EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 1 401
of tijp £»crrftar^
20 M/IR “4 P5 48
RECt
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE. 
AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT 10742 OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE "SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN REFORM ACT OF 2015",
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution provides that "the State recognizes 
the vita! roie of the youth in nation-buiiding and shall promote and protect their 
physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the
youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic 
affairs."
In line with this Constitutional mandate, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) was 
created by virtue of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as "the Local Government 
Code of 1991." On 4 December 1992, the first SK leaders were elected in nearly 42,000 
barangays all over the country.
Thereafter, in 1995, the National Youth Commission (NYC) was created by virtue 
of Republic Act No. 8044, or the "Youth in Nation Building Act." The NYC, in effect, 
replaced the Presidential Council for Youth Affairs (PCYA) and is meant to exercise 
secretariat functions of the SK.


Despite the noble intent to allow youth participation in local governance, the SK 
remained confused and often powerless, certain observers even commenting harshly 
that it was a "training ground for the young scions to learn how to be corrupt."
In an attempt to engender more meaningful youth participation. Republic Act No. 
10742 was enacted in 2015, known as the "SK Reform Act of 2015," repealing various 
provisions on R.A. No. 7160 in relation to the SK.
Nearly five years after the effectivity of R.A. 10742, many issues continue to 
hound youth governance. The SK elections prove to be very costly, and with no clear 
indication in law which government agency should supervise them, nor any provision 
for additional funds for either the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) or the 
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). There is the persistent inability 
to complete required seven (7) youth kagawads, given that large number of students 
reside in urban centers, or work outside their barangays. The SK has widespread 
difficulty in obtaining the 10% of the annual budget, supposedly earmarked for them. 
The Sanggunians, more often than not, are unable to appoint Treasurers, as public 
funds can only be released to bonded officers, but the SK falls to provide a salary for 
what is a demanding and highly accountable position involving potentially big amounts.
Also, there is no clear link between the functions and duties of the SK, NYC, or 
the DILG. On its face, there appears to be a duplication, if not an overlap of functions 
among these three (3) two government entities.
This bill seeks to address these concerns by consolidating the SK functions in one 
(1) Youth Representative who shall be elected at large by the Katipunan ng Kabataan 
(KK), making a separate SK election unnecessary. The duly-appointed SK Treasurer 
shall now be a bonded officer, and shall receive a salary one grade lower than that of 
the SK-Youth Representative. A strict menu of projects that may be pursued by the SK 
is also provided, such as education-related endeavors, sports, and the development of 
well-being, among others, while at the same time expressly prohibiting the use of SK 
funds for beauty pageants, "junkets", and other expenses not driven by meaningful


youth development. A National Youth Representative shall also be elected at large by 
the SK to serve as an ex-officio member of the NYC.
For the reasons mentioned above, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
IMEE R. MARCOS


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
of tbf
20 MAR-4 P5 49
SENATE
S. B. No. 1401
RECE , ?e
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE 
AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT 10742 OTHERWISE^ 
KNOWN AS THE "SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN REFORM ACT OF 2015" AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembied:
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Section 1. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 10742 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
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"SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Katipunan ng Kabataan. - The 
Katipunan ng Kabatan shall:
(a) Elect the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson [and members]; and
(b) Serve as the highest policy-making body to decide on matters affecting 
the youth in the barangay. As such, the Sangguniang Kabataan shail consult 
and secure the concurrence of the Katipunan ng Kabataan in the formuiation 
of all its, programs, plans and activities."
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SEC. 2. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10742 is hereby amended to read as
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foilows:
SEC. 6. Meetings of the Katipunan ng Kabataan. — The Katipunan ng 
Kabataan shall meet at least once every six (6) months, or at the call of the


