Mayor asked to probe unauthorized gym fees

CEBU, Philippines — Former Apas barangay captain Ramil Ayuman has called on Mayor Nestor Archival to investigate alleged unauthorized collections tied to the government-owned basketball gym in San Antonio Village, Barangay Apas.

In a formal letter dated February 18, 2021, Ayuman reported that Julieta Cabigon, described as the “overstaying president” of San Antonio Village, has been charging users ?300 to ?400 per hour for the use of the gym.

He stressed that no ordinance, barangay resolution, or city policy authorizes such collections, making them illegal exactions.

Ayuman clarified that during his tenure as barangay captain some years back, the gym itself had not yet been built, just an open space.

The gym’s construction dates back to the time of the late Congressman Raul Del Mar, while the land was donated around 1971 during the administration of then late Cebu City Mayor Yoyong Borres.

The area today sits near the Cebu City Super Health Center and the Abejo Waterworks, which rents property from the city.

Ayuman noted that the barangay has a share in that rental, though he is uncertain of its current status.

Residents of San Antonio Village have reportedly demanded accountability from Cabigon, who is also facing a separate complaint concerning her overstaying in office. Cabigon is the sister of the current barangay captain, further fueling calls for transparency.

Ayuman emphasized that revenues from public facilities should be properly remitted to the city or barangay for community benefit, not privately collected.

“Allowing a private individual to collect such fees not only deprives the local government of rightful income but also undermines the trust of residents in fair and accountable governance,” his letter stated.

The Freeman sought Cabigon’s side but received no response.

According to Ayuman, Mayor Archival’s chief of staff, Kenneth Siasar, said they are now referring the matter to the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office, given its financial implications.

Barangay Apas itself has faced governance controversies in recent years.

In 2023, barangay captain Virgil Cabigon and three council members were suspended for simple misconduct in connection with procurement irregularities.

The latest complaint adds to these concerns, highlighting the need for stricter oversight of community assets and clearer delineation of authority in barangay leadership.

Ayuman, who later served as Cebu City’s disaster risk reduction officer and was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in 2022, said the issue underscores the importance of transparency in barangay governance. — (FREEMAN)