CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival has said job order (JO) workers seeking unpaid salaries from January to June 2025 will only be compensated if their appointments from the previous administration are validated.
Archival, who took office last July 1, said about 300 individuals have sought payment, but many lack proper documentation.
Archival addressed criticisms regarding the backlog in salary payments for hundreds of JO workers.
In a press interview on Thursday, July 17, Archival said the issue stems from the lack of official appointments covering the period prior to his assumption.
“There are many complaints raised, but the problem is, many of these individuals had no valid appointments,” Archival said.
“Without those, there’s no legal basis to process or release salaries,” he added.
The mayor explained that approximately 300 individuals had approached his office to inquire about their unpaid compensation, claiming to have served during the first half of 2025.
However, he emphasized that only workers with duly signed appointments under the previous administration, either from Mayor Michael Rama or acting mayor Raymond Garcia, are eligible for payment.
“I would like to help, but you don’t have appointments under my term. I can’t sign retroactively for periods when I wasn’t yet mayor. I took office on July 1, so that’s where my responsibility begins,” explained Archival.
He added that JO workers must have a “program of work” detailing their job functions and assignments, which serves as the basis for issuing valid contracts and salaries.
Archival said the salaries of those with approved appointments are already
being processed.
As of now, City Hall has begun settling valid obligations, while there will be no payouts for those lacking documentation, unless appointment papers are confirmed.
“I’m sorry, but I also have to answer for this legally. If there’s no appointment, I cannot approve a salary,” Archival said.
As salary issues continue to stir concern, Archival reiterated his administration’s position: No appointment, no pay.
Meanwhile, on another matter, the mayor welcomed a recent proposal by Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. to build a skatepark for Cebu City’s youth.
“I’m very happy he brought it up,” he said.
“I will be writing him formally to request that he chair a skateboard committee — if we can create one to spearhead the search for a suitable area,” the mayor said.
Archival added that addressing the needs of the city’s youth through structured recreational spaces is part of his broader vision for a safer and more inclusive Cebu. / Dane Riechel Oja, VSU Intern; Ariane Masibay and Charmaine Membreve, HNU Interns