Sangguniang Kabataan

Bam: Respect people’s right to choose leaders

A senator urged the government to respect the people’s right to choose their next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders amid the administration’s plan to postpone October village elections and appoint a new set of leaders.

“Our barangay elections are a way for us to exercise our democracy,” Sen. Bam Aquino said in a media interview

 “Mahalaga na galing sa taumbayan ang halal, especially at the smallest unit of governance, so that our officials are accountable to their constituents and serve the people. Appointing barangay officials will only strengthen the patronage system in our country,” he added.

 The senator also insisted a law is needed that will allow not just the postponement of the elections, but will grant the President the authority to appoint.

Sen. Bam insisted that elections must push through this October to give people a chance to choose their next barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan leaders.

 Sen. Bam also stressed that reforms that lawmakers fought for in Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act will go down the drain if the SK elections will be postponed anew.

“Maganda ang mga repormang nakapaloob sa batas na ito at napapanahon nang maipatupad. Mauuwi lang ito sa wala kung hindi na naman matutuloy ang halalan,” said Sen. Bam, who pushed for the law’s passage as co-author and co-sponsor in the 16th Congress during his time as chairman of the Committee on Youth.

 The first legislation with an anti-dynasty provision, the SK Reform Act prohibits relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.

The law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

 Furthermore, SK officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

 The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

Bam urges youth to register for SK polls

Sen. Bam Aquino encouraged the youth to go out and register for the Sangguniang Kabataan elections, which will be held simultaneously with the selection of new barangay officials on October 23, 2017.

 ​​The senator made the call after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported a low turnout of registrants, which number just 193,229 from January to February 10 this year.

​​The Comelec is eyeing six million new voters —two million regular-aged voters, and four million youth – before registration ends on April 29. The SK and barangay elections will be held on October 23, 2017.

​​“Now, more than ever, we must speak out, we must participate in electing our leaders,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

​​“Let’s not waste our vote​ and let’s make the most of the SK reforms we fought for in Congress,” added Sen. Bam, who pushed for passage of Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act as co-author and co-sponsor in the 16th Congress.

​​The first legislation with an anti-dynasty provision, the SK Reform Act prohibits relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.

​​In addition, the law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

​​Furthermore, SK officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

 ​​The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

 ​The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

BIDA KA!: Ipaglaban ang SK

Mga bida, isa sa mainit na pinag-uusapan ngayon ay ang pagpapaliban ng halalang pambarangay at Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) na nakatakda sa Oktubre.

Argumento ng iba, katatapos lang ng pambansang eleksiyon noong Mayo masyadong maikli ang panahon ng paghahanda ng Commission on Elections (COMELEC) para sa barangay at SK elections.

Nais naman ng ilang mambabatas na ipagpaliban ang halalan ng dalawang taon at gawin na lang sa 2018 upang mapaghandaan ito nang husto.

May lumitaw ring panukala na tuluyan nang i-abolish ang barangay council at SK dahil wala raw itong pakinabang at walang naitutulong sa mga komunidad.

***

Bilang isa sa mga nagsulong ng Republic Act No. 10742 o SK Reform Act bilang co-author at co-sponsor noong 16th Congress sa Senado, hindi ko matatanggap ang panukalang ipagpaliban ng dalawang taon ang halalan o buwagin nang tuluyan ang SK.

Kaya nga natin isinulong ang mga reporma sa SK upang mailayo ito sa dating sistema na puno ng katiwalian at walang nagawa para sa kapakanan ng mga kabataan.

Sayang naman ang mga ikinasang reporma kung hindi natin agad ito maipatutupad sa lalong madaling panahon o kung wala nang SK para magpatupad nito.

Huwag tayong magpadalus-dalos sa ating desisyon. Bakit hindi natin bigyan ng pagkakataong maikasatuparan ang mga repormang ito at tingnan kung ito’y magiging epektibo para sa kasalukuyang henerasyon.

***

Bilang kauna-unahang batas na mayroong anti-dynasty provision, malaking panghihinayang kung hindi natin makikitang naipatupad ang SK Reform Act.

