Study on the Abolition of Sangguniang Kabataan Towards an Empowered Youth

Representation.

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of College of Criminal Justice Education

Bulacan State University

City of Malolos

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Legal Management

Ms. Angelica F. Vivas, Professor

by:

BA, Legal Management 4A

Batch 2015

March 2015
 PREFACE

This thesis comprises two books, Book I is entitled as, “Implementation of the

Katarungang Pambarangay and its effectiveness in the Barangays of City of Malolos.”

and the other is "A Study on the Abolition of Sangguniang Kabataan Towards an

Empowered Youth Representation.”

On this thesis, the researchers would like to give you a depth understanding and

analysis on the two unique and singular characteristics of the Philippine government

system. Before we proceed to the study, it is important to note how the Philippine

Government System provides to the world a different type of governing body.

The Barangay system in the Philippines per se is distinct in all countries in the

world. Being set apart from others, this system started even before the Spaniards came,

called as "Balangay" proving that Filipinos can actually make history that boards across

the world.

As time passed by and generations evolved, "Balangay" turned into Barangay and

still certain making concrete developments for the country. The said developments involve

the Katarungang Pambarangay and Sangguniang Kabataan which are the main topics of

this study.
 DEDICATION

We, the researchers, believe that we all have measures in this world. We dedicate

this study in every youth who believes that he is a change maker, the mover and the future

of this country.

We dedicate this study to our families and friends whose words of encouragement

and push for tenacity ring in our ears.

We also dedicate this to our beloved Bulacan State University, our College of

Criminal Justice Education headed by our beloved Dean, Fiscal Amando Vicente and the

Department of Legal Management for the overwhelming support to us all throughout the

years.

We dedicate this study to our instructor, Ms. Angelica Vivas, who pursued us in

conducting this study.

We dedicate this to our fellow students, who might be using our research for future

studies.

And, lastly, we dedicate this to God Almighty, whom we know has stayed with us

all throughout the preparation, compilation, and until the very day of our defense.
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This thesis represents not only our work at the keyboard; it is a milestone in four

years of studying at Bulacan State University. The support, cooperation and the notable

contribution of the following individuals and institutions are priceless and were substantive

to the completion of this dissertation:

The respectable, Atty. Rommel H. Rama, our adviser and who diligently imparted

us the technical and moral support from genesis up to revelation of the whole study.

The Good Office of Senate’s Archive, governed by Ms. Ma. Teresa S. Bondoc,

Department of the Interior and Local Government National, specifically National Barangay

Operation Officer, Mr. Leocadio T. Trovela and Department of Interior in Local

Government Provincial Office of Malolos, Bulacan, headed by Provincial Director Darwin

D. David and Municipal Director Engr. Anselmo Ortiz, for the consolidated figures of

cases needed for the analysis. The ABC President from the Municipality of Malolos, Hon.

Dionisio Mendoza and the chosen Barangay Chairmen from City of Malolos, for warm

heartedly acceptance on answering the questions suffice by the interviewers.

The 1st District Board Member of Bulacan, Hon. Michael Fermin for giving us the

opportunity to conduct a short oral interview and consultation regarding to the aim of this

dissertation. .

The person behind this acquisition, Ms. Angelica Vivas, who proposed this study

for the purposes stated herein

 FOREWORD

Training ground for future leaders of the Nation, Hope of the Fatherland, Catalysts

of change, World Changers, these are what are expected of the youth today through its

representatives, the SangguniangKabataan. The SangguniangKabataan or Youth Council

is the governing body of the youth assembly of every barangay. The Katipunan ng

Kabataan is an assembly of youths in every barangay whose primary objective is to

enhance the social, political, economic, cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical

development of the youth in the country. The creation of this body is by virtue of the 1987

Constitution as also elucidated in R. A. 7160 or otherwise known as the Local Government

Code. Further, through these laws the Commission on Election is hereby authourized to

conduct an election held every three years from the assumption of office.

In addition, the SangguniangKabataan is the quintessential example of child

participation in local governance and because of its indespensible involvement in societal

matters; the SangguniangKabataan was also involved in cooperating and undertaking

Peace and Order Projects in the locality.

It is a testament to the Philippine Government recognition of the potential of

children and youth to contribute to national development. The Philippines has always

placed paramount importance on the significant role of the youth in nation building. In

1870, Philippines National Hero Jose Rizal , in his message “ to the Filipino youth” called

the youth “ the hope of the Fatherland” and exhorted them to break free from the shackles

that their hearts and minds so that they may soar to the heavens and attain their aspiration.
 ii

The youth of today is faced with a big challenge to step up and seize the opportunity

to lead and be heard. But it is an even greater challenge to parents, professionals, especially

the government and other Filipinos, to guide and to listen. The leaders of today should

create an enabling environment for positive youth engagement and empowerment in order

to help shape the leaders of tomorrow.

The researchers highly recommend this study as essential reading for the youth and

political leaders alike, as it can help widen our understanding with what we need to know

in order to address the problems facing the SK System. It is time for everyone -

Government, the youth and the rest of civil society – to work hand in hand and make the

solutions a reality.

AB LEGAL MANAGEMENT 4A

BULACAN STATE UNIVERSITY

CITY OF MALOLOS, BULACAN

 iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. CHAPTER I

A. Introduction 1

B. History 3

C. Significance of the Study 9

D. Statement of the Problem 10

E. Scope and Delimitations 11

F. Definition of Terms 12

II. CHAPTER II – Review of Related Study 18

III. CHAPTER III - Methodology of Research 27

IV. CHAPTER IV – Presentations, Interpretation and Analysis of Data 30

V. CHAPTER V

A. Conclusion 58

B. Recommendation 60

i. Explanatory Note 62

ii. Barangay Youth Councilor Act of 2015 64

C. Further Recommendations 71

References 73
 iv

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER I

Figure 1.1. Youth in Local Governance

Timeline
6

Figure 1.2. Sangguniang Kabataan within Local Government 8

CHAPTER II

Figure 2 Sangguniang Kabataan Federation projects based on

Accomplishment Reports fron Sangguniang Kabataan
Experience 19

CHAPTER III

Figure 3.1. Computation of Margin of Error 27

Figure 3.2. Computation of the sample of this Population 28

Figure 3.3. Division of Task 30

CHAPTER IV

Figure 4.1. Percentage of Familiarity and awareness of the residents of

Malolos with Sangguniang Kabataan 34

Figure 4.2. Percentage of Youth who are convinced that Sangguniang

Kabataan served its purpose 35

Figure 4.3. Common Problems on How Sangguniang Kabataan turned to be

ineffective 36

Figure 4.4. Percentage as to determining if Sangguniang Kabataan

deserves higher government positions 39

Figure 4.5. Percentage of Sangguniang Kabataan being Inspirational

Leaders 41
 v

Figure 4.6. Projects implemented by Sangguniang Kabataan 45

Figure 4.7. Percentage as to how the Implemented Projects are classified

46

Figure 4.8. Percentage as to beneficiality of the projects of Sangguniang

Kabataan…..47

Figure 4.9. Percentage as to the economic impact the Sangguniang

Kabataan
brings…………………………………………………………
…………….47

Figure 4.10. Percentage as the Sangguniang Kabataan’s effectiveness in

drafting
resolution……………………………………………………
……………....49

Figure 4.11. Percentage as to conducting seminars and leadership

trainings……………50

Figure 4.12. Percentage as to tapping the Katipunan ng

Kabataan………......….………51

Figure 4.13. Percentage as to producing new breed of

leaders……….………………….52

Figure 4.14. Percentage as to the proper response regarding the abolition

of Sangguniang
Kabataan………………………………...……….……………
……………..56

LIST OF TABLE

Table 1. Survey Results of Negative Effects of Sangguniang Kabataan

Membership..………..54
 1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

“We run the risk of becoming museums of young people that have everything but

without knowing what to do with them.”

-Pope Francis

The Philippines today is afflicted with various social cancers – poverty, starvation,

crime, corruption, and discrimination and all would agree that there would be no one else

that could solve these problems other than the youth. It is emphasized that respect and high

hopes for the youth remain. Our future sprawl is in the hands of the youth, this message is

timeless and will continue to reverberate. But how can the youth address these social

difficulties considering that the very organization that represents them becomes a training

ground not for future world changers but breakers of the high hope.

The youth, according to the National Youth Commission, comprises those who are

fifteen (15) to thirty (30) years old, which in fact dominates the majority of our population..

As of April 2014, The Philippines Statistics Authority shows that the population of the

youth in the Philippines comprises of 28, 347,000.1 Therefore, as the largest segment of

population, the role of youth in shaping the country’s response to cultural and more

importantly political affairs is vital. The question is how can we assure that this will be our

advantage, for it must be noted that the youth tend to jump in a conclusion even without

having a hypothesis.

1
http://www.nscb.gov.ph/secstat/d_popn.asp
 2

The young people plays an active role in shaping major social, cultural and political

diversities and that the system’s structure calls for an active youth participation.

This reflection brought us to the noble purpose of the creation of the Sangguniang

Kabataan (SK) as to recognize the importance of the youth in nation- building and to serve

as a training ground for future leaders. The Sangunniang Kabataan or Youth Council is

representation of the youth before the government. Section 13, Article II of the Constitution

reads: “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation building and shall promote

and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall

inculcate in the youth the patritiotism and nationalism and encourage their involvement in

public and civic affairs.”

However, the core value of Sangguniang Kabataan which is to lead the youth

actually faded. We’ve come into a system that when money and politics are involved things

become a tad more complicated. As for many critics, SK exposes the young public servants

to corrupt mind and practices. Leading them astray, away from their supposed

representation.

There is a general observation that the Sangguniang Kabataan, under its current

structure, had lost its effectiveness in advancing the democratic ideals in service- oriented

youth leadership. The community had already observed that the young leaders duly elected

are being inefficient in there own respective offices. Hence, SK is being urged in the

Congress to be abolished so as to turn the remaining alloted budget for the SK into a more

productive project of the goverment. However there are still who support the system and

insist that our young citizens deserve to lead and serve communities.
 3

HISTORY

The Sangguniang Kabataan rooted from a series of efforts made by the government

to involve the youth in nation building both in local and national affairs.

