Cebu Event Suppliers Coalition Appeals to Waterfront Hotel Over Exclusive Policy
A coalition of event suppliers in Cebu has formally requested the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino to revise its newly implemented exclusivity policy. The group argues that this regulation unfairly discriminates against local businesses and poses a significant threat to hundreds of jobs in the region. The appeal was made during a press briefing held on Friday, February 6, 2026, where representatives called for the intervention of Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival.
Details of the Exclusive Policy and Its Implications
The controversial policy, which was issued on January 15 and urgently enforced, mandates that clients using the Pacific Grand Ballroom must exclusively engage Blaster Pro Audio as their service provider for all event production needs. This rule effectively prohibits local suppliers from servicing weddings, trade expos, concerts, and other events at the hotel's premier venue. The coalition, comprising over a hundred local suppliers, contends that this measure not only excludes Cebuano providers but also restricts clients' freedom to choose their own partners.
Coalition Representatives and Their Demands
Key figures who addressed the media include Karl Echiverri of Power Link, Charmagne Ferenal-Tanseco and Pinky Ferenal-Chio of Events Beyond Compare, and Von Tanseco of Vibe Craft Audio. They emphasized that many suppliers have already secured contracts and received payments for upcoming events prior to the policy change. The coalition warns of substantial financial losses if the hotel enforces the rule on existing bookings, prompting a request for a "grandfather clause" to protect these agreements. Additionally, they are seeking a transition period for projects that are already in the pipeline.
Appeal to Authorities and Fair Competition
In a statement, the coalition clarified, "We are not seeking special treatment, only the opportunity to compete fairly and to allow clients the freedom to choose their suppliers, especially for those who had already committed to us before these rules changed." To address potential anti-competitive behavior, the group has separately submitted a letter to the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) for review. This move underscores their commitment to ensuring a level playing field in the local event industry.
Hotel's Response and Ongoing Developments
The Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino has declined to provide any comments on the matter. A representative from the hotel informed SunStar Cebu that the management has not yet released an official statement regarding the policy or the coalition's appeals. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring the hotel's next steps and Mayor Archival's potential involvement in resolving this dispute.
