Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla is advocating for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) age qualification to be returned to 15 to 19 years old, arguing that youth council leaders must remain genuinely connected to the constituents they represent.
Speaking during the Senate Committee on Finance’s hearing on the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) proposed 2027 budget on Thursday, Remulla raised doubts about whether the current 18-to-24 age bracket remains effective, pointing out that older youth officials often juggle careers and family obligations.
“My recommendation is to bring it back to 15 to 19 years old, so that they would still be staying in the community. Because at 28 or 29 [years old], nag-asawa na po ‘yan, nagpamilya na, o nagtatrabaho na. I don’t think they are representative anymore of their constituents,” he stated.
Remulla also pointed out the disconnect between age requirements for youth councilors compared to top local executives.
“The minimum age for running for governor is 23, and to run for SK is between 18 and 29. You see the variance of what their responsibilities are,” he noted.
In addition to revising age limits, the DILG chief urged lawmakers to review the financial independence granted to SK officers, warning that young leaders may lack the preparation needed to manage public finances safely.
“I think that the fiscal responsibility of the SK is not fully formed yet, and they are subject to the manipulation of so many factors,” he underscored.
His concerns follow recent corruption incidents involving youth leaders, including the suspension of two Makati City SK chairpersons earlier this year over kickback demands and forged signatures.
Remulla emphasized that any structural changes must safeguard public funds while ensuring genuine youth representation.