Sa ilalim ng batas, bawal nang tumakbo bilang SK officials ang mga kamag-anak ng halal na opisyal, hanggang sa tinatawag na second level of consanguinity.

Itinaas na rin natin ang edad ng SK officials patungong 18 hanggang 24 taong gulang, upang magkaroon sila ng legal na pananagutan sa kanilang mga aksiyon.

Upang mahasa ang kanilang kaalaman sa pagganap ng tungkulin, obligado na ang mga SK official na dumaan sa leadership training programs.

Makatutulong na rin ang tinatawag na Local Youth Deve­lopment Council (LYDC) sa pagbalangkas ng mga programa’t proyekto para sa mga kabataan.

Sa pamamagitan ng LYDC, mabibigyan ang mas mara­ming grupo ng kabataan na lumahok, makialam at bantayan ang kanilang kapakanan.

Walang dapat ipangamba dahil sa mga repormang ipinasok natin sa bagong SK, ibang-iba na ito sa ating nakasanayan noon na madalas ay paliga ng basketball at beauty contest ang proyekto para sa mga kabataan.

***

Noong Martes, lumabas na ang committee report ng Senado na nagpapaliban sa SK elections sa Oktubre 2017.

Sa una, nanghihinayang tayo sa pagpapaliban na ito ngunit mas maganda na ito kaysa sa panukalang gawin ang halalan sa 2018.

Isa pa, tiniyak din sa atin ni Sen. Sonny Angara na tututulan ng Senado ang anumang pagkilos na buwagin ang SK.

Maaaring gamitin ng COMELEC ang dagdag na panahon upang mapaghandaan nang husto ang SK, gaya ng pagpapalawig ng registration at paghikayat sa ating mga kabataan na tumakbo.

Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang SK na humubog ng mga bagong bayani mula sa ating mga kabataan na tutulong sa pagpapalakas ng ating mga komunidad.

Article first published on Abante Online

Bam: SK abolition ‘premature’

A senator described as premature plans to abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), stressing that improvements in the SK Reform Act must be given a chance to be implemented so its success can be gauged.

“It is premature to abolish the SK before we have a chance to implement the improvements in the SK Reform Act and gauge its success,” said Sen. Bam, who worked for passage of Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act as co-author and co-sponsor in the 16th Congress.

 “Let’s have a little more faith in the Filipino youth and their ability to contribute to their communities,” the senator added, saying “they might even surprise us with innovative solutions to critical issues, like hunger or drug use.”

 Aside from rejecting calls for SK abolition, Sen. Bam also rebuffed moves to postpone the SK elections for two years.

 “It is unacceptable. At most, we can postpone elections for a few months to give the Commission on Elections (Comelec) time for better preparation and recruitment of more voters and candidates,” said Sen. Bam.

 The first legislation with an anti-dynasty provision, the SK Reform Act prohibits relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.

 In addition, the law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

 Furthermore, Sangguniang Kabataan officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

 The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

 The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

Bam: Let’s give SK a chance to produce new heroes

Let’s give the new Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) a chance to produce a young generation of heroes.

Sen. Bam Aquino made this plea as the country celebrates National Heroes Day amid growing calls to postpone the SK elections for two years, adding that the reforms will be for naught if not implemented immediately.

 “Sayang naman ang repormang isinulong natin sa batas kung maghihintay pa tayo ng dalawang taon para ito’y makita,” said Sen. Bam, who pushed for the passage of Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act as co-author and co-sponsor in the 16th Congress.

 “Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang SK na humubog ng mga bagong bayani mula sa ating mga kabataan na tutulong sa pagpapalakas ng ating mga komunidad,” added Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

 Instead of a two-year wait, Sen. Bam is open to postpone the SK elections for several months until early 2017 to give the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ample time to prepare.

 “Huwag na nating pag-antayin pa ng matagal ang ating mga kabataan na kasalukuyan nang naghahanda para sa halalan at sabik nang maglingkod sa kapwa nila kabataan,” Sen. Bam asserted.

