DAVAO CITY – Five Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons here are facing administrative charges over alleged misuse of public funds, City Council Committee on Ethics and Good Governance Chairperson Councilor Arnulfo Cabling said.

Speaking during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday afternoon, May 5, Cabling said one of the respondents has resigned.

Cabling said that even if these SK chairpersons resign from their posts, administrative proceedings will proceed, as there are complaints and evidence.

"And we will continue to receive evidence and determine possible sanctions because this is an administrative case," Cabling stressed. "We want to make it clear that public office is not a game. These funds are meant for youth projects."

The councilor said most of those involved are from the third district. “Complaints largely involve financial concerns and alleged irregularities in the liquidation of funds and investigations and evidence-gathering are ongoing.”

He explained that cases referred to the committee go through a lengthy process similar to court proceedings, during which both complainants and respondents are allowed to present evidence and explain their positions before formal hearings begin.

Cabling said mediation and conciliation efforts are also conducted before formal hearings begin, allowing both parties an opportunity to settle disputes amicably before the case proceeds to full hearings.

The councilor said his committee is currently handling 35 ethics cases, including unresolved complaints endorsed by previous city councils.

Unlike other legislative matters that end when a council term expires, Cabling said that ethics cases continue once hearings start and evidence has been presented because the committee serves as a quasi-judicial body.

As of now, he said, around 10 cases have been recommended for dismissal or closure after complainants failed to pursue their cases while others were resolved after parties reached settlements on the barangay level.

Cabling noted that many newly filed complaints involve SK officials and allegations related to financial transactions.

Cabling said possible sanctions may include disqualification from holding future public office while questions involving the actual misuse or misappropriation of funds would require findings from the Commission on Audit.

The councilor emphasized that the SK system should help develop future leaders by teaching them accountability and public service, not expose young officials to corruption and poor governance practices at an early age.

"It is unfortunate because they are still young. We would rather guide and rehabilitate them than punish them," Cabling said, adding that the youth in general must learn proper governance and improve their sense of responsibility.

Cabling noted gaps in oversight. The City Council currently only confirms SK budgets after they are approved on the barangay level and has no direct authority to monitor spending afterwards.

To address this concern, the councilor said the council is proposing a mechanism that would require closer review of SK budgets alongside barangay budget approvals to strengthen checks and balances.

Cabling said the committee is drafting clearer rules on jurisdiction, authority, and procedures to improve accountability and ensure more consistent and transparent handling of future complaints involving youth officials.