On April 15, 1975 the late President Ferdinand Marcos created the Kabataang

Baranggay under Presidential Decree No. 684 to serve the following purposes:

1. To promote total development of the youth in a manner consistent with the

guiding philosophy of the New Republic;

2. Still in the youth social commitment and good citizenship, and to assist them in

creating a united youth front and concerted action to help government achieve

the country’s development goals;

3. Supplement efforts of government in training and preparing in-school and out-

of-school youths for citizenship and community life and for gainful

employment opportunities so that they can participate in the fruits of

development;

4. Promote and conduct scientific inter-disciplinary and policy oriented research,

studies, training, scholarship, consultancy for the youth and help in the printing

and publication of monthly youth endeavors;

5. Encourage and assist the young in promoting sports, social, and cultural

activities and in organization of youth groups, association and societies

designed to promote the objectives of the Kabataang Baranggay;

 4

To streamline and strengthen the organizational structure of the Kabataang

Baranggay on September 1, 1977 President Marcos created the Pambansang Katipunan ng

Kabataang Barangay (PKKB), directly under his office which had a Fiscal Autonomy so

as to manage the disbursement of their funds.

Notably, the Kabataang Baranggay had significant achievements among them was

the implementation of the Youth Development Training program that aimed to develop the

youth’s values and skills for them to become productive leaders.

However on 1986, Kabataang Baranggay faced many criticisms due to speculations

that KB was organized to oppose militant youth activity and their failure in developing the

youth as a “democratic force responsive to the times”.

In the same year, the government-sponsored a study on the KB conducted in June

1986 to investigate these criticisms. The study included the following recommendations:

1. Abolish the KB;

2. Create a National Youth Commission;

3. Establish a National Youth Assembly; and

4. Set up genuine youth representation in government

In February 1987, a National Youth Conference was held by the Aquino

administration to consult the youth’s opinion regarding the creation of a National Youth

Commission as the new representative of the youth in the country.

 5

The resolutions developed during the Konsultahang Kabataan created Presidential

Council for Youth Affairs or PCYA. The PCYA coordinated with youth federations and

acted as a venue for developing future leaders with limited powers.

In 1991, the Local Government Code (LGC), also known as the Local Autonomy

Law or RA 7160 gave the youth another opportunity to directly participate in governance

from the local level to the national level through the creation of the Katipunan ng Kabataan

(KK) and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

On December 2, 1992, the first ever Sangguniang Kabataan election was held

wherein 42, 000 barangays participated.

Nonetheless in 2002, Republic Act 9164 took effect amending the SK Charter

regarding the recommended age bracket from 15-21 to 15-17. It also provided the

synchronization of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

In 2013, following the enactment of Republic Act 10632 the SK election set on

October 28, 2013 was postponed. The law rescheduled the youth polls on February 21,

2015 to give way to the passage of SK reform legislation. Currently, the Senate Committee

on Local Government, chaired by Sen. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., approved House Bill No.

5209, moving anew the February polls to the last Monday of October 2015.
 6

Historical Timeline of Sangguniang Kabataan

Figure 1.1: Youth in Local Governance Timeline

Source: DILG, Sulong Kabataan! The SK Guide to Child and Youth Participation
 7

The SK is integrated into the government structure at the national and local

levels. At the barangay level, the SK Chairperson is part of local legislature as an ex-offi

cio member of the Sangguniang Barangay. The SK chairperson is also the chairman of the

barangay’s Committee on Youth and Sports Development. Each barangay’s SK receives

a ten percent (10%) share of the barangay fund for its projects.

The LGC also provides for the SK chairpersons to federate at the municipal, city,

provincial, and national levels. The various SK Federations elect from among themselves

a president who sits as a representative in the legislative body and participates in policy-

making in his/her respective municipality, city, or province. The SK Federation president

also heads the Committee on Youth and Sports Development in their respective

Sanggunian.

At the national level, the SK National Federation (SKNF) president is an ex-offi

cio Commissioner of the National Youth Commission (NYC) and receives the same

privileges of a regular commissioner. SK Federation Offi cers at all levels are governed

by the SK Constitution and By-Laws. Like adult local government offi cials, all SK offi

cials have a term of three years.

 8

Structure of Sangguniang Kabataan

Figure 1.2 SK within Local Government

Source: DILG, Sulong Kabataan! The SK Guide to Child and Youth Participation
 9

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Since then, the issue regarding whether or not Sanggunang Kabataan would be

abolished, reformed or replaced had been the subject of many debates.

As discussed earlier, SK was created for youth empowerment and officers duly

elected would represent the same before the Local Government. Concurrent with this

responsibility, Sangguniang Kabataan should implement programs that would enhance the

youth towards a more participative and politically inclined young leaders. However, does

the Sangguniang Kabataan satisfactorily serve the purposes that led to its creation?

For the Youth:

This study concerning the issue of SK Abolition would be of great benefit to the

youth. It must be emphasized that Sangguniang Kabataan was actually created for their

representation. Therefore, a thorough analysis of SK would widen their understanding for

a more participative and empowered youth representation.

For the Young Leaders

Being the next mayors, governors or simply front liners of nation- building, this

study would help them evaluate their performance as to whether or not they were able to

comply with the expected representation they were supposed to represent. This would be a

special note to theirselves.

 10

For the Public Offficials

Being the youth’s role models, this study would help public officials check their

standing, if they were actually training future world changers or they were doing the

otherwise. Thus, will set parameters so as to destroy the generation gap and provide a

smooth liberal cooperation between the younger generation and public officials.

For the Legislators

For the researchers’ view, it is believed that this study may be considered in

answering the question whether or not to abolish Sangguniang Kabataan. Thus, will serve

and hopefully be a framework in legislating a law concerning youth representation.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The Sangguniang Kabataan being the voice of the youth in the local government

gives the youth the privilege to be represented and be involved in societal and political

affairs. The Constitution mandates that the youth be part of national affairs, recognize their

roles as partner in lifting the country’s status. However, various arguments arise

emphasizing the ineffectiveness and irrelevance of the Sangguniang Kabataan.

Furthermore, it was observed that Sangguniang Kabataan became so politicized and

suscepctible to dishonest practices in handling public funds. With these reasons, strong

clamor from multiple sectors question the continuous existence of the Sangguniang

Kabataan arguing whether reform is enough to address these issues or the Sangguniang

Kabataan be completely abolished?

 11

In line with the mentioned issues, this study aims to provide thorough analysis,

answers to the questions that follow:

1. What are the grounds for the abolition of Sangguniang Kabataan?

2. What should be the proper response regarding the continuous call of SK

Abolition

3. What should be done in order to arrive to a vibrant youth representation?

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study is limited in answering the issue on what should be the response

regarding the continuous call of SK Abolition; whether to respond with a reform or an

absolute abolition yet with reinvention through measuring the pulse of the younger

generation aged 15-65 by using survey questionnaires so as to understand what they think

regarding the organization that was actually created for their representation.

The said questionnaires were randomly answered by respondents residing in fifteen

(15) barangays of the City of Malolos namely Tikay, Lugam, Santisima Trinidad, San Juan,

Cofradia, Catmon, Santo Rosario, Balite, Sumapang Matanda, Sumapang Bata, Taal,

Bangkal, Banguhan, Ligas and Mabolo. The specific numbers of respondents are thirty

(30) per barangay for a total of Four Hundred Fifty (450) Respondents for the benefit of

this study.

Further, this study concentrates on the Sangguniang Kabataan at the municipal

level. Admitted that it would be interesting to view its operation in the provincial and
 12

national level, the researchers believe that the level involved would suffice in weighing if

the Sangguniang Kabataan would be abolished.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Barangay. It refers to a community consists of not less than 2000 inhabitants in the

urbanized cities in MMA or Metro Manila Area.

Executive Order. An act of the Chief Executive embodying certain rules and regulations

necessary for the proper observance, enforcement, or execution of a law or ordinance.These

are somewhat permanent in nature.

Ex-officio. “By virtue of one’s office or position.” An ex-officio member is a member of

a body (a board, committee, council, etc.) who is part of it by virtue of holding another

office. For example: as ex-officio members, SK Chairpersons and SK Federation

Presidents exercise similar voting rights, discharge the same duties and functions, and

enjoy the same privileges as other members of the respective councils that they are part of

(i.e. Sangguniang Barangay, Sangguniang Bayan).

Federation. An encompassing political or societal entity formed by uniting smaller or

more localized entities (municipalities, provinces, etc.), each retaining the control of much

of its own affairs.

Fiscal. Relating to finance or finances, particularly government expenditures, revenues,

and debt.
 13

Katipunan ng Kabataan. It includes all Filipino citizens residing in each barangay for at

least six months, from age 15 to below 18 years old, and who are registered in the official

barangay list.

Local Government Unit. It refers to administrative and political government unit

subsidiary to the national government, which could itself consist of sub-units as in the case

of a province or municipality.

Nation-building. It refers to the process of constructing or structuring a national identity

using the power of the state. This process aims at unification of the people within the state

so that it remains politically stable and viable in the long run.

National Youth Commission (Pambansang Komisyon sa Kabataan). It is a government

agency in the Philippines that specifically addresses issues surrounding the Filipino youth.

It was founded on June 30, 1995, via Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation-Building

Act. It acts as the sole policy-making body on youth affairs, but also coordinates and

implements some programs designed to help the youth be more aware of the issues

surrounding them

Officials. It refers to someone who holds an office (function or mandate, regardless

whether it carries an actual working space with it) in an organization or government and

participates in the exercise of authority.

Plebiscite. A direct vote by all the electorate on an issue of national imporatance.

Presidential Decree (PD). A law issued by the President in the exercise of his/her

legislative power during the period of martial law under the 1973 Constitution.
 14

Public funds. It refers to the budget community; derive from levied of taxes collected from

the people within the purpose of developing the operational motive of the government;

such as infrastructure, basic services, health and peace, order etc.

Public interest. The well-being of the general public.

Ratify. To approve and authorize formally.

Referendum. The legal process whereby the registered voters of the local government

units may approve, amend or reject any ordinance enacted by the Sanggunian. (Republic

Act. 7160, also known as the “Local Government Code of 1991” Sec. 126)

Republic Act. A law or statute enacted by the Philippine Congress from 1946 to 1972, and

under the 1987 Constitution. Resolution. A formal statement of a decision or expression of

opinion voted by an official body

Sangguniang Kabataan. It is a set of youth leaders elected by the KK to represent them

and deliver youth-focused services in their barangays.

Resolution. A formal statement of a decision or expression of opinion voted by an official

body.

Youth. It is best understood as a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to

adulthood’s independence and awareness of our interdependence as participating members

of a community. According to NYC it refers to those persons whose ages range from fifteen

(15) to thirty (30) years old.

 15

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED STUDY

This chapter deals with the review of related studies that are indispensable in the

formulation of the study.

