SK Chairman Issues Public Apology After Food-Handling Backlash
MARK ADRIAN NAPIZA – A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman from Santa Cruz, Laguna, publicly apologized after a viral convenience store incident that drew strong criticism online.
The controversy began when a video showed him touching displayed siopao and hotdogs with his bare hands inside a 7-Eleven branch. Many people found the act unhygienic and irresponsible, especially since he is a public servant expected to set a good example. The video quickly spread on social media, leading to public outrage and calls for accountability. In response, Napiza admitted that his actions were wrong and said he deeply regretted what happened.
He explained that the act was meant as a joke for video content with friends and that he did not intend to harm anyone. However, he recognized that his behavior was inappropriate and did not reflect the standards expected of someone in his position. He also clarified that he took and paid for all the food items he touched on the same day, but acknowledged that the issue was not only about payment, but also about proper conduct, hygiene, and the message the video sent to the public.
After realizing the impact, he removed the video from social media and personally reached out to the store management to apologize for creating content without permission and for any inconvenience caused. He accepted full responsibility and promised to be more careful and responsible moving forward, saying that as a youth leader, his actions can affect public trust and the reputation of the Sangguniang Kabataan.
The incident also caught the attention of local officials. Mayor Benjo Agarao ordered an investigation, stressing that leaders must serve as good role models for the community. As of now, there is no official update on possible disciplinary action, but Napiza said he is ready to cooperate and accept any guidance or consequences that may follow.