City Hall employees reported for non-work activities during office hours face probe

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government is investigating reports of employees engaging in non work activities during office hours, according to Mayor Nestor Archival’s chief of staff and spokesperson Kenneth Siasar.

In yesterday’s press briefing, Siasar said the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) has begun probing complaints raised on social media, including videos of personnel allegedly smoking inside a government issued vehicle and others filming TikTok content during working hours.

Siasar appealed to the uploader of the vehicle video to provide clearer identification, such as a plate number, to determine whether the unit belongs to City Hall or was assigned to a barangay.

He stressed that employees are prohibited from engaging in personal activities unrelated to their official functions during office hours.

“If it’s not allowed for an ordinary jeepney, much more with a government vehicle,” Siasar said.

He added that HRDO and the City Security Unit conduct random checks to enforce discipline, uniform use, and the wearing of IDs in line with Civil Service Commission (CSC) guidelines.

Casual and coterminous employees found guilty of serious violations may face non renewal of contracts.

“If the investigation finds severe breaches of policy, that can be one basis for non renewal,” Siasar noted.

Meanwhile, City Hall employees and their families gathered at Plaza Sugbo on Saturday for the Cebu City Government Employees’ Family Day, themed “Pamilyang Nagkahiusa ug Disiplinado, Kinaiyahan Protektado.”

The celebration was led by Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, joined by city councilors, employees, and their families.

In his message, Archival expressed joy over the gathering, saying Family Day is a time for employees and their families to bond beyond the workplace.

“Nalipay kaayo ko at this time mao ang Family Day. Mao kaning time nga magkakita ta kada usa and I hope nga ang atong isig kapamilya makaistorya sa uban sad,” he said.

Archival also urged families to help keep Cebu clean and protect the environment, highlighting the “Basura Namo, Kaugmaon Nato” campaign. As part of the activity, the first 250 employees who brought at least one liter of recyclable materials received prizes.

The event featured children’s activities, food and game booths, fun contests, and an open stage where employees and their families showcased talents in song and dance.

The Family Day celebration preceded the Palace declared half day “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” observance yesterday, part of the 31st National Family Week.

Archival’s office directed employees to work only until 1:00 p.m., though departments such as the Cebu City Public Library and city hospitals sought exemptions to maintain 24 hour services.

Siasar reminded all employees—regular, casual, coterminous, or job order—to adhere to directives and national civil service policies.

 “During the time we are working, our functions must be within the ambit of the law,” he said.

The CSC enforces strict rules on employee conduct under Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Government workers are barred from gambling, smoking in restricted areas, or misusing government property during office hours.

Violations may result in sanctions ranging from reprimand to dismissal. — (FREEMAN)