Cebu City Council Initiates Review of Carbon Market Redevelopment Agreement
A significant resolution was formally introduced before the Cebu City Council on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, proposing the establishment of a dedicated review panel to scrutinize the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) governing the extensive redevelopment of the historic Carbon Public Market. This move comes amid growing public scrutiny and stakeholder demands for enhanced transparency and accountability in the project.
Mayoral Support and Councilor Initiative
Mayor Nestor Archival has publicly endorsed the resolution, which was filed by Councilor Sisinio Andales. The measure calls for a thorough examination of the agreement between the Cebu City Government and Megawide Construction Corp., along with its subsidiary, Cebu2World Development Inc. "If the council thinks there is a need, then let's do that. There is that resolution and it states that there would be a committee or a technical group. We can do that and there is no problem about that," Archival stated, emphasizing his commitment to collaborative governance.
Addressing Public Concerns
Councilor Andales filed the resolution to directly tackle pressing public issues, including vendor displacement and the project's potential impacts on cultural heritage and the local economy. "The Cebu City Council, in the exercise of its oversight function, deems it necessary to constitute a committee to revisit and review the JVA in light of these developments," a segment of the resolution reads, highlighting the legislative body's proactive approach to oversight.
Committee Composition and Mandate
Under the proposed framework, the JVA review committee will be entrusted with a comprehensive assessment of the project's social, cultural, and economic implications, with a particular focus on vendor livelihoods and relocation strategies. The committee is also empowered to recommend potential amendments, safeguards, or policy measures to ensure the redevelopment aligns with the welfare of Cebuanos while preserving the historic identity of the Carbon market.
The proposed committee members include:
- Councilor Sisinio Andales
- Councilor Alvin Arcilla
- Councilor Nyza Archival
- Councilor Michelle Cellona
- Councilor Harry Eran
- Councilor Harold Kendrick Go
- Councilor Pablo Labra II
- Councilor Winston Pepito
- Councilor Mikel Rama
Background and Ongoing Scrutiny
The resolution further directs the Sangguniang Panlungsod secretary to distribute copies to relevant offices, such as the Office of the Mayor and the private proponent, for informational and guidance purposes. The JVA, originally signed in 2021 and subsequently amended in 2022, outlines the redevelopment of the Carbon market, with a targeted completion date of December 2026. In recent months, the agreement has faced increased scrutiny from vendors and stakeholders, who have vocalized demands for greater transparency and stronger protective measures to safeguard community interests.
