The Cebu City Council has taken a significant step toward addressing financial discrepancies at the Colon Night Market by formally requesting the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a fact-finding investigation.
Executive Session Reveals Financial Irregularities
During a closed-door executive session held on November 18, 2025, council members received troubling information about the night market's previous operations. Councilor Paul Labra, who authored the resolution calling for the probe, stated that records and testimonies presented during the session uncovered significant gaps, inconsistencies, and unanswered questions regarding fee collections.
The investigation focuses on why special permit fees mandated by the city were not collected from vendors in past years, while rental fees were properly collected. This discrepancy first came to the Council's attention during their regular session on October 21, 2025.
Stakeholders Called for Questioning
To clarify the administrative, procedural, and financial matters surrounding the night market operations, the Council invited representatives from multiple city offices and former organizers. Those who participated in the executive session included:
- Officials from the Cebu City Treasurer's Office (CTO)
- Representatives from the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO)
- Former night market organizers
- Other relevant stakeholders
In his resolution, Labra emphasized that proper collection of fees and charges is essential for funding public services. He noted that any failure to collect these revenues undermines public trust and hampers the City's ability to provide essential programs to constituents.
Comprehensive Investigation Needed
The Council determined that findings from the executive session warranted a more thorough, independent investigation. According to the resolution, the National Bureau of Investigation possesses the neutrality, authority, and technical expertise required to conduct such a probe.
The NBI has been tasked with determining potential administrative lapses or liabilities of individuals or entities involved in the night market operations. The bureau may recommend criminal or administrative action if evidence supports such measures.
A separate resolution directs the Secretariat of the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod to transmit all official minutes, recordings, and relevant documents from the November 18 session to the NBI. The Secretariat must notify the Council within five business days once the records have been sent.
Former night market organizers and city office representatives who attended the executive session will also be requested to participate in the NBI inquiry. The Council stressed that their cooperation is essential to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation process.
