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‘Let this be a reminder to the youth to let your voice be heard and stand your ground with the principles you believe in,’ says SK Federation President Yanyan Ibay
MANILA, Philippines – The Manila City Council has reinstated the Committee on Youth and Sports Development — a panel it recently dissolved.
This decision comes after Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Yanyan Ibay filed a case before the Office of the Ombudsman questioning the council’s decision to abolish it.
Last July 23, Manila City Council majority floor leader Ernesto Isip Jr. moved to declare the committee seats vacant “in view of recent political events in the City of Manila.” This motion was approved by the council. It effectively stripped council members, including Ibay, of their roles in various committees.
Less than three months later or on Thursday, October 10, Isip reversed his decision and filed a motion to revive the Committee on Youth and Sports Development. This was approved by the city council.
“I’d like to send a message to all public servants not to politicize the youth because we have laws backing us up at the end of the day. Let this be a reminder to the youth to let your voice be heard and stand your ground with the principles you believe in,” Ibay said during the council’s regular session on Thursday.
As the SK Federation president, Ibay said that she is legally entitled to her position as chairman of the youth committee under Section 22 of the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 and Section 50 of the Local Government Code.
Manila 4th District Councilor Don Juan “DJ” Bagatsing criticized the earlier dissolution of Ibay’s committee, calling it a “political stunt” and an act of “revenge.”
Manila 2nd Councilor Darwin “Awi” Sia, meanwhile, demanded an apology from Isip, describing the move to abolish the youth committee as politically motivated.
Isip, however, defended his actions, refusing to apologize or acknowledge any political motives behind the decision. Isip, a lawyer, stood by the legality of his actions and emphasized the council’s independence in crafting policies.
He said that the reinstatement of the Committee on Youth and Sports Development would give Ibay a chance to showcase her skills to the youth. Isip is seeking reelection under the ticket of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo.
Amid the controversy, the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued a memorandum on September 5, reminding local officials that the elected president of the SK Federation, as an ex officio member of the city or municipal council, is entitled to lead the committee on youth and serve as an ex officio member of local special bodies.
While Manila 5th District Councilor Roberto “Bobby” Espiritu II celebrated the revival of Ibay’s committee, he also called for the reinstatement of other councilors who lost their committee positions.
“Sana po maliwanagan din po ang inyong mga utak para bigyan ng pagkakataon ang makabawi lahat ng tinggalan niyo ng committee. (I hope your minds will be enlightened so that everyone can have a chance to regain the committees they’ve lost.) The sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander,” Espiritu said. – Rappler.com