Related Study

There are so many young Filipinos who possess the energy, grit, and skill to become

future leaders of this nation. No basin can contain the aspirations of these juveniles into

just ideas and plans; they need an outlet so that they can put these skills to good use for

them to be able be trained early as responsible leaders in their own rights. However, the

number of these good youth leaders is relatively small compared to the population of the

Sangguniang Kabataan Officials.

Ideally, the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) is the venue for young

Filipinos to be trained as leaders abiding with its primary objective to enhance the social,

political, economic, cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual and physical development of the

youth in the country. It is the governing body of the youth assembly or Katipunan ng

Kabataan of every Barangay. Under Sections 423-439, Chapter 8, Title I, Book III, Local

Government Code are the rules governing the Sangguniang Kabataan. It is provided therein

the method of the creation and Election of the said Youth Council, that there shall be in

every barangay a Sangguniang Kabataan to be composed of a chairman, seven members, a

secretary and a treasurer. They are elected by the members of, the Katipunan ng Kabataan

in elections conducted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The powers and

functions of the Sangguniang Kabataan are as follows:

 16

1. To promulgate resolutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the youth in

the barangay, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code;

2. Initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic, cultural,

and intellectual, moral, spiritual and physical development of the members;

3. Hold fund raising activities, the proceeds of which shall be tax exempt and shall

accrue to the Sangguniang Kabataan general fund;

4. Create such bodies or committees necessary to effectively carry out its

programs and activities;

5. Submit annual end-of-term reports to the Sangguniang Barangay on their

projects and activities;

6. Consult and coordinate with all youth organizations in the barangay for policy

formulation and program implementation;

7. Coordinate with the Presidential Council for Youths (PCYA) and other

National Government Agencies (NGA) concerned for the implementation of

youth development projects and programs at the national level; and

8. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as the

Sangguniang Barangay may determine or delegate or as may be prescribed by

law or ordinance. 2

This rule is governed by Republic Act No. 9164, 2002, an act providing for

synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, amending Republic Act No.

2
423-439, Chapter 8, Title I, Book III, Local Government Code
 17

7160, as amended, otherwise known as the "Local Government Code of 1991", and for

other purposes.

“We have a lot of experience to determine if the SK elections have been effective

or not we must recognize that there are new realities. Just because it is Tradition or culture

that we have been used to, it doesn’t mean that’s the only thing we should follow. The

President was elected into office with a huge mandate for change and this abolition is one

of the areas we can consider an area of change”3 Coloma said over government radio.

According to Senator Aquilino Pimentel the Sangguniang Kabataan Council must

be abolished because it is no longer serving its function. Cited in persistent reports that SK

officials in various barangays have neglected their duties as the SK chairman and other

officials are oftentimes not around in their respective towns because they are studying in

colleges and universities in Metro Manila and elsewhere. The worst is that some of these

leaders have already committed corrupt practices by being unable to resist being tempted

by the public funds provided to them.

Furthermore, he added that the SK has lost its usefulness as a mechanism to get

young people involved in community development. He said that SK officials have

neglected their duties because they are preoccupied with other thing. Moreover there are

was a proposal from some legislators and local government leaders to make the youth

representatives in the Sangguniang in an appointive position and to authorize the mayor or

governor to appoint such official. Nonetheless Pimentel did not agree with such proposal

3
Genalyn Kabiling & Leslie Ann Aquino . “Aquino stands pat on Sk abolition”. August 15 2010.
 18

because he believes that the youth of the local communities should decide on who should

represent them. Besides, he said the tendency of the, mayor and governor is to make

partisan choices.4 Therefore an alternative catalyst should be suggested that can relieve the

youth empowerment spirit mechanism should be created to continue youth representation

in local government units other than the present Sangguniang Kabataan which from this

moment is in its downfall.

Proving the above facts, in the year 2012, the Social Weather Station conducted a

survey on good local governance, showing a response from using face-to-face interviews

of 1,500 household heads allocated equally to represent city’s populace. Results gave a net

satisfaction rating of 57% from last year’s 61% showing a decrease of about 5%. 5

As per the opinion of National Children’s fund, the key findings of the study was

that the Sangguniang Kabataan’s performance for the past ten years has been generally

weak. This is especially true in terms of coming up with legislations promoting the

development of young people, submitting reports and holding consultations with their

constituents.

On the other hand, the study also discovered notable strengths of the Sangguniang

Kabataan but they can lead more effectively with the cooperation and support of concerned

organizations. The youth learned about culinary arts, basic electronics and food

beverages/housekeeping through the hotel and restaurant services livelihood programe

4
Torregaza, Hannah. ‘pimentel wants SK abolished” Manila Bulletin. April 14,2008 p.12
5
www.sws.org.ph/ survey on good local governance 2012
 19

initiated by the chairperson and conducted in cooperation with TESDA and local Non-

Governmental Organizations.

Figure 2. Sangguniang Kabatan Federation projects based on Accomplishment

reports from the Sangguniang Kabataan Experience.

Generally as shown in the preceeding graph even if notable negative perceptions

and inherent weaknesses weigh it down, the Sangguniang Kabataan has tremendous

potential to become a true venue for youth participation in governance. Giving the youth a

seat in local governments, providing them with a budget mandated by law, listening to

them and providing venues for them to meaningfully take part in shaping local policies and
 20

programs like sports, infrastructure development and environmental protection could

transform young people into significant members of the community.

However in year 2000, a survey conducted by McCann-Erickson ranging from 13-

21 years old shows that only 10% of the youth are concerned about politics in the country.

Another study was conducted in 2001 by NFO-Trends, surveying children and youth with

ages ranging from 7-21 years old, according to the study, there is low awareness even

apathy towards cultural values and national affairs among the youth. 6

Also, a case study conducted by United Nations Development Program concluded

that the youth are not politically motivated and influenced, limiting their concern to the

interest of the younger members of the community and so politician usually pay them less

attention in election related activities.

As what Singson cited in 2001 some elected SK officials do not have enough

knowledge regarding their functions in the government as well as to the youth. This

dilemma might have rooted from the fact that the youth have minimal awareness on social
7
and political issues.

In foreign countries, the Youth Council has another concept, (International Youth

Council, 2008) specifically in Europe, there is a consolidated tradition of representative

youth platforms at Pan-regional, National and local level. At European level the European

6
National Youth Commission. National Assessment :Youth Attributes, participation and Service
providers.2004

7
Singson, Jose Florante F. The Primary Role of the Sangguniang Kabataan in Youth Representation in Local
Governance under Barangay Level, Thesis, National College of business and Arts,2001
 21

Youth Forum constitutes the platform which gathers more than 93 National Youth Council

and International Non-Governmental Youth Organizations. It's a non-governmental

structure which serves its members and applies the principles of democratic representation,

transparency through its internal democratic system. At the Institutional level, the Council

of Europe has a specific co-managed system to run its youth sector. Governmental and

non-governmental representative co-decide upon the priorities of the youth program of the

institution and they also co-manage the activities which are run in two youth centers in

Strasbourg and Budapest. The Youth Constituency is called "Advisory Council on Youth"

(AC) beside the co-decision mechanism internal to the Directorate for Youth and Sport has

the possibility to advise the Institution on any matter which affect young people and which

is tackled by Council of Europe. At National level there are National Youth Councils which

are similar structures to the European Youth Forum and often there are regional and local

council which adopts various kinds of constituencies and organizations case by case an

example of which is the Parliament. 8

In the United States and Canada, youth councils have been formed by nonprofit

organizations and at all levels of government. Many cities, including Boston, Los Angeles,

San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, and Seattle, have active youth councils that inform

city government decision-making. For instance, the Los Angeles Youth Council is

sponsored by the Commission for Children Youth and their Families. Prior to being

established as a program of this commission, it was operated as Mayor Tom Bradley's

Youth Advisory Board. This Youth Council is currently working on creating a citywide

Youth Policy. Several state-level government agencies and legislatures have created youth

8
International Youth Council, 2008
 22

councils, including Washington, Maine, Louisiana, New Mexico, Massachusetts, and New

Hampshire. Maine's council was the first statewide youth council created in the US, and

the others were created soon after that. In the United States there are several forms of youth

councils. They include youth advisory councils, which provide input and feedback

regarding adult-driven decision-making; youth research councils that are responsible for

assessment and evaluation of youth and community programs, and; youth action councils

which are designed to either be youth/adult partnerships or youth-led activities that are

youth-driven and generally, youth-focused.

As part of the growing trend of democracy, the issue of citizen participation has

gained increasing significance. Ghana like all other countries endorses the active and

effective citizenship participation in all levels of governance. However insufficient

attention has been paid to the particular challenges at the local level among vulnerable

groups like the youth. Consequently , stimulating youth participation and representation in

the local level democracies, would not only ensure policies but are more reflective of social

needs but would be invaluable in affording communities at the level to articulate and define

priorities for local governments.9

While the (United Methodist News Service, 2004) Barangay Youth Council is the

governing body of the Youth Assembly that is organized in every barangay, which is the

smallest unit of local government in the Philippines. Its primary objective is to enhance the

development of the youth in the country. The Council promulgates resolutions necessary

“Youth participation and representation”. youthbridgefoundation.org

9
 23

to carry out the objectives of the youth. Among the activities initiated by Councils around

the country are tree planting, clean-up drives for rivers and lakes, waste segregation, and

the like. 10Involvement in these activities has helped promote environment consciousness

among the youth in the Philippines.

Also, in a study commissioned by the United Nations Children’s Fund in

partnership with the Department of the Interior and local Government entitled “The

Impact of Youth Participation in the Local Government Process; The Sangguniang

Kabataan Experience”, some SK respondents mentioned that they were exposed to, or were

directly involved in, tolerable practices such as corruption and nepotism. Several

respondents described one common practice: when the SK liquidates funds or receives

solicitations or sponsorships, the barangay captain gives the SK sponsorships for their

projects; the barangay captain gives the SK chairperson ten-percent (10%) of the amount

spent. This is reportedly standard practice dubbed as SOP, which some barangay captains

insist on doing, even if SK chairpersons themselves refuse to accept money. Moreover, the

same study shows that most people believed that 18 to 21 tears old are more prepared to

serve in government than their younger counterparts aged 15 to 17. It also perceived that

the members of the 15-17 age group are unable to defend and assert themselves because

they have not reached adulthood thus making it easy for adult to influence and persuade

the younger group. 11

10
United Methodist News Service, 2004

11
United Nations Children’s Fund in partnership with the Department of the Interior and local
Government. The Impact of Youth Participation in the Local Government Process; The Sangguniang
Kabataan Experience. 2007
 24

As what former representative Gilbert Remulla said in an interview that the reason

for him filing a bill that calls for the abolition of the Sanggunian Kabataan is that the SK

useless organization. When we have 15-18 years old inside an arena with adults who have

more than two horns in their heads, they get easily corrupted. It gives so many opportunities

for the young aspiring leaders to go wayward and that was not how it was designed to be.

