The National Youth Commission (NYC) welcomed the enactment of the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform bill after President Benigno Aquino III signed it into law recently, saying that it is a victory for the Filipino youth which would translate to reforms in the grassroots level.
NYC Chairperson Gio Tingson said that the enactment of the SK Reform bill has become a game-changer in Philippine politics.
READ: Aquino signs law on Sangguniang Kabataan reforms
“The reforms in place for SK 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,” Tiongson said in a statement.
Some of the reforms provided by the new law include the expansion of the age limit of SK officials from 15 to 17-years-old to 18 to 24-years-old and an anti-political dynasty provision.
“This is the first time that we’re implementing an anti-dynasty provision in a law. This is is a big win for political reforms and it starts with the youth sector,” the NYC said.
On October, 420,000 youth leaders are expected to assume office as new officers of the SK, an organization which has long been criticized as corrupt and inefficient.
Per barangay (village), there would be 10 SK officials: one chairperson, seven kagawads (councilors), SK secretary and an SK treasurer.
Tiongson said that the NYC is already working on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the new law “to ensure that the intent behind these reforms will indeed be carried out.”
Aquino signed the proposed legislative measure last January 15.