Pres. Aquino signs law on SK reforms

CEBU, Philippines - The Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law has finally been signed yesterday by President Benigno Aquino III and has now become Republic Act 10742.

The new law effectively schedules the SK election in October with notable reforms, including an anti-political dynasty measure.

Rafaela David, youth leader of Akbayan partylist, said this is a victory for the youth.

David in a statement said that the passage of the SK Reform Law will create a far more responsive youth institution at the grassroots.

Gio Tingson, national chairperson of the National Youth Commission, sees a new brand of political leadership among young people through the SK Reform Law’s anti-dynasty provision.

Tingson said this is the first law that supports anti-dynasty in elective posts, adding it will pioneer a new brand of politics.

David said that this development will push youth development in the center of barangay governance and that the reform measures will highlight SK projects and programs that really benefit the youth.

He said that this victory is really a product of extensive partnership between youth advocates and their champions from Congress and the government.

The proposal to reform SK has been championed by Representatives Barry Gutierrez, Kaka Bag-ao and Pedro Acharon in the House of Representatives and Senators Bam Aquino and JV Ejercito in the Senate.

Tingson added that the reforms have just rocked the boat of Philippine politics.

“Now that the Reform Act has been passed, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the necessary structural and capacity building support are ready for the SK,” he said.

Roughly 42,000 barangays are set to hold SK elections this October, with 10 officials per SK in a barangay composed of the SK chairperson, 7 kagawads, the appointed SK secretary and SK treasurer. An estimated total of 420,000 youth leaders are expected to be inducted this year.

This figure, Tingson said, indicates the significant impact the SK can make if the reforms are operationalized properly.

He further said that they are now focusing their efforts on the Implementing Rules and Regulations to ensure that the intent behind these reforms will indeed be carried out.

The NYC, in coordination with other relevant government agencies and stakeholders, is tasked to come up with the IRR within 60 days of the Act’s approval.

The NYC will also commence the preparations for the SK elections.  —(FREEMAN)