As for replacement, he suggests a parallel organization to be funded by the national

government rather than the local government units. In that way local leaders will not

meddle with the projects of the youth sectors. 12

Moreover, an article was released in 2007 by Sotelo-Fuertes, stating that most

mayors from Pangasinan have agreed that the SK should be abolished. They said SK

officials could not divide their time between school work and their responsibilities in SK.

Additionally, Mayor Guico said that SK leaders should usually consult barangay chairs and

whenever this happens, the SK officials are usually accompanied by their parents to dictate

them on what to do. Ergo they cannot really decide on their own and cannot effectively

represent the youth sector but the local government units are spending money for their

salaries and benefits.13

In 2002 Malaya, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) said in a

letter to the House representative Gilbert Remulla that the SK’s relevance in local

government has been made obsolete by reports of corruption among the SK leader. There

have been reports that the same have dipped their hands into the funds given to them. The

12
Remulla Gilbert. Personal interview by Joanne Michelle C. Lara. 0ctober 5 2008

13
Sotelo-fuetes, Yolanda. “Mayors callback for SK Abolition” Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 7,2007.
 25

LMP said it recognizes the importance of youth participation in governance but it does not

see the SK fulfilling such mandates. The LMP proposed that instead of the SK, youth

representatives be appointed to the Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Panlalawigan as

ex-officio member. The youth representative shall not receive regular salary and benefits

but shall only receive honorarium or allowance per session attendance basis.14

Edgardo Angara said “We have to consider the fact that we’re exposing the youth

to politics-Philippine style, which we all know is a no holds barred avenue. I am concerned

because we are accelerating the entrance of such malleable, impressionable minds into

Philippine politics and all its less-than honorable practices”15

He suggested that instead of having an independent institution like the SK, the

government should create an elected position within the barangay, municipal or provincial

council for youth representatives. “This will be more practical and economical, since there

will be no need to hold separate elections specifically for them, and because if the

integration, these representatives will have better access to the resources for their projects”.

Koffi Annan former UN general secretary once said “Normally, when we need to

know about something, we go to experts, but what we tend to forget that when we want to

know about the youths and what they feel and what they want, we should talk to them”. 16

This can be effectively through their inclusion in formal bodies. Youth have better

perspective of the problems that affect them as such they need to be integrated in policy

14
“Legarda proposes SK reforms”. Philippine Daily inquirer. December 21,2001 p.26

15
Kimberly jane Tan. GMA news, October 26, 2013. gmanetwork.com

16
Why are youths not represented in formal institutions. Youthpolicy.org
 26

planning, implementation and evaluation for the policy to be a success. Youth

representation enables youths to become active members of the democratic society.

Therefore, the youth needs a new facet of representation. They need a new

rendezvous of thoughts and actions. Overtime the Sangguniang Kabataan was proven

ineffective but necessary. Therefore a new youth representation must be created to provide

for the needs of the youth. An organization with a similar structure to that of the

Sangguniang Kabataan but with different mode of clockwork should be made. This attempt

is somehow reinvention of youth representation

 27

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY OF RESEARCH

This chapter presents discussion on the research methodology, the subjects,

sampling technique, research instruments, procedure of data gathering and statistical

treatment that will be used for accurate data analysis and interpretation.

Survey.

The primordial goal of the survey is to provide an accurate picture of how people

feel about a certain topic. Thus, the survey served as the skeleton in finishing this research.

In order for the researchers gauge the people’s belief regarding the suggested abolition of

Sangguniang Kabataan in the Congress, we first come up to an idea how can we make sure

to represent the majority of the citizen of the Malolos. So first, we need to determine how

large the population of our specific sample. Before anything else, margin of error must be

set.

Figure 3.1: Computation of margin of error

 28

From the above computation, the margin of error was established using the

population of Malolos at present time. This will be used to determine the required sample

for this population.

Figure 3.2: Computation of the sample of this population

Accordingly, the team surveyed 30 respondents in the selected 15 Barangays of

Malolos City, ages 15-65 years old, of any gender and duly resident of the said scope. The

primary reason why the group chose to interview the residents of each Barangay regardless

of their age conformity is because we want to acquire the perception and view of the adults

regarding this inquiry even though the Sangguniang Kabataan only caters the Youth.The

researchers believe that adults also have an impact to this study considering that once in

their life they become acquainted in becoming a youth. At the end of the day, a total of 450

people weredelved into by the students, reaching the required sample size needed as

computed above.
 29

Key-informant Interview.

Key-informant interview provides some details that did not emerge from the survey

questionnaires. Considering the fact that our thesis was administrative in character, the

researchers planned to interview different sectors to examine the different points and

arguments of the Local Officials. In ascertaining this study’s necessity and importance,

interviews from the following were undertaken: fifteen (15) Barangay Captain from

Malolos City, Department of the Interiorand Local Government Provincial Director and

Cluster Leaders three (3), Sangguniang Kabataan President one (1), and even incumbent

Sangguniang Kabataan Officials. The group also conversed with Government Office of

Commission on Elections (ComElec). The researchers also seek the opinion of different

Administrative lawyers and even experts in Local Government Code on how can these

issues affect the community as a whole.

Technique Used.

The researcher used the random sampling method in choosing the respondent of

this study. Before the Researchers started to conduct interviews and Surveys, we first

formally divide the team into three to saturate the location in a less time as possible.

Afterwards, the team leader provides the complete list of the Barangays inMalolos and by

chance, the first five picks will represent their group’s subject of research.As designed, the

respective teams started to interview simultaneously. This is the result of the random

sampling method:
 30

Team A Team B Team C

Sto. Rosario Mabolo Tikay

Catmon Bungahan Santisima Trinidad

Sumapang Bata Taal Confradia

SumapangMatanda Bancal Lugam

Balite Ligas San Juan

Figure 3.3 Division of Task

Respondents.

The respondents come from the different individuals in the selected Barangays in

Malolos.The primary reason why the researchers limit the respondent for every Barangay

on 30 is because we find it less time consuming viewing that the respondent will not be

limited to one barangay only but to numerous barangays. We further make sure that this

research will not be ineffective because of that aspect, so we increase the number of

proposed Barangay to be interviewed from 10-15 to extend the range of proofs and

arguments to this study. Theoretical saturation as described by Bertaux, is when a

researcher is surprised or learns a great deal for the first few interviews. After for example

fifteenth interview, the research recognizes pattern in the interviewee’s experiences.

At the end of the day, how will this constituents react as to the performance of

Sangguniang Kabataan Officials will greatly affect the result of the prepared survey

questionnaires.
 31

Data Gathering Procedure and Administration of Instrument

Survey

First and foremost, the researchers of this study construed and conceptualized

questions about the implementation and effectiveness of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)

under the Local Government Code of the Philippines in the form of survey questionnaires.

Questions were focused and centralized whether SK is really serving its purpose in honing

the youths’ leadership skills, whether SK are effective models in aspiring their fellow

young citizen of the country to become future leaders, what are the common projects that

were usually introduced and initiated by SK officials in their community and constituents,

do these projects are really beneficial to the people, what are the common problems that

were encountered by SK which make them ineffective as servants to the barangay, and

what is the proper recommendation that should be done regarding SK – whether it needs

to be abolished, retained, revised or amended.

After the survey questionnaires were being drafted, the researchers immersed in the

fifteen (15) barangays located in the City of Malolos, Bulacan namely Tikay, Lugam,

Santisima Trinidad, San Juan, Cofradia, Catmon, Santo Rosario (Poblacion), Balite,

Sumapang Matanda, Sumapang Bata, Taal, Bangkal, Bungahan, Ligas and Mabolo and the

questionnaires were personally handed to the residents of the aforementioned barangays.

The researchers used simple random sampling method in selecting the chosen respondents

for the study. All age brackets were considered in this study to secure the conclusiveness,

validity and reliability of the data gathered. The survey forms were disseminated to them

and they answered it honestly; if there are inquiries involving the questions, the researchers
 32

responded immediately and with courtesy. Afterwards, questionnaires were collected.

Same process was applied and circulated on all subjects until each barangay had reached

the required limit of 30 respondents.

Interview

Interviews conducted to the City Local Government Operation Officer of the

Department of Interior and Local Government and the barangay captains and councilors of

the fifteen (15) abovementioned barangays in the City of Malolos, Bulacan are classified

into two classifications – (1) interview with letter sent and (2) interview without letter

sent/ambush interview with the same issue, about SK.

In case of interview with letter sent, a formal letter was sent to the interviewees

before conducting the interview. The researchers were scheduled on the date when the

resource person is available for the requested interview. When that date came, the

interviewers went to the office of the government official and prepared questions to be

asked. Once the person was already ready, the researches threw questions needed for the

establishment of the study, supporting the stand and position interposed. Questions

revolved from the substantial matters indicated in the survey forms, the interviewers also

added follow-up questions for the clarification of some things and to erase confusions.

After the initiated interviews, the researchers thanked the interviews for the time they

allocated and for their consideration.

On the other hand, for interviews without letter sent, similar cycle was followed by

the interviewers just like what they did in interviews with letters sent. In this setup, the
 33

only difference is the absence of the letter asking permission to conduct an interview

regarding SK.

Data Processing and Statistical Treatment.

The researcher will use the questionnaire in gathering data from the respondents. It

will be divided into three (3) parts: Part I which aims to obtain the profile of the respondents

such as name (optional), address and age; Part II which aims to derive the evaluated

percentile of the respondents to the pastSangguniang Kabataan Officials with regards to

their primary duties performed; and lastly the Part III, which entails and reflects the

judgment of respondents on some questions regarding the proposed projects which the

Officials take into consideration while in the term of their Office.

Copies of questionnaire, stated in English, are to be distributed to thirty selected

respondents, residing in the four corners of Barangays subject to this study.

The data to be gathered will be arrange in quantitative form and expressed in

frequencies and proportions.

In determining the total percentage, the statistical formula to be used is:

% = F/n x 100

Where:

% - Percentage F - Frequency

n - Total number 100 - Constant to get the exact percentage

 34

CHAPTER IV

Presentation, Interpretation, and Analysis of Data

This chapter deals with Presentation, Interpretation, and Analysis of Data

ARE YOU AWARE AND FAMILIAR WITH SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN?

