to be composed of a chairman, seven (7) members, a secretary, and a treasurer. Furthermore, the members of SK shall come from the Katipunan ng Kabatan (KK). Section 424 of the LG Code says that the Katipunan ng Kabataan shall be composed of all citizens of the Philippines actually residing in the Barangay for at least six (6) months, who are 15 but not more than 21 years of age, and who are duly registered in the list of the Sangguniang Kabataan or in the official Barangay list in the custody of the Barangay secretary. The creation of SK aimed to create a venue where the youth participation in governance can be exercised and enhanced. In the year 2007, Baguio City had almost 302,000 inhabitants. 41,153 of these are youth who belong to an age bracket of 15-19 years old. Almost seven percent of the citys population are the youth, yet some barangays lack the representation of SK. In this year also, three barangays did not have SK officials. There were 7, 318 registered SK voters during that years elections but only 4,912 actually voted on the election day. The problem of non-participation of youth in some barangays of Baguio City can already be traced as early as 2007. With this relatively large population of youth in the city, why did the number of SK election registrants way far from expected? What could have been the problems? The trend of youth participation in SK elections continued. There was a decline of registered voters on the year 2010. The National Statistics Office (NSO-CAR) reported that the projected population for Baguio City in 2010 was 336, 203. The number of youth with ages 15-19 was also expected to rise up to 45, 000. On this given number, only 1, 610 registered for the SK elections and only 1,388 actually voted. Thus, it shows a decrease of around 35 percent on the voter turnout. Zero registrants and voters Zero registrants in certain barangays can be traced from previous shortcomings of certain government agencies that were tasked to persuade youth to participate in SK elections. Whos to be blamed on this problem? As the primary responsible constitutional commission for every election held, the Commission of Elections (Comelec) was mandated to act as the prime mover of the 2010 Synchronized Barangay and SK Elections. The commission was supposed to exert the greatest effort in disseminating information about the elections. The Department of the

Interior and Local Government also serves as a vital guiding agency for the SK. Thus, the department was also expected to help in spreading the information and news about the SK voters registration. Lastly, the incumbent SK officials in 2010 must also be one of those who are expected to promote and inform the youth about the registration. In order to answer the problem of vacancy on SK positions, DILG and SKCF had supervised another filing of candidacy. According to the CLGOO (City Local Government Operations Officer) Ms. Evelyn B. Trinidad, after the special election they conducted last October 26, 2011, the appointment only awaits the signature of President Benigno NoyNoy Aquino III. Though the appointment is already in process, the year and months that were wasted of having no SK officials in barangays is considered a big loss for the youth sector. With only less than two years to assume their offices, these appointed youth will not be able to effectively lead their constituents given that they still have to adjust and adapt with their new responsibility. SK through the years The University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS) said that the SK is able to have a considerable impact on the youth as well as the community. Their research, which was conducted last May 2006 was entitled Study on the Impact of the Youth Participation in the Local Development Process: The Sangguniang Kabataan Experience. Together with representatives of DILG, National Youth Commision (NYC), United Nations Childrens Fund, etc., UP CIDS recommended that the weaknesses in the SK be addressed by affecting changes in crucial aspects of the existing policies and in their implementation. This study was a counterargument on issues thrown against SK. Moreover, there have been numerous projects organized by SK that have greatly affected communities and barangays. It has been a big aide in executing the functions of the barangay council. The current SK constitution and by-laws oblige the youth council to be encompassing. It has divided the SK into a multi-faceted organization which is able to accommodate the major needs of the youth. The Section 192 of the Republic Act No. 7160 which tackles about Barangay Funds states that a 10% of any sum entered into the budget of the barangay shall be given to the SK. It covers the barangays IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment), collection, donations received, etc. These have been according to

the amended constitution and by-laws that have been ratified though a plebiscite last March 16, 2001. Article XVII says that this certain percentage shall then be allocated on different task forces, 10 % on the Green Brigade, 10 % on the Livelihood and Entrepreneurship, 10 % on the Infrastructure, 10 % on the Legislative Works, 20 % on the Disaster Coordination and Health, 20 % on the Education Services, Moral Recovery Activities and Anti-Drug Abuse, and 20 % on the Sports Program and Community Immersion Activities. SK has been expected to mold and enhance the youth as the next leaders of the nation. It should serve as a training ground for the youth where they can learn and improve their leadership skills through the hands-on governance with their fellow youth constituents. Various accomplishments are cited by the Sangguniang Kabataan National Federation (SKNF) as their proof that the institution should be retained. Young politicians and leaders are said to be developed and started their leadership careers through the SK council. The national federation also cites their contribution on raising the environmental awareness of the youth and society through their projects. Senate and House Bills Since the first SK elections in 1992, the institution had already conducted 5 elections on its entire history. However, the change of the set of officers also brought various controversies. As the years passed, SK has also undergone amendments to ensure its effectiveness. Some of these are the age and term adjustment of the officials. Several reform and abolishment bills on SK were passed both on the congress and on the senate. Last August 17, 2010, Senator Francisco N. Pangilinan introduced his Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2010. The Senate Bill 2429 is an act strengthening and reforming the SK amending for that purpose certain provisions of RA 7160 and RA 9340 and resetting the barangay and SK elections. This reform act aims to make the SK more independent and self-reliant. It further proposes to give fiscal autonomy over the SK fund and give SK their discretion to run their affairs and operations. Another reform bill was introduced by Marikina 1st District Representative Marcelino R. Teodoro, which was also known as the House Bill (HB) 2770. He said that the SK has been mired with allegations of corruption and inefficient governance. Allegations include vote-buying, gathering kickbacks from SK-initiated projects and programs.

