Senator Bam Aquino encourages the youth to run and vote in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14 for their voices to be heard through the ballot.

“Nananawagan tayo sa ating mga kabataan na aktibong makilahok sa SK at barangay elections, bilang kandidato man o bilang botante. Ipakita niyo ang inyong boses sa pamamagitan ng pagboto, lalo na ngayong tinutulak ang no-el at term extension,” said Sen. Bam.

“We should push through with the elections. There is no reason to postpone it further,” Sen. Bam stressed, amid reports that administration lawmakers are planning to postpone the Barangay and SK elections to October or November this year.

The filing of certificate of candidacies will be from April 14, 2018 to April 20, 2018 while the campaign period will be from May 4, 2018 to May 12, 2018.

“We want to see the SK elections push through. This will be the first time that an anti-political dynasty provision in our laws will be implemented,” said Sen. Bam, referring to Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act.

Sen. Bam pushed for its passage as co-author and co-sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

 “Pagkakataon rin ito para makita natin kung epektibo ang SK Reform Act at kung makatutugon ito sa pangangailangan ng kabataan,” said Sen. Bam.

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.

The SK Reform Act also requires SK officials 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.