Contract renewal of CH personnel: Rama sorry ahead of cut

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has apologized in advance to City Hall employees whose contracts of service may not be renewed.

On October 3, 2022, the day Rama delivered his performance report for his first 100 days as new mayor, he asked for the list of employees who may be affected by the movement.

He said he will review the list.

“To those who felt slighted - patience, perseverance, prayers. There will always be what we call the next step to be done. I do not have to tell you now. Your department heads are very much aware,” Rama said.

“To the people, including relatives who felt slighted of what has been going on, always remember... I never have any malice on things that had happened. No malice at all. And I'm not looking for a BOPK, KUSUG, Panaghiusa, the Labella group, the Team Rama group… none. I have my marching order. We have a mission and the mission, Singapore-like Cebu City,” he said.

Some job order workers who may be affected work for his relatives.

“No political colors. No running after… only with a process. But at this point in time, please, those who may be affected, not the end of the day. Not the end. But if you are deserving not to be back, you deserve it,” he added.

Rama said he has discussed the matter initially with Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia and Councilor Donaldo Hontiveros but the final decision will come from him.

“Nobody to be blamed and if there is, blame me. Blame your mayor. Blame your mayor, and I am apologizing. I apologize for your having made a conclusion that it is not yet a conclusion,” Rama said.

“Kanang mag-una-una ka, wala pa gani mahuman, unsay pasabot ana? You are revealing your character. You are revealing your color. You are revealing that you have anger. And please, remove that anger. God will take care of that,” he said.

In Defense

Rama also assured department heads that he will defend them for their judgment following accusations they have not evaluated employees properly.

“Department heads, please all stand… ayaw mo’g kahadlok, I will defend you… do not worry, no one will be in trouble… it will be me who will face… I guarantee,” Rama said.

Rama also defended City Administrator Suzanne Ardosa and vouched openly for her competency and integrity. Ardosa has been accused of being behind the alleged massive hauling of employees at City Hall.

Ardosa, for her part, refused to comment further on the issue.

“I need not say anything anymore… the mayor already announced it… the department heads already know what to do with it,”Ardosa said.

Rama urged city employees not to make conclusions this early.

“For all the employees of City Hall, pasabot naa pay ma-reconsider, naa say dili ma-reconsider... Please, ayaw mo’g diretso dayon og Facebook. Ayaw. Ako man gani gibadlong akong igsuon. Ayaw, ayaw, ayaw... Because I mean no malice, at all. I don't want to hurt anyone. Not my cup of tea. But I am your mayor, I have to do what is right, and we must start right... If not, we will all go wrong and there is no Singapore-like Cebu City… it will only end up a pigment of my own imagination,” Rama said.

Rama also told reporters later that being a human resource manager himself, he will see to it that those that will not be renewed can still have other jobs outside of the city government.

Free livelihood training is also being offered for those that may be affected.

 Meanwhile, Cebu City’s traffic czar, Rico Rey Francis “Koko” Holganza said, he is going to appeal to the mayor to consider well-performing personnel of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).

This after 239 of the 500 personnel of CCTO were recommended for renewal of contract.

Holganza said it will affect operations greatly, especially in the implementation of the newly launched “Oplan Disiplina” if more than half of the office’s manpower will be taken out.

“I personally know of some personnel who are really working hard and doing their jobs well… so ako ni sila i-appeal nga mabalik,” he said. – Mary Ruth R. Malinao, JMO (FREEMAN)