4%
18

96%
432

YES NO

FIGURE 4.1. Percentage of familiarity and awareness of the residents of Malolos City

with SK

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is defined in the previous chapters of this study as the

proper forum for Filipino youths to exhibit their skills in leadership and be part in the

process of nation-building and youth empowerment. Their voice is the representation of

the youth sector in the government, thus their presence must be recognized by the group

they embody. Which in fact was proven by the residents of the fifteen (15) barangays of

the City of Malolos that are indeed aware and familiar with the existence of SK. As

supported by the manifested results in Figure 4.1.

 35

“Kung ang tanong mo ay alam ko ba na may Sangguniang Kabataan, s’yempre ang

sagot ko ay oo. Sila yung nagpapaliga taun-taon saka yung nagtatali ng banderitas tuwing

fiesta.”- Rezie Raymundo, resident of Catmon, Malolos, 29 years old.

Raymundo substantiated the outcome of Figure 1 that SK is widely known

by the general public and they have knowledge and understanding of its system. In her

case, this is through the sport fests and basketball leagues that SK initiates in their

respective barangay and community.

DOES SK SERVES ITS PURPOSE TO TURN YOUTH INTO FUTURE

LEADERS?

26%
118
74%
332

YES NO

FIGURE 4.2: Percentage of youth who are convinced that SK serves its purpose

One of the purposes of Sangguniang Kabataan is to prepare and empower the youth

for being leaders, and this was seemingly not attained according to the results shown in

Figure 4.2 exemplifies the answer of the respondents when asked whether or not the

Sangguniang Kabataan is serving its purpose of training youth for future leadership. 312

out of 450 respondents strongly negate this statement believing that the SK Officials were

not efficient in fulfilling their primary objective. This is almost 69% of the population. On
 36

the survey conducted, large proportion of the respondents are youth aged 16 to 24, where

most of them believed that SK failed to serves its purposes.

250
198 195
200
152 159
150 43% 128
44% 35%
100 74 28%
34%
50
12
16% 3%
0
WHAT'S WRONG ON SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN?
SK Officials Itself
Lack of Support from the Government
Constituents' Participation
Lack of Concrete Plans and/or Projects
Sangguniang System and Politics
Conflicting Interest on studies, personal life and service
No Problem at all

FIGURE 4.3 Common problems on how SK turned to be ineffective

The researchers believe that there is a need either to improve or change the

system on youth representation. In Figure 4.3, it conveys common problems why

Sangguniang Kabataan probably turned to be ineffective; According to 198 respondents

blamed the SK officials themselves, 195 it was the allocation of funds, 159 responded with

lack of concrete plan regarding the projects to be executed, 152 replied of lack of support

from barangay officials, 128 answered conflict of interest between their constituents and

studies, 74 responses were made blaming the constituents and beneficiaries of the project

while the other 12 % says that there is no problem at all.

In the figure presented above and interviews conducted on the barangays, the researchers

concluded that the grounds for the abolition of Sangguniang Kabataan are as follows:
 37

1. SK Officials’ Competence

1.1 Lack of capacity to act

1.2 Immaturity

2. Sangguniang Kabataan System and Structure

2.1 Breeding Ground for Corruption

2.2 Proliferates Political Dynasty

3. SK Functions and Projects

3.1 SK projects failed to address the needs of the youth

3.2 SK failed to carry out their functions as mandated by law

4. Lack of support from the Government

5. Conflicts concerning their level of priorities

6. Participation of the Katipunan ng Kabataan

The researchers believe that these arguments are sufficient enough either to

improve or change the Sangguniang Kabataan. Further explanation for each ground will be

presented on this particular chapter of the study.

 38

1. SK Officials’ Competence

Given the privileges and responsibilities of an SK official mentioned in the previous

chapters, the SK officials are expected to fulfill their duties and responsibilities provided

in the Local Government Code. With several House Bills and Senate Bills pending

highlighting the age bracket of SK officials should be changed. Most of the senators and

representatives said that youth ages 15-17 years of lack of legal capacity.

Senator Teofisto Guingona III believes that the SK framework should be re-

evaluated by Congress. In a July 8, 2013 article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, he cites

that the age bracket is a source of dispute since children at that age are not yet prepared to

manage responsibilities involving large sums of money. The researchers agree on that

matter.

Article 37 of the New Civil Code states that capacity to act is a power to acts with

legal effect, is acquired and may be loss. Minority is one of the restrictions on capacity to

act as enumerated in Article 38 and 39 of the same code.

“Art. 38. Minority, insanity or imbecility, the state of

being a deaf-mute, prodigality and civil interdiction are mere

restrictions on capacity to act, and do not exempt the

incapacitated person from certain obligations, as when the

latter arise from his acts or from property relations, such as

easements. (32a)

Art. 39. The following circumstances, among others,

modify or limit capacity to act: age, insanity, imbecility, the

state of being a deaf-mute, penalty, prodigality, family

 39

relations, alienage, absence, insolvency and trusteeship. The

consequences of these circumstances are governed in this

Code, other codes, the Rules of Court, and in special laws.

Capacity to act is not limited on account of religious belief or

political opinion.”

Under Philippine laws, a minor cannot enter into legal transactions as they cannot

lawfully give consent to a contract (Article 1327 (1), New Civil Code of the Philippines).

Only those who have been emancipated are qualified to all acts of civil life, which includes

entering into contracts, and emancipation only takes place upon attainment of the age of

majority, that is, reaching the age of 18 (Article 236 in relation to Article 234, Family Code

of the Philippines).

Are SK Officials competent enough to hold

government office?

40%
60%
181
269

YES NO

Figure 4.4 Percentage as to determining if SK Officials deserve higher government

positions
 40

Figure 4.4 tells that 60% of the respondents believe that SK officials are still not

competent enough to handle government position however the other 40% strongly argues

and recognizes SK competence and capability.

In addition, Atty Chona M. Dimayuga, Board Member of the 3rd district said on an

article that teenagers ages 15-18 could not possibly dictate the programs needed by the

youth when they themselves with their immature and confused minds could not even know

what they need in their lives.

Psychological research confirms what every parent knows: children, including

teenagers, act more irrationally and immaturely than adults. According to many

psychologists, adolescents are less able than adults to perceive and understand the long-

term consequences of their acts, to think autonomously instead of bending to peer pressure

or the influence of older friends and acquaintances, and to control their emotions and act

rationally instead of impulsively. All of these tendencies affect a child’s ability to make

reasoned decisions. Psychologists have long attributed the differences between adults and

children to either cognitive or psychosocial differences. Cognitive theories suggest that

children simply think differently than adults, while psychosocial explanations propose that

children lack social and emotional capabilities that are better developed in adults. Research

has established that adolescent thinking is present-oriented and tends to either ignore or

discount future outcomes and implications. At least one researcher has found that teenagers

typically have a very short time-horizon, looking only a few days into the future when

making decisions.
 41

Psychological research also consistently demonstrates that children have a greater

tendency than adults to make decisions based on emotions, such as anger or fear, rather

than logic and reason.

2. Sangguniang Kabataan System and Politics

The Sangguniang Kabataan is an organization of leaders of the youth. The

greatest achievement of a leader is not only to create numerous and substantial projects,

but most especially to produce excellent future leaders as well. The only way to achieve

such achievement is to lead with integrity through words and deeds and they must be

leaders by example. A survey was conducted to assess the efficiency of SK Officials in

inspiring the youth to become Future Leaders. (See Figure 4.5 for the results)

DO SK OFFICIALS INSPIRE THE YOUTH TO

BECOME FUTURE LEADERS?

57%
43%
255
195

YES NO

Figure 4.5 Percentage of the SK being inspirational leaders.

Figure 4.5 reflects that 57% of the sample population do not trust the SK officials’

ability to act as an authority that can inspire future leaders but 43% of the responding citizen

views SK officials as effective models for aspiring possible future youth leaders
 42

The figure above shows that the residents of Malolos have a lesser confidence

towards SK, which are caused by the problems and issues of corruption and political

dynasty enveloping the organization.

Commissioner Rene Sarmiento of the Commission on Elections sees the

disadvantage of letting the youth participate in the SK since they are being exposed at a

young age to the bad side of the politics, such as commission in government contracts and

projects. As an example, Jerome Cuevas, SK Kagawad, shares how the SK in their

barangay intentionally increased the price of goods they donated for the officials to get

their “kickbacks.” He recalls how the price of Php 5.00 was increased to Php 20.00 because

of the markup. The illegitimate markup is used to speed up the project’s approval process

with the contractors. He then asserted that these occurrences manifested how much the SK

can become an avenue in building the walls of corruption.

Over the years though, as what often happens with a once-noble purpose, the

Sangguniang Kabataan has been twisted and turned into something that is no longer in

unison with its original purpose. It has become an avenue for open to graft and corruption

to prosper and instead of fostering future good leaders, it only seems to teach the youth

about the corruption that exists in the government at a very early age.

In 2010, Jane Cajes, former SK National (SKNF) president, faced corruption

charges filed by two youth groups that complained of lack of transparency in SK finances.

The groups pointed to the lack of bidding for the muti-million procurement of goods and

services for SK national congresses from 2008 to 2010, failure to liquidate over P93 million

in SKNF funds, and “lavish display of wealth” that allegedly included expenses for branded

clothes and cosmetic surgery. Cajes, however, denied the allegations. Despite the
 43

allegation, a case such as this is an alarming proof of corruption involving the position in

question.

Thus, instead of inspiring a new generation of future leaders, SK has become a

school of politics where graft and corruption serves as the main subject.

Aside from the deafening issue of graft and corruption, one of the startling dispute

revolving around the Sangguniang Kabataan which is also proliferating even in the

National Government is Political Dynasty.

Michael Fermin, in one of the interviews made by the researchers, said,

“Nowadays, these SK are being treated as allies of barangay officials. Kapag kumandidato

akong kapitan, magbubuo na rin ako ng SK ko. Kung sino yung mga anak anak nung mga

malalaking pamilya, anak anak nung mga nakaupong kapitan, kagawad sila rin. So the

effect is dynasty, yes, abuse, corruption. What else? You are defeating the purpose of youth

representation, kasi hindi naman gusto ng mga bata talaga, ginagamit na rail road ninyo

ang election, sinamantala ninyo, ginamit ninyo yung mga bata.”

Henrietta de Villa, chair of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, said

that the 42,000 seats for SK chair and 300,000 seats for SK Council were being used as an

“entry point” for political dynasties.

“This is what political dynasties do now. They introduce their children in the SK

and use it as basis in going after higher positions when they are of age. That is not supposed

to be. SK should be a practicing ground for authentic political leaders to emerge,” De Villa

said.

