Cebu City Councilor and Vendors Challenge Carbon Market Joint Venture Agreement Amid Rent Collection Dispute
During an executive session held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales and local market vendors voiced significant concerns regarding the implementation of the Carbon Public Market joint venture agreement (JVA). The meeting, which included city officials, vendor groups, and representatives from Megawide Construction Corp. through its subsidiary Cebu2World Development Inc., aimed to clarify the developer's role in the market operations.
Unauthorized Rental Collections and Accountability Issues
Discussions during the session revealed that individuals associated with the developer were collecting commission-based rentals from vendors in Sitio Bato, Barangay Ermita. This occurred despite earlier assertions that no such collections were being made. Councilor Andales highlighted possible inconsistencies, stating that the situation "appears to have something wrong." He noted that the developer initially denied collecting rent but later acknowledged involvement in a commission-based commercial setup.
"I was a bit confused about who was actually collecting," Andales remarked, emphasizing the need for clearer accountability as rental collection is a sensitive management issue. This revelation has sparked fears among vendors about potential rent increases, with Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña pointing out a JVA provision allowing adjustments of up to three percent annually, contrary to developer assurances of no yearly hikes.
Vendor Opposition and Relocation Concerns
Vendor groups reiterated their strong opposition to the JVA during the session. Erwin Gok-ong of the Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines Cebu City north chapter expressed their stance, saying, "Our position is that we will not stop our actions to prevent the joint venture agreement... It seems that the protected party in the agreement is the developer." Additionally, relocation concerns in Sitio Bato were addressed, where some residents have declined to move despite redevelopment plans, further complicating the situation.
Plans for Formal Review and Developer Response
In response to these issues, Councilor Andales announced plans to file a resolution within two to three weeks calling for a formal review of the JVA. He clarified that the recent session was solely for gathering concerns and not yet a formal review. "These are some of the grounds that we will look into when we revisit the JVA," Andales stated, aiming to identify provisions that may require amendment or clarification.
For its part, Cebu2World Development Inc. expressed openness to a review. Public affairs manager Jynx Chanjueco noted that vendor concerns largely centered on clarifying the developer's role, adding that vendor listings remain under the City Government through the City Market Office. "Megawide has no power to impose increases," Chanjueco asserted, while confirming that the developer will proceed with construction in accordance with its agreement with the city.
