08/10/2025
📢 PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN OF BARANGAY APO, ARGAO, CEBU 📢
As we were preparing for the conduct of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Special Election in accordance with the DILG–NYC Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2024, we have received the official directive and copy of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 11054, Series of 2024.
This COMELEC Resolution No. 11054 explicitly suspends all Sangguniang Kabataan Special Elections (SKSE) nationwide until further notice.
In compliance with this directive, the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Apo is hereby suspending all preparations and activities related to the planned SK Special Election.
We understand that this resolution is issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), a constitutionally mandated body that has the exclusive authority to enforce and administer all election laws in the Philippines. Therefore, as public officials, it is our duty to respect and follow the rules and regulations promulgated by COMELEC.
While we acknowledge and respect the rule of law, we cannot deny that this development brings us great concern and sadness. These are indeed dark and challenging moments for the Sangguniang Kabataan, as the suspension creates a legal dilemma that prevents us from completing our council and fully performing our legislative and programmatic mandates.
However, this representation assures everyone — especially the youth of Barangay Apo — that we will exhaust all possible legal remedies and continue to coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for proper guidance on how the SK can continue to function and deliver meaningful programs despite these limitations.
We strongly believe that youth representation must never be paralyzed by legal technicalities. The law exists to serve the people, not to hinder their progress — and we remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold the general welfare of our youth.
Even in these trying circumstances, the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Apo will continue to operate within the bounds of the law, ensuring that the voices of the youth are heard, their needs addressed, and their welfare prioritized.
For now, we will momentarily set aside our preparations for the special election and focus instead on non-electoral activities such as the approval of our Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program and the approval of the Annual Budget — because public service must continue.
Though these are difficult times, we remain guided by one conviction: the spirit of the Filipino youth cannot be suspended. 🇵🇭✨
