Move to revoke Carbon market’s reclassification as commercial zone junked

Local

THE Cebu City Council rejected a motion to revoke the reclassification of the Carbon Public Market from institutional to commercial zoning. This decision allows the continued construction of the Carbon Market Redevelopment Phase 1B, despite strong opposition from market vendors.

Councilor Nestor Archival during a session on Wednesday, December 11, moved to recall the zoning change, citing concerns over a lack of consultation with vendors and the absence of a public hearing.

Archival argued that the process was flawed, as the vendors, who would be directly affected, were not adequately involved in the decision-making.

He claimed that the council had been misled into believing there were no objections raised during the zoning board’s public hearing.

Archival’s motion received support from Councilors Mary Ann de los Santos and Jose Abellanosa. However, it was defeated by a majority vote, with seven councilors voting against it.

Councilors Jaypee Labella, James Anthony Cuenco, Jun Alcover, Jerry Guardo, Rey Gealon, Joel Garganera, and Jun-jun Osmeña defended the reclassification, arguing it aligned with the market’s existing commercial functions, such as the wet and fruit markets.

The controversy stems from the redevelopment plan by Cebu2World Development Inc., which aims to modernize the market. This includes constructing a new market building and continuing a joint venture with Megawide Construction Corp.

Vendors fear that the reclassification could lead to higher rents and displacement, concerns voiced by Erwin Goc-ong, president of the Carbon Market Vendors Development Cooperative (CEMVEDCO).

Goc-ong raised alarms over potential risks, drawing comparisons to other Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) that have negatively impacted vendors.

Councilor Jerry Guardo defended the reclassification, assuring that the city's ownership of the market lots and the Joint Venture Agreement would protect vendors from significant rent increases.

He emphasized that the zoning change was necessary to align the market’s operations with its commercial use and to ensure the market’s modernization.

Councilors Jocelyn Pesquera and Rey Gealon responded by asserting that the council had followed the proper procedures, noting no objections had been raised during the initial approval.

While Archival and his allies criticized the process, the motion to revoke the reclassification was ultimately rejected.

They remain committed to advocating for transparency and better protection for vendors, promising to continue pushing for a more inclusive decision-making process.(MyTVCebu)