Day 362: Sangguniang Kabataan Term Extension

I know every Sangguniang Kabataan’s talking about whether or not there is an extension in the term of office.

Do you think the extension is a good thing or a bad thing? Personally, the indecision of our government to now causes a slack to SKs who have plans to work out after this term, i.e., this year 2013.

Others I heard of are cynical about the extension. Since they only have taken oath for a specific term of office they can have “lazy days” after the 2013, if there is an extension. Some would just plainly remain stoic up to the time they need to.

To give us a perspective, we have an article by Ms. Sarah Consolacion, a Sumbanan Nominee for Academic Excellence 2011, giving her view on the issue.

Her take

There is more gain on the deferment of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls to October 2012 and the extension of office terms of barangay officials to five years. Prior to the enactment of Republic Act No. 8524, “An Act Changing the Term of Office of Barangay Officials and Member of the SK from Three Years to Five Years”, the bid for passing such amendment is to address the issue of effective governance and implementation of long term projects nationwide.

A scrutiny of the previous short term office (three years) for barangay and SK officials would let us see that oftentimes the delivery of services in the most basic level of governance is affected. Furthermore, the previous short term office leads the government to spending too much and gaining not really much due to funding short term projects of the sudden-switching local politicians.

In the context of having elections on October 2012, the Filipino masses are given better assurance that this will be automated and implemented in at least two highly urbanized cities and two provinces covering Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to be chosen by the Commission on Election (Comelec) in accordance with the Automated Election System law since the Comelec itself is given an ample time to work on and prepare for the matter. Moreover, there can be also sufficient time for the Comelec to conduct a voter’s education program for the interest of those who are unaware of how automated election is to be done.

In the face of all these budget and governance challenges, the decision for term extension for barangay and SK offices is a relevant measure in the interest of effective public service. With fingers crossed, let us be on a fervent hope of welfare from this calculated risk.

Any more words?

Either way, one can always find advantages and disadvantages on the issue. 

However, as long as we are in the office I believe we must carry out the functions we are expected to. To the best we can and the extra mile possible.