Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has designated City Attorney Briccio Joseph Boholst as acting city administrator, giving him additional responsibility over the city’s administrative operations while he continues serving as the city’s chief lawyer.
The designation took effect on September 18 through a memorandum signed by Archival. The document cited the “exigency of public service” and the mayor’s authority under the Local Government Code as the basis for the appointment.
Boholst is tasked with performing the functions of the Office of the City Administrator under Section 480 of Republic Act 7160. The position is sometimes referred to as the city’s “little mayor” because the administrator oversees administrative operations under the supervision of the mayor.
Under the memorandum, Boholst can sign or approve obligation requests, disbursement vouchers, checks and other financial documents involving amounts of up to ₱5 million. He can also sign employees’ electronic daily time records and carry out other duties assigned by the mayor.
The move, however, does not explicitly say that current City Administrator Albert Tan has been removed, relieved or terminated. The memorandum also does not clarify whether Tan will be given another role within the administration or how long Boholst will remain in the acting position.
Tan was introduced by Archival as city administrator when the mayor presented his executive team in July 2025.
The designation comes after months of public disagreement involving Tan and Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, particularly over delays in the payment of job order and project-based workers.
Osmeña had previously criticized Tan over delayed salaries, including compensation involving an estimated 956 workers. Archival defended Tan and said the city had funds available, attributing the delays to administrative and procedural requirements involving appointments and supporting documents.
The dispute has become one of several areas where Archival and Osmeña have publicly differed since taking office in 2025.
For now, Boholst will perform the city administrator’s functions alongside his responsibilities as city attorney. His designation will remain effective unless Archival revokes, amends or supersedes the order.
The arrangement raises fresh questions about the future of City Hall’s administrative leadership, particularly whether the temporary designation will remain a short-term measure or lead to a broader change in how Cebu City’s executive operations are managed.
