CEBU, Philippines - The episcopal vicar of the Archdiocese of Cebu Msgr. Esteban Binghay agreed with the statement of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting that the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is now being used as an “entry point†for political dynasties.
Binghay said that most of the politicians now let their children run for the SK polls so that they can follow the political footsteps of their parents and run for a higher position in the future.
“Most of the politicians will let their children run for SK so that they will be groomed to follow their parent’s footsteps and to be members of the political family dynasty,†Binghay said.
“Some politicians used it as asset for political purposes, so they support the young people the way we do during the campaign and elections, the customary way, which gives a negative implication,†he added.
It was PPCRV chairwoman Henrietta de Villa who said the supposed future leaders in the country are now being exposed to political anomalies.
She added that this should not happen since the SK should be a practicing ground for the authentic political leaders to emerge.
“Unsaon man nato pagbaton ug maayong leaders, honest ug faithful to their duties, kon ingon aning systema ang atong gamiton?†Binghay said.
The positive side of SK, according to Binghay, is that it has a good program to introduce to the young people but once there are politicians involved they will soon be dictating these young leaders on what they should do.
For politicians who want their children to run for SK positions, Binghay said to always look to the welfare of the public and not only to their own families.
“Maayo unta motan-aw sila sa atong lungsod, sa atong probinsiya ug sa atong nasud, dili kay ang ilang kaugalingon lang ug ang kaayohan sa ilang politikanhong pamilya,†said Binghay.
The SK elections are scheduled for October 28 alongside the barangay elections. (FREEMAN)