Cebu — Mayor Nestor Archival has once again stepped forward to clarify the status of the ongoing Carbon Public Market redevelopment, firmly dismissing claims that the project amounts to privatization. Speaking on June 29, 2026, the mayor addressed lingering anxieties among vendor groups by reiterating that the city government retains ultimate authority over the historic market’s management and policy decisions. Despite the project being implemented through a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Megawide Construction Corporation, Archival stressed that the city has not relinquished control to the private sector. The mayor emphasized that the government holds the power to renegotiate or revisit any provisions of the agreement if necessary to protect the public interest.
A Commitment to Security of Tenure
At the heart of the mayor’s message is a clear promise of stability for the thousands of traders who rely on the market for their daily livelihood. Archival highlighted that since the project's inception, the city's primary directive has been to ensure that every legitimate vendor affected by the modernization is accommodated within the new structures. He expressed frustration over the continued protests from certain groups, suggesting that the opposition may be fueled by individuals losing their influence over informal collection systems that existed prior to the redevelopment. By centralizing market operations under the city's management, officials aim to create a more transparent, orderly, and fair environment for all bona fide business owners.
Clearing the Air on Illegal Collections
The redevelopment discourse has recently been complicated by allegations of unauthorized daily fees—some reportedly reaching hundreds of pesos—being collected from vendors. During a recent City Council executive session, city officials and vendor leaders clashed over the legality and origin of these payments. Archival noted that while some groups claim these fees cover essential services like sanitation and security, the city government is now moving to scrutinize these practices to prevent exploitation. As construction on the main building approaches its year-end completion target, the city government remains focused on its dual goal: upgrading the market’s aging infrastructure to modern safety standards while ensuring it continues to serve its traditional function as the "people’s market."
