EDITORIAL - Time for abolition

For the 671,168 seats at stake in the Sangguniang Kabataan or youth councils, only 272,047 people had shown interest in seeking election as of yesterday. In Baguio City, 40 barangays had zero candidates for the SK until yesterday, the last day for filing certificates of candidacies. Filipinos usually wait until the last minute to act, but there was no rush to file COCs at deadline time last night. 

The lack of interest in youth participation was evident despite a strong information campaign on the SK and village elections. There are more than enough candidates for the barangay polls, but not for the SK race. The low candidate turnout for the youth councils prompted the Commission on Elections to extend by a day, until today, the deadline for the filing of COCs.

Perhaps the low interest in participation is due to the ban on SK candidates who are related up to the second degree by blood or marriage to incumbent elective officials. Perhaps youths prefer to concentrate on their studies or in pursuing a career outside grassroots politics.

Or perhaps many youths believe there are better ways to participate in governance, and consider the SK as a waste of public funds and a useless layer of bureaucracy. This is the position of proponents of the abolition of the councils, who say youths already have sufficient representation in Congress.

Considered a spinoff of the Marcos-era Kabataang Barangay, the SK has been criticized for serving mainly as an entry point and training ground, with pay, for the youngest members of political dynasties. The last SK election was held in 2010, with winners serving for three years. The system has been in limbo since 2013. For the May 14 polls, the Comelec has decided to prohibit members of political dynasties from running.

With the dismal candidate turnout for the SK race next month, it’s time for Malacañang and Congress to consider abolishing the SK. The funds for the councils are better used for projects and programs that directly promote youth welfare.