Alcover seeks immediate suspension of Colon Night Market

Local

WHEN does a night market cross the line from livelihood to lawlessness?

Cebu City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. has urged Mayor Nestor Archival to immediately suspend the operation of the Colon Night Market, citing what he called “blatant violations” and “irregularities” after its city-approved period expired.

In his privilege speech before the City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 14, Alcover said the night market continues to run without legal authority, despite the lapse of the Traffic Management Committee (TMC) resolution that permitted its operation only from September 5 to October 5, 2025.

“That authorization has already lapsed. No subsequent resolution or approval from this body or the TMC has been issued to extend it,” Alcover said. “Yet, despite the clear expiration, the night market continues to operate — in blatant disregard of the law and our authority as a legislative body.”

Alcover pointed out that the road closure now extends beyond Pelaez Street to Mabini Street, a section not covered by the approved TMC resolution.

“This is an unauthorized extension, plain and simple — a direct violation of the limited scope previously granted by the City Council,” he said.

The councilor also revealed discrepancies in permits issued by the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), which authorized only 100 vendors under organizer Ibrahim Mark Dianalan. Ground inspections, however, found around 1,000 vendors actually occupying the street.

“This is a serious violation not only of the conditions set by the BPLO but also of our public order and safety regulations,” Alcover said.

He added that Comelec records show Dianalan is not a registered voter of Cebu City, raising questions about his “authority and accountability” to the local government.

Alcover also disclosed that the Participative Association of Sugbo Vendors, Inc. (PASVI), the group reportedly organizing the event, is not accredited by the city government.

“Meaning, they have no legal standing to operate or to represent vendors within the framework of city regulations,” he said.

Alcover lamented that the operation proceeded without coordination with GASA sa Gugma, the city board mandated by ordinance to regulate informal trade and night market activities.

“Mao ni akong gibalik-balik, Mr. Chair, nga unta dunggon sa mayor ang atong hangyo nga i-convene ang GASA nga maoy mohimo og policy and guidelines sa informal traders nga moapil sa night market,” Alcover said.

“Let us empower GASA sa Gugma to harmonize and regulate all night market operations in Cebu City, so we can balance the needs of our vendors, motorists, and the general public.”

The councilor accused organizers of showing “no respect” to the council’s authority.

“Way respito sa konseho ang mga organizers niini, Mr. Chair. I am sorry I am emotional on this matter. Way batasan ang mga organizers,” he said.

While acknowledging that the Colon Night Market supports local livelihood, Alcover insisted that it must still operate within the bounds of the law.

“Ang Colon Night Market maayo nga proyekto kung husto ang pag-implementar. Pero kung pasagdan nato nga molapas ug magbuhat og kaugalingong lagda, mawala ang disiplina ug respeto sa balaod,” he said.

Alcover moved to request the mayor to immediately suspend operations, direct the Cebu City Traffic Office (CCTO) to enforce the TMC resolution, urge the BPLO to investigate permit misuse, and convene the GASA Board for proper oversight.

Mayor Nestor Archival, meanwhile, earlier defended the night market’s continued operation, saying it is being run by a third-party organizer authorized by the city through a P200,000 arrangement approved by the BPLO and the Office of the Mayor.

“And then they are the ones who organized it, and then pagkahuman ang katong nag-organize gipa-rent niya iyang mga tents, what’s the problem with that?” Archival said.

Archival explained that the organizer covers operating expenses such as electricity, garbage collection, and security costs that the city used to shoulder.

He dismissed allegations that vendors were being charged P6,000 per stall, saying those with complaints should directly bring them to his office.

“Ang katong dili mo-rent, ayaw mo ug rent,” he said. “If naay reklamo, ari sa akong office.”(TGP)