Abolishing the Sangguniang Kabataan

EDITORIAL

SangguniangKabataan polls are set on Oct. 8, but the Commission on Elections, which is tasked to oversee it, would like the SK abolished saying the body, formed under the Marcos regime, has not bred the youth in nation-building but rather exposed them to corrupt ways of government. 

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said they have come to the consensus that the SK polls are not really that important, and that it should not be synchronized with the barangay elections.

           

“If we postpone the SK elections, we can do without the SK,” he said. ”Ultimately, its abolition will follow.”

           

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said the SK does not serve its purpose of providing the youth with political training.

           

Some quarters have also said the SK had instead exposed the youth to the practice of many politicians of mishandling the budget and non-acceptance of defeat during elections.

           

The SK has become a breeding ground for political dynasties, according to those pushing for its abolition, saying many of those running for the SK are children of barangay and local officials, he added.

           

But there are others who want to reform rather than abolish the SK and address its pitfalls.

           

Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV who is against its abolition said he will file a bill seeking to reform the SK once he completes consultations with  representatives of the youth.

           

“I believe that what it needs is a major overhaul,” he said. “The way funds are appropriated to them, how they are chosen, all of these should be discussed as part of the reforms.”   

           

The Comelec’s stand on the matter has generated lots of discussion on whether the SK should be abolished. More consultations on the matter should be done before the SK’s fate is decided.