Cebu City Hall Confirms Charter Day Bonus Distribution for Employees
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has officially confirmed that municipal employees will indeed receive a bonus in celebration of the upcoming Charter Day on February 24. However, city officials are currently conducting a thorough review of departmental budgets to determine the precise amount that can be distributed while adhering to strict audit regulations.
Mayor Archival Provides Update on Bonus Preparations
During a statement made on Monday, January 26, 2026, Mayor Archival revealed that the City Government is actively preparing the Charter Day bonus for its workforce. While the final monetary figure remains undetermined, Archival assured employees that they will receive some form of incentive.
"There is no final amount yet, but certainly, employees will receive something," Archival stated confidently. The administration is currently examining the budgets of all 27 city departments to identify available savings that can be allocated toward the bonuses.
Financial Review Process Underway
The city is taking a meticulous approach to fund consolidation, carefully assessing what resources can be responsibly distributed to employees. Mayor Archival explained that the administration is prioritizing financial prudence by evaluating departmental savings before committing to a specific bonus amount.
"We are trying to find what is available. If we have sufficient savings, we will distribute accordingly," he added, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility in the process.
Ensuring Legal Compliance with Audit Requirements
Mayor Archival stressed that the city administration is determined to handle this year's bonus distribution correctly to avoid potential legal complications. This cautious approach comes in response to previous issues flagged by state auditors from the Commission on Audit.
In prior years, similar bonuses—including a notable ₱15,000 incentive distributed in 2023—faced scrutiny from COA auditors due to insufficient documentation and lack of clear evidence regarding employees' specific contributions.
"We want to do this the right way," Archival declared, highlighting the administration's commitment to legal compliance to prevent any future disallowance of the bonuses.
Timeline for Final Bonus Announcement
City officials anticipate having a clearer picture of the bonus amount by next week, following the completion of their departmental consultations and financial assessments. This timeline allows for proper planning while ensuring all audit requirements are met before distribution.
Celebrating Cebu City's Founding Anniversary
Cebu City marks its Charter Day every February 24, commemorating the city's founding in 1937. This special non-working holiday represents an important milestone in the city's history. Beyond the employee bonuses, the city has organized various celebratory activities including:
- Wreath-laying ceremonies at historical sites
- Cultural events showcasing local heritage
- Community gatherings honoring the city's legacy
The combination of employee recognition through bonuses and cultural celebrations creates a comprehensive approach to honoring Cebu City's rich history and dedicated public servants.
