Archival ‘dismayed’ over complaints lodged against him

CEBU, Philippines — Although no official communication has yet reached Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival regarding the latest complaint filed against him before the Ombudsman, he is reportedly “dismayed” by the development but accepts that such cases are part of public service.

This was according to his Chief of Staff Kenneth Siasar in a press briefing yesterday.

Siasar said Archival has already spoken with his legal team but learned about the case only through media reports. He echoed that the mayor will issue a formal statement only once the Ombudsman provides official notice.

“Bisan wala pa ta nakadawat, nakigstorya na si Mayor sa iyang grupo kon unsay mga possible base on the media report. But officially, dili pa ta makahatag ug community, legal man gud ni siya,” said Siasar.

“I don’t want to discuss the merit of the case kay this is just an allegation and naa sa social media, and not given to us in terms of official communication,” he added.

The latest complaint was filed by Ed Karlon Rama, who accused Archival of conflict of interest over property ownership inside Monterrazas de Cebu.

Rama’s affidavit cited violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and asked the Ombudsman to pursue criminal and administrative charges, including preventive suspension.

When asked whether Archival denied owning the property, Siasar said, “I cannot comment on that… kay wa pa mi naghisgot gyud sa content sa documents nga gi-prepare for that.”

He emphasized that the mayor will not comment on the merits of the case until official documents are received.

This marks the second case filed against Archival since he assumed office in June 2025.

The earlier complaint, lodged by Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr., alleged irregularities in city fund disbursement and contract awards.

Both cases highlight the scrutiny surrounding Archival’s administration, particularly on issues of governance and transparency.

Siasar acknowledged the emotional toll but underscored Archival’s acceptance of the risks inherent in public office.

“Anyone of us, especially when you are in a public office, you are vulnerable of filing of cases against you… so wa gyuy excepted namo, ma ordinary ka o dako kag rangko basta nagserbisyo ka sa gobyerno. Si Mayor nag-expect man gyud nga sa iyang pagka mayor naa gyuy mureklamo against niya,” Siasar said.

“But perhaps, deep inside, nasagmuyo siya, but again, it is part of the job as Mayor of the City of Cebu,” he added.

The Monterrazas project itself has been under fire for environmental violations, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) previously filing charges against the developer for tree-cutting and water pollution.

Calls for a cease-and-desist order have persisted, but Archival maintained that only the DENR can determine compliance.

For now, Archival awaits communication from the Ombudsman, with Siasar promising to release a detailed chronology of events once the case is formally transmitted. — (FREEMAN)