Carbon vendors urge mayor: ‘Act on JVA with Megawide’

CEBU, Philippines — The Carbon-hanong Alyansa is appealing to Mayor Nestor Archival anew, this time urging him to act on his own definition of heroism and public duty by addressing the controversial Carbon Market Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Megawide-Cebu2World.

In a statement posted online, the group reminded Archival that back in January 2021, he did not vote in favor of the JVA and witnessed how the contract was rushed despite some councilors admitting that they had not fully read it.

The statement came following the City’s commemoration of this year’s National Heroes’ Day, tying Archival’s own words to the present controversy.

“Heroism is found in our daily duty, in choosing to do what is right for our society, wherever we are called to serve,” Archival had said.

Carbon-hanong Alyansa responded: “Mayor, dili ikaw ang nipirma niini nga JVA. Wala usab ka mobotar alang niini. Apan ang kasaysayan dili lamang mangutana: ‘Kinsa ang naghimo sa sayop?’ Mangutana usab kini: ‘Kinsa ang adunay gahum sa pagtul-id niini, ug unsa man ang iyang gibuhat?’”

Their challenge comes as the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged Cebu City’s failure to collect P150 million in guaranteed payments from Megawide between 2023 and 2025.

COA noted that the market itself generated higher revenues than the guaranteed share, raising doubts about whether the city is receiving fair value.

The audit also pointed out the absence of financial evaluations and asset valuations when the JVA was approved, calling its fairness “doubtful.”

The controversy has also reached the courts.

Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña reiterated his support for vendors and earlier filed a petition before the Supreme Court to stop the project, arguing that the JVA is “grossly disadvantageous” to the city and effectively privatizes public functions.

Vendors themselves have mobilized, launching a signature drive to demand a review of the agreement and warning of the displacement of hundreds of families and workers.

Carbon-hanong Alyansa’s Heroes’ Day message stressed that true heroism requires sacrifice from those with greater power.

They acknowledged Megawide’s tribute to Carbon’s street cleaners and volunteers but insisted that the real measure of leadership is not in words or graphics but in action.

“Do not merely call the kamanero a hero. Stand with him. Protect their right to continue living and working there,” the group said.  — (FREEMAN)