INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday castigated two Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairmen in Makati City who were suspended after being found guilty of misconduct, saying corruption had reached even the youth sector in affluent communities.
Speaking in Trece Martires City, Remulla identified the officials as Natalia Georgianna Tupaz of Barangay Dasmariñas and Cecilia Louise Yabut of Barangay Magallanes. Both were sanctioned by the Makati Sangguniang Panlungsod through separate resolutions.
“Corruption has reached the SK, even in the wealthiest barangay. We do not spare anyone — whether from small or rich communities,” Remulla said.
He delivered a sharp rebuke to the officials, saying, “Shame on you. You are already well-off, yet you still choose to steal.”
Tupaz was meted a six-month suspension under a March 23, 2026 resolution after she allegedly demanded a 20 percent kickback from a supplier for a Halloween project.
Investigators said the arrangement was corroborated through Viber messages and a phone call.
She also faced accusations of submitting an SK resolution with a falsified signature of the SK secretary.
Tupaz tendered her resignation on March 8, pending acceptance.
Yabut was suspended for three months under an April 6 resolution after allegedly submitting documents with forged signatures, including that of an SK kagawad who was reportedly abroad at the time.
While she admitted the documents were not personally signed, she claimed prior consent had been given.
Remulla said Tupaz could face charges before the Office of the Ombudsman, including direct bribery, violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and falsification of public documents.
He added that Yabut and her SK treasurer could also be charged with falsification in connection with a purchase request.
Remulla raised broader concerns about the structure of the SK, suggesting its possible abolition as part of constitutional reforms.
“If there will be constitutional change, I will recommend the abolition of the SK. We are seeing a culture where corruption starts at a young age,” he said.
Remulla pointed to high attrition rates among SK officials, noting that many leave their posts within the first year due to marriage, employment, or schooling, prompting barangay to appoint officers-in-charge.
“It may be better for the barangay council to designate who will handle youth affairs instead of holding elections,” he said.
