A newly formed coalition of vendors and small business operators is calling on the Cebu City Government to establish a fair and transparent accreditation process at the Carbon Public Market, amid allegations that access to market spaces has been politicized and influenced by favoritism.
Coalition Presents Concerns to Mayor
In a statement released on June 20, 2026, the Carbon For All Coalition (CFAC) said it raised the issue during a meeting with Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival on June 19, urging the city to ensure equal opportunities for vendors seeking accreditation and participation in economic activities within the city's largest public market. The request comes as the market undergoes redevelopment under a joint venture agreement (JVA) between the city government and Megawide Construction Corp.
CFAC claimed that some vendors are struggling to secure market spaces because the accreditation process is allegedly politicized. According to the group, there are concerns among business owners that obtaining a vending spot has become more difficult without a backer.
Allegations of Unfair Treatment
The coalition said these concerns have contributed to a perception of unequal treatment among vendors and have caused frustration for those seeking legitimate means. CFAC introduced itself as a group composed of traders and small vendors aiming to create a level playing field at Carbon. The group said it was formed in response to what it calls long-standing concerns about alleged favoritism, corruption, and unclear processes affecting market participation.
Abner Quino, one of the lead convenors of the coalition, said the group is ready to accept vendors who have failed to secure spaces at Carbon due to what he described as strict membership requirements. Quino said the coalition is now reaching out to vendors who are disillusioned with the situation, especially those who desire fair and clear distribution of stalls.
Call for Reform Against Exploitation
He also called on business owners who feel burdened by unclear fees to join their efforts to push for reforms. “We are also calling all vendors who are tired of being used as a milking cow by some groups to come and join us in this action against apparent exploitation,” Quino said in his statement.
The coalition's statement emerged amid controversy involving the collection of fees from vendors at Carbon market.
