Cebu City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. has called for a legislative investigation into alleged unauthorized collections being imposed on vendors at the Carbon Public Market.
In a privilege speech during the Cebu City Council’s regular session on May 12, Alcover warned that the reported fees could be generating substantial amounts outside government oversight and raised concerns over accountability, transparency, and possible exploitation in the city’s largest public market.
The councilor, who chairs the Committee on Markets, moved for an executive session in aid of legislation to examine the legality of various collections allegedly imposed by certain market groups and associations.
“Carbon Market belongs to the people of Cebu,” Alcover said.
“This City Council will not allow exploitation whether it comes from private groups, associations, or any entity operating within Carbon Market.”
Alcover’s call comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between the Cebu City Government and Megawide Construction Corporation for the redevelopment of Carbon Market.
The issue intensified after the Regional Trial Court denied a petition for injunctive relief filed by vendors seeking to halt the project.
The court allowed construction to proceed but deferred ruling on the validity of the JVA until the main trial set on June 24, 2026.
Citing reports, Alcover listed alleged daily charges imposed on vendors, including rent, tent usage, storage fees, weighing scales, utilities, garbage collection, and other miscellaneous payments.
He said the total could reach around P420 per day per vendor, excluding additional fees such as comfort room and parking charges.
Alcover raised questions on who authorized the collections, whether official receipts were issued, and where the funds were being directed.
He also estimated that if the alleged charges are applied to thousands of vendors, the collections could amount to millions of pesos daily and potentially hundreds of millions annually.
The councilor clarified that he was not yet a member of the City Council when the JVA was approved and had no participation in its drafting or passage.
“As such, I reserve every right to speak on this issue based on the legitimate concerns that have been raised before my office,” he said.
Alcover proposed an executive session with the Office of the Market Administrator, Barangay Ermita, various vendor groups, and city offices including the City Legal Office and City Treasurer’s Office.
The inquiry aims to determine the legality of all vendor-related fees, identify collecting entities, establish legal basis for the charges, and verify compliance with accounting and receipt issuance rules.
It also seeks to examine alleged coercive practices involving market utilities such as tents, weighing scales, and stalls.
The councilor said possible legislative measures may follow, including stricter regulation of vendor associations, mandatory disclosure of fees, financial audits, and a review of the Cebu City Market Code.
The proposal comes after Carbonhanong Alyansa earlier urged Mayor Nestor Archival to investigate all collections linked to Carbon Market operations and redevelopment projects.
In a separate appeal, the group questioned multiple market-related charges and raised concerns over the operation of facilities such as the Carbon Night Market, Bora Bay rooftop area, the Barracks or Hawker Center, and kiosks at Freedom Park.
The alliance also flagged alleged alcohol sales in areas covered by the city’s Market Code, which prohibits the sale and consumption of liquor in market premises.
Mayor Archival earlier ordered the Markets Division to verify vendor counts and review reported excessive collections, while also supporting a broader review of the JVA and related operations.
Alcover had earlier met with several vendor groups to gather complaints and concerns regarding the alleged fees and ongoing redevelopment of the market. (LLP)
Photo by Jacq Hernandez
Comments