Banning political dynasties

EDITORIAL

President Aquino has enacted a law reforming the Sangguniang Kabataan and banning political dynasties in the SK.The new law,known as Republic Act No. 10742, is a welcome development in showing officials that this could be done even in this country’s electoral system.

The law provides that SK officials must not be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or any elected regional, provincial, city, municipal or barangay official in the locality where he or she is seeking election.

This is the first and only law that has an anti-political dynasty provision. When it comes to preventing political dynasties from monopolizing power and resources in our communities, the best place to begin is in the SK,” according to authors of the law.

The new law also provides that SK officers must be of majority age, which means they should be 18 years to 24 years old. The SK reform law “also seeks to ensure responsible financial independence and to create mandatory training programs, which include components on transparency and accountability.”

Authors of the law in the House include Rep. Leni Robredo of Camarines Sur, Rep. Henedina Abad of Batanes, Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez of Akbayan and Rep. Sherwin Tugna of Citizens Battle Against Corruption.Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV is the principal author in the Senate.

The National Youth Commission yesterday lauded the passage of the law reforming the SK system. NYC chairman Gio Tingson said the law would address issues involving SK, including its supposed lack of impact and allegations of corruption. 

“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,” he added.

Some 420,000 youth leaders will be elected to various SK positions in October, according to the NYC.