SK Reform Bill

Bam: SK Reform with First Anti-Dynasty Provision Passed on Bicam

The country will soon have its first anti-dynasty law with the bicameral conference committee’s approval of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act.

According to Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Youth, the bicameral conference committee has approved the inclusion of an anti-dynasty provision which bars relatives of local elected and appointed officials up to second level of consanguinity and relatives of national and appointed officials from sitting as SK officials.

“We’re now getting closer to making the country’s SK system into an effective way to shape the youth to become better and effective public servants in the future,” said Sen. Bam, a co-author and co-sponsor of the measure.

“With its anti-dynasty provision, the SK Reform Act aims to implement genuine reform in the country’s electoral system when it comes to youth representation,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam headed the Senate contingent while South Cotabato Pedro Acharon led the House contingent in the bicameral conference committee.

Other lawmakers who joined the bicameral conference committee were Sens. JV Ejercito, Koko Pimentel, Nancy Binay; Dinagat Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, Cebu Rep. Raul del Mar, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez and Davao del Norte Rep. Anthony del Rosario.

Aside from the anti-dynasty provision, the bicameral conference committee also approved the adjustment of 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.

If enacted into law, SK officials are required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

The SK Reform Act also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the Sangguniang Kabataan 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, a former student council president and chair of the National Youth Commission.

Furthermore, the ratified version will allow the SK financial empowerment and accountability, where 10% of baranggay funds will be managed by the youth leaders for their projects and programs. They may enter contracts on their own, but will be accountable for all disbursements.

Once ratified by both Houses, the final version of the SK Reform Act will be transmitted to Malacanang for President Aquino’s approval.

Also, National Youth Commission Chairman Gio Tingson lauded the development.

“Legislators have long promised reforms for the youth. This is a concrete delivery of that promised and we thank our champion legislators for their untiring efforts for the Filipino youth,” he said.

Bam: Genuine Electoral Reform within Reach with House Approval of SK Reform Bill

The first genuine electoral reform system in the country is now within reach with the House of Representatives’ approval of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Bill on third and final reading.

“Equipped with an anti-dynasty provision, the SK Reform Bill will implement genuine reform in the country’s electoral system in terms of youth representation,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Youth.

“The measure will help turn the Sangguniang Kabataan as an effective platform for engaging and honing the youth to become better and more effective public servants in the future,” added. Sen. Bam, a co-author and co-sponsor of the measure.

With the approval of the House version, a bicameral conference committee will be held to consolidate the provisions of the two versions. The final version will then be transmitted to Malacanang for President Aquino’s signature.

Last Feb. 9, 2015, the Senate passed the SK Reform Bill with four major main reforms, including the anti-dynasty provision, adjustment of age of SK officers, mandatory leadership training and the creation of local youth development councils.

“The Senate version bars relatives within a second level of consanguinity to all elected and most appointed officials from sitting as SK officials,” Sen. Bam said.

In addition, the SK Reform Bill has adjusted the 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.

If enacted into law, SK officials are required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

Furthermore, the SK Reform Bill mandates the creation of Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the Sangguniang Kabataan 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, a former student council president and chair of the National Youth Commission.

Meanwhile, the National Youth Commission also welcomed the approval of the SK Reform Bill, saying it will address the prevalence of traditional politics in the country. 

“We welcome this important development.  Through an SK Reform Law, we will have a more participatory, democratic and effective form of youth governance,” said NYC  chairperson Gio Tingson.

7 Posibleng Focus Areas sa mga Huling Buwan ng Aquino Administration

Naghahanda na ang bayan sa 2016 na halalan ngunit may oras pa ang administrasyong Aquino na i-push ang pag-unlad ng Pilipinas. Ang kailangan lang ay fortitude at focus. Kaya ‘eto ang 7 na posibleng target areas para sa huling hirit ng Aquino Administration!

1. Pabutihin ang ating public transportation systems. Ramdam na ramdam ng mamamayan hindi lamang ng ng mga taga-Metro Manila, pati na rin sa mga kalapit na probinsya ang mga problema sa pampublikong transportasyon. Maliban sa buhol-buhol na trapik, lalo lang lumalala ang pila at siksikan sa MRT/LRT, jeep, bus, at FX. May oras pang ayusin ang mga ito para mabawasan ang stress ng Pinoy commuters!

mrt

2. Tutukan ang K to 12 implementation. Nalalapit na ang implementasyon ng senior high school sa bansa at may malaking potential ang K to 12 program na iangat ang kakayahan ng ating mga graduates. Hindi ito simpleng reporma kaya kinakailangang tutukan nang mabuti ang roll out nito. Open ang DepEd sa mga suggestions natin at maaari ring maging involved sa inyong local public school. (For concerns and suggestions, email action@deped.gov.ph or call 636-1663/633-1942.)