Other than just churning out younger corrupt future politicians, the SK had been

known to be a starting line for political dynasties, a place where political families can put
 44

their kids to “learn about” politics until they are of age, take over the family business and

finish the race to wealth.. This seems rather unfair to those who truly want to run for SK

because of a genuine interest to represent the youth. They stand no chance running against

candidates who are backed by their political families. It’s just another place for politicians

to gain stronger foothold.

In reality, wives, sons, daughters, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews, and close

family friends of traditional politicians were all over the place as candidates and as never

before, local political dynasties lorded it over the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan.

3. Sangguniang Kabataan’s Projects and Functions

3.1 SK projects failed to address the needs of the youth

Since then, multiple bills for abolition and reform of the SK have been lobbied in

Congress. During the 14th Congress, Aquilino Pimentel filed a bill but instead sought the

abolition of the SK, arguing that it “has not lived up to the people's expectations.”

In 2010, former DILG Secretary Jessie Robredo called for the abolition of the SK,

citing that the council has failed in effectively carrying out its services as stated in the Local

Government Code. Today, there are more or less ten (10) pending bills on both houses

regarding either the abolition or reform of Sangguniang Kabataan and they have been

consistent that one of their grounds for such abolition or reform is that SK failed to be

functional and effective in addressing the needs of the youth. Most, if not all of the bills,

recognize the dismal performance of SK through the years, citing unresponsive, uncreative

and very limited SK programs and projects such as paliga, beauty pageants, clean and

green, waiting sheds, and signage or worse none at all.

 45

400
346
350
300
250 229
200
150 101 107
100 71
50 21 8
0
SK COMMON PROJECTS
Construction of Barangay Facilities and other Public Amenities
Clean-up Drives
Medical and Dental
Sports Fest and other Recreational Activities
Awareness Campaigns and Seminars
No Project at all
Others

Figure 4.6 Projects implemented by Sangguniang Kabataan

Figure 4.6 above refers to the projects commonly introduced by SK officials; 346

of them “popularly cited sports fest & other recreational Activities,” 229 answered “clean-

up drives,” 107 stated “medical and dental missions,” 101 responded “construction of

barangay facilities and other public amenities,” 71 replied “awareness campaigns and

seminars,” 21 reported “no projects at all” and 8 respondents suggested others.

 46

How would you classify SK Projects?

23%
104

77%
346

LONG TERM PROJECTS SHORT TERM PROJECTS

Figure 4.7 Percentage as to how the implemented projects are classified

In figure 4.7, the graph denotes the classification of SK projects on the view of the

respondents, 75% said it was short term projects while 23% considered itas long term

projects for the community.

These findings led to the conclusion that the potentials of the SK are not being

maximized, resulting in short-term projects and programs largely limited to sports and

infrastructure development, and environmental protection.

The graph on figure 4.8 below implies that only 32% of the total respondents

acknowledged that SK projects were beneficial for their barangay development and the rest

believe that SK has an insignificant contribution in the community. The researchers

recognize that the kind of projects implemented by the SK on the past years clearly shows

the organization’s ineffectiveness. The interviewees unanimously agree that SK should

broadened youth involvement not just in sports and youth development but also in

education, employment, entrepreneurship and health.

 47

DO SK PROJECTS ARE BENEFECIAL IN THE

BARANGAY?

32%
68% 143
307

YES NO

Figure 4.8 Percentage as to beneficiality of the projects of SK

DO SK PROJECTS UPLIFT THE ECONOMIC

CONDITION OF BARANGAY?

24%
97
76%
308

YES NO

Figure 4.9 Percentage as to the economic impact the SK brings

The figure above conveys that only 23% supports that SK positively uplifts and

improve economic conditions of each barangay. On the contrary, 73% opines otherwise,

insisting that SK adversely affects the economic standing of the community.

 48

One of our respondents, Jeremy Villegas, 21 and a resident of Santissima Trinidad,

says, "Tuwing May lang naman namin nararamdaman yun SK kasi nagpapalaro sila.

Kadalasan sa mga palaro pa nila, maraming gulo. The Barangay Chairwoman, emphasized

that SK should focus on long term projects and should conduct seminars on livelihood.

"Bukod sana sa mga paliga, kailangan talaga ng long term projects. May kakayanan ang

SK, at may pondong nakalaan para sa kanila. Maganda rin naman yun proyekto na short-

term, pero higit na kailangan yung mga pang-matagalan at mas malaki ang maitutulong sa

barangay. Ang mga short term projects nila ay hindi gaano siguro nakakatulong sa

pamumuhay sa barangay, dapat magsagawa sila bg mga livelihood projects."

3.2 SK failed to carry out their functions as mandated by law

This particular section evaluates SK’s effectiveness based on its functions

enumerated in Section 426 of the Local Government Code is expected to:

1. Promulgate resolutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the youth in the

barangay in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Code.

2. Initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic, cultural,

intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical development of members;

3. Consult and coordinate with all youth organizations in the barangay for policy

formulation and program implementation;

4. Coordinate with the concerned national agency for the implementation of youth

development projects and programs at the national level;

 49

SK IN PROMULGATING RESOLUTIONS

41.78

19.33
13.33 16
9.56

5 Strongly Agrees 4 Agrees 3 Neutral 2 Disagrees 1 Strongly Disagrees

Figure 4.10 Percentage as to the SK’s effectiveness in drafting resolutions

Figure 4.10, results conclude that 41.78% of the respondents, as manifested by Bar

1 strongly disagrees that SK was able to draft necessary resolutions intended for youth

development, in addition, 19.33% of the respondents as represented by Bar 2 disagrees to

the same.

The performance of the Sangguniang Kabataan as legislators were deemed weak

by the respondents. Outputs will prove that because of the age of Sangguniang Kabataan

officials, this hinders them in drafting resolutions intended for the common good.

Therefore, the researchers came up in a conclusion that indeed, the lack of knowledge to

draft resolutions because of age is a factor why the Sangguniang Kabataan fails to reach its

goals and objectives.

Moreover, out of 30 accomplishment reports in the NYC’s records, only 12 made

the cut for this study. Of the 12 reports, only three showed legislative acts as

accomplishments. Of the three, only one submitted a copy of the resolution passed.
 50

SK SEMINARS AND LEADERSHIP TRAININGS

44

14.89 15.33 18.67

7.11

5 Strongly Agrees 4 Agrees 3 Neutral 2 Disagrees 1 Strongly Disagrees

Figure 4.11 Percentage as to conductiong seminars and leadership trainings

On Figure 4.11, results conclude that 44% of the respondents, as manifested by Bar

1strongly disagrees that SK was able to execute necessary seminars and leadership

trainings intended to enhance the young’s potentials and awareness regarding local and

national affairs, in addition, 18.67 % of the respondents as represented by Bar 2 disagrees

to the same.

The real need of the youth had been misapprehended. There had been a failure in

addressing the current and special concerns of the youth namely, education and training,

health and nutrition, livelihood programs and campaign against drugs. Survey results prove

that SK dealt only and limit its representation through conducting sport festivals, leaving

all the aforementioned advocacies behind.

Further, findings led to a conclusion that the young leaders’ potential were not

maximized resulting into ineffective and inefficient representation.

 51

SK CONSULTATION TO THE YOUTH

32.44
22.67
18
13.77 13.11

5 Strongly Agrees 4 Agrees 3 Neutral 2 Disagrees 1 Strongly Disagrees

Figure 4.12 Percentage as to tapping the Katipunan ng Kabataan

On Figure 4.12, results conclude that 32.44 % of the respondents, as manifested by

Bar 2 disagrees that SK was able to conduct consultation regarding the youth’s current

necessity, while 22. 67 % of the respondents as represented by Bar 3 were neutral

concerning the issue.

The conducted survey and interviews reveal that the Sangguniang Kabataan failed

to tap the Katipunan in carrying out its necessary analysis, planning, monitoring, and

evaluation regarding their programs for their constituents. It must be noted that SK

represents the Filipino youth, therefore a strict compliance regarding tapping the Katipunan

should matter. Hence, cannot call themselves representatives if they would not be able to

comply with their primary function- be the voice of the youth.

 52

SK IN PRODUCING MORE LEADERS

30.44

21.33
19.11
13.78 15.33

5 Strongly Agrees 4 Agrees 3 Neutral 2 Disagrees 1 Strongly Disagrees

Figure 4.13 Percentage as to producing new breed of leaders

On Figure 4.13, results conclude that 30.44 % of the respondents, as manifested by

Bar 2 disagrees that SK was able to produce more leaders, while 21.33 % of the respondents

as represented by Bar 3 were neutral concerning the issue.

Sad as it may sound but the Sangguniang Kabataan failed to produce leaders. As

discussed earlier, because of the focus of the SK being boxed in basketball leagues and

repainting of courts, they failed to implement projects intended for production of leaders.

Therefore, it is a must that the youth representative be refocused, spotlight and maximize

the capabilities of the youth.

Majority of SK survey respondents expressed their strong disagreements on efficiency

of SK official on their functions enumerated on the Local Government Code. Therefore,

SK is ineptitude and incompetent enough on carrying out their duties and responsibilities

as public officials.
 53

4. Sangguniang Kabataan’s Lack of Support from the Government

Survey also shows that the public are dismayed over the lack of existing programs

for the youth, and lack of support in terms of funding and implementation of existing youth

programs that limit their projects to sports activities and street-cleaning initiatives. 34% of

the sample population deliberates that the probable reason for SK’s Ineffectiveness is due

to lack of support from the Government.

Sangguniang Kabataan Officials themselves also candidly said there was lack of

control and autonomy in the SK in the barangay such that SK leaders become mere

‘consultative bodies’ without real power to implement their desired youth programs. They

say some political interventions stunt the potential of the SK. It’s officials are as well

generally perceived as incompetent, inefficient and lacks initiative.

These concerns reveal the disillusionment, indifference and apathy of the youth

sector towards the government and youth-directed government programs. The low levels

of youth participation in the SK and government-related programs, and the popular view

that the government is self-serving, manifest these concerns. This lack of faith in the SK

could be born out of the SK officials’ lack of understanding of their duties and

responsibilities and the SK structure. They are also unable to navigate bureaucracy, create

a development plan and budget, and encourage other youth to participate.

Conflicting interest on studies, personal life and service.

 54

5. Conflict concerning the SK Officials level of priorities

Some people believes that aside from the above-mentioned issues, imbalance

priorities of the SK Officials might be one of the reasons why SK Officials turned to be

ineffective. This aspect appeared to be fifth in rank with 38% of the sample population.

