Youth leader and Cebu City ex-officio Councilor Rhea Mae Jakosalem has been designated to act on separate complaints filed against Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in two barangays in Cebu City, following allegations of financial irregularities, governance lapses, and failure to implement youth programs.
The complaints, endorsed to the Cebu City Council by Councilor Jose Abellanosa, were referred to the Committee on Youth and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, both chaired by Jakosalem for appropriate action.
The concerns involve SK officials from Barangays Labangon and Duljo-Fatima, based on separate letters submitted earlier this month requesting council intervention.
In Barangay Labangon, complainants led by “Inday Josa” Chiongbian Osmeña and several SK officials sought an inquiry into the performance of SK Chairman Kim Kyle Buendia, citing alleged neglect of duty and lack of youth representation.
The letter cited the reported failure to convene the mandatory Katipunan ng Kabataan Assembly for 2025, which is required under Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act of 2015, as well as the alleged absence of financial liquidation reports covering 2024 to 2025.
It also raised concerns over the non-implementation of youth programs, including a proposed Christmas League that allegedly did not push through despite registration requirements involving participant contributions.
The complaint further alleged repeated absences of the SK chair from official sessions, limited responsiveness to council members, and the lack of an approved Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program for 2026.
Complainants also claimed that earlier efforts to seek mediation through Jakosalem, in her capacity as Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president, did not result in resolution after the SK chair allegedly failed to attend scheduled meetings.
A separate complaint was filed against the SK council of Barangay Duljo-Fatima, signed by several SK council members, including Councilor Alea Shein Tubog, raising concerns on budget liquidation and financial transparency.
The group said they had repeatedly requested liquidation reports for SK funds from 2024 up to the present but were told these remained “in process,” despite follow-ups.
They also alleged that some expenditures were implemented without full consultation or corresponding council resolutions, and referenced calls from youth residents for the liquidation of an estimated P1.5 million SK budget.
The complainants have requested to be invited to a City Council session to formally air their concerns on accountability and fund utilization.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
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