Cebu City Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr. has formally called on the Commission on Human Rights in Central Visayas (CHR 7) to launch an independent investigation into the reported abusive apprehension of several vendors at Plaza Sugbo.
Formal Request for Human Rights Investigation
In a letter dated January 7, 2026, and addressed to CHR 7 Director Arvin Ordon, Alcover detailed incidents involving the city's Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (Probe) team. The councilor cited alleged acts of excessive force and degrading treatment against at least three small-scale vendors.
According to the appeal, these events took place in November 2025 and on December 16, 2025. Alcover stated that various accounts and reports documented the encounters, raising serious human rights concerns that demand an impartial review.
Political Roadblock in the City Council
Alcover revealed that his initial plan was to seek a formal City Council resolution to request the CHR's intervention. However, this proposal allegedly failed to move forward after facing opposition from some council members allied with the incumbent city mayor.
"Given this development, and in keeping with my sworn duty to uphold the Constitution, protect human dignity, and ensure accountability in government actions, I am constrained to bring this matter directly to your office," Alcover wrote in his letter.
A Plea for Justice for the Marginalized
The councilor strongly emphasized that his request is not politically motivated. He asserted it was made solely in the interest of truth, justice, and the protection of human rights, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized sectors like street vendors.
To aid the CHR's evaluation, Alcover attached available documents, reports, and supporting materials related to the case. He also expressed his full willingness to cooperate and provide any further information required for the potential motu proprio investigation.
The move places a spotlight on the conduct of local enforcement units and the mechanisms for accountability within Cebu City's government, underscoring the ongoing tension between street vending regulations and the rights of informal earners.
