City Hall staff in Mandaue faces layoff with potential loss of 11,000 jobs
Outgoing Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede has expressed concern over the employment status of 11,000 city personnel as the city hall transition prepares for Mayor-elect Jonkie Ouano's administration.
In an interview on May 28, 2025, Bercede revealed that the city's personnel services budget is capped at 45% of the Local Government Code of 1991, which may affect the city employees' salaries. Despite the budget constraint, Bercede maintains that no city employee was laid off.
The city's 2025 budget was set at P938.96 million, with around 20.87% - or P4.5 billion - earmarked for personnel expenses. Bercede suggested that a potential cooperation between the two administrations could ensure continued service for the employees.
New Mayor-elect Ouano's transition team, led by incoming City Administrator Atty. Sally Malig-on, has stated that their review of city employees will be completed by June 30. Preliminary data shows that Mandaue employs approximately 11,000 workers, with around 1,000 holding permanent positions. Malig-on emphasized the need to increase the city's income and use the savings on wages and benefits for healthcare services, medicines, and hospital infrastructure.
The Planning and Development Office (PDO), responsible for serving 5,000 residents,has been identified as one of the transition team's priorities. Initial evaluations revealed that 639 PDO officials receive P4,500 per month, while 4,500 other members earn P1,000 per month.
Malig-on raised questions about the necessity and potential political motivations behind some employment contracts. Bercede defended the PDO, stating its significance in community development and its role since the administration of former Mayor Jonas Cortes. According to Bercede, the PDO plays an essential role not just in Mandaue but also in many cities and municipalities across the country.
More detailed policy plans and financial measures from the new Mandaue City administration concerning healthcare funding and infrastructure development have yet to be announced.
The outgoing Mandaue City Mayor, Glenn Bercede, has voiced concerns about the potential impact of the government's budget policies on the employment status of city personnel, given that the personnel services budget is capped at 45% of the Local Government Code of 1991. Furthermore, the new Mayor-elect, Jonkie Ouano, and his transition team are currently reviewing city employees, with a focus on reducing wages and benefits to allocate funds for healthcare services, medicines, and hospital infrastructure.
