Arce denies living in CCTO office

CEBU, Philippines — Following accusations posted online, Cebu City Traffic Transportation Office (CCTO) chief Raquel Arce clarified that she isn't living in their office at the South Road Properties (SRP), but rather stays there occasionally due to late-night operations.

In a now-deleted post under the Facebook username "Inday Nalda", it was alleged that Arce was living in the office at the SRP. The same post also claimed that Arce was staying in the office with two children employed under Job Order (JO) status at City Hall.

"Kada adlaw mo punch in punch out sa dili pa moeskoyla ug sa dihang gikan eskoyla. Ambot wa ko kabalo ngano na. City scholars guro? Ambot lang kaha karon ha taud taud naman ko wana didto. Basta, panahon pang Rama toa na sya didto," the post read.

In an interview with reporters yesterday, Arce denied these accusations, saying that there were times when her job required her to stay in the office beyond regular working hours.

She said she only stays in her office quarters during major events, such as the Misa de Gallo and the previous Sinulog celebrations, which required her personal attendance.

She also mentioned that they have regular Friday "one-time big-time" operations, which necessitated her presence and therefore compelled her to stay longer in the office.

"Mao na na siya nga higayon nga naa ko sa office," said Arce.

She further clarified that she has permanent residency in Barangay Pardo, where her family also resides, including her children. However, she admitted that her children are both JO employees at City Hall, specifically under the Prevention Restoration Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) and Market divisions.

Arce also stated that both of her children were assigned to graveyard shifts and couldn’t possibly sleep in the CCTO quarters.

"Wala sila ga-stay," she added.

Arce explained that this month, which is packed with preparations for Sinulog 2025, she will be frequently staying at the CCTO office since she will primarily oversee the deployment of traffic personnel, especially for the processions.

According to Arce, "Inday Nalda", whom she identified as Ronald Ravina, was a former employee at CCTO who was terminated following an incident where a certain radio station allegedly pressured them to remove him from office.

This occurred after Inday Nalda made remarks against the station that could be grounds for cyber libel.

She added that Inday Nalda knew she frequented the CCTO office, as during their deployment for Misa de Gallo, he had stayed with them in the office.

"Unya karon mao na iyang statement...kay lagi nganong wa naka dupa," said Arce.

Arce, however, also stated that what was posted was "too personal" and that she would have to consult her lawyer on the matter.

"Pinangga kaayo nako siya, giagak gyud na siya," Arce said, referring to her relationship with Inday Nalda.

With this, Arce hopes to put an end to the accusations, emphasizing that she was only fulfilling her role as a leader, which sometimes required her to be present during operations. (CEBU NEWS)