SK Officials are literally young both in age and maturity for they are comprised of

15-17 year old members. Most of them are still in the Secondary Level of Education or

High School Department and we are all aware that as high school students, they don’t get

to choose their schedule and just abide with the curriculum of the school wherein more

often than not the time of their schooling is fixed from 7 o’clock in the morning until 5

o’clock in the afternoon. With this kind of schedule, it is very hard to squeeze in meetings

or sessions of their organizations.

Rank National Results (in percent) SK Members (in percent

1 No time for self, family, school 24.03 No time for self, family, school 29.35

2 Learned to lie, be corrupt 9.05 Made enemies 12.09

3 Made enemies 6.87 Stress 6.49

Table 1: Survey Results of Negative Effects of SK Membership

Source: UNICEF, The Impact of Youth Participation in the Local Government Process

The table provided above is a Research conducted by the University of the

Philippines – Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS), they have come

up with a survey regarding the negative effects of SK Membership and topping their list

was having no time for self, family and school.

 55

Due to an undeveloped age, these juveniles have not yet learned to manage their

time properly which sadly results to being unproductive, disoriented and inefficient youth.

There are two possible impacts to them, it’s either they excel in school leaving their

obligations in the Sangguniang Kabataan behind or being too much active and passionate

about being an SK Official and leaving their responsibilities in school or even at home.

6. Participation of the Katipunan ng Kabataan

Dr. Nicholas Alipui, UNICEF Philippines Representative once said, "The

Sangguniang Kabataan is the quintessential example of child participation in local

governance. It is a testament to the Philippine Government's recognition of the potential of

children and youth to contribute to national development." The researchers believe that

youth participation in local governance should not be confined only to the leaders of the

SK but should involve also its constituents.

On figure 4.3 as shown earlier, it is noticeable that the constituents' participation

gathered the second lowest number of counts when respondents were asked for the reasons

on how SK become ineffective. Most of those respondents were SK officials before or

youth volunteer now.

Rickmark Marinduque, 21, a resident of Tikay, Malolos, Bulacan and former SK

baranggay chairman uttered, "Kahit anong project naman yung gawin, kapag walang

partisipasyon mula sa kabataan, hindi talagang magiging successful."

However, most of the respondents pointed out that they aren't satisfied with the

projects proposed by the SK as shown in figures 3.11-3.13. They also put an emphasis that
 56

SK officials do not exert efforts to consult them and assess their needs. Figures 3.10

specifically supported the said matter.

QUESTION NUMBER 11
Others
0%

Abolish it, Youth

Do Not
cannot lead in Abolish, Just
their Young Age Reform It
26% 23%
Do Not Abolish,
Just have a
Strict
Implementation
Abolish It, It does not
12%
serve its purpose
39%

Do Not Abolish, Just Reform It

Do Not Abolish, Just have a Strict

Implementation
Abolish It, It does not serve its purpose

Abolish it, Youth cannot lead in their Young Age

Figure 4.14 Percentage as to the proper response regarding the abolition of SK

 57

This graph asserts the issue on whether or not SK is to be abolished; 175 voted for

its abolition, for it cannot fully serve its purpose, 115 respondents stand on its retention but

just implement a strict implementation, 104 wanted to abolish it because of the belief that

they are too young to lead 56 pushed for only its reform by an amendment, and the

remaining 1% responded for other option such as it being just a waste of public’s money.

The last question in the survey conducted by the researchers was to know, what

action will the public take towards the Sangguniang Kabataan considering all the issues

revolving it? Figure 11 exemplifies the people’s response to this query. Options given to

them were: First, not to abolish it and just reform it. Second, not to abolish it and just

tighten belts in terms of implementation. Third, abolish it since it doesn’t serve its purpose.

Lastly, abolish it because youth cannot lead in their young age.

Votes were casted. Opinions were noted. People’s final say was to abolish

Sangguniang Kabataan since it depicts its primary purpose and has been inefficient and

ineffective. Therefore what once were just ideas can now be considered as authentic and

definite grounds for the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan because it is already

supported with facts and data directly gathered from the stakeholders.
 58

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

CONCLUSION:

The principle of youth participation guaranteed by the Constitution is vital and

should be upheld. Clearly, we cannot simply abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan without

even providing means on how they will remain represented. It is the sincerest belief of the

researchers that the youth remains to be the hope not only for the future but can actually be

country’s partner in addressing its present situation. Therefore, it is a necessity to safeguard

the youth’s full potential and encourage their active participation for a transparent and

accountable youth- centered governance.

Further, in a country where majority of the population is under thirty years of age

and a representative government exists, it is the belief of the researchers that the same

cannot call themselves a representative government if the youth are to be excluded.

After thorough analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sangguniang

Kabataan, the researchers believe that to address the issues faced by the SK, total abolition

should not be an option. The research team believes that abolishing the SK will not serve

the best interest of children and young people. It will not shield them from the negative

influences of politics and politicians, but would only destroy a unique system and a

mechanism that has great potential for youth participation in governance and community

service.
 59

What needs to be done is to provide a better structure for youth representation. A

structure that is profound enough so as to ensure production of new breed of genuine

leaders. Admittedly, the study reveals generally low levels of participation in the SK among

young Filipinos. Respondents may not perceive the SK as a meaningful venue for

participation. However, by improving the SK system, the youth’s message is clear: they

need and want to be involved in the local development process.

With these reasons, the researches came up with this simple realization, that it is

urgent to harness the country’s young leaders. Therefore, after much debate and discussion,

the researchers would like to highlight three main points: First, partial abolition of the

Sangguniang Kabataan replacing it with a Youth Councilor. Second, expanding the age

limit of the youth representative. Third, the youth representative shall become an official

member of the Sangguniang Barangay.

In line with the desperate will of the researchers to harness the youth’s potentials

the same had decided to propose a Bill that would justify the reinvention of Sangguniang

Kabataan.
 60

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Researchers are confident enough to propose a Bill to be known as Barangay Youth

Councilor Act of 2015, which is a clear manifestation of empowered youth representation.

The bill expands the power and functions of a youth representative as a member of the

Sangguniang Barangay itself and no longer an ex-offico member. It gives him the same

power enjoyed by the members of the Sangguniang and specific powers to address the

unending needs of the youth. It also gives him the power to vote and engage in all issues

concerning not just the youth sector but to the community at large. Further, the rule on

checks and balances will not be neglected as all of his actions will undergo for review of

the Sangguniang which he is a part of.

The age bracket of youth representative from fifteen to seventeen (15-17) would be

extended to eighteen to twenty four (18-24) so as to assure legal capacity, mental and

emotional maturity of the youth as discussed by the previous chapter. Since the youth as

defined in this study as fifteen to thirty (15-30), the researchers are convinced that the

proposed age is the median of the said age range. A person aged eighteen to twenty four is

entitled to enter into a contract and can be accountable on all the consequences of his action.

It gives the electorate the assurance that the elected representative will be serving with

utmost competence, diligence, and integrity.

The eighteen to twenty four age rule also applies on the Katipunan ng Kabataan

who will elect the youth representative for the same reasons discussed. The age of the

electorate will be determined through their voters ID and they will be given a specific ballot

which additionally contain the names of candidate for the position. There will be no extra
 61

cost on the part of the government since there will be the same numbers of ballots. Indeed,

the government will be saving save more or less Php. 7.7 billion for not having a separate

SK election.

There will be no specific budget allotted for the barangay youth councilor because

he may move for a higher budget allocation in his committee as the allotment of budget for

each committee is subject to the deliberation of the Sangguniang Barangay in constituting

the yearly budget.

This bill will be submitted in both houses as the researches believe that this might

help in resolving the issues of the Sangguniang Kabataan. The researches are willing to

dialogue and discuss this bill with any congressman.

 62

AN ACT EMPOWERING THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH REPRESENTATION

AMENDING AND REPEALING FOR THAT PURPOSE CERTAIN PROVISIONS

OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL

GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991 AND INTRODUCING BARANGAY YOUTH

COUNCILOR ACT OF 2015

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Frequent calls for reformation or abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan have been

consistently insisted around the country. Our political history reinforced the need to

empower our youth and acknowledge their many contributions. Thus, total aboliton of SK

could lead in the exclusion of the vital role of the youth in nation-building which

contradicts the State Policy embodied in our Constitution.

The youth being the largest sector in the country reflects a need for a representation

in the local government particularly in a Barangay which serves as the basic unit of the

government. Hence it is an imperative for the Barangay to promote advocacies concerning

youth encouragement and their being potential partners in nation- building. One of the

means to fulfill this role is through maintaining youth representation in the local

government.

Being a youth representative accompanies the privilege of having an easy access in

addressing the youth’s needs in the community, for where he leads is an area not as big as

a municipality, city, region or even a country.

 63

Empowering such position could help in producing a more active and participative

youth, working hand in hand to achieve the goal of leadership with excellence, integrity

and accountability. In line with this, proposed amendments and repeal in the Local

Government Code of the Philippines is hereby introduced.

The bill seeks to abolish the SK and replace it with a Barangay Youth Councilor so

as to assure that there will still be a representation of youth in the community and by

increasing the age limitation from eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) years would give him

or her the legal capacity that will make the same more qualified for the position. Thus,

would attend to the clamor for the abolition of SK positing that he lacks the capacity to act

and will address the issue that the same is incompetent to lead, that entrusting position with

money and powers to minors greatly contributes to boost allegation that it becomes a

breeding ground for corruption, perpetuate political dynasty, lacks concrete plans and

projects which lead to the poor participation of the Katipunan ng Kabataan. Further, the

change of age range will also address the issue regarding the conflict of priorities in terms

of academic concerns, personal life and service.

In view of the foregoing reasons, the passage of this bill is being sought.
 64

AN ACT EMPOWERING THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH REPRESENTATION

AMENDING AND REPEALING FOR THAT PURPOSE CERTAIN PROVISIONS

OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL

GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991 AND INTRODUCING BARANGAY YOUTH

COUNCILOR ACT OF 2015

Section 1. Title - This act shall be known as the “Barangay Youth Councilor Act of

2015.”

Section 2. Chief Officials and Offices. Section 387 of Republic Act No. 7160 is hereby

amended to read as follows:

SECTION 387. Chief Officials and Offices. - (a) There shall be in each

Barangay a Punong Barangay, eight (8) Sangguniang Barangay

members, one of which is a Barangay Youth Councilor, a Barangay

Secretary, and a Barangay treasurer.

(b) xx xx xx

Section 3. Composition. Section 390 of Republic Act No. 7160 is hereby

amended to read as follows:

 65

SECTION 390. Composition. - The Sangguniang Barangay, the legislative

body of the Barangay, shall be composed of the Punong Barangay as

presiding officer, and the eight (8) regular Sangguniang Barangay

members elected at large, one of which is a BarangayYouth Councilor.

