AT LEAST 50 barangays in Davao City do not have appointed Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) treasurers which caused delays in the project implementation, according to SK Federation president Jaffar Marohomsalic.

Marohomsalic, in his privilege speech on Tuesday, July 9, said that some barangays are having difficulties managing their funds due to the absence of an SK treasurer.

"One example is that disbursement and issuance of checks shall be made in the name of SK chairperson and treasurer as official signatories," he said.

To fill in the gap, Marohomsalic said some barangay treasurers assume the responsibility, which according to him is legally questionable.

On the other hand, other barangay treasurers refuse to assume the responsibility of an SK treasurer.

He said the current situation defeats the SK's financial independence in its operations, disbursements, and encashment of fund, income and expenditures.

He said the current problem defeats the purpose of the Joint Memorandum Circular No.1 series of 2019, issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the National Youth Commission (NYC). This is known as the Guidelines on the Appropriation, Release and Planning, and Budgeting Process for the SK funds.

It also states that 10 percent of the general fund of the barangay shall be set aside for SK.

"We feel that this Memorandum has room for improvement to incorporate matters for more effective implementation and to ensure that the goals of SK can be attained," Marohomsalic said.

He also said the lack of compensation granted to the SK officials is also another problem, which he said also hinders the SK's program.

The SK official said DILG, DBM, and the Commission on Audit should address the issue.