Councilor seeks full disclosure of workers’ info, salary grades

CEBU, Philippines — A Cebu City councilor has filed an ordinance seeking the full disclosure of City Hall employees in all positions, including their corresponding salary grades.

The proposed ordinance, authored by Councilor Kendrick Go, is entitled “An Ordinance Mandating the Disclosure of the Names, Positions, Employment Status, Office Assignments, and Salary Grades of all Cebu City Government Employees, Including Regular, Casual, Co-terminus, and Job Order Personnel, Requiring Employees to Execute a Limited Waiver Under the Data Privacy Act for These Specific Details, Providing for Procedures and Sanctions for Non-Compliance.”

This initiative aims to counter allegations that the City is keeping numerous “ghost employees,” raising concerns on accountability, transparency, and the proper use of public funds.

Go said that transparency in government is essential in maintaining trust and accountability.

He said among the most effective ways to combat the reported ghost employees is through the public disclosure of government workers’ salaries.

“This practice is not just about revealing numbers; it is a cornerstone of good governance, ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly and that government officials and employees are held accountable for their compensation decisions,” the proposed measure said.

Once the proposed ordinance is approved, it will apply to all employees of the Cebu City Government, including regular, casual, co-terminus, and job-order (JO) personnel.

Part of the procedures to be done as per ordinance is for employees to fill out a disclosure form that shall be published quarterly by the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO). Employees will also be required to execute a limited waiver under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173).

Under this form, employees are required to disclose their full name, position title, employment status, and corresponding salary grade.

This information shall be made public on the Cebu City Government’s official website and the Cebu City Public Information Office’s official Facebook page. It will also be posted in three conspicuous places — the HRDO Bulletin Board, ABC Building, and DGS Building.

Failure to submit this information will subject the HRDO and department heads to sanctions outlined in the ordinance, which include a written reprimand for the first offense, a 30-day suspension for the second offense, and administrative liability under Civil Service rules.

For employees who refuse to sign the waiver, the ordinance also prescribes penalties such as non-renewal of contracts for JO employees, withholding of appointment or disciplinary action for casual and co-terminus employees, and disciplinary action for regular employees. JG (CEBU NEWS)