Strengthening the Sangguniang Kabataan, Amending for the Purpose R.A. No. 10742, Otherwise Known as the "Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015"

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11768 (Strengthening the Sangguniang Kabataan)

Powers and Functions of the Sangguniang Kabataan (Section 1)
• Formulate a 3-year Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan aligned with the Philippine Youth Development Plan. (Section 8a)
• Hold fund-raising activities, with proceeds being tax-exempt and accruing to the Sangguniang Kabataan general fund. (Section 8e)
• Within 60 days of assumption, formulate internal rules, appoint secretary and treasurer, and set meeting schedules. (Section 8j)

Qualifications of Sangguniang Kabataan Officials (Section 2)
• Must be a Filipino citizen, qualified voter of the Katipunan ng Kabataan, resident for at least 1 year, 18-24 years old on election day, able to read and write, not related to incumbent elected officials within 2nd civil degree, and not convicted of moral turpitude crimes. (Section 10)
• Treasurer must be 18-30 years old, with relevant educational or career background, and undergo mandatory TESDA bookkeeping training before assumption. (Section 10)

Sangguniang Kabataan Treasurer (Section 3)
• The Sangguniang Kabataan treasurer shall be a bonded officer. (Section 15)

Privileges of Sangguniang Kabataan Officials (Section 4)
• Exemption from National Service Training Program components. (Section 16a2)
• Excused from regular classes while attending meetings, with certification of attendance. (Section 16a3)
• Provided with PhilHealth coverage by the National Government. (Section 16a4)
• Receive monthly honorarium from Sangguniang Kabataan funds, not exceeding the chairperson's compensation and not more than 25% of funds for personnel services. (Section 16a6)
• Entitled to civil service eligibility based on years of service. (Section 16a7)

Succession and Filling up of Vacancies (Section 5)
• In case of vacancy, the member with highest votes assumes the chairperson position. If refused, the next highest vote-getter assumes the position. (Section 19a)
• If the reason is not refusal or failure to qualify, the mayor appoints an officer-in-charge from a list of 3 nominees submitted by Sangguniang Kabataan members. (Section 19a)

Sangguniang Kabataan Funds (Section 6)
• 10% of the barangay's general fund shall be set aside for the Sangguniang Kabataan. (Section 20a)
• Funds shall be allocated in an annual budget and supplemental budget for youth development programs like education assistance, skills training, livelihood assistance, environmental protection, capacity-building, and addressing vulnerabilities. (Section 20c)
• Up to 15% of funds may be set aside for mandatory and continuing training of Sangguniang Kabataan officials. (Section 20e)

Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (Section 7)
• The Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan and Local Youth Development Council shall draft the Local Youth Development Plan and convene quarterly to ensure its implementation. (Section 21d)
• Representatives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao shall serve as members of the Advisory Council under the Youth in Nation-Building Act. (Section 21e)

Membership in Sanggunian and Local Special Bodies (Section 8)
• The Pederasyon president shall serve as ex officio member of the Sanggunian, chairperson of the Committee on Youth and Sports Development, and member of other committees. (Section 22a)
• The Pederasyon president shall serve as ex officio member of local special bodies like the School Board, Council for the Protection of Children, Development Council, Health Board, Tourism Council, and Peace and Order Council. (Section 22b)
• The Pederasyon president shall convene the Local Youth Development Council every 3 months for consultations with youth organizations. (Section 22c)

Membership in the National Youth Commission (Section 9)
• The Panlalawigang Pederasyon and Panlungsod na Pederasyon presidents shall elect a representative to sit as an ex officio member of the National Youth Commission. (New Section 23)

Youth Development Office (Section 10)
• Every province, city, and municipality shall have a Youth Development Office headed by a youth development officer with at least a division chief rank. (Section 26)

Funding for Youth Development Office (Section 11)
• Local government units may appropriate not less than 1% of their annual budget for the Local Development Office for implementing the Local Youth Development Plan, convening meetings, and operations. (Section 27)

Mandatory Training Programs (Section 12)
• The training programs must include components on Philippine cultural history, political systems, ethics, ideologies, the Filipino as a nation builder, the Filipino youth's role in nation-building, leadership, program and project development, financial management, accountability, and transparency. (Section 29)
• The Commission and DILG may coordinate with DepEd, CHED, and TESDA for offering relevant courses. (Section 29)

Funding and Appropriations (Section 13)
• The amounts necessary shall be charged against the Sangguniang Kabataan funds or as authorized by the local government units. (Section 13)

Implementing Rules and Regulations (Section 14)
• The DILG, DBM, COMELEC, NYC, and other concerned agencies shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations within 60 days upon the effectivity of this Act. (Section 14)