The Cebu Coalition of the United Vendors Association (CCUVA) has dismissed allegations of illegal collections within the Carbon Public Market, stating that the cited amounts are misleading because they combine various fees paid by vendors.
CCUVA President Defends Organization
CCUVA president Maria Pino said the organization has been operating in Carbon Market since 1985 and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), accredited by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and recognized by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).
Pino noted that the federation comprises 38 member associations. The Office of the City Markets (OCM) earlier reported that a total of 52 vendor associations operate within Carbon Market, serving about 3,500 ambulant vendors.
Breakdown of Fees
Pino disputed claims that some vendors pay P300 to P420 daily solely to the associations, explaining that such amounts include various fees collected by different groups or agencies.
According to Pino, these payments cover optional private services such as table rental, canopy rental, electrical connections, and other equipment that vendors may choose to avail themselves of.
She clarified that these are separate from mandatory government fees, which include stall rent, garbage collection fee, entrance fee, market fee, and barangay fees.
Unfair to Attribute All Fees to Associations
Pino stressed that it is unfair to attribute all these charges to the vendor associations, as each fee serves a different purpose and goes to a different recipient.
