LAWMAKERS and government officials were quick to hail the recent passage of Republic Act (RA) 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act as landmark legislation for supposedly having the first anti-dynasty provision of its kind to be approved in the country. But from our side of the fence, the passage of the new SK law only proves that political dynasties continue to hold sway over Philippine politics and our political institutions.

Supposedly aimed at curbing corruption in barangay youth councils, the new law’s anti-political dynasty provision bars relatives of elected or appointed officials up to the 2nd level of consanguinity from pursuing SK posts. “An official of the Sangguniang Kabataan, either elective or appointee... must not have any relative in elective public office, local or national, within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity,” the bill states.

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