"Envied by other countries": NYC: Despite flaws, SK a model for youth representation in gov't

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines— Despite its perceived flaws and shortcomings, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is a model in terms of youth representation in different levels of governance, something being worked on yet in other countries.

"With 30 million youths across the Philippines, 42,000 of them are SK chairpersons in different levels, the SK is a model of youth representation," said Leon Flores III, chairman of the National Youth Commission (NYC), in an interview in this city yesterday.

"It may not be working as good as we want it, but in other countries it is a model for them, because for one, merong youth legislators at different levels of governance. Ang ibang bansa naglalaway sa model na ito. I would know this from my talks with other youth ministers (of other countries)," said Flores, who was in this city for a forum on Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Flores issued this statement in the wake of calls for SK abolition by critics who dubbed the SK as a training ground of corruption for young people instead.

The abolition of SK will not solve the problems of the adults, Flores said, adding that our present political system is plagued with vote buying, political dynasty and rampant corruption.

"We acknowledge that there are challenges facing the SK, which actually dwarfs the challenges of the bigger political system. They are saying that it's a school of corruption, that it is where they are exposed to the wrongdoings of the older (politicians)," he said.

Flores said suspending the SK polls or abolishing it altogether is not the answer. "The problems (will still) persist. I think we have to get to the root of the problem. We have to find ways. I'm sure Congress can creatively come up with ways to insulate the SK from partisan political system," he said.

The NYC is in favor instead of postponing the SK election on October 28 to another year to give it time to be reformed. It supports Senate Bill 1186, which was passed Monday night, postponing the SK polls and allowing the holdover of all incumbent SK officials.

"We are supportive of the Senate version moving the SK election to 2014, because it gives them a natural deadline to put in reforms," he said, adding that most senators are pro-SK reforms.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the bill's sponsor, said the postponement of the polls would allow Congress to review the SK law and introduce reforms to the system. In his sponsorship speech, Marcos said that, since the first elections in 1992, the SK has not been as effective as envisioned in advancing the democratic ideals of service-oriented youth leadership.

"As a result, there is strong clamor from different sectors of society calling for the restructuring and in-depth evaluation of the SK, and institute reforms," Marcos said.

Flores said the NYC opposes the Lower House version of the bill, which provisions were based on the recommendation of Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes calling for the total abolition of the SK. "The NYC has been consistent in its support for SK reform. We cannot strip 30 million youth of their due representation and voice," he said.

"We are all Constitutionally-bound to ensure maximum participation for young people and to ensure their meaningful development. A fully reformed SK will ensure that." Flores added in the NYC statement.

Flores said among the reforms NYC wanted is to change the age representation from 15 to 17 to 18 to 21. "SK leaders, aged 18 to 21, will have a legal personality, maturity and independence in deciding on financial matters, like the spending of its P100,000 annual budget a year, so they won't be prone to being influenced by their barangay captains or mayors," he said.

Flores said the NYC is also pushing for fiscal autonomy and transparency in the SK. "We are hopeful that the Lower House will also see the urgency for the postponement. We do not want to subject another batch of young people to a system that apparently needs major reforms. If we are going to do elections, we might as well do it right. Let's reform SK as an institution first, then Comelec can go back to its job of ensuring clean, honest, fair and orderly elections," he said. (FREEMAN)