A production company that provided services for several events during Sinulog sa Sugbo Philippines 2024 is demanding the release of more than P2 million in unpaid dues from the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), claiming that payment for completed work has been delayed for nearly two years.
Unpaid Balance Details
In a letter addressed to SFI president Pericles Dakay and executive director Elmer Labella, Junjet's Productions stated that it had repeatedly followed up on the matter from 2024 to 2026 but received no formal response from the organizers. The company said it had already complied with all requirements for the 2024 Sinulog-related events and aligned its production work with the festival's theme, “Sinulog: United in Faith and Love.”
“We have continued to reach out, but we have not received any acknowledgment or update from your office,” the letter said.
Junjet's Productions is seeking the release of a remaining balance of P2.074 million, representing unpaid production services rendered during various events under “Sinulog sa Sugbo Philippines 2024 (Still One Cebu Island).” Based on billing documents submitted to the foundation, the total contract amount reached P3.074 million, with P1 million already released as a cash advance, leaving a net payable balance of P2.074 million.
Financial Burden on Operations
The company said the project had already been completed, delivered, and accepted by organizers, but payment has yet to be processed despite repeated follow-ups. “Our production company invested significant time, effort, and resources to meet the requirements, including advancing payments to our staff just to comply with the timeline,” the letter read.
Junjet's Productions described the situation as financially burdensome, adding that the prolonged delay has already affected its operations. Senior production manager Demosthenes Jimenez expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the foundation. On his Facebook page, Jimenez wrote, “Nainitan, nauwanan, nasingtan, nabuntagan, sobra na ang pag-antos namo (We've endured the heat, the rain, the sweat, and sleepless nights — our suffering has become too much).”
He added that the team had endured difficult working conditions during production operations without yet fully receiving compensation for the work completed. The company acknowledged that delays may occur under certain circumstances but argued that a delay spanning nearly two years without clear communication is unreasonable.
Efforts to Resolve
Separate billing documents signed by Pier Atrol Probje, proprietor of Junjet's Productions, requested the immediate processing of payment and offered to provide supporting documents, including invoices and official receipts, if needed. SunStar Cebu tried to reach Labella for comment, but there had been no response from the SFI executive director as of press time.
