Anti-dynasty provision inserted in SK reform bill

An anti-dynasty provision has gained ground in Congress, but it is not an all-encompassing measure and is only limited to members of the Sangguniang Kabataan for now.

The bicameral conference committee has agreed to include an anti-dynasty provision in the Sangguniang Kabataan reform bill, which would bar relatives of local elected and appointed officials up to second level of consanguinity and relatives of national and appointed officials from sitting as youth council officials.

Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino, chair of the Committee on Youth, said this should be seen as a concrete step in implementing genuine reform in matters of youth representation.

“We’re now getting closer to making the country’s SK system into an effective way to shape the youth to become better and effective public servants in the future,” said Aquino, a co-author of
the measure.

He also led the Senate contingent in the bicameral conference committee meeting on the bill.

President Aquino, in his last State of the Nation Address, pitched for the passage of an anti-dynasty bill, but despite his call, the bill has not moved in either chamber of Congress.

Should such a measure be approved, many incumbent officials could find themselves barred from holding or running for elective office.

The bicameral conference committee on the SK reform bill also agreed to adjust the age limit of youth council officials from 15 to 17 to 18 to 24. With this, they would be legally capable of entering into contracts and be held liable for their actions.

It provides for 10 percent of barangay funds to be managed by youth leaders for their projects and programs.

The measure would also require SK officials to undergo leadership training programs and requires the creation of the Local Youth Development Council to support the SK and engage more young citizens in its activities.