Cebu City Council demands explanation –

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. has called out the local government for the non-release of uniforms for City Hall employees, despite automatic salary deductions that were made earlier this year.

In line with this, the council approved a move that requires the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) to submit a formal written explanation detailing the reasons for the delay, the procurement status, the timeline for release, and measures to address employees who paid for uniforms but are no longer in service.

This measure was approved after Alcover stood before the council to highlight an issue that, to him, goes beyond logistics and touches on employee welfare, financial fairness, and government transparency.

“How can we demand professionalism, discipline, and uniform compliance when the uniforms themselves have not been provided?” he asked, noting that a ?4,000 sum was deducted from each qualified employee’s clothing allowance in the first quarter of 2025, supposedly as pre-payment for the uniforms.

According to Alcover, the HRDO, headed by Henry Tomalabcad, had earlier assured employees that the uniforms would be ready by May of this year.

However, Alcover pointed out that May has long passed without any distribution, and no sufficient explanation was provided.

He further stressed that some employees whose contracts were not renewed after July 1 had already paid for uniforms they will no longer be able to receive.

“That is unacceptable,” he said.

Alcover based his privilege speech on existing civil service and budgetary rules, citing Civil Service Memorandum Circular No. 16, s. 2024, which prescribes government dress codes, and CSC Memorandum Circular No. 19, s. 2000, which mandates that agencies provide authorized uniforms.

He also reminded the council that the Department of Budget and Management allows up to ?7,000 annually for clothing allowances, precisely to support compliance with uniform requirements.

He also sought assurances that similar lapses would not recur.

Copies of the resolution are to be furnished to the Office of the Mayor, the City Administrator, and the HRDO for guidance and appropriate action.

As of press time, Mayor Nestor Archival has yet to issue a statement regarding the matter.

Alcover, however, clarified that the intent was not to embarrass any office but to uphold fairness and accountability.

“Our employees deserve clarity, and this council deserves an honest accounting of what transpired,” he said. (CEBU NEWS)