Archival admits owning Monterrazas lot, denies favoring developer

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed he owns a lot inside Monterrazas de Cebu, declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, stressing he is “not hiding anything” and that his position has not favored the developer.

Speaking during Cebu City’s National Heroes Day commemoration yesterday, Archival said he has not received a copy of the latest Ombudsman complaint filed against him.

“No, wala gyud ko, wala ko ka receive… I have not received. Maayo pa gani mo naka receive mo,” he told reporters.

Archival said he was saddened by the second case lodged against him, noting he was already addressing issues raised in the first complaint.

He explained that his Monterrazas property was initially offered as an offset for services as an expert in underground cabling systems during the subdivision’s early development.

He later pursued formal acquisition, gradually paying for the land starting in 2016, completing the purchase in 2022, and declaring it in his 2025 SALN. “It’s in there, wala na nako gi tago,” he emphasized.

He said that while the offset arrangement began the process, he later pursued formal acquisition, gradually paying for the land starting in 2016, completing the purchase in 2022, and declaring it in his 2025 SALN.

“So there… it’s in there, wala na nako gi tago,” he emphasized.

The latest complaint, filed on August 19, 2026 by former journalist and Coastline Management Board official Ed Karlon Rama, accuses Archival of violating Sections 3(e) and 3(h) of the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, citing grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Rama’s affidavit points to Archival’s and his spouse’s ownership of a 713 square meter lot inside Monterrazas, valued at ?2.35 million, and argues that his refusal to issue a cease and desist order despite environmental violations showed “manifest partiality.”

The complaint seeks his preventive suspension, dismissal with forfeiture of benefits, and criminal prosecution before the Sandiganbayan.

Archival countered that reports from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the University of the Philippines, and the Technical Infrastructure Committee concluded Monterrazas was not the primary cause of flooding in low lying areas.

“Daghan kaayong development sa ubos nga karaan na nga walay catchment. So, nganong ako man ang himuon nga… pobre man ko? Nganong gusto man nga ikiha ko?” he said. “There’s people nga gusto gyud ko nga ikiha, then nilampos sila sa ilang gusto, and I congratulate them!”

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

The first, lodged by his kumpare and City Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr., who alleged irregularities in city fund disbursement and contract awards, including issues surrounding the Colon Street Night Market

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

The first, lodged by his kumpare and City Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr., who alleged irregularities in city fund disbursement and contract awards, including issues surrounding the Colon Street Night Market. — (FREEMAN)