Cebu City mayor fined over night market operation

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has fined Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Jr. over irregularities in the operation of the Colon Street Night Market last year.

In a 21-page decision, the ombudsman found Archival liable for simple neglect of duty for failing to ensure compliance with the operational requirements for a night market.

Archival was required to pay a fine equivalent to his one-month salary.

The ombudsman said Archival did not coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and failed to secure necessary permits for the operation of the night market.

The ombudsman said holding of such activity on Colon street, a national road, requires coordination with the DPWH.

“His failure to address noted operational requirements reflected carelessness and lack of due diligence in the performance of his official duties,” the ruling said.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by a pastor who questioned the management of the night market, alleging that it was allowed to operate under a special permit issued to a private organizer.

The complainant said more than 600 sellers were allowed to participate in the night market, but the special permit covered only 100 vendors.

Archival, as the city’s chief executive, should have ensured that the night market complied with applicable laws and regulations, state prosecutors said.

The ombudsman dismissed the charges of grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty for lack of evidence, although it warned Archival that a repeat of the same offense will have severe consequences.