"The Sangguniang Kabataan is the primary target of any local official seeking a higher post. These traditional politicians spread venom, and the youth comprising the SK become contaminated," the neophyte solon said.
According to Erice there are now basis to the perception that politics is becoming more and more a business rather than a service.
"It is because of this that the youth should be shielded from the debilitating effects of politics, Instead of developing their skills and talents to build a community, they become the unwitting pawns of unscrupulous politicians," Erice added.
Erice suggested that a council that would represent the youth in barangay and local legislative assemblies be created in lieu of the SK for the youth not to be isolated.
"This would do away with SK elections, which frankly speaking, is but a waste of money, time and resources," he said.
Erice said that the youth’s involvement in state policies must be limited only to campus politics and debates and not local and traditional politics which, according to him, are dirty and characterized by intrigues and greed.
Erice also expressed his apprehension on the lowering of age from 18 to only 15 for the youth to qualify to participate in SK elections.
"I feel that things have become worse because now, the age qualifications have been lowered. We are faced with the prospect of electing officials who are literally still children," Erice said.
Erice noted that minors are not yet ready to handle elective officials’ functions and are still prone to influence and corruption by adults.
"Let’s let the youth concentrate on nation building and value formation. Let’s leave politics to the politicians. Spare the youth from politicking," he said.
Erice said the low turnout of the two-day SK special registration was a clear manifestation of the government’s waste of money and resources.– Pete Laude