President Aquino signs SK reform bill into law

President Benigno Aquino III (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA  – President Benigno Aquino III has signed the Sanggunian Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 into law, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. announced on Tuesday.

Coloma said the President signed the law or Republic Act No. 10742 last Jan. 15.

“The SK reform law seeks to strengthen and empower the SK and transform it into a useful conduit for youth involvement in community development,” Coloma said in a text message to the media.

Under the new law, relatives of elected or appointed officials up to the 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity are prohibited from seeking SK posts.

Aside from its anti-dynasty provision, the new law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

Sangguniang Kabataan officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.