Section 4. Sangguniang Kabataan. Chapter 8 of Republic Act No. 7160 is

hereby revised to read as follows:

Chapter 8 - BARANGAY YOUTH COUNCILOR

SECTION 423. Creation and Election. - (a) There shall be in every

Barangay a Barangay Youth Councilor.

(b) A Barangay Youth Councilor who, during his term of office, shall have

passed the age of twenty-four (24) years shall be allowed to serve the

remaining portion of the term for which he was elected.

SECTION 424. Katipunan ng Kabataan. - The Katipunan ng Kabataan

shall be composed of all citizens of the Philippines actually residing in the

Barangay for at least six (6) months, who are eighteen (18) but not more

than twenty four (24) years of age.

SECTION 425. Meetings of the Katipunan ng Kabataan. - The Katipunan

ng Kabataan shall meet at least once every three (3) months, or at the call
 66

of the Barangay Youth Councilor or upon written petition of at least one-

twentieth (1/20) of its members, to decide on important issues affecting the

youth of the Barangay.

SECTION 426. Powers and Functions of the Barangay Youth Councilor. -

The Barangay Youth Councilor shall:

(a) Promulgate resolutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the youth

in the Barangay in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Code;

(b) Initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic,

cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical development of the

members;

(c) Hold fund-raising activities, the proceeds of which shall be tax-exempt

and shall accrue to the general fund of the Youth and Sports Development:

Provided, however, That in the appropriation thereof, the specific purpose

for which such activity has been held shall be first satisfied;

(d) Create such bodies or committees as it may deem necessary to

effectively carry out its programs and activities;

(e) Submit annual and end-of-term reports to the Sangguniang Barangay on

their projects and activities for the survival and development of the youth

in the Barangay;

(f) Consult and coordinate with all youth organizations in the Barangay for

policy formulation and program implementation;

(g) Coordinate with the appropriate national agency for the implementation

of youth development projects and programs at the national level;

 67

SECTION 427. Qualifications. - An elective official of the Barangay Youth

Councilor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a qualified voter, a resident

of the Barangay for at least one (1) year immediately prior to election, at

least eighteen (18) years but not more than twenty-four (24) years of age on

the day of his election, able to read and write Filipino, English, or the local

dialect, and must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral

turpitude.

SECTION 428. Term of Office. - The Barangay Youth Councilor shall

hold office for a period of three (3) years, unless sooner removed for cause

as provided by law, permanently incapacitated, die or resign from office

SECTION 429. Barangay Youth Councilor.- The registered voters ages

eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) years old shall elect the Barangay Youth

Councilor who shall automatically serve as a member of the Sangguniang

Barangay upon his assumption to office. As such, he shall exercise the same

powers, discharge the same duties and functions, and enjoy the same

privileges as the regular Sangguniang Barangay members, and shall be the

chairman of the committee on youth and sports development in the said

sanggunian.

SECTION 430. Other Duties of the Barangay Youth Councilor.- In

addition to the duties assigned to him by the Sangguniang Barangay, the

Barangay Youth Councilor shall:

 68

(a) Serve as the core of the advocacy on youth participation in nation-

building and youth empowerment.

(b) Act as Head of Committee on Youth and Sports Development;

(b.1) Call and preside for a meeting of the Katipunan ng Kabataan;

(b.2) His primary duty is to facilitate and call to order the Katipunan ng

Kabataan to formulate Youth Development Plan.

(c) Take the lead in formulation of the comprehensive youth

development plan and in the preparation and implementation of the annual

youth investment program;

(d) Exercise general supervision over the affairs and activities of the

Katipunan ng Kabataan;

SECTION 431. Privileges of Barangay Youth Councilor.- The Barangay

Youth Councilor shall have the same privileges enjoyed by other

Sangguniang Barangay officials under this Code subject to such

requirements and limitations provided herein. During his incumbency, the

Barangay Youth Councilor shall be exempt from payment of tuition and

matriculation fees while enrolled in public tertiary schools, including state

colleges and universities. The national government shall reimburse said

college or university the amount of the tuition and matriculation fees:

Provided that, to qualify for the privilege, the said official shall enroll in the

state college or university within or nearest their area of jurisdiction.

Section 5. Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan. Chapter 9 of

Republic Act No. 7160 is hereby revised to read as follows:

 69

CHAPTER 9 –FEDERATION OF BARANGAY YOUTH

COUNCILORS

SECTION 432. Federation of Barangay Youth Councilors. - (a) there shall

be an organization of all the Federation of Barangay Youth Councilorsto be

known as follows:

(1) in municipalities, municipalfederation of Barangay Youth Councilors;

(2) in cities, city federation of Barangay Youth Councilors;

(3) in provinces, provincial federation of Barangay Youth Councilors;

(4) in special metropolitan political subdivisions, metropolitan federation of

Barangay Youth Councilors; and

(5) on the national level, national federation of Barangay Youth Councilors.

(b) The Federation of Barangay Youth Councilor shall, at all levels,

elect from among themselves the president, vice-president and such other

officers as may be necessary and shall be organized in the following

manner:

1. The city and municipal federation shall be composed of Barangay Youth

Councilors of Barangays in the city or municipality, respectively;

2. The provincial federation shall be composed of presidents of the city and

municipal federation;

3. The metropolitan federation shall be composed of presidents of the city

and municipal federation;

 70

(c) The elected presidents of the federation at the provincial, highly

urbanized city, and metropolitan political subdivision levels shall constitute

the National Katipunan of Barangay Youth Councilors.

SECTION 433. Constitution and By-Laws. - The term of office, manner of

election, removal and suspension of the officers of the federation of

Barangay Youth Councilorssssat all levels shall be governed by the

constitution and by-laws of the federation in conformity with the provisions

of this Code and national policies on youth.

SECTION 434. Membership in the federation. - (a) A Barangay Youth

Councilor shall, upon certification of his election by the Comelec and

during his tenure of office is elected as federation president, serve as an ex-

officio member of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlungsod,

and Sangguniang Bayan, as the case may be, without need of further

appointment.

(b) The vice-president of the federation whose president has been elected as

president of a higher pederasyon shall serve as ex-officio member of the

sanggunian concerned without need of further appointment.

(c) The federation president or vice-president, as the case may be, shall be

the chairman of the committee on youth and sports development of the

sanggunian concerned.

Section 6. Linggo ng Kabataan. Chapter 10 of Republic Act No. 7160 is hereby

eradicated.
 71

Section 7. Separability Clause. - If any section or provision of this Act shall be declared

unconstitutional, the remaining sections or provisions shall not be affected thereby.

Section 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, ordinances, rules and regulations or other

issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with Sections of this Act are hereby repealed or

modified accordingly.

Section 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

the completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general

circulation in the Philippines.

FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:

In addition, the weaknesses concerning youth representation can also be addressed

by changing some aspects of existing policies and implementation in our system as follows:

a. Strengthen the partnership between the youth representative and other

organizations such as National Youth Commisssion, NGO’s, faith based

organizations and the Katipunan ng Kabataan.

b. Establish a systematic and standard supervision for the youth representative

c. Ensure a non-partisan, community-based and child-friendly processes.

Will we burn the idea of youth representation simply because of the issue that it’s

actually facing? Researchers strongly disagree. We need reform, empowered structure and

absolutely not abolition. We must be reminded that no matter what the problem that the

country encounters the youth cannot solve them alone.

 72

The youth are to be potential partners for nation building but not the sole solution

to the big problem. “Progreso higit sa pagbabago,” this goes hand in hand with all the

moving sectors of the society and with equipped passion and determination to be more and

to have more, this is possible.

Burden for genuine development belongs not only to the youth but all who are

crying for desperate change. As we end, respect and high hope for the youth remains.

For the youth and with the youth, we stand.

 73

REFERENCES

A Letter to Philippine Congress, the Youth, and Local Government Officials.

A Personal interview with Honorable Fermin, Michael C. First District Board Member

of Bulacan.

Chan Robles Virtual Law Library, The Local Government Code of 1991.

Cabreza, Vincent, September 5, 2007, “Student governments urge abolition of ‘non-

performing’ SK.” Philippine Daily Inquirer.”

Dimayuga, C. (2010), By All Means Abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan!!!. 10,.Retrieved

from http://legallyback.blogspot.com/2010/08/by-all-means-abolish-

sangguniang.html?m=1

Erice, E. Edgardo. House Bill No. 1122 An act Abolishing the Sangguniang kabataan and

creating the barangay youth council in lieu thereof, repealing the pertinent provisions of

the Local Government Code of 1991, and for other purposes.

http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/35361911

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"SK criticisms must be addressed, but institution must be retained"

anc.yahoo.com
 74

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/274075/the-great-sk-debate

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n%2F2013%2F10%2F05%2Flim-abolish-sk-307062#2617

https://anc.yahoo.com/video/sk-criticisms-must-addressed-institution-013809363.html

"SK criticisms must be addressed, but institution must be retained"

anc.yahoo.com

“Local leaders back SK abolition.” Malaya. June 13, 2002 p. 6.

“Legarda proposes SK reforms.” Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 21, 2001 p. 26.

Mendoza, J. (2010), Beyond bureaucracy: Assessing the Sangguniang Kabataan,.

Retrieved from http://thelasallian.com/2010/09/15/beyond-bureaucracy-assessing-the-

sangguniang-kabataan/

National Youth Commission. National Assessment: Youth Attributes, Participation and

Service-Providers. 2004.

Remulla, Gilbert. Personal Interview. October 5, 2008.

Singson, Jose Florante F. The Primary Role of the Sangguniang Kabataan in Youth

Representation in Local Governance under the Barangay Level, Thesis, National College

of Business and Arts, 2001.

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Sotelo-Fuertes, Yolanda. “Mayors call back for SK abolition.” Philippine Daily Inquirer.

September 7, 2007.

Sunnex. Legislators mull SK abolition. Sun Star Manila. October 30, 2007.

Senate Journal Session No. 31. October 29, 2014 second regular session 16th Congress.

SK: Abolish vs. Reform position paper, Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Coalition.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution.

The Sangguniang Kabataan Experience.

Torregoza, Hannah L. “Pimentel wants sangguniang kabataan abolished”. Manila

Bulletin. April 14, 2008 p. 12.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child | UNICEF UK.Retrieved from

www.unicef.org.uk.

Youth Bridge Foundation | Bridging Gaps for Positive Youth Development,

youthbridgefoundation.org.