In a move aimed at checking what traditional politicians
do to keep themselves in power—that is, get other family members elected to
public office as well—the House of Representatives has approved on second
reading a measure that seeks to prevent the establishment of political dynasties
in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) system.
Under the proposed bill, the eligible age bracket for
youth running for SK offices will be raised to 18 to 21 years old—from 15 to 17
years old –– while the age bracket of SK voters will likewise be expanded to 15
to 21 years.
The measure also requires that an SK official “must not
have any relative in elective public office within the second degree of
affinity or consanguinity.”
The bill also proposed that elected SK officials should
be required to undergo leadership training and seminars on program development.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez, one of the
authors of the bill, said the measure aims to result in “a stronger and more
effective youth representation and participation in our democratic processes.”
“This is a significant step in the right direction to
weed out partisan politics and the inherent weaknesses of the old SK system by
ensuring that the elected leaders are effective in representing the interests
of the youth sector,” Gutierrez added.
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