The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced earlier this month that Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in good standing may now obtain civil service eligibility.
Under CSC Resolution No. 2500752, issued on July 24, duly elected and appointed Sangguniang Kabataan Officials (SKOs) who have completed their full three-year term or its equivalent are entitled to the benefits of the Sangguniang Kabataan Official Eligibility (SKOE).
According to the CSC website, the SKOE qualifies holders for first-level positions in the career service, except for roles requiring board or special eligibility.
“This privilege, granted exclusively to duly elected and appointed SKOs, recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and affirms their contributions to public service,” said CSC Chairperson Marilyn Yap. “Through the SKOE, we empower young leaders to pursue careers in government and continue their service to the Filipino people.”
However, the move has raised questions about what constitutes “good standing” and concerns over fairness among those still required to take civil service examinations.
The SKOE covers officials serving under Republic Act No. 11768 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, which took effect on June 1, 2022.
This includes officials who served from 2018 to 2022, SK members elected by the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK), and appointed SK secretaries and treasurers.
The CSC clarified, however, that SK chairpersons are covered under the Barangay Official Eligibility (BOE) and not the SKOE.
Another condition states that SK officials must not be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected official in their locality.
Qualified SK officials must apply for SKOE at the CSC Regional Office (RO) with jurisdiction over their barangay. The application period began on October 4, and applicants may also submit their requirements at any CSC regional office nearest their current residence.