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[chairperson of the] Sangguniang Kabataan 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."
SEC. 3. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 10742 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 7. Creation and Election of the Sangguniang Kabataan. -There shall 
be in every barangay a Sangguniang Kabataan. THE SANGGUNIANG 
KABATAAN SHALL NO LONGER [to] be composed of a chairperson and 
seven (7) members BUT BY AN OFFICIAL who shall be elected AT LARGE 
by the registered voters of the Katipunan ng Kabataan. The Sangguniang 
Kabataan [chairperson] shall [, with the concurrence of the majority of the 
Sangguniang Kabataan members,] appoint from among the members of the 
Katipunan ng Kabataan, a secretary and a treasurer."
SEC. 4. Section 8 (e) of Republic Act No. 10742 is hereby amended to read as 
follows:
SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the Sangguniang Kabataan. - The 
Sangguniang Kabataan shall:
XXX
(e) Hold fund-raising activities which are in line with the Comprehensive 
Barangay Youth Development Plan, the proceeds of which shall be tax- 
exempt and shall accrue to the general fund of the Sangguniang 
Kabataan: Provided, however, That in the appropriation thereof, the 
specific purpose for which such activity has been held shall be first 
satisfied: Provided, further. That any appropriation thereof shall be in 
accordance with existing applicable budget, accounting and auditing 
rules and regulations, SUCH AS THOSE ISSUED BY THE 
DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT (DBM) AND THE 
COMMISSION ON AUDIT (COA);"
XXX
29 SEC. 5. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 10742 is hereby deleted.


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"[SEC. 9. Meetings of the Sangguniang Kabataan. - (a) The Sangguniang 
Kabataan shall meet regularly once a month, on the date, time and place 
to be fixed by the said sanggunian. Special meetings may be called by 
the chairperson or any four (4) of its members by giving written notice 
of the date, time, place and agenda of the meeting, which can be sent 
either through personal delivery, registered mail, fax or email, to all 
members, and must be received at least one (1) day in advance. The 
Sangguniang Barangay and the Municipal or City Youth Development 
Council shall be furnished with notices of regular and special meetings 
and the minutes of the meetings thereafter.]
[(b) A majority of the members including the chairperson shall constitute 
a quorum.]"
SEC. 6. Section 11 of Republic Act No. 10742 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SEC. 11. Term of Office. - (a) The [chairperson and members of the] 
Sangguniang Kabataan shali hold office for a fixed term of three (3) years
uniess sooner removed for cause, permanentiy incapacitated, have died 
or resigned from office."
SEC. 7. Section 12 of Republic Act No. 10742 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SEC. 12. Sangguniang Kabataan [Chairperson]. — The [chairperson of 
the] Sangguniang Kabataan shall automatically serve as an ex 
officio member of the Sangguniang Barangay upon assumption to office.
As such, he or she 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 chairperson of the 
Committee on Youth and Sports Development. He or she shall be entitled 
to a pro-rata honoraria for every session of the Sangguniang Barangay 
he or she has attended."
SEC. 8. Section 13 of Republic Act 10742 is hereby amended to read as follows:


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"Sec. 13. Powers and functions of the Sangguniang Kabataan 
[Chairperson]. - The Sangguniang Kabataan [chairperson] shall 
exercise such powers and discharge such duties as follows:
(a) Call and preside over all meetings [of the Sangguniang Kabataan, 
and vote in case of a tie,] and assemblies of the Katipunan ng Kabataan 
[except when one. (1) of the agenda to be discussed in such assembly 
involves the disciplinary action against the Sangguniang Kabataan 
chairperson, in which case, the highest ranking Sangguniang Kabataan 
member shall preside];
(b) [Take the lead in the formulation of] FORMULATE the 
Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan and in the 
preparation and implementation of the Annual Barangay Youth 
Investment Program;
(e) Exercise general supervision over the affairs and activities of 
[the Sangguniang Kabataan and] the Katipunan ng Kabataan [as well 
as the official conduct of its members];
(f) [With the concurrence of the Sangguniang Kabataan,] 
[a]Appoint from among the members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan a 
secretary and a treasurer;"
XXX
SEC. 9. Section 12 of Republic Act No. 10742 is hereby mended to read as follows:
SEC. 15. Sangguniang Kabataan Treasurer. - The Sangguniang Kabataan 
treasurer, WHO SHALL BE A BONDED OFFICER, shall:
xxx"
25 SEC. 10. Section 16 (6) is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"(6) The Sangguniang Kabataan [chairperson] shall have the same 
privileges enjoyed by other Sangguniang Barangay officials under this Act 
subject to such requirements and limitations provided herein.


