Who is Ryan Archival Villaflores? Cebu City Council wants to know

Local

THE Cebu City Council has formally sought clarification from the executive branch over the employment status and authority of an individual accused of berating members of the media during the 2026 Sinulog Grand Parade.

In a resolution adopted during its regular session on Jan. 27, 2026, the Sangguniang Panlungsod requested the Office of the Mayor and the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) to disclose the employment details of Ryan Archival Villaflores, who was allegedly involved in an incident at the media lounge of the Cebu City Sports Center during the Jan. 18 parade.

The resolution was moved by Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. and seconded by Councilor Harry Eran, and was carried unanimously.

According to the resolution, reports reached the City Council that Villaflores “allegedly scolded or spoke harshly to accredited media personalities” assigned to cover the Sinulog Grand Parade 2026.

The media practitioners involved had reportedly aired concerns about the condition of the media lounge, including the absence of internet connection, unclean surroundings, and what the resolution 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 described in the resolution as a major cultural, religious, and tourism event that draws national and international coverage and requires professionalism and coordination among all stakeholders, including the press.

“The press serves as a vital partner of the 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 Cebu City Government.

The body asked the Mayor’s Office and HRDO to clarify whether he is a job order worker, casual employee, or holds any other form of appointment or engagement.

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

The council further requested disclosure of the compensation or salary he receives from the city government, the source of funds, and the period of his engagement.

Lawmakers also asked the executive branch to define the scope of his duties, responsibilities, and authority, particularly in relation to official city-sponsored events such as Sinulog.

The resolution directs the concerned offices to submit a report to the City Council within 15 days from receipt of the measure “for proper information, guidance, and possible legislative intervention.”

The council also took note of 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 resolution stated that this information requires verification to determine whether it involves the same individual now associated with the Cebu City Government.

It further cited negative feedback and complaints circulating online, including allegations of anti-poor treatment. The council noted that such reports, whether accurate or not, could adversely affect public trust and the image of the city government if left unaddressed.

The City Council said it has the authority and responsibility to seek clarification, ensure transparency, and protect the integrity of public service.(TGP)