 “Gamitin natin ang pagpapaliban na ito bilang dagdag na panahon sa pagpaparehistro at paghikayat sa ating mga kabataan na tumakbo sa ilalim ng bagong SK,” he added.

 The SK Reform Act is the first legislation with an anti-dynasty provision, prohibiting relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.

 Aside from its anti-dynasty provision, the new law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

 Sangguniang Kabataan officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

 The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

 The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

Bam on postponement of SK elections

We waited long enough for the SK to be reformed.

 Now we have an SK Reform Law we can all be proud of, the agencies involved have made their commitments, and the youth have registered to vote.

 Ready na po tayo para sa bagong SK.

 Bukas po tayo sa pagpapaliban ng SK elections pero sana ay hindi hihigit sa isang taon at magamit ang panahon para pagbutihin pa ang implementasyon at paramihin pa ang mga botante at kandidato.

 Huwag naman sanang maagrabyado pa ang kabataang Pilipino.

 

Bam: Go out and register for Barangay, SK polls

Go out and register.
 
Sen. Bam Aquino urges qualified individuals to register for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections before the non-extendible July 30 deadline set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), stressing this is an opportunity to effect change in their communities.
 
“Sayang naman ang pagkakataon na makatulong sa pagbabago at makapamili ng mga karapat-dapat na lider sa ating barangay at sa kabataan kung hindi natin sasamantalahin ang pagkakataong ito,” said Sen. Bam, co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act.
 
Sen. Bam issued the call after the Comelec announced that it will not extend the registration period for the Barangay and SK elections.
 
The SK Reform Act is the first legislation with an anti-dynasty provision as it prohibits relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.
 
Aside from its anti-dynasty provision, the new law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.
 
Sangguniang Kabataan officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.
 
The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.
 
The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.
 
“Nakakapanghinayang naman ang mga pagbabagong ito sa ating SK kung kaunti lang ang lalahok dito,” said Sen. Bam.

BIDA KA!: Makilahok sa SK elections

Mga bida, umpisa bukas (Biyernes) hanggang ika-30 ng Hulyo, gagawin ang pagpapatala para sa eleksiyon ng mga bagong opisyal ng barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) sa Oktubre 31.

Kung ikaw ay mamamayan ng Pilipinas, residente sa barangay na iyong tinitirhan ng hindi bababa sa anim na buwan at 15 anyos ang edad ngunit hindi sa 30 taon ang edad sa araw ng halalan, maaari kang magparehistro at makaboto sa SK.

Sa mga interesado, maaaring magtungo sa tanggapan ng election officer ng Commission on Elections (COMELEC) sa siyudad o munisipalidad kung saan kayo nakatira at doon magpatala.

Maaari ring bumisita sa website ng COMELEC para sa karagdagang impormasyon. (comelec.gov.ph)

***

Dati, ang SK ay kilala lang sa pagpapaliga ng basketball, beauty contest at iba’t ibang proyekto na hindi mabisa sa pag­hubog sa kabataan.

Nakakalungkot ding sabihin na may mga sitwasyon na ang SK ay nagsilbi ring ‘breeding ground’ sa katiwalian ng ilang mga opisyal.

Ito ang dahilan kung bakit isinulong natin, bilang chairman ng Committee on Youth, ang pagreporma sa SK sa pamamagitan ng batas, na ngayo’y kilala na bilang SK Reform Act o Republic Act No. 10742.

Bilang co-author at co-sponsor ng RA 10742, nais nating burahin ang negatibong impresyon sa SK at gawin itong daan upang tulungan ang mga kabataan na maging produktibong miyembro ng lipunan.

Excited na ako para sa darating na SK elections, dahil dito unang masusubukan at maipatutupad ang mga pagbabago na isinulong natin sa ilalim ng nasabing batas.

***

Isa sa malaking pagbabago sa SK ay ang pagpapataas ng edad ng mga opisyal na maaaring tumakbo. Mula sa dating 15 hanggang 17-anyos, ngayon nasa 18 hanggang 24-anyos na ang puwedeng kumandidato.

