THE Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) and the Cebu City Medical Center-College of Nursing (CCMC-CN) backed a proposed ordinance that aims to curb usurious lending and check discounting among City Hall employees, joining 19 other departments and offices that earlier submitted position papers.
The ordinance, authored by outgoing Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, amends parts of City Ordinance 2142, or the Code of Ethics of Cebu City Employees. It targets government workers allegedly lending money at exorbitant interest rates.
During the City Council’s session on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, CAD head Arlie Gesta and CCMC-CN dean Dr. Audrey Garganera expressed support.
Gesta called the practice “predatory” and warned it fosters exploitation and undermines workplace integrity.
He urged an education program for employees and asked for a clear definition of “usurious interest,” protective reporting mechanisms and rules covering coworker loans.
Garganera also called for clearer definitions and suggested setting percentage thresholds to avoid vague enforcement.
Other offices earlier expressed support. The Barangay Affairs Office, City Assessor’s Office, City Health Department and others saw the proposed amendment ordinance as a safeguard for integrity and financial protection.
A suggestion to include job order workers was raised, but Pesquera said the ordinance applies only to regular and casual employees.
She recommended a separate measure for non-plantilla personnel.
Pesquera explained that a complaint must be filed and only those found guilty of charging high interest will be penalized.
The ordinance imposes escalating penalties: a 10-day suspension for a first offense, 15 days for the second and dismissal for the third. / JPS