The Cebu City government has ordered an investigation into reports of improper human waste disposal along Colon Street and Carbon Market, following a complaint from a concerned citizen.
Complaint Details
Complainant Arra Shaine Estrera reported witnessing a store employee dumping two buckets believed to contain urine along the roadside, an area where passengers commonly wait for vehicles. She expressed alarm over the foul odor and the location of the dumping, which is in a busy pedestrian thoroughfare.
Estrera added that employees from nearby establishments allegedly are not allowed to use comfort rooms, which are reserved for owners, forcing them to relieve themselves into containers.
City Government Response
In response, the Office of the City Administrator issued a memorandum dated April 26, 2026, directing the Cebu City Health Department to conduct an urgent investigation and comprehensive sanitary survey of the affected areas.
The directive orders authorities to verify the reports, identify exact locations where improper waste disposal occurred, assess public health risks especially in crowded areas like sidewalks and terminals, and conduct an inventory of all toilet facilities in Colon and Carbon, including public toilets and facilities in buildings and stores.
Investigators will also check whether toilets are accessible to workers, their operational condition, water supply, and maintenance. The investigation includes interviewing workers, vendors, and business owners to determine if they have proper access to sanitation facilities. It will also look into company policies that may have contributed to the behavior.
The City Health Department will review compliance with sanitation laws and local ordinances. Violators may face penalties or action from the city.
Timeline and Significance
The department has been given 15 days to submit an initial report and 30 days for a final report. The issue is not just about bad odor or street dirtiness.
“This is not just a sanitation concern, it is also a matter of public health and basic human dignity,” the memorandum stated.
The investigation results will determine whether stricter enforcement or structural reforms are needed in Colon and Carbon, which are considered the economic and transportation hubs of Cebu City.