Layon nito na bigyan ng legal na karapatan ang mga opisyal na pumirma sa mga kontrata at magkaroon ng pananagutan sa kanilang mga pagkilos, kung nagkaroon man ng pag-abuso o anomalya.

Sa batas na ito, mula 15 hanggang 30 anyos ang maaaring lumahok sa SK elections matapos nating iayon ang depinisyon ng kabataan na nakasaad sa iba pang mga batas.

Maliban pa rito, matitiyak na may kakayahan ang mga bagong SK official dahil kailangan nila sumailalim sa mandatory training programs bago manungkulan.

Habang ginagampanan nila ang bagong tungkulin, may mga nakalinyang iba pang training program na magbibigay sa kanila ng dagdag na kaalaman.

Sa ilalim ng batas, itatatag ang Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), isang konseho na susuporta sa SK at titiyak na mayroong aktibong partisipasyon ng mga kabataan.

Ang LYDC ay bubuo ng mga kinatawan mula sa iba’t ibang youth organizations sa komunidad gaya ng student councils, simbahan at youth faith groups at community-based youth groups.

***

Ngunit ang pinakamahalagang aspeto ng batas ay ang tinatawag na anti-dynasty provision. Sa kasaysayan, ito ang kauna-unahang batas na mayroong probisyon na lumalaban sa mga dinastiya sa bansa.

Sa probisyong ito, hindi na puwedeng tumakbo sa anumang SK position ang pamilya o kamag-anak ng sinumang halal na public official — mula national, provincial, city/municipality at barangay levels — hanggang sa tinatawag na second degree of consanguinity and affinity.

Sa tulong nito, mabibigyan ang mas maraming kabataan na maglingkod sa kapwa nila kabataan sa pamamagitan ng pagtakbo sa SK.

Kung kayo ay student leaders ngayon sa inyong eskwelahan, youth leaders sa non-government organization, mga kabataang lider sa ating simbahan, pag-isipan po nating tumakbo sa SK.

Samantalahin natin ang pagkakataong ito. Ma­ging bahagi tayo sa malaking pagbabagong ito sa sistema na magbibigay lakas at tututok sa kapakanan ng mga kabataan.

Sayang din ang mapangahas na batas kung wala ring tutugon sa hamon nito na baguhin ang sistema.

Sabi nga natin, ang uso ngayong kataga dahil kay President Duterte ay “Change is Coming”. Sana nga maging ganap ang change na mangyari sa ating SK.

Article first published on Abante Online

 

Sen. Bam: SK Reform Act sparks hope for an anti-political dynasty law

The country now has its first law with an anti-political dynasty provision with President Aquino’s signing of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

“The passing of the SK Reform Act reflects our vote of confidence in the Filipino youth’s ability to lead and participate in our country’s development,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth.

 Last Jan. 15, the Chief Executive has signed into law Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act, which was co-authored and co-sponsored by Sen. Bam.

“This has the potential to effect genuine change in our electoral system when it comes to youth representation. In fact, it is the first of our laws with an anti-political dynasty provision,” added Sen. Bam.

Under the new law, relatives of elected or appointed officials up to the 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity are prohibited from seeking SK posts.

Aside from its anti-dynasty provision, the new law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions 

Sangguniang Kabataan officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

 “The LYDC aims to harmonize, broaden and strengthen all programs and initiatives of the local government and non-governmental organizations for the youth sector,” said Sen. Bam, former chair of the National Youth Commission and youngest senator of the 16th Congress. 

With the enactment of the SK Reform Act into law, Sen. Bam expects a future with a larger, more diverse, and more capable set of public servants in the Sangguniang Kabataan.

BIDA KA!: Bida ang Kabataan sa SK Reform

Mga Bida, noong mga nakaraang buwan, naimbitahan tayo sa Far Eastern University (FEU) upang magsalita ukol sa maiinit na isyu ukol sa kabataan sa kasalukuyan.

Tinalakay natin doon ang ilang mga paksa, gaya ng social enterprise, Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) Awards at ang mga panu­kalang reporma sa Sangguniang Kabataan.

