CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama reminded City Hall employees yesterday that those who do not abide by the city's development framework have no place in the city government.
A source who requested anonymity told The Freeman that the mayor made those who attended yesterday's flag raising ceremony recite the framework: "Tul-iron ang hiwi, wagtangon ang baho, limpyohon ang hugaw, nindoton ang bati."
The source said this happened after the mayor got "very angry" when he saw City Hall employees texting, chatting and roaming around the Plaza Sugbo during the flag ceremony.
When the ceremony was over, Rama called the employees to gather and gave them a dressing down for about 30 minutes for their disrespectful behavior. The mayor reportedly told the employees that should they exhibit the same behavior at work, they will run the risk of being dismissed from service.
Ironically, when they were made to gather, some employees reportedly expected that Rama would announce finally that they would receive their anniversary bonus. As it turned out, the reason was not even close.
After the reprimand, Rama reportedly tasked lawyer Dominic Diño, head of the Human Resource and Development Office (HRDO), to record in film every flag ceremony starting on Monday.
Rama's Executive Assistant, lawyer Joey Daluz, said the mayor only reminded his employees of their duties and responsibilities, one of which is paying respect to the country by attending the flag ceremony.
"The mayor has the prerogative to call the attention of his employees to remind them on their duties and responsibilities," Daluz said.
In a separate development, the City Council's committee on laws has requested HRDO to look into the status of the city's job order employees to determine which ones have worked for the city for at least six months.
Andales said earlier that under the law, employees working above six months should already be promoted to casual status.
The council's Majority Floor Leader, Margarita Osmeña, said she has raised the concern to the HRDO chief, but Diño reportedly informed her that the city cannot appoint or hire additional casual employees because doing so would exceed the limit under the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses.
Rama himself reportedly disagreed with the idea of hiring more casual employees because he is planning to have "zero" JOs in 2015. (FREEMAN)