ILOILO City – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has uncovered alleged misuse of public funds in at least five barangays across the city, with one case already elevated to the Office of the Ombudsman and another involving a missing Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) official.
DILG- Iloilo City director Oscar Lim Jr. confirmed they have been investigating multiple incidents of financial irregularities this year, calling it part of a “recurring pattern” among local barangays.
“This is not the first time that misuse of funds has happened in Iloilo City,” Lim said. “Just this year, we have already visited five barangays because of such problems. Usually, if there are issues involving money, we immediately go to the barangay to investigate.”
The most recent case centers on Barangay MV Hechanova in Jaro district, where SK chairman Joshua Jacinto has been missing for nearly three months. DILG records show that P430,000 was withdrawn from their SK bank account.
“Some of the other cases involve smaller amounts, but one of them — the one already elevated to the Ombudsman — was a more serious case,” Lim added.
The five barangays under scrutiny are scattered across Molo, Arevalo, and City Proper districts, indicating that financial irregularities are not confined to a single area.
Lim said barangay and SK officials proven guilty of fund misuse could face administrative sanctions through the Sangguniang Panlungsod and criminal charges before the Ombudsman.
DILG regional director Juan Jovian Ingeniero, meanwhile, said the department is considering new mechanisms to tighten oversight of SK finances and promote accountability.
“As far as DILG is concerned, especially under our Secretary, we recognize that the SK is still a learning body. But we have laws that govern them, and we must ensure they follow proper procedures,” Ingeniero said.
He revealed plans to introduce a new SK category under the DILG’s Excellence Awards (EXCEL) to encourage transparency and good governance among youth leaders.
“Currently, our EXCEL Award is for barangays and mayors, but none specifically for SK. So, I’ll recommend to our executive committee to create one. This will allow us to annually assess all SKs, especially in terms of financial management,” Ingeniero said.
Under the proposed system, SK councils would be rated based on their financial discipline and compliance with governance indicators. Those performing well would be recognized, while erring SKs would be closely monitored and guided.
Ingeniero also reminded SK and barangay officials to safeguard their integrity.
“Given the recurring issues of corruption and ghost projects, we are reminding SK and barangay officials that you are public servants — elected by the people and entrusted with public funds. Do not allow your integrity to be questioned just because you failed to be transparent,” he warned.
He urged local youth leaders to “follow the process and abide by the law,” stressing that small lapses in procedure often lead to bigger problems.
According to Ingeniero, although SKs now have autonomy over their funds, poor coordination with barangay captains creates accountability gaps.
“The SK treasurer and chairman are the ones holding the funds, but barangay captains should still have oversight. The problem is that some transactions slip through the cracks because of limited monitoring,” he said.
The DILG is expected to release a consolidated report and set of recommendations to the Iloilo City Government and national oversight bodies in the coming weeks./PN
