Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson Kim Kyle Buendia of Barangay Labangon in Cebu City has publicly addressed and dismissed allegations concerning his recent personal trip to Thailand. He labeled the growing controversy as a deliberate attack meant to mislead the community and damage his reputation.
Social Media Backlash Sparks Inquiry
The issue came to light after a post by social media personality Rian Bacalla on December 31, 2025. Bacalla's critical Facebook message questioned the timing of Buendia's travel and pointed to an apparent absence of year-end activities for the youth in the barangay. This post quickly fueled widespread online discussion and scrutiny of the young official's actions.
Buendia's Defense: Authorized and Self-Funded
In a formal response, Chairperson Buendia provided documentation to counter the claims. He firmly stated that his journey was both properly authorized and entirely financed by his family, describing it as a vacation for personal well-being and balance. "The allegations are not true. Wala mi giundangan nga serbisyo," Buendia asserted.
He clarified the financial aspect, emphasizing, "No single centavo from the government was used." To validate his claim, he released several key documents:
- A Request for Travel Authority submitted to the Mayor's office dated November 14, 2025, and received by the Office of the City Mayor on November 26.
- An official Travel Authority issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), signed by Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla.
- A wedding invitation, supporting his explanation that the trip was for a personal family event.
The DILG document specifically approved travel to Thailand from December 26, 2025, to January 6, 2026, for "Personal Reasons."
Addressing Challenges and Political Motives
Buendia also spoke about the difficulties his office has encountered, including budget delays and utility disconnections at the SK office. He framed the current situation as a challenge for new politicians like himself, striving to maintain integrity.
"Lisod kaayo ang sitwasyon, labi na nga neophytes mi sa politika, pero among gipaninguhaan nga dili mapollute among character sa mga dautang batasan sa pipila ka politiko ug mga tao nila sa among palibot," he added, hinting at political motivations behind the criticism.
In his concluding remarks, the SK Chair urged the public to look beyond what he called "propaganda" and to allow the factual evidence he presented to overcome any politically charged narratives.
