National Youth Commission: Low turnout of SK poll bets

MANILA, Philippines — Many positions in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) may not be filled if the turnout of candidates will not increase, according to the National Youth Commission. 

NYC records showed that as of Tuesday afternoon only around 39,000 SK candidates – 9,000 for chairperson and 30,000 for SK council posts – filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs).

More than 350,000 positions are at stake in the SK elections on May 14.

Tomorrow is the last day for the filing of COCs for the barangay and SK elections.

NYC officer-in-charge Ronald Cardema urged SK candidates not to wait for the deadline before filing their COCs.

“The Filipino youth (should) take advantage of the SK reform. We want to change our country. Let’s start in our barangays, with the SK,” Cardema said. “This is one way of changing our society, our community.”  

Under Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act, those aged 18 to 24 are qualified to run for SK chairperson or council member. Qualified voters are those between 15 to 30 years old. 

The last SK election was held in October 2010.

RA 10742, which was signed in 2016, aims to address issues on nepotism, misuse of funds and undue influence by elder officials. Those with relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity who currently occupy an elective local or national position are prohibited from seeking SK posts. 

NYC commissioner Rhea Peñaflor said they are ready to implement the provisions of the SK law, including training on local governance, budgeting and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.