THE Mandaue City government is exploring the possibility of recalling 15 vehicles previously donated to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons during the past administration. This move aims to maximize government resources and address operational gaps in other city departments.
In an interview on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano said that the legal office is currently reviewing the validity of the donation. The donation was formalized through a deed and approved by the City Council on June 9, prior to Ouano officially assuming office as mayor.
The vehicles, reportedly valued at P1.5 million each, were turned over to SK chairpersons from 15 of the city’s 27 barangays last November.
“We’re looking into whether these donated vehicles can be taken back. It’s still under legal review, so nothing is final yet,” Ouano said.
He clarified that there is no intent to single out or undermine the SK. Instead, he emphasized the importance of ensuring resources are allocated where they are most needed. He explained that the City will first determine if the ordinance approving the donation falls under any legal restriction that would prevent its review.
He further clarified that the vehicles were not intended solely for SK use but were meant to support broader community efforts, including those led by various city departments alongside the SK. “There’s nothing against the SK,” he reiterated, stressing the intention to maximize the vehicles’ use across different offices that need them most.
Ouano added that some departments, such as the City Health Office, Market Operations and the Agriculture Office, have been struggling due to a lack of functional vehicles.
“Many departments have requested vehicles. They already have old units, but they’re no longer working and these offices are handling big teams. If only they had vehicles, they could split into smaller, more efficient teams,” he noted.
While the deed of donation formalized the legal transfer of ownership, it did not pass without contention. Members of the opposition, allied with Ouano in the council, had expressed concern over the timing and prioritization of the donation. Councilor Joel Seno, for instance, questioned the appropriateness of the donation given the City’s logistical constraints.
The current administration is investigating whether the donation is still subject to review.
“If it’s not included in the ban or restriction, we’ll ask our legal team what we can do to reallocate these vehicles to departments that need them more,” Ouano said.
Defending the donation, SK Federation president Flueritz Gayle Jumao-as said the vehicles are critical to supporting youth-driven initiatives, especially in remote barangays where mobility remains a challenge.
Nevertheless, the Ouano administration is pushing for a broader audit of government assets, signaling its intent to realign resources for greater efficiency and service delivery.
“We want to make sure all departments are equipped to serve the people better,” Ouano said. / CAV