Sa huling paksa, napukaw ang ating atensiyon ng daan-daang estudyante dahil marami sa kanila ang nagtanong ukol dito sa ginawang open forum.

Naikuwento ng ilan sa mga nagtanong ang kanilang mapait na karanasan sa pagtakbo sa SK elections.

Ayon sa isang nagtanong, bilang SK chairman sa kanilang lugar, maganda ang kanyang mga naisip na programa para sa kanyang komunidad ngunit hindi siya pinapansin sa kanilang lugar.

Tinalo kasi niya ang anak ng kanilang barangay chairman na mas popular at mas malawak ang makinarya sa kanilang barangay.

Inireklamo naman ng isa ang kawalan ng de-kalidad na proyekto ng SK sa kanilang lugar. Madalas, puro paliga at beauty contest lang ang mga proyektong nakalinya para sa mga kabataan.

Ang isa naman, isinumbong na walang alam sa mga polisiya ukol sa kabataan ang mga naupong SK official sa kanilang barangay. 

***

Mga Bida, magandang balita ang hatid natin sa mga nagnanais ng pagbabago sa sistema ng SK sa bansa, na ating isinusulong bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Youth.

Noong nakaraang Martes lang, ating pinamunuan ang Bicame­ral Conference ang Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act.

Kabilang sa mga pagbabagong nakalagay sa nasabing panukala ay may kinalaman sa anti-dynasty.

Sa repormang ito, bawal nang tumakbo sa anumang SK position ang pamilya o kamag-anak ng sinumang public official — mula national, provincial, city/municipality at barangay levels pati na ng appointed — hanggang sa ikalawang antas ng pagi­ging magkamag-anak.

Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa ating pagsisikap na alisin ang SK mula sa tradisyunal na pulitika. Ang hakbang na ito ay magandang simula para sa mas malawak na anti-dynasty bill na umaasa tayong maipapasa sa kasalukuyang administrasyon.

Pinalawak din ng panukala ang edad ng SK patungong 18 hanggang 24 anyos upang magkaroon sila ng pananagutan sa kanilang mga pagkilos.

Dagdag pa rito, titiyakin ng panukala na may alam ang mga uupong SK officials sa kanilang paninilbihan dahil kailangan nilang sumailalim sa mandatory training programs upang magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman na magagamit sa kanilang tungkulin.

Sa tulong ng mga training programs, matitiyak na may sapat na kaalaman at magiging magandang halimbawa ang ating SK officials sa mga kabataan.

Isinusulong din ng panukala ang pagtatatag ng Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), isang konseho na susuporta sa Sangguniang Kabataan at titiyak sa mas aktibong partisipasyon ng mga kabataan.

Ang LYDC ay bubuo ng mga kinatawan mula sa iba’t ibang youth organizations sa komunidad gaya ng student councils, simbahan at youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations at community-based youth groups.

Bukod pa rito, mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang SK officials upang pamahalaan ang kanilang budget at mga programa. Sa ganitong paraan, maiiwasan ang pamumulitika upang mabigyang diin ang tunay na galing at talino ng kabataan. 

Mas malaki na ang kanilang responsibilidad, dahil sila na ang magiging may pananagutan sa kung ano at paano nila gagamitin ang kaban ng bayan. 

*** 

Mga Bida, inaasahan natin na raratipikahan ng Kongreso at Senado ang panukala. Pagkatapos noon, ipapadala ito sa Malacañang para malagdaan na ng Pangulo at maging pormal ng batas ito.

Mahigit na isang dekada na nating isinusulong ang mga reporma sa SK na nagsimula pa noong naging chairman tayo ng National Youth Commission. 

Kaya nakakataba ng puso ang pagpasang ito at buong galak kong ibinabahagi ang magandang balitang ito sa inyo.  Nawa’y lalo pa nating mapaigting at mapatibay ang pakikisangkot ng ating kabataan para sa ikauunlad ng ating mga komunidad at ng buong bansa!

 

First Published on Abante Online

 

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