As the Holy Week season approaches, nearly 1,000 Cebu City Hall employees are facing financial hardship due to months of unpaid wages. Councilor Harold Kendrick Go is now demanding the City expedite the release of P84 million in back pay before the critical deadline of March 27, 2026.
Widespread Impact on Frontline Workers
The payment delay affects 956 job order (JO) workers, with some not receiving compensation for work performed as far back as October 2025. For many of these individuals, these salaries represent their sole source of income, creating significant strain on their families during what should be a reflective holiday period.
"956 families are affected. This should not be delayed, even by the government," Councilor Go emphasized in a social media statement. He highlighted that these employees deliver essential frontline services and deserve fair treatment with timely payment.
Urgent Resolution Filed
On Tuesday, March 24, the City Council took action by filing a resolution that urges multiple departments—including the Budget, Accounting, and Treasurer's offices—to process the payments without further delay. The objective is to ensure workers receive their funds by Friday, March 27, enabling them to observe Holy Week with dignity and peace of mind alongside their families.
Administrative Hurdles Identified
Despite reports confirming the availability of funds, the holdup appears to stem from bureaucratic paperwork and fragmented records. Affected departments include:
- Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS)
- Probe Team (Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement)
- Various other city offices that have yet to be fully identified
City Treasurer Emma Villarete clarified that her office is prepared to disburse payments once approved payrolls are received. "As for funds, we already certified their availability," she stated, noting that the money was allocated when the hiring was initially approved.
Investigation and Accountability
The City Council has scheduled a special meeting to investigate the root causes of the disorganized records and the reasons behind the prolonged delay. Councilor Go reminded city officials that the well-being of the municipal workforce must remain a top priority.
Currently, 956 workers are anxiously monitoring the calendar, hoping their hard-earned salaries arrive before the Holy Week commences. The situation underscores broader challenges in municipal payroll management and the human impact of administrative inefficiencies.