kto12

3. Patibayin ang ating agricultural sector. Isa sa sa mga sektor na nangangailangan ng tulong ay ang mga magsasakang Filipino. Dapat lang silang tulungan na maging efficient sa paggamit ng mga makabagong technology na makakapagpadami ng ani para matugunan ang demand ng merkado. Kailangang maisama ang mga magsasaka sa sustainable supply chain gaya na lamang ng mga Kalasag farmers na pangunahing supplier ng Jollibee ng sibuyas. Dahil sa programang ito, naging steady ang kanilang produksyon at umunlad ang kanilang mga buhay.

Dito makakatulong ang mga Negosyo Center na itinatayo sa Pilipinas. Makakakuha ng suporta ang mga negosyanteng Pinoy dito, magsasaka man, market vendor, tricycle business owner, o craftsmaker, para mapalago ang kanilang mga pangkabuhayan.

Kalasag Farmers

4. Siguraduhin na patas ang labanan sa pagnenegosyo. Sa era ng ASEAN economic integration, lalong dadami ang papasok na negosyante sa Pilipinas. Ang Philippine Competition Act ay naisabatas na upang siguraduhin na walang pang-aabuso ng dominant position at walang matatapakang micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSMEs). Ngayong mayroon na tayong rule book sa pagnenegosyo, challenge ang makahanap ng mga mahuhusay, matatalino, at tapat ang mapapabilang sa Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) para ma-enforce ang patakaran laban sa anti-competitive acts.

PhilippineCompetitionAct

5. Protektahan ang Filipino consumer. Sa pagdami ng mga negosyo at produkto sa merkado dala ng kumpetisyon, dadami ang puwedeng pagpilian ng ating consumers. Kalidad ang magiging labanan ng mga produktong bukod sa presyo. Subalit, mas exposed rin tayo sa sub-standard products at mga posibleng scams! Kailangang patuloy na bantayan ang karapatan ng mga consumers at i-revisit ang ating Consumer Protection policies.

consumerprotection

6. Tutukan ang pagpasa ng mga mahalagang panukala. May oras pa para maisabatas ang mga landmark bills na pending sa Kongreso. Ready na ang sambayanan na ibahin ang sistema ng pagpili ng mga mamumuno at magkakaraoon na ng pagkakataon ang mga bagong mukha at pangalan sa halalan sa tulong ng Anti-Dynasty Law at SK Reform Bill. Tuluyan na ring dapat isulong ang ilan pa sa mga mahahalagang batas gaya ng FOI bill at Basic Bangsomoro Law.

landmarkbillsof16thcongress

7. Siguraduhin na malinis at maayos ang nalalapit na Eleksyon. Sa final leg ng administrasyon, sana’y dumami pa ang mga Pilipinong makikilahok sa pagboto ng mga karapat dapat na lider ng ating bansa. Kakabit nito ay ang mas maayos na proseso ng pagreregister at ang actual na pagboto sa 2016. Huwag hayaan na mamuno ang mga may pansariling intensyon lamang. Maging bukas ang isip at maging masuri sa lahat ng kakandidato.

Huling hirit na natin ito at marami pa tayong mababago upang sundan ang ‘daang matuwid’! Ilitaw ang diwa ng bayanihan at makiisa sa pagkilos tungo sa pagbabago!

ballotsecrecyfolder

Ano sa tingin ninyo ang kailangang bigyang pansin ng administrasyong Aquino sa mga huling oras nito? Sama-sama nating isulong ang pag-unlad ng Pilipinas! Share ninyo naman ang mga ideya ninyo sa team.bamaquino@senado.ph!

Bam urges Lower House to Retain Major Reforms in SK

Senator Bam Aquino hopes that the Lower House will retain the major reforms in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) reform bill, which was passed by the Senate on third and final reading Monday.

“We look forward to the enactment of the bill in March. I hope that major reforms that we are pushing will be consistent with Congress’ version,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

Via 20-0 affirmative vote, the Senate has passed on third and final reading the Senate Bill No. 2401 or the Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014.

Senator Bam’s “Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan (LBK)” bill was among several bills consolidated under Senate Bill No. 2401.

Among the major reforms approved by the Senate is the anti-dynasty provision prohibiting family and relatives of any public official – from national, provincial, city/municipality and barangay levels, including appointed ones — up to second degree of affinity or consanguinity from seeking any SK position.

The measure also expands the SK age range to 18 to 24 years old to make them more accountable for their actions.

In addition, SK officials are also mandated to undergo training programs before they assume their posts, equipping them with necessary skills in governance and leadership which will be useful in their position.

