Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has initiated a review of the city's financial capacity to determine if early release of 13th month pay and Christmas bonuses for City Hall employees is feasible.
Financial Review Underway
Mayor Archival has directed Acting City Treasurer Emma Villarete to assess the city's financial standing following recent distributions of financial aid to senior citizens and anticipated requests for barangay assistance. The evaluation aims to balance the city's financial obligations while providing appropriate benefits to employees.
"The moment we have available funds, no problem with me," Archival stated, indicating that the city's ability to release early bonuses depends entirely on available resources. He emphasized the need to determine exactly how much the city can currently allocate for employee benefits.
Private Sector Collaboration
Archival's directive follows his earlier appeal to private employers to show compassion toward workers affected by Typhoon Tino by implementing immediate relief measures. He encouraged business owners to provide assistance such as allowing employees to charge their devices at offices, offering small financial aid, or advancing portions of 13th month pay.
"This is not an order, my friends," Archival clarified. "But this is a heartfelt request: that we help each other so no one gets left behind."
Council Support and Corporate Response
Councilor Harold Go, chairman of the City Council's Committee on Business and Urban Planning, had previously called on business establishments to prioritize the release of 13th month pay to help employees recover from the disaster.
Go has coordinated with companies and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure compliance with proper labor standards. His advocacy has already prompted several major business process outsourcing (BPO) firms—including Accenture, Conduent, Synchrony, and Concentrix—to advance 13th month pay distribution and provide additional support such as housing assistance, care packages, and financial aid.
Mayor Archival expressed appreciation for these private sector initiatives and hopes the city government can soon provide similar assistance to its own workforce. "This is a time for compassion and solidarity," he affirmed. "If resources allow, we will do our part for our employees."
