The Cebu City Council has significantly trimmed the proposed 2026 annual budget from P13.46 billion to P13.3 billion after discovering questionable manpower requests and unclear spending plans from various city offices.
Budget Committee Flags Problematic Requests
According to a report submitted on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Committee on Budget and Finance identified several issues with budget proposals, including suspicious manpower requests, vague job descriptions, and unclear procurement plans from multiple City Hall departments.
The committee reduced the General Fund Proper by P21.83 million from the original P11.466 billion, while Special Accounts were decreased by P17.7 million from the initial P1.999 billion.
Mayor Archival's Fiscal Policy Drives Changes
These adjustments align with Mayor Nestor Archival's fiscal policy direction emphasizing reduced unnecessary expenditures, stricter hiring regulations, and prioritizing essential community services and programs.
During budget hearings, officials noticed that many offices requested numerous job-order workers without specifying their duties, required qualifications, or assignment locations.
The committee recommended that any hiring under Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) must first obtain council approval and be connected to a clear program.
Streamlined Procurement and Security Compliance
The budget panel also mandated that all purchases of computers, ICT systems, vehicles, electric vehicles, and heavy equipment be centralized under the Management Information and Communications Technology Services (MICS) or placed under proper accounts to avoid duplication and audit problems.
Security service procurement received particular scrutiny. The committee required all offices to comply with Republic Act 11917 and obtain PNP-SOSIA licensing, especially those hiring security guards under the Peace and Order Program, the General Services Office, and city markets.
Despite overall reductions, the committee approved funding increases for programs deemed essential. An additional P10 million was allocated for vehicle purchases for the Cebu City Police Office under the All Offices–Office of the Mayor budget.
The Cebu City Wildlife Rescue Facility received an extra P700,000 for animal care, rescue operations, and facility maintenance, while the General Services Office obtained an additional P12.76 million to support logistics, vehicle maintenance, and operational needs across various city departments.
