Accelerated implementation of streamlined payroll system in progress
Mandaue City Hall has taken a significant step towards modernizing its internal controls by introducing a biometric registration system and an ATM-based payroll system, effective from July 2025. This initiative, aimed at enhancing attendance monitoring and streamlining salary disbursement, covers all employees, including Job Order (JO) workers and contractuals.
Timeline of Events
The reforms were set in motion with a memorandum issued by Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano on July 1, 2025. This mandate enforced strict adherence to official working hours, daily submission of attendance records, and biometric registration for all city employees. Biometric registration commenced on July 31, 2025, starting with employees from the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council).
The ATM-based payroll system, in partnership with Land Bank, is scheduled to be rolled out after biometric registration and bank account setups are completed, particularly for new hires and JO workers.
Benefits of the Reforms
The biometric system has been designed to tighten attendance monitoring by replacing manual Daily Time Records (DTR) with a biometric system that ensures punctuality and presence during official working hours. This system also enforces the wearing of official ID cards during duty hours for proper identification and accountability in public transactions.
The ATM-based payroll system is expected to speed up and streamline the salary disbursement process, reducing delays linked to manual or cash payments. This reform is also expected to improve service delivery as personnel must be present in their offices during working hours to respond effectively to constituents.
Impact on Attendance Monitoring and Salary Disbursement
The biometric system will enable accurate and tamper-proof recording of employee attendance, facilitating better enforcement of punctuality policies and reducing absenteeism or unauthorized absences. The ATM-based payroll system will provide a secure, efficient, and transparent mechanism for salary payment, minimizing human error and potential misuse.
City Administrator Sally Malig-on expressed hope that the improved pace in processing payrolls would continue. The reforms are expected to promote accountability, operational efficiency, and responsiveness in city government functions.
Background
The reforms are grounded in Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees). The payrolls for the period of June 15 to 30 have already been signed, indicating progress in the processing of payrolls. Some personnel were reportedly authorized to collect salaries on behalf of their colleagues, a practice the city wants to discourage to promote transparency.
As of Thursday, July 31, City Hall workers started lining up for biometric registration. The biometric registration system for City Hall employees will be rolled out for new hires and existing job order workers as soon as they complete their onboarding and bank account setup.
The city is making progress in transitioning to the ATM-based payroll system, with Land Bank as its partner, to eliminate the practice of only two people collecting payroll for their colleagues and to provide a more secure, efficient, and transparent mechanism for salary payment.
[1] Mandaue City Information Office. (2025). Mandaue City Hall Introduces Biometric Registration and ATM-Based Payroll System. Retrieved from https://mandauecity.gov.ph/news/mandaue-city-hall-introduces-biometric-registration-and-atm-based-payroll-system/
[2] Ouano, T. J. (2025). Mayor Ouano Mandates Biometric Registration and ATM-Based Payroll System for City Employees. Retrieved from https://ouano.mandauecity.gov.ph/2025/07/01/mayor-ouano-mandates-biometric-registration-and-atm-based-payroll-system-for-city-employees/
The government of Mandaue City, in partnership with Land Bank, is implementing a biometric registration system and an ATM-based payroll system to modernize internal controls and enhance attendance monitoring as well as streamline salary disbursement for all employees, including contractuals and Job Order workers. (Follows Timeline of Events)
The introduction of these technological advancements, such as the biometric system designed for tighter attendance monitoring and the ATM-based payroll system aimed at faster and more efficient salary disbursement, is part of the city's ongoing effort to increase accountability and operational efficiency in government finance and business operations. (Follows Impact on Attendance Monitoring and Salary Disbursement)
