Inquiry on controversial Cebu City Hall worker hits snag

Local

AN INQUIRY into the employment status of Ryan Archival Villaflores, a Cebu City employee accused of berating journalists during Sinulog 2026, has hit a procedural pause.

Due to what he described as “voluminous workload”, Henry Tomalabcad, the head of Cebu City Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) requested more time to comply with the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod resolution that seeks to clarify the employment status of Villflores.

The coucil specifically wanted to know whether Villaflores is a job order worker, casual employee, or holds any other form of appointment with the Cebu City Government.

“This has reference to the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 17-2261-2026 requiring the undersigned to clarify the employment status of Mr. Ryan Archival Villaflores,” Tomalabcad wrote.

He said the office is seeking additional time “due to voluminous workloads and recently concluded awarding of Cebu City Government’s Outstanding Employees on Monday, March 2, 2026.”

“I believe that an extension would allow me to complete the work with the quality and thoroughness it deserves,” he added.

The clarification stems from a resolution adopted by the City Council during its regular session on January 27, 2026, following reports that Villaflores allegedly berated accredited members of the media at the media lounge of the Cebu City Sports Center during the January 18 Sinulog Grand Parade.

The measure was moved by Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover and seconded by Councilor Harry Eran, and was approved unanimously.

According to the resolution, media practitioners assigned to cover the parade raised concerns about the condition of the media lounge, including the absence of internet connection, unclean surroundings, and what lawmakers described as an “unpresentable working area.”

The council noted that these conditions directly affected journalists’ ability to perform their duties.

The Sinulog Grand Parade is considered a major cultural, religious, and tourism event that draws national and international coverage, requiring coordination and professionalism among stakeholders, including the press.

“The press serves as a vital partner of government in ensuring transparency, information dissemination, and public accountability, and should be treated with respect and professionalism at all times,” the resolution stated.

Central to the council’s action is the lack of clarity regarding Villaflores’ official status within the city government.

Lawmakers asked the Office of the Mayor and HRDO to disclose whether he is a job order worker, casual employee, or holds any other form of appointment.

They also sought copies of his appointment papers, contract, or authority, including the office or official to whom he is directly assigned.

The council further requested disclosure of his compensation or salary, the source of funds, and the period of engagement, as well as a definition of his duties, responsibilities, and authority, particularly in relation to city-sponsored events such as Sinulog.

It also noted reports that a person bearing the same name had previously been declared persona non grata by the Local Government Unit of Liloan over alleged misbehavior on social media.

The council said this information requires verification to determine whether it involves the same individual now associated with the Cebu City Government.

Lawmakers likewise cited negative feedback and complaints circulating online, including allegations of anti-poor treatment, warning that such reports—whether accurate or not—could erode public trust and affect the city government’s image if left unaddressed.(TGP)