On the other hand, he believes that this institution needs to be carefully re-assessed but not abolished. The bill says that maintenance of representatives from the youth sector is still the ideal way so young people can participate in nation-building but less budgeting, disbursement and procurement processes. It also includes certain adjustments and changes. According to Teodoros bill officials should be at least 18 but not more than 21 years of age on the day of election. It further says that all SK Kagawads shall be entitled to receive honoraria, travel allowances and other such compensation. Congresswoman Rachel B. del Mar, of the 1st District of Cebu also filed her version of the SK Reform Act of 2010. It was known as the HB No. 2845. It points out the formation of a Local Youth Development Council in every barangay, which is a parallel body to facilitate the check and balance of SK activities and financial transactions. It also aims to produce better youth leaders and it can be done through a mandatory integrated SK organizational leadership and re-orientation-basic orientation seminar (ISKOLARBOS). The bill also wants to adjust the age of the officials, and to give due compensation to the Kagawads and the elected secretary and treasurer. It says that SK kagawads shall receive a monthly honorarium of not more than P1,000 and P1,500 for the secretary and treasurer. On the other hand, abolition bills were also authored by lawmakers who believe that it is a necessary act to redeem the image of the SK as a system. Last August 17, 2010, Atty. Magtanggol Gunigundo I, representative of the 2nd District of Valenzuela City authored the House Bill 2534, which was a re-file of the HB 1243. The two bills aims to abolish the SK, because the abolishment is a part of the new Aquino governments reform agenda. It further stated that youth involve themselves in political activities rather than giving more priority on their education, thus making the SK an impediment on Rizals saying, the youth is the hope of our nation. The bill also answers the criticism that abolishment bills are anti-youth, for it prevents the youth to be part to the nation-building. According to them, in contrary, they believe that youth should be given more time to prepare and gradually realize whats behind the world they are entering. They further stated that youth are expected to devote more time to their studies. Leyte 2nd District Representative Sergio Apostol also introduced an abolition bill known as HB 3604. It states that SK has failed to become the organization whose role is to create programs for the benefit and advantage of the youth. Moreover, it says that the SK has exposed the youth leaders to dishonest or corrupt practices specially in handling

funds. More often than not, SK chairmen and officials are not found in their barangay because they have to stay elsewhere to pursue their college education. Furthermore, it also stated that what is worse is that when the absentee SK officials continue to receive government allowances even if they are unable to discharge their duties and deliver services that are expected of them. It even claims that by abolishing SK, we can not only save billions of pesos in the conduct of their elections but save the nations from the newly trained traditional politicians. The HB 3732, by Davao del Sur 1st District Representative Marc Douglas IV C. Cagas of the, also wants to abolish the SK. According to him, no noted major satisfactory contribution to nation building has so far been made by the SK. He further said that SK even became rich haven for the commission of graft and corruption. He also criticizes the absentee officials, who do not even participate in hearings and committee meetings. He says that minors are not yet possessed of judicial personality and capacity to act and that youth sector is still properly represented by so many other competent marginalized sectors, and would remain to be properly represented without the existence of the SK. Another abolition bill was introduced by Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Florencio C. Garay, known as HB 2114. It suggests the creation of Youth Sector Representative (YSR) in exchange of the will-be-abolished SK. In every barangay there shall be an YSR who shall be aged 18-25. The term of the elected YSR shall last up to five years. It can be noted that the SK has already made a bad image and reputation throughout the country since many representatives in the congress push for its abolition. SK in the grassroots level According to Punong Barangay Herminio B. Dumaguin of Brgy. Magsaysay PrivateRoad in Baguio City, having no SK representation to the Barangay Council means paralysis of the youth council specially on implementing useful projects for the youth. He further said that there would be no youth-related projects in the barangay during the SKs absence. On a larger scale, Baguio SK Federation (SKF) President of Baguio City, Karminn Yangot said that there is difficulty of her office to help youth in barangays that do not have SK representatives to the Federation. She said SK Chairmen of different barangays wouldve been as her offices instrument for implementing projects throughout the city.

