Senator JV Ejercito today lauded President Benigno Aquino III’s signing into law of the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Bill as “good news” saying that the Filipino youth would finally retain their voice in local governance after almost six years of having no representative in government.

“Finally, the SK would resume its polls on October this year. I am happy that we gave our youth leaders a second chance, through reforms instituted in the SK Reform Bill, for their voices to be heard and for letting them participate once more not just in local issues, but also national matters,” Sen. JV Ejercito said as one of the principal authors of the SK Reform Bill.

Sen. Ejercito, as member of the Committee on Local Government, has pushed for landmark reforms in the bill such as the anti-dynasty provision which barres family and relatives of incumbent officials within second civil degree of affinity or consanguinity from seeking SK election; age rebracketing for Katipunan ng Kabataan members to 15 to 30, and eligible SK candidates to 18 to 24;; and the proposed mandatory training fund of 50-Million to strengthen the leadership skills of the SK.