No Charter Day bonuses for Cebu City employees

CEBU, Philippines — It is final: Cebu City government employees will not be receiving Charter Day bonuses this year.

Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed the decision during the city’s 89th Charter Day observance yesterday, citing the absence of savings and previous disallowances by the Commission on Audit (COA).

“Wala lagi ta. Kinahanglan mo makasabot. Last two years gi-deny, pabayron ang tanang empleyado sa ilang nadawat. Karon, wala gyud tay savings,” Archival said, stressing that forcing the release of bonuses without funds would only burden employees later.

“Lisod kayo nga atong pugson para lang gyud ingnon nga nakahatag ta nga naa tay savings bisan wa. What happens? Ang mga taw nga gitagaan, ipabalik man gihapon. Mao nay atong punto,” he said

Archival explained that the city is facing a ?91-million deficit, and the 2026 budget deliberately excluded Charter Day bonus allocations to avoid further audit complications.

According to COA’s 2024 annual audit report, the Charter Day bonuses released in 2023 and 2024—?15,000 and ?25,000 respectively—were flagged as irregular expenditures.

Notices of disallowance were issued, requiring employees to return the amounts.

COA cited the absence of legal basis for the grant, noting that such incentives are not covered by existing compensation laws and guidelines.

Archival said these unresolved audit findings made it irresponsible to pursue another round of bonuses this year.

He emphasized that fiscal integrity must take precedence over tradition, warning that continuing the practice would expose employees to repayment obligations and the city government to further sanctions.

While no monetary rewards were given, recognition was extended through the PRAISE Awards, which honored outstanding departments and long-serving employees.

The ceremony, held at a hotel venue, drew some criticism for alleged lavish spending, with suggestions that it could have been staged at City Hall instead.

The awards, however, underscored the city’s commitment to acknowledging dedication in ways that uphold accountability and sustainability. — (FREEMAN)