Labangon SK seeks probe into barangay finances amid pending complaint

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Labangon have asked the Cebu City Council to investigate the barangay council’s financial management, saying the same scrutiny applied to the youth council should also cover the barangay’s use of public funds.

The request comes as an administrative complaint against SK Chairperson Kim Kyle Buendia and several youth officials remains pending before the City Council.

Labangon SK seeks equal scrutiny

In a letter signed by Buendia and SK Councilors Frangil Dagatan and Junel Marzon, the officials sought a fact-finding inquiry into the barangay council’s financial management.

They asked the City Council to examine the barangay’s spending, project implementations, and procurement activities.

The youth officials also questioned why financial records they had repeatedly requested, including budgets, disbursement and liquidation reports, appropriations, and other public documents, had yet to be released.

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According to the letter, the requests were supported by resolutions approved by the Sangguniang Barangay but remained unacted upon.

“[The request] is motivated by the belief that accountability should be applied equally to all public offices entrusted with public funds and that transparency strengthens public confidence in government,” part of the letter read.

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They argued the barangay council should be subjected to the same level of scrutiny.

“If a fact-finding inquiry is considered appropriate with respect to the Sangguniang Kabataan, I humbly submit that a similar inquiry into the utilization of barangay funds, implementation of projects and programs, procurement activities, and compliance with transparency requirements would likewise be beneficial to the public interest.”

Councilor David Tumulak has requested the inclusion of the letter in the July 14 regular session for appropriate action.

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Complaint against Labangon SK

The request followed an administrative complaint accusing Buendia and several Labangon SK officials of neglecting their duties.

The complaint alleged the officials failed to hold mandatory Katipunan ng Kabataan assemblies, submit liquidation reports, regularly attend sessions, and finalize the Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program.

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It also revived public attention on a December 2025 trip to Thailand involving some Labangon SK officials after questions surfaced online over whether public funds had been used.

During a forum in June, Buendia and Marzon denied the allegations and maintained that the complaint was politically motivated.

Complaint moves forward

As the investigation continues, Cebu City Councilor Mikel Rama has requested that an update from SK Federation President Rhea Mae Jakosalem be referred to the Committee on Barangay Affairs.

The update sought appropriate evaluation and action while providing additional information on the complaint.

Jakosalem’s letter said the federation had requested a meeting and a separate appearance before the Local Executive Committee Session to discuss the issues raised in the administrative complaint.

However, Jakosalem said Buendia and several SK members did not attend.

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“The SK Chairperson and several SK members of Barangay Labangon declined to appear, citing advice from legal counsel and indicating an intent to elevate the matter to other legal authorities,” Jakosalem said in the letter.

In separate written responses, Buendia and the other absent officials said they would address the matter through legal channels.

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