CBCP, PPCRV laud anti-dynasty provision in SK law

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino made the right decision in signing the law that bans political dynasties in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), an official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said yesterday.

Conegunto Garganta, CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Youth executive secretary, said he is hoping the law would pave the way for the passage of the anti-dynasty bill.

“I hope the anti-dynasty bill… will come in time with the SK reforms,” Garganta said.

Under Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act, those running for SK “must not be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official in the locality where he or she seeks to be elected.” 

The President signed the law on Jan. 15.

Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting chairperson Henrietta de Villa said RA 10742 is “the only existing law that nips political dynasty issue in the bud.”

De Villa said the SK law would strengthen the hope of the youth that they could be “movers of change and of CHAMP (clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, peaceful) elections.”

“In the midst of confusion besetting elections 2016, this law is a breath of fresh wind. PPCRV lauds it but will also monitor its strict and undiluted implementation,” she said.