“I will resign”: SK chairman in Isabela admits using fellow officials' honoraria, faces possible administrative charges

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela – An Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman in Barangay San Francisco, Cauayan City may face an administrative case after admitting that he used the three months' worth of honoraria intended for fellow SK officials to pay for his personal medical expenses.

The admission was made during a committee hearing conducted by the Cauayan City Sangguniang Panlungsod, which tackled a complaint over the alleged non-release of the honoraria of SK officials for June, July, and August.

In an interview aired by Bombo Radyo Cauayan, Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Nico del Mendo said the hearing was attended by the SK chairman, the SK treasurer, SK kagawads, and members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan.

During the hearing, the SK chairman admitted that he used the funds to pay for medical consultations and treatment related to his health condition.

The SK kagawads expressed disappointment over the incident, saying they would have willingly lent him their honoraria had he asked for assistance instead of using the funds without their knowledge or consent.

Del Mendo said the SK treasurer may also face possible administrative liability since both the chairman and the treasurer are signatories to the withdrawal of SK funds. Although the treasurer claimed that he merely withdrew the money and turned it over to the chairman, Del Mendo said this does not automatically exempt him from accountability.

He added that both officials could face administrative charges, which may result in their removal from office and the filing of other appropriate cases.

Despite the complaint, the SK chairman reportedly committed to returning approximately ₱32,000, representing the three months' worth of honoraria of the SK kagawads, before the end of the week. Both the chairman and the treasurer also reportedly expressed their intention to resign from their positions.

Del Mendo described the incident as unfortunate, saying it is alarming when alleged acts involving the misuse of public funds occur even at the SK level.

"SK pa lamang po sila at isipin n'yo gumawa na ng ganyang bagay. Minsan, nagsisimula ang ganyang form of corruption sa SK level pa lamang. Medyo nakalulungkot," Del Mendo said in an interview with Bombo Radyo Cauayan.

Following the incident, Del Mendo called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Cauayan City government to strengthen orientation and training programs for SK officials to help them better understand their duties, the proper management of public funds, and the lawful performance of their responsibilities.

He also urged SK officials to uphold the trust placed in them by the youth and ensure that government funds intended for youth development are managed responsibly and in accordance with the law.