Punong Barangay Narcisa G. Laguitan of Brgy. DPS said that there is the same result with or without SK officials. This means that officials of SK do not do much project to benefit the youth. While Brgy. Sec. Jaime Lee of Brgy. Aldonso Tabora said that there is no difference on SKs no representation for no action from their previous SK officials has been made. A graceful exit A SK abolishment bill, know as HB 2534 said that Pres. Aquino and DILG Sec. Jesse M. Robredo stand part in abolishing the SK. He further says that COMELEC Commissioner Rene Sarmiento followed suit, elaborating that the SK failed to be functional and effective in the delivery of basic services as provided under the Local Government Code. In the Philippines, 18 years old and below are considered to be minors, hence, they cannot enter into formal agreements, into contracts, into marriage nor can they be prosecuted and jailed for their offense. There had been debates on the reconsideration of our countrys definition of juvenile but the delineation 18 years old and below remained to be unwavering. Paradoxically, the government lets the 15-18 years old sign into government documents and enter into government deals and projects through SK, despite knowing that their decision would affect the lives of many citizens on their communities. Bigger roles in the society require reaching the age of majority or emancipation. Others say that on the abolishment of SK, youth might not be heard and might not be take part in the process of community building. On the contrary, the Local Government Code allows persons18 years old and above to be elected as Barangay Kagawad, 21 years old and above in the City or Municipal Council and 25 years and above in the House of Representatives. Thus, the youth are still given chance to be duly represented. The youth has still many venues to participate in nation building and governance. They can still be youth leaders in their schools or be active members of their churches. Examples of these are the awardees of the National Youth Commissions TAYO awards. This award is an annual recognition program given to the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations. The awardees are youth from all over the country who have given outstanding contributions in their community. Despite their significant contributions in the society, members of the awarded groups are not part of the SK. Hence, it shows how apolitical youth are still active and participatory in nation building.

Furthermore, the abolition of SK does not necessarily mean taking out the chance of the youth to be enhanced in their leadership. It is just a graceful method to save them from the already-ill mechanism of SK. This matter boils down on what the masses will stand for; will they give another chance to the youth sector to prove themselves? Or they will remove the SK in the government, thus saving the youth from the abyss of Philippine politics? We should think critically. If something is not functional, why still continue its existence? We cannot afford to invest a lot while benefitting less. We must invest into something beneficial to everybody an investment where we can address problems through a win-win solution.

The Great SK Debate: Do we really need the Sangguniang Kabataan?

Posted on August 26, 2010 by skreform

Allegations of corruption by inefficient, ineffective, and non-performing Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials have caused mounting calls for its abolition from various sectors and officials, including no less than President Benigno Aquino, Jr. himself, and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo. Ironically, the very author of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code (LGC) which created the SK in 1991, is also pushing for SKs demise. Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel, on his last term, filed a bill proposing its abolition. Former Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla filed a similar bill in 2004. But the SK National Federation (NF) and the SK Reform Coalition are not taking this sitting down, making a last-ditch effort to salvage whats left of the youth organization. SKNF president Jane Censoria Cajes, for instance, has been doing the rounds of TV shows, defending SK. SK Reform Coalition convenor Marlon Cornelio also sought a dialogue with Sec. Robredo. Fortunately for the SK community, the dialogue resulted to a change in Robredos stand, from that of abolition to reform.

During the meeting last Tuesday, Robredo and the SK Reform Coalition have agreed on the necessary reforms that should be undertaken. As of presstime, the barangay and SK elections in October will push through, but Cornelio says DILG hopes to have its proposal on reducing the number of SK officials from eight (one chairman and seven kagawad), to only one youth representative, approved in time for the elections. PIONEERING The Philippines is so far, the only country in the world which has given its youth the opportunity to take a participative role in government through the SK. An offshoot of the Kabataang Barangay of the 70s, the SK is a governing body where youth, aged 15 to 18 years old, may register to vote and be voted in the SK. The SK chairman gets a salary while the seven councilors (kagawad) that form the council have no salaries but are required to serve voluntarily for three years. They approve resolutions of the Sanggunian and appropriate the money allotted to the council. Marinelle Formentera, SK City Federation president of Paranaque says the SK gets 10 percent of the budget of the barangay. Pag malaki ang barangay malaki din ang budget ng SK. Tulad namin sa NCR, P2.9 million ang budget ng barangay namin, so 10 percent nun ang sa SK. Pero nakalaan naman ang parts ng budget for our programs, like 10 percent for green brigade, 10 percent for infrastructure, and so on, explains Formentera, 19. PRONE TO CORRUPTION Due to loopholes in the system, the SKNF is calling for reform. One major loophole, Cajes says, is the 15 to 18 age bracket for those who can vote and run as SK officials. The original age of those who can register and vote used to be 15 to 18 while candidates for the SK posts were from 18 to 21. She says for those who can run for SK posts, the COMELEC lowered the age bracket in 2004 from 18 to 21, to 15 to 18 years old.

