Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has publicly stated that he has no recollection of signing any official travel authority for a controversial trip to Thailand allegedly taken by a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) official from Barangay Labangon. The mayor's clarification comes amid growing online scrutiny sparked by a social media post from a local celebrity.
Mayor's Firm Denial and Clarification on Travel Funds
In a phone interview on Friday, January 2, 2026, Mayor Archival was emphatic about his lack of involvement in approving the journey. "I cannot remember signing any document approving that trip. If there was such a document, I would know," Archival asserted. He explained that official trips by elected city officials are governed by strict procedures requiring clear documentation and formal approval.
Based on the information available to him, the mayor characterized the travel as a private undertaking. "If it was a private trip, I don't understand why it was done in that manner, but it was not government money. It was his own money," Archival said. He reiterated that public officials are not barred from using personal funds for travel and that such actions do not automatically constitute wrongdoing in the absence of public spending.
Social Media Firestorm Ignites the Controversy
The issue erupted into public discourse after Rian Bacalla, a social media personality and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate known as "Kid Sunshine ng Cebu," published a critical post on Facebook on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. In her post, Bacalla questioned the alleged Thailand trip of the SK official from Barangay Labangon.
Her criticism extended beyond the trip itself, targeting what she described as a lack of visible youth programs and year-end activities in the barangay. The post raised significant concerns among netizens about transparency and the priorities of local youth leaders, prompting questions about whether the travel was officially sanctioned and if any SK or barangay funds were involved.
The online discussion gained rapid momentum, amassing over a thousand reactions and hundreds of comments. Residents and youth advocates joined the conversation, demanding clear answers and accountability from their local officials.
Verification and Context Amidst the Scrutiny
Mayor Archival acknowledged the need for verification, particularly regarding the details circulating on social media platforms. However, he stressed that there is no current indication that government funds were used for the trip. The absence of official travel records, which city procedures mandate for sanctioned activities, strongly suggests the journey was not a city-approved endeavor.
Despite the controversy, the mayor urged the public to view the issue in its proper context. "If no public funds were spent," he maintained, the situation should be evaluated accordingly. Meanwhile, attempts by SunStar Cebu to reach SK Chairman Kim Kyle Buendia of Barangay Labangon for his side of the story were unsuccessful as of the posting date on Friday, January 2, 2026. The chairman has not yet responded to inquiries about the nature of the trip and the broader concerns regarding youth programs.
