SK Chairman Goes Viral Online for Gifting iPhones to Fellow Workers
A Sangguniang Kabataan SK Chairman In Ilocos Norte made headlines after gifting iPhones to his colleagues as their first salary.
The SK Chairman, or Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman, is a key elected position within the Sangguniang Kabataan, which translates to “Youth Council” in English. SK is a local youth legislative body in the Philippines that is part of each barangay, the smallest administrative division in the country.
The SK serves as a platform for the youth to participate in governance and decision-making processes at the community level.
Recently, Brgy. 7 San Miguel in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte Mark Dave Miguel goes viral online and garnered various reactions online due to his generous gesture towards other SK members. He distribute iPhones to other SK members for their first salary.
Angelique Villena Arzaga, one of the recipients, expressed her excitement online, saying, “No more sana all. First sahod, first iPhone! Thank you SK Chairman Mark Dave Miguel, the best ka talaga.”
Arzaga clarified, “PS: OWN MONEY PO NI SKCHAIRMAN,” indicating that Miguel used his own funds for the gifts.
Miguel reportedly earns a maximum monthly salary of P16,223, may still face criticisms under Republic Act No. 6713. This law, also known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” prohibits officials from accepting gifts.
Section 7 of RA 6713 states that public officials and employees must not solicit or accept any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary value from any person during their official duties.
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Experts argue that this prohibition exists to prevent officials from being influenced by those who give them gifts. Accepting such gifts could lead to biased decisions or favoritism, undermining the integrity of public service.
As of this writing, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Nicolas has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The online audiences await further clarification on whether any actions will be taken against Chairman Miguel and his colleagues.