Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1122

Introduced by Representative EDGAR R. ERICE

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

The original objective of the creation of the Sangguniang Kabataan as a training ground for
the country’s future leaders is a noble one. However, through the years, it has been observed that the
ugly side of Philippine politics has served to distract the Sangguniang Kabataan from its primordial
mission. It has become the logical first target of any local politician who is seeking a higher position

Critics also contend that instead of training SK officials on leadership and citizenship, the
system has instead exposed them to corrupt practices of their unscrupulous elders in the government
service. The SK has, sadly speaking, become both a tool and a vehicle for the proliferation of
corruption. Add to this the fact that SK officers have to deal with the conflicting demands of completing
an education, fulfiling family obligations and performing official government functions,

The question now is how do we protect our youth from the pemicious influences of traditional
politics? The solution is actually quite simple: abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan and replace it with a
more viable forum for youth participation in local governance. This bill aims to establish in every
grassroots village a Barangay Youth Council which will take the place of the Sangguniang Kabataan
and ensure youth representation in local decision-making

The wisdom of this proposal is buttressed by recent findings by no less than the Commission
on Elections and other concerned government agencies that the voter tumout among the youth
covered by the Sangguniang Kabataan has been dismally low. This undeniably manifests the waning
interest of the youth in SK elections.

The undersigned eamestly considers this proposed legislation as both timely and of vital
significance, and therefore worthy of the support of the august assembly.

RR. ERICE
Representative


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on the ___th day of,

——— , twenty
hundred and thirteen.

Introduced by Representative EDGAR R. ERICE

AN ACT
ABOLISHING THE SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN AND CREATING THE BARANGAY
YOUTH COUNCIL IN LIEU THEREOF, REPEALING THE PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan — The Sangguniang Kabataan,
as created under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of
1991, is hereby abolished. The pertinent provisions of RA 7160 referring to the Sangguniang
Kabataan are hereby amended or repealed accordingly.

Section 2. Creation of the Barangay Youth Council — There is hereby established

an entity in every barangay, to be called the Barangay Youth Council, whose primary
function shall be the planning, formulation and development of programs for the youth,
particularly in, but not limited to, the areas of sports, education, culture and arts, and
environment

Section 3. Composition of the Barangay Youth Council - The Barangay Youth
Council shall be composed of one (1) Chairperson and four (4) committee heads. The
Barangay Youth Council shall report directly to the Sangguniang Barangay. The Chairperson
of the Barangay Youth Council shall be under the direct control and supervision of the
Punong Barangay.

Section 3.a. Chairperson of the Barangay Youth Council ~ The youngest
elected member of the Sangguniang Barangay shall ipso facto become the
Chairperson of the Barngay Youth Council

Section 3.b. Committee Heads - The Chairperson of the Barangay Youth
Council shall have the power to appoint the heads of the four (4) committees, namel
the Committee on Sports, the Committee on Education, the Committee on Culture
and Arts, and the Committee on Environment.

Section 3.b.1. Chair of the Commiittee on Sports - The
Chairpserson of the Committee on Sports shall be tasked with
developing sports programs and activities for the youth residents of
the barangay, including


Ss

the initiation of the construction of the multi-purpose sports
facilities.

Section 3.b.2. Chairman of the Committee on Education - The
Chairman of the Committee on Education shall be tasked with the
formulation of educational programs within the barangay and
information campaign aimed at instilling awareness and discipline
among the youth in the barangay

Section 3.b.3. Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Arts -
The Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Arts shall be
tasked with promoting the local arts and socio-civie activities of the
barangay community.

Se Chairman of the Committee on Environment - The
Chairman of the Committee on Environment shall be tasked with
implementing the cleanliness campaign in conjunction with the
development plan to be adopted by the local government unit of
which their barangay is under

tion 4. Qualifications of the Committee Chairmen of the Youth Council -

‘The respective Chairmen of the different Committees shall have the following
qualitications

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3

Alt least fifteen (15) years of age but not over twenty-one (21),

A resident of the Barangay for at least six (6) months, -

No prior conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude and that there
are no pending cases filed against him involving any such offense;

Not related to the appointing authority within four (4) civil degrees, either
by affinity or consanguinity; and

Should not have been a candidate for any elective position at the Barangay
Level

Section S. Qualifications of the Youth Representative to the Local Samnggunian
= The Youth Representative of the local legislative body shall have the following
qualifications:

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At least fifteen (15) years old but not over twenty-one (21);

‘A resident of the local government unit wherein the local legislative body
presides for at least six (6) months,

No prior conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude and that there
are not pending cased filed against him involving such offense,

Not related to the appointing authority within four (4) civil degrees, cither
by affinity or consanguinity; and

Should not have been a candidate for any elective position during the
immediately preceding elections, including both local and Barangay
elections



Section 6. Budget - The operational expenses of the Barangay Youth Council
shall be taken from the general fund of the Barangay, which in no case shall exceed. ten
percent (10%) thereof, subject to the approval of the Sangguniang Barangay

Section 7. Youth Representation in the Sangguniang Bayan Panlungsod
Pantalawigan - Vhe chief executive of the local government unit concerned shall appoint
the representative of the youth sector, subject to the confirmation of the Sanggunian
concerned, who shall sit officially in the corresponding local legislative council

Section 8. Disbursement - The Chairman of the Barangay Youth Council shall be
responsible for the disbursement of the budgetary expenses of the Council, subject to the
approval of the Sangguniang Barangay

Section 9. Youth Volunteerism - ‘The Barangay Youth Council shall ensure to
promote the active participation of youth volunteers for the effective implementation of
ils projects

Section 10, Repealing Clause - All laws, decrees, ordinances, rules or regulations
of parts thereof inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this Act are hereby
expressly repealed, amended or modified accordingly

Section 11. Separability Clause - If for any reason any section or provision of
this Act is declared 10 be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions

hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect

R

ffectivity - This Act shall become effective fifteen (15) days after
its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,