Tuesday, August 21, 2007 Violation in youth groups' list-up expected
APPREHENSIVE over possible violation regarding the proposed resolution of Baguio Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda that aims to strengthen youth participation in governance, a colleague advised her and the concerned committee to study the proposal and its implications in some existing laws.
Councilor Nicasio Palaganas said Tabanda's proposed ordinance might be in violation of the right to form organizations.
In response, Tabanda said the proposal would be studied. The proposal is pending before the City Council committee on youth welfare and sports development and is now on second reading.
With the increasing numbers of street brawls in Baguio that involve gangs whose members are either in-school or out-school youths, Tabanda proposed that instead of taking an adversarial stand, their ranks could be tapped to regulate their activities and instead re-channel their ideas to more proactive programs such as in governance.
Under the proposed ordinance, organized youth groups, excluding the Sangguniang Kabataan, would be required to register with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) at the beginning of each year.
Groups that are registered with the government could participate in community undertakings on matters concerning the environment, arts and culture and peace and order.
Organized groups would be under the supervision of the CSWDO. (RO)
