Archival’s aide urges public to help solve problems, not criticize mayor

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival’s chief of staff Kenneth Siasar yesterday appealed to Cebuanos to stop criticizing the mayor and instead help City Hall address problems that he stressed were inherited from past administrations.

Siasar spoke in place of Archival, who has not appeared in his scheduled press briefings at the City Hall since August 3.

The mayor’s absence followed backlash over his earlier remarks on Pax Silica, a proposed investment in advanced manufacturing and AI technology. Archival initially expressed openness to the project but later said that his response had been taken out of context.

Archival’s last major media engagement was during Heroes Day, after which he again delegated press briefings to Siasar.

On Osmeña Day, September 9, reporters attempted to interview him, but he declined.

Asked if he had been formally designated as spokesperson, Siasar clarified that his official role remains chief of staff and that his appearances depend on the mayor’s discretion.

Yesterday, Siasar discussed several issues, stressing that they were long-standing challenges inherited by Archival.

He pointed out that Cebu’s garbage problem has been decades in the making.

“Ang kaniang basura problema, that’s long time ago. Ang kaniang binalaye nasugdan na long time ago,” he said.

Cebu City has struggled with waste disposal since the closure of the Inayawan landfill in 2016, which forced the city to rely on the Binaliw landfill.

The site itself has been controversial, with residents complaining about foul odor, leachate, and health risks even before the deadly trash slide happened last January.

Siasar emphasized that Archival’s administration merely inherited this crisis and is now tasked with managing it.

On flooding, Siasar noted that clogged waterways and poor drainage systems have plagued Cebu City for years.

“Ang kaniang pagbaha… nasugdan na long time ago,” he said.

Flooding has worsened not only because of climate change but also because of rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure, with areas like downtown Cebu and riverside barangays repeatedly inundated during heavy rains.

Hours before his scheduled press conference yesterday, Archival instead had a Facebook Live in Pasil to personally inspect the results of declogging operations, highlighting the administration’s efforts to mitigate the problem.

Siasar also cited the destruction of Cebu’s upland areas and watersheds.

“Ang pagguba sa atong kabukiran nasugdan na long time ago,” he explained.

The controversial Monterrazas de Cebu development in Guadalupe, for one, has long been a subject of debate over hillside projects, with critics warning of landslides, flooding, and ecological damage.

Environmental groups and city officials have repeatedly raised concerns about upland development, quarrying, and deforestation.

Archival is facing a formal complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman–Visayas over the Monterrazas de Cebu project, with allegations of conflict of interest tied to his and his spouse’s ownership of property inside the subdivision. The case, filed by Ed Karlon Rama, accuses Archival of graft, misconduct, and abuse of authority, and seeks his preventive suspension while the investigation is ongoing.

Siasar urged residents to shift from criticism to constructive participation.

“We need your continued support, and we need your suggestions and recommendations nga unta nga imbis makatampo mo sa pagpanaot, pag-saway sa atong mayor, atong huna-hunaon nga… atong gi-appreciate ug atong mayniton nga dawaton na para sa kahapsay ug kalinaw sa atong dakbayan sa Sugbo,” he said. — (FREEMAN)