A trip to Thailand taken by a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) official from Barangay Labangon in Cebu City has ignited a significant public debate regarding transparency and the use of public funds. The controversy centers on whether the travel was an official activity or a private vacation.
Mayor's Clarification on Funding and Documentation
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival stepped into the fray to provide clarity on the matter. He stated that based on the information available to him, the travel appears to have been conducted in a private capacity and did not utilize any government funds. Mayor Archival emphasized that he does not recall signing or approving any official travel authority related to this trip.
"If it was a private trip, I don't understand why it was done in such a manner, but that was not government money. That was his own money," Archival was quoted as saying. He reiterated that government officials are not prohibited from traveling using their personal resources. The mayor further explained that such trips cannot automatically be considered violations if no public funds were expended.
Social Media Firestorm and Public Scrutiny
The issue gained widespread attention after Rian Bacalla, a social media personality and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate known as "Kid Sunshine ng Cebu," posted a serious message on Facebook on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. In his post, Bacalla questioned the reported Thailand trip involving an SK official from Barangay Labangon.
He criticized what he described as a lack of visible youth programs and year-end activities in the barangay. Bacalla's post raised significant concerns about transparency and priorities, leading netizens to question whether the travel had government permission and if SK or barangay funds were used. The post quickly went viral online, garnering over a thousand reactions and hundreds of comments, with residents and youth advocates demanding explanations from local officials.
Official Procedures and Ongoing Review
Mayor Archival noted that the city's procedures require clear approval and documentation for official travel. The absence of such records suggests the trip was likely not a city-sanctioned activity. He confirmed that he would continue to look into the matter, especially the details emerging on social media, but maintained that currently, there is no indication of government funds being involved.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the mayor held the principle that the issue must be viewed in the proper context, particularly if no public money was spent. SunStar Cebu attempted to contact SK Chairman Kim Kyle Buendia of Barangay Labangon for his side of the story, but he had not responded by the time the report was published.
The incident highlights the heightened public sensitivity towards the activities and expenditures of youth council officials, underscoring a demand for greater accountability even in matters perceived as personal if they involve individuals holding public positions.
