Cebu City Officials Clash Over Binaliw Landfill Management in Heated Council Session
Tensions flared between Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Councilor Jun Alcover during an executive session of the Cebu City Council on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The dispute erupted as officials discussed accountability and management of the Binaliw landfill before its recent collapse, highlighting deep divisions over the city's waste handling strategies.
Roots of the Conflict: Historical Calls and Current Criticisms
The confrontation began when Councilor Alcover, a known critic of the administration, questioned Mayor Archival about his past calls to close the Binaliw landfill during his time as a councilor. Alcover referenced resident complaints that had long plagued the site, pushing for clarity on why earlier actions were not taken. Presiding Officer Winston Pepito intervened, asking the mayor what should have been done previously to avoid the incident and how rescue operations could be improved moving forward.
Mayor Archival acknowledged that the Binaliw issue has been a longstanding problem, admitting shortcomings not only by national regulators but also by the city government itself. He emphasized that while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) holds regulatory control over the landfill, the city bears responsibility for allowing the situation to persist over many years.
Debating Credibility and Alternatives in Waste Management
However, Councilor Alcover challenged the credibility of an investigation led solely by the DENR, citing repeated violations at the dumpsite over the decades. He reminded the mayor that Archival had previously called for a cease-and-desist order against the landfill, questioning why it remained the city's primary waste disposal site until the collapse on January 8.
In response, Mayor Archival defended the DENR's authority, stating that the city must collaborate with them rather than dismiss their role. He explained that his past opposition focused on odor issues from the site, not the volume of waste, and argued that immediate closure was not feasible due to a lack of ready alternatives.
Councilor Alcover countered, suggesting that alternatives could have been explored if the cease-and-desist order had been pursued, such as negotiating with neighboring towns or cities. "Now that Binaliw is damaged, we have found alternatives, so why wasn't this done before?" he pressed, highlighting missed opportunities in proactive planning.
A Civil Conclusion Amidst Ongoing Disagreements
As tensions rose, Mayor Archival declined to answer further questions, noting that the discussion had become repetitive. Despite the heated exchange, he demonstrated openness by proposing a joint investigation through a technical working group comprising the City Council, the Office of the Mayor, and the DENR.
Following the session, Mayor Archival and Councilor Alcover were seen shaking hands, a sign of civility amidst their disagreements over the future of waste management in Cebu City. This gesture underscores a commitment to dialogue despite contrasting views on how to address the city's environmental and infrastructural challenges.
