Vice President Jejomar Binay has said he favors “revisiting” the law that paved the way for the election of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials.
In the groundbreaking of a government housing project in Argao, Cebu on Sept. 20, Binay reiterated his position that barangay and SK officials are better off appointed by the mayor instead of being elected.
Appointing barangay and SK leaders would finally stop the divisiveness within ranks of the local officials, he said, adding that it would decrease the election expenses shouldered by taxpayers.
The Vice President, though, is not keen on abolishing the SK, a move that he said is too harsh.
“It might be harsh to abolish it, but it’s time to revisit the law. (Look into the) very purpose why the SK and their election was made in the first place,” Binay, who also chairs the United Nationalist Alliance, said.
He said he definitely recognizes the need for a youth organization in the country.
“The only issue here is the election. They are too young to be involved in an election,” he stressed.
From his experience as a long-time mayor of the richest city in the Philippines, Binay said, there were “unfortunate incidents” where an SK member had to traumatically face cases filed in court. A study has to be made to secure the right data to help lawmakers arrive at a better decision, he added.
In some instances, he said, the barangay officials became enemies of the mayors because of politics. “Why do we have to create a situation where they would have to fight if they can be united?” Binay asked.                                       PNA