BACOLOD City – Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federations in various towns and cities in Negros Occidental are set to hold elections today.
They will follow the secret balloting system to be conducted in a public space in accordance with the guidelines, according to Teodora Sumagaysay, director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Negros Occidental.
SK federation presidents in towns and cities will become ex-officio members of their area’s Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan.
Sumagaysay said SK federation elections should not be influenced by local politicians.
However, despite being non-partisan, the election are reported to be hounded with allegations of vote-buying.
According to a source who requested anonymity for lack of authority to speak on the matter, some parents offer as big as P100,000 for each SK chairperson in their locality just to ensure their son or daughter’s victory as SK federation president.
But when asked about the allegations of vote-buying, Sumagaysay said they have yet to receive any official complaint.
Meanwhile, the Provincial SK Federation election should be held not later than Nov. 29 of this year based on DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-168. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
