Cebu City Job Order Workers Face Payroll Delays Due to Incomplete Requirements
Incomplete documentary requirements and processing bottlenecks have caused significant delays in the salaries of at least 956 job order (JO) workers in Cebu City, according to the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO). HRDO head Henry Tomalabcad explained that payroll processing delays often occur when applicants fail to submit essential documents, including Philippine Statistics Authority-issued birth certificates, National Bureau of Investigation clearances, health certificates, and drug test results.
Departmental Responsibilities and Processing Workflows
Tomalabcad emphasized that the HRDO only prints the payrolls and does not cause the delays. He clarified that administrative officers or payroll makers within each department are responsible for preparing and completing salary documents. "These personnel handle the computation of salaries, encode them into the centralized payroll system, and ensure that all requirements are complete before the documents are routed," he said.
The payroll documents then undergo processing by multiple offices, including the City Budget Office, City Accountant’s Office, Office of the City Administrator, and the City Treasurer’s Office, before salaries are released. Tomalabcad noted that the concerned departments manage the hiring and documentation of JO workers and can provide updates on the salary processing status.
Impact on Workers and Financial Hardship
The issue has prompted City Councilor Harold Kendrick Go to file a proposed resolution urging the immediate release of salaries, highlighting that the delay has affected hundreds of families. "956 ka pamilya ang apektado. Dili ni angay madugay bisan sa gobyerno," Go stated, translating to "956 families are affected. This should not be prolonged, even in government."
The proposed measure reveals that some unpaid salaries date back to October to December 2025 and January to February 2026, indicating a prolonged compensation backlog. The total unpaid amount has reached an estimated P84 million, causing financial hardship for workers who rely on their honoraria to support their families.
City Council Response and Deadlines
The resolution calls on Mayor Nestor Archival to direct concerned offices to expedite the release of payments, setting a March 27 deadline to complete pending disbursements. The City Council emphasized that JO and barangay workers deliver frontline services, and compensation delays undermine their financial stability.
Additionally, the City Council stressed that the Cebu City Government must release the salaries before Holy Week, as Filipino families need funds for religious observances and household expenses during this time. To address the delays, the City Council has scheduled an executive session on April 7 to investigate the issue and determine accountability among the concerned offices.
Verification and Budgetary Processes
Tomalabcad mentioned that the HRDO has yet to verify the source of the reported 956 affected workers, noting that the figure came from documents various departments submitted to the City Council regarding their proposed hiring of JO personnel. The City Council reviews and approves these proposals under the 2026 Budget Ordinance, a process that also contributes to the delays.
He added that some JO workers have already received their salaries for January to March, while others will receive their pay once they complete all requirements and processes. This situation underscores the need for improved coordination and efficiency in payroll management to prevent future disruptions.
