CEBU, Philippines — In order to support the promised increase for the Charter Day bonus for Cebu City Hall employees, the proposed budget allocations for livelihood programs and asphalting have been trimmed as the Supplemental Budget (SB) 1 undergoes another round of the legislative process.
Despite reaching the first reading at the legislative table, the proposed P635 million SB 1 is back to square one, requiring another round of budget hearings.
This comes after the Cebu City Council decided to return the proposal to the executive department to incorporate recommendations discussed during the initial budget hearing.
However, in a press conference yesterday, March 10, 2025, Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia told reporters that the revised SB 1 had already been returned to the council, this time with trimmed items.
“I am very thankful that they were able to act on SB 1 nga ilang gi-uli,” said Garcia.
Garcia disclosed that he was informed that Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, who assumed the role of acting mayor last week while Garcia was out of town, had signed the revision.
Budget adjustments
The mayor confirmed that the changes in SB 1 primarily address the additional P52 million needed to fund the Charter Day bonuses, which was increased from P25,000 to P35,000 per employee.
To make up for the shortfall, the proposed P140 million budget for asphalting was reduced to P100 million, while the allocation for livelihood programs was trimmed from P100 million to P80 million.
“So I was made aware of this, and then sila ra say mu tackle ani balik. Ako, inig approve ani nila, igo ra na maabot sa akong opisina, and I will just sign this,” said Garcia.
Asked for his reaction to the revisions, Garcia admitted feeling relieved that the adjustments were made quickly and that the budget was returned immediately to the council. He emphasized that his priority is to fast-track its approval to prevent delays in public service.
Garcia reiterated that he had already set an ultimatum for the SB 1 to be approved within the month to ensure the immediate release of bonuses for employees.
He also expressed hope that the trimmed amounts, particularly for livelihood programs, would be the final figures approved by the council.
Regarding the reduction in the asphalting budget, Garcia said it would not significantly affect the city’s road repair projects.
“But we will be needing it (additional funding) once mahurot tanang aspalto,” he added.
Despite the adjustments, Garcia said he is satisfied with how the deliberation has turned out.
“And hopefully, you know, nga dili na kaayo taas og istorya ana pag abot sa council kay sila ra may nag-suggest ana in the first place, and hopefully pag abot ana didto smooth sailing nalang and ma-approve na nila ang Supplemental Budget 1,” he said.
With these developments, Garcia remains confident that SB 1 will be approved within the month, especially since the budget adjustments were based on advice from other council members, including those outside his political party.
In a separate interview, Councilor Noel Wenceslao, chairman of the Committee on Budget and Finance, confirmed to The Freeman that the revised SB 1 has already been resubmitted to the council.
However, Wenceslao admitted that he has yet to review the proposal again, adding that the council will formally refer it to his committee during its regular session this Wednesday.
“Then mubalik gyud ta og budget hearing, kay nausab man,” said Wenceslao.
Apart from the Charter Day bonuses, livelihood programs, and asphalting works, the original P635 million proposal under SB 1 includes the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) construction with P210 million allocated to complete the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors, initially intended to be funded by a Cebu Medical Society (CMS) donation drive.
With the revised SB 1 now back on the council’s table, deliberations will continue as the city government pushes for its approval before the month ends. — (FREEMAN)