The special Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) election in Puerto Princesa is currently ongoing in compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 2018-212 of the Interior and Local Government Department.
The memorandum was issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on December 20, 2018, which sets the guidelines in the conduct of the nationwide special elections to fill up vacancies in the SK pursuant to Section 19 of Republic Act 10742 or “SK Reform Act of 2015.”
The circular said that the election shall be conducted within 30 days after it has been approved, which is on or before January 19, 2019.
The date, time and venue of the special election must be announced in public places at least 5 days before the scheduled election, and the announcement must also be posted in public places.
The exact number of vacant positions to be filled-up through the special election shall also be specified in the notice.
Out of the 66 barangays in Puerto Princesa, there are currently 6 barangays with vacant SK positions: Binduyan, Maligaya, Marufinas, Model, Montible, and Tanabag. According to Anthony Ylagan, Local Government Operation Officer – Puerto Princesa, there are a total of 17 vacant SK positions from these barangays.
The registration for the special election already started on January 15, 2019 and will continue until the scheduled day of election or depending on the dates chosen by the concerned barangay SKs.
Those qualified to register as voters are from 15 to 30 years old but only those aged 18 to 24 years are qualified to run for a position. The special election will be done as a classroom-style voting.