We felt that this was a bad move. Masyadong bata yung mga SK officials, nasa high school pa sila at madaling maimpluwensiyahan ng pulitiko. Kadalasan nagagamit kami ng mga barangay captains at pulitiko kasi may boses kami sa council. We cannot sign contracts because we are minors, so its the barangay chairman who does it for us. Pag yung kapitan may gustong pabor, iniipit yung SK at hindi magbibigay ng budget. Kawawang SK walang magawa kundi pumayag na lang, laments Cajes, 20. Both SKNF and Kabataan Partylist Representative Raymond Palatino says electing only one youth representative in the barangay would make them prone to engage in corrupt and anomalous activities because of the absence of a check and balance mechanism provided by the kagawads. It doesnt solve anything. The single youth representative, who is now not accountable to a youth council, can be more easily seduced by corruption practices because he is now alone; and most likely he/she could still belong to a dynasty. Since the youth representative will be voted at large by barangay residents, we will force that kid to adopt the campaign tactics of adults in order to garner enough votes to win in the election, Rep. Palatino says. USELESS? On the allegation that SKs are doing nothing but hold sports activities, Cajes says that is because sports is part of their mandate. Then there is the issue on the SK representatives neglecting their studies. I believe that all SK officials are mostly academic achievers. When they run in the SK they know the responsibilities that go with it. Usually, we sacrifice our studies to be able to serve our constituents. Yung school andiyan lang yan. Hindi kami iiwan. Pero yung SK tatlong taon lang kami magsasakripisyo para matulungan ang kapwa naming kabataan, says Cajes, a senior European Studies student at the Ateneo de Manila University. She has taken a leave of absence from AdMU to concentrate on her task as SKNF president, but is taking courses at the UP Open University. Despite the change of heart of President Aquino and Sec. Robredo on the issue, former Sen. Pimentel is still firm in his position.

While I was in the Senate I received hundreds of requests complaining about the SK, na walang silbi, walang concrete (project, law) silang nagawa. Most of them are even studying far from their barangays, so in effect they can no longer do their job because they have to be in school most of the time, reveals Pimentel who is in favor of only one youth representative. SK IS A UNIQUE SYSTEM The SKNF strongly deny this, stating that many SKs are actually implementing projects that benefit both the youth and adults. For instance, Formentera has authored an ordinance in her barangay, allocating P500,000 for an educational assistance program. The program provides P1,200 weekly allowance for poor students. More than 40 bystanders, meanwhile, have graduated from the Alternative Learning System program for out-of-school youth. In the SKNF, Cajes says they give P100,000 to 20 pilot provinces that implement environmental projects. There is an SK who rehabilitated their river. In Lucena, the SK bought a multi-cab to use for collecting garbage. In Cagayan de Oro, they regularly hold debates and dialogues during the Youth Week. In Paranaque, they planted mangroves in the river. In my province in Bohol, 10 day care centers were built by youth groups of the Volunteers Club through our funds. We also provide health and medical assistance to both young and old people. In 2007, a study was commissioned by the United Nations Childrens Fund and DILGILGILG to determine SKs impact in the local government process. The study, made by researchers of the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies Program on Psychosocial Trauma revealed that abolishing the SK will not serve the best interest of children and young people nor will it shield them from the negative influences of politics and politicians. It will only destroy a unique system and a mechanism that has great potential for youth participation in governance and community service. SK REFORMS

Among the reforms proposed by the SK Reform Coalition and Akbayan Youth to Sec. Robredo are the need to increase the age bracket of the youth who can vote and be elected from 15-18 to 15-25; the election of a youth representative who will serve as a councilor in the barangay council, from ex-officio to regular membership; the creation of a youth development council composed of youth organizations in the barangay to serve as civil society partner and substitute for the SK kagawads, to ensure greater participation and check and balance; the incorporation of an anti-dynasty provision to limit politicization of the youth rep; fiscal autonomy and accountability on the youth fund; and incorporation of accountability mechanisms and ground for removal from office.

Abolish it, now!

THIS IS NOT the first column to be written on this matter and I bet this is not to be the last. The clamor for the abolition of the Sanguniang Kabataan crops up every so often and intensifies before barangay elections, but alas, the SK has stayed and hanged on like sticky phlegm lingering on the nations throat. I say this is the right time to cough it out, given a president who is sincere in cleaning up the government bureaucracy. Nothing has done more damage to the Filipino youths political education and participation more than the SK. The structure was meant to give young people, who make up a big chunk of the countrys population, the opportunity to contribute to nation building. It was envisioned to be a breeding ground for future leaders, an avenue for youth empowerment. But it has, dear karikna, disappointed, and disappointed us big time. What youth empowerment do we see when most SK programs are merely confined to the staging of cheesy Mr. and Ms. SK events, holding of basketball leagues, construction of basketball courts and waiting sheds, and clean and green photo-operations where they would sweep the streets, plant a couple of seedlings, and pose in front of cameras as if they have reverted climate change? Occasionally, there are some innovations. In Laoag City last February, the SK Federation held one of their biggest activitiesa mixed martial arts event described by witnesses as bloody and fierce. It was dubbed Suntukan sa Laoag. For doing just these things in addition to attending sessions where they are usually benchwarmers and sleepyheads if not perennial absentees, SK officials receive monthly honoraria and other emoluments, privileges and benefits, even free tuition fees in state universities.

