Once again, we were proven right that the SK election is merely a mirror of Philippine dirty politics.

All the dirty hallmark that gives politics a bad name are present: massive vote buying and the maneuvers engineered and implemented by either politicians and the parents of some SK chairmen. And of course, the "kidnapping" (with consent) two days before the election day.

The youthful minds of the probable SK federated presidents realized that logistics is always needed to pay for the "entertainment and amenities" given to their "claimed" supporters, some of whom were brought to resorts, hotels or any R and R place in order to get their votes. It is commonly observed that "dirty money" involving as high as P80,000 per vote was spent. What expensive commodity that vote has become.

But, what is more disgusting is that while the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) was mandated to conduct a 3 to 4-day seminar on leadership and value formation for the SK leaders, majority of the towns here failed to conduct such.

If there were those who did it, they were just a pep talk for an hour before the election itself.

Many times, we heard the objective comments of previous SK leaders (Kabataang Barangay or KB before) that if SK has to be continued, there should be an implementation of clear programs and guidelines so they will function as expected.

The reason why politicians are willing to spend to support a federated SK presidential bet is because he gets one seat in the city or town legislative council - which means one vote for his favor in matters of resolving conflicting issues or pieces of legislation.

These elected SK federated presidents, as we know, now sit as one of those said to be honorable members of the Sanngguniang Panlungsod/Bayan and later on Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

But, in the name of the Greece orators, have you heard of any piece of legislation from these young leaders that will redound to the good and benefit of the youth sector?

In fact, in most areas, what we can hear is the absentism of these SK reps during sessions. In the provincial board, we know that the SK provincial chair is often vacant as shown in the attendance record of the lawmakers.

With how elections are being conducted and with how these SK leaders are performing, we don't see any good reason to maintain the SK. We just cant understand why our congressmen can not see the waste of resources (about P3 billion nationwide budget to maintain) and the bad exposure these SKs are doing to the youth of our society. Why don't the congressmen listen to the survey that predominantly asked for the SK's abolition? Do they have vested interest in maintaining the low-level minions to serve as their errand boys during the next elections?

If we continue this way of breeding our young leaders, then what can we expect of our tomorrow (particularly) in the election of future leaders? Surely, these SK officials who will be our future leaders will perpetuate the style and the mode of campaign they are now experiencing in grabbing these coveted federated seats.

Alas and alack, the SK phenomenon merely reflects the gruesome image of the pathetic politics of their seniors.

The Provincial Government should take the cue from BAMMI (Bohol Association of Metro Manila) headed by new president Genaro "Genju" V. Lapez, who gave posthumous Achievement Award to the Boholano singer-composer Yoyoy Villame last Saturday at the Villamor Airbase Golf Club in Manila.

Born on November 18, 1932, the late Roman Tesorio Villame, Yoyoy to millions of adoring fans, was regarded as the "Philippine King of Novelty Songs" who recorded 40 albums containing some of the most rib-tickling, humorous and creative songs done in Visayan, Tagalog and English (or what passed for it).

To millions of Filipinos who love music as the language of the soul and who value humor as much as their sdanggit sa pamahaw, Yoyoy's endearing presence in the airwaves, television and the movies brought laughter and joy in many of their hearts. If laughter indeed is the best medicine, Yoyoy must have been one of the best doctors in town.

Truth to tell, the founder-publisher of this paper, though generally of serious demeanor, would be red on the face and holding his hand over stomach in laughter at the antics and jocularity of Yoyoy's wonderful creations.

In this country which is teeming with musical talent and inborn comedians, the accolade given as Novelty Song King is no mean feat and should be honored as well by Government by giving the departed Yoyoy the highest award in achievement for Boholanos.

Starting as a bus conductor of the MB Liner, the Calape-born wonder rocked the airwaves with his "Mag exercise Tayo" in 1972 followed by hits like "Magellan" and Buche Kik, a Chinese sounding song that doesn't contain a single authentic Chinese word.

Yoyoy honored Lapulapu's victory over Magellan: " Then the battle began at dawn, Bolos and spears against guns and cannons" and promoted tourism with a song that included: " The country has a great history, Manila is the capital city, All the tourists are invited to see - the Philippines is a beautiful country" - after singing the names of all 77 provinces in one song. With Max Surban, he collaborated a song about "Dagohoy ug Lapulapu," two staunch defenders against foreign invaders.

Yoyoy loved Bohol so much, he dedicated an entire album about Bohol which included songs like: "Kaming mga Bol-anon," "Inabanga, Bohol." "Sugilanon sa mga Noong Bol-anon," "Round Bohol Rock," "Ay Ay Boholana" and "Piyesta sa Bohol."

Not only did Yoyoy do Bohol a great honor as an achiever-son but had given a new dimension to the world of music with his novel humor and self-deprecating humility.

Philippine music lost a great musical creator with his death last May of this year.
Bohol should honor Yoyoy Villame properly.

For Comments: email to bingo_dejaresco@boholchronicle.com Or editor@boholchronicle.com