Who is in charge of the Colon Night Market?

CEBU, Philippines — The question of who is running the Colon Night Market this year remains unanswered amid allegations that its operations are “illegally executed” and have bypassed the Cebu City Council.

On Tuesday, the council held an executive session to tackle the concerns raised by Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, who claimed that the night market is “illegal” since it did not have the approval of the council and the Garbo Asenso Sumbanan Alyansa sa Gugma (GASA) board.

City Administrator Albert Tan was the first to appear, clarifying that his office had received a resolution dated September 2, 2025, approving the utilization and full closure of Colon Street for the Night Market.

According to Tan, the resolution was approved by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) and came from the organizer—the Association of Sugbo Vendors. He added that the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) also issued a permit, stressing that regulations had been complied with.

As city administrator, Tan said he supported the resolution by deploying police personnel and the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (PROBE) team.

On the matter of rental collections raised by Alcover, Tan said their office had no knowledge of it. He added that he would discuss with the mayor the role of the GASA board, which Alcover insists must be reconvened before the night market can operate.

Alcover argued that a resolution approving road closure does not automatically permit the night market to proceed. “Despite the council’s approval of the road closure, the executive still has to follow the GASA process, which must first be convened,” he stressed.

Tan confirmed that the GASA board had not yet been convened as of the executive session but maintained that his office was only following instructions.

The session also touched on a letter from the Office of Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC), which called for a meeting on the night market’s operations. Alcover questioned its authority, pointing out that such a function is not part of its mandate.

Tan clarified that his office had never authorized anyone to sign the letter and had never even received a copy of it. He also admitted he had no idea about the guidelines for selecting who would organize the Night Market. “As to who is in charge, I am very sorry—I don’t know,” Tan said.

Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, however, said that calling for a meeting is not illegal and is protected by the Bill of Rights, adding that the letter was an activity under the Office of the Mayor. But Osmeña also expressed concern about the GASA issue, recalling reports that “significant amounts of money” had been collected by organized groups in past administrations.

He directed Tan to ask the city treasury how much had been remitted from such collections.

Councilor Alvin Arcilla noted that the Colon Night Market was initiated by former mayor Michael Rama and had faced opposition from business owners in the area. He said the event falls under the prerogative of the Office of the Mayor.

Councilor Mikel Rama, meanwhile, pointed out that the city administrator appeared to be “facing a blank wall” regarding the operations and guidelines of the night market, raising doubts about the city government’s direct involvement.

“We want transparency,” Alcover reiterated, warning that a lack of it could open the door to corruption.

An OMAICC representative later told the council that their office is under the City Mayor’s Office and tasked with providing assistance to the Muslim community, adding that they act under the mayor’s authority.

Still, the council ruled that the GASA board cannot be bypassed unless the mayor convenes it as a special body.— (FREEMAN)