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PROVIDED, THAT THE SECRETARY AND TREASURER SHALL 
RECEIVE A COMPENSATION ONE SALARY GRADE LOWER THAN 
THAT OF THE SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN."
SEC. 11. Section 19 of Republic Act No. 10742 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SEC. 19. [Succession and Filling up of Vacancies.'] MANNER OF 
SUCCESSION.- (a) In case [a] THE Sangguniang Kabataan 
[chairperson] refuses to assume office, fails to qualify, voluntarily 
resigns, dies, is permanently incapacitated, OR is removed from office,
THE CANDIDATE WHO OBTAINED THE NEXT HIGHEST NUMBER 
OF VOTES SHALL ASSUME THE OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG 
KABATAAN. [the Sangguniang Kabataan member who obtained the 
highest number of votes in the election immediately preceding shall 
assume the office of the chairperson for the unexpired portion of his or 
her term. In case said member refuses to assume the position or fails to 
qualify, the Sangguniang Kabataan member obtaining the next highest 
number of votes shall assume the position of the chairperson for the 
unexpired portion of the term.]
[(b) After the vacancy shall have been filled, the Sangguniang Kabataan 
chairperson shall, within thirty (30) days, call for a special Katipunan ng 
Kabataan assembly to elect a Sangguniang Kabataan member to 
complete the membership of said sanggunian:That, such 
special assembly is coordinated with the Office of the Local Government 
Operations Officer and the COMELEC of the municipality or city where 
the concerned barangay belongs Such Sangguniang Kabataan member 
shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the vacant seat.
For this purpose, any citizen of the Philippines residing in the said 
barangay for at least six (6) months who attains the age of fifteen (15) 
years old at the time of the special election and who registers as member 
of the Katipunan ng Kabataan before the Sangguniang Kabataan 
secretary shall be entitled to vote in the said special election.]


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[(c) All Other vacancies in the office of the Sangguniang Kabataan shall 
be filled in accordance with the immediately preceding provision.]
PROVIDED, THAT, IF THE REASON FOR THE VACANCY DOES 
NOT FALL UNDER THE CONDITIONS STATED ABOVE, THE 
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DILG) 
SHALL APPOINT THE SUCCESSOR: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT 
THE APPOINTED SUCCESSOR MUST MEET THE 
QUALIFICATIONS SET UNDER SECTION 10 OF THIS ACT.
(d) In case of suspension of the Sangguniang Kabataan, [chairperson, 
the successor, as determined in subsection (a) of this section,] THE
SECRETARY shall assume the position during the period of such 
suspension."
SEC. 12. Section 20 of Republic Act No. 10742 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"(c) All Sangguniang Kabataan funds shall be allocated in an annual 
budget, and if the funds allow, in a supplemental budget in accordance 
with the adopted Annual Barangay Investment Program. Both the 
Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan and Annual 
Barangay Investment Program shall give priority to programs, projects 
and activities SUCH AS: [that will promote and ensure the equitable 
access to quality education, environmental protection, climate change 
adaptation, disaster risk reduction and resiliency, youth employment 
and livelihood, health and anti-drug abuse, gender sensitivity, sports
development, and capability building which emphasizes leadership 
training; and]
(1) STUDENT STIPENDS, FOOD, BOOK AND TRANSPORTATION 
ALLOWANCES, AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAMS THAT WILL REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF OUT-OF- 
SCHOOL YOUTH AND DROP-OUTS;


