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By Prince Golez, Manila Reporter
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Saturday, April 29, 2017
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MANILA – Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV is seeking to extend the deadline for voters’ registration of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
The last day of voters’ registration, which began on Nov. 27, 2016, is today, April 29.
“Let people choose their barangay and youth leaders,” Aquino said.
“Importante na ang mamamamayan ang pipili ng kanilang mga pinuno sa barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan.”
Aquino also urged the government to investigate and prosecute barangay officials who are involved in illegal drugs.
They should also launch an information campaign in order for people to make informed choices, according to him.
“Huwag nating alisin sa ating mga kababayan ang karapatang mamili ng mga susunod na lider ng kanilang mga komunidad,” Aquino said.
While he is “open” to a hold-over term for previously elected barangay officials, the senator said the SK elections should push through.
Aquino, former chairman of the Senate committee on youth, was among those who pushed for the passage of Republic Act (RA) 10742, or the SK Reform Act in the 16th Congress.
“Sayang naman ang mga reporma na pinagpaguran ng kabataan at mga mambabatas kung hindi na naman matutuloy ang SK elections,” he said.
RA 10742 prohibits relatives of elective officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.
Under the law, age qualification for SK officials is raised from 15 to 17 to 18 to 24 years old to legally enter into contracts and be held liable.
It also requires them to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders./PN
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