Pending review of unexpected waste abnormalities
The Cebu City Government is yet to enforce the official dismissal of eight city officials involved in a P239.7 million garbage disposal fee payment anomaly, due to a procedural delay in receiving the formal dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman [2].
According to the Cebu City Human Resource and Development Office (HRDO), they have not yet received the official dismissal order, which is a prerequisite for the City to formally enforce the dismissals and appoint new officials [2]. This technicality, as explained by HRDO head Henry Tomalabcab, is holding back the City from enforcing the dismissals and filling the vacant positions [2].
Under the Local Government Code, if there is no interim official appointed by the local chief executive, the assistant department head is permitted to assume the position temporarily [2].
The City Government's financial department, the City Treasurer's Office, has been at the centre of the controversy. City Accountant Jerome Ornopia, City Treasurer Mare Vae "Ivy" Reyes, and Department of Public Services (DPS) head Atty. John Jigo Dacua are among the officials found administratively liable for gross neglect of duty and other misconduct in connection with the garbage anomaly [1]. The City Treasurer's Office handles the financial aspect of all City Hall's operations, including the release of funds for all transactions and salaries.
The contractor, Docast/JJ&J, allegedly overbilled the City by falsifying records and charging for deliveries made by city-owned trucks. The contractor billed the City P1,800 per ton, while ARN, the dumpsite operator, charged P600 per ton even to barangay and city-owned trucks [3].
The Ombudsman's decision, dated March 14, 2025, was made public on July 25 [1]. The Ombudsman's order includes accessory penalties, including perpetual disqualification from holding public office [1].
In response, Mayor Nestor Archival has prepared interim officials to fill the vacant positions, with Emma Villarete being appointed as officer-in-charge for the City Treasurer's Office [1]. The Office of the Mayor has also instructed a legal representative to formally query the Ombudsman Visayas to resolve the issue and enable enforcement [2].
The delay in the enforcement of the dismissals has caused a stir in Cebu City, with citizens calling for swift action to address the corruption allegations and ensure transparency in public office. The City Government, however, is working diligently to resolve the administrative and procedural issues to enforce the dismissals as mandated by the Ombudsman's ruling.
References: [1] SunStar Cebu. (2025, July 25). Ombudsman finds 11 Cebu City officials administratively liable for garbage anomaly. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1935553 [2] GMA News Online. (2025, July 26). Cebu City yet to enforce dismissal of officials in garbage anomaly case. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/regions/visayas/cebu/784208/cebu-city-yet-to-enforce-dismissal-of-officials-in-garbage-anomaly-case/story/ [3] Philstar Global. (2025, July 26). Cebu City officials face dismissal over overpriced garbage collection. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/07/26/2154308/cebu-city-officials-face-dismissal-over-overpriced-garbage-collection [4] Manila Bulletin. (2025, July 26). Cebu City officials face dismissal over P239-M garbage anomaly. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2025/07/26/cebu-city-officials-face-dismissal-over-p239-m-garbage-anomaly/ [5] Rappler. (2025, July 26). Cebu City officials face dismissal over P239-M garbage anomaly. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/cebu-city-officials-face-dismissal-over-p239-m-garbage-anomaly
- The ongoing controversy surrounding the Cebu City's garbage disposal fee payment anomaly has spilled over into the realm of politics, causing public concern and calls for swift action against the involved city officials.
- Despite the Ombudsman's decision to dismiss eight city officials, the Cebu City Government has yet to enforce the dismissals, as they wait for the formal dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman.
- In the meantime, the City Government is grappling with environmental concerns, as the delay in enforcing the dismissals and appointing new officials may affect policy-and-legislation related to waste management and the environment.