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(2) 
SPORTS AND WELLNESS PROJECTS TO ADDRESS 
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ILLNESS, TEENAGE PREGNANCY, 
SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND OTHER HEALTH ISSUES;
(3) SKILLS TRAINING, SUMMER EMPLOYMENT, CASH-FOR- 
WORK, ON-THE-JOB, AND LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE;
(4) PROJECTS PROMOTING THE PARTICIPATION OF THE 
YOUTH AND THEIR INITIATION IN AGRICULTURAL, FISHERY, 
AND FORESTRY ENTERPRISES;
(5) PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES THAT WILL LOCATE THE 
YOUTH AT THE FOREFRONT OF ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION 
AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS, AND ENLIST THEIR 
INVOLVEMENT IN CALAMITY PREPAREDNESS, INFORMATION
DISSEMINATION AND OTHER DISASTER-RELATED ACTIVITES; 
AND
(6) CAPACITY-BUILDING FOR GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATION 
AND LEADERSHIP.
NO SK FUNDS SHALL BE USED FOR BEAUTY PAGEANTS, 
UNNECCESSARY TRAVEL OR SO-CALLED "JUNKETS", OR 
LAVISH AND UNJUSTIFIABLE CULTURAL OR SPORTING 
EVENTS.
xxx"
SEC. 13. Section 21 of Republic Act 10742 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 21. Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan. -(a) There shall be 
an organization of the Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan to 
be known as follows:
(1) In municipalities, Pambayang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang 
Kabataan which shall be composed of the Sangguniang Kabataan 
chairpersons of barangays in the municipality;


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(2) In Cities, the Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang 
Kabataan which shall be composed of the Sangguniang Kabataan 
chairpersons of barangays in the city; and
(3) In provinces, Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang 
Kabataan which shall be composed of the [convenors] PRESIDENTS
of the Pambayan and Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang 
Kabataan.
(4) AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL, "PAMBANSANG PEDERASYON NG 
MGA SANGGUNINANG KABATAAN, WHICH SHALL BE 
COMPOSED OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE PANLALAWIGANG 
PEDERASYON NG MGA SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN", AND THE 
PRESIDENTS OF THE PANLUNGSOD NA PEDERSAYON NG MGA 
SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN OF HIGHLY URBANIZED CITIES 
AND INDEPENDENT COMPONENT CITIES."
(b) The Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan shall, at all levels, 
elect from among themselves a president, a vice president,
[a1 treasurer], a secretary and such other officers as they may deem 
necessary. The concerned Local Government Operations Officer, in 
coordination with the election officer, shall facilitate the conduct of the 
elections which shall be held within fifteen (15) days from the 
Sangguniang Kabataan elections in case of the Pambayan and 
Panlungsod na Pederasyon, [and] within thirty (30) days in case of the 
Panlalawigang Pederasyon, AND WITHIN SIXTY (60) DAYS IN 
CASE OF THE PAMBANSANG PEDERASYON.
(c) The manner of election, suspension and removal of the officers of 
the Pederasyon at all levels and the term of office of the other officers 
of the Pederasyon shall be governed by the guidelines to be jointly 
issued by the DILG, the COMELEC and the Commission within sixty (60) 
days upon the effectivity of this Act."
SEC. 14. A NEW SECTION 23 IS HEREBY INSERTED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
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SEC. 23. MEMBERSHIP IN THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION. - THE 
DULY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE PAMBANSANG PEDERASYON NG MGA 
SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN SHALL SERVE AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE 
COMMISSION, CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 5 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8044, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "YOUTH IN NATION BUILDING ACT."
SEC. 15. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement the provisions of 
this Act shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Interior 
and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), 
the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the National Youth Commission (NYC), and 
other concerned government agencies shall promulgate the necessary implementing 
rules and regulations within sixty (60) days upon the effectivity of this Act.
SEC. 17. Separability Clause. - If for any reason any provision of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts or portions not affected thereby shall 
remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. - If for any reason any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, such parts or portions not affected thereby shall remain in 
full force and effect.
SEC. 19. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette and in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
Circulation.
Approved,