The future of the Colon Street Night Market remains uncertain as Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said he would decide whether to continue its operations only after complying with the penalty imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Archival said he would pay the fine equivalent to one month of his basic salary following the Ombudsman’s ruling that found him administratively liable for simple neglect of duty over regulatory lapses in the night market’s operations.
“I respect the Ombudsman’s decision. I will obey,” Archival said when asked about the ruling.
As a highly urbanized city mayor under Salary Grade 30, Archival’s monthly basic salary ranges from P196,199 to P226,319 under the 2026 government salary schedule, depending on his salary step. The penalty is based on his basic salary and does not necessarily include other benefits and allowances.
The mayor said he was still reviewing the decision before determining whether the night market would continue operating.
“Moving forward, I’m looking into the decision, then I’ll make the decision right after I pay,” he said.
The administrative case stemmed from a complaint filed by Cebu City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. in October 2025 over the city government’s arrangement allowing the Participative Association of Sugbo Vendors Inc. (PASVI) to manage the night market and collect fees from stallholders.
The Ombudsman found Archival liable for simple neglect of duty, citing the lack of authorization from the Department of Public Works and Highways to use Colon Street, a national road, and lapses in the issuance of business permits.
The ruling also cited violations of the city’s rules on temporary road closures, which limit closures to two days and require applications to be filed at least two months in advance.
The anti-graft office held Archival responsible for ensuring compliance, noting that the Business Permit and Licensing Office operates under the supervision of the mayor’s office.
However, the Ombudsman dismissed the more serious allegations of grave misconduct and gross negligence for lack of substantial evidence. It also cleared City Treasurer Emma Villarete and former City Administrator Albert Tan of administrative liability.
The ruling acknowledged that several city offices had supported the night market’s operations through authorizations and recommendations.
Archival was warned that repeating the same omission could result in a more severe penalty.
📸 Nestor Archival / Facebook
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