Poll exec to skeptics: Give SK a chance

An election officer came to the Sangguniang Kabataan’s defense amid trust issues with aspiring youth leaders.

Lawyer Gallardo Escobar, Cebu City North District election officer, said SK has a great impact on young individuals and the community.

“The SK will train the youth to become future leaders. It serves as a preparatory and exposure to make a difference in the community. Naa man gyud mga kabatan-onan na they want to help and lead. Let us give them a chance,” he said.

His statement came on the heels of reports that SK aspirants are struggling on the trust issue.

Among those who expressed their doubts about the importance and capabilities of SK was 20-yearold Jonathan Caballero.

“Wa ko nalipay. Daghan mga bata ug tiguwang nanginahanglan og tabang. Adto dapat ang funds igasto nila dili kay sa mga kalingawan na i-officiate sa SK. Molihok ra ang SK kun naay kalingawan,” he said.

Escobar said the public should not deprive the youth of representation and voice.

He added that it is important for the youth to participate in the SK election, which was last held in October 2010.

SK was temporarily abolished in 2013. A reformed SK law was passed in 2016, providing for new provisions that address issues on nepotism, misuse of funds, and undue influence by elder officials.

Under the SK reform law, Filipino youth between 18 to 24 years old may run for SK chair or kagawad. Qualified voters are barangay residents between 15 to 30 years old.

The new law also prohibits candidates from running if they have relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity who currently occupy an elective position, whether national or local.