Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has clarified that the decision to review the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) for the redevelopment of the Carbon Public Market now rests with the City Council. This announcement comes amidst ongoing protests from vendors who are deeply concerned about potential rent increases and the possibility of being displaced from their stalls.
Mayor's Statement Amid Vendor Rallies
Archival made this declaration on Friday, February 6, following a rally organized by vendor groups against the Megawide-led project. While expressing understanding for the vendors' anxieties, the mayor emphasized his obligation to adhere to legal protocols and the agreement previously approved by the Council.
"I have no objection to their perspective. It is their right," Archival remarked regarding the vendors' criticisms. However, he countered claims that the city has failed to protect the vendors, asserting that such accusations are unfounded.
Legal Process and Historical Context
The mayor reminded all parties that the JVA underwent a proper legal process. During the contract's deliberation phase, Archival, who served as minority leader at the time, raised questions about specific provisions, including the proposed increases in stall fees and housing plans.
Nevertheless, since the agreement was approved through a vote, Archival explained that as Mayor, he cannot unilaterally halt the project without a solid legal basis. "I am the mayor of the vendors, the mayor of business owners, and the mayor of all people in Cebu. I must enforce what has been legally approved," he added.
Vendor Concerns and Specific Grievances
The Carbonhanong Alliance conducted a rally on February 5 at M.C. Briones Extension, opposing the management by Cebu2World (C2W), a subsidiary of Megawide. Erwin Goc-ong, president of the Cebu Market Vendors Multi-purpose Cooperative (Cemvedco), highlighted fears that stall rentals could surge by 300 percent in the coming years.
Under the new market code, rental fees, currently at P8.50, might escalate to P21 by 2026. C2W has notified vendors that market fee collections will commence on February 15. Additional complaints from vendors include:
- Fees for incoming cargo loads
- Strict business operating hours
- Prohibitions on using personal carts or purchasing ice from outside the market
Next Steps and Legal Challenges
Mayor Archival has referred the issue to the Office of the Vice Mayor and the City Council. He stated that if any steps are taken to review the contract, he will respect the outcome. Meanwhile, Goc-ong acknowledged the action by Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who has approached the Supreme Court to question the JVA's legality, indicating ongoing legal scrutiny over the redevelopment project.