The measure also pushes for the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more young people through student councils, faith-based organizations, youth-serving groups and other community-based youth organizations.

Bam Pushes for Expanding the Anti-Dynasty Provision in SK Reform Bill

Senator Bam Aquino supports the moves to expand the general scope of the anti-dynasty provision of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) reform bill.

During the period of amendments on Senate Bill No. 2401 or the Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014, the Senate widened the scope of the bill’s anti-dynasty provision.

The new provision prohibits family and relatives of any public official – from national, provincial, city/municipality and barangay levels, including appointed ones — up to second degree of affinity consanguinity from seeking any SK position.

In the previous version of the bill, only family members and relatives of provincial, city/municipal and barangay officials are prohibited from running for any SK position.

“We welcome the expansion of this provision because this is a big help in our efforts to remove the SK from the clutches of partisan and traditional politics,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

“This move could also be a precursor to the omnibus anti-dynasty bill that we hope would be passed within this administration,” added Sen. Bam, whose “Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan (LBK)” bill was among several bills consolidated under Senate Bill No. 2401.

The bill also expands the SK age range to 18 to 27 years old to make them more accountable for their actions.

“With the wider age range, the youth can sign contracts, disburse money and be more accountable,” Sen. Bam said.

The bill also mandates SK officials to undergo mandatory training programs before they assume their posts, equipping them with necessary skills in governance and leadership which will be useful in their position.

 “These training programs will ensure competency of the SK officers so they can be true leaders and role models to the youth,” Sen. Bam said.

In addition, the measure also pushes for the introduction of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more young people 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.

One Year Deadline for SK Reforms — Sen. Bam

Both houses of Congress have only one year to finalize much-needed reforms in the country’s youth representation system, according to Senator Bam Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

A bicameral conference committee, held on Tuesday morning, approved the postponement of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections for one year without holdover. Both houses of Congress also agreed to hold the next polls between Oct. 28, 2014 and February 23, 2015.

“With the postponement, we have a virtual deadline of one year to hold in-depth consultations with our youth constituents, come up with innovative solutions, and agree on the necessary reforms that will make our youth leaders more empowered and effective,” Sen. Aquino said.

“The goal is to pass an SK reform bill and have it enacted into law before October 28, 2014,” the young lawmaker stressed.

According to Sen. Aquino, his office has been consulting with various youth groups and will lead stakeholder consultations on the issue. Earlier, he also talked about “crowdsourcing” SK reform legislation through online and offline channels.

SK Reform Bill

As part of his reform advocacy, the young senator filed Senate Bill No. 1090 or the “Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan (LBK)” Bill, to “overhaul the youth representation system and instill the true spirit of volunteerism on the youth, aside from taking it from clutches of partisan politics.”

The bill replaces the current form of the SK with a body composed of representatives of youth organizations.

The measure also calls for “bottom-up budgeting” and “end-to-end transparency, accountability, good governance, and community youth participation” for all LBK projects.

The senator said the bill is anchored on “the twin beliefs that youth organizations are a potent force in nation-building, and that the power of young Filipinos is strongest when they work with people who share their values and goals, and in an environment of teamwork and collaboration.”

“Let’s Crowdsource SK Reform Bill” — Bam

In support of the proposed Crowdsourcing Act of 2013 (SBN 73), authored by Sen. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, Sen. Bam Aquino has offered his own measure, the SK Reform Bill—also known as the “Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan Bill” (SBN 1090)—to be subjected to crowdsourcing.

“The nation is really in a quandary regarding the Sangguniang Kabataan—do we abolish, do we reform? How do we propose an innovative solution while addressing the many ills that have plagued the SK through the decades? Maybe it’s time to tap the wisdom of the people,” Aquino says.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines crowdsourcing as “the practice of obtaining needed services, ideas, or content by soliciting contributions from a large group of people and especially from the online community rather than from traditional employees or suppliers.”

The Crowdsourcing Bill states that, “This law allows the public to participate in the legislative process wherever they are. It believes in the power of online crowdsourcing.”

Meanwhile, Aquino’s Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan (LBK) Bill proposes bold measures in reforming youth participation in the Philippines, including a “departure from individualistic, personality-based politics and the shift to youth representation to youth organizations.”

“What we’re proposing through the Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan Bill is really bold and different,” Aquino points out. “We are in the process of consulting various youth organizations, and the recommendations from crowdsourcing will help enrich the discussions. Who knows? Through crowdsourcing, we might be able to find more innovative solutions to the SK dilemma while ensuring that young Filipino continue to have an active voice in governance.”

Photo source: www.ironpaper.com

Scroll to top