SK Federation elections today

CEBU, Philippines – The 80 Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons in Cebu City will choose their Federation president this afternoon at the Cebu Grand Hotel.

Whoever shall be elected will automatically have a seat at the City Council as ex-officio member.

Outgoing SK Federation President Rengelle Pelayo said that there will be a nomination first before the voting so the names of the candidates will not be final until this afternoon.

There are, however, some who expressed earlier their interest to run. They are Aqua Jane Caruzca of Barangay Pahina San Nicolas, Clarence Jacques Lim of Tinago, Claudine Nicoles Dakay of San Nicolas Proper, Ivonne Carl Samonte of Bulacao Pardo, John Eliazar Ruix of Mabolo, John Philip Po of Sto. Niño, Mark Glen Borbajo of Talamban and Orlane Quijada of Punta Princessa.

Pelayo denied reports that she is endorsing Po as alleged by Samonte.

She assured that all elected SK chairpersons will be given the chance for a fair play. She said that during their recent seminar on good governance, the young leaders were given equal exposure and opportunity.

Pelayo also clarified the issue on the alleged confiscation of cellular phones of the SK chairpersons who attended the three-day seminar in Cordova last week.

"Dili man na matawag nga among gi-confiscate. Amo lang gipabutang sa usa ka sudlanan aron maka-focus sila sa seminar. Pero mao man sad na ang among nasabutan kay mao man sad na ang gihimo sa among batch," Pelayo said.

The SK Federation election will be witnessed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies.

Mayor Michael Rama said he will not be meddling with the youth in choosing whom they want to represent them in the council.

He reminded them though to set aside politics and choose wisely the person whom they think fits the position best. Rama promised support to whoever wins the election. (FREEMAN)