DILG suspends 2 Makati SK chairs over alleged graft, forgery

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday said two Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons in Makati City have been suspended after being found guilty of misconduct by the city’s Sangguniang Panlungsod.

At a press conference, Remulla expressed dismay that the culture of corruption has allegedly reached even the youth in affluent villages.

“Ang corruption ay umabot na sa SK hanggang sa pinakamayayamang barangay. Wala po kaming sinisino—maliit man o mayamang barangay,” Remulla said.

(Corruption has reached the SK level, even in the richest barangays. We do not single anyone out—whether small or wealthy barangays.)

“Nawala na ang hiya. Mahiya naman kayo. Mayaman na nga kayo, magnanakaw pa kayo,” he added.

(The shame is gone. You should be ashamed. You are already rich, yet you still steal.)

One of the SK chairpersons was suspended for six months under a March 23, 2026 resolution after allegedly demanding a 20% kickback from a supplier for a Halloween project.

Investigators said the arrangement was confirmed through Viber messages and a phone call.

She was also accused of submitting an SK resolution bearing the forged signature of the SK secretary.

Records showed she had already tendered her resignation on March 8, 2026, subject to acceptance.

Meanwhile, the second chairperson was suspended for three months under an April 6, 2026 resolution after allegedly submitting documents with forged signatures, including that of an SK kagawad who was reportedly abroad at the time.

She admitted that the documents were not personally signed but claimed that prior consent had been given.

Remulla said Tupaz may face charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for direct bribery, violation of Republic Act No. 3019, and falsification of public documents.

The second SK chairperson and her treasurer may also face falsification charges over a purchase request.

Following the cases, Remulla floated the possibility of abolishing the SK system.—MCG, GMA News