AFTER DEATH OF MIDWIFE Probe into working conditions at CHD

The Cebu City Council has called for an investigation into the alleged “excessive working conditions” at the City Health Department following the death of a midwife, whose last login records showed more than 56 working hours in a week.

- Iris Hazel Mascardo

The council has directed the Human Resource Development Office of Cebu City Hall to work with the Cebu City Legal Office and to spearhead the investigation to determine if there were any violations of the Magna Carta law.

It also called upon the Cebu City Health Department to amend its policy to ensure that no employees are “overworked.”

These actions by the council were prompted by the privilege speech of Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos delivered yesterday, March 26, 2025.

In her speech, de los Santos raised concerns about the operations that were allegedly not “employee-friendly.” According to de los Santos, several complaints had been forwarded to her, most of which came from individuals who wishes to remain anonymous.

During her speech, de los Santos also presented several screenshots of grievances from health workers across the city. De los Santos said she is taking it upon herself to air these concerns before the body as a health advocate.

De los Santos reminded the body on a speech she delivered last August 7, 2024, where she raised concerns about a memorandum issued by the Cebu City Health Department, which she quoted as saying, “if a midwife on 24-hour duty does not deliver a baby during her shift, they are not entitled to off-duty time the following day.”