Criticism surrounding the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Labangon has escalated after a Cebuana social media personality publicly challenged Cebu City’s youth federation leadership to act on complaints involving the barangay youth council.
Inday Josa Chiongbian Osmeña on Wednesday, May 13, released an open letter addressed to Cebu City Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) President Rhea Jakosalem, urging the federation to investigate what she described as repeated negligence and lack of accountability by SK Labangon officials.
The letter focused on SK Labangon Chairman Kim Kyle Buendia, who previously faced online criticism over youth programs and a Thailand trip that drew backlash on social media.
“I write this letter not out of hatred, but out of deep concern and disappointment for the youth of Barangay Labangon,” Osmeña wrote.
Osmeña claimed concerns against SK Labangon had already been raised last year, but the Cebu City SKF allegedly failed to take decisive action.
She also alleged that a closed-door meeting involving the SK Labangon Council had been organized months ago by the federation, but Buendia and several councilors reportedly failed to attend.
According to her, only four council members showed up.
Another meeting was allegedly scheduled afterward to accommodate the chairman, who again reportedly did not appear.
The letter also raised allegations that SK Labangon failed to conduct mandatory Katipunan ng Kabataan assemblies twice this year and did not properly prepare youth development plans required under SK regulations.
Osmeña argued that repeated neglect of official duties could already constitute abandonment of responsibility under the Internal Rules and Procedures of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation.
She urged the Cebu City SKF leadership to conduct a formal inquiry involving the entire SK Labangon Council and impose sanctions if violations are established.
The latest development came days after SK Labangon officials defended themselves from allegations tied to their Thailand trip and supposed misuse of funds.
In a statement issued on May 10, the youth officials denied claims that public funds were used for the travel and maintained that all procedures were properly followed.
The group also said they were prepared to present their accomplishments amid criticisms questioning the visibility of youth programs in Barangay Labangon.
They likewise posted copies of travel documents that they said were approved by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and endorsed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
The controversy gained wider attention after social media personality Rian Bacalla criticized the Thailand trip and questioned the barangay SK’s programs in a Facebook post last year.
Earlier this year, Archival said he could not recall approving any travel authority related to the trip, although he clarified that public officials are not prohibited from traveling using personal funds.
Despite the controversy, SK Labangon officials said they remain committed to serving the youth sector “with honesty, transparency, and integrity.” (LLP)
Photo courtesy of Inday Josa Chiongbian Osmeña / FB
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