A local social media personality has formally called on the Cebu City Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation to launch an investigation into the Labangon youth council, citing allegations of neglect and poor performance.
Allegations Against SK Labangon
Jonel Saceda, widely known online as “Inday Josa Chiongbian Osmeña,” accused SK Labangon Chairman Kim Kyle Buendia of failing to conduct mandatory assemblies and missing multiple council sessions. According to Saceda, complaints regarding SK Labangon have persisted since last year, including allegations of neglect of duty and failure to fulfill responsibilities expected from elected youth officials.
Specific Issues Raised
Among the issues raised by Saceda are the following:
- The alleged failure to conduct the two mandatory Katipunan ng Kabataan assemblies in 2025.
- Buendia’s supposed absences from council sessions from January to March 2026 without clear explanation.
- Alleged shortcomings in consultations and planning for the Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan and the Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program.
Saceda urged SK Federation President Rhea Jakosalem to investigate the entire SK Labangon council, review Buendia’s alleged shortcomings as chairman, and impose sanctions should violations be established.
Previous Controversy
Controversies surrounding the barangay’s youth council first gained public attention in late December 2025 after SK officials from Labangon drew criticism online over a Thailand trip that coincided with the holiday season. Social media personality Rian Bacalla questioned the trip in a viral Facebook post, criticizing what she described as the absence of visible youth-centered and year-end activities in the barangay. The issue later snowballed into broader discussions online regarding transparency, accountability, attendance in meetings, and the overall performance of the SK.
Chairman’s Defense
Buendia denied allegations that public funds were used for the Thailand trip, maintaining that the travel was personal, family-sponsored, and supported by legal travel documents. He also presented copies of travel authority documents and denied claims that the trip involved misuse of government resources. Mayor Nestor Archival had previously clarified that public officials are not prohibited from traveling abroad using personal funds, emphasizing that wrongdoing cannot automatically be presumed if no public money was involved.
