Can the SK justify its existence?

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The swearing-in of the new members of the Sangguniang Kabataan, or Youth Council, in Bacolod City last Friday was marred by a very jarring note. One of the candidates was asking the local office of the Commission on Election to stop the oath-taking of one of those proclaimed as winners on the claim that the voting had been marked by irregularities. The Comelec official, however, gave the opinion that the oathtaking could proceed but the complaint would still be entertained by the national office and appropriate action would be taken.

This happened in Bacolod City , a highly urbanized political unit whose residents are perceived to be more aware of the processes involved in the elections and vigilant over the possibility that fraud could be committed. As they have been committed, not only locally but in many other parts of the country. But past elections where such irregularities are noted were those involving candidates and officials who are fully grown and have reached the so-called age of reason. The recent case in Bacolod involved young people – the required age is 15 to 17 years old – and those who run for the position are expected to become leaders themselves in the future, and this participation in governance, though the SK is meant to prepare them for that role.

One thing that was never intended is their immersion in the sand-traps of politics, their imitation of the reprehensible practices of leaders who are mercenary as well as corrupt and who will go to any lengths to ensure their election into office and hold on to the powers and privilege that go with it.

Is the present complaint an indicator that this is happening?

So many complaints have been aired about the disappointing performance of most SK members. It has gotten to the point that a bill has already been filed in Congress seeking the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan. Among the reasons for the filing is that the SK has only became a training ground of the young in graft and corrupt practices. That is aside from the fact that government money paid or allotted for the SK does not seem to have produced the desired results.

Can the current crop of SK members offset this very negative perception of their existence. This year could pose the test for them.*