LOCAL Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla never seemed to run out of antics — the latest of which is an idea calling for the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). His reason — dwindling participation and absenteeism among SK officials.
For one, SK was created by virtue of Republic Act 7160 otherwise referred to as the Local Government Code of 1991. It was later enhanced via the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 (RA 10742), and later amended through RA 11768.
Then comes Jonvic, who in a snap wanted to abolish a council just because he feels like it.
Admittedly, SK no longer serves the purpose for which it was created – not because the youth leaders are lazy or reluctant.
Much has been said against the youth council — inactive, inefficient, and at times corrupt. To some extent, it may be true, simply because they’re surrounded by “elders and mentors” who consider the youth as defenseless tools that they could use for personal (or political) gains.
Taking a closer look at the structural conditions, most of SK chairpersons are anointed by local political dynasties from where they learn the “art of graft.”
They were not trained to serve the youth sector. They were compelled to run for “public office” to be familiar with the “system” so when the time comes, they could serve the purpose for which they were anointed — to return the favor to their benefactor.
But to be perfectly honest, SK abolition is not in any way the solution. Ending political dynasty is.
However, there’s a very slim chance that an honest-to-goodness anti-political dynasty bill would become a law, unless political dynasties — like the Remullas – are demolished.
Going back to Jonvic, the DILG chief should be reminded that SK was created by virtue of a law. There’s no way he can abolish the youth council even if by any miracle he becomes the President (which I doubt).
Jonvic has openly admitted his intent to run for president.