Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has publicly stated that conducting lifestyle checks on public officials is not a current priority for his administration. Instead, he emphasized a focus on concrete governance, accountability, and immediate urban challenges like the city's persistent flooding problem.
Focus on Concrete Governance Over Investigations
Mayor Archival clarified that scrutinizing personal expenses or reviewing the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and other officials is not an urgent concern. He warned that such measures could potentially distract from more serious challenges in city management.
The mayor argued that pushing for lifestyle checks at this time might only create unnecessary conflict without providing real solutions to the city's long-standing problems. His administration's immediate attention is directed towards actionable work and pressing issues affecting Cebu City residents.
Comments Stem from Scrutiny of SK Officials' Thailand Trip
Archival's remarks were prompted by public criticism surrounding a trip to Thailand taken by SK officials from Barangay Labangon. He stressed that discussions on the matter must be based on confirmed information, particularly regarding whether public funds were used.
For the mayor, a trip funded by private money should not be immediately construed as an abuse of government funds. Archival also clarified that he had no prior knowledge of the overseas trip and did not approve or sign any documents related to it. He noted that official travels typically require clearance from his office, but in this instance, he saw and signed nothing.
Administration's Stance on Accountability
While downplaying the immediate need for lifestyle checks, Mayor Archival's statements reinforce a specific approach to accountability. His administration appears to prioritize direct, project-based results and solving tangible crises like flooding over investigative procedures into officials' personal finances. This position sets a clear governance direction for Cebu City, focusing resources on service delivery rather than internal audits, at least for the time being.
