The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Labangon, Cebu is under the spotlight after they asked the Cebu City Council to investigate the barangay council’s financial management. This move comes as an administrative complaint against SK Chairperson Kim Kyle Buendia and several youth officials remains pending before the City Council.

According to a letter signed by Buendia and SK Councilors Frangil Dagatan and Junel Marzon, the officials sought a fact-finding inquiry into the barangay council’s financial management. They asked the City Council to examine the barangay’s spending, project implementations, and procurement activities. The youth officials also questioned why financial records they had repeatedly requested, including budgets, disbursement and liquidation reports, appropriations, and other public documents, had yet to be released.

The request was supported by resolutions approved by the Sangguniang Barangay but remained unacted upon. “[The request] is motivated by the belief that accountability should be applied equally to all public offices entrusted with public funds and that transparency strengthens public confidence in government,” part of the letter read.

The pending complaint against Buendia and other Labangon SK officials alleged they failed to hold mandatory Katipunan ng Kabataan assemblies, submit liquidation reports, regularly attend sessions, and finalize the Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program. The complaint also revived public attention on a December 2025 trip to Thailand involving some Labangon SK officials, after questions surfaced online over whether public funds had been used.

Buendia and Marzon denied the allegations in a forum in June, maintaining that the complaint was politically motivated. Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Mikel Rama requested an update from SK Federation President Rhea Mae Jakosalem be referred to the Committee on Barangay Affairs. Jakosalem’s letter said the federation had requested a meeting and a separate appearance before the Local Executive Committee Session to discuss the issues raised in the administrative complaint.

However, Buendia and several SK members did not attend, citing advice from legal counsel and indicating an intent to elevate the matter to other legal authorities. In separate written responses, Buendia and the other absent officials said they would address the matter through legal channels.

In a related development, Councilor David Tumulak requested the inclusion of the letter in the July 14 regular session for appropriate action. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Key Facts

  • The SK of Barangay Labangon, Cebu has asked the Cebu City Council to investigate the barangay council’s financial management.
  • The request comes amid a pending complaint against SK Chairperson Kim Kyle Buendia and several youth officials.
  • The complaint alleged the officials failed to hold mandatory Katipunan ng Kabataan assemblies, submit liquidation reports, and finalize the Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program.
  • A December 2025 trip to Thailand involving some Labangon SK officials has also resurfaced amid questions over whether public funds were used.
  • Buendia and several SK members did not attend a meeting to discuss the issues raised in the administrative complaint, citing advice from legal counsel.

The barangay has a total budget of PHP 10 million, with a significant portion allocated for infrastructure development and community projects.