Exec says poll body to implement SK rule vs dynasties

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .

A COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) official yesterday cautioned those planning to run for seats in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) against violating the provision against political dynasties in the SK Reform Act of 2015, saying the law would be used in the coming elections.

Lawyer Joe Dexter Nagtalon, Comelec officer for Gingoog, said  said Section 10 of RA 10742 provides that candidates must not be related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national, regional, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official in the locality where he or she seeks to be elected.

He said second-degree relatives include grandparents, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, parents-in-law, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law.

“Kadtong mga gusto mo-candidate nga dunay mga pamilya og paryente nga public officials are not allowed to run in any SK position,” he said.

Nagtalon said the Comelec has been issuing public statements regarding the strict implementation of the anti-dynasty clause in the SK law.

He said, “We already finished updating the computerized voters’ list, and are ready for the filing of certificates of candidacy that is set on on April 14 to 20.

The Comelec, he said, would receive the certificates from 8 am  to 5 pm during the period.

Nagtalon said the SK elections could become the “first step” toward eliminating political dynasties.

Article 2, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution provides equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibits political dynasties. However, a law is needed to fully enact this provision.

The SK is a youth council that creates, implements, administers and lobbies for youth-oriented policies and programs in the barangay. Eack SK council is composed of a chairperson and seven members to be elected by registered voters aged 15 to 30 years. However, candidates for SK chairpersons and councilors should be 10 to 24 years old on the day of the election.