• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental has been found guilty of misconduct, negligence and lack of transparency, dereliction of duty, and abuse of authority by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Reynaldo Loyd Bumagat of Barangay Zone 6 was meted a penalty of six months suspension without pay and benefits.
The penalty took effect immediately after the resolution was approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its regular session on Jan. 6.
The administrative complaint filed against Bumagat by seven SK councilors and barangay residents was referred by the City Council to the committees on rules, privileges and legal matters, barangay affairs, and youth and sports development, which held joint hearings.
Complainants claimed that Bumagat’s use of SK funds did not pass through the SK Council.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said on Friday (Jan. 9) the respondent admitted responsibility for his violations.
“He is now facing the consequences of his action,” he added.
The mayor said he received reports that such situation is not only happening in Cadiz City, but also in other local government units.
To prevent another occurrence, Escalante said there should be rules and regulations to govern such in the SK Federation, noting also that the Commission on Audit has no time to conduct post auditing due to lack of personnel. | GB
