Council debates authorization letters for senior financial aid

CEBU, Philippines — Discussion arose among Cebu City Council members regarding the proposal to allow authorization letters for claiming senior citizen financial assistance on behalf of beneficiaries.

This discussion stemmed from the privilege speech of Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, where some members of the council questioned its legality, saying it goes against the existing ordinance.

In the previous regular session, Alcover stood before the council to deliver a privilege speech concerning the newly implemented scheme for the distribution of financial aid for senior citizens, which will now be done monthly.

Alcover recalled that the distribution is backed by an ordinance that aims to recognize the contribution of the elderly.

He said that, recently, through an executive order, Mayor Nestor Archival mandated that starting October 25, 2025, the distribution shall no longer allow authorization letters, requiring beneficiaries to personally appear and claim their P1,000 aid.

The councilor stressed that some beneficiaries are no longer capable of walking on their own, while others are physically vulnerable and unable to claim the aid themselves.

“It defeats the humanitarian purpose of this ordinance which is to provide them financial assistance in the times of their greatest need,” said Alcover.

Alcover also said that the executive order states the financial aid of beneficiaries who are already bedridden shall be delivered directly to their homes.

However, he added that some beneficiaries no longer live in Cebu City, creating confusion regarding how those relying on representatives to claim their aid would be accommodated.

In line with this, Alcover called on the city mayor to reconsider allowing authorization letters signed by qualified beneficiaries and verified by the Office of the Senior Citizens or their respective barangay officials, especially for those no longer living in Cebu City.

Alcover, however, added that additional requirements may be needed, particularly proof that the beneficiary is incapable of personally claiming the aid.

During the discussion, some councilors raised concerns and questions regarding Alcover’s resolution.

Among them was Councilor Philip Zafra, who explained that Archival may have only anchored his executive order on the existing ordinance, which does not allow authorization letters. He added that this might compel the council to revisit the provisions of the ordinance.

He also asked if there is a provision in the ordinance that allows the use of authorization letters. Alcover, however, answered that the ordinance itself does not allow it.

In this regard, Zafra emphasized that granting authorization without a corresponding provision in the ordinance may backfire on the mayor.

Alcover, however, pointed out that if the city had allowed quarterly distributions despite the ordinance requiring them to be monthly, then the government could likewise consider allowing authorization letters.

“Mangayo ratag consideration kay kung magpaabot pa tag amendment, mangamatay nalang ng mga tiguwang, so nangayo nalang kog konsiderasyon based on compassion,” said Alcover.

Zafra, on the other hand, said that the mayor’s hands are tied by the provisions of the law and that the council could only do its part by expediting the amendment process.

Councilor Sisinio Andales, for his part, agreed with Zafra and manifested his intent to object to Alcover’s resolution, stressing that it was asking the mayor to violate the law itself.

“Because we are protecting public funds, we don’t want to waste money to those people who might pretend that they are beneficiaries,” said Andales.

“I do believe that you are requesting the mayor to violate the law,” he added.

With this, some members also manifested their intent to abstain from voting, prompting the council to call for a recess.

When the session resumed, Alcover amended his resolution and instead urged the Office of the Mayor to find ways to address the problem of bedridden senior citizens, which the council then approved.

Increase in monthly honoraria

Meanwhile, barangay tanods in Cebu City may soon enjoy an increase in their monthly honoraria following the recent approval of Ordinance No. 2786, which grants an additional P1,000 starting January 2026. The measure was filed by Acting Vice Mayor Winston Pepito.

Pepito announced the passage of the measure, which amends Section 4 of City Ordinance No. 2609, institutionalizing uniform financial assistance for barangay-appointed workers.

The ordinance was approved during the most recent Cebu City Council session. Before the amendment, barangay tanods received a P6,000 monthly subsidy.

With this amended ordinance, their monthly financial assistance is raised to P7,000. — /LPM (FREEMAN)