A viral video showing the arrest of a bottled water seller in downtown Cebu City has sparked a heated public debate on how local authorities should manage ambulant vendors. The incident forces a difficult question: how can city governments enforce order while showing compassion for those in the informal economy?
Mayor Orders Internal Investigation
In response to the growing controversy, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival ordered an internal investigation on Friday, January 2, 2026. The probe will focus on the conduct of city personnel involved in the vendor's apprehension. Mayor Archival stated that while the enforcement action was based on an existing ordinance, any misconduct or use of excessive force by authorities would not be tolerated.
The arrest occurred on December 16, 2025, and involved officers from the City’s Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (Probe) unit and the tourist police. According to Archival, the vendor was apprehended for repeatedly violating City Ordinance 2686, the Anti-Road Obstruction Ordinance. This law aims to keep public roads and sidewalks clear of illegal vendors, parked vehicles, and other blockages to ensure smooth traffic and access.
The mayor reported that the vendor resisted arrest and attempted to punch the officers. He was detained for several hours but was later released after he requested that no formal charges be filed against him.
Tourist Complaints Trigger Stricter Enforcement
Enforcement of the anti-obstruction ordinance typically follows a policy of "maximum tolerance". This approach allows vendors to operate if they maintain cleanliness and do not cause disturbances. However, Plaza Sugbu became a notable exception to this rule.
Mayor Archival explained that the area received special attention due to a significant surge in complaints from tourists. Visitors reported problems with disorder, including aggressive mendicants and vendors who were indiscriminately discarding empty bottles. This backdrop of grievances is a key part of the internal investigation, which aims to determine if enforcement practices at the plaza need correction.
Political Reactions and the Social Media Storm
The incident, which was resolved weeks earlier, gained national attention only after the video was shared online, injecting a clear political dimension into the discourse.
Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr., who posted the video, criticized the city administration for a perceived lack of empathy. He framed the arrest as a failure of compassion, contrasting it with other unresolved issues like flooding.
In contrast, Mayor Archival defended the need for order but lamented the politicization of the event. "We could have just talked about it. It shouldn't be turned into grudges that create division," Archival said. He questioned the timing of the video's release, suggesting it was a calculated move to position Alcover as a "hero."
Former councilor Alvin Dizon also weighed in on social media, stating, "This is not how we should treat people who work hard to earn an honest living... The City Government should always respect the right to livelihood and uphold policies that favor the poor and marginalized." He advocated for inclusive solutions rather than criminalization.
Looking Ahead to Sinulog and Beyond
With the major Sinulog Festival approaching, the pressure to keep key tourist areas like Plaza Sugbu orderly is intense. Mayor Archival warned that any city personnel found to have committed abuses during the arrest would face removal. He also instructed Probe personnel to ensure charges are filed properly in future incidents, signaling that strict enforcement is likely to continue.
The viral arrest at Plaza Sugbu ultimately highlights the persistent tension between maintaining a city's image for tourists and safeguarding the livelihoods of its most vulnerable workers—a challenge that extends far beyond the streets of Cebu.
