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A recently deleted post of an official of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Tetuan, Zamboanga City, about its newly purchased car, Strada, reaped mixed criticisms and went viral on March 24, 2022 (Thursday).
The SK-Tetuan officials purchased a Mitsubishi Strada that roughly cost 1.2 million pesos. Huge amount for a vehicle for public service as criticized by most netizens. According to the post, the vehicle was purchased to mobilize operations on anti-illegal drugs in the area. The SK official emphasized that it is part of their flagship program in driving away from the youth in any drug-related activities. It will also be utilized in doing “ronda” to monitor youth engagement in drugs and reiterate the detrimental impacts of the said prohibited substance.
The said purchase especially the laid out reason of purchase caught the attention of the netizens garnering different criticisms:
https://twitter.com/bakunnawa/status/1506995496518225921
Pota hahaha ano yung sa SK ng TETUAN (?) bumili ng car (strada??) Against illegal drugs ampota gta yarn T_T anong kinalaman ng sasakyan sa droga sila na ba magpapatrolya sa gabi help sangguniang kabataan natagpuang pugad ng korapsyon cguro
Ang funny pa nung caption wtf talaga
— Quinn ς(◠‿◠) ໒꒱ | ia (@seokhan_carteu) March 24, 2022
Due to the criticized discrepancies, Sam Bucoy, the chairwoman of SK-Tetuan, posted a miscommunication to the previous post and clarified that the newly purchased Strada would be used as a Patrol Vehicle in relation to the Disaster Emergency Response and Drug Awareness campaign.
She explained that the purchased vehicle was part of the Supplemental Budget of 2021, which covers the savings for 2017-2019, including the Actual Collections in Excess of Estimated Income that was approved on December 21, 2021.
Before the recent purchased of Sanguniang Kabataan (SK)of Barangay Tetuan, this March 2022, the officials of Barangay Tetuan turned over last month, February 2022, one Mitsubishi L300 to SK Tetuan. The said vehicle will be used to lift students as free ride transportation to get their printed modules in school.
The SK Tetuan purchase a brand new strada. They said that they will use it for fighting against illegal drugs. Saan iyon gagamitin ang strada? Joyride papuntang rehab? prisohan? This is questionable. May issue na sila before kasi they purchase brand new L300 last month Febuary.
— Festivia (@Queen_Eirlys) March 25, 2022
Kakapruchase lang ng SK Tetuan ng brand new L300 last month Febuary. Tapos this month, March they purchase brand new strada. In the span of two months they have two vehicles na. Questionable yung pagpurchase nila ng vehicles.
— Ica (@erika_lacandalo) March 25, 2022
A summary of criticisms from netizens clearly points out the mismatch of the purchased expensive vehicle and their function. Queries were raised on whether or not this vehicle would serve its purpose, especially the mitigation of involved youth in drug-related activities. Another significant criticism is the budget should have been aligned to other programs such as drug rehabilitation, forums, livelihood and skills training for youth, and other specified needs of drug-free youth.
As the Strada saga of SK Tetuan continued, the SK officials were compared to baby crocodiles; the initial stage symbol of corruption. The question would be, will there be upcoming vehicles after this one or a refined and tailored fit program for a specific campaign?
