Youth as a powerful voting bloc

In case you missed it: Tomorrow is the last day to register for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) that will be held on Nov. 2.

This is the first BSKE since Republic Act No. 12232 was signed into law on Aug. 13, 2025, officially postponing the December 2025 polls to the first Monday of November 2026. The new law sets a four-year term for elected officials and provides a holdover capacity for incumbents until Nov. 30, 2026.

The registration is open to those at least 18 years old for the barangay polls, and aged 15 to 30 years old on or before Nov. 2 for the SK elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced this week that over 4.7 million people have already registered, far exceeding the initial 1.4 million target. This surge reflects a strong enthusiasm for civic participation and signals that more Filipinos—particularly the youth—are recognizing the power and vital importance of the vote.

Technology and social media have also been crucial in driving greater political engagement among the youth and transforming them into active participants in the national conversation. A cursory glance at social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), shows that many of these conversations—from the flood control scandal, impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, to the latest developments in the Senate—are driven by the youth who are not shy about expressing their opinions. Indeed, the world has come a long way from the time when young people were, according to an old English proverb, better seen than heard.

Next generation of leaders

Based on records, the youth carried the 2022 national elections, with 56 percent or more than half of the registered voters counted as millennials (age 26-41) and Gen Z (age 18-25). Millennials represented the highest percentage with 23.9 million (36.4 percent), while Gen Z accounted for 13 million (20 percent). Their number is likely to expand with the new registrants now including those from Gen Alpha who are 15-16 years old this year.

As the late James Jimenez, former Comelec spokesperson, said: “If the youth can get its act together, it can become a very significant voting bloc.”

A 2007 study commissioned by the United Nations Children’s Fund has pointed to the tremendous potential to develop the next generation of leaders through the SK.

“Giving the youth a seat in local governments, providing them with a budget mandated by law, listening to them and providing venues for them to meaningfully take part in shaping local policies and programs could transform young people into significant members of the community,” the study, “The Impact of Youth Participation in the Local Government Process,” stated.

Nepotism and political dynasties

It, however, noted the concerns that the youth had, including corruption, nepotism, narco-politics, vote-buying, and being used as “tools” to advance the agenda of traditional politicians. Two decades later, these issues remain, and some aspects, like nepotism and political dynasties, have even worsened.

When the SK was established under RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, it was envisioned as a training ground for youth leaders destined to eventually step onto the national stage and lead the country. Many politicians today trace their roots to the SK, highlighting its importance as an institution that not only represents the interests of the youth but could also shape the kind of leadership that the country will have in the future.

It is, therefore, important that a more inclusive and greater participation in the SK elections is encouraged to ensure that not only those who have political ties and progeny are elected, but also those who have the genuine goal to serve—because this is what the country has a severe lack of right now: true public servants.

Poverty and inequality

A 2024 study assessing the demographics, perceptions, and participation in the SK conducted by the Far Eastern University has noted that although the SK’s work is considered important, 84.4 percent of its respondents said they have never taken part in SK activities. This was attributed to factors such as a lack of enthusiasm and insufficient knowledge of SK activities.

It identified poverty and inequality, human rights and social justice, inclusive education, and mental health as the social issues that were likely to encourage more youth engagement, rather than disaster preparedness and cultural preservation. Those who will be elected into the SK should keep this in mind to make their work more inclusive and engaging, and impactful to the sector that they serve.

Ultimately, the SK should be viewed as a training ground for good governance—preparing not only future leaders, but an engaged citizenry who will hold them accountable. Without an active participation in SK elections and governance, we will only see a regurgitation of the politicians we are suffering from now who serve personal interests more than the country’s, and voters who enable them.