Cebu Councilor Blasts P12.5 Million Office Lease as Misuse of Public Funds
Cebu City Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr. has launched a scathing critique against the P12.5 million office lease for the "Mayor of the Night" program, labeling it a wasteful expenditure of taxpayer money. He contends that these millions should have been redirected to pressing community needs, such as hospital supplies and critical road repairs.
Rushed Approval During Councilor's Absence
Alcover was on sick leave, recovering from prostate cancer surgery, when the City Council approved the resolution on February 10, 2026. He suspects the measure was fast-tracked in his absence because fellow councilors anticipated his opposition. "They know that I am the number one opponent of this because it is just a waste of money. That is probably why they hurried to include it in the agenda," Alcover stated in Cebuano.
Prioritizing Basic Needs Over New Offices
The councilor highlighted severe shortages at the Cebu City Medical Center, where even basic items like alcohol are lacking. Additionally, many roads and bridges in upland areas remain incomplete. Alcover proposed that if 24-hour services are necessary, the existing City Hall building could simply extend its operating hours instead of incurring costly new rental expenses.
Contradiction in Financial Planning
Alcover also raised concerns over Mayor Nestor Archival's claim that the City lacks funds for the annual Charter Day Bonus, yet can afford the hefty office lease. "Since I became a councilor, I don’t remember a year when there was no charter bonus... it’s only now under NDA (Nestor D. Archival). I don't know why they keep giving the reason that there is no money, yet they can afford to rent a ‘Mayor of the Night’ office for P12.5M," he said, criticizing this as poor financial management.
Defense of the 24/7 Service Hub
On the opposing side, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña defended the program as a vital support for night shift workers, particularly in the business process outsourcing industry. The office at Cebu Exchange Tower aims to be a "one-stop shop" providing access to government services at any hour. It plans to host national agencies like the Social Security System, Philhealth, and the Land Transportation Office to alleviate daytime congestion.
Osmeña explained that funding comes from savings within the Vice Mayor’s Office and the City Council, not from other departmental budgets. The lease is scheduled to run until June 2028, with supporters viewing it as a bold initiative that could position Cebu City as a model for modern governance. However, critics like Alcover remain steadfast, emphasizing the urgent need to address the city's healthcare and infrastructure deficits first.
