Question & AnswerQ&A (REVISED IRR of Republic Act No. 10742)
They are officially titled as the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 10742, otherwise known as the "Sangguniang Kabataan [SK] Reform Act of 2015," as amended by RA No. 11768.
The KK is composed of all Filipino citizens residing in the barangay for at least six months who are between 15 and 30 years old and duly registered in the list of voters of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and/or listed under the custody of the SK secretary.
The KK elects the SK chairperson and seven members, acts as the highest policy-making body on youth matters in the barangay, and must be consulted and give concurrence on the formulation and approval of youth welfare policies, plans, programs, and activities such as the Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan (CBYDP) and Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program (ABYIP).
They must be Filipino citizens, qualified voters and registered members of the KK, residents of the barangay for at least one year preceding elections, aged 18–24 years old on election day (with the treasurer and secretary allowed up to 30 years old at appointment), literate in Filipino, English, or the local dialect, not related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to incumbent officials, and must not have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude.
The term is three years fixed, unless sooner removed for cause, permanently incapacitated, deceased, or resigned. Officials who meet qualifications may be re-elected.
SK officials in good standing are exempt from tuition and matriculation fees in public tertiary schools, excused from certain NSTP components, excused from classes to attend SK meetings, provided PhilHealth coverage, entitled to actual travel reimbursements for official duties, receive monthly honoraria charged against SK funds, and may be granted civil service eligibility based on years of service.
The SK Chairperson automatically serves as an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Barangay upon assumption of office and chairs the Committee on Youth and Sports Development.
An SK official may be suspended for not more than six months or removed after due process by majority vote of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Bayan with jurisdiction on grounds such as unexcused absences, failure to convene assemblies or meetings, failure to formulate or implement required plans, conviction involving moral turpitude, and abuse of authority.
The Pederasyon ng mga SK is an organization composed of SK chairpersons and elected presidents from municipalities, cities, and provinces that elect their own officers, draft the Local Youth Development Plan (LYDP), monitor implementation, facilitate knowledge transfer, and elect representatives to the National Advisory Council and National Youth Commission.
The LYDC exists in every province, city, and municipality and is headed by the SK Pederasyon President. It is composed of representatives of registered youth organizations and youth-serving organizations, with a minimum of seven members and up to 21, including the president and vice-president of the SK Pederasyon. Other representatives come from youth organizations advocating for education, health, employment, and other youth concerns.
Ten percent of the barangay's general fund shall be set aside for the SK, which shall be kept in SK-named government bank accounts with the SK chairperson and treasurer as signatories. SK funds are to be appropriated in accordance with the Comprehensive Barangay Youth Investment Program and are subject to existing budget, accounting, and auditing laws, including COA rules.
They must undergo mandatory training programs before assuming office, emphasizing their role in nation-building, leadership skills, financial management, and ethical governance. They must attend continuing training during their incumbency, which is essential to remain qualified.
'Linggo ng Kabataan' is an annual activity conducted every August to coincide with International Youth Day, where youth counterparts to local officials hold office to perform activities and duties, with the SK and LYDC in cooperation with the Pederasyon taking the lead at the barangay and higher levels respectively.
An SK candidate must be at least 18 years old but not more than 24 years old on election day. A day in excess of 24 years old results in disqualification; however, the SK treasurer and secretary may be up to 30 years old on appointment, with a day beyond 30 being disqualifying.