There are many SK officials I know, you know, everybody knows who are remiss in their duties. They hold office in barangays and municipalities somewhere but they spend most of the time elsewhere, most often because they are pursuing college education. I have a former student, an SK chairman, with whom I have a running ritual. Rarely seen in their barangay, Id always tell him in jest, each time we cross paths, abolish the SK!, to which he would reply, huwag muna sir, hindi ko pa bayad yung laptop ko. The kid has already advanced his honorarium for the remainder of his term to buy the fancy gadget. At least this young politico is still more prudent compared to other SK officials who were able to establish computer shops during their incumbency. So young and so corrupt. As a bonus, some SK officials, even as they are busy in moneymaking and power-tripping, even find time to get themselves embroiled in sex scandals and other sleazy, if not violent, controversies. There are a few well-meaning SK officials though, like my former student Jed Arnel Raquel, SK federation president of Batac City, who laments at how dirty politics can really get. Well, ho-hum, at least Jed learned a lesson, but did he have to be an SK official to know that? I asked the nursing graduate if he still wants to get into politics when his term as an SK official expires. With sincerity in his voice, he said yes, but added that only when he has become wealthy from his own sweat will he return to public service so that he can do so with independence and integrity. I admire Jeds pure intentions, although I had to remind him that the rich also steal, and many of them, in fact, steal big time as greed knows no limits. Yes, young people must get involved, but I should mention that Rizal, del Pilar, Jacinto, and countless other young heroes stood up for what we now call a nation, over a century before the SK came to be. Young Efren Peaflorida was named 2009 CNN Hero of the Year because of his keen vision, spirit of voluntarism, and selfless service. He was not an SK official. Charice Pempengco has inspired young people around the universe neither because of SK nor her botox treatment, but on account of a world-class talent she generously honed and shared. I can name many a great statesmen who were never involved in bureaucratic youth politics, but who brought honor to public service. I am even tempted to say that they turned out to be good leaders because of, not in spite of, their non-involvement in SK. Young people do not need a parallel government so they can be heard. In this age of rapid advances and technology and communication, there are already many avenues for the youth to voice out their concerns without dipping their hands in the murky waters of politics-as-usual. Even the United States, where popular participation in government affairs is high, does not have anything close to the Sangguniang Kabataan, and they score higher in child protection and youth welfare indexes.

You may argue, dear karikna, that the youth can make a difference, that they can change the face of politics, and that they are the antidote to the illnesses in governance. But that happens only in utopia. In reality, the SK has degenerated into a breeding ground for corruption and ineptitude. It has become the springboard for traditional politics and all its component evils including political dynasty, nepotism, patronage, and tokenism. Public officials field their kids as candidates in order to corner the SK funds and have them occupy ex-officio posts in the barangay and city/town/provincial councils. In Ilocos Norte, for example, the presidents of the respective SK Federations in the province and in Laoag City are headed by two men who bear not only the same surnames, but the same first names too: Rudys Caesar Farias I and Rudys Caesar Farias II, sons of Congressman Rudy Farias. Note that I have nothing personal against the two Rudyses. In fact, I find them to be charismatic, and, well, youthful. They may even be good leaders. But it is alarming that this phenomenon, i.e. politicians relatives and pets holding juicy SK posts, happens not only in Ilocos Norte but in almost all local government units. In fact, as early as now, trapos are already maneuvering the system so they can place in their respective kids and pets to SK posts in different levels of government if and when the barangay and SK elections push through later this year and not postponed for later as the usual practice goes. (SK officials tend to remain in power for too long because of these postponements leading some people to tease that SK now has a new meaning: Sangguniang Katandaan.) We wonder whose interests these robots masquerading as youth representatives represent: the voice of change or that of preserving the depressing status quo? It does not take a political scientist to answer this question, no wonder why even former Senator Nene Pimentel, author of Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991, the law which provided for the conversion of the Marcos-era Kabataang Barangay to the Sanguniang Kabataan, had been pushing for its abolition. Pimentel saw, and rightly so, the need to undo a mistake. Some quarters maintain that the SK should not be abolished, and must only be reformed. I disagree. I am not sold to the idea that we have to clothe kids with formal powers so they can be relevant to our national life. It only makes them believe too early what many of us desensitized adults have come to accept: that politicians are self-important and that the citizens are powerless. We do not need the SK to train good leaders. We do not need the SK to enable the youth to do their share, and neither do we need it to have the voice of teenyboppers heard and heeded. Simply, dear karikna, we do not need the SK. Lets expectorate it, ahem, and ASAP please.

The Right Road to Meaningful Youth Participation A Position Paper for SK Reform By: Marlon Cornelio, SK REFORM COALITION Convenor The Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) according to the UNICEF[1] is the quintessential example of child (and youth) participation in governance. It is a landmark institution as it is a venue for young people to reach out and engage their fellow youth in affecting positive change in society. It is an imperative for young people themselves to active take part in their own development and the development of their communities. SK is a unique to and pride for Filipinos in terms of youth participation as (it) is not simple a space for youth participation in government; but an institution where the youth are given the right and obligation to govern[2]. Indeed, despite the many challenges, the SK, an embodiment youth participation in nation building enshrined in the constitution and supported by many laws, is an institution worth continuously developing. Thus, the SK Reform Coalition sees the recent proposals from the government to abolish the SK institution and replace it a youth representative to the Barangay (Village) Council wanting of these understanding. Electing a youth representative to the barangay council is nothing but mere tokenism to youth participation; a backward step that PNoy government should not take. While we understand that the government proposes this to save on election costs; we view this necessary cost as an investment. Cutting investment on young people and demeaning an institution supposed to train young people on governance is severing the lifeline of our countrys ready and capable leaders. The proposed SK abolition is a road to perdition. The debate between SK abolition and reform has long been foreclosed. SK abolition, and/or subsequent replacement of another mechanism, do not solve any problem faced by the institution. SK abolition is truth twisted. True, SK has become a breeding ground for corruption. But corruption is not inherent in the institution; it is an influence from a more corrupted system. One does not fight corruption in an

institution by abolishing it, otherwise DPWH or DedEd or the Congress for that matter would have long been gone. True, the SKs are just being used by adult politicians. Most SKs are either a relative of the barangay captain, the mayor, congressmen or governor; or their pet. But is it not the general case in Philippine politics? True, many SKs are not functioning. SK officials do not know their roles and responsibilities. But, it is as true that barangay officials, directly working with the SKs, do not know and limit the SKs function to sports, pageants, and clean and green projects. True, the SK officials are too young and do not have legal authority. SKs even do not hold their own budget allocation, the barangay does. Is it not the barangay officials who ask the SKs to sign documents for SOPs before the their SK budgets are released? These are all truths and documented in a study commissioned by DILG, UNICEF and NAPC YS. Both sides of the abolition and reform debate subscribe to these. Another truth that the study found out and should always be remembered is that: True, there are many SK good practices all over the country. SKs work best with the support from adults, especially from barangay leaders. It is this one truth that the study stresses. While SK abolition advocates fall short in addressing these problems, various SK reform measures have been put forward and are just needing actions. First, in educating the SK about their roles and responsibility, which is a function of the DILG, the barangay officials should also be informed and capacitated in dealing and supporting their SKs. Second, the strengthening of the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK) or the village youth assembly to ensure participatory planning and greater accountability should be a task taken more proactively by the local DILG officer with the support of other local youth organizations. Third, an autonomous fiscal mechanism with accountability measures should be put in place to train young people to manage and allocate resources subject to government auditing rules.

Fourth, a pilot of anti-dynasty provision, which is provided for in the constitution, should be enforced in SK, where it can serve as an example to adult politicians. Fifth, the age range can be adjusted to account for the period when young people have move freedom in arranging their academic load without limiting participation of children- age 15-17. There are legislative measures in Congress, like the SK Reform and Empowerment Bill of Akbayan which was filled in both 13th and 14th Congress that outlines the necessary legislative measures. But it has never gone pass the committee level. PNoy now has the power to make it a priority bill of his administration. There is an even better and easier way for the Executive branch. The DILG and NYC have mandate and responsibility over the SK. The DILG, NYC, NAPC YS along with UNICEF and then Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), in partnership with the SK Reform Coalition, came up with the study on the situation of SKs, the challenges they are facing and the ways to address them. The same group has drafted an SK Guidebook that reinforces the once-in-a-blue-moon ISKOLAR BOS training for SKs and provides practical tools and solution to real on the ground situations. These two materials are potent for use by both the government agencies concerned and the SK themselves. It is already there, the government agencies can make it more accessible, so more people can make use of it. The SK is faced with many challenges. These are the challenges that PNoy and the Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo have to face head on. The SK needs crucial reforms. And on these reforms, we will work on together. The road to SK Reform may be long and narrow, but it is the right road to take to ensure meaningful youth participation.

Abolition of Sangguniang Kabataan Sought

enate Minority Leader Aquilino Nene Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today proposed the abolition of the

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in view of the general observation that it has lost its usefulness as a mechanism for getting the youth involved in community development.

Senator Pimentel said the prevailing sentiment in local communities is that the SK officials have neglected their duties because they are preoccupied with other things

although they continue to receive remuneration. Under Senate Bill 2155 he just filed, the SK will be dissolved but the youth will continue to be represented in the sangguniang bayan, sangguniang panlunsod and sangguniang panlalawigan. The youth representatives will be elected, like other local government officials, during the regular local elections held every three years. The youth representatives in the local councils shall be the voice of the young people in the policy-making bodies of the local government. They will ensure the youths vital participation in public-and-civic affairs in their respective communities, Mr. Pimentel said.
It also provides that SK officers who were duly elected in the October 2007 barangay and SK synchronized election shall finish the term to which they were elected.

Senate Bill 2155 provides that in addition to the other qualifications required of candidates to the sanggunian (council), no person shall be elected as the youth representative in every sanggunian unless he is a Filipino citizen, a resident of the barangay for at least one year and he is not more than 18 years of age at the time of his filing of certificate of candidacy or election. It also provides that SK officers who were duly elected in the October 2007 barangay and SK synchronized election shall continue to hold office for the duration of the term to which they were elected. There was a proposal from some legislators and local-government leaders to make the youth representative in the sanggunian an appointive position and to authorize the mayor or governor to appoint such official. Senator Pimentel said he did not agree with the proposal because he believes that the youth of the local communities should decide on who should represent them in the sanggunian in keeping with the democratic system. Besides, he said the tendency of the mayor or governor is to make partisan choices. He also observed that appointive officials to any legislative body tend to lose their independence and be beholden to the appointing authority. The SK was created under the Local Government Code of 1991, replacing the Kabataang Barangay which was established through a Marcos decree during the martial law era.
Like the KB, the SK was envisioned to be a training ground for youth leaders and a layer of government that will attend to the needs and problems of the youth and harness them in community development activities.

Explaining why the continued existence of the SK has become untenable, Senator Pimentel said the organization has exposed the youth leaders to situations that make them susceptible to dishonest or corrupt practices especially in handling funds that are

entrusted to them for projects and activities that will enhance the welfare of their constituents.
Senator Pimentel said one of the strongest arguments for scrapping the SK is that more often than not, SK chairmen and officials are not found in their barangay because they have to stay elsewhere to pursue higher education.What is worse, Mr. Pimentel said, is when the absentee SK officials

continue to receive government allowances even if they are unable to discharge their duties and deliver services that are expected of them. The bill on the abolition of the SK was crafted by Senator Pimentel after a series of consultations with local-government officials, election authorities, academic experts in the field of local governance and leaders of the youth and other sectors concerned. In some provinces and cities, the governors or mayors whose children or other relatives are the SK chairmen in their localities were the ones who were very vocal in saying that the SK has outlived its usefulness and should be abolished. # # #

CHAPTER VIII Sangguniang Kabataan Section 423. Creation and Election. (a) There shall be in every barangay a sangguniang kabataan to be composed of a chairman, seven (7) members, a secretary, and a treasurer. (b) A sangguniang kabataan official who, during his term of office, shall have passed the age of twenty-one (21) years shall be allowed to serve the remaining portion of the term for which he was elected. Section 424. Katipunan ng Kabataan. - The katipunan ng kabataan shall be composed of all citizens of the Philippines actually residing in the barangay for at least six (6) months, who are fifteen (15) but not more than twenty-one (21) years of age, and who are duly registered in the list of the sangguniang kabataan or in the official barangay list in the custody of the barangay secretary. Section 425. Meetings of the Katipunan ng Kabataan. - The katipunan ng kabataan shall meet at least once every three (3) months, or at the call of the chairman of the sangguniang kabataan or upon written petition of at least one-twentieth (1/20) of its members, to decide on important issues affecting the youth of the barangay. Section 426. Powers and Functions of the Sangguniang Kabataan. - The sangguniang kabataan shall: (a) Promulgate resolutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the youth in the barangay in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Code; (b) Initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic, cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical development of the members;

(c) Hold fund-raising activities, the proceeds of which shall be tax-exempt and shall accrue to the general fund of the sangguniang kabataan: Provided, however, That in the appropriation thereof, the specific purpose for which such activity has been held shall be first satisfied; (d) Create such bodies or committees as it may deem necessary to effectively carry out its programs and activities; (e) Submit annual and end-of-term reports to the sangguniang barangay on their projects and activities for the survival and development of the youth in the barangay; (f) Consult and coordinate with all youth organizations in the barangay for policy formulation and program implementation; (g) Coordinate with the appropriate national agency for the implementation of youth development projects and programs at the national level; (h) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as the sangguniang barangay may determine or delegate; and (i) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance. Section 427. Meetings of the Sangguniang Kabataan. - The sangguniang kabataan shall meet regularly once a month on the date, time, and place to be fixed by the said sanggunian. Special meetings may be called by the sangguniang kabataan chairman or any three (3) of its members by giving written notice to all members of the date, time, place and agenda of the meeting at least one (1) day in advance. Notices of regular or special meetings shall be furnished the punong barangay and the sangguniang barangay. A majority of the members of the sangguniang kabataan shall constitute a quorum. Section 428. Qualifications. - An elective official of the sangguniang kabataan must be a citizen of the Philippines, a qualified voter of the katipunan ng kabataan, a resident of the barangay for at least one (1) year immediately prior to election, at least fifteen (15) years but not more than twenty- one (21) years of age on the day of his election, able to read and write Filipino, English, or the local dialect, and must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. Section 429. Term of Office. - The sangguniang kabataan chairman and members shall hold office for a period of three (3) years, unless sooner removed for cause as provided by law, permanently incapacitated, die or resign from office. Section 430. Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman. - The registered voters of the katipunan ng kabataan shall elect the chairman of the sangguniang kabataan who shall automatically serve as an ex officio member of the sangguniang barangay upon his assumption to office. As such, he shall exercise the same powers, discharge the same duties and functions, and enjoy the same privileges as the regular sangguniang barangay members, and shall be the chairman of the committee on youth and sports development in the said sanggunian. Section 431. Powers and Duties of the Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman. - In addition to the duties which may be assigned to him by the sangguniang barangay, the sangguniang kabataan chairman shall:

(a) Call and preside over all meetings of the katipunan ng kabataan and the sangguniang kabataan; (b) Implement policies, programs, and projects within his jurisdiction in coordination with the sangguniang barangay; (c) Exercise general supervision over the affairs and activities of the sangguniang kabataan and the official conduct of its members, and such other officers of the sangguniang kabataan within his jurisdiction; (d) With the concurrence of the sangguniang kabataan, appoint from among the members of the sangguniang kabataan, the secretary and treasurer and such other officers as may be deemed necessary; and (e) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance. Section 432. Sangguniang Kabataan Secretary. - The sangguniang kabataan secretary shall: (a) Keep all records of the katipunan ng kabataan and sangguniang kabataan; (b) Prepare and keep the minutes of all meetings of the katipunan ng kabataan and sangguniang kabataan; (c) Prepare all forms necessary for the conduct of registrations, elections, initiatives, referenda, or plebiscites, in coordination with the barangay secretary and the COMELEC; and (d) Perform such other duties and discharge such other functions as the chairman of the sangguniang kabataan may prescribe or direct. Section 433. Sangguniang Kabataan Treasurer. - The sangguniang kabataan treasurer shall: (a) Take custody of all sangguniang kabataan property and funds not otherwise deposited with the city or municipal treasurer; (b) Collect and receive contributions, monies, materials, and all other sources intended for the sangguniang kabataan and katipunan ng kabataan; (c) Disburse funds in accordance with an approved budget of the sangguniang kabataan; (d) Certify to the availability of funds whenever necessary; (e) Submit to the sangguniang kabataan and to the sangguniang barangay certified and detailed statements of actual income and expenditures at the end of every month; and (f) Perform such other duties and discharge such other functions as the chairman of the sangguniang kabataan may direct.

Section 434. Privileges of Sangguniang Kabataan Officials. - The sangguniang kabataan chairman shall have the same privileges enjoyed by other sangguniang barangay officials under this Code subject to such requirements and limitations provided herein. During their incumbency, sangguniang kabataan officials shall be exempt from payment of tuition and matriculation fees while enrolled in public tertiary schools, including state colleges and universities. The national government shall reimburse said college or university the amount of the tuition and matriculation fees: Provided, That, to qualify for the privilege, the said officials shall enroll in a state college or university within or nearest their area of jurisdiction. Section 435. Succession and Filling of Vacancies. (a) In case a sangguniang kabataan chairman refuses to assume office, fails to qualify, is convicted of a felony, voluntarily resigns, dies, is permanently incapacitated, is removed from office, or has been absent without leave for more than three (3) consecutive months, the sangguniang kabataan member who obtained the next highest number of votes in the election immediately preceding shall assume the office of the chairman for the unexpired portion of the term, and shall discharge the powers and duties, and enjoy the rights and privileges appurtenant to the office. In case the said member refuses to assume the position or fails to qualify, the sangguniang member obtaining the next highest number of votes shall assume the position of the chairman for the unexpired portion of the term. (b) Where two (2) or more sangguniang kabataan members obtained the same next highest number of votes, the other sangguniang kabataan members shall conduct an election to choose the successor to the chairman from among the said members. (c) After the vacancy shall have been filled, the sangguniang kabataan chairman shall call a special election to complete the membership of said sanggunian. Such sangguniang kabataan member shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the vacant seat. (d) In case of suspension of the sangguniang kabataan chairman, the successor, as determined in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section shall assume the position during the period of such suspension. CHAPTER IX Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan Section 436. Pederasyon ng mga Kabataan. (a) There shall be an organization of all the pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan to be known as follows: (1) in municipalities pambayang pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan; (2) in cities, panlungsod na pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan; (3) in provinces, panlalawigang pederasyon ng mga kabataan; (4) in special metropolitan political subdivisions, pangmetropolitan pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan; and (5) on the national level pambansang pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan.

(b) The pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan shall, at all levels, elect from among themselves the president, vice- president and such other officers as may be necessary and shall be organized in the following manner: (1) The panlungsod and pambayang pederasyon shall be composed of the sangguniang kabataan chairmen of barangays in the city or municipality, respectively; (2) The panlalawigang pederasyon shall be composed of presidents of the panlungsod and pambayang pederasyon; (3) The pangmetropolitang pederasyon shall be composed of presidents of the panlungsod and pambayan pederasyon; (c) The elected presidents of the pederasyon at the provincial, highly urbanized city, and metropolitan political subdivision levels shall constitute the pambansang katipunan ng mga sangguniang kabataan. Section 437. Constitution and By-Laws. - The term of office, manner of election, removal and suspension of the officers of the pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan at all levels shall be governed by the constitution and by-laws of the pederasyon in conformity with the provisions of this Code and national policies on youth. Section 438. Membership in the Sanggunian. (a) A sangguniang kabataan chairman shall, upon certification of his election by the COMELEC and during his tenure of office is elected as pederasyon president, serve as an ex-officio member of the sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod, and sangguniang bayan, as the case may be, without need of further appointment. (b) The vice-president of the pederasyon whose president has been elected as president of a higher pederasyon shall serve as ex-officio member of the sanggunian concerned without need of further appointment. (c) The pederasyon president or vice-president, as the case may be, shall be the chairman of the committee on youth and sports development of the sanggunian concerned. CHAPTER X Linggo ng Kabataan Section 439. Observance of Linggo ng Kabataan. (a) Every barangay, municipality, city and province shall, in coordination with the pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan at all levels, conduct an annual activity to be known as the Linggo ng Kabataan on such date as shall be determined by the Office of the President. (b) The observance of the Linggo ng Kabataan shall include the election of the counterparts of all local elective and appointive officials, as well as heads of national offices or agencies stationed or assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of the local government unit, among inschool and community youth residing in the local government unit concerned from ages thirteen (13) to seventeen (17). During said week, they shall hold office as boy and girl

officials and shall perform such duties and conduct such activities as may be provided in the ordinance